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supply of water was abundant, but that the idleness of man neglected to 
store it up for use, and that in consequence of that idleness famines were 
ever recurring. There is no doubt that Calcutta is well watered ; but, 
with due deference to those gentlemen who have already spoken, I have 
always understood that the English Government have allowed great 
works of irrigation formerly established in other parts of India to go 
to ruin, and that we have been rather behind our predecessors in carrying 
out those public works which should be established and maintained for 
the benefit of the country at large. Sir A. Alison’s “ History of Europe ” 
contains one or two interesting chapters on India, and he brings a strong 
indictment against those in authority for allowing the splendid reservoirs 
that were formerly constructed in India to fall into ruin, and for not 
rebuilding them. 
Sir J. Fayrer. — Since 1822 or 1823 the Government have undertaken 
to resuscitate the old works. 
Mr. Griffith. — It i3, of course, highly interesting to consider the 
benefits our own country has derived from its rainfall. The atmosphere 
not only collects the deleterious products of life, but it is also a reservoir of 
health-giving moisture, which, flowing down upon the soil, cleanses every- 
thing, and makes the country habitable and productive. I may add one 
other fact to those adduced by Mr. Bateman, namely, that the great quantity 
of moisture suspended over our heads, and descending in fruitful showers, is 
largely increased by the Gulf Stream, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico, 
whence it proceeds in an easterly direction, and surrounds the whole of the 
British Islands. That stream is heated in its passage across the tropics, and 
contributes not only to the quantity of moisture in the atmosphere which 
produces our rainfall, but also warms the air, and, so to speak, renders 
England a kind of hothouse in the midst of what would otherwise be an 
almost Arctic region, cold as Kamschatka. We are, therefore, very much 
indebted to the Gulf Stream for the exceptional position we enjoy. The 
subject of meteorology is, however, one which presents so many points of 
interest that it would be too great a tax on your time to attempt to discuss 
them all. 
General Maclagan. — With regard to the irrigation works constructed in 
India by the Mahommedan emperors ; Sir Joseph Fayrer is right in saying 
that it was about the year 1823 that attention began to be directed to them, 
after we came into possession of that part of the country, and their restoration 
was taken in hand. Originally those works were not altogether for purposes 
of irrigation ; they were intended for supplying the pleasure-grounds of the 
rulers. To a place at the west of Delhi, which was a favourite resort of 
theirs, the water was carried a long distance from the Jumna. In 1826 the 
restoration of those works commenced. With regard to the effect of such 
works upon famines, it is quite true that irrigation by itself -would not 
sufficiently supply what is wanted. We know that in times of great 
distress from deficiency of food, there has been, in other parts of India, 
which the famines have not visited, abundance of food, and what was 
