800 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [No. 3, 
and the History of Thibet would, if sought from intelligent persons 
and carefully noted down, yield information of value. 
No discoveries in Numismatics are, it is believed, to be expected, 
though it is believed that at one time the ancient coinage of Nipa 
circulated to some extent beyond the borders of that country. 
So little is known, however, of this subject, and the currency of 
the Thibetan States has been always so limited, that beyond generally 
drawing the attention of the expedition to the subject, the Society 
will probably be able to offer them no assistance. 
IV. Zoolost— Mammalia. — -The larger quadrupeds of the Trans. 
Himalayan plains are believed to be already in a great measure 
described. The Society might, however, indicate with advantage 
any points upon which fuller information is yet required. It is 
possible that some new varieties of Antelope and deer may be dis- 
covered by the expedition. Horns are occasionally brought by the 
Bhootea traders from the various fairs which do not seem to belong 
to varieties as yet identified as inhabiting the Trans-Himalayan plain _ 
Some discoveries may probably be looked for among the minor 
animals, such as the viverrine and similar races. Several varieties of 
these are believed to exist in the country to be visited by the expedi- 
tion, the skins of some of which are said to be used as articles of 
trade. 
There is a large flying squirrel of great beauty believed to be 
hitherto unnamed, but probably belonging to the genus Terramus> 
mutilated specimens of which have been occasionally brought from 
Kunawur, and similar localities. Good specimens of this are desiderata. 
When full grown, it measures nearly three feet across the extended 
fore-paws, and is especially distinguished by the exquisite softness and 
unusual length of the fur and of the tail. The general colour of the 
animal is a Chinchilla grey. 
Aquatic animals may possibly exist in some of the larger lakes ; 
and if so, they are probably still unknown to science. 
Reptiles and Insects.— It is probable from the nature of the 
country that few specimens of this class are likely to be made avail- 
able by the researches of the expedition. Those, however, which 
may be discovered, are also likely to be worthy of notice, as little 
attention appears to have been paid hitherto to this portion of Natural 
History of the Trans-Himalayan regions. Specimens and information, 
