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EXHIBITING A VIEW OF THR

PROGRESSIVE DISCOVERIES

IN

| INDIAN ZOOLOGY, BOTANY, GEOLOGY,

CONDUCTED

BY JOHN M‘CLELLAND,

ATE. TE BRIT SERVICE.

at otha a de } ce iy ey > 3 ana : re a —— oy:

‘44, pay. ee) Bs Tae ose aka ors trees re be

‘cums at TO BE comtasne QUARTERLY.

Communications and orders for the work to be sent under cover to the Editor

In London, Communications and Orders will be received by OsTELL and Co *‘ Oriental Library,’ 83, Leadenhall Street.

The Journal will be transmitted by dak, peering postage, or delivered to agents ap- pointed to receive it in-Calcutta. Price to subscribers 16 Rs. per annum.

| oe ae Bishop's College Press. 4, of ;

THE,

Calcutta Journal

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. By Grorcr Garp- NER, F.L.S., Corresponding Member of the Royal Botanical Society of Ratisbon, and Superintendent of the Royal Bo- tanical Gardens, Ceylon.

ORD. NAT. STERCULIACE&.

DurRio cEyLANicus, Gardn.

D. foliis exacte oblongis basi rotundatis apice longe acumi- natis, umbellis sessilibus nodosis multifloris, floribus cylin-

. dricis apetalis, tubo stamineo elongato, capitulis echinatis,

spinis elongatis validis.

Durio zibethinus, Moon Cat. Ceyl. Pl. p. 356. (non Linneus.)

Has.—Wooded hills near Galle, in the Southern Province, but little above the sea level, and very common in forests in the Central Province at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. Flowers in May.

Derscr.—A free from 60 to 120 feet high. The old branches and stems covered with ash-coloured bark, the branchlets with small imbricated, peltate, lobed, brownish coloured scales. Leaves alter- nate, petiolate, oblong, rounded at the base, much acuminated at the

Vou. vit. No. 29. Apriz, 1847. B

2 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

apex, glabrous, green, and shining above, covered beneath with brown scales, similar to those on the young branches, pennivenous, the ves very slender and included, the midrib prominent beneath, 6-7 inches long, 21-27 lines broad, in texture between membraneous and coriaceous: petiole about 10 lines long, round, curved, and thickened from below the middle upwards. Flowers somewhat um- belliferous, numerous, arising from large irregularly lobed woody protuberances on the larger branches, pedicellate. Pedicels cylin- . drical, thickened upwards, marked about the middle with the scars of two deciduous bracts, covered with scales similar to those on the leaves and branches, 9 lines long. Involucrum cylindrical, 2-4-lobed at the apex, deciduous, covered with brown scales, about 8 lines long. Calyx cylindrical, somewhat conical, 14 inches long, 4} lines broad, irregularly 5-dentate at the apex, fleshy, covered externally with brown scales, similar to those of the pedicels and involucrum, and the lower two-thirds internally with scales which are also peltate, but thinner, less lobed, more ciliated, and of a paler colour, the upper third quite glabrous. Corolla none. Staminal tube cylindri- cal, 18-20 lines long, whitish, glabrous, dividing into five portions at the apex, which are linear, flattened, much acuminated, puberu- lous externally, and each bearing about five shortly pedicellate anthers : anthers globose, fixed by the base, entirely surrounded by naked pollen grains. Pollen globose, pedicellate! echmate. Ovary superior, sessile, cylindrical, covered externally with roundish, peltate, whitish scales, 5-celled. Ovules about two in each cell, superposed, attached to the inner angle, ascending, anatropous. Style filiform, densely covered with whitish coloured peltate, deeply ciliated scales : Stigma globose, yellowish. Capsule globose, about 5 inches in dia- meter, of a fibrous woody texture, densely covered with long, rigid spines, rising from a broad conical base, 5-celled, 5-valved, with a loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds about two in each cell, ascending, irre- gularly triangular, 15-18 lines long, nearly entirely surrounded by a deeply laciniated, white, fleshy arillus. Testa hard, shining, and of a chestnut colour, the line of the raphe running along one side of the external angle. Embryo exalbuminous: cotyledons fleshy, firmly adhering to each other: radical next the hilum, retracted, inversely

conical, obtuse, greenish.

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 3

Oss. I.—I much regret, that I have neither specimens nor a good recent figure of Durio zibethinus, with which to compare the present plant, though I have no doubt of its being a congener, notwithstanding its apetalous flowers. With the assistance of the figure which Rumphius has given of the former species, I have, however, been enabled to draw up a specific character by which to distinguish the Ceylon one from it. It is not a little singular that, though they are so nearly related to each other, the fruit of the Ceylon spe- cies has neither the fcetid smell nor the edible property of the Malacca one. The tree is called Katu-Méda by the Singhalese, but is not so far, as I can learn, applied by them to any useful purpose. Monkeys are very fond of the nuts.

Oss. II.—There are one or two points connected with the structure of the anthers in this tree that are worthy of being more fully alluded to. While examining these organs, I was surprised to find them quite destitute of cells, the pollen grains being naked, and entirely surrounding a globose fleshy receptacle. I was then led to enquire how far this might be owing to the age of the organ, but the same structure was found in the bud as in the expanded flower. Although this globular anther is densely covered with pollen, yet it only forms a single series, and each grain is echinate and dis- tinctly pedicellate, the whole forming a beautiful microscopic object. I have never before met with so remarkable a departure from the normal structure of the anther, nor am I aware, that any such is recorded among the many peculiari- ties of this organ enumerated by Mr. Brown, in his valuable paper on Rafflelsia, in the 13th volume of ‘The Linnean Transactions,’ nothing of the kind is alluded to; nor is it mentioned in the ‘ Lecons de Botanique’ of St. Hilaire, which is the latest work I possess on vegetable morphology. In a morphological point of view, the peculiarity is a most interesting one, as a greater remove from the original type of an exogenous anther cannot well be conceived.

4 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

ORD. NAT. CLUSIACEAE. MeEsua NAGAHA, Gardn.

M. foliis lanceolatis basi obtusis vel acutiusculis apice acuminatis, acumine obtusis, coriaceis supra viridi-nitentibus subtus glaucis, floribus axillaribus terminalibusque solitariis vel geminis, pedicellis petiolo plus duplo brevioribus, petalis obcordatis sessilibus margine undulatis, capsulis globosis de- pressis. |

Mesua ferrea, Moon Cat. Ceyl. Pl. p.51. Wight Icones Plant. t. 118. (non Linneus.)

-Has.—On the west side of Ceylon, from the sea level to an elevation of about 2,000 feet. Flowers in May.

Descr.—A tree 20 to 60 feet high. Leaves 4-7 inches long, 16-24 lines broad, when young of a blood-red colour: petiole 5-7 lines

long, subterete. Pedicels 2-3 lines long. Flowers white, 33 inches

m diameter. Sepals 4, in two series, roundish, concave, slightly puberulous, ciliated, those of the external series much smaller, and connate at the base. Petals 4. Stamens numerous, monodelphous at the base: filaments filiform, yellow: anthers oblong, orange coloured. Ovary conical, depressed, glabrous, white, imperfectly 2-celled, with two erect, compressed ovules in each cell. Style filiform : séigma peltate, concave: capsule globose, depressed about an inch in diameter, nearly 1-celled from the almost entire absorp- tion of the dissepiment, 2-valved, with a septicidal dehiscence, 2-4-

seeded. Seeds large, erect, concave, or flattened on their inner

surface, convex on the outer: testa coriaceous, of a chestnut colour. Embryo exalbuminous, orthotropous: cotyledons very fleshy, of a yellowish colour, distinct, but adhering rather firmly together : radical small, inferior, directed towards the hilum.

Oxss.—This, the Na-gaha of the Singhalese, and the Iron- wood of the English, has been confounded by Moon and Wight with the Mesua ferrea of Linneus, a very different species, as I have been able to determine from excellent

aan es

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 5

specimens of the latter from Malacca, which I owe to the kindness of the late Mr. Griffith, and which perfectly accord with the figure of Rumph. (Amd. 7, ¢.2.) In that species the Jeaves are comparatively very small, and the fruit ovate, and much acuminated. Dr. Wight in a more recent publication (Spicil. Neilgh. 1. p. 27) states, that he now believes the Ceylon tree to be identical with the Mesua speciosa of Choisy, a native of the Neilgherries, where I had the pleasure of collecting specimens along with Dr. Wight in February 1845. <A comparison of those specimens with Ceylon ones has enabled me to determine, that the trees are distinct. The latter differs in having leaves which are broader in pro- portion to their length, obtuse at the base, and with an obtuse, not acute, acumen. ‘The pedicels are more than twice shorter than the petioles, while in Mesua speciosa they are about equal to them in length. In the latter the calycine segments are covered with a short tomentum, while in the present species they are only slightly puberulous. Although the flowers are about the same size in both species; the anthers of the Neilgherry one are twice as large as the Ceylon ones, and the capsule about three times larger, and ovate, acute, not globose, depressed. :

The tree is a very handsome one, and is one of those usually planted near Budhist temples. The wood is very hard, hence the English name. The young leaves give it a very striking appearance at certain seasons, being of a bright- blood colour. ‘The flowers are not unlike those of some large Cistus, and, as in that genus, the petals are very fugaceous.

ORD. NAT. ROSACEA.

RuUBUS FAIRHOLMIANUS, Gardn.

R. scandens fruticosus, ramis teretibus petiolis pedunculis- que dense cinereo-tomentosis sparse aculeatis, aculeis de- flexis vix curvatis, foliis coriaceis laté ovatis basi cordatis 5-lobis margine minute denticulatis supra rugosis glabriusculis

6 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

subtus dense cinereo-tomentosis eleganter reticulato-veno-

sis, lobis ovatis obtusis terminalibus acutiusculis subtrilobis, stipulis profunde fimbriato-incisis, lobis setaceis, paniculis axillaribus petiolo brevioribus vel terminalibus compositis confertis bracteatis, bracteis fimbriato-fissis, calycis lobis ovato-lanceolatis acuminatis margine inciso-fimbriatis utrin- que tomentosis, petalis calyce duplo brevioribus obovatis obtusis apice subdenticulatis, filamentis complanatis, carpellis numerosissimis glabris atro-sanguineis, stylis elongatis.

Has.—Bushy places on the Bopatalawe Plains, between Adam’s Peak and Newera Ellia, at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Flowers in March.

Drscr.—Stems and branches with very few prickles. Leaves, exclusive of the petiole, 3-8 inches long, 24-4 inches broad: petiole 1-2 inches long, together with the midrib below slightly prickly. Stipules 6-8 lines long. Flowers compact. Calycine segments 5 lines long, 24 lines broad, the internal ones more acuminated and less incised than the others. Petals white, 2} lines long. Fruit, when ripe, about 8 lines in diameter, nearly black.

Oss.—This beautiful, and very distinct species of Rubus, was found on my return from a most interesting journey which was made to Adam’s Peak, in February and March 1846, during which I was accompanied by my excellent friend W. Fairholme, Esq., who shared with me all the pleasures of the journey, aS well as the pains and anxieties of being lost for five days in the dense forest which stretches northward from the Peak, during which period we had to live principally on what roots and herbs we could pick up. It is to this gentle- man that I dedicate the species.

RuBUS MICROPETALUS, Gardn.

Rt. scandens, fruticosus ramis teretibus petiolis pedunculis- que minuté cinnamomio-tomentosis aculeatis, aculeis deflexis

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 7

curvatis, foliis ovatis basi profundeé cordatis 5-lobis inzequaliter, acuté serrulato-dentatis, supra levis sparse pilosis demum glabratis subtus cinnamomio-tomentosis grossé reticulatis, sti- pulis profunde incito-fimbriatis, lacineis setaceis, paniculis axillaribus petiolo subzqualibus vel terminalibus compositis confertis bracteatis, bracteis linearibus fimbriato-fissis, calycis lobis lanceolatis acuminatis integriusculis utrinque tomen- tosis, petalis obovato-oblongis basi cuneatis apice obtusis subdentatis ciliatis calyce triplo fere brevioribus, filamentis complanatis, carpellis numerosis glabris atro-rubentibus. Rubus micropetalus, Gardn. Herb. Flor. Ceylon, n. 263.

Has.—In forests on the Rambodde Pass and the Elephant Plains, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. Flowers in June to October.

Descr.—Stems and branches very slender, the older ones at length glabrous. Leaves distant, membraneous, exclusive of the petiole, 3-4 inches long, and as much broad, the middle lobe very much larger than the others, and often acuminated, the two lower ones small, and sometimes almost obliterated : petiole slender, 13-2 inches long. Stipules about 8 lines long. Panicle small, compact, rachis, somewhat flexuose. Calycine segments 6 lines long, 2 lines broad. Petals minute, white, about 2 lines long. Fruit, when ripe, about 6 lines in diameter, hemispherical, and of a dark-red colour.

Oxss.—The very slender habit of this species, the mem- braneous leaves, thin acute lobes, readily distinguishes it from all the other simple-leaved Ceylon ones, as well as from all the hitherto described Indian ones. It will stand next to R. rugosus, Sm.

RusBus MACROCARPUS, Gardn.

R. scandens fruticosus, ramis teretibus petiolis pedunculis- que ferrugineo-tomentosis, aculeolatis, aculeolis vix deflexis, foliis suborbiculatis basi profunde cordatis 5-lobis minute et acute subinequaliter denticulatis, lobis obtusissimis, supra

8 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

rugosis glabriusculis subtus ferrugineo-tomentosis grossé reti- culatis, stipulis inciso-lobatis, lacineis lanceolato-subulatis, paniculis terminalibus parvis coarctatis bracteatis, bracteis obovatis ad apicem fimbriatis, calycis lobis ovatis obtusis margine denticulatis utrinque tomentosis, petalis oblongis obtusis longitudine calycis, filamentis valde complanatis, car- pellis numerosis glabris magnis nigris. Rubus macrocarpus, Gardn. Herb. Flor. Ceyl. n. 262.

Has.—Common by the margins of woods on the plains of Newera Ellia, at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Flowers in June to October.

Descr.—The old branches at length nearly glabrous. Leaves, exclusive of the petiole, 3-5 inches in length, and about equal in breadth: petiole 13-2 inches long. Panicle about 2 inches long, contracted, subracemose. Calycine segments 43 lines long, 23 lines broad. Petals 4+ lines long, rose-coloured. Fruit, when ripe, black, hemispherical, and about an inch in diameter.

Oxs.—A very distinct species, admirably characterized by its small compact panicles, petals, the length of the calycine ‘segments, and its very large, black, flattened fruit, which, when fully ripe, but only then, has a very pleasant acidulous taste. During my visit to the Neilgherry mountains in 1845, I collected specimens of this species along with Dr. Wight, both of us taking it for R. rugosus, but from which it widely differs. The Ceylon and Neilgherry specimens agree in every thing except that the tomentum of the latter is whiter. The fruit is the same in both, large and black, while that of R. rugosus is much smaller and bright-red.

ORD. NAT. SANGUISORBACE.

ALCHEMILLA INDICA, Gardn.

A. foliis radicalibus subrotundo-reniformibus 8-9-lobis supra sparse villosis subtus dense sericeo-villosis, lobis semi-

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 9

orbiculatis cireumcirca acute serratis dense ciliatis, petiolis

sarmentisque longe patente villosis, stipulis membranaceis

grosse reticulatis lanceolatis acuminatis demum glabriusculis, corymbis parvis axillaribus dichotomis. Alchemilla indica, Gardn. Herb. Flor. Ceylon, n. 273. Alchemilla vulgaris, Arn. Pugil. Plant. Ind. n. 48. Wight Icon. Plant, t. 229. (non Linneus.)

Has.—Common on the open grassy plains of the interior, at an elevation of from 4 to 8,000 feet: very abundant between Newera Ellia and the Horton Plains. Flowers in June to September.

Derscr.—Stem short, somewhat woody. Lower leaves from 23-3 inches in diameter: petioles 6-7 inches long. Stipules adnate to the petiole, about an inch in length. From the axills of these leaves proceed leafy runners from 1-2 feet in length, which frequently take root at their extremities and form new plants. The leaves of these shoots are much smaller than the radical ones, and are borne on much shorter petioles : it is from the axills of these that the corymbs proceed. Corymbs pedunculate, 14-2. inches long, villous, dichotomous, the divisions bearing small leafy bracts at their base. Floral bracts simple or trifid, acute, about as long as the flowers. Pedicel about half a line long, villous. Flowers hermaphrodite. Calyx free: tube urceolate, the throat nearly closed by an annular disk : /émé 8-parted, the divisions in two series, all ovate, acuminate, ciliate, somewhat 3-nerved and reticulated, those of the external series smaller than the internal ones. Corolla none. Stamens 4, inserted on the exter- nal margin of the broad ring in the throat of the calyx, opposite the external calycine segments : filaments flattened, glabrous : anthers subglobose, 1-celled, dehiscing transversely. Ovary solitary, shortly stipilate, free, glabrous, 1-celled, with a single ascending ovule. Style basilar, filiform, glabrous: stigma capitate. Ripe fruct not seen.

Oxss.—This, which is the only species of the genus hitherto described from India, and which is common to Ceylon and c

10 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

the Neilgherry mountains, was unknown to Moon, and by Arnott has been confounded with the Alchemilla vulgaris of Kurope. It is, however, a totally distinct species, both as regards habit and structure. The principal distinctions be- tween them are the great villosity of the present plant, its orbicular leaves, and semi-orbicular lobes, the lower of which overlap each other in the larger leaves, and the differently shaped stipules; while the upright stems of the European plant are represented by runners in the Indian one. The flowers are besides, much larger than those of the Alchemilla vulgaris, and the venation of the calycine segments of the two species when examined side by side, is very different.

PoTrERIUM INDICUM, Gardn.

P. caulibus angulatis basi ferrugineo-villosis, foliolis ovatis obtusis grossé dentato-serratis basi subcordatis inferioribus multo minoribus, capitules polygamis, bracteis ciliatis, caly- cibus fructiferis osseo-induratis reticulato-rugulosis quad- rangularibus, angulis alatis.

Has.—Adam’s Peak,— Mr. Alwis.

Drscr.—Stems several from the same root, 13-2 feet high, branched, angular, and striated, the lower portion, as well as the petioles of the leaves, covered with long brown articulated hairs. Leaves alternate, 6-8 inches long, impari-pinnate : pinnules numerous, distant, alternate, or subopposite, petiolate, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, subcordate at the base, deeply inciso-dentate, teeth ovate, shortly mucronate, pennivenous, with the intervenium reticulated, glabrous on the upper surface, glabrous or somewhat hairy on the under, 9 lines long, 6 lines broad: stipules adnate to the petiole, foliaceous, inciso-dentate, about 4 lines long. Heads ovate, about 8 lines long. Flowers polygamous. Bracts obovate, cuneate at the base, densely ciliated. Calyx adherent: limb 4-parted: segments ovate-elliptical, obtuse, bluntly mucronate, margins somewhat mem-

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. I]

braneous, glabrous. Corolla none. Stamens numerous: filaments filiform : anthers subreniform, 2-celled, the cells somewhat distinct, dehiscing longitudinally inwards. Ovaries 2, included within the tube of the calyx, each 1-celled, and containing a single pendulous ovule. Style terminal: stigmata numerous, pencilliform, as long as the style. Achenia 2, contained within the indurated tube of the calyx, which is rugose and 4-angled, with all the angles winged. Seed inverse. Embryo exalbuminous, with the radical superior.

Oxss.—The specimens from which I have made the above description, I found in the herbarium belonging to the Royal Botanic Garden which had been formed previous to my arri- val in the Island. There are about a dozen specimens, but with no note attached to them; my draughtsman, Mr. Alwis, however, informs me that they were gathered by him on Adam’s Peak in the year 1835. It is the first species, so far as | am aware, that has yet been found in India, and is well distinguished from all known ones by the long ferrugine- ous hairs of the lower part of the stem and petioles, and the decidedly winged fruit.

ORD. NAT. MELASTOMACE.

MEDINILLA WALKERI, Wight.

M. ramulis confertis teretibus, foliis oppositis breviter petiolatis ovato-oblongis obtusis basi obtusis quintuplinerviis, pedunculis 2-3 terminalibus unifloris, floribus octandris, an- theris basi postice longe unicalcaratis.

Medinilla? walkeri, R. W. Iliust. Ind. Bot. |, p. 217, (name only. )

Has.—On the stems of trees ; not uncommon in forests of the Central Province, at an elevation of from 3 to 5,000 feet. Flowers in April to June.

12 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

Drscr.—Stem shrubby, scandent, radicant. Branches round, glabrous, leafy. Leaves opposite, petiolate, oval-oblong, obtuse, glabrous, entire, 3-nerved at the base, with other two springing from the midrib a little higher up, dark green and shining above, pale | and opaque beneath, about 3 inches long, and from 15-18 lines broad : petiole 4-6 lines long, slightly channeled above. Peduncles terminal, in threes about 1} inch long, round, glabrous. Calyx tube obovate, obtusely 8-angled, 3 lines long : limb 4-lobed, lobes broadly ovate, obtuse, very much thickened at the apex, the whole of a reddish colour, except the tips of the lobes which are greenish. Petals 4, fleshy, alternate with the lobes of the calyx, and inserted on their base, obliquely obovate, obtuse, of a beautiful rose colour, 15 lines long, 11 limes broad, in eestivation twisted from left and right. Stamens 8, about equal, a little declinate : filaments flattened, of a yellowish colour, about 5 lines long, inserted on the top of the tube of the calyx: anthers oblong, compressed, 2-celled, the cells opening by a single pore at the apex, 5 lines long, of a yellow colour, the connective produced at the base into a curved horn-like process, about 2 lines long. Ovary enclosed in the tube of the calyx, to which its lower half adheres, the free portion 4-sulcate, glabrous, 4- celled, the cells with numerous ovules in each, attached horizontally to a fleshy placenta, which projects from the inner angle. Style filiform, longer than the stamens, curved at the apex. Stgma simple. Ripe fruit not seen.

Oxs.—Of the three species of this genus, which are natives of Ceylon, and now described for the first time, the present is by far the most beautiful. It runs up the large stems of forest trees like ivy, and produces its beautiful, large, rose coloured blossoms in the greatest profusion in the months of May and June. I have met with it on the Hautane range, above Rambodde, at Dimboold, and on Adam’s Peak.

MEDINILLA FUCHSIOIDES, Gardn. M. ramis dichotomis, ramulis, teretibus, foliis oppositis sessilibus elliptico-oblongis basi sabcuneatis obtusis parce

a

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 13

retusis quintuplinerviis, pedunculis axillaribus solitariis 1-3 floris, floribus octandris, antheris basi 5-tuberculatis.

Has.—On trees in forests between Newra Ellia and the Horton Plains, at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Flowers

in February.

