elephants, 1,000 horse, and 10,000 men, under the Let-wé-weng-mhú, with orders to proceed to Mó:-meit, and after putting that place in a state of defence, to watch the state of affairs, and seize any opportunity which might offer for attacking the Chinese army. The Wún-gyíh himself then advanced with his boats, and on arriving near Kaung-toŭn, took post near the island opposite that place, towards the western bank of the Eráwadí. He then ordered 1,500 horse and 15,000 foot, under the Shye-weng-mhú* and Tein-gyá:-men:gaung, to cross over and land on the eastern side of the Eráwadí, and, marching round the rear of Moyú, on the north bank of the Len-ban-gya, to attack any convoy of supplies and provisions which might be coming to the enemy from China, and afterwards fall on the rear of the Chinese army.

The force which marched from Ava to Mō:-gaung under the Amyauk-wún, after placing Mō:-gaung in a state of defence, advanced to meet the Chinese army coming in that direction. Learning from his scouts that the Chinese force of 10,000 horse and 100,000 foot under General Tsheng-tá-lô-yé, which had been detached towards Mō:-gaung, had halted on the east bank of the Erawadí, near Naung-tá-lô island, above Kat-kyo-wain-mô, in order to construct a bridge over the river, which is narrow there, the Amyauk-wún rapidly advanced with his whole force and took post near Peng-tháh, an island lying near the west bank, and above and below it along the river, whence he prevented the Chinese from building their bridge or crossing the Erawadí.

(The Remainder next Month).

Miscellanies, Original and Select.

Royal Asiatic Society -An ordinary meeting was held on the 9th of June; Professor Wilson, the Director of the Society, in the chair. Various donations to the library were laid upon the table; and J. W. Donaldson, Esq, and John Wedderburn, Esq., were elected resident members.

Dr. Royle read a paper on a drug sold in the shops under the name of India sarsaparilla, and which had been generally considered to be the root of Smilax aspera. Dr. Royle stated that the genuine sarsaparilla was principally obtained from South America; though the genus Smilax, which yielded it, was found in all the tropical parts of the world. After full investigation, and reference to several botanical authorities, Dr. Royle has come to the conclusion, that the root in question was that of the Hemidesmus Indicus, found in great abundance in the peninsula of India and Ceylon. It had been long employed by the natives in similar cases to those in which the true sarsaparilla was used in Europe. Dr. Christian informed the author, that it had been prescribed in Edinburgh, with favourable results; but in some cases it had an emetic tendency. The Hemidesmus Indicus belongs to the natural family Asclepiadea, which contains plants employed as diaphoretics and emetics.

A communication by Dr. Geddes, on the Tusseh silkworm of India, was read. The doctor adverted to the value of the cloth made of the silk of this worm; and stated that, in consequence of the feeding of the insect in the open air, it was not cultivated to the extent that might be attained. The moth which produced this worm was the Saturnia paphia, already described by Dr. Roxburgh, Colonel Sykes, and others. Dr. Geddes captured the moth while depositing her eggs, once in December 1826, and again in November 1830. * "Commanding the eastern entrance into the palace;" to which honourable post this officer, who had so much distinguished himself in the preceding campaigns, appears to have been elevated.

After he had caught them, they each deposited more than two hundred eggs; which were hatched in little more than ten days. The interval between hatching and spinning was very variable; some worms requiring thirty-six, others fifty days. During these periods, they change their skins four times; and the colour of the insect varies at each change. At the full size they attain a length of four inches; and the colours are very brilliant. The cocoon sometimes reaches the size of a pigeon's egg. They feed upon the leaves of the bes (Zizyphos jujube) tree; also, as in the Nagpoor territories, upon the ahseen tree. 23d June. The last meeting for the season took place this day; the Director of the Society in the chair. The meeting had been made special for the purpose of revising two articles in the Society's Regulations, relative to the payments required of non-resident members when they became resident in the British Isles; and the mode of electing members of the Council: the proposed alterations were carried, after some discussion.

A letter from Dr Lush, of the Bombay medical establishment, was read, presenting, for the use of the Committee of Agriculture and Commerce, models of four agricultural implements used in the neighbourhood of Poona. They consisted of a plough, harrow, bullock-hoe, and drilling-sowing machine. These were all of very simple construction; yet obviously efficient for the purposes for which they were intended. The last-mentioned instrument was most probably the origin of that known in Europe, and introduced about sixty years ago only; although from its still bearing in India a Sanscrit name, Neckshepuk, it is doubtless of very remote antiquity in that country.

