3861.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 299 
II. Ethnology. — There is reason to believe that the valleys on 
the N. E. face of the Himalayas and the different portions of the 
plateau beyond, are inhabited by races of very different descent, 
e.g., the valleys lying on the left bank of our territories just beyond 
the borders of Kumaon or Bussahir are inhabited by a small tribe of 
very different appearance from other Bhooteas ; they are taller, fairer 
and with more prominent features, and are believed by themselves, 
and others of the inhabitants, to be of a totally different family from 
either the Bussahirees or the Tartar tribes, who inhabit the plateau 
beyond ; attention should be paid to the physical characteristics of 
these various races, and any information as to their origin, migrations, 
dialects, the distinctive appellations of the tribes, and their sub-divi- 
sions, obtained from the traditions of the inhabitants, would be 
valuable. A sketch of what is already known in this respect would, 
if prepared by the Society, bo of great use to the expedition. 
III. Histoey, Antiquities, and Religion. — The expedition 
are not likely to obtain much viva, voce information except as to the 
more recent history of the countries which they visit. Neither is it 
probable that they will meet with antiquarian remains of much value. 
Some of the monasteries of the larger towns, are, however, believed 
to be of old date, and many of them to possess libraries. It is not 
improbable that from these, MSS. of value may be obtainable, espe- 
cially of the translations into Thibetan, of Sanscrit works on subjects 
relating to Buddhism or even MSS. of the original Sanscrit works 
themselves. 
The Society might indicate the names of any works, either in 
Sanscrit or Thibetan, which it is of special importance to procure, 
but any works of ancient date, bearing on History, Religion, Phi- 
losophy or Travels, would unquestionably be desirable to obtain. 
Inscriptions of value are not likely to be discovered, though the 
Thibetan pilgrims to shrines within the British territories frequently 
cover every rock in the neighbourhood with inscriptions containing 
religious invocations. 
Any localities in which inscriptions of value are believed likely 
to exist might be pointed out to the expedition, and they might be 
instructed how to transfer impressions ol any ol apparent antiquity. 
Collections of local traditions bearing upon the ancient religion 
2 Q 
