82 Proceedings of (he Asiatic Society. [April, 



ing suggestion to the Council of the Asiatic Society for consideration, 

 and I hope, adoption, and elaboration. 



" The project may, at first, seem rather a startling one, but, on 

 reflection, I believe it will be admitted that, were it carried out in a 

 liberal spirit, much benefit might result to Science, and light be 

 thrown on many obscure points in the natural history and affinities 

 of the various sections of the human race. 



" A circular has recently been issued by the Society, requesting all 

 who are in a position to do so, to contribute Crania, with a view to 

 the illustration of the Ethnology of India, and indeed of the world. 

 But, valuable as such contributions might be, I think they would 

 fall short of the advantages to be derived by anthropological Science 

 from a study of the races themselves in life. 



" I would propose, therefore, that the aid of Government be sought, 

 in conjunction with the Asiatic Society, in bringing together in one 

 great ethnological exhibition, typical examples of the races of the old 

 world, and that they should be made the subject of scientific study 

 when so collected. 



" Calcutta is peculiarly situated for the easy and rapid accomplish- 

 ment of this project, and, with a little aid and support from Govern- 

 ment and its officers, there can be no doubt that it might, after due 

 notice, be easily carried out. 



" The vast variety of tribes of the human race that might thus be 

 assembled, would offer an opportunity of studying their natural 

 history and peculiarities, that has never yet been realized. 



" Such a gathering might well take place after the fashion of the 

 late Exhibition, at Alipore, of the lower animals and the products of 

 the country. 



" The object here proposed surely has not less interest, for it is not 

 merely in its scientific aspect that it merits consideration. 



" It is not necessary now to enter into details ; the general proposition 

 is ;ill I need desire to place before the Society. Should it meet with 

 support from the Council, I should be happy to aid in devising a 

 detailed plan as to the extent of the aid we should seek from 

 Government and tin; public. 



" Knowing the deep interest you take in this subject, I feel sure that 

 you will agree with me in the general proposition. L therefore leave 



