1801.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 303 
The correspondence is subjoined. 
To the Hon’blo Sir It. Montgomery, K. C. 13. 
Lieut. -Governor of Punjab. 
Asiatic Society's liooms. 
Cal. 20th April, 18G1. 
Sib, — I am directed by the Council of the Asiatic Society to solicit 
your intervention to enable them to obtain more accurate detailed 
information than has yet reached them about the phenomena attend- 
ing the fall of the great meteorite at Dhurmsala in August last. A 
reference on this subject has lately been made to the Society at the 
instance of the authorities of the British Museum, and the Supreme 
Government has requested us to supply all the information we have 
been able to collect. Before replying, we are anxious to obtain more 
precise information on the following points 
1. It is stated that whilst the sound of the various reports said 
to have been heard lasted, “ the ground trembled and shook convul- 
sively” proof of this is much needed. Was anything ups.et ? If so, 
in what direction ? Could the sensation of trembling have arisen 
from the commotion of the atmosphere ? 
2. Additional evidence of the occurrence of the flame of fire, said 
to have been seen, and the direction of its motion. 
3. Proof that the flash or flame, preceded the report. 
Did it precede all the reports ? There are stated to have been 
four or five distinct reports. If so, was the length of interval noted ? 
This would give the means of calculating the distance of the mass 
when the explosion took place. 
4. Any additional evidence of the lights in the heavens, said to 
have been observed, described as being like fire balloons. 
5. The actual weight of any specimens found ; one is said to have 
been about 4 maunds ! ! 
G. Above all, any and every proof of the remarkable fact stated 
by more than one person, but very possibly only a repetition of the 
same hearsay evidence, that portions of the mass were icy cold, when 
taken up immediately after the fall, so cold that the men had to drop 
them immediately, their fingers being benumbed by the intensity of 
the cold. This point is of special interest, and calls for the most 
precise and distinct proof. 
