3. Hindu coins of various descriptions, sometimes with only inscriptions in Sancrit in the Devanágari character, but generally distinguished by emblems of religion, by figures of deities and of animals, and by heads of sovereigns, frequently very rude. The most remarkable are the Ráma Tanka, a gold coin, convex on one side and concave on the other, on which the coronation of Ráma is represented; and the Canoge coins, on some of which is represented a king enthroned, on others an idol, &c, 4.-Ancient Persian or Parthian coins, with inscriptions in the Pahlavi character, and sometimes in Greek. These are rarely found in India, and generally represent the fire worship on one side. Curious coins are often presented at certain pagodas, as Tripatti, Trivalore, and Paddapollam. Chinese coins are also occasionally found on the sea-coast. In describing coins, a distinction should be made between such as were intended for money, and such as served the purpose of medals. Countries and People. If there are any races in India with woolly hair, their history should be investigated, as they are probably not of Asiatic origin. An account of the state of slavery in the peninsula, both domes tic and agricultural. An account of the Abyssinian >slaves on the western coast of the peninsula, their numbers, and the date of their transportation thither. Are there any traces of a colony of Abyssinians in Central India, or among the Vellalars of the Carnatic. An account of military tribes ; the composition, organization, discipline, and tactics of native armies, and any elucidation of military institutions and the art of war, under the different empires which have successively existed in India. An account of the Parsees, their numbers, religion and literature. The history of the small Jewish kingdoms in southern Arabia which were destroyed by Muhammed. Some account of the secret association of Rámeseram, which is said to be governed by laws much resembling those of freemasonry. Particulars of the education of dancers and singers, with any rules written or oral, regarding these arts; the rights of property in female dancers; the castes into which their children are admitted; and their customs with regard to the purchase of children, especially of the weaver tribe. An account of the Labbis of the southern provinces of the peninsula. Information relative to the practice of burying alive which exists in the provinces north-west of Madras. An account of any races of mountaineers whose habits and customs differ from those of the inhabitants of the neighbouring plains. An account of the ceremonies and practice of the pilgrims, at the temples in central and southern India; particularly those of Trivalore and Paddapollam, in the Jageer, with specimens of articles presented as offerings at these temples. An account of maritime tribes from Bombay northwards, and of the people inhabiting the banks of the Indus. Architecture. A translation or abstract of the Silpa Sústra, and some exposition of Hindu architecture, including particulars of the building materials in use, especially the preparations, of the various kinds of chunam and cement. Details regarding the building of pagodas, forts, places, bridges, dykes, &c., with the dates of their erection. The pagodas of Tripatty, Trincomalee, Chillambram, Canjipu. ram, Seringam, and Rámeseram, are particularly worthy of notice; and among the most remarkable forts are those of Gingee, Vellore, Chandernagore, Seringapatam, Pennakonday, Trichinopoly, Dindigul, and Palamcottah, with the durgas or hill-forts in the Barama hal, the Mysore, the province of Canara ; &c.; many of these are supposed to be very ancient. The works of Gingee may be instanced, which with any particulars of the former governments of that placé, would of themselves form a subject of curious inquiry, The pagoda and town of Shiva Samudram, near the falls of the Cavery, deserve particular description. A drawing of the bridge thrown over the Cavery at Seringapatam by the Dewan Poorneah, and called the "Wel esley Bridge," with an account of the manner of its erection and its dimensions, would also be highly interesting. The Hindu province of Tanjore escaped entirely the ravages of Mahommedau fanaticism, and all its institutions, religious and domestic, exist at this day in their original state. An authentic account of the magnificent temples in the fortresses and towns of Tanjore, Kombaconum, Mayâveram, Trivalore, Manargoody, and Andiarcoil, would be extremely valuable. The sculptures in the temple of Andiarcoil are particularly recommended to attention. Landed Tenures, Agriculture, &c. Copies and translations of all kinds of deeds and instruments for the transfer of property, with a notice of the countries and periods to which they refer. To ascertain, with respect to grants of land in general, whether the land itself is in any case bestowed by the grant, or only the landlord's share of the produce or revenue. Is there any reason to think that tenures were established in the south of India by the princes of the MM An account of the culture of the different kinds of indigo, of sugar, rice, and opium. An account of the culture of tobacco, and of the date of its first introduction into India: and of the pepper and betel vines. A description of timber trees, with a collection of specimens. The history of the division of the produce of the soil between the cultivators of irrigated lands in the several provinces of the peninsula ; when this division was first established; its cause; the original rates of division, and the increase or decrease of these rates under different sovereigns or govern. A history of the rise and progress of navigation among the Arabs, and of the art of ship and boat-building, as well in their ports as in those of India. Models of grabs, dows, donies, masula boats, catamarans, and canoes, would materially illustrate this subject.' The method of conducting the several pearl fisheries, their extent and annual produce, form a branch of this inquiry. An account of the breeds of cattle in Guntoor and Guzerat, Mysore, and Vellore, and the cause of their exceeding so remarkably in size those of Tanjore, Malabar, and Canara; also an account of the various breeds of horses, both aboriginal and Arabian. An account of the Shen Nai, or wild dog, accompanied by drawings or a skin. Does it attack the larger beasts of prey and