Descr.—Epiphytal, dichotomously branched, glabrous. Branches round, covered with ash-coloured bark. Leaves sessile, opposite, elliptical-oblong, narrowed towards the base, obtuse, and slightly retuse at the apex, 5-nerved, the three middle ones united to about half an inch above the base, nerves prominent beneath, dark-green above, pale beneath, 3-4 inches long, 15-23 lines broad. Peduncles axillary, solitary, but only appearing where the leaves have fallen off, 3-4 lines long, 1-3 flowered, with two small acute bracts at the apex. Pedicels about 8 lines long, articulated in the middle, with two small, subulate, reflexed, bracts at the articulation, of a purplish-crimson colour, the upper half rugose, and thickened towards the apex. Tube of the calyx adherent, obovate, glabrous: limb cup-shaped, about 4-dentate. Petals 4, subcampanulate, conniving at the apex, fleshy, broadly obovate, obliquely emarginate, or somewhat truncated, upper half of a transparent white, the lower of a brilliant lake colour, running into each other, 6 lines long, and about 6 lines broad. Sta- mens 8, inserted along with the petals on the top of the tube of the calyx: filaments filiform, erect, white: anthers linear, attached by their base, where they are tritubercular, 2-celled, the cells opening by a single pore, slightly exserted, of a yellowish-red colour. Ovary inferior, 4-celled. Ovules numerous, anatropous, attached to axillary, fleshy placentz. Style filiform, exserted. Stigma simple. Fruit subglobose, crowned by the persistent limb of the calyx, of a deep purple colour, about 4 lines long.

MEDINILLA MACULATA, Gardn.

M. ramulis compresso-quadrangularibus, angulis undu- lato-alatis, foliis oppositis brevissimé petiolatis ellipticis vel

14 Contributions towards a Flora of Oeylolis

ovato-ellipticis subcordatis apice obtusis emarginatis obscure crenatis triplinerviis, pedunculis axillaribus 1-3-floris, flori- bus parvis octandris, antheris basi 3-calcaratis.

Has.—On trees on Ettapolla rock, in the Matele district, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. Flowers in December.

Derscr.—An epiphytal shrud, about 2 feet high, very much branch- ed. Stems climbing, rooting, very thick and fleshy towards the base. Branchlets rather compressed, subquadrangular, the angles with membraneous undulated margins, glabrous, of a dark-purple colour. Leaves opposite, very shortly petiolate, elliptical, or obovate- elliptical, subcordate at the base, obtuse and emarginate at the apex, broadly and obscurely crenate, 3-nerved, the lateral nerves not reach- ing to the apex, rather fleshy, glabrous, of a dark-green colour, with scattered purplish spots, 10-12 lines long, 6-8 lines broad. Pedun- cles 3-4 lines long, 1-3 flowered, round, glabrous, of a reddish colour. Pedicels about as long as the peduncles. Flowers small. Tube of the calyx obpyriform, round, glabrous, of a greenish-red colour : limb cup-shaped, obscurely 4-toothed. Petals 4, imbricated, ob- liquely obovate, slightly maronate, of a pale rose-colour, about 3 lines long. Stamens 8, equal: filaments round, white, glabrous : anthers subulate, somewhat triangular, each of the angles shortly calcarate at the base, 2-celled, the cells opening by a single pore, whitish, the spurs yellowish. Ovary 4-celled. Ovules numerous, attached to axile placentee. Style erect, subulate: stigma small, subcapitate. Berry small subglobose, crowned with the persistent limb of the

calyx.

| ORD. NAT. UMBELLIFERA. PENCEDANUM (BUPENCEDANUM) CEYLANICUM, Gardn. P. caule tereti ramoso fistuloso, foliis radicalibus quinqueis tripartitis glaucis, laciniis linearibus acuminatis interiusculis vel distanter grossé, inciso-serratis, involucro nullo, umbellze radiis 10, involucello oligophyllo, foliolis setaceis, fructibus

Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon. 15

ellipticis basi subcordatis margine, -angusté, alatis pedicellis umbellularum duplo brevioribus.

Has.—In open, steep, rocky, grassy places on the descent from the Horton Plains to Galagama, in the district of Saffragam. Flowers in February and March. .

Descr.—An annual. Stem erect, 3-5 feet high, much branched above, entirely glabrous. Radical leaves about a foot long, segments 1-14 line broad. Primary rays 13-2 inches long, secondary 9 lines long. Flowers small, white. Fruit flat, crowned by the persistent styles, 3} lines long, 25 lines broad, with three rather prominent ribs and two less prominent lateral ones. Vitte 4.

Oxzs.—The whole plant when bruised gives out a rank odour similar to that of Fennel. It is called Wal enduru by the Singhalese. As a species it will range with P. glau- cum, D.C., a native of Nepaul.

ORD. NAT. GENTIANACEAE.

TRIPTEROSPERMUM CHAMPIONI, Gardn.

T. foliis ovato-ellipticis acutis basi subcordatis petiolum duplo et ultra superantibus, pedunculis axillaribus solitariis brevis calycem triplo brevioribus, calycis campanulati lobis setaceis tubum vix zquantibus, corolle clavate lobis 5-6 ovatis acutis cum plicas intermediis rotundatis integris.

Has.—Among bushes at the margins of woods on the

Horton Plains, on an elevation of about 7,000 feet. Flowers in February to August.

Descr.—Perennial. Stems herbaceous, twining, glabrous, round. Internodes 2-6 inches long. Leaves 3-nerved, glabrous, pale under- neath, 13-2 inches long, 10 lines broad. Peduncles 2 lines long, bractless. Flowers pent, vel hexameris, about one inch long. Lobes

16 Contributions towards a Flora of Ceylon.

of the calyx setaceous, scarcely the length of the tube. Limd of the corolla 5-6 lobed, lobes ovate, acute, the intermediate plaits broadly rotund, entire, of a greenish-white colour, with longitudinal purplish stripes corresponding to the folds. Stamens included : anthers subsagittate. Ovary superior, pedicellate, the base of the pedicel surrounded by a small urceolate, entire disk. Capsule fleshy, at length dry, oblong, obtuse, 9 lines long, borne on a pedicel which is equal in length with the persistent corolla, 1-celled, with numerous seeds attached to two parietal placentz. Seeds large, of a brownish colour, compressed, triangularly suborbicular, the angles winged : testa minutely muricated.

Oss. I.—This very interesting addition to the Flora of Cey- lon was first found by Capt. Champion at the Horton Plains, about four years ago, and I was fortunate enough to find it myself, last year, at the same place, but only sparingly. It seems to be a rare plant.

Oss. I1.—From the berry being fleshy, and the seeds not immersed in the placentz as in Craw/furdia, I refer the pre- sent plant to Blume’s genus Tripterospermum, although it is doubtful whether these two genera should not be united into one. This I cannot at present determine, as I have no speci- men of either of the two described species of Crawfurdia with which to compare my plant. The true Craw/furdias, are natives of Nepaul, while Blume’s Tripterospermum is from the Island of Java.

17

On the introduction and use of the Natural Mineral Waters at Landour. By Joun Murray, M.D., Assistant Surgeon, late in Medical Charge.

[Communicated by the Medical Board.]

In laying the following paper before the Medical Board, my object is to record the effects of the natural mineral waters, on the different diseases of the convalescents at Lan- dour, during the period that I was in medical charge of that Sanatorium.

I endeavoured to reduce within the limits of regular prac- tice, remedies of acknowledged power, but whose use is still, in a great degree, empirical. This is the first Military or General Hospital, in which they have been extensively used. In deviating from established custom, difficulties arose; but they were not insurmountable. The success has been so manifest, that I trust their use will soon be permanently established. Then will the poor soldier in India, enjoy ad- vantages available to the wealthy alone, in Europe: and the increased health and efficiency of its servants, amply repay the benevolence of the State.

In commencing the investigation of the action of the mi- neral waters on tropical diseases, I found little assistance from any of the authors on these affections: and on European diseases, the effects are vaguely described ; some even doubt their having any power, beyond the diluent effect of the water, combined with change of scenery, society, and habits. Iron and sulphuretted hydrogen are active remedies when manufactured in the apothecary’s laboratory. Do they lose their efficacy by passing through nature’s alembic, and ap- pearing as the chalybeate and Harrowgate waters? On the contrary, there is an instinctive prejudice in favour of simples, _and faith in the efficacy of natural productions, which is not

always placed in the remedies of the physician of the present D

18 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

day. I found this faith, for which there is no chemist’s test, increase their efficacy by inspiring hope, and guarding off despondency, during the protracted treatment of long stand- ing disease. Those who imagine, that such cheering feelings are confined to the wealthy, and are unfelt by the poor soldier, because he lives mechanically and dies numerically, forget that the mind is unshackled, though the body may not be free.

At the watering places in Europe, many complaints, from which the idle, the over-tasked in brain or body, and the over- physicked suffer, would yield to nature, as their exciting causes were removed ; yet assisting nature, by the use of the mineral waters, accelerates, and renders the cure more per- fect.

In the hills, the watering places of India, but till now without mineral waters, there are also many diseases caused by the climate of the plains. Where the cause has been re- moved, it does not, in many cases, require active treatment to remove the effects; nor in general are the changes sud- den. Many medicine-chest-invalids came from the plains, dragging their bane along with them, to which they cling with the tenacity of a drunkard to his dram, who think it absolutely necessary, to be taking physic, and who would be injured by active medicine. In these cases, even if inert, the waters would be better than physic; but that they are not inert for evil, has frequently been proved, by the injury pro- duced by people unadvisedly taking the wrong water. I have, in several occasions, seen unfavourable symptoms induced by their use. If, when injudiciously used, they be active for evil ; it may be inferred that, when judiciously used, they will be active for good.

The difficulty of determining the action of remedies in chronic diseases, is increased, in the present instance, by a favourable change of climate occurring at the same time that the remedies were employed. It may be inferred, that the

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 19

mineral waters acted beneficially, on the diseases of the con- valescents sent to Landour.

lst.—From the diminution of sick in Hospital compared with former years, when similar cases were sent to Landour.

During the last rainy season, the daily average number of sick in Hospital was 17.90 per cent. whilst, in 1842, when similar cases were sent from Kurnaul, the daily average was 24.42 per cent. As the diseases were analogous, and the season not more favourable, this diminished sickness must depend, either on the more skilful employment of old remedies or the use of new. ‘To the former I lay no claim, as the usual means were skilfully employed by Surgeon Dempster ; to the latter, the use of the mineral waters, I attribute the success.

2nd.—From the opinions of the convalescents at the de- pot, and of the visitors at Landour, who said that they bene- fitted by their use.

In August, when for economical reasons, the allowance for the porters, who brought the waters to the Hospital, was discontinued, the following day, 128 (out of 148 men at the depot) voluntarily subscribed to defray the expense of the waters being brought to the Hospital, as usual. The men have frequently applied to be put on the waters : many natives said they did them good, even the cook-boys from the bar- rack went to the baths.

drd.—F rom the professional and popular opinion in Europe which has stood the test of ages of their being useful in analogous cases in that country and in America.

_ 4th.—F rom my own observations, of the progress of the diseases in the accompanying tables; and in the visitors at Landour, during the last two years.

I have endeavoured to guard against the partiality with which one views any peculiarity in his own mode of treat- ment. The mineral waters were never used to the neglect of remedies of ascertained efficacy. They were never persisted in, when their action was unfavourable. They were used as

20 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

auxiharies to the usual remedies, which previous experience had taught me to be beneficial, when these proved insuffi- cient to remove the disease or to restore health. I have attempted to ascertain their real action and value by deduc- tions, from cases carefully recorded in a Military Hospital, where the sick are under strict dietetic control, and where their speedy recovery is the sole object of the physician.

A search for mineral waters was one of the objects to which my attention was directed, on receiving medical charge of Landour in 1842. From the men who went out shooting, I heard of a bad smelling spring at Sansattarah ; and of vari- ous red springs in the neighbouring ravines. These were used at the hospital, till the cold season, when I examined the surrounding country, and found the springs now in use.

Chalybeate springs are to be met with, in all directions ; but generally at low elevations. The strongest, that I found, is situated on the right bank of the Agglewass River, about seven miles north-east of cantonments. The water drops from the roof of a cave, the end of which is covered with stalactites. An ounce of the water contains a grain and a half of the salts of iron, alumina, magnesia and lime. The proportion of iron is greatest, with a large proportion of alumina; a small quantity of magnesia, and a trace of lime. During the winter months the snow occasionally renders the path to this spring impracticable, and occasionally during the rainy season the river rises above the entrance of the cave.

About three miles south from the Hospital, on the road to the sulphur springs, there is a strong chalybeate spring, containing a smaller proportion of similar active ingredients, which, from its being more accessible, has lately been more generally used. When discovered, there was a small ledge near the source, which had evidently been much frequented by deer.

There is a strong aluminous spring about 500 yards below the first mentioned chalybeate spring ; with a copious efflo-

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 2)

rescence of alum, on the face of the intervening portion of the hill. This is more important in a commercial than in a professional point of view.

Sulphuretted or Harrowgate springs are only found in the bed of a stream, which rises at the Dhobees’ ghat, under the Hospital, and runs through the hills, at first southerly, then westerly, till it reaches the valley of the Dhoon, and ultimate- ly, in the Soong river, joins the Ganges near Hurdwar. One spring at Sansattarah, has long been known, though not used. I found several others, about two miles nearer the - hospital, from whence the depot is now supplied. They are situated on the right bank of the stream, in the vicinity of a stratum of gypsum. They are strongly impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen, which is very perceptible on ap- proaching the spring, and they contain a small proportion of sulphate of magnesia and lime. I consider that the sulphu- retted hydrogen arises from the decomposition of the gypsum (sulphate of lime) by the action of water and decomposed vegetable matter. The decomposition of pyrites (the sul- phuret of iron) may possibly be the source, as there are numerous chalybeate springs in the vicinity. |

The springs are about 3,000 feet above the level of the sea, in a narrow valley, surrounded by steep-wooded hills, they are about three miles from the valley of the Dhoon, and eight miles from Landour. The scenery, in both directions, is most wild and picturesque. During last cold season, Capt. G,. Cautley and I laid down a road from the Dhobees’ ghat to the springs. It gradually descends, at an angle varying from four to eight degrees. The road is too narrow for nervous people, whose personal alarms are not absorbed in the admiration of the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

The temperature of the upper springs in December was 57° Fahr., whilst that of the stream was 54° Fahr. The tem- perature of the lower springs at Sansattarah was 72° Fahr. One of the upper springs forms a natural bath, about ten fect

22 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

square ; and from three to five feet deep. During last rainy season a considerable quantity of sand was deposited in this bath which has choked the spring; the main stream of which now opens at the foot of the bath; this will require to be cleared out; this bath was much used by the convalescents during the last cold and hot seasons.

There is a saline spring in the bed of the river near the upper Harrowgate spring; but I have not investigated its properties.

In October 1843, I sent down a tent; and afterwards built a hut for the men, on the left bank of the stream, on a level piece of ground, formed at the junction of two branches of the river. The climate was very agreeable. During the cold season, the snow did not lie so low down. During the hot season, there was a cool breeze duting the night from the hills, and a refreshing breeze came up the river from the plains during the day. It was very hot in the direct rays of of the sun. In September and October several officers and their servants, resided in the grass bungalows built near the springs. The temperature was agreeable. As the surround- ing jungle has not yet been sufficiently cleared away, | anti- cipated attacks of ague: yet none occurred. This is a strong argument against the present prevalent theory, that sulphu- retted hydrogen is the cause of miasmatic fever in hot climates. At this season of the year, the most dangerous forms of miasmatic fever are very prevalent in the Dhoon, and in similarly situated low-wooded vallies near the foot of the hills. The usual sources of miasm were present, and in addition, a copious supply of sulphuretted hydrogen, sen- sible to the most obtuse olfactory nerves: yet I did not hear of a single case of ague originating at the baths. The supposed bane, appeared the real antidote.

The accommodation which I could provide for the men, was very imperfect, and the means of supplying warm baths was wanting. These are of essential consequence in several dis-

tl at al i a ee

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 28

eases, particularly when there is great debility. Only a few of the men who remained during last cold season were such as would likely benefit from the sulphuretted baths. The result, in some, was most gratifying. Several men who were suffering from the extreme cold at Landour were sent down for change of air. The venereal and rheumatic cases that arrived in April, 1844, were sent down, and were benefitting very satis- factorily ; when it rained, in the beginning of June, and I was obliged to bring them up, as the hut leaked. The residence was too short to remove completely or permanently, consti- tutional diseases of several years duration. I intended sending them down again after the rains; but my tour of duty at the depot expired, and the investigation has not been follow- ed up.

The marked advantage in some of the cases (see Rourk No. 6,) from the use of the sulphuretted baths, together with their acknowledged efficacy in Europe, in syphilitic, rheumatic, hepatic, cutaneous, and dyspeptic diseases, ren- der it probable that much advantage would be derived from the construction of a small hospital near the springs. It would prove peculiarly valuable in the vicinity of Landour, as independently of the cases that would benefit from the use of the baths, the pulmonary, rheumatic, extremely debi- litated, or old Indian cases, would benefit by a change of climate during the cold season. At all seasons, there are certain stages of many diseases, in which a change of air proves most sanatory. Such an hospital would be advantage- ous to the extremely debilitated, on arriving at the hills, as the mortality amongst these is very great within a few days of their arrival. The breeze that fans the dull fire, quenches the flickering lamp.

On the arrival of the convalescents at the depdt, the effects of the change of climate from the plains were watch- ed, and recorded weekly. When the improvement was satis- factory, no medicine was given: when the disease or debility

c

24 On the Mineriad Waters near Landour. Se

remained stationary, a Slight preparatory treatment (gene- rally one or two purgatives) was employed ; after which they came every morning to the hospital for the mineral waters. Where the disease was very obstinate, an occasional dose of medicine was given; and a drachm of sulphate of magnesia was added, where more free action on the bowels was requir- ed. When the disease was severe on arrival, or when acute relapse occurred, regular hospital treatment was employed till convalescence was established ; after which the mineral waters were generally given, to eradicate the sequele of the disease, or the medicines, and to restore, and confirm the general health. They were powerful auxiliaries, and the re- sult was favourable. The progress of each case, and the remedies exhibited, were recorded at first weekly, then month- ly. The tables appended, show the general result in the different diseases for which the convalescents have been sent to Landour during the seasons 1843 and 1844, with those of the season 1842, who remained a second season.

In estimating the value of these tables, the beneficial in- fluence of the change of climate, combined with regular medical treatment, must be taken into account; as well as the nature and extent of the organic disease, on arrival: as many died within a few days, and others could not be ren- dered fit for service, more than an infantry soldier, whose leg had been shot off.

Of the cases which arrived in 1844, one was moribund, and six died a few days after their arrival. Of thirty cases sent from Sukkur, nineteen died on the march.

A large proportion of the cases in Table No. 2, in the co- lumns “ not cured,” will ultimately recover after another year’s residence ; and some in the column “ benefitted” will have to remain a second season to complete the cure.

The chalybeate waters proved very beneficial in the sequel of miasmatic fevers, viz. debility, diseases of the spleen and bowels, and in some forms of rheumatism. They were of the

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 25

greatest value in the intractable form of dysentery which originated in Affghanistan, and in diarrhea following acute dysentery, in the plains. They were useful in scrofula: and in many affections of females, connected with debility of the uterus.

The usual dose was from 8 to 12 ounces, taken every morning, and occasionally repeated at noon. It had gene- rally to be intermitted for a short period, after eight or ten days. In spleen cases, it was often necessary to add sulphate of magnesia, to prevent constipation.

The Harrowgate waters proved very beneficial in chronic affections of the liver, syphilitic, rheumatic, and mercurial complaints ; cutaneous diseases, dyspepsia, and diarrhea, con- nected with affections of the liver, and long residence in India.

The usual dose was 12 ounces, once or twice a day ; some cases drank three or four quarts. The sensible action was laxative and diuretic: the addition of sulphate of magnesia was useful in some old hepatic cases.

An accurate analysis of the chemical ingredients of the different springs is desirable. I have not the means of con- ducting this delicate and difficult process, with perfect accu- racy. The active ingredients, with a rough estimate of their relative proportions, were easily ascertained ; and a little ex- perience showed the diseases, in which they proved beneficial or injurious.

The following observations on the diseases for which the convalescents were sent to Landour, are limited to the effects of the hill climate and the use of the mineral waters ; leaving the hospital treatment for future remark.

Fevers with debility, without organic disease.—Of 305 cases sent to the depot from 1828 to 1842 inclusive, 289 or 94.75 per cent. recovered; 14 or 4.59 per cent. returned to the plains “ not cured ;” and 2 or 0.65 per cent. died; 53 or 17.37 per cent. had to remain a second season, and the annual mortality was 0.55 per cent. ;—of 25 who have been

E

26 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

sent to the depot during the last two years, 21 or 84.00 per cent. have recovered, and 4 or 16.00 per cent. are still at the depot. They are men of the present season, and will probably recover during the cold weather.

I have given the statistical report under this head, since the depot was established, as affording the best criterion of the eligibility of Landour, as a Sanatorium for tropical diseases. The annual mortality is not half so great, as that of healthy troops in any other part of the world. The recoveries in many cases of organic complications with fever, and the tro- pical diseases, were equally satisfactory ; though from the previous extent of organic destruction, some died a few days after their arrival, and others could not be restored to robust health, yet had they remained in the plains, few would have lived, and most of these would have been invalids.

In the class of cases under consideration, the climate alone, in many cases, completed the cure. Relapses of continued fever, occasionally took place during the hot season; and relapses of ague, during the rains; primary attacks were ex- ceedingly rare. When the debility continued, with an ex- sanguine appearance, the chalybeate water proved very bene- ficial in restoring the appetite, colour and strength. The Harrowgate water was useful, when there was a tendency to constipation, and when much mercury had been used.

Fevers with determination to the head.—The recovery in these cases was slow; but when no acute determination con- tinued, or organic disease existed on arrival, the result was favourable.

The Harrowgate water proved useful; and the chalybeate injurious, being apt to cause headache, and a return of the fever.

Fevers with determination to the iver.—The climate was favourable to recovery when abscess had not formed, and even then, the chance of recovery, after the abscess had been opened, was greater than in the plains.

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 27

The Harrowgate water was very beneficial: it was preceded by mercurial purgatives, which were occasionally repeated ; and in some cases, the sulphate of magnesia was added with advantage. It removed the weight and uneasiness in the side, and increased the appetite and strength. The chalybeate water was injurious, causing an increase of the pain with looseness, except in cases of spongy congestion, in which there co-existed enlargement of the spleen; in these cases the alternate use, of both the waters, proved beneficial.

Case 1st.—Sergeant Thomas Dynon, H. M’s. 16th Lancers, aged twenty-seven years, suffered at Meerut from a severe attack of fever ‘complicated with liver complaint, and pain in the left hip. He arrived at Landour on the 17th April, 1844, extremely emaciated, (scarcely able to turn himself in bed) with pain in the right side, and enlargement of the liver, and acute pain in the left hip,—purga- tives, with fomentation to the hip, were employed till the 23rd, when the following pills were ordered.

R Pil. Hydr., Ext. Hyosciami, Ext. Urtice, Ext. Colocynth c. a. a. Dj. m. divide in pil. xviij. ss}. mane and vespere.

