122 



Beport on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



debtor for the advantage of creditors; without the consent of the deb- 

 tor's proximate relations. The answer states, that entailed property can- 

 not be so seized and sold ; but any house previously purchased by the 

 debtor, on his own account^ may be so available. 



6. Relates entirely to law, in matters of theft ; resolved by slocas 

 from Sanscrit authorities. 



Remark.— It will thus appear that the Mai ayalam portion of the 

 book is not relevant to the object of the present investigcrtion. Although 

 the several papers are but in an indifferent state of preservation,., yet it 

 does not seem to be of consequence to re-copy them. - The entire book, 

 like many others, yields a specimen of negligent service, by the em- 

 ployes of the late Colonel Mackenzie. 



E.— PxVLI. (As supposed). 

 Uttara Vadakan, No. 10. 



This book, with the following one, are exceptions to the general 

 appearance and contents of the collection. This one contains 40 broad, 

 though short, talipat leaves; old in appearance; but in good preserva- 

 tion. The character seems to me, to be, the Pali oi Ceylon; but I can- 

 not go beyond conjecture, as 1 have never seen any other than the cir- 

 cular Ceylon Pali, and the square Pa/^ of the Banna country. The book 

 has strong covers of a fine grained wood, resembling mahogany ; and, 

 if I mistake not, has written within side one of them the name J. Sin- 

 clair, July I8i8;" together with a little, from which I have made out 

 the one above given. I regret that 1 have not the means of ascertain- 

 ing the contents. 



Mantras, No. 14. 



This is a miniature manual, on small talipat leaves, much fretted 

 away at the edges ; old in appearance; and in rude writing. The cha- 

 racters, as above ; but not so well defined. The covers have a bright 

 polish, and inside one of them is written. " Muntrum J. Sinclair July 

 1818." Perhaps both books were obtained in Java, at its capture. Be 

 that as it may, I think both were originally written, or copied, in Ceylon. 

 Should any Pali scholar, at any time, inspect the collection, it may be 

 that a glance would suffice to determine, both the nature, and value, of 

 the matter included. 



