252 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Oct. 



Two traditions as to their origin according to Barbc, are current 

 amongst them, these are quoted in the paper. 



The author concludes his paper thus : — 



" The recent opening of a direct line of communication with Komov- 

 ta, has rendered a visit to the Nicobars a matter of no great difficulty 

 or inconvenience ; but in July when I went, the journey there and 

 back involved six distinct transhipments. To any one for whom the 

 subjects touched upon in the preceding pages possess an interest I can, 

 with a lively recollection of the pleasure which I myself derived, warmly 

 commend a trip to the Nicobars." 



The Appendices treat of certain subjects more fully than was possi- 

 ble in the Journal. 



Appendix A. Geology. 



The rocks of Komorta, Nancowrey, and Trinkut are magnesian 

 claystones with occasional beds of conglomerates ; igneous rocks too 

 are present. 



The Coal which has been found in the southern Islands, is evidently 

 of similar character to that found in the Andamans which occurs there 

 in nests and strings never forming a regular bed. 



Traces of copper have been observed in the Gabbro rocks of Nan- 

 cowrey. 



Amber is said to occur, " but I have in vain sought for any authentic 

 evidence of its having been found or seen with the natives." 



Appendix JB. 

 1. Mammals. Very scarce, none were seen or collected by the 

 author. 2. Birds. 22 species, (out of a total of about 45 which are 

 all that have as yet been found in the Nicobars,) were either collected' 

 or observed. 3. Reptiles. None collected. Crocodiles though not 

 mentioned in Mr. Blyth's list are known to occur. 4. Fish. A 

 small collection of fish was made in Nancowrey haven. They have been 

 examined and partly identified by Dr. Anderson. 5. Mollusca. The 

 Mollusca are described in a note by Mr. Gr. Nevill. 



Appendix C. 

 Language. This consists of a selection from various vocabularies 

 of the Nicobai language which have been published from time to 

 time, together with some comments thereon. 