hunt in -packs? It has been observed in the extensive bamboo jungle on the western side of the peninsula, that tracts of the forest have simulta An account of the constitution of a musical band, and a description of the various musical instru-ments in use, with specimens. An account of the musical notaneously died, leaving bare patches 'tion of the Hindus, with a history of their attainments in the science of music. Some of their most po pular airs as examples, would enhance the value of communications on this subject. destructive irruptions of wild eleof many miles in extent, and that phants into cultivated districts to this. have on some occasions been owing cause. Does this phenomenon take place in other parts An account of the gymnastic of India? among other trees as exercises of the Hindus and Ma-well as the bamboo? and to what cause is it to be attributed? hommedans; their arms and warlike engines, offensive and defensive; their method of taking wild animals and game, and the instruments employed for these purposes. Natural History. Natural history in all its departments still offers a wide field of research in India. Many districts have been but superficially examined, as to their animal, vegetable, and mineral productions; and even the varieties of the human race have not been sufficiently considered. Miscellaneous. An account of eastern caravans, or overland communications between Europe and India, both in ancient and modern times. An account of the former and present state of the Pamboo strait between the island of Raméseram and the main, with a statement of the causes which have obstructed+ its navigation by large vessels. cherries Communications on this branch of science would therefore be particularly valuable. The principal rivers will probably furnish many new species of fish ; and the various methods of taking them, as well along the coast and in harbours as in rivers, would form a good subject for investigation.e It is suggested, that meteorological accounts be kept in all the cutof collectors, with a view to deducing thence a general meteorological account of the peninsula; and the annexed is recommended as the form in which such accounts should be registered. " I It also appears to be desirableTM that the meteorological register should be accompanied by the fol- ART. VIII.-Extracts from the Dasakumára, MSS. CONTINUED FROM NO. XII. PAGE 227. STORY OF PRAMAT I. AFTER having wandered some time in search of your Highness; I came to a forest near the skirts of the Vindhya mountain. There evening overtook me, and the beauty of the West was decorated with the crimson blossoms of the last rays of the sun. I refreshed myself in a limpid pool. Being unable to distinguish the irregularities of the road, levelled now by the gloom, I determined to halt, and collecting a quantity of dry leaves, I made a bed with them at the foot of a stately tree, where having recommended myself to the tutelary Dryad, I composed myself to rest. After a short interval, it appeared to me, that my limbs reposed on some softer material than the ground, and sensations of exquisite delight pervaded my whole frame. I felt my right arm throb, and I thought I looked up, and beheld a white canopy, that screened me from the beams of the moon. As I cast my looks to the left, I saw the walls of a lofty apartment, along the foot of which a number of Damsels lay asleep on painted couches. I then direct ed my gaze to the right, and beheld a most lovely maiden, as graceful as a creeper of Indra's garden, rent from its prop by Airávata, and bowed in sleep like the Lotus when it shuts its petals on the amorous bee. She looked, as lying on the pure white couch, like the earth reclined on the ivory tusks of Adivaráha, whilst a pearly robe, like the milky ocean, floated loosely over her well turned shoulders. The change filled me with astonishment, and I lay wondering what had become of the forest, and my leafy couch; what building was this, on whose lofty turret rose the spear-crowned figure of the martial God (Kártikeya), shaded by banners floating the sky; how had I been transported to my present situation, and who the maidens could be, by whom I was surrounded; but the Damsel, who appeared their chief, and resembled the Goddess that bears the Lotus, was the especial object of my meditations. A mortal she certainly was, for the eyes were fast closed in sleep, like the Lotus in the lunar beams; drops of perspiration stood on her cheeks like tears of amber from the snapped branches of the mangoe, and parts of her raiment lying about, were discoloured with dust. Whilst I meditated whether I should disturb her slumbers, methought, she gently opened her eyes, and surveyed me with more affection than alarm; after appearing as if she would call her attendants, she seemed to abandon the intention, and drawing herself up, and retiring to the further part of the couch, she lay watching me with half-shut eyes till again she fell asleep. I felt the same power overcome my passion, and was once more plunged into profound repose. After a time I awoke, and looking about me, found myself still at the foot of the tree, in the same place where I had lain down. It was dawn, and I arose, but recurring to the vision of the night, I could scarcely persuade myself, it was a dream, and I determined to take up my residence on the spot, and spend my whole life there if necessary, until I should ascertain the truth. I had scarcely formed this determination, when a woman approached: she was of a graceful appearance, but emaciated with care, and clad in ragged attire; her eyes were red with weeping; her hair was bound up in a plait, and her whole semblance indicated one who had suffered the pangs of absence and separation: she ran up to me, and throwing her arms about my neck, expressed every mark of maternal affection. At last, as well as her sobs would allow her, she spoke thus: My dear child, behold in me the person, who entrusted, as you must have heard, the infant Arthapála, to the care of the Queen of Magadhá. I am the daughter of Manibhadra; the wife of Kamapala, the son of Dhermapála; and your mother: having allowed myself to feel displeasure with my husband, and having therefore quitted him in anger, I was cursed in a dream by some one in the form of a Rákshasa, who said; I take up my abode in you, Oh! violent woman for a year. The year, as long as a |