PREFACE. 
KX 
mHE Fifteenth Volume of the Journal of the Transactions 
of the Victoria Institute is now issued. It will be 
found to contain papers by the following authors: — Mr. R. 
Brown, F.S.A., “On Language and the Theories of its 
Origin ;” Mr. J. F. Bateman, F.R.S., F.B.S.E., on “ Meteo- 
rology, Rainfall,” being a general inquiry into the causes 
and effects of Rainfall in the present day in various 
parts of the British Isles. Immediately following this 
paper is one “On the Rainfall and Climate of India,” 
by Sir Joseph Fayrer, K.C.S.I., M.D., F.R.S. As the 
whole question of the Meteorology of India is not only 
connected with the Climate of that country, but with its 
Physical Geography, the Institute is fortunate in being 
able to give to the world so carefully written and valuable 
an essay, illustrated by a map, specially drawn and kindly 
presented by Mr. Trelawney Saunders, in which, for the first 
time, a view of the Physical G-eography as well as the 
Meteorology of India are combined ; — the discussions on 
both papers — which are also not without their bearing 
on the arguments affecting some recent geological ques- 
tions — will be found of much interest. The Rev. G-. 
Blencowe takes up the question of “ the Modern Science 
of Religion;” and the Right Rev. Bishop Cotterill, D.D. 
(of Edinburgh), deals with “the Relation between Science 
and Religion through the principles of Unity, Order, and 
