380 
JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVIII* 
in a communication locally published not long ago stated : " I have 
not yet had time to make a study of what indications there are in these 
parts of the truth of the old Sinhalese tradition that their ancestors 
came from Bihar and by sea, but all that I have noticed tends to 
confirm it. In particular, I vrould commend to the Ceylon Asiatic 
Society the inquiry, whether the old Bengal port of Tambuk — once 
a port, but now many miles inland— may not throw light by its old 
name ' Tamrup ' on the history of the Sinhalese migration and the 
name of Tamrapani or Taprobane." 
They would be glad to welcome information calculated to throw light 
on the inquiry suggested by Dr. Copleston. Perhaps his own relative 
(Mr. D. W. Ferguson) of Croydon would have something to say on 
the subject, as well as on Mr. Lewis's interesting Paper read that 
evening. That Paper reminded them how much indebted they had 
been to the Civil Service in the past- for contributions. He trusted 
that with His Excellency's patronage, they would receive during the 
present year from all branches of the Service (especially the Scientific), 
as well indeed as from members of the general community, useful 
Papers suited to be read at their Meetings and published in their 
Journals. This would shov/ that it was recognized that their Ceylon 
Branch deserved general confidence, and should be maintained in a 
career of usefulness worthy of its best past traditions. He begged to 
move a hearty vote of thanks to the Chair. (Applause). 
The Vice- President (Mr. P. Freudenberg) seconded in a word, 
and the vote was carried by acclamation. 
12. His Excellency returned thanks, and drew attention to the fact 
that the next General Meeting of the Society had been fixed for 
March 4, when a Paper would be read by Mr. C. M. Fernando on 
"Two Sinhalese Swords." His Excellency then went on to offer, on 
behalf of the gathering, the thanks of the Society to Mr Freudenberg 
for his hospitality. He knew they all felt with him that they were 
gainers by the contretemps which brought them there. 
Mr. Fkeudenbeg, responding, said that he had tried for the last 
twenty-five years to be of some use to the Asiatic Society, and he had 
achieved his object that night ! 
This terminated the Proceedings soon after 11 p.m., the Members 
thanking their host and Mrs. Freudenberg. 
Appendix. 
J. P. Lewis, Esq., CCS , to the Honorary Secretary, 
Royal Asiatic Society (C.B.). 
Marichchukaddi, February 11, 1905. 
Dear Sir, — As I was unable to be present at the Meeting of the 
Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch) on Bth instant, to read my 
Paper and take part in the discussion, may I be permitted to explain 
by letter why I could not accept Mr. Denham's theory that the portion 
of the tombstone of Dona Maria Lacerda, found at Mannar, was 
really part, not of a tombstone, but of a font. I should be glad 
if this letter could be printed as an appendix to the Paper or 
Proceedings. 
