1837.] 



The Malay Tapir. 



247 



ants say are peculiar characters of the Tapir. The eye is small and 

 dull, the legs massy, the general appearance of the animal clumsy 

 and unwieldy, and the skin about the throat and extremities in folds 

 like that of the rhinoceros — in fact the creature seems to he a link 

 in the pachydermata, between the rhinoceros and the hog. 



It is in contemplation to publish an English and Hindustani Diction- 

 ary, if sufficient Subscribers can be found to cover the expenses. 

 The work is by a Member of the Madras Civil Service : it is already 

 in manuscript, and, in our next, we hope to be able to give further 

 particulars, and to publish a specimen of the production. 



We have received the following communication, and gladly afford it a 

 place in this Journal, with a view to promote enquiry and elicit infor- 

 mation on the very curious subject of Mr. WhewelPs enquiries, which 

 are exciting so much interest among scientific men in Europe : — 



Dear Sir, — The Asiatic Society having been requested by its Patron 

 the Rt. Hon'ble the Governor General, to draw the attention of those 

 of its Members who may be resident within convenient distance from 

 the Sea Coast, to the desiderata published by the Rev. Professor Whe- 

 well, in 1833, regarding the phenomena of the Tides, I have been direct- 

 ed to prepare the accompanying copy of the Professor's suggestions 

 for circulation, and to address them to those of the Society's associates 

 and correspondents, whose zeal in the cause of science furnishes an as- 

 surance that they will cordially co-operate in obtaining the informa- 

 tion required. 



As regards the tides of the Indian Ocean, the principal points to be 

 ascertained are,— the exact times of the arrival of the tidal wave (i. e. 

 the times of high and low water) at several stations on the East and 

 West Coasts of the Bay of Bengal, simultaneously observed for one or 

 more lunations— or if practicable for a whole year. If to this infor- 

 mation can be added the tide-lift, or difference in perpendicular height 

 between high and low water, obtained by means of a pier or a post set 

 up for the purpose, the utility of the register will be much enhanced. 

 The direction and velocity of local currents caused by the tide, with 

 note of the prevailing winds and their action on the tides or the cur- 

 rents, will also be valuable additions. 



It is particularly desirable to note the difference of the tide-lift in the 

 two tides which occur within the same 24 hours, to serve as data for 

 calculating what has been called the diurnal irregularity, a phenomenon 