The details of an analysis, by Mr. Solly, of several Indian oil seeds, was read. One of these kinds, the Woondel seed, produced 637 per cent. of oil; and the rest appeared to yield a larger proportion than most European seeds. James Weir Hogg, Esq., M.P., was elected a resident member. The Society's meetings were adjourned to November.

CRITICAL NOTICES.

The History, Antiquities, Topography, and Statistics of Eastern India, &c. &c. By MONTGOMERY MARTIN. In Three Vols. Vol. II. London, 1838. Wm. H. Allen and Co.

THE second volume of this valuable work contains the districts of Bhagulpoor, Goruckpoor, and Dinajepoor. We have briefly mentioned the nature of the work (p. 70), and intimated our design of giving an extended notice of it when complete. Anaya, the Prophetess of Méwar. A Poem, in Six Cantos. Part I. Cantos 1, 2.

By ELIZABETH STEWART. London, 1838. Smith, Elder, and Co.

THE subject of this poem is avowedly taken from the late Colonel Tod's Annals of Rajasthan (which affords abundant resources for those who are in search of poetic materials), the two principal characters, however, being the creation of the authoress's fancy. The versification of the piece is easy, and sometimes elegant. The Connexion of the East-India Company's Government with the Superstitions and Idolatrous Customs and Rites of the Natives of India, stated and explained. With a large Appendix of Documents. By a late Resident in India. London, 1838. Hatchard.

THIS is a question into which we feel very indisposed to enter, not because it is not of great importance, but because we are persuaded, first, that its discussion is attended with risk; and secondly, that the feelings of most of those who engage in it are so strongly excited, and so deeply tinctured with well-intended but indiscreet zeal, that they are incapable of any thing like dispassionate discussion. We may add a third reason that of the comparatively few who, in this country, take an interest Asiat. Journ.N.S.VOL.25.No. 104. 2 U

in this question, a very small minority indeed are qualified, by à competent knowledge of the subject, to view it in all its bearings. The work before us, though professing to " state and explain" the subject, is in fact a diligent compilation, by an eager partizan of one side of the question, of all that can help that side, carefully excluding every thing that can afford even a glimpse of the other.

We, however, abstain from the discussion, convinced that it is calculated to do harm. We know that the pertinacious agitation of the suttee question had the effect of delaying the object sought by all for some time; and we fear that the intemperate manner in which this question is constantly and offensively obtruded may have worse consequences, by giving juster causes for apprehension to a weak, ignorant, and superstitious people.

The Oriental Portfolio, a Series of Illustrations of the Scenery, Antiquities, Architecture, Manners, Customs, &c. of the East. From original Sketches by Lord William Bentinck, G. C. B.; Sir James Sutherland, K. L. S.; Sir Henry Willock, K. L. S.; Lady Wilmot Horton; Capt. R. M. Grindlay; Lieut. Thomas Bacon; James B. Fraser, Esq. The Literary Department of the Work is under the Superintendance of Professor H. H. WILSON, M. A., F.R. S., &c. London, 1838. Smith, Elder, and Co.

Few works of a more superb character than this have ever issued from the press. Its object is to supply graphic illustrations of the scenery, architecture, and antiquities of the East, in the widest sense of the term, with accurate descriptions. The work is in imperial folio, fifteen inches by ten. Each number is to contain five plates. The first, which is now before us, and dazzles us by its luxuriance, contains a fancy vignette, exhibiting a scene in Delhi; an ancient Gateway at Deeg; a nautch in the palace of the Ameers of Sinde; a scene in the Zenana of Futtehpoor Sikri; the Fort of Monghyr; and Pavilion at the tomb of Zufdur Jung, at Delhi. The drawings are admirable for their vigour, taste, and fidelity, and the tinted lithography (which is executed in a superior style) is extremely well adapted to the subjects, which are architectural.

The work is dedicated by permission to the Queen, and is every way worthy of such high patronage.

A History of Greece. By the Rev. CONNOP THIRLWALL. Vol. V. Being Vol. CIII. of Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia. London, 1838. Longman and Co. Taylor. THIS Volume treats of the history of the Grecian States during the fourth century B. C., beginning with the state of affairs at the end of the Peloponnesian war. The narrative is judiciously divided, so as to give a clear view of the transactions of the different states, and Mr. Thirlwall has availed himself of the labours of preceding, and especially of German scholars, in the darker parts of the history. He has ventured in the Appendix to re-discuss that knotty point, the order of the Olynthiacs. The Revelation of Saint John Explained. By HENRY WILLIAM LOVETT.