A stimulating liniment was ordered for the hip. This was con- tinued till the 6th May, when vesication appeared, and the liniment was omitted; and he got a pill every second night, with twelve ounces of the Harrowgate water every morning. On the 9th the pills were omitted, and he got a dose of jalap. After this date he got no medicine except the Harrowgate water, which he drank daily. He gradually regained strength, and the pain slowly dimi- nished. In July he was free from pain. In October he was florid, muscular, firm, and free from complaint.

Fevers with enlargement of the spleen.—The climate is favourable for these during the hot, and more particularly during the cold season ; but unfavourable during the rainy season, which is apt to cause relapse. This season may be escaped, by crossing the snowy range in June, and returning in October. I followed this course in 1836 with the greatest

28 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

advantage. This course is only open to officers ; and under ordinary circumstances, the long sea-voyage to Europe is pre- ferable.

In many of the cases from Sukkur and Kurnaul, the spleen extended below the umbilicus. In all cases, in which there was extensive enlargement, even though it disappeared, a residence at the depot during the cold season, was advisable, to confirm the cure. It is a local indication of a constitu- tional disease. It varies much, and rapidly; and is not at all times perceptible, but when found, it generally indicates years of precarious and uncomfortable existence.

The chalybeate water proved an invaluable auxiliary in renovating the shattered constitution, in reducing the spleen and preventing return of ague, in removing the ex-sanguine appearance and. restoring the strength and spirits. The addition of sulphate of magnesia, was useful in some cases, in keeping the bowels freely open. In cases where the liver was affected, or mercury had been used, the Harrowgate water was beneficial. Fruit and green vegetables were relished, and they formed an important part of the diet.

FEVER with dysentery.—The climate is favourable to these cases, particularly in children, who suffer much in the plains during dentition. In the extremely emaciated cases, the mortality is great within a few days of their arrival. The termination appears to be accelerated. A certain degree of strength is requisite to induce reaction, from the primary de- pressing influence of the cold.

Preliminary hospital treatment was generally required, till the ulceration in the colon had assumed a healthy or chro- nic form; at which stage, the Chalybeate proved very bene- ficial in completing the cure, preventing relapse, and. re- establishing health.

Diseases of the head.—Except in cases of functional de- rangement, Landour is unfavourable from its elevation, to diseases of this class.

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 29

Two men, who had long suffered from pain in the head, following injuries, derived benefit from the Harrowgate water. The chalybeate proved injurious in cases subject to determi- nation of blood to the head. |

Diseases of the dungs.—Landour is unfavourable to all cases in which there is extensive obstruction to the passage of the air through the lungs, as hepatization, advanced phthisis and emphysema. Colds are common in April and September. The climate is favourable to chronic bronchitis; and there have been several cases of incipient phthisis, in whom the subsi- dence of the symptoms was most satisfactory.

The progress of the following case was minutely traced by the stethoscope. A vomica formed in the left lung, burst, was evacuated and the cavity cicatrized.

Case 2nd.—A. B., aged nineteen years, of a delicate appearance, thin and weak, with a contracted chest ; subject for two years, to a frequent dry cough; a sister died from phthisis. The sound on percussion was dull, the respiration bronchial, and the voice reso- nant at the superior part of both lungs, during the hot and rainy seasons 1843. Counter-irritation was employed with milk diet and the daily use of the chalybeate water. The cough had diminished much, and he had improved in appearance at the commencement of the cold season, when he went to the plains. He returned in March 1844. The cough was occasionally troublesome, and the bowels irregular. ‘Three days after his arrival, during a severe fit of coughing, he suddenly expectorated a large quantity of dark pus. There was pectoriloquy at the superior part of left lung. Blisters were kept open at the superior part of the chest during the season ; and he used milk and farinaceous diet: he got a bitter tonic, till his bowels became regular; he then used the chalybeate water daily during the season. The expectoration gradually diminished, and the cavity contracted ; and when I last examined him in October it was imperceptible. The resonance in the right lung had very much diminished: he had not coughed for three months: he had gained colour and flesh ; and his chest was expanding.

30 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

DisEAses of the liver.—The climate is favourable to reco- very from acute hepatic disease: two recovered out of three

cases in which I opened hepatic abscesses.

Chronic enlargement without pain, and the large Sones ards liver, are not benefitted at Landour. The hepatic attacks were all relapses, and yielded to less active treatment than is required in the plains, where the patient remains under the influence of the exciting cause. A residence during the cold season is advisable, in all cases when the substance of the liver has been extensively affected.

The Harrowgate water proved very beneficial after the acute inflammation had been subdued: in chronic inflammation, in torpor, or congestion of the liver with dyspepsia, and in cases where much mercury had been used. I anticipate great advantage, from the sulphuretted baths, In many of these cases.

The chalybeate water proved injurious in hepatic cases.

Diseases of the dowels——The climate is favourable to recovery from dysentery, when there is no other organic disease. ‘There have been many recoveries, from -what, in the plains, would have been a hopeless state of disease. Cases complicated with induration of the liver, disease of the kidneys or mesenteric glands, (except in children) ought not to be sent to the hills.

The result, in the Affghan dysenteric cases which arrived in 1843, was very favourable when compared with similar cases sent to the depot in 1840. They were in an extreme state of emaciation on arrival. Preliminary hospital treat- ment was employed, followed by the chalybeate water. The indolent chronic ulcers in the colon, assumed a healthy action, and cicatrized; the general health improved, and relapse rarely occurred. Relapse is a common and fatal characteristic of this intractable form of dysentery. The alum, in the chalybeate water, formed a valuable adjuvant to the iron.

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 3]

Case 3rd.—C. D., aged thirty years, suffered very much from dysentery during the Affghan campaign, and arrived at Mussoorie on the 17th March 1843, extremely emaciated; with frequent, whitish, watery stools with little red, mucus masses, no pain on pressure over the abdomen. He got worse after arriving at the hills, and came to Landour on the 21st very weak, and much depressed in spirits, with constant nausea and vomiting, stools like inspissated yellow pus, with a few detached masses of red mucus: the pulse was feeble, and the extremities cold. Effervescing draughts, wine, opiates, calomel and opium and enemata, were given and sinapisms and blisters applied to the epigastrium, but the vomiting continued, and the stools remained of the same character till the evening of the 25th, when feculent matter was passed. The bowels were regulated by anodyne enemata and effervescing draughts, till the 29th, when a pill, composed of equal parts of extract of gentian and colocynth, was ordered every morning with suppositories of assafcetida and nitrate of silver. These were given as injections dissolved in two ounces of water, from the Ist April till the 7th, when small mjections of acetate of lead were substituted. On the 11th he passed no blood by stool, and was feeling stronger, when he com- menced using the chalybeate water every morning. The pill was continued every night till the 18th, and then occasionally till the Ist May. The bowels were then regular, and he was regaining strength. To continue the chalybeate.

lst June.—Continues regaining strength and flesh, bowels regu- lar, occasionally passes pure blood after his stools. To continue the chalybeate.

lst January, 1844.—Continues in good health, using the chaly- beate regularly every morning, with an occasional dose of castor oil, when his bowels are costive ; occasionally passes blood from piles.

lst April._—-Has been in the Dhoon ; continues regaining flesh and colour. Uses the chalybeate regularly.

lst September.—Bowels were irregular for a few days last month, but after starving and taking four pills, composed of equal parts of blue pill, ipecacuanha, and gentian, they became regular, and have _ continued so. He still occasionally passes blood from piles. This is a safety valve, which it would be injudicious to close.

32 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

Remarks.—The only medicines used in this case from the Ist May 1843 to the Ist October 1844, besides the chalybeate water, were four or five doses of castor oil, and four alterative pills, he was very exemplary in his diet, and when he felt un- comfortable, he starved. The bleeding from the piles is in- convenient, but salutary. He now (Ist October) eats, drinks, and sleeps well, and is nearly as muscular as ever he was.

I have learned, since leaving the hills, that from the in- spection of one day’s evacuation, in which he passed two formed stools with some detached blood and mucus, he was declared to be still labouring under chronic Cabool dysentery. If the chalybeate water merely saved this officer’s life, and restored him to the usual enjoyments of health, it would not be valueless. It restored the following case to duty.

Case 4th.—Private Edward Skinner, H. M’s. 31st Foot, aged twenty-four years ; suffered severely from dysentery during the Cabool campaign, and arrived at Landour on the Ist April 1843, labourmg under general anasarca, ascites, oppression of breathing, with cough at night. He had twelve whitish, creamy stools during the day ; no local pain. Pulse 112; tongue clean; skin dry. He got quinine and opium pills, with assafcetida enemata, with an occasional calomel and tartar emetic pill, till the 15th; he had then five or six yellow feculent stools, and the anasarca was considerably diminished. As he had been stationary for some days, twelve ounces of the chalybeate water were given in the morning, and the quinine pills at noon and night. The purging returned on the 22nd; eight ounces of the chalybeate water, with half a drachm of laudanum were then given morning and evening. On the 27th he had only two consis- tent and feculent stools. On the 28th he got twelve ounces of the chalybeate noon and evening, without the laudanum, after which he required laxatives to keep his bowels free. He used digitalis from the Ist to the 7th of May. THis bowels were costive, his strength improved, and the dropsy much diminished on the 21st, when he got one grain of quinine and five drops of nitric acid. This was continu- ed in diminished doses till the 7th June, when he had slight pain

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 33

in the epigastrium, which was relieved by eight leeches, after which he required no medicine except the chalybeate water. The bowels became natural, the dropsy completely disappeared, and he regained strength and flesh, and continued free from complaint. He was florid and muscular, in October 1844, when he told me, that he attri- buted his recovery to the chalybeate water, which he still used regularly. He returned to the plains in December “ recovered.”

RuEeumMatismM.—Under this head many diseases are sent from the plains, differing widely in their causes, complica- tions, and treatment. The climate of Landour is generally unfavourable to these diseases, particularly in old men, and where abdominal disease co-exists, or when the cause was mercurial or venereal. These cases derived great benefit from using the sulphuretted baths, in the warmer climate at the springs. The internal use of the Harrowgate water was beneficial in these cases. The climate was more favourable to recovery from incomplicated cases of articular and muscular rheumatism ; and in some cases where it formed a sequela of miasmatic fever. The following is an interesting case of this nature, in which the chalybeate water proved effica-

cious, after the change of climate, and the usual remedies had failed.

Case 5th.—Private John Ryan, H. M’s. 3rd Buffs, aged twenty- three years: suffered much in 1841 at Kurnaul, from remittent fever ; and in 1842 at Landour, he had repeated attacks of ague and rheumatism. When I received charge in October 1842, he was a bedridden skeleton, with large, stiff, painful joints, and cedema of the feet, with great enlargement of the liver and spleen. The usual remedies had been employed during the preceding six months, by Surgeon T. E. Dempster, and various remedies were used by me till the 18th December, without any improvemeut except a dimi- nution in the size of the liver. The chalybeate water was then given. The local applications were continued with occasional doses of medicme. The pain gradually diminished; the swelling and

F

34 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

stiffness in the joints, subsided ; the enlargement of the spleen dis- * appeared ; and he slowly regained strength and flesh. He was dis- charged from hospital on the 17th April 1843, and continued free from complaint, regaining flesh and colour, till the end of the rainy season, when he had an attack of dysentery, which, ultimately, proved fatal.

SYPHILIS SECONDARY.—The climate has proved injurious to a large proportion of these cases ; more especially during the rainy and cold seasons.

The Harrowgate water has proved: very beneficial in these cases, it was drank to the extent of from three to six bottles per diem, in some cases. The most decided benefit was derived from bathing in the water, during the short period the men resided at the baths last hot season; but it was only temporary in some of the cases. The advantage was most marked in cutaneous affections.

Case 6th.—Private Rourke, H. M’s. 16th Lancers, aged twenty- four years: suffered from repeated and most dangerous attacks of dysentery at Meerut in 1842, and was much debilitated, and still suffering from the same disease, on his arrival at Landour in March 1843. He used the compound ipecacuanha pills for a few days, followed by the chalybeate water, under which he gradually regained colour, strength and flesh. When the rains set in, his bowels again became loose, and in August a scaly eruption appeared over his body. He used sudorifics, alteratives, local applications, &c. without advantage. His mouth became aphthous; his stools white and watery ; his appetite failed ; and his strength rapidly diminished. Many of the patches on the body became sores, with prominent crusts, (Ruppia Prominens) and his head was completely covered with scales. In this state he was sent to the sulphur bath on the 9th November 1843. His general health rapidly improved, his bowels became regular, the eruption faded and assumed its original scaly appear- ance. He used the bath two or three times a day, and drank much of the water. The only medicine given was mudar in December,

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 35

which had no apparent action, and hydriodate of potass in January 1844. On the Ist of March the eruption had completely disap- peared; he was florid, muscular, and in perfect health, and he has continued so ever since.

ScropHuLa.—this climate has proved very beneficial in strumous debility, ulcers, and enlargement of the absorbent glands. The chalybeate water has proved a valuable auxili-

ary.

Case 7th.—E. F., aged twelve years: suffered for two years in the plains, from painful swelling of both knees. On arrival in April 1844, there was great enlargement of both knees, with loss of motion in the right, which was since dislocated, with a prominent, red, soft part on the inner surface. The inguinal and axillary glands were much enlarged. She was extremely emaciated ; appetite very bad ; bowels irregular. A few leeches were applied to the knee, and the bowels were regulated by bitter laxatives, after which she used the . Chalybeate water daily during the season. It was omitted for a few days, when from an exacerbation of pain and redness, leeches were again applied to the knee. The appetite slowly improved, the enlargement of the absorbent glands disappeared; the pain and swelling were removed from the left knee, and had very much sub- sided in the right, (which became anchylosed) when she left the hills in October.

OrHER DISEASES.—Under this head are included acci- dents, ulcers, ophthalmia, scorbutus, &c., diseases not peculi- arly modified by a tropical climate. Where the general health has been debilitated by the treatment or disease, a residence at Landour proves beneficial.

I cannot conclude these remarks, without expressing my ardent, hope, that the efficiency of the most valuable Sanato- rium at Landour, will be increased by these powerful, natural remedies, being rendered available.

356 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

To the State, they will produce increased efficiency in its servants, and a diminished pension list: to the profession, they will afford information and new means of combating disease : and on the sick, they will confer comfort and health.

Umballah : 1st January, 1845.

Memo.—Accompanying are specimens. of the salts from the mineral springs.

No. 1. From the chalybeate, on the Agglewass, one ounce of which contains a grain and a half of the salts.

No. 2. Salt from the upper sulphuretted or Harrowgate spring, one grain in the ounce of the water, chiefly sulphate of lime.

No. I.

Table of the Diseases for which the Convalescents were sent to Landour during the season 1843, and those of 1842 who remained a second season, shewing the result, where the use of the mineral waters formed the chief, or an important part of the treatment, or were not used.

Fevers ee Disesses of J 8 g 8 2/2 |e/8 he Arrivals, 146. i hice ; | 8/2 les ae elelslelslsis(sisiZsieisi ales S\P/LIE si ali Piel siaci/Sisi | Seg 2). } a] 2 Bim t ap o|~ ° Os} AlLAa AIDA lAyAlmin jalO} ae |e Recovered’ 4. Shh S| 21NG).0) 0} 9 0) 0) 3) 4) aif 21.23 3 | Chief remed Not cured, _...| 9) 0} ©) 0) 0} 0; O| 1 0 2) 1.37 3 " ae “1 of of 0] 0] | Of of OF OF O| OF O| of ... a tnperant T€-)Notcured, _...| 0] 0] 0] 1] 0] 2) of] 1} 0) Of} 4) 1) 6] 4.11 3 medy, Died, "1 of of 1] of of o| of 7] Of 1] 0} 4] 10] 6.85 a Recovered, AS Oe Da 2 Sil 10) | geld | eat ok 0 0| 2 23 15.75 4 | Chief remedy, 4Notcured, ...] 9] 0} 0] 0] 0; 0) O/ 0} OF O} OF 4) 1] 0.68 bo Died ’ ‘one 0 0 0 0 0 0, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 eee 5 Recovered, ane 2) 41 0 1 2 Q 8 2 0 2 0 0 23 15.75 z ee te~ ) Not cured, | O} 2] Of} 1] Of} OF 5} O} OF 1] Of] Of 9] 6.16 iS medy, Died, to} 2} 0} of of of 3] Of of 2] 0! 0] 6f 4.11 Recovered, _... | 13] 7416] 9| 2| 4|15/20| 1| 21 1] 3] 98) 63.69 Total using the mi-) not cured, _...| 0} 2| 0| 2] 0] 2] 5] 2] of 1] 4] 3] 18) 12.32 neral waters, Died, {| Of 21 1] of of Of 3] 7] of 2] Of a} 16] 10.95 Recovered, coef 2) 0} S| 2) 0} iO} O} 2-0] 0) oO} 2 9} 6.16 Cases not using the )not cured, _—...| 0| 0] 0| 0 0| 4] 0] 0] of 0 | of 2] af 2.05 mineral waters,... Died, ..| 0] O| O| Of 0} 2] oO] 3] o| Of] O} 2 7) 4,79 Totals ti ..{15{11]18]13] 2} 9/23/34) 4] 6 | 2/13] 146]. Of these remained a second season, ...] 2) 3] 4} 2) 1 0} 4) 8) 0} 1 | Of 1] 26] 17.80 Died, second season, ses w! Of 111 010 O 2'010' Of OF A! SF 3.48

On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

37

No. II.

Table of the Diseases of the Convalescents of 1844, shewing the result where the use of the mineral waters formed the chief, or an important part of the treatment, or were not used.

A Fevers with| Diseases of

be yale (8 ae

Ce 33

‘ : ey) Soe Me

Arrivals, 139. > oT alel2-ls ge SlalelsiglS slel|sleelel | es

o(Sielelsi/s S1s|slesis] $ | 88

AlZinain|i~a RA Aisla CO] w& fam) 3 Benefitted, | 41 of 2fa2| 2 1 of 11 0} 0 | 2 33| 22.30 & | Chiefremedy, <Notcured, ... {| O| O} O} 2} O| O; O}] O] OF OF] O 2) 1.44 P) Died, iz | 6] 0] Of 6) 0} 0; 0) Of 0) O | o} Oy > Benefitted, ... | 21 1] Ol1a| 3] 0} 2] 11 0 21] 15.10 ‘3 oe! te re-Inot cured, .. | | 01 1/10] 11 0] of of of 0 | 2] 15) 40.79 o y Died, va -| Ol O} OF 0} 2) 61 OO} Ol. OO). 21 1.42 3 Benefitted, ... ...| 0| 2| 3] 0 0} of 2] 1] 2] 6 | 4) 17] 12.23 3 } Chiefremedy, + Not cured, ... | O} O} OF} OF O; O} O} O} OF 1) 0 1} 0.72 Ey Died, ws Sree OL Od) OF OO} OF OF OT O])! Oy) 70} cvO)) x ° Benefitted, ... a OL Zi ol 2 Ol Gr ay 2 OF OT oO 9| 6.47 Bilis cone re {Net cured, .. . «.| 0| 0} 0| o| 1| of 0] oO] o| o | 2) ~3| 206 to y Died, we sews | OF OF O] Of OF OF O| Of O| 2] 0 72 1.44 Benefitted, ... ..| 3] 5) 8/35) 5] 1] 5) 4) 2) 61) 4 8] 56.11 pera the ee cured, ... 1} of 1112] 2| of of of of 1] 4 21} 15.10 Died, Ley ee sO O10 C1. 21. O10} OG Bh On 4hn 2.87 Cases not using the Benefitted, Se wee | Ot OL 2] 6] 21 OF 2) 1) OF 1] 1] 38] 12.97 mineral-waters Not cured, 3] Oo] OF} 21 1) 1) OF 1) OF 1741 10 7.19 , Died, 0} 0] Of 2} 3) 1) 0] 4, Of] 2] Of 8} 5.75

Total, ... an 130! 5{11/57'151 3) 71 7) 2) 12 110) 139

Abstract from Tables Nos. I. and Il., shewing the Ratio per cent. to the cases treated.

1843. 1844, Total. 6 we) re) i 3 a a S i 5 8 z 3 2 os ro) f os i a os a ag A a nD a A eee ak ee ee ae a Rs oer sa) rn ore <a — of ce = o+ Ssaar | os beth seu) eke es a o fa Za a aa A & fa] ‘ ; (Benefitted ti O80 78 23 “i 78. 75.73 71 74 35 Cases using th : ’ ’ . & x neral songs ag {Re cured, 127 | 18 | 14.171103 | 21 | 20.38 1230 . 39 | 16.95 ' ee Fs det PEG fd TB 50 oe 42 (3688) tise. #20 8.69 Cases not using th enefitted, pd @ 147,86)| av] 10°)'90,00 1.14.27 | 40.09 Be adel winks ne {Not cured, ..] 19 | 3 | 15.79| 36 | 10 | 27.77] 55 13 | 23.63 »" (Died, fot ne Me Pees | oe Ber eo Pan. Th eer JoHn Murray, M.D., Assistant Surgeon. Remarks. »

The rage for the use of mineral waters seems still to be on the increase in Kurope, and it would be no easy task to at- ‘tempt to keep progress with the da/neological literature of the

38 On the Mineral Waters near Landour.

Continent. In the year 1845, no fewer than twenty-six works on mineral waters issued from the press in Germany alone. New springs are constantly discovered, and new works published lauding their virtues, chiefly by parties who hope to make a livelihood by them. In these days, when facilities of communication have almost removed from the mind of the traveller the calculation of distance, baths in the most re- mote localities are eagerly visited, and yet this resort to new candidates for public favour seems hardly to affect the flow of visitors to springs of more established reputation. Every season produces its new spas and its new flock of visitors.

Very different is the state of things in India. From time to time no doubt a few notices of the existence of mineral waters had come before the world, and occasionally some suggestions to Government regarding their use had been thrown out, but their chemical and medicinal qualities were never accurately examined. Thus the wells of Sonah near Delhi were described by Mr. Ludlow; those on the new Benares road, in the Hazarebagh district, were mentioned by H. H. Wilson ; and two springs in the valley of the Nerbudda, were noticed by Mr. Spilsbury. All of them appear to belong to the class of sulphuretted or Harrowgate water ; most of them possess a high temperature; and have been more or less resorted to by natives chiefly for the cure of cutaneous complaints. But their real or supposed virtues have never induced an European to resort to them in the hopes of imbibing renewed health.

The first systematic attempt to rouse the attention of the authorities to the value of mineral waters was made by Dr. Murray in the report which these remarks accompany. In it he details the circumstances which led to the discovery of them : and it appeared at first a most fortunate coincidence that these wells should be found close to our chief sanatorium.

