Proceedings of Societies. 
139 
Machinery for the manufacture of webs, has already been imported, and more is 
finding its way out ! The first importation was about four years ago ; and this, as 
an experiment, should have satisfied speculators, that the like speculation might be 
reasonably repeated. These importations have been made chiefly, it is believed, by 
those who are new in the field of Indian improvement ; and their speculations being 
of a very different cast to those of more established commercial undertakings, have 
not excited much sensation. 
The success of the project must convince the most sceptical : want of information 
can alone account for its tardy adoption by others. 
The government of the country has set the first example, in the creation of a mag- 
nificent manufactory ; which is filled with the best specimens of the skill and genius 
of Watt : need commercial intelligence require more encouragement, to follow such 
an auspicious example ? If a large capital can be profitably laid out, to procure, what 
the ignorant may deem, a trifling advantage ; in how many other objects, might ca- 
pital not seek the most profitable application ? 
It may be objected by some, that in order to execute a project of the kind, a con- 
siderable capital would necessarily be required : and, that its temporary inactivity, 
would be very discouraging, to those engaged in the ordinary routine of commerce ; 
which always desires quick returns. 
Vet, limited as maybe the command of capital, that might be found to be engaged 
in transactions of small profit ; it is imagined, that two or three lakhs of rupees 
might be available for such an undertaking : and, that there are wealthy persons 
among the natives of the country, as well a“s the European community, who could 
he prevailed upon to embark in an enterprise of this sort. 
The thing requires little more than to be stated, to be known, and acted upon : and 
the first step, after forming the resolution to adopt a project of this nature, must 
necessarily be, that of procuring persons to teach the natives, the manufacturing 
processes, as well as the means of keeping the machinery in proper order. 
The manufacture of paper, such as is in use with the natives, even, promises to be 
one of no mean importance; and might well deserve attention. 
It is conceived, perhaps not unreasonably, that, the machinery would replace the 
original outlay, iu three years ; yielding 8 or 10 per cent, interest, in the interme- 
diatetime; after which, the profits would be super-added. 
Saw-mills, would likewise offer no inconsiderable advantage, in the investment of 
capital. 
I need not, Mr. Editor, enlarge the list, as I feel assured, that much good must 
result from the attempt of any one of these projects : which, by the way, you should 
recollect are not schemes ; nay, they arc not so much as projects; and you may safely 
assure your readers, that they may, more reasonably, consider such things as certain 
10 tor operations, than even the seasons themselves. In this last conviction I beg 
to subscribe myself. 
Sir, 
Your much edified and constant reader, 
H. D. E. 
IV. — Proceedings of Societies. 
I. — Asiatic Society. 
Committee of Natural History and Physics. Wednesday, February ith, 1829. 
w The Hon. Sir E. Ryan, in the chair. . 
Mr. Calder presented, iu the name of Mr. R. Rose, a collection of Geological 
Specimens; made, during a survey of the roads, from M idnapore, to Sumimlp .or , 
an ' 1 from thence, to Cuttack, and Balasore, with a descriptive Catalogue of their lo- 
calities. 
. , The Committee having in their possession a very extensive collection of geologi- 
cal specimens from various parts of India, it was proposed by the Tiesident, that a 
selection of duplicates should be made for the purpose of being presented to the Geo- 
°S?al Society of London. . . , . 
The motion was seconded by Mr. Calder, and unanimously agreed to. 
. 11 was part of this motion, that the Committee should, through their secretary, 
Request in return from the Geological Society of London a senes of specimens illus. 
frative of the English strata, and generally such communications or suggestions i a, 
mi ght tend to direct inquiry in India, and assist the progress of geological science. 