Edition, with Additions. London, 1838. Whittaker.

Second

THE author of this work has brought to an arduous undertaking, learning, sense, and more enlarged views than are generally found in those who treat of this subject. Although his explanations are not always convincing, his book will well reward a careful perusal. The levity of style in which he occasionally indulges, and which is incongruous with the subject, weakens the effect of his arguments.

Practical and Experimental Chemistry, adapted to Arts and Manufactures. By E. MITSCHERLICH, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Berlin. Translated from the first portion of his Compendium. By STEPHEN LOVE HAMMICK, M.D. London, 1838. Whittaker.

THIS work was intended by its original author, an eminent foreign chemist, principally for the use of students, to aid them in self-instruction, and for persons who study chemistry for practical use in the arts-not for philosophical chemists. It is, therefore, clear and familiar, and is illustrated by numerous and excellent wood-cuts. The translation from so difficult a language as the German is well executed.

The History of England, continued from the late Right Hon. Sir James Mackintosh. By WILLIAM WALLACE, Esq. Vol. VIII. Being Vol. CIV. of Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia. London, 1838. Longman and Co. Taylor.

THE eventful period of English history comprised within the years 1685 and 1691, from the accession of James II. to the Treaty of Limerick, is the subject of this volume, which contains pregnant proof of the author's industry. We could have wished that his style, which is sufficiently succinct, had been more quiet; it has too much the character of a party writer's. Most of the transactions are put in a just light.

The Experimental Philosopher. By W. MULLINGER HIGGINS. London, 1838.

Whittaker.

A concise, familiar, yet scientific, exposition of the leading branches of experimental philosophy, well suited to those who desire a general notion of those subjects.

Animal Magnetism and Homœopathy. By EDWIN LEE, M. R.C.S. Second Edition. London, 1838. Whittaker.

THIS is a temperate examination of the pretensions of Animal Magnetism, and of Homœopathy, a recent system of quackery invented by a German doctor, named Hahnemann, and a thorough exposure of the absurdity of both.

A History of British Birds. By WILLIAM YARRELL, F.L. S., V. P.Z.S. London, 1838. Van Voorst.

THIS elegant and scientific work is continued with admirable spirit; its decorations are above praise.

The Churches of London, &c. By GEORGE GODWIN, Jun., F. S. A., assisted by JOHN BRITTON, Esq. F. S. A., &c. London, 1838. Tilt.

THE nineteenth number of this highly ornamental and well-written work has three excellent views-one of St. Michael Paternoster, and two of St. Helen's Bishopsgate.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

THE Dictionary of the Cochin-Chinese or Anamitan language, by the Right Rev. Jean Louis, Bishop of Isauropolis and Vicar-Apostolic of Cochin-China, printed at the Serampore Press, under the auspices of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, is now nearly completed. One volume (quarto) is Anamitan- Latin, having the native words in the Chinese character and in the Roman alphabet; the other volume (large octavo). is a reversed dictionary, Latin-Anamitan, in the Roman Character. A copious vocabulary and dialogues in French, English, Latin, and Cochin-Chinese, with tables of coins, &c. are added. The preface of each volume will present a Sanskrit view of the grammar, and the rules for pronunciation, and a treatise on Cochin-Chinese poetry, with translations, &c. This work, the first of the kind ever published, is, we understand, beautifully printed under the eye of Mr. Marshman.

PREPARING for Publication.-Cutch, or Random Sketches taken during a residence in one of the Northern provinces of Western India; interspersed with Legends and Traditions, and illustrated by original drawings.

College Examination.

EAST-INDIA COLLEGE, HAILEYBURY.
GENERAL EXAMINATION, May 1838.

On Tuesday, the 29th May, a deputation of the Court of Directors proceeded to the College at Haileybury, for the purpose of receiving the report of the College Council, as to the result of the general examination of the students.

The deputation, upon their arrival at the College, proceeded to the Principal's lodge, where they were received by him

and the other professors, and the oriental visitor. Soon afterwards they proceeded to the hall, accompanied by several distinguished visitors, when (the students being previously assembled) the following proceedings took place:

A list of the students who had gained prizes, and other honourable distinctions, was read.

Mr. Rich. G. Clarke read the Prize passed with great credit in other depart