1829.] 
Proceedings of Societies. 
279 
An extract of a letter from Simlah was read, recommending the Society to form 
an establishment in that mountainous region for the purpose of acclimating all 
Europe trees and seeds, and afterwards distributing them throughout Hindoostan 
and Bengal. The proposal appeared a very feasible one to the meeting, but want 
of funds for the present stands in the way of practical effect being given to it. 
A letter was read from Mr. Patrick, forwarding to the Society, in the name of 
Mr. Hutton, a Mom Mom tree, a native of Malacca, and which bears a fruit much 
valued to the eastward. 
A letter was read from Mr. Leycester, sending some Cape plants and also Spa- 
nish walnut trees for the Society’s garden. 
Mr. Robisv . stated, that he had received from Canton (which he then presented 
to the Society,) three Leechee trees and a China vine, together with several other 
fruit trees ; also a nutmeg tree from Malacca, variegated pine apples from Penang, 
and other plants. He also informed the meeting that Sir Robert Colquhoun had 
contributed several Chinese plants to the garden. 
A letter was read from Mr. Prinsep, Secretary to Government, relative to an 
application on the subject of postage. 
A letter was read from Mr. H. Wood, dated from St. Helena, stating the great 
advantage which would attend the cultivation of the plant which produces the Ma- 
nilla hemp (Musa texilis); and recommending its extensive introduction into Bengal ; 
also offering Iris services in England, in any way which would be useful to the 
Society. 
A letter was read from Mr. Scott (Assam), forwarding the model of an appara- 
tus, and describing a method used by him for rearing early cauliflower plants during 
the rains, so as to have them ready for planting out so soon as the monsoon ceases. 
A paper was then ready by Mr. Bruce, describing the mode of cultivating Cotton 
throughout Persia, where the cotton is of a remarkably line staple and quality. 
A letter was read from Baboo Cossinauth Mullick, accompanying a catalogue 
made by him of the various fruits and vegetables, which arc indigenous in this 
country, or which have been long cultivated in it, although originally brought from 
foreign countries, together with a list of fruits and vegetables, which have not yet 
been introduced into Bengal, from the western portion of Hindoostan, but which he 
considers would thrive, if introduced. 
The catalogues contain the names of each fruit and vegetable in Bengalee, also 
in the English character, the country in which each is indigenous, with a descrip- 
tion of its qualities, and the use made of it by the natives of India. 
The Secretary submitted a paper by Captain Davidson, of Engineers, on the Hor- 
ticniture of Upper India generally, in which the author endeavours to show that 
until the arrival of Europeans, hortieultnre as an art must have been utterly un- 
known, and inculcating the necessity of the Society using every means in their 
power to disseminate instruction by short treatises — and the distribution of good 
seeds* 
The Secretary read the proceedings of the General Committee on 17th of July 
last, relative to the funds of the Society. 
The President stated, that as several valuable papers had lately been sent to the 
Society it was very desirable to ascertain, whether the funds would admit their 
being printed. He accordingly suggested that an enquiry into the subject, including 
an estimate of expenses, should be instituted, to be submitted to the next general 
meeting ; which was approved of accordingly ; the Secretary kindly consenting 
to make the necessary inquiries. . 
With reference to the progress of the Agricultural Committee, the President ob- 
served that some time since, at a meeting of this Committee, it was determined 
that each of the members should transmit to the President his views of the Agricul- 
tural objects, to which he considers the attention of the Society should be chiefly 
directed - and that such communication, duly condensed, be submitted to the Socie- 
ty for approval. The President further stated, that he had not received all the papers 
he had reason to expect until the day previous to that general meeting, when a pa- 
per containing important valuable suggestions had been forwarded to him by Mr. 
Piddington, their Foreign Secretary. On the whole, the President expressed his 
hope that the views of the Agricultural Committee on the subject alluded to would 
be in proper shape to be presented to the Society at tbe next meeting. 
A letter was read from Mr. Breton, presenting to the Society a copy, in Persian 
and English, of Rajah Gunsham Singh's Treatise on Agriculture, and recommend- 
ing that extracts from that work, as well as Mr. DaCosta's, be lithographed, and 
disseminated among the Native Zemindars. 