In May last we walked down the beautiful valley which leads from Landour to the springs, and on reaching them

On the Mineral Waters near Landour. 39°

were disappointed at finding the spot where they rise a wilder- ness frequented by a few cowherds; there were a few huts near, and one scarcely habitable thatched bungalow, tenanted by a single European Sergeant, the only patronizer of the mineral waters. The scenery was exceedingly pretty, although the heat in the bottom of the narrow valley was of course at that season of the year oppressive. Had these springs been in any corner of Europe, a large village with hotels and bathing rooms would long ere this have transformed the appearance of this secluded valley, and Government and the shop-keepers and gamblers, would be reaping a rich harvest of gain. Such things are not of course to be expected in India, but it might have been hoped that some small expence would have been incurred, in the way of fitting up a hos- pital and baths for the invalids of Landour, to many of whom these wells might have been rendered of invaluable service. Dr. Murray’s evidence is quite sufficient, even if it were not supported by the experience of all Kurope, to show that these springs, especially the sulphuretted ones, may be extremely useful in the treatment of chronic diseases, although an accu- rate analysis of them is still a desideratum. But it so hap- peus that Dr. Murray’s valuable hints have been quite over- looked.

After all, the springs labour under great disadvantages of situation. If they had been on a level with Landour, or in any part of India at a distance from the hills, nothing could have prevented their coming into use, but unfortunately they are about 4,000 feet below the Sanatorium, and eight miles distant from it, and of course never enjoy so cool a tempera- ture as the higher regions. Yet this offers no reason why, for five or six months of the year, accommodation should not be provided for those who are likely to benefit by their use. Supplies are readily procurable from the Dhoon, to which the access for mules is easy, and in many cases it would be desirable to remove inyalids in winter from the piercing

40 Observations on the Manners and Structure

cold of the heights, to the milder climate of the valley. The expence that might accrue from making the experiment of a small establishment there, is one from which a liberal govern- ment ought not to shrink, and it is but fair to add that Dr. Murray’s plans might have been carried into effect, but for the want of cordial co-operation on the part of the inter- mediate medical authorities.

J. M. P.

Observations on the Manners and Structure of Prionodon Pax- dicolor. By B. H. Hopeson, Esq.

It is now nearly twenty-five years since Dr. Horsfield de- fined that singular half-feline, half-viverrine genus Prionodon, of which he described one species peculiar to the mountains of Java. To this genus no second species was added until 1841, when I described another proper to the Sub-Himalayas © in the 5th No. of this Journal, from skins procured in Nepal and Sikim. I have lately been so fortunate as to obtain a living specimen of the mature animal, and, though it has since died, I have thus been enabled to make a few observations relative to its manners, as well as to complete the examina- tion of its structure; and on these grounds I recur to the subject, Dr. Horsfield’s statement of the organization being confessedly deficient in some material points. |

This exceedingly elegant and amiable little creature mea- sures in length from fourteen to fifteen inches, and the tail twelve to thirteen more. Its height is about five to five and a half inches; the girth of its chest five and three quarters, and the length of head to the occiput, about three inches. The ear is one and a quarter inch long: the fore-leg, from elbow to tip of toe, three inches, with a palm of one and a half inch: the hind leg from knee to heel two and three quarters, and heel to toe two and a quarter. The weight about one pound. In form and proportions there is a very great resem-

of Prionodon Pardicolor. 4]

blance to the lesser civets of India (Viverrula mihi), none of which, nor of the weasel group, exhibit the vermiform or slender and elongate structure in greater perfection, the head, neck and body being long, attenuated and cylindrical. The head in general shape and even in details, bears an extra- ordinary likeness to that of the Rasse; but its expression is more gentle conformably to the milder disposition of the animal.

The head is conical depressed and exhibits very little curve in profile, either along its upper or lower outline; the back part of the head is very slightly arched, and the nose quite straight : the muzzle or nude extremity of the nose is clearly defined, small, round, and faintly grooved between the nares, which are opened chiefly to the front with a curved pro- longation to the sides. The large dark lustrous eyes are about equidistant from the nose and the ears, and their pupils are apparently round, though the glittering and dark hue of the irides renders it difficult to distinguish them. The thin lips are furnished with long full and strong mustaches, and there is a smaller tuft of bristles over the eye, and still smaller ones behind the gape, and on the chin. The moderate sized and rounded ears have the helix anteally a good deal attached to the head, running forwards towards the eye. Posteally the helix is fissured, while in the interior of the ears are various lobate processes analogous to the antihelix, tragus and antitragus. The ears have free motion and are softly but scantily furred outside and on the fore margin of the inside, the rest of the interior being nude but nearly con- cealed by the long hairs springing from the base. Both neck and body, as already noted, are much elongated and slender, the neck being ordinarily more or less curved in the living animal, so as to add to its graceful aspect. The short slight and well-formed limbs terminate in small compact extremi- ties, exhibiting in their perfectly sheathed, sharp, compressed, and highly curved talons, concealed in the softest fur, a

42 Observations on the Manners and Structure

genuinely feline character. The toes are five and similar before and behind, whereof the two central are longest and equal; the two laterals, less advanced, are also equal or nearly so; and the innermost, still more withdrawn from the front, are the least in size, as in the cat’s anterior ex- tremities. The animal’s action is purely digitigrade; and the feet throughout their soles are well furred, except the balls or pads, which are nude and_soft, five to support the ends, and four to sustain the basses of the toes. There is also a round metacarpal ball, but no metatarsal one. The long and perfectly cylindric tail is equal to the body and neck in length, and the hair upon. it is scarcely longer or less smooth than upon the body. The tongue is aculeated backwards as in the cat; and, like the cat’s, the Prionodon is void either of anal or pubic glands or pores, so that the living animals are perfectly free from all offensive odour or peculiar scent. The females have four teats, of which two are in- guinal, and two placed entirely at the other end of the ab- domen, may be called sub-sternal. The membraneous stomach is bagpipe-shaped rather, the upper end being somewhat the wider : its orifices are terminal, and it measures five and a half inches along the greater arch, and one and three-quarters along the lesser. The liver is six-lobed, and the small gall- bladder half buried in a cleft of the largest lobe, whence a large duct conducts the thin greenish-yellow bile into the intestinal canal. The intestines, twenty-six to twenty-seven inches long, are somewhat larger in diameter below the cecum, which is fully three quarters of an inch long and nipple-shaped, or cylindric with a round end.

In the brilliancy of its colours and the smoothness of its soft fur, this beautiful little animal rivals the leopards. The ground colour is rich fulvous or ruddy yellow, and the marks are jet black. Upon the neck the marks are linear; upon the body and limbs, globose. The head is nearly or quite un- marked, but it is shaded with dusky black on the dorsal surface.

of Prionodon Pardicolor. 43

From the nape to and beyond the shoulders proceed two unbroken lines, and two others, less unbroken, run below and parallel to them from behind the ears. The ridge of the back has also an interrupted line extending from the shoulders to the middle of the back. ‘The body and outsides of the limbs are adorned with large elliptic or squarish marks, which descends to the wrist and heel with gradual diminution of size and are disposed in pairs on either side of the spine. The belly and insides of the limbs, as well as the inferior surface of the head and neck are immaculate. The brilliant hues of the body are annularly disposed on the tail, which exhibits eight dark and eight pale rings going all round the tail and of which the dark ones are rather the larger, and of these the largest are towards the centre of the tail. All these rings are complete save the uppermost, and near the dusky tip of the tail the colours are blended vaguely but still incline to an annular arrangement. In regard to habits and manners it is remarkable that though the Prionodons belong to the most typical group of the fierce carnassiers, the present species would seem to be wonderfully docile, gentle, and tractable. Mine had been taken in maturity only one month before I got it, and yet it was as gentle as a dormouse, and like that little creature, loved above all things to nestle itself in its keeper’s bosom, being very sensitive to cold and very fond of being petted: nor did it ever show the least irritability. It was fed with raw meat, and refused fruits, fish and eggs. Any sort of sound it never uttered, so that I know not its voice. The species is very numerous in the eastern half of the Sub-Himalayas, or Nepal and Sikim, but is not usually caught for taming. Equally at home in trees or on the ground, it dwells and breeds in the hollows of decayed trees. It is not gregarious at all, and preys chiefly upon small birds which it is wont to pounce upon from the cover of the grass, using, it is said, a deal of strategy oc- casionally, to draw its wary prey within reach of its spring.

44 Observations on the Manners and Structure, &c.

The times of breeding are said to be February and August, and the litter to consist of two young, there being two litters each year. Dr. Horsfield has so fully described the teeth of Prionodon, that I have purposely omitted to say any thing | on that head. As however the Doctor has neither figured nor described the scull, I may as well add that in its general form it resembles that of the small civets, but is contradistinguish- ed by the nearly total absence of the longitudinal and occipi- tal ridges or keels, albeit the posteal part of the encephalon, next the occiput, exhibits a keel-like depression. The scull is elongate, low, very slightly arched. or curved along the culmenal line, and has a long but feeble and little bulged zygomatic arch, and a large elongate auditory cavity. The orbits are incomplete, as in the cats and civets. The dental formula, I need scarcely add, is 2 7 oe The sharpness of the coronal process of the molar teeth seems to indicate that the animal is somewhat insectivorous, which, I hear, is actually the fact. Admirable illustrations from the pencil of my Newar artist are subjoined to this paper, and they ~ are the more necessary in that this species has never been depicted, and that the only other species or Gracilis, is miser- ably distorted in Horsfield’s delineation. I have added some organic illustrations of the genus from the same skilful pencil. |

P. S.—While penning the above, I received specimens of a wild cat which, appearing to me new, I subjoin a summary description of it.

Felis Ogilbit.—A small wild cat, of a deep sordid fulvous ground colour, covered throughout and uniformly with numer- ous small black marks of a round or somewhat elongate form. Aspect and size of the domestic cat but with longer and more cylindric tail, equal to the body and neck. Length of the animal eighteen and a half inches; of tail with hair

Calcutta! Jour Nat Hist RUD.

fx

> Ze

Ilastrations of Prionodon and of Meriva

On a New Genus of Insessorial Birds. 45

fifteen: and a half; of tail only, fourteen; of ears, from the crown of head, two; of head to occiput, four.

Hasitrat.—The woods of Sikim.

Remark.—This is the third species of small true wild cat, discovered in the eastern Sub-Himalayas, the other two being murmensis and pardochrous (olim nipalensis). 'The great cats of these mountains are, Tigris, Leopardus, and Macroce- loides (olim Macrocelis.*)

In the Tarai of plains below the mountains are found only, of the above, the tiger and leopard; also a small cat which never enters the hills, viz. viverriceps vel viverrinus. One species of lynx is common to hills and plains, viz. the chaus.

Darjeeling : December, 1846. 1B. He

On a New Genus of Insessorial Birds. By B.H. Hoveson, Esq.

Insessores, Dentirostres, Merulile, Myotherine.

Genus New.—Merva mihi.

Generic Character.—Bill elongate, slender, cylindric, more or less arched, hard, entire: both mandibles towards the tips solid, and the tips equal, blunt and entire: base and gape smooth. Tongue, elongate, cartilaginous, simple, tip jagged. Nares elliptic, basal, lateral, free, placed in a short groove, membraned towards the head.

* The species enumerated in the Catalogue of Nepal Mammals as Ne- palensis and Macrocelis, however allied to those species, yet seem distinct, and hence the new names. Macroceloides is found also in Tibet, as well as Felis uncia, and Felis nigripectus, which last is possibly the Manul, of Pallas

46 On a New Genus of Insessorial Birds.

Plumage lax and soft.

Wings short, bowed, round.

Tail short, feeble, imperfect even.

Tarse elevate, strong, and smooth.

Toes and nails suited to walking and clinging, with large thumb and nails. |

Type.—Merva Jerdonii mihi. Habitat—The Sub-Hima- layas.

Specific Character.—Merva: above olive-brown, streaked down the shafts with fulvous. Below fulvous, shaded lateral- ly with olive. Vent rusty. Bill and legs smoky-grey. _Ivis brown. Length 5% inches, of bill to gape 14, to brow a Tail 1-. Wing 23. ‘Tarse to sole 1. Central toe and nail = Hind toe and nail =- Weight 2 oz.

Whatever Swainson’s errors as a systematist, his arrange- ment of the Insessores and particularly of the Dentirostres, is, I think, on the whole, superior to any other, and therefore I have followed it, as above, though I apprehend there is a deal to be done in the determination of the entire organiza- tion and habits of birds before their classification can be at all satisfactorily accomplished. The singular type, with which I now present the reader, in its general structure is closely related to those remarkable birds first discovered by myself and named Tesia, and subsequently Micrurus by Gould, and of which I now possess seven species divided into two genera.* These minute tailless thrushes, are characterised by strong walking legs and feet, of which the thumb however is large and the nails acute; by short, bowed, feeble wings; a still shorter and imperfect tail, and a moderate meruline or sylvian bill ; and they dwell silently and solitarily in moist woods and copses, near to rills, feeding solely on the ground on small

* See Proceed. Zool. Society for last year.

On a New Genus of Insessorial Birds. 47

scaly insects, and even breeding on, or close to the earth. Now, such in organization and manners is the bird before us, except that it has a bill of a totally different character, approximating it to the Pomatorhini and Upupe. It is therefore a remarkable type, and I hesitate as to its fitting position in any system of classification known to me. But, without further remark upon the question of classification, I will now proceed to a full description of the form and colours of the only species I yet possess, which was shot at an elevation of about 6,000 feet in Sikim.

The bill is a third longer than the head, slender, and some- what arched, but with the margins entire and the tips blunt, strong and suited to digging, with none of the delicacy of structure that is proper to the bills of suctorial birds. It is cylindric and compressed, but not so much so as in the Pomatorhini, nor is the base so suddenly expanded as in them. The frontal feathers are quite soft; the moderate gape free from bristles entirely, and the elliptic nostrils com- pletely ‘exposed. The tongue, like the bill, is long and narrow, but flat, simple and not projectile, cartilaginous, with bifid or jagged tip. The plumage is very soft and lax, and is elongated over the rump, but not so as to hide the tail, short as it is. The wings do not exceed the base of the tail, and are galline in form, but feeble as well as bowed, round and short : four plumes are distinctly gradated; but the rest very gra- dually run into one another, and then fall off towards the short tertials. The tail-feathers are nearly of equal length, and but eight in number, narrow and feeble like the wing-quills. The smooth strong tarse exceeds the central toe and nail in length. The toes are compressed; the laterals nearly equal ; the central elongate ; and the hind large, equal to the laterals without the nails, much exceeding them with those appendages, but not depressed or wide. The nails, especially in the hind digits, are large and acute, but not much curved. The sternum is flat, short, truncated or square posteally, and

48 = On a New Genus of Insessorial Birds.

exhibits there, one deep notch on either side. The furcula is long and feeble, and is joined to the low keel of the sternum merely by cartilage. The intestines are six and a half inches long with grain-like ceca placed about one inch from the anal end. The stomach is muscular and red: its outer coat of trivial unequal thickness : its inner, tough and striated : food, hard scaly insects of the ground, with ants. Of the sexual diversities of colour I am unaware. My specimen is, above, olive-brown (or black on the outer vanes) streaked down the shafts with buff, and below, fulvous, more or less emarginated laterally with the olive of the upper surface, thus resembling, even in its colours, the birds I have suggested its affinity to. The alars and caudals are dusky internally, and the lower tail- coverts very ruddy, almost rusty-red. Bill and feet, dusky- grey, or brownish horn colour: iris dark brown. Of the manners I have already spoken ; and as they, as well as the structure, are so much assimilated to the little tailless thrushes (Tesia vel Micrurus) I cannot doubt that our proposed new genus should be located near to them, whatever may be ad- judged their place.

Darjeeling : December, 1846. B. H. H.

Topography and Medical History of the Settlement of Malacca, for the year 1845. By Residency Assistant Surgeon J. A. Rarron.

Malacca, ceded to the British Government by the Dutch in exchange for Bencoolen in the year 1825, is the central British settlement in the Straits. It is situated on the western coast of the Malayan Peninsula, and with the opposite coast of Sumatra, assists in part to form the Straits to which it gives its name. It is situated, as it were, half-way between the Island settlements of Penang and Singapore, being 260 miles below the former, which constitutes the north-west extreme to the Straits, and 120 miles above Singapore, which forms its eastern terminus, or south-east extreme.

Medical Topography of Malacca. 49

The Settlement embraces an area of 1,000 square miles, comprised in a line of coast of mean length forty miles, by a mean breadth of twenty-five miles.

It is bounded to the north-west by the Malay state of Salangore,

_ from which it is separated by the river Lingie or Linggy, about

e

twenty-five miles from the town; and to the south-east by the state of Johor, from which it is likewise separated by a stream, the Muar river. Interiorly it is bounded to the east by the Malay states of Rumbome and Johole, and to the west by the Straits Proper.

The town of Malacca founded a. pv. 1252; Heg. 650, by Sri Iskander Shah, or Rajah Secunder Shah, is situated about the centre of this line of coast, in Long. 102° 12' E. and Lat. 2° 14’ N. upon the mouth of a small river, which it names.

As approached from seaward, it presents a very striking and inter- esting, nay picturesque, appearance. ‘To this the luxuriance of its surrounding vegetation, by giving it the appearance of being as it were imbedded in the neighbouring topes of cocoa and areca nut, together with the prominent feature of St. Paul’s ruin-crowned hill with its beautiful verdure, greatly contributes, and gives to the eye of the stranger as a whole, a view of retirement and health; to both of which its claims are justly acknowledged throughout the Straits.

The once noble church which crowns the summit, of St. Paul’s is now a powder magazine.

Malacca, comprises the fort so termed ; the town proper ; and the suburbs of Tranqueirah, Bander Eller, and Baumgarayah or Boonga Rya; and includes a mixed population of about 15,000 inhabitants. These may be conveniently classed as follows : about 200 Europeans and Dutch ; 3,000 Indo-Portuguese ; 3,000 Klings and Chuliahs or natives of India, viz., from the Malabar and Coromandel Coasts, as well as a few Bengallees; 3,000 Malays; and 6,000 Chinese. The cantonment or fort as it still continues to be called « pro forma,” though its once massive fortifications have long since been demolish- ed (and of which the only standing relic is now a picturesque-looking gateway), is separated from the town by a mean-looking, though serviceable, wooden bridge, once likewise a drawbridge. It extends from and along the eastern or left bank of the river, running in the

H

50 Medical Topography of Malacca. .

form of a circle around the base of St. Paul’s hill, and comprises the house of the officer commanding, and of the other officers belong- ing to the detachment, with private houses situated on its southern aspect or sea-face ; the Convict and Garrison Hospitals to the east and opening upon the parade ground; to the north the Convicts’ Lines, Government Stores, Land Office, and House of Correction ; and to the west H. M. Gaol, Government Store, Police Office, and Stadt House; the last facing the west, but having also an aspect to the south or seaward.

The mouth of the river which, together with its approaches, is defended by two 4-gun batteries, is about fifty-six feet wide. The draught at high water being eleven feet; at ebb four feet six inches ; and at spring-tides thirteen and a half feet. It is en- tered by a narrow channel extending over an extensive mud-flat, is very inconvenient at times even for small boats: admits with the flood native craft of light burden, but does not permit the approach of square-rigged. vessels, which anchor in safety at about two miles distance. Extending in continuation along the south-east coast to the extent of half a mile, is the populous but very poor suburb of Bander Eller, inhabited chiefly by the Indo-Portuguese, for the most part fishermen, an extremely poor, ignorant, and immoral set, nomi- nally Catholics. |

The town of Malacca itself, is situated on the right bank of the river. Though unpretending, it is built with a certain degree of regularity, and consists principally of two parallel streets, intersected at right angles by minor ones. Of these two streets, the one called ‘‘ Hein Street,” forms the high or principal street of the town ; it is clean, inhabited by the better orders of the Dutch part of the popu- lation, (who for the most part reside in the town) and likewise by the better order of Chinese ; the Chinese artizans engrossing the bazars.

The houses of the Dutch are old, massive, and substantial in their structure. Those of the better class of Chinese neat, clean, and quaint in their devices and appearance.

The continuation of this street runs into the extensive and very populous suburb of Tranqueirah, inhabited by some Chinese, but chiefly by Indo-Portuguese. It is sufficiently wide, and considering

Medical Topography of Malacca. 5]

its inhabitants, a surprisingly clean street. Outskirting the town is the Malay population ; their houses being raised on piles, and each surrounded by a small piece of garden, or small sugar or paddy plantation, poultry, &c.

The Chinese are the principal mechanics and tradesmen of the place, and mostly industrious ; excepting the very lower orders, who are a vagabondish, opium-smoking, arrack-drinking, gambling set, and who, together with those of them who profess beggary as a calling, usually form the admissions into the Pauper Hospital. .

The Klings, Chuliahs or Malabars, and natives of the Coromandel Coast, are the cow-keepers and dairy-men of the place; the Malays the boatmen, coolies, and cultivators.

The aspect of the country for some miles round, is pleasing, un- dulating, and agricultural ; presenting tracts of flourishing paddy fields. These, during the rainy season, are of course flats of water, and during the dry season so much barren-looking dried soil.

A prominent feature in the aspect of the country immediately surrounding Malacca, and one connected with its economy, is the Chinese burying-ground, consisting of five hills; and which, with their white horse-shoe form, singular looking tombs, present a rather picturesque appearance. The two principal hills are contiguous to each other, and around their base runs in a circular direction of four miles in extent, a very good carriage road, the usual drive of the inhabitants. Two good wells of excellent drinking water are like- wise situated at their base, a quarter of a mile from the town bridge : and from which the inhabitants are amply supplied.

Malacca may be said to be extremely well supplied with water : for besides these two public wells, other large public wells are situated in prominent and convenient places ; such as one facing the Pauper Hospital, and another to the south of St. Paul’s hill, immedi- ately to the east of the battery.

To the north-west, two miles from the town, another hill termed ** Pringit,”’ the residence of the Resident Councillor, is very salubri- ous and healthfully situated, leading to which is a good road, and the country on either side under excellent cultivation, either as Chinese gardens, sugar plantations, or paddy fields ; the soil in these situa- tions being sand, clay, and vegetable mould. The rising grounds,

52 Medical Topography of Malacca.

hills more land, and around the base of which these paddy flats spread out, consist chiefly of laterite super-imposed on granite. Thus the town of Malacca, may, speaking generally, be said to be sur- rounded on its three land-sides by much flat or swampy land. Its fourth side or coast, likewise, twice in the twenty-four hours, or at the ebb of each tide, presents an extensive mud flat, stretching out a distance varying from half to one and a half mile; the bank itself extending from one and a half to two and a half miles; yet the town is allowed to be very healthy.

Fevers contracted in the town are rare, though intermittents and even fevers of a malignant type are contracted in the interior, either by the natives, or occasionally by some of the inhabitants themselves, visiting those parts; or, as these mostly come under the notice of the medical officer, by the convicts when employed on road- work in the interior. Even the worst forms of congestive fever are said to be contracted in the interior, but no case of any such fever has been brought to hospital, though many cases of intermit- tent and slight remittent fevers, contracted when at work at Jyer, Panus, Rheim, to the east; or at Roombiyah ; or at the out-post of - Alor Gajah, to the north-west have been admitted.

