PREFACE. 
ix 
During the course of this first volume our work has so far changed in 
character, that from being, as was originally intended, chiefly a vehicle 
for reprinting interesting articles from the English Journals, it has 
become almost, if not entirely, original. We confess we have been 
not only flattered but surprised at the number ofcommunications we 
have received ; nor can any thing better demonstrate the groundlessness 
of the objection of want of materials, (which we so often heard urged 
when first suggesting our project,) than the fact that we have never, af- 
ter the second or third number, had occasion to begin printing before 
we had already collected materials, not only for that number, but for the 
succeeding one, Can it be doubted, but that if circumstances allowedjus- 
tice to be done the work, this encouragement would materially increase ? 
At all events, it is clearly proved, that there are materials for such a 
work in India, even at its outset. Owing to the narrowness of our limits, 
and the above circumstance, we fear we may have sometimes appeared 
to delay our correspondents’ favours,- but in future we shall be less re- 
stricted as to room, owing to the new postage regulations. We shall, 
therefore, in the ensuing volume not hesitate to increase the number 
of our pages when any subject of pressing interest, for which there 
might not otherwise be room, may appear to demand such a measure. 
Of the subjects of practical utility, which we noticed as fairly com- 
ing within our beat, yet without interfering with those, to the investi- 
gation of which the public societies of India have devoted themselves, 
we have more or less illustrated those of Indigo, Colouring matter. 
Sugar, Bridges, Cooling of liquors. Raising water. Strength of timber, &c. 
There are still many which remain untouched; Internal communication 
byroads and canals, Boat building, Steam navigation of rivers. Architec- 
ture, Draining of towns. Ventilation of houses, &c.&c. To these we invite 
the attention of our readers, who we trust will not refuse to record in 
our pages any hint which may occur to them calculated to throw 
light on any of these truly important subjects. The advantage of 
a periodical is, that the most busy may find time to contribute to it, 
satisfied that the seed is not cast upon the waters, but upon a soil where, 
in due time, it may vegetate and produce fifty fold. Nor have those 
averse to their names being handled by the public, any thing to fear on 
this score, as their incognito may, if they wish it, be perfectly preserved ; 
and thus the value of any suggestions they have to offer be fairly ap- 
preciated, without being subjected to that prejudice which the know- 
ledge of the author is often found to create. 
