422 



Barren Island in the Bay of Bengal. 



The last account of Barren Island was communicated by the late 

 Dr. J. Adam, about ten years since, to Prinsep's Journal of the Asiatic 

 Society, Vol. I, Page 128. The account in question appears to have 

 been drawn up from the statement of a friend, from whom Dr. Adam re- 

 ceived certain specimens of the rock of the Island. As nothing can be 

 more curious and interesting than to compare the condition of active 

 volcanic operations at different periods, we have great pleasure in 

 submitting the following remarks to the reader, as we committed them 

 to paper from the verbal statement of Capt. Miller of the Bark Lady 

 Clifford, who in April last visited the Island about 8 a, m., and remain- 

 ed on it till 11a. m. 



Capt. Miller thinks Barren Island is about 6 miles in circumference, 

 presenting a bold rocky coast with very deep soundings, the colour 

 of the water being ocean-blue, and 120 fathoms of line out, and no 

 bottom close under the rock. The Island is of an oval shape, and 

 towards the north-west extremity, there appears a flat elevation of 

 about 500 feet, Passing round to the base of this by sea, a breach 

 is observed in the coast of about 200 feet, occasioned by a stream of 

 lava having burst from above, and run into the sea. Ascending this 

 causeway, Capt. Miller, at a height of 30 feet, entered a spacious amphi- 

 theatre of a circular shape, enclosed by elevated sloping sides, partially 

 covered with grass above at their margins, but below the rocks, were 

 perfectly naked and of rich purple tints. 



The extent of the amphitheatre is about § mile or | of a mile in 

 diameter, the sides perfectly circular, sloping upwards to a height of 



India from Europe, to the value of several thousand pounds sterling per annum, as a portion 

 of the annual supplies of Medical Stores for the public service. Through the exertions of 

 Dr. Angus and the present Medical Board, arrangements have recently been made, for obtain- 

 ing supplies of the article from Cawnpore and Mysore, at a considerable saving to the Govern- 

 ment ; but the information as to the plants they frequent, and their existence in such abun- 

 dance even in Calcutta, is new and important. Let us recommend to our worthy Correspondent, 

 to whom we are indebted for a knowledge of these facts, to extend, if necessary, the growth 

 of the Dherus, or eatable Hibiscus, and collect these insects in quantity for the use of the 

 public service, and for exportation: we will answer for the profitable results of such an 

 undertaking. The insect should be collected by means of gauze nets, and then immersed 

 in turpentine, and afterwards dried and packed. The ordinary supplies from Cawnpore are 

 liable to be attacked with worms, probably from the insect being immersed in scalding 

 water, instead of turpentine, as we believe is generally directed to be used for the pur- 

 pose. — Ed. 