The base of Mount Ophir would, under peculiar circumstances of temperature and season, seem likewise pregnant with malaria or morbific influence, of a very deadly nature; as exhibited in the account of Dr. Oxley’s trip to Mount Ophir in January 1839, when this officer, and five of his native attendants, were taken ill of fever accompanied with violent delirium. He was the first attacked, but recovered by active treatment. The natives, refusing all European medicines, died from between the 3rd to the 7th day from the first attack. However, Lieut. Newbold, Sir W. Norris and son, and their respective parties, at a different time and season, all visited the same with perfect impunity from any ailment whatever; and I am likewise aware, that persons from the town are in the habit of occasionally visiting the same neighbourhood at all seasons for the purposes, of traffic, and with perfect impunity. This is however readily accounted for, by the fact of the danger being dependant on the development of the morbific agency by the heat following im- mediately upon the rainy season, bringing the same into powerful

Medical Topography of Malacca. 53

activity in these pent-in forest jungle tracts. This, to the European, or uninured native constitution, is fatal ; but to the Jakoon, or child of the forest, whose breath has been drawn in with the same effluvia for years, even from his infancy, it is innocuous. Dr. Oxley and his party, however, could not boast this guarantee, and they suffered for their imprudence. It is perfectly safe to visit Mount Ophir at any time during the dry season; not so safe during the rains, were it indeed practicable ; and unsafe and attended with imminent danger to do so immediately after the rains. A month should be allowed first to elapse, to evaporate the condensed moisture, &c.

On advancing further into the interior, the country becomes more mountainous, a series of elevations, these being covered with dense forest ; trees of gigantic growth, and great beauty. The val- lies are mostly converted into paddy fields, termed sawahs : occasional partial clearances are likewise met with on the more elevated grounds, near to the Malayan villages, these are sown with rice, and termed ladungs ; of course less productive than the former, but requiring less labour, and the Malay abominates extra labour.

Within the territory of Malacca, three hot sulphurous springs are met with, of these two are most deserving of notice.. The first is that in the Nanning district, situated two and a half miles beyond, or to the north of Fort Lismone, and nineteen miles in that direction from town. The other is situated in the opposite direction from the town, viz. at Rheim, in Assahan, to the north-east, and distant sixteen and a half miles. I have visited the former, tasted its water, and bathed in it. It arises from several springs, dispersed over a surface of some twenty yards square, forming a pond of this extent; the surface of which is continually covered with a dense vapour, and bubbles of gas are here and there seen rising to the surface. Con- tiguous to these, public baths have been erected by Government. The individual spring from which the baths are supplied, is bricked in as a well, 6 feet deep; water clear, with possibly a shade of bluish- green ; temperature 120° Fahrenheit, and evolving sulphuretted hydro- gen. It contains sulphur and iron; I however send a bottle of the water for chemical analysis by the Company’s Analytical Examiner at Calcutta, as I am not aware’whether it has yet been subjected to as critical an analysis as it seems to deserve ; and I hope to be favoured

54 Medical Topography of Malacca.

with the results of the enquiry. Its immediate neighbourhood is flat, excepting a small hillock, covered with jungle, which forms one of its sides ; nor are there any traces of volcanic action present. Bathing in this water is much esteemed by the natives, especially in cutaneous, rheumatic, syphilitic, epileptic, and a variety of other diseases. I consider that it has frequently proved beneficial, this doubtless in connection with the change of air offered by the neigh- bourhood, quiet, and the impulse given to the mind. Thus it proved of great service in one of two cases I had occasion to send there from the Convict Hospital, viz. Marukary—case of chronic syphilitic rheumatism, whom I found in the hospital, on assuming charge in February, a bed-ridden cripple, and who after every treat- ment, was sent there from the hospital in that state on the 12th of April. He returned to Malacca on the 25th of May, perfectly recovered in his limbs, having the free use of them, and able for light work on the roads; he is now engaged on the flag-staff duty. The other was a case of phthisis pulmonalis im the last stage, was sent there for a change as a ‘dernier resort,’ he returned three mouths after, no better, and died subsequently in hospital. This last of course affords no criterion of the waters. The average range of the thermometer during the day, is said to be in the shade from 74° to 85°, and 108° in the open air at noon, is by the accompany- ing Return taken for the last three years, shewn to have averaged a mean daily variation of 8°. ‘There is no opportunity (want of a self- regulating thermometer) of ascertaining the lowest temperature dur- ing the night, which it is very desirable to know. : The barometrical variation is said to be very slight, ranging from 29.83 to 30.3. As, however, there is no barometer attached to the station, there are no means at command at present for observing these changes. Having indented for this, and the above-named instrument, as well as for an hygrometer, I trust to be able in next year’s Report to afford some more correct information on this subject. On reference to the accompanying Tables, it will be at once seen, that rain fell during the last year on 111 days, amounting to inches 68 Fa : in 1844 on 115 days, amounting to inches 842 and in 1843 on 122 days, amounting to inches 7 62. That the greater portion of rain fell

during the past year from the beginning of April to the end of

Medical Topography of Malacca. 5D

September, comparatively little in August, and again much rain in November and December. This last month shows the greatest number of days upon which rain fell, though not the greatest fall of water in the aggregate amount ; which took place in November.

In 1844 rain fell from the beginning of April to end of September. In December the Table also shows much rain to have fallen; the greatest number of days that rain fell being in the month of Decem- ber; but the greatest amount of water that fell, being in the months of May and July ; the quantities being equal.

In 1843, rain likewise fell from the beginning of April to end of December. In this year no rain fell in February, though there was much variable wind ; and in this month occurred too, the hottest day ; and together with March, the mean hottest weather. The greatest number of days upon which rain fell bemg in May; the greatest ageregate amount of rain fallen, being in July.

A want of an accurate knowledge of the climate and seasons met with in the Straits, seems not unfrequently to exert a prejudicial influence on the Medical authorities at the Indian Presidencies, when recommending the climate of the Straits to invalids, proceeding for change of air, after severe attacks of acute disease, either dysentery, fever, &c., both in respect to the climate itself, and to the season chosen for such change ; and which frequently occasions disappoint- ment to all parties, to say the least.

The variation of the thermometer in the day during the past year never exceeded in the shade 164°, viz. from 6 A.M. to 3 p.m.; the mean daily variation being 9°, and its mean range or variation at 3 Pp. M. throughout the year has not exceeded 6°.

In 1844 the variation never exceeded 15°; the mean daily variation being 9°, and the mean range at 3 p.m. throughout the year did not _ exceed. 5°.

In 1843 the variation never exceeded 17°; the mean daily variation being 8°, and the mean range at 3 p.m. throughout the year did not exceed 5°.

South-west winds are said to prevail from April to November ; and the influence of the north-east monsoon to be felt during the other months.

The Tables for the last three years, show, that during the past _ year this wind prevailed in November, and as a secondary wind, from

56 Medical Topography of Malacca.

May to November, excepting in September, when only three days of SE. occur, two of these equally. The SE. has very evidently been the prevailing wind during the other months ; not the NE.

In 1844, we see SW. in March equals the NE., and that it is. the prevailing wind in the months of April, May, and October ; and again as a secondary wind, in February and September. The NE. prevailed in January, north in February, November, and December ; and the SE. in the months of July and September. We must also notice that in the month of June and July the SW. did not blow at all,

In 1843 SW., the prevailing wind in July, August, September, and December, prevailed; as a secondary wind in April, blew only one day in May, not at all in June, and two days in November ; north in January ; NE. in February, SE. in March only. It is to be observed that the wind was, throughout this year, more inclined to the west ; also, that the number of rainy days was greatest this year ; though not the aggregate amount that fell, which is greatest in 1844.

The land and sea-breezes, usually alternate with a certain degree of regularity, an interval more or less intervening, according to the season of the year. This interval is proportionally close and op- pressive, and takes place irregularly, likewise according to the season : either at any time between 11] a. M. and 2 Pp. M. as in the months of December, January, and February, or earlier in the day, as often ex- perienced during the other months. The nights, generally speaking, may be said to be cool at times, even cold; a warm oppressive night is rarely experienced at Malacca, the land wind, or that from the NE., having here, when blowing at night, every property of refresh- ing cool sea-breeze, which in fact it is, reaching this side of the peninsula from the China Sea after merely sweeping across a strip of dense forest land about 100 miles wide.

Thus the prevailing wind the year round, as far as I can learn from the experience of others (for the past year from its said irregularity has offered but little opportunity for correct observation) is the SW. This wind, the above resumé of the Tables, would seem to show mostly obtains; though the past year, the SE. wind pre- vailed most. Health is said to prevail during the continuation of this wind, this refers especially as it is more observable during the SW. monsoon,-and as noticed in contradistinction to the NE., when

Medical Topography of Malacca. 57

much sickness prevails ; especially affections of the chest, as catarrhs, coughs, sore-throat, and fever. Likewise, at the change of this mon- soon, and when the weather is become variable, a variety of diseases appear, principally rheumatic, catarrhal, and pulmonic.

The following classification of the prevailing winds or monsoons, as received in the Straits, may be attempted, according to the limited opportunities of judging from a comparison of but three years, as offered by the accompanying Tables. Though far from being strictly correct, still it is offered as the nearest approximation which the experience at command permits of for the present want of other sufficient data; thus—

In January, February, March.—The northerly monsoon is said to prevail, and inclining to the E. It is roundly called the NW. monsoon. There is, however, mostly a sea breeze from the W. or S. during the afternoon.

April, May, June.—The easterly monsoon is said to prevail, but the wind is seen going round the compass most irregularly, even to the W. to S. and

Sw. July, August, September.—The SW. monsoon is said to prevail, ESE.

and SE. winds however being frequently the prevailing wind ; E. wind and squally weather are likewise shown to prevail during these months.

October, November, December.—The north-west monsoon is said to pre- vail. The SW. to N. and NW. winds however blow irregularly with variable and rainy weather during these months.

The energetic and frequent occurrence of electrical phenomena in the Straits, especially as experienced in the well-known squalls termed Sumatras, is an interesting feature in the physical constitution of this settlement ; and to which undoubtedly much of its healthful- ness at these seasons is due. These mostly occur attended with considerable violence and heavy rain, accompanied with vivid light- ning and reverberating peals of thunder, and chiefly in the months of September and October, the wind blowing from the SW., conse- quently across Sumatra, hence its name. At these times the wind likewise blows with violence from the East. These squalls, I have however seen described in more general terms as occurring between the months of May and December.

Again, we are informed that the NE. monsoon commences in

January, and continues until some time in March, when the SW. I

58 Medical Topography of Malacca. -

commences and continues until September; again that September, ©

October and November, is considered the NW. or squally season ; but that squalls both from the SW. and NW. occur indifferently in these months. This, though seemingly paradoxical, makes good what we so frequently observe, that violent squalls usually come from the opposite direction to that in which the wind is blowing. During January, or the NE. monsoon, the squalls (if any) come from the NE. and from the W.

It has been remarked that at any time during the year when the wind prevails from the NW., rain is pretty sure to fall in the course of the day.

The returns for the past three years show, that both as to the number of days in which rain fell, and the amount that fell, in the months of November and December, the difference between the three years appears to have been extremely slight.

No. of days rain fell. Inches. ‘Tenths. Viz. 1843, November & December 22 Amount fell, 14 73 1844, /ditlo, and ditto; a... | 2. tO,se et F945. ditto and. ditto, Heuy ar. 20. DIGLO, Ain, Plea

Relative to the salubrity of Malacca and of the Straits generally, the climate may be called a relaxing one.

In fact, it is said to be a climate which offers no hope of the con- stitutional powers, once debilitated, being able to rally, unless remov- ed from its debilitating influence, and transported to a more bracing climate ; one more congenial to, and in accordance with Huropean habits and constitutions ; and for which Australia, the Cape, or rather the mountains of Ceylon offer favourable remedies ; nay China may now to many be equally eligible and preferable as a change, suiting of course the season and the station sought, to the end required.

That this is a correct description of the climate generally is, I be- lieve, perfectly true. But its internal resources are, I likewise think, under-rated, because not attended to at a seasonable time of the debilitating disease itself, and without a sufficient respect to the sea- son at which to seek a change, when some change is felt to be

Medical Topography of Malacca. o9

required, I allude to changing from one station to the other as the case may be; to the Penang hill, and to cruising in a cool latitude, outside the Straits: in which very great cold may at many seasons be expected; so much so, as to require for the greater part of the twenty-four hours, woollen clothing. Therefore I infer that previ- ous to having tried, under judicious direction, the beneficial effects of these changes, a change from the Straits altogether cannot in such cases be pronounced by the medical officer to be absolutely requisite ; especially where from official station or otherwise, such change would either to the public service, or to the individual prosperts of the party himself, be highly undesirable.

Again, many of the cases being sent from the comparatively bracing climate of the Indian Presidencies to the Straits for a change of air, when just recovering from or while even yet labouring under dysen- tery, liver, and other similar cases, must be considered as injudicious. For such, a more bracing climate thar the one they are leaving, and surely not a more relaxing one, is requisite ; yet this is frequently the case. The sea voyage and a short trip being probably more held in view than the nature of the climate about to be visited, or the parti- cular season, or perhaps even the station to which a preference is in the first place to be given. These are left to the sick person to find out, as best he may, or rather perhaps to the discretion of the Medical officer under whose hands he may first find himself on arrival.

The prominent features of the climate of Malacea are its moderate degree of temperature, its comparative equability during the twenty- four hours, as well as throughout the year, (its mean range from 6 a. M. to 3 p. M. shown for the last three years to have been but 8°; the mean range between the extremes taken at 3 Pp. M. being the hottest in February, March, and January, 914°, and coolest in December and January, 743° or about 17° variation) the humidity of its atmosphere, and the absence of any cold season, so requisite to brace up the exhausted energies of the European constitution.

This sufficiently accounts for the diseases prevailing, viz. catarrhal, pulmonic, rheumatic affections, fevers of a certain type, and diar- rheeas, following upon loss of tone of the stomach and bowels ;

together with indolent action of the liver, enlarged spleens occasion-

60 Medical Topography of Malacca.

ally met with, and ulcers of an indolent and obstinate character ; these form the principal, all depending as a primary cause upon relaxa- tion of the tone of the system, and lastly dropsical affections, which are very common, particularly amongst the lower orders, Chinese especially, this in them being combined with poor living ; acute inflammatory diseases occurring as primary affections, are compara- tively rare.

The comparative absence of malaria in a Settlement, seemingly surrounded by generating sources, may be accounted for by the vary- ing atmosphere, the alternating breeze or prevailing wind, the free circulation of air unopposed by neighbouring mountains, or natural obstructions, the porous quality of the mineral and vegetable soil, and indeed by the extensive and dense forest tracts themselves ; their very denseness by preventing the direct action of the sun’s rays prevents likewise a too rapid decomposition of the decaying vegetable mass, and moreover assists with the atmospheric air, in absorbing much of the noxious exhalations evolved.

The average number of transmarime convicts durmg the year has been 166. They are divided into four classes (formerly into 5).

The \st Class.—Are out on bail, perfect masters of themselves, men of good character, find themselves in every thing, as they are per- mitted to employ themselves in any manner they choose.

If brought to the Police Office for any offence, they revert to the last or rather the chain class, No. 4.

The 2nd Class.—Of these some are given, or as it is termed rented out, to gentlemen by the Company. The persons so employing them give them 24¥ monthly, for their food, the Company providing them with two suits of clothes every six months. Others formerly classed as a 3rd class, but now included under the 2nd class, reside in the Convict Lines, men who behave well, work on the roads, &c. and are allowed by Government Co’s. Rs. 4 a month.

The 3rd Class.—Men of bad character, most of them work in chains ; at present and during the past year there have been no men under this class. (The men seen about in chains, being local con- victs, mostly Chinese). This class are allowed by Government 12 annas a month, together with 14% of cocoanut oil, 15 tb of salt, and eight gantons or 50 tbs of rice each.

Medical Topography of Malacca. 61

The 4th Class——Mostly invalid and old men, employed in sweep- ing and other easy work, are allowed by Government each monthly Co’s. Rs. 1-10 annas and six gantons, or 372tbs of rice, 116 of oil, and 1b of salt.

There is at present no Superintendent of Convicts. They are under the charge of five Christian Tindals, inclusive of overseer, and under whom are 4 Sirdars or belted Peons, chosen by Government from the 2nd class for their good behaviour. They are allowed Co’s. Rs. 6 in the month, and one cloth in the year.

Local convicts are all classed under the same head, receive all 149 monthly ; are not found in any thing; are employed in repairing the public roads and buildings; are paid by the assessment; and are under the immediate orders of the Police Magistrate.

They are under the surveillance of two Christian Tindals and of two Sirdars. The former accompanying them when working on the roads, the latter only when they are employed in town, such as sweeping the bazars, &c.

The average number of local convicts throughout the past year has been 26.

No change beyond the above named division in the convict lines of the transmarine from the local felons has taken place, with the exception of one addition to the former, viz. a man of bad character who had made his escape from Singapore, was retaken, and sent here. All unruly characters become orderly and well-behaved on arrival here, and simply from the fact being well-known amongst them, that this is the easiest of the Penal Settlements, best climate, and cheapest ; where they are exceedingly well-lodged, and have every comfort and convenience in their lines. The difference between the comforts here and the reverse at Singapore is very striking ; flogging here is a complete rarity; I have not been called upon to attend once during the past 12 months. At Singapore rarely a month passes without some flogging. There have been 33 additions to the local convicts. I cannot suggest any improvement either as respects’ diet, clothmg, employment, exercise, or in any other respect, as the whole seems to be conducted in a very wholesome and efficient manner.— Extracted from a report to the Medical Board.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY.

1.—Review of the latest investigations regarding the intimate structure of the Liver. By Mannu.

The researches of authors have left it still quite undecided in what manner the biliary canals terminate, and what their relation is to the hepatic cellules.

The existence of hepatic cellules is a fact recognized by all microscopic observers. Every one knows that they are true cellules provided with a special envelope, and with a nucleus containing granules, and at times little drops of fat. In our researches among different animals, we have at times met with livers whose cellules could be easily isolated, as in the ox; at times they formed irregular masses, or longitudinal rows, composed of more or less coherent cellules. In all these cases, it is only required to place a portion of liver for half an hour, or an hour, in a concentrated solution of caustic potass, to make the cellules plainly visible. Their nuclei are also then much more distinct. Retaining them too long in the potass, or making pressure on the cellules, destroys the cellular membrane, and the contents, the granules and the drops escape. The abundance of granules or of drops in the interior of the cellule, renders it difficult at times to recognise the nucleus: the potass extracts the granules, and then the nucleus can easily be seen. By the side of the cellules we often also see primitive corpuscles (nuclei) swimming freely. Like all other cellules, those which constitute the hepatic tissue, undergo different degrees of development; and there- fore we must not wonder at observing great differences in their dimensions, not only in different animals but in the same species and in the same individual. In stating their dimensions, we of course speak of those of perfect cellules. According to our observations, they measure in the duck from 0.015 to 0.02 millimetres, in the mouse 0.008 to 0.01, in

Anatomy and Physiology. 63

the ox from 0.02 to 0.03, in man from 0.01 to 0.02. Their nuclei are in diameter from 0.005 to 0.008 millimetres. They are sometimes round, sometimes flattened, and of a distinct polygonal form in man. These facts sufficiently refute the opinion of Dujardin and that of Guillot, according to whom, the cellules are irregular particles, not limited by any envelope, and of a consistence between fluid and solid. We have not convinced ourselves of the fact advanced by Huschke, that each cellule distributes a filament which connects it with the biliary canalicle, and by which the bile escapes.

The hepatic cellules when pressed against each other form little is/ets surrounded by blood vessels. We owe the actual state of our knowledge of the distribution of the blood vessels of the liver, almost entirely to Kiernan.

It is easy to convince ourselves of the existence of the capil- laries, even without making injections, by examining with a microscope that magnifies 100 to 150 times the free and transparent edge of the liver of a small animal, for instance, a duck or a mouse. In using a duck’s, we should use indivi- duals whose livers are free from black pigment, and we should avoid as much as possible all compression. Under these cir- cumstances it is quite easy to recognise a very pretty net- work of capillary vessels with distinct walls, and the hepatic tissue placed in rounded off, or slightly polygonal meshes. On tearing the preparation, we meet with very fine capillary ves- sels, whose delicate structure agrees with that of the vessels of other tissues, and is proportionate to their diameter. We then frequently recognise the trunks of arteries or of veins, the latter covered by pigment cellules, to which again are appended the capillaries. Those who are not familar with the use of the microscope, may best convince themselves of the existence of those capillaries by previously injecting the blood vessels with tincture of iodine. The capillaries are then turned to a lively yellow, and are easily recognised among the hepatic cellules.

64 ~ Anatomy and Physiology.

We do not therefore share the opinion of MM. Dujardin and Verger, who suppose that the blood circulates freely through the hepatic tissue, without being confined in special vessels. We are equally obliged to differ from Guillot, who supposes that the blood circulates in the liver through non- membranous canals. All microscopic observations are opposed to these opinions, and an attentive examination of the hepatic tissue demonstrates their inaccuracy.

We have hitherto spoken of masses of cellules surrounded by capillaries; we have still to make out the termination of the biliary canals: it is an extremely difficult subject, and one which probably still requires many new researches. To elucidate it, we have thought it useful to study first the liver of inferior animals, and we have chosen with this view the crustaceze, and especially the crawfish.

In these animals, as is known, the liver is composed of isolated lobes, of a tube shape. Each of these tubes, when placed in a drop of water, without being covered by another glass, and examined by a magnifying power of 150 to 200 diameters, is composed, according to our observations, of a very fine exterior membrane, of a parenchyma, and an interior cavity filled with bile. The parenchyma is thickest at the free end of the tube, and gets thinner towards the other extremity. It is composed of cellules in various stages of development. The internal cavity or biliary canalicle is filled with little drops of fat, and of a white amorphous substance, which we have had occasion several times to allude to. These drops sometimes accidentally enclose granules, or even hepatic cellules, which gives them the appearance of true cellules. By degrees they become opaque, and one, two, or even more transparent little drops of a brownish-red tint form in their interior.

These researches had long been completed when we re- ceived several Memoirs on the same subject, which appear to us to contain inaccurate results. Thus the parenchyma of

~

Anatomy and Physiology. 05

the tube has been taken by Karsten and by Nicolucci for a peripheral blood vessel, while the little drops of the white amorphous substance figure in Meckel as hepatic cellules. The parenchyma is quite distinguished from blood vessels by the cellules of which it is composed, while in every blood vessel we find true blood-globules. We sometimes find by the side of the tube a line (trainée) of cellular tissue, on which — a few hepatic cellules of a torn tube are accidentally placed, at other times the latter are to be found on a line of coagul- able substance. These different lines have been taken by Karsten for the peripheral blood vessels detached. Nowhere have we been, able to discover the trace of a blood vessel on the tube. By compression it is emptied, and folds are then apparent. We have sometimes found at the extremity of a tube some transverse fibres. It is probably these fibres or the folds that have been taken by Karsten for peripheral vessels. Nicolucci declares as such the intervals between the little drops of the white amorphous substance, which he takes, as we have already said, for hepatic cellules.

