IN SOUTHERN INDIA. 
35 
invaluable little pamphlet on the coins of Mysore, is out of 
print. Under the able supervision of the present Superin- 
tendent of the Central Museum, a great step in the right 
direction has been taken, by the arranging of all the copper 
issues of this part of the country ; but many sections are still 
woefully weak in specimens, notably those of the Cholas, 
Pandyans, and Chalukyans. As the phalanx of collectors 
increases, let us hope however that duplicate specimens 
(and originals with non-collectors) may find their way into 
a collection which should be as nearly perfect as possible. 
To the collector who has been at work any time, the 
enormous number of coins scattered throughout the country 
cannot fail to be a subject of wonder. The beginner, on the 
other hand, or the owner of a few specimens, who has never 
really hunted, will probably complain of the scarcity of issues 
procurable. The writer has purchased in one place, in two 
days, no less than 28 lb. weight of copper coins, and yet been 
told by residents on the spot that search is hopeless, and that 
no coins were ever foimd there. Let not the tyro then be dis- 
couraged at a few blank days. Every village in India contains 
coins — gold ones among the jewels of the rich, copper ones 
among the rubbish of the poor — but it takes tact, patience, 
and practice to lure them from their lurking places. It is 
no unusual thing to hunt through a village without seeing a 
sign of a coin, and be assured that there never were any, 
and yet the next day, armed with a handful of old coppers, 
as example of what one wants, to ferret out some prizes. To 
the native mind an old coin is of no more value than a 
modern one of identical weight and of infinitely less interest, 
and it is only when the mild Hindu realizes that for one 
pie that is old, he can get two pies that are current, that his 
little store is unearthed. Take, as I have said, a handful 
of old coppers with you, and sitting on his doorstep show them 
to the village shroff, and try to coax out whatever he may 
have. Encourage passers-by to stop and gape, and gradually 
