268 



Scientific Intelligence, [no. 6, new series, 



(5) A concretion found in teak trees. — A peculiar concretion re- 

 sembling lime or gypsum is occasionally found in the heart of teak 

 logs. It generally collects in what carpenters call a " shake" in 

 the wood, but with this exception the logs are perfectly sound, and 

 no communication whatever with the external air has been observ- 

 ed. Is its chemical constitution the same as that of the " tabas- 

 heer" or bamboo salt. H. P. H. 



(6.) On the curing of tobacco. — The very great difference in 

 quality of the tobacco of various parts of India is said to be attri- 

 butable entirely to the mode of curing. Is this correct ? could any 

 of our readers give a detailed account of the mode of cultivation, na- 

 ture of cure, and more especially of the mode of curing adopted in 

 their own neighbourhood. The process of curing the Lunka and 

 Trichinopoly tobacco would be especially interesting. H. P. H, 



(7.) On Burmese coins. — Do any bona fide Burmese coins exist? 

 if not what is the currency in use ? //, P. H. 



Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India. 



[At the request of the Committee of the Madras Branch of this Society, 

 we insert the following notice of the Premia for 1858| offered by the Ben- 

 gal Society. 



The importance, in an economic point of view, of the subjects thus 

 brought forward, cannot be exceeded by any intelligence of a scientific 

 character. 



We trust that the long continued exertions made by this Society, and by 

 the Government of India, may yet eventuate in the development of those 

 resources, in which India is so rich, and which if drawn upon more large- 

 ly may yet be the means of advancing her national prosperity and the 

 wealth of her inhabitants. 



The Premia for Essays are particularly interesting, and we trust that the 

 liberal prizes offered may produce works of general and popular utility. 

 The Fibres, paper materials, and substitutes for Gutta Percha, are all sub- 

 jects of importance to every one interested in this country, and we are 

 confident, that our own Presidency will not be backward, in the develop- 

 ment of these articles as commercial products,"] 