The facts which we have just cited, prove evidently that the hepatic cellules in the crustaceze do not detach themselves to be carried along in the bile, as is the case with the cellules of other glands. M. Tereboullet first advanced the opinion that in the cloportides the cellules of the liver are carried into the interior of the alimentary canal: but I immediately combated this view, and it seems to have been given up by its author.

What reason is there to prevent the hepatic cellules in the crustacee from falling into the biliary canal? It is the presence of a special membrane which bounds this canal, of which we have formerly announced the existence, and which has been also seen by Meckel and Karsten.

The researches of which we have just been speaking are very . delicate and difficult to make : but these difficulties are further augmented when we have to deal with the livers of the higher animals, and especially of the vertebrate. Does then a dis-

K

66 Anatomy and Physiology.

tinct membrane exist round each lobule? Valentin is in- duced to admit the existence of this membrane, and Krause affirms that he has been able to see it.. We too are induced to believe in its existence, not as surrounding each lobule, but as encircling each is/e¢ situated within the meshes of the capillaries. The capillaries would then be outside the proper substance of the liver, and would expand only on the surface of the lobules :, the zs/ets lying between the meshes would, in consequence, present the culs-de-sac of glands, which in the liver adopt a polygonal form. In short in no gland do we see the blood vessels penetrate into the parenchyma itself, and we cannot suppose an anomaly in the case of the liver. We are not therefore to consider the lobule or acinus of the liver as analogus to the cu/s-de-sac of lobulated glands, but these last are in reality separated by the polygonal islets which the capillaries enclose.

As to the origin of the biliary canalicles, we do not yet know whether they commence by a radicle from each islet, or by a common trunk in the lobule : further, we do not know whether, as in the inferior animals, these radicles are provided with a special membrane, though it is probable they are. For the rest, the hepatic cellules are in general very coherent in the inferior animals, through the medium of an inter-cellular substance which connects them, and this ought to be enough to account for their absence in the bile. Thus to sum up, each lobule is composed of a number of islets pressed against each other, which gives them their polygonal form. Provided with a special membrane, like the culs-de- sac of all other glands, they are encircled by capillary vessels. The portal vein encircles the lobules: the hepatic vein reaches their centre accompanied probably by a biliary canalicle, the origin of which is still unknown. No portion of the blood vessels penetrates the real substance of the liver.

In conclusion, we must express our regret at finding some authors deny facts, such as the existence of hepatic cellules,

Anatomy and Physiology. 67

and of walls to the capillaries, facts which are palpable to every one familiar with microscopic observations.

2.—Ezaxperiments on the share taken by the bile in the vital economy. By SCHWANN.

Professor Schwann arrives at the following conclusions :—

1. The bile is not a purely excrementitial substance ; after its secretion it plays a part essential to life.

2. The bile is quite as indispensable for young as for adult animals. The former seem to be still less capable of doing without it than the latter.

3. If the bile does not reach the intestine, its absence shews itself in dogs, commonly from the third day in a dimi- nution of their weight. Death occurs in adult dogs usually in two or three weeks, sometimes earlier, sometimes later.

4. Death is preceded by symptoms of imperfect nourish- ment, great leanness, muscular debility, loss of hair; at the close, these are slight convulsions.

5. The bile which in the normal state reaches the duode- num, cannot be replaced by the bile which dogs lick, and which may, in that way, reach the stomach.

6. The bile when swallowed, does not disturb the digestion in the stomach, it does not exercise any influence whether favourable or injurious on the nutrition of the animal.*

M. Schwann is continuing his experiments, and proposes to determine the part which it plays in the digestion of ali- ments. We may add that the dogs who have survived the separation of the ductus choledocus, and who have been afterwards killed, have all shewn its reproduction ; this re- production always takes place if the fistula closes without there being any symptoms of jaundice.

* Yet a good deal has lately been written about the medicinal virtues of ox gall—tTr.

68 | Anatomy and Physiology. |

3.—Vital contractions of nervous matter have been observ- ed by Mandlin leeches. He separated in a living leech a por- tion of its ganglionic chain, composed of 2 or 3 ganglia, and placed it in a drop of water after stripping it of its dark envelope, so as to isolate completely its ganglia and its nerves. On examining it directly under a magnifying power of 50 or 40, he perceived very distinctly vital contractions, both in the nerves which issue laterally from each ganglion and in the terminal portion of the cord of connection. These move- ments completely resemble the contractions of muscular fibre. Their vivacity differs much in individuals. In some cases, he was not able to make them out at all.

MM. St. Hilaire and Serres confirm the accuracy of M. Mandl’s observation. M. Serres in 1826 expressed his belief that the ciliary nerves possess contractility.

4.— Memoir on the Trace of an Uterus in the males of the Mammifere. By Professor KX. H. Weper.

1. In all the male mammifers that I have hitherto examin- ed (the beaver, the rabbit, the horse, the pig, the dog, and the cat,) there is a hollow uneven organ placed in the median * line, between the extremity of the urinary bladder and the rectum, which is the rudiment of an uterus, and which I term the uterus masculinus.

2. In man it is of the shape of a small elongated bladder, contained in the posterior part of the prostate and contributes to form the verumontanum.*

3. In newly born rabbits, male as well as female, it is im- possible to determine with accuracy the sex merely by the examination of the external genital organs. The internal genital organs too are so similar, that it requires much atten-

* This organ has been often described and variously named, as uterus cystoides, sinus pocularis, vesica prostatica, &c.

Anatomy and Physiology. 69

tion to be able to distinguish the males from the females. In both there is a sinus urogenitalis, and a part which may pass for the bottom of the vagina and the body of the uterus. Into this organ enter in the females the horns of the uterus ; in the males the deferent canals, extremely like the horns of the uterus, with this only difference, that the horns open into its upper part, while the deferent canals open into its lower. The organ corresponding to the rudiment of the vagina, to the body, and to the horns of the uterus, is also found in the adult rabbit: it is a sac provided with muscular fibres which receives the semen, and is so irritable, that in an animal recently killed it contracts under the influence of mechanica] or galvanic stimuli.

4. In the male adult beaver and in the pig, the rudimentary uterus is, as in the females of these animals, a two-horned uterus, situated in the same place between the rectum and the bladder, and like it in a fold of peritoneum.

5. In the dog, the orifice of the uterus appears to be obli- terated, so that its cavity has no opening; it is the same with the cat. In the horse and in man this orifice is also at times obliterated ; but this is exceptional: commonly the male uterus of the stallion opens into the urethra at the colliculus seminalis by a single orifice. This organ is seldom short in the horse. It is sometimes nine inches long, and has two horns at its extremity. In fine, in the beaver and the rabbit, the orifice of the male uterus is never obliterated, and in the latter the different canals pour out the seminal fluid into its cavity a little below this orifice.

6. According to the observations of Rathke on the sheep and the pig, the uterus of the male embryos, is at a certain stage-so exactly like that of the female, that there is extreme difficulty in distinguishing them, (this accords with the pub- lished observations of MM. Serres and St. Hilaire.)

7. From the description by Ackermann of the genital organs of a human hermaphrodite, in whom the male form

70 Anatomy and Physiology.

predominated, and from some other similar cases it follows, that the rudiment of the uterus of a male hermaphrodite may resemble considerably the ‘female uterus ; and inversely the uterus of a female hermaphrodite may also resemble the rudi- mental uterus of a male. (Is the third lobe of the prostate Weber’s rudimentary uterus enlarged ?)

5.—The re-establishment of the voice in dead bodies. By M. BLANDET.

Physiological anatomy has been my sole guide in arriving at the artificial emission of sounds from the larynx: being acquainted with the play of the muscles of that organ, I have imitated their action by a mechanism analogous in its effects: my finger supplying the muscular contraction. I fix the thyroid cartilage between four fingers which are thus held as a clarionet, because the hyo and sterno-thyroid muscles cause a similar tension. I then press the index finger on each of the pyramidal apophyses of the arytenoid cartilages which are brought into contact as if by the thyro-arytenoid muscle. This pressure is so constant during life that it produces at this point on the corde vocales a nodule, which is not yet described. In the last place I blow through the trachea, and I produce sounds clear and shrill, such as theory would lead us to expect, because the contact of the two apophyses difiinishes the length of the cordz vocales where it estab- lishes the nodes of vibration. The action of the crico-thyroid muscle is imitated by pressing on the base of the thyroid cartilage, and that of the lateral crico-arytenoid by lifting with the nail the external edge of the arytenoid cartilages. I here approximate these cartilages as the arytenoid does, or I draw them down by the base as the posterior crico-arytenoid do. By these operations I produce very extended gamuts, such as the voice of expiration ; that of inspiration is still stronger and more easily obtained, because the vibrating plates of the larynx, i. e. the corde vocales present their bodies

Anatomy and Physiology. fi

edge-ways to the blast of inspiration: they are not however (anches) curves: for the reversing these same curves ought to render sounds impossible before the blast of inspiration to which their backs are turned. These different sounds of the larynx are the voice without the timbre. When I operate on the dead body the timbre re-appears, and the illusion is perfect.

It is thus the pharynx that gives the timbre. The tonsils also take a part, and their action is of importance. Exciting them makes four of the higher notes to be lost and two low ones ‘gained. The epiglottis and the base of the tongue have two principal functions. They cause the sort of vocal gurgling, known by the name of variation of shake: be- sides this, when they close the air passage, they favour the sounds of the lungs in which the air is accumulated ; when they open again on the other hand, the sounds rise up and cause the treble. The thyroid cartilage contributes in the living to a lateral pressure which produces three more high notes, and which connects several of the treble notes into long sounds. The arytenoid cartilages and the superior ligaments vibrate and strengthen the sound. When the bow of a fiddle is passed across the corde vocales, laid bare by the removal of the larynx from above, clamorous tones are produced. When these same cords are bent to the extent of their superior third, sounds of superlative acuteness are produced: when the two cords are cut, we may blow in through the trachea, but only hear ronchi, as in snoring. When only one of them is cut, the voice may continue, which is found to be the case when disease has destroyed one ; a phenomenon which shows that we may speak with one cord (?) as we may see with one eye, and that double organs are a sort of luxury to the system.—Translated from the Archives de Médecine, for Oct., Nov. and Dec., 1846.

72

Notes on the Botanical Geography of the Tenasserim Coast. By the late Wiuu1AM GrirrFitH, Ese., F.L.S., Memb. Royal Ratisbon Bot. Soc., Royal Acad. of Sciences at Turin, Imper. Acad. Nat. Curios., Madras Med. Service.

The Coast of British Burma, which extends from Moul- mein to about eighty miles south of Mergui, or between the parallels of 16° 30' and 10° 40’ north latitude, is exceedingly hilly. These hills do not attain an elevation exceeding 4,000 feet, and even this is extremely rare. From these hills being, with a few exceptions, entirely covered by trees, or rather low vegetation, the Coast presents to the eye a great sameness. The ranges of hills are intersected by a great number of rivers, of which several attain a considerable size. The Salveen, which forms the northern boundary of our provinces, being much the largest. At the mouths of these rivers, tracts of Rhizophoree, frequently of enormous extent, occur, and form one peculiar and vast feature of the flora. At different places along the courses of these rivers, plains, frequently of great extent, occur. The extent and frequency of these plains is however much diminished about Mergui. These plains are, I believe, alluvial ; their level is very little higher than that of the rivers, and they are consequently inundated during the rains. They are almost exclusively occupied by grasses and Cyperaceous plants.

At Tavoy, and very partially at Mergui, part of the sur- rounding country consists of a series of gently undulating hills, covered with underwood, and presenting a special flora. That at Mergui, which is the only one I have been able to examine, consists of low shrubs, as Cnestis, Omphalobium, Klodea, Kuphorbiacee, Hippocratea, Rubiaceze, &c. among which Henslovia, here a small tree, exists in abundance.

Norr.—Capt. Munro, who kindly perused this paper at the request of the Editor, has inereased its value by the addition of several Notes. . *

Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces. {3

Calcareous hills of a peculiar form occur, scattered here and there, but are most common about Moulmein, especially at Kogoon, on the Salveen, the habitat of Amherstia nobilis. At Trochla, on the southern side, one of these hills occurs of great height, forming a precipice of perhaps 3,000 feet. These peculiar formations arise abruptly from plains to the height of generally 400 feet.

Their ridges are exceedingly sharp and rugged, and very generally they are sheer precipices and totally inaccessible. Their vegetation is scanty, but that at their base is exceed- ingly rich. They are, without exception, excavated, and fre- quently perforated, so as to form internal caves which have been at one time the favourite places of Burmese worship.

The birds’ nest rocks, from which a revenue is derived at Tavoy, exceeding 10,000 rupees per annum, and at Mergui 5,000, belong to the same formation. They likewise rise perpendicularly through and from the sea, and are still more bleak and rugged from their greater degree of exposure and exceedingly scanty vegetation, chiefly indeed of a species of Ficus. With the exception of Casuarina muricata, which occurs in abundance from Chittagong to Yeayla, near Tavoy, there is no plant which impresses a peculiar feature on the landscape, scarcely excepting several species of bamboo, which, in addition, are associated with a local flora.

The remaining tracts are either of mangroves, or Graminez and Cyperacee; the plains and the hills are covered from top to bottom with an exceedingly rich, varied, and magni- ficent vegetation.

With respect to the probable number of species known, Dr. Wallich’s Catalogue contains about 1,650, of these the majority perhaps are from the Burmese dominions. My col- lection from Moulmein and Mergui, made during a residence of fourteen months on the Coast, amounts to about 1,700 species; of these about 1,300 are from Mergui, which may be consi- dered new ground. Taking this into consideration, the ma-

L

74 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

terials already formed towards a flora, may be estimated,

I think, at 3,000 species.

_ The flora of Mergui appears to me almost entirely different from that of Moulmein ; the difference in latitude being 5°.

The climate is, perhaps from its immediate proximity to the

sea, more equable than either Moulmein or Tavoy.

In the following remarks, I shall follow the arrangement laid down by Dr. Lindley in his Nixus Plantarum, not that I profess myself to be a judge of its merits, but simply because it is convenient.

Ranunculacee are represented by Naravelia zeylanica, which occurs both smooth and pubescent, and by a distinct species of Clematis, with simple fleshy leaves, and which although it has erect seeds, has an inverted embryo lodged in the apex of the albumen.

Nympheacee.—In addition to two species of Nymphea, a Barclaya, probably B. oblonga, occurs. The placentz of the mature fruit are very spongy and almost farinaceous. The seeds are immersed in a transparent gelatinous fluid, and contain a minute inverted embryo lodged in a cavity in the albumen near its base. The albumen consists of a congeries of sacs, within which the fecula is deposited.

Nelumbiacee.—Nelumbium speciosum occurs cultivated. The structure of the leaves is sufficiently remarkable. The stomata are confined to the callous discoloured spot, visible on the centre of the lamina, and opposite to the termination of the petiole. The remainder of the vast limb is merely minutely papillose on its upper surface. The stomata are crowded on the above spot, and open into irregular cavities, which com- municate directly and freely with the cavities existing in the petiole, and with the continuations of these which run along each side of the peltately disposed veins. These cavities have no communication with that part of the parenchyma in which the green colouring matter is formed. There is how- ever a slight communication between this parenchymatous

Botany of the Tenasserim. Provinces. 79

portion and the stomata, but only in that portion immediately surrounding the callous disc. We may therefore infer, that the numerous papillz are connected with the necessary aération of the parenchyma, a function which it is well known is occa- sionally performed by hairs. The cuticle of the green por- tion of the limb is remarkably fine.

The existence of two membranes in the pollen of this plant is very evident when immersed in water, the outer thick yellow coat expels the inner with a jerk, but this inner mem- brane undergoes no change of form during this expulsion.

The callous spot visible on the surface of the ovarium always points outwards. The opening, or the membranes of the ovule, are very distinct, and the foramen which they form is invariably turned away from the termination of the stigmatic canal, which is exceedingly distinct and lined with papilla. These papille are, especially towards the apex of the ovary, connected by what appears to be a fine mem- brane. This is, on the side nearest the ovule, reflected on to the short funicle, which it envelopes and terminates by forming a remarkably fine membranous cap which covers the foramen. By this the boyaux are guided into the ovulum, one only, but occasionally two, passing in and reaching to the apex of the nucleus. In one instance of a branched boyau both divisions passed in and reached the same place. The first part of the embryo, that is formed, is its radicular extremity. The vitellus, I may remark, embraces only the plumule, the cotyledons are developed between it and the remains of the nucleus. The term vitellus is, I think, prefer- able to that of quintine, which is obviously only applicable when five membranes exist or have existed.

Myristicee.—Only one species apparently referable to Loureiro’s genus Knema.

Anonacee.—About eighteen species exist. Among these there are two species of a genus, with the habit and peculiar peduncles of Artabotrys, but in which the contracted portions of the backs of the petals are club-shaped.

76 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

Dilleniacee.—The perfect seeds of Dillenia speciosa have the cells of the inner integument marked with longitudinal incomplete fibres. This is one among several instances that I could adduce in corroboration of Dr. Brown’s remark that the fibres are not developed until after impregnation.

Memecylee.—Among the species, I may mention one, that so far as may be judged by the examination of the calyx of the fruit, appears to have the stamens equal in number to the petals. In several of these the number of ovula ap- peared to be always nine, of which number 6 to 7, or generally 8, subsequently become abortive. One species occurs abun- dantly about Mergui, the leaves of which are furnished with pellucid glands! A genus likewise exists which, with the flowers of Memecylon, has the fruit and seeds of a widely different structure, and which is a proof of the accuracy of Dr. Brown’s statement ; (Appendix Congo)? that Memecylez are not sufficiently distinct from Melastomacee. This genus may be thus characterized.

APTERIXIS.—Calycis tubus globosus, limbus intus eplica- tus brevissime 4-dentatus. Petala4. Stamina8. Connectivum eglandulosum. Ovarium 4-loculare, ovula 00, placentis 4- carnosis, parietalibus, affixa. Fructus dentibus calycinis ob- soletis coronatus 4-locularis. Semina 00, angulata placentis 4, parietalibus affixa. Hmbryo orthotropus. Cotyledones plenz ! sub-reniformes.

A. trinervis, arbuscula, folia ovata basi 3-nervia, floribus racemoso paniculatis pallide ceruleis.

The placentz only occupy the lower half of each cell.

Among the Melastomacee, two species of Sonerila occur, and one species of the curious epiphytical genus* with fleshy, very smooth, and indistinctly 3-nerved leaves. The zstivation of the stamina, or rather the stamina during estivation, are lodged in a corresponding number of cells, formed by the partial adhesion of the calyx with the apex of the ovarium. The fertile part of this organ is wholly

* Medinilla.

Botany of the Tenasserem Provinces. 74

inferior. This curious arrangement was first made known by Dr. Brown.*

Among the Capparidee, is a species of Capparis, the flowers of which are exquisitely fragrant, and the ovaria have 4-parietal placentz.

Crucifere are represented by two or three cultivated species, and an indigenous species of Nasturtium.

Hypericinee.—An Elodea, of Jack.

Ternstremiacee.—A. species of Gordonia, and a genus apparently intermediate between Cleyera and Kurya, which I propose calling Erythrochiton.

ERYTHROCHITON, Griff-+

Flores dioici, bibracteolati. Calyx inferus profundé 5-parti- tus. Petala 5, hypogyna, libera, sepalis opposita!! Stamina 00, hypogyna, multiplici serie. Anthere adnate, apicibus truncate. Ovarium 2-loculare, 4 ovulatum. Styli 2. Stigmata 2-reniformia, foliacea. Bacca supera, 2-locularis 2-4 sperma. Semina pendula, arillo? punctulato carnoso inclusa, albumi- nosa. Hmbryo curvatus.

Cl. Linneana. Diacr1a. PoLyYANDRIA.

Ord. Naturalis. TernstTR@MIACEX.

Habitus.—Arbor, mediocris, foliis stipulatis perennantibus integris, pedunculis extra axillaribus.

ERYTHROCHITON WALLICHIANUM.—Herb. prop. No. 866, Dec. 1834. In sylvis secus littora Insule Madamacan Mergui proxime.

Arbor mediocris, dioica; ramulis teretibus. Folia alterna et ad apices ramularum subverticillatim conferta, oblongo- obovata obtusa et breviter acuminata, integerrima, coriacea,

* This arrangement is also remarked in Wight’s Illust., part I. page 217, where the species of Medinilla referred to is also mentioned. + Erythrochiton has been published by Nees and Martius as a genus of

Rutaceous plants, and the present name by Griffith is consequently super- seded.

78 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

parce venosa, supra atro-viridia, infra lutescentia. Petioli basi articulati. Stipule minime subulate decidue. Pedunculi extra axillares (foliorum abortu?) solitarii, 2 unciales, flores paulo infra alternatim, bibracteolati. Flores majusculi, albidi, odorati, facie Camelliz.

Mas.—Calyx profunde 5-partitus: laciniis rotundatis aesti- vatione imbricatis persistentibus.

Petala 5, hypogyna sepalis opposita, ovalia, subaequalia, paten- tia, carnosa, zestivatione imbricata, postica reliqua obvalvente, basis versus longitudinaliter rugosa. Stamina plurima mul- tiplici serie, hypogyna, sub-libera. Filamenta brevissima, sub- clavata. Anthere lineares, adnate, biloculares, longitudinaliter dehiscentes, directione varie. Connectivum apice truncatum et dilatatum. Pollen oblongum hinc longitudinaliter sulcatum.

Fem.—Calyx corollaque ut in masculo, sed multo minus patulee. Stamina abortiva plurima, hypogyna, filiformia plano- truncata. Ovarium subglobosum 2-loculare: loculis 2 ovu- latis, ovula pendula: (ex-apicibus loculorum ?) campylotropa reniformia. Tegumentum duplex, foramen hilum prope. Styli 2 brevissimi. Stigmata 2, maxima foliacea reniformia ; marginibus obtuse inciso-dentatis, anticum et posticum. Fruc- tus, bacca exsucca, globosa, citri medice parve magnitu- dine, basi calyce persistenti et subampliato cincta, bilocularis, 2-4 sperma longitudinaliter et irregulariter, dehiscens sub- quadrivalvis. Semina pendula ab apice placentz centralis liberee, (funiculis elongatis) arcuata reniformia, arillo, carnoso, rugosulo, pulcherrime coccineo, tecta. Tegumentum duplex, exterius subosseum, interius membranaceum ; albumen semini conforme, carnosum, copiosissimum. méryo in axi albu- minis curvatus, hippocrepidiformis, indivisus! secus peri- pheriam cum albumine coalitus! Radicula teres longissima ? hilum versus spectans, cotyledones carnosz inter se albumine cum coalite ! Plumula inconspicua.

Genus Euryam Cleyeramque intermedium : structura fruc- tus et seminum ad Annesleam Wall. accedens. Forma stig-

Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces. 19

matum embryonisque, cum albumine coaliti, indivisi, dis- tinctum.

