32G 



Proceedings of the Madras Literary Society 



[April 



body of its inhabitants, of which cotton, silk, indigo, sugar, coffee, and tobacco, 

 may be mentioned as pre-eminent; and they offer an assured prospect of an almost 

 boundless market for the produce of English manufacturing skill, if the capabilities 

 of their country be drawn forth, and their industry be duly instructed, directed, 

 and fostered. 



But though these general truths be readily acknowledged, their practical ap- 

 plication is very imperfectly understood. Few men in England really know what 

 India does or can produce, with sufficient precision, at least, to justify commercial 

 speculation. Few in India know what England requires ; and none of the lights 

 of modern science having been applied to the agriculture of the former country, its 

 productive powers have, as yet, been very imperfectly developed. 



Believing that the interests of both countries may be very importantly promoted 

 by an interchange of knowledge, and especially by communicating to India the 

 information and stimulus which are alone wanting to the full development of its 

 vast resources, it has been resolved by the Royal Asiatic Society, to constitute a 

 distinct Section, for the following, and other similar purposes ; provided the neces- 

 sary funds can be raised for giving adequate effect to the design. 



1st. The examination of the natural and agricultural products of India, avail- 

 able for the purposes of commerce and art. 



2dly. Inquiry into the causes of the general inferiority of the staple articles of 

 Indian commerce. 



3dly. The introduction of new articles and processes from analogous climates 

 in other parts of the world. 



The Committee of Correspondence of the Royal Asiatic Society beg leave to 

 bring the circumstance to your notice ; trusting, confidently, on your zealous sup- 

 port of a measure, calculated to promote objects alike interesting to the patriot 

 and the philanthropist. 



Of the means of support, the most acceptable would, of course, be such an 

 accession of new members, European or Asiatic, as would at on^e provide the 

 necessary funds, and as would afford the requisite contribution of knowledge and 

 experience in the various branches of inquiry to which the labours of the Section 

 are to be directed. But the Society will be most happy to receive the tender of 

 the aid (whether in knowledge or funds) of affiliated Societies, pursuing the same 

 beneficial objects, or any other co -operation or assistance w hich you may have the 

 goodness to offer. 



For the fuller explanation of the scheme in question, the Committee direct 

 me to transmit to you the accompanying printed papers ; and I shall be happy 

 to afford you any further information in my power, in regard to it, that you may 

 require. 



I have the honour to be, 



Gentlemen, 



Your most obedient humble servant, 

 To the President, (Signed) Alexander Johnston, 



Vice Presidents and Members Chairman of the Committee 



of the Madras Literary Society of Correspondence R. A. S. 



and Auxiliary R. A, S, 



