THE SOURCES OF THE GANGES, 441 



Colonel Hardwick, at nine journies, from Snnagar; which is situated, Ac- 

 cording to Rennell, in 30^? N. and- 79"^ E.and the route of the L<2?Wfj sur- 

 veyors ends in the ;36th degree of long, W. of Pekhi', (81" E. of London} 

 and lat. 297*' according to Du Halde's map. Still however, there v;^as 

 room for the supposition of a lake interpo-sed, out of Vi'hich a branch of 

 the Ganges, perhaps the Alacanandd, might really issue, conformably 

 with the whole current of popular belief. 



This view appeared to present an obje61: of inquiry, deserving the la- 

 bour of the research. An a6tual survey of the Ga??ges, above Haridzvdr, 

 (where it enters the British territories,) to the farthest point to which it 

 had been traced by H/«^i pilgrims,, and to its remotest accessible source, 

 was an undertaking worthy of JBr/Z/^/i enterprise. Perhaps the national 

 credit was concerned, not to leave in uncertainty and doubt a question 

 which the English pnly have the best opportunity of solving : and one at 

 the same time so interesting, as that of exploring the springs of one of the 

 greatest rivers of the old continent, and Whose waters fertilize and enrich 

 the British territories, which it traverses in its whole navigable extent. 



These considerations, partly the suggestions of his own mind, and 

 partly pressed on his attention by me, induced Lt. Col. Colebrooke 

 to undertake the proposed enterprize, for which the san(51:ion of govern- 

 ment was accordingly solicited and obtained. But, in consequence of 

 illness, as already intimated, the execution of it devolved on his assistant 

 Lt. Webb, who was accompanied on the journey by Capt. Raper and. 

 Capt. Hearsay. The journal of Capt. Raper has furnished the narrative 

 which is presented to the society. 



The result of the survey is briefly stated in a letter from Lt, Webb to 

 my address. 



N 5 