I believe that Hopea eglandulosa of Roxburgh, which Mr. Colebrooke in a MS. note, appended to the description in Roxburgh’s MSS. synopsis, long ago stated not to belong to Hopea, Sarcostigma Roxburghii, Wall. MSS., and which Mr. Brown in his MSS. formerly called Wahlenbergia, not. only belongs to this order, but will be found to be very nearly allied to this genus. Of this genus Sarcostigma,* there appears to be a second species from Sylhet.

Among the Polygalee are, one species of Polygala, three of Xanthophyllum, and three of Salomonia, among which is a most remarkable species, which may be thus indicated :

*¢ Salomonia parasitica, Aphylla.”’—Species decolorata, vix spithamea, floribus dense spicatis, pentandris, capsula ecris- tata.

Hab. Ad pedes Bambusarum inter-lignum vetustum, ad Palar, cum Sarcocodon (Rhizanthearum) et speciebus duabus Burmannie parasiticis consociata.

Dipterocarpee abound about Mergui, but from their enor- mous size the flowers are frequently inaccessible. One genus appears to have perigynous stamens.

Of Hippocrateacee about six species occur, one of these is arborescent and pentandrous.

Among the Malpighiacee are a species of Hireea and four species of Ancistrocladus.

Erythroxylee are represented by a species of Sethia, ap- parently Sethia indica. ?

Among Rosacee and its sub-orders, occur one species of Rubus and one of Amygdalez, the fruit of which abounds with prussic acid.

Leguminose occur extensively, and form about one-sixteenth of the whole; among these I may mention a species of Pon-

* Sarcostigma is now applied by Wight and Arnott to a genus of Thyme- lace.

80 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

gamia, in which the perigynous disc is divided into ten dis- tinct glands. The pollen of Inga mimosa and entada I find to be composed of twelve granules, four of which form, as it were, a nucleus for the remaining eight.

Several Connaraceze occur, belonging chiefly to the genus Cnestis. Eurycoma, Jack, is abundant; it is a genuine Con- naracea with pendulous seeds. The ovula are however erect, but the subsequent change in situation of the seeds is due to an unequal growth of the ovarium.

Anacardiacee are represented by the usually cultivated genera, Mangifera and Anacardium, of the former genus M. oppositifolia, the Mariam of the Burmans, is not a consti- tuent, as has been mentioned by Messrs. Wight and Arnott.* A species apparently M. sylvatica, Roxburgh, is likewise met with. In addition to these genera, Melanorrhza, Syndesmis, and a new genus nearly allied to the former occur. This I propose to call Swintonia.

CASSU VIEL.

SwinToniA, Griff.

Sepala 5, basi coalita, persistentia. Petala 5, hypogyna, subfructii demim ampliata. Stamina 5, toro cylindrico parum elevato insidentia. Ovariuwm subeequilaterale in apice tori staminiferi sessile. Stylus filiformis. Stigma peltato capita- tum. Fructus siccus, indehiscens subglobosus, exstipitatus, petalis ampliatis foliaceis suffultus.

Cl. Linneana—PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.

Ordo naturalis, ANACARDIACE, Br.

Habitus.—Arbor, polygama resinosa maxima altaque, facie quadam mangiferee, folia lanceolata coriacea, irregulariter pellucide punctata ! Paniculz axillares terminalesque.

SwINTONIA FLORIBUNDUM, Griff.

Hab.—In insulz Madamacan. Pator dicto, copiose. Florens Novembri, Decembri, fructus profert Februario.

* This is now Bouea of Meisner.

y

Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces. 8]

Arbor vasta. Folia alterna exstipulata longiuscule petio- lata apices ramorum versus conferta, elongato lanceolata, acuminata, coriacea, repanda, penninerva, punctis pellucidis 2-irregularibus notata. Flores paniculati parvi, numerosi, viridescento-albidi, suaviter odorati. Panicule ample axil- lares terminalesque ; ramulis cymosis divaricatis. Calya 5- fidus, persistens, tubo brevi, laciniis rotundatis, breviter ciliatis, zstivatione imbricatis. Petala totidem, toro nempe parum ele- vato inserta, et verosimiliter adnata, unguiculata, unguibus gynophoro adnatis, hypogyna, oblonga, patenti-reflexa, sepa- lis alternantia, zstivatione imbricata. Stamina 5, libera, hy- pogyna, toro nempe parum elevato inserta, vel potius adnata, petalis alternantia. Filamenta subulata basi incrassata et gynophoro-adnata, petalis breviora. Anthere oblongo-lineares biloculares, longitudinaliter dehiscentes, subversatiles. Pollen oblongum, leve, hinc sulcatum. Glandule 5, minutissime, staminibus alternantes. Ovarium sub-zquilaterale sessile, sub- rotundum, l-loculare, l-ovulatum. Stylus fere terminalis, fili- formis, crassiusculus. Stigma peltato-capitatum, 4-sulcatum. Ovulum in apice funiculi deorsum curvati sustentum, foramen hilum prope. Fructus paniculati, sub-globosis, sessilees, basi petalis foliaceis ampliatisque, lineari-spathulatis, venoso-reti- culatis, rubro-viridibus, patentissimis reflexisve, involucratis, sicci, indehiscentes, 1-loculares, l-spermi. Semen erectum ? sub-rotundum. Cotyledones maxime, plano-convexe, car- nose. Radicula teres hilum spectans, in commissuram coty- ledonum replicata. Plumula conspicua.

This genus is most nearly allied, especially in the structure of its fruit, to Melanorrhza, Wall. In the mode of adhesion of the petals and stamina with the torus it approaches to Syndesmis. If my description of the ovarium be correct, it differs from all the nearly allied genera, which have a more or less oblique style. I suspect that two species are present

in my collection. M

82 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

The one referred to in my description is numbered 645, the other is 691. This appears to have no glands alternating with the stamens.

The tree is very conspicuous when in flower, and has a decided influence on the landscape, from its dense mass of inflorescence. No. 691 does not appear to have punctate

leaves. SynpEsmis, Wall. Pl. 2.

Flores Polygami—Calyz tubulosus, hinc fissus (coloratus.) Petala seepissime 4, a medio infra cum staminibus gynophoro elongato adherentia. Stamina 4. Ovarium lenticulatum |-lo- culare. Stylus lateralis, stigma obtusum. Fructus ignotus.

Cl. Linneana, TeTranpRiA Monoeynia.

Ordo Naturalis, ANACARDIACE®.

Habitus.—Arbores fruticesve, foliis oblongis cor — im- punctatis-glabris. Flores cymosi.

Syndesmis elegans, Wall. in Roxb. Fl. Indica, p. 314.

Hab.—Ad marginem sylve inter Kulweng et Mergui. November, 1834.

Frutex vel arbuscula, vix resinosa, folia lanceolato-oblonga, breviter petiolata, ad apices ramorum conferta, coriacea, sub-in- tegra, obtuse acuminata, glabra, penninervia. Paniculee cymose terminales, szepius 2-3 aggregatz : pedunculi presertim se- cundarii compressi. Bracteze ovale, membranacee, decidue. Flores polygami numerosi fortiter odorati. Caly# miniatus, tubo cylindrico ad anthesin hinc longitudinaliter fisso et subtrifido. Petala 4, interdum 5, subzequalia lineari-spa- thulata calyce fero duplo longiora, apicibus revolutis, hypo- gyna et infra gynophora connata, estivatione imbricata. Stamina semper 4 petalis alternantia usque ad-medium gyno- phoro-connata, libera. Filamenta filiformia subeequalia. An- there erectz basibus affixe, biloculares longitudinaliter dehiscentes. Pollen ovatum, leve, hinc sulcatum. Stylus later-

Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces. 83

alis filiformis stamina excedens. Stigma obtusum fere sub- capitatum medio sulcatum. Ovulum ascendens funiculo brevi sublaterali sustenso; foramen hilum prope fundum loculi versus spectans. fructus nondum visus.

Of this very distinct genus I believe two species exist in my collection: the above description and the drawing, refers to S. elegans, Wall. which appears to be a shrub. Its num- ber is 675. The other is a considerable sized tree, with much fewer flowers.

Nothing can be more apt to mislead young botanists than the statement that Anacardiacez are perigynous. In all the genera I have examined, viz. Anacardium, Mangifera, Syn- desmis, and Melanorrheza, they are essentially hypogynous, and the type of this formation is easily traceable from those, in which the hypogynous insertion is least evident, up to Melanorrhea, in which it is most evident. I am aware that Mr. Brown is of opinion, that the perigynous insertion of the stamina may be admitted in doubtful cases from analogy. ‘This reasoning being founded on the existence of a (then) unpublished genus Holigarna? with an inferior ovarium.” This genus is still, I believe, a solitary exception, and with the utmost deference to the opinion of Mr. Brown, I should think that three instances (Melanorrhea, Syndesmis, Swin- tonia,) of undoubted hypogynous insertion are worth more than one of perigynous. I subjoin a list of this order which I have found to be, natives of the Tenasserim Provinces.

Mangifera indica, Linn. sylvatica, Roxb. Mergui. oppositifolia, Mergui. | Now Bouea, Cambessedea, Wight and Arnt. J Meisner. Anacardium occidentale. Syndesmis elegans, Wall. Mergui. Swintonia floribundum, Mergui. Melanorrhea glabra, Wall. Mergui. visitata, Moulmein. Holigarna longifolia, Martaban.

84 Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces.

Description of Plate 2.

. Bud.

. Ditto before expansion.

. Flower.

. Ditto calyx and petals removed.

. Ditto two stamens removed, to show the ovarium.

. Stamen front view.

. Ditto after dehiscence.

. Pollen.

. Stigma.

. Long section of ovarium.

. Section of ditto, part of the parietes of ovarium removed.

12. Ovulum removed long section.

— ee —-— Oo DOAN OS & WD =

Helicia (Rhopala) represents the family of Proteacee.

Stilaginee.—The affinity of this order with Euphorbiacee is very strong, so much so, that it appears to me that no truly distinctive mark exists except perhaps the dehiscence of the fruit.

Several species exist about Mergui. The fruit is not always drupaceous.

Gymnobotrys, Wallich, which I refer to Stilaginez, abounds in milky juice.

Myrsinee.—Several species of Ardisia and one of Samara* represent this order, in which the presence of pellucid glands in the leaves is by no means an uncommon character.

Two species of Lobeliacee and one of Codonopsis of Cam- panulacee occur ; with regard to this last genus, it appears to me questionable whether the tube of the corolla is not united to the ovarium as in Barclaya: in this view of the case, the involucrum of M. Alphonse DeCandolle will be referable to the calyx.

Stylidee.—Two very distinct species, neither of which appear to have an irritable column, are found about Mergui. A third species exists at Moulmein.

* Myrsine, Linn., fide Alph. D’C.

Calcultw Journ Nat Hust.

Syndesmis Wjallichit ,

Botany of the Tenasserim Provinces. 85

Apocynee—Among several others, a curious genus occurs with 1-celled ovaria, the placente being 2, and parietal! The Same genus is remarkable for a monstrosity, in which the hypogynous glands become largely developed, osseous, and assume the form of stamina; the true stamina being small and abortive.

Asclepiadee.—This order is rather numerously represent- ed. Five species of Dischidia exist, among which is one beautiful species with pink flowers; the processes of the corona staminea being rather incompletely formed. I would beg to dedicate this to Dr. Brown, under the name of D. Brunoniana.

Finlaysonia obovata occurs abundantly, its stigma is re- markable for having a deep transverse foveolus on each of its flat faces, or on each of its faces opposed to the anthers.

Loganiacee is represented by one species of Fagrzea ; pro- bably F. fragrans.

Among Ehretiacee, there occurs a curious species of Ehre- tia, with exceedingly long, prostrate, and rooting stems. To the existence of this plant, the permanence of many of the beds of sand, so numerous up the Mergui river, is to be attri- buted.

Verbenaceeé occur numerously. The placentz I find to be either formed on the plan of those of Cyrtandrace, or Olacinee. To the former type, belong those with bilocular ovaria, in which case cellular tissue is developed between the plates. I believe, however, that many described as having 2- locular ovaria have them in reality l-locular. Among the Burmese species, most have pendulous ovula.

To the latter type, viz. of Olacinee or Santalacee, belong Congea and its congeners, which may be judiciously subdivi- ded, and Avicennia. Congea has two incomplete septa, which from their nearly reaching the placenta, may easily give rise to the opinion of the ovarium being 2-locular.

86 Botany of the Tenassertm Provinces.

Among Lentibularieg, a small species of Utricularia exists, which is found growing among moss on damp walls, and rocks ; it is furnished with bladders.

Plumbaginee are represented by Plumbago and Afégialitis rotundifolia.

One species of Cycas, one of Conifere, and Agathis lo- ranthifolia exist in the flora.

Of Gnetacee, three species exist, Gnetum gnemon, scan- dens, and an erect one, which I have in my account of Gne- tum called G. Brunonianum.

Burmannie are represented by Burmannia, of which three species occur; of these two are aphyllous and parasitical, one being entirely of a deep blue colour, the other entirely white. These, as well as the aphyllous Salomonia with which they are associated, throw considerable light on the seeds. of parasitical plants, and prove that this peculiar manner of growth is not necessarily connected with a peculiar formation, or rather deformation of the embryo. Salomonia parasitica has the usual form of embryo, while the whole three species of Burmannia have no other embryo than a grumous divided mass. This fact proves, I think, that no very great stress is to be laid upon the existence of these anomalous embryos, the study of whose germination will prove highly interesting.

This structure of the seeds will probably suggest new ideas as to the affinities of the order which it composes.

Orchidee form about one-twentieth of the vegetation ; subsequent researches will, I think, increase the ratio consi- derably.

Apostasiee (Lindl.), are represented by one species, pro- bably A. nuda.

On the Four-horned Antelopes of India. By B. H. Honesoy, Esq., F.L.S., Z.S., With Plates.

It is I believe generally acknowledged, that no group of Mammals stands more in need of thorough revision than that of the Four- horned Antelopes. These constitute the Tetracerine racemus of H. Smith, whose definition of the group and enumeration of the species may be seen in the English Regne Animal, Vol. iv. pp. 253 to 257. We owe to Dr. Leach’s sagacity, the discrimination of these animals as a separate genus at a period when there were very few and insuffi- cient materials to guide him. Colonel Smith reviewed the group m 1827 with his usual ability; but he was necessitated to leave most of the influential generic characters unnoticed, and even to hesitate as to the specific independence of the only two species then known, or Antelope Chickara of Hardwicke, and Antelope Quadri- cornis of Blainville, with which latter, after communicating with Dr. Leach, the Colonel identified the Striaticornis of that gentleman.

Since the period of the publication of the Regne Animal, now twenty years, nothing further has been done to elucidate the genus or its species, save by that able Indian Zoologist Walter Elliott, of the Madras Civil Service, who, in 1839,* by giving an accurate and full description of the species proper to Southern India, afforded some valuable help towards clearing up the general subject. My note books contain a good deal of information touching the structure and habits of the Tetracerines, of which two species are found in the Tarai of Nepal ; and I shall now endeavour, with the help of my own stores, eked out by what I find recorded in books, to exhibit the essential characters of the genus, and to enumerate and define all the known species, adding two new ones of my own to the three already adverted to.

These beautiful little animals possess high interest, as being the only truly four-horned quadrupeds known, and also as forming with the Muntjacs, a link between the solid and hollow-horned rumi- nants ; for they are altied to the antelopes by their general structure and obvious characters, but to the deer by having four teats and a large moist muzzle, both features of primary importance !

* Catalogue of Mammals, Madras Journal, No. 25, p. 225.

88 The Four-horned Antelopes of India.

ANTELOPIDA VEL CAPRIDA.

Genus Tetrracerus, Leach. EssentTiAL Cuaracters, Mihi.

Horns in the males only, four in number, two interorbital, and two set on behind the orbits but below the frontal crest. Anteal horns hollow cored : Posteal horns solid cored. Large moist muzzle. Lachrymal sinus medial, forming a straight longitudinal slit. Feet pores in hind feet only, or none: Inguinal pores none. Teats 4? 2?* No calcic tufts or glands. Sexes of same size, but females unhorned, and wanting the facial marks of the male, where he has any.

Manners and habitat.—Not gregarious. Monogamous. Found usually in pairs or solitarily. Exclusively confined to primitive forests and to the parts where thick undergrowth, especially of reeds, abounds. Never frequent plains or mountains, but dwell in the forests at the base of the latter, and are found all over India in such situations, and in no other country apparently. Their droppings are at a fixed spot, and thereby the hunters are guided in finding them, as they are in finding the rhinoceros. The four-horned antelopes fre- quent salt licks, and wear away their incisors by grubbing for the salt which they are very fond of, as indeed are all ruminants. They are shy, and when hunted, either lie very close, creeping often under one’s elephant’s belly, so that it becomes impossible to get a shot, or they go off far ahead, moving by high bounds, like the common antelope (Cervicapra). In rapid motion they carry the head low and the buttocks high, with the tail reverted over the back. They breed but once a year: the rutting season being autumn, and the period of parturition early spring or late in winter. Most young are born in January and February, some in December, and some in March. The period of gestation is six months, and the female usually produces two at a birth, but sometimes only one. The Indian names are Chouka, from Chouk, a bound or leap, and Chousinga, from the four horns: the word being precisely equivalent to the Greek Tetrakeros ; Latin Tetracerus.

* Latest specimen examined had 4, so had Mr. Elliott’s : but two others had 2, or I made a mistake.

The Four-horned Antelopes of India. 89

I now proceed to a summary but very carefully compiled descrip- tion, or definition rather, of the five species thus far discovered.

1. T. cuicxara, Hardwicke. Uniform bright bay ; chin, abdomi- nal, centre of neck, belly, insides of limbs near it, edge of buttocks and of tail, and lining of ears, albescent. Horns and hoofs and muzzle, black. Snout to vent 2/¢. 9in. Height Lf. 83in. Head 7iin. Ears 43in. Tail 5a. Posteal horns 37n., rounded, smooth, unringed, straight, erect, curved slightly forward, subdivergent ; their basal interval 3cn.; their terminal, 147m. Anteal horns 37n. long, stumpy, erect, cylindric, smooth, wholly unringed, blunt ; their basal interval in. Female, size of a male, but paler coloured.

Habitat—Bengal, Behar, Orissa.

2. T. auapricornis, Blainville. Size of the precedent. Colours above brownish, beneath greyish. Head 737i. Posteal horns longi- tudinally striate, transversely striolate, with rings at the bases. Anteal horns 127. long, subtrigonal, robust, acute, basally ringed, yellowish inside, black for the mest part, like the upper pair and the hoofs. Anteal horns set on anteriorly to mid line of orbits, whereas in Chickara they are posterior to that line.

Habitat—India, the part of, unknown : described from sculls and horns and Du Vaucel’s drawings. Distinguishable at once from the last by its acute and perfect fore horns, in place of the blunt stumps of Chickara, a permanent distinction, though Mr. Gray inclines against the notion, and therefore confounds the two species. He should have adverted to the next species, long since on record, and which settles that question.

3. T. suBquapRicorNvuTvs, Elliott. Dull brown, approaching to fawn, darker than in Cervicapra, less bright and less deep than in the Gazelle. Mid belly, and chest, insides of limbs near them, and lining of ears, albescent gradually. Bridge of nose, fronts of entire limbs and fetlocks posteally, dark : 3/¢. 6in. long and 2/¢. 14¢n. high. Head 8in. Ears 437m. Tail 5in. Posteal horns 4+ to 437n., black, reclining, straight but with a very slight bowing to the front, parallel, three or four small wrinkles at their bases. Anteal horns, a mere rudiment.

Habitat—Southern India.

90 The Four-horned Antelopes of India.

4. T. ropes.* Pl. IV. Fig. IL], Rusty-red, Mihi. Clear full yel- low-red, between rust and cinnamon, becoming pale on the belly and front of the neck, and pure white below the entire head, on the insides of ears and of limbs to mid flexures, and on edges of buttocks and of tail. Chaffron and entire fronts of the limbs, to the feet exclusive, blackish. Fetlocks posteally dark-brown. Horns and hoofs black,

“muzzle dusky-grey. Eye large and dark. Length 3/t. 4in. to 3ft. 6in. Height 1/4. llin. to 2ft. Head 8} to 9in. Ears 4in. Tail only 6in.: tail and hair 8inz. Posteal horns 332n. ; their basal inter- val 147. ; their terminal interval 2in. Interval of anteal and posteal horns 142n. Anteal horns 2 to lin. Posteal horns reclining dorsally, remote, divergent, smooth, obtusely pointed, more or less angular, that is, not perfectly rounded on the sides, bowed slightly outwards and forwards, with the blunt points a little reverted to the front. To- wards their bases presenting five to seven crowded rings ; but no trace of longitudinal striation. Anteal horns small, brunt, cylindric, with broadly rounded tops, and the cylindric bodies marked with four to five rmgs. Female, size of male, and fronts of limbs similarly darkened, but not the chaffron.

Habitat—Saul forests beneath the Sub-Himalayas.

5. T. paccerots.+ PI. IV. Figs. I, II, Full-horned, Mihi. In size and colours much resembling the last but distinguishable at once by its larger and acute fore horns, which approach in size and shape to the posteal horns as in Quadricornis. Colours duller or luteous-fawn, but with the dark face and limbs of the last, which Quadricornis has not : size larger than Quadricornis but rather less than Id6dés, and the whole inferior surface gradually albescent. Length from snout to vent 3/¢. litn. Height 1f¢. 103im. Head 82n. Ears 43in. Tail 52n., or Zin. with the hair. Posteal horns 33 to 4in. Anteal horns 27n.: interval of the two pairs 1477. Basal interval of posteal pair 127m. : terminal interval 277. Posteal horns reclining still more than in Iddés, but less divergent in the same degree, and bowed inwards and backwards, not ovtwards and forwards as in the last, nor the tips reverted as in

* wwo ne rust-coloured.

T Tac et KEOOELC, full-horned : Zul karnain, arabicé. This is the spe-

cies alluded to by Capt. Brown in the Bengal Sporting Magazine ; and his ring-horned Antelope is Bennetii vel Christii.

The Four-horned Antelopes of India. 91

it; very acute, smooth, long,-conic, accurately rounded ; basal rings vague or wanting, not clearly marked as in the last. No longitudinal striation. Anteal horns erect, shape of posteal pair and but one-third less, very acute, rounded, smooth, with two to three vague strize at their bases.

Habitat—Saul forests. Sexes alike, save the dark mask proper to the male.

The two last species have been carefully compared with Chickara and Quadricornis, to which they are respectively assimilated. The resemblance they bear to these species is considerable at first view, but they may be discriminated as follows—

Iddés from Chickara by its greater size, angular and (conspicu- ously) ringed horns, reclining posteal horns, anteal horns strictly interorbital, dark chaffron and fronts of limbs, the latter mark being invariably found even in females and the young.

