Note on the Literature of Thibet. 
243 
1831.] 
Average size 
and dimensions of the common. Woodcock , common Snipe , solitary Snipe t 
Tip of bill to end of tail, 
Bill, length of, ........ 
Ditto, basal height of, 
Length of tail, 
Expanse of wings, 
Length of tarsi, 
Ditto of central toe and nail, 
Weight, 
C. 
1 
less, 
0 
0 
1 
0 
0 
w. 
I 
T 
li 
3 
3* 
0 — 
8 
3* 
m 
n 
n 
10 oz. 
c. 
s. 
s. 
S. 
Sco. 
s. 
o 10 ! 
l 
0i 
1 
0! 
0 2f 
2i- 
0 21 
8 
0 2f 
3£ 
0 0— 
8 
less, — f 
8 
0 0— 
8 
0 
2% 
0 
3f 
0 
2f 
1 
4f 
1 
7i 
1 
6 
0 
n 
1 
If 
0 
If 
0 
0 
U 
0 
If 
4! oz. 
6 oz. 
G! oz. 
Remark by the Editor.— The original of the above paper has been forwarded to 
England, with nine illustrative drawings of the natural size. It is here printed, not 
only as a security against its being lost, or its miscarrying, but also to guard against 
anticipation. The drawings we regret not having received; they consist of 1. Two 
of the woodcock; one standing, one flying. 2. Two of the solitary snipe ; do. 
do. 3. Two of the scolopacious snipe; do. do. 4. Three of the common snipe, 
one standing, two flying. Of these latter, one has the variegated, the other t e 
uniform tail. 
II. — Note on the Literature of Thibet. By H. H. W ilson. Esq. 
Sec. Soc. 
The extent and general character of the literature of Thibet have been, for some 
time past, accurately described. The Missionaries who visited Lassa in the be- 
ginning of the 18th century, stated correctly enough, that it was voluminous; that it 
Was devoted chiefly to the doctrines and legends of the Bauddha religion ; and that 
it was originally derived from India. It does not appear, however, that any of 
them ever cultivated the language of Thibet with sufficient assiduity or success, 
to have developed, in detail, these general positions ; and all that they have left us 
of Thibetan literature, as embodied in the Alphabetum Tibetanum of Georgi, is 
justly pronounced by Mons. Remusat to be in the highest degree meagre and un- 
satisfactory. 
The subject of Thibetan literature has subsequently engaged the attention of 
several eminent scholars in Europe, as Adelung, the author of the Mithndates , 
Pallas, the Russian traveller and naturalist, and in the present day Messrs. Klaproth 
and Remusat. As long, however, as elementary works, grammars and dictionaries 
are wanting to place the language of Thibet within the reach of European students, 
it is not to be expected that much conversancy will be obtained by them with the 
literature : accordingly the two distinguished individuals last named, Klapioth an 
Hemusat, admit the imperfectness of their enquiries, and are obliged to have 
recourse to Mongol and Chinese authors for such information respecting Tin et, 
as they possess. _ . 
During the last few years the approximation of the frontiers of ritis n la, o 
those of Ladakh, and our improved intercourse with the Bhot countries, an wit 
^ e pal, have given a new interest to the subject, and have naturally excite a wis 
to become better acquainted with the languages and literature, the mor ee in_,s 
and religious principles of the people. The means of obtaining such information 
ai e yet defective, but they have been latterly very much augmented, and are ike y 
to leceive important accessions from the labours of Mr. Csoma De Kurds. A zealous 
