182 Proceedings. [_"So. 11, > r E\V SEBIES. 



sumed that certain starches sold as arrowroot are much inferior to 

 others, it becomes a matter of some consequence to ascertain 

 which plant produces the best kind. The " Muranta arundinaccse" 

 as you I dare say know is said to be the true West Indian Arrow- 

 root plant. 



This subject has attracted attention in England by Mr. HassalFs 

 exposures of the adulterations practiced upon this article of food. 

 He states that the East Indian Arrowroot is the production of 

 Curcuma angustifolia, one of the Zingeberaceae. Taere were ten 

 samples of Arrowroot in the last Madras Exhibition of Raw pro- 

 duce, and the form and optical properties of the granules are very 

 varied, though all if I remember rightly, were sent from Canna- 

 nore. 



I have only further to add to this, that if any Arrowroots so 

 called, are growing in the Society's garden I shall be very glad to 

 have an opportunity of examining the starches. For this purpose 

 an offshoot from a root, not larger than my little finger, will be an 

 ample supply. I would prefer preparing the starch myself. 



I am dear Sir, 



Your most obedient servant, 



J. Mitchell, Lieut. 



Resolved that the Superintendent be instructed to afford every 

 facility and assistance to Lieutenant Mitchell in pursuing his in- 

 vestigations. 



It was resolved to notify to the members that a small supply of 

 Egyptian cotton seed is available, and that those who may desire 

 in the present aspect of the Cotton market to make experiments 

 may obtain a small quantity on application to the Superintendent. 



It was resolved also to notify to subscribers and others that a 

 quantity of Lucerne may be had from the Superintendent who is 

 prepared to supply it fresh daily at 6 annas per bed to Members 

 and 8 annas to Non subscribers, and further that a supply of Lu- 

 cerne seed is now in hand which may be had on application. 



Read letter from Colonel Pears requesting a remission of his 

 arrears of subscription on the ground of his having been under 

 the impression that Members in the Mofussil paid no subscription. 