Paccerdis from Quadricornis by superior size, horns void of longi- tudinal striation, suborbital sinus linear* and straight, and anteal horns strictly interorbital and perfectly rounded on their sides. | shall conclude the above tedious but necessary details with a more popular description of the general aspect and structure of these beautiful and interesting little antelopes, imstancing more especially the blunt horned species, or rusty-red Chousinga.

This elegant little tenant of the deep recesses of the Saul forests, much resembles in size and aspect the Ratwa, Kaker or barking deer, which likewise abounds in the same site, but is also found in the mountains above the forest, whereas the Chousingas never ascend the hills. The rusty-red Tetracerus has a moderately-sized finely shaped head, a bowed neck, a longish yet full body, limbs exquisitely delicate but of moderate length, and a medial, rounded, and attenuat- ed tail, very full of hair, and reaching nearly to the base of the buttocks. The bridge of the nose is straight and much compressed. The frontals are considerably arched in the region of the anterior horns. ‘The nose ends in a nude moist muzzle or mufle, as large as in the axis, on which the wide lunate nostrils are opened laterally.

“Is not the roundness of this sinus in Quadricornis a merely cranial pe- culiarity ? I am satisfied of it by analogy.

92 The Four-horned Antelopes of India.

The eye is large and dark, and about three-quarters of an inchi below the eye is the lachrymal fissure, which presents externally the appearance of a straight cleft running in the direction of the bridge of the nose, and about as long as its interval from the eye. This fissure leads to a shallow sinus, which is nude within and furnished with scattered small glands secreting an aqueous viscid humour, having a slight and agreeable odour, such as we are sensible of in approaching most deer and antelopes. The suborbital sinus in the Chousingas has the same character as in the deer, but is smaller and less mobile than in the Rusas or Muntjacs, and opens upwards rather than downwards from its external base, from a depth of about half an inch.

The ears are of good size, fan-shaped and deer-like, nude and rubes- cent, of flesh-colour within, and marked with three strize or stripes of hair. The delicate elastic limbs are void of knee-tufts or cal- losities, and end in small, low, compressed hoofs, slightly ‘scooped ‘below ; and in false hoofs which are fully developed but not pointed, obtusely conic and approximated, with a tuft of hair between them, as in the Chiri. The fore feet have no interdigital pores, but the hind feet I think possess them, though my memoranda are dubious on that pomt. It may be as well to add that these peculiar organs* are placed in the hollow in front of the pastern between the two bones, and that by their presence or absence, in the fore or hind, or both extremities, they help to characterize the groups of deer, ante- lopes, goats and sheep. For example, the goats have them in the fore feet only : the sheep in all four feet : and the Rusans (Sambers, Jerrows), the Gowrers are devoid of them: the axines have them in the hind feet only ; and so also the Muntjacs or barking deer In the goat antelopes (Thar and Goral) they are very large in all four feet ; and likewise in the unicorn antelopes of Tibet (Pantholops) whilst the Hemitrages (Jharal or Tehr) of the Himalayas, are devoid of them en- tirely. In the four-horned antelopes of the Saul forest there is not, I think, any trace of the calcict gland or tuft, so common, according

* See accompanying sketch of them in the Thar. + Placed on the hock or rather stifle, inside and out, or only the one where there is a whorl or callosity in most quadrupeds.

The Four-horned Antelopes of India. 93

* to Mr. Gray, among the deer* and antelopes and musks, and which organ he employs extensively (Zool. Journal, June 1836,) to separate the groups of the last named sub-family (Moschine). The tail of the Chousingas resembles that of the barking deer, and is of moderate length, rounded, attenuated gradually to a point, half nude below, and very full of hair which is spread out sideways when the animal is excited. The anterior horns stand exactly between and above the eyes, and they are erect. The posterior horns stand midway between the eyes and the ears; and they are reclining or sloped towards the back. In this species (Iddés) both pairs are blunt, especially the anterior, which may be called even stumpy, though far larger than in Elliott’s species ; and both pairs are conspicuously ringed at their bases, whereas in the other species of the same region. (Paccerdis), both pairs of horns are acute, nearly or quite unringed, and much more equal and similar to each other than in the subject of our present description, or the rusty-red Chousinga. The pelage or coat of both our species is of one kind only of hair, and is abundant, rather harsh, and somewhat elongated, precisely as in the Gdéa, not glossed nor short, and closely pressed to the skin as in the barking deer ; more as in the Rusans, but finer in quality than in those large and. coarse haired animals.

The peroneum and genital regions are quite void of hair, and cover- ed with a smooth, nude, white skin, whence depends the neat small scrotum. There is no sign whatever of the inguinal gland and pore, so conspicuous in the typical antelopes (Cervicapra), and which are very clearly traceable+ in sheep, though not in goats, nor perhaps generally in deer. The teats are, I believe, normally four, though, unless I noted too carelessly, there are sometimes only two. These species of antelope are quite devoid of the knee-tufts, as well as of the bands on the flanks, characterizing many of the more typical genera of the group. But the fronts of the entire limbs, down to the

* There is no trace of this organ in the Ratwa Muntjac. I have just examined three fresh ones.

+ The last and ablest writers say otherwise : see Zool. Journal, December 1836, p. 137. I can only say that, being apt to seek primary evidence, I have found the gland with a copious secretion (though a vaguely defined sinus), in six kinds of tame sheep, and also in the Hog-deer.

94 The Four-horned Antelopes of India.

feet exclusively, are darkened almost to blackness in both sexes, as in * Nahtr and Burhel, and the chaffron or bridge of the nose is so like- wise in the males, though not in the females.

I have named the present species Iddés or the rusty-red, because such is conspicuously its general colour, which prevails throughout over the body and neck, only somewhat diluted on the lower surface of both. The head also, both above and laterally, is rusty-red, but _ inferiorly pure white, which likewise is the colour of the insides of | the limbs near the body, and of the edges of the buttocks and tail, the rest of the tail being rusty-red, like the general surface. The females of both my species are as large as the males, but are distinguished by the total absence of horns and by the want of the dark mask proper to the males, the fronts of whose limbs also are darker than in the females, and yet more so than in the juniors, though even in them, after a few months, the blackening of the limbs may be traced.

DeEscriPTION OF PLATE IV.

Fig. 1, Portraits of Terracreri or Cuousineas of the Saul forests. Rusty sp. Full-horned behind.

Fig. 2, I. Senior, II. Junior, of Pacceréis or Full-horned. III. of T. iodés or Rusty-red.

Fig. 4, Interdigital sac of the Thar, with skin of pastern dissected off the leg : natural size.

Darjeeling : May, 1847.

On the Buzzards of the Himalaya and of Tibet. By B. H. Hone- SON, Lsq.

Unlike the Moor Buzzards and the rest of the Harriers (Circus) which abound in the plains of India at all seasons of the year, the true Buzzards (Buteo) and the Booted Buzzards (Archibuteo) seem to affect cold regions; only one, or possibly two, species of Buteo being found in the plains even in the cold months, and no species of Archibuteo whatever. Mr. Jerdon’s ample and accurate Catalogue gives but one species of Buteo, (Longipes) which it appears is identi- cal with my Canescens, and both with the- African species Rufinus of Ruppel. This bird is very common in the Tarai and lower hills

Calentla SIounw Nat West. = ee NR RAN

SSS AY ‘\y <

— = = = = ——— : Ka ve rs , desiniges of he ead fred SSS hasty dpetr front fillhorned in Near, 23

C/ = Wa vg z Drs Felvaceré or UG Ze) of the fal free. ~

The Buzzards of the Himalaya and Tibet. 95

in the cold season, and permanently so in the central hilly region, where it breeds and abounds, especially in the more level and rice- growing tracts, such as the valley of Nepaul proper. Another small species named Nana is on record; and there ends the enumeration, so far as the plains are concerned. But, in the juxta-nivean region of the Sub-Himalayas and in Tibet, are found in the several other species, some of which are visitants of the central hilly region in the cold months.

These additional species, which affect the cold regions, are—

1. Buteo Plumipes. } 2. Buteo Leucocephalus vel Aquilinus.

3. Archibuteo Cryptogenys, x. s.

4. Butaquila Strophiata.

In the first the elongation of the tarse, the acuteness of the talons, the slenderness of the whole figure, and lastly some vague indication of the facial disc, are so many approximations towards the Moor Buzzard, a species of Circus. But the bird is no doubt properly re- tained in the genus Buteo, though it differ yet further from the type of that genus by having its tarse nearly two-thirds plumed, as in the next and very large species from Tibet, which again de- viates from the type, as well by this additional plumage on the legs as by having the naked portion of the tarse anteally reticu- late, and not scutellate. As however the reticulation is coarse and inclining towards scutellation, I leave this species also among the proper Buzzards, because the type of that genus likewise sometimes exhibits this tendency to reticulation in front of the tarse, whilst the length and form of the wings, and the compact and massive structure of Leucocephalus, accord as entirely as do the other details of its structure with the type of Buteo. Not so, however, the fourth species above enumerated, though Mr. Gray supposes these two to be identical, and accordingly sets down Archibuteo Strophiatus vel Leucocephalus as one and the same species! This however is a mis- take ; for I have young and old birds to refer to, and can safely affirm that, whatever the approximations of size and colour may be, there are - structural differences rendering it impossible to identify these two species, or, as I conceive, to class either of them with Archibuteo. Leucocephalus vel Aquilinus is decidedly a Buteo, though deviating

96 The Buzzards of the Himalaya and Tibet.

somewhat from the type of the genus. But Strophiatus is, as de- cidedly, no Buteo, nor Archibuteo, but a type osculant towards Aquila from Archibuteo. Accordingly, as my suggested sub-generic terms Butaquila and Hemiztus have not been adopted in the sense in which I used them, I shall make a fresh appropriation of both, applying the former to Strophiatus and the latter to Imperialis, a form which it is impossible to retain in the same genus with Chrysae- tos. The coarse massive structure and necrophagous habits of Imperialis, are entirely alien from the noble form and habits of Chry- saetos, a bird whose structure is as much more highly raptorial in its superior lightness of figure, and enormous development of talons, as might be expected from his exclusively, or almost exclusively, life- destroying habits. This species it appears is the Daphéni of the Himalaya and of Tibet, to which regions it is nearly confined, whereas the imperial Eagle (Bifasciata vel Crassipes vel Heliaca, vel Nipalensis) is common all over the plains, where I have very often seen and shot him, whilst scavengering with the vultures and contend- ing with them over putrid carcases. Such diversities of form and manners as characterize Chrysaetos and Imperialis cannot, with any propriety, be overlooked, and accordingly, I shall consider Imperialis in future as the type of Hemizetus, and apply the term Butaquila to Strophiatus, a type having a general resemblance to Archibuteo, and belonging to the Buteonine, but differing therefrom, and approaching Hemiztus of the Aquiline by the greater length and straightness of the bill, the longer and more lunate nares, the total absence of festoon in the bill, and lastly and chiefly, the longer wings which, as in the Eagles, are fully equal to the tail, and have the fourth quill longest, and the fifth longer than the third. JI am persuaded that closer comparisons will induce Mr. Gray to adopt these views. I now pro- ceed to our third species, which is a novelty just obtained from Cen- tral Tibet, and I think a typical Archibuteo, the only one yet dis- covered in these regions.

ARCHIBUTEO CRYPTOGENYS, 2. 8. or Booted Buzzard of Tibet. Pl. TI1,; Fig. 1:

Single specimen brought from Lassa by Bhotias employed to shoot mammals in Tibet. Sex unknown. Tail and wings slightly injured, but otherwise a good sample: in full plumage.

Calcutta, Jour Nat Hist PL.iil.

TY i

| u?

KN

ii Rt

A

Archibutee G yplogerys, Booled Bubiard of Tibet,

AW

ye ‘4 ‘ \ ; er ane ‘ wt tht tiiee ai ‘ h v . pT

The Buzzards of the Himalaya and Tibet. 97

Form. Wead rather small, and moderately broad, rather rounded than flat. Eye medial, with a strong brow. Bill short and much curved from the brow; broad and ample at the gape, which passes under the eye, and gradually compressed forwards. Festoon distinct. Hook moderate. Tip of lower mandible obliquely truncated without notch. Cere large, but nearly hid by the thick-set soft plumuli which cover the lores and sides of the cere, and advance so far forward as nearly to hide the ovoid longitudinal nares. Wings ample, reach- ing within 1 or 14-inch of end of tail; third quill longest. Emargi- nation of the great quills strong and high up as in Buteo. Tail slightly rounded, nearly even. ‘Tarsi plumed to the toes, somewhat elevate, more so than in Buteo. Toes short, unequal, Buteonine : the outer, basally membraned: the inner, nearly free. Acropodia reticulate, with four perfect scales, next each talon. Talons medial, unequal, Buteonine.

Colour. A saturate dull brown, like the Moor Buzzard, largely emarignated on each plume of the head and neck, with brownish- cinnamon ; and the great alars and caudals internally blanched ; the dark hue showing like bars, large and remote, upon the inner vanes of those plumes. Cere and legs greenish-yellow. Bill leaden-blue with black tip. Talons black. Iris said to be pale, probably whity- brown, or brownish aureous.

Dimensions. Length 25i.; of bill to gape Ilfn.; to brow iin. ; of tail 12in.; of tarse 33in.; of central toe and talon 2in. ; of hind ditto 12in. ; of closed wing 18zz.

Habitat.—Tibet : never met with on this side the Himalaya.

DESCRIPTION OF PuiaTE III.

Fig. 1, Archibuteo cryptogenys or Booted Buzzard of Tibet ; 6. foot and leg. Fig. 2, Merva Jerdonii, Hodgson, of preceding article, p. 46.

Darjeeling, May, 1847.

98

Note on the Kiang. By B. H. Hoveson, Esq.

Since my paper on the Kiang was printed in the last No. of your Journal, it has been suggested to me, that the seventh molar tooth of this species is merely a deciduous tooth, constantly forthcoming in the tame Equines. I can only say in the way of excuse for my own statement, that Cuvier, his Commentator, and H. Smith, in his recent monograph of this very family, were all consulted by me, and all found silent anent this extra tooth of the tame Equines ; and that whilst three perfect sculls of horses and mules procured by me for the sake of comparison, none of them showed this tooth, first one and thereafter two more perfect sculls of Kiang, a// of them showed it. Moreover, the opposite anomaly of deficient molars in the Dzigga- tai, resting on the high authority of Pallas, naturally and justly con- firmed my view of the permanent and normal character of the extra molars of the Kiang.

It may be that I was therein mistaken, but at least it will be allow- ed, that I spoke not without pains and deliberation ; having consulted all the authorities within my reach, and having fetched my sculls of tame Equines for the mere sake of comparison, from distances vary- ing from twenty to thirty miles.

If the fact be that this seventh molar is constant as a deciduous tooth throughout the horse family, tame and wild, it is most strange that my six specimens should exhibit uniformly an appearance to the contrary, for the Kiang sculls are none of them of animals under four years, though those of the tame Equines are no doubt older and aged. From further examinations made here and enquiries at the Government Stud, I find that young horses occasionally exhi- bit that extra tooth, whilst renewed examination of my Kiang sculls satisfies me, that all three are young, though none under four years. This tooth may therefore possibly yet prove normal and constant in the Kiang, abnormal and inconstant in the tame horse and ass ; and Pallas’ anomaly, as well as mine, may yet prove stable; and at all events, it will be admitted that the question raised, is one of interest and importance.

But, it is further objected, that my new specific name is superflu- ous as well as erroneous, the species having been priorly named by

Note on the Kiang. 99

myself and others—not to add that it is really as old as Aristotle, and no other than the Hemionus.

Upon the questions of the identity of the Kiang of Tibet with the Ghorkhar of the Indus and the Dziggatai of Mongolia, much has been said and will be said, as upon the further questions of their identity with the Yo-to-ze of China and the Koulan of Tartary. The curious in such matters will, of course, consult travellers and sys- tematists, as I have done. My own impression derived from such references, carefully enough made I hope, was, that the tattle of travellers cannot be relied on, and that systematists, who attempt to build upon such foundations, and thereupon to divide the wild asses of Asia into many species with H. Smith,* or to lump them all into one with Col. Sykes,+ are rather adding to, than lessening our doubts and perplexities. Col. Sykes’ paper is very ingenious, and, in part, equally sound, leaving no room for future question that the wild ass of Cutch, Scinde, and Southern Persia, is one and the same species, viz. the Ghorkhar, live specimens of which were imported into Europe by Messrs. Dussumier, Clarkson, and Glasspole. The same argu- ments and statements of Col. Sykes, however, which convince me of that, likewise convince me that Pallas’ Dziggatai and the Kiang of Tibet, are perfectly distinct from the Ghorkhar above limited ; whilst in regard to the distinctness of the two latter, one from the other, I know not that I can or need add any thing to what my original paper assumes, viz. that 7f Pallas has accurately described the Dziggatai, then the Dziggatai is not the Kiang. In my Tibetan Catalogue I cited the Kiang and another alleged species of Tibet ; but upon no better grounds than the conflicting and utterly insuffici- ent statements of Moorcroft,t Gerard, and my own informants. But when I came (with sufficient materials before me for the scientific determination of the Tibetan species) to look closely into those state- ments relative to the animal, it seemed to me the better course to leave unheeded what I had said on such frail and shifting grounds, and to describe the Kiang upon a tabula rasa, neither Moorcroft, Gerard, nor any one else having anticipated me, by either naming or

* Nat. Library, Vol. xii. + Zoological Journal, Oct. 1537. + See Capt. Cunningham’s Notes on Kanaver, Journ, As. Soc., for con- firmation of this assertion.

100 Note on the Kiang.

describing the animal in any terms or manner consistent with science is used, or the interest and nature of the subject. The dental formula of Felis is 3, of Ailurus is <, of Viverra is

: : and yet these animals constantly exhibit the respective forms <

= and = or even 2, the other teeth being deciduous and want-

ing in old animals generally. So again, Ursus has the dental formula

and

>, though all the three premolars above and below are hardly ever found save injuniors. It follows therefore, that the rule is to give the teeth, inclusive of deciduous ones, and if Equus have normally the 7th tooth, as alleged, why have all the highest authorities heretofore uniformly given : for the Equine formula? That they have done so is a fact sufficient to excuse and justify my insisting on the extra tooth commonly found in Kiang, and xoé, I believe, commonly found in Equus. Such at least is the result of observations made for me at the Stud, but which will be repeated and extended at my request, and the point thus decisively set at rest.

oo

ERRATA IN THE PAPER ON KIANG.

Page 2, for callositics read callosities. » 9, for binary read laniary. And N.B.—Dental formula that of male, the female, as usual, wanting the Canines. So put under female scull for the sake of comparison with male Tanghan.

The Mammals of the Sub-Himalayas or Sewaliks and of Tibet. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CALCUTTA JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY.

Srr,—In your last issue No. 28, you have given insertion to a very bitter critique upon Dr. Jameson’s ‘‘ Zoology of Chinese Tar- tary ;’ for so the author of this article is pleased to style certain extracts from a traveller’s careless letter, priorly published by you. In a foot note you admit, that in this point of view the critique was uncalled for, but you conceive the observations it contains to be nevertheless “ perfectly fair’? as well as “ very valuable.” I differ from you in your estimate of this performance ; and if I succeed,

The Mammals of the Sub-Himalayas and Tibet. 101

as I hope to do, in showing that the value is nihil, I think I may leave the fairness to the discernment of your readers, and yet trust to have helped to put an end to all such doings for the future. I pro- ceed, then, to examine the value of your critic’s observations. Value in Zoology must respect either the announcement of new species or of new facts in relation to the structure, the habits, or the geographic range, of known animals. Mere carping at another writer cannot have value. And yet ¢hat is positively all the paper in question contains, as I purpose to make apparent to every one. The writer begins with the wild sheep of Tibet (very clumsily called Chinese Tartary), and upon this topic the sum of his communication amounts to a sheer expression of his indignation because Dr. Jame- son had neglected to recognise the distinctions between Ovis Nahoor and Ovis Barhel—Ovis Ammon and Ovis Montana, and had presumed to indicate a new species allied to both the latter, and inhabiting Western Tibet. Now, the Barhel may be distinct from the Nahoor : the Argalis of Siberia and Tibet may be identical: and both (or the one) may be distinct from the American Argali vel Montana. But, it is certain, that no one has yet demonstrated these differences and identities ; that the distinctions are of that minute kind which Zoolo- gists may eventually recognise, whilst anatomists will continue re- cusant ; and that in the present state of recorded facts, to dogmatise in the style of your critic upon such points, is mere ‘ bow-wow-ism.’ With regard to the supposed new species it is further certain, that we had no full or sufficient description of the Tibetan Argali before the last number of the Asiatic Society’s Journal came out; and I may add, what Mr. Robert informs me of, viz., that when he was m London two years ago, and proposed to test the identity of the Argalis of Siberia and of Tibet, he found that there were no spoils whatever of the former, nor any adequate ones of the latter, forth- coming in any English Museum, nor, as he was told, in any Con- tinental one, unless perhaps that of Petersburg. And such would seem to have been the case when Mr. Blyth last treated the subject, who, therefore, then spoke hesitatingly. If he can now speak confi- dently, it is very desirable he should do so; for until he or some one else do so, any alleged verification of the accuracy of the original conjecture as to the identity of the animals can of course influence

102. The Mammals of the Sub-Himalayas and Tibet.

no one not having access to the Museum (if the Museum contain the proof*) ; nor can any blame whatever be attached to Dr. Jameson for supposing the wild sheep of Tibet to be a distinct species, nearly alli- ed both to the Siberian and American animals: and the throwing out such a conjecture is the substance of what Dr. Jameson says. In like manner is still to be demonstrated the specific independance of the Barhel on the Nahoor; and until that has been done, and it has been shown moreover, that Dr. Jameson met with the former and not the latter, your critic cannot have the least solid ground for his censure, seeing that both animals occupy the site spoken of by Dr. Jameson, whilst their resemblance is confessedly extreme! In a word, the observations I am remarking on, add not one syllable to our knowledge of the wild sheep of Tibet, neither as to their number of species, nor their habitats, nor their habits. In what, then, does the value of the observations quoad hoc consist ?

Your critic’s next topic is the hares of Tibet ; and the amount of new information furnished on this topic is a republication from the Naturalist’s Library of the measures of the hares of Britain! in order to prove Dr. Jameson’s ignorance, he having casually said, that the changing hare, is the largest British species, and your critic noé having proved the contrary by his array of measures of length merely, without weights. For any thing produced by your critic the changing hare may still be the largest species of Britain. But how idle thus to press a point like this, the real question being the hares, not of Britain, but of Tibet. There are three imperfectly described Tibetan hares, viz. Tibetanus, Oiostolus and Pallipes ; and if your critic had in any degree helped to remove the obscurity hanging over them (by showing, for example, that Pallipes is the Tolai, and Tibetanus the same as Oiostolus), he would have done some good. As it is, his observations in re Hares, add not a particle to previous knowledge, and therefore can have no value.

Your critic next proceeds to the wild goats and goat-antelopes of the Sub-Himalayas, Himalayas, and Tibet. These are, as is

* What is that proof ? what spoils of Ammon exist there ? None can I think, and as for allegations, they will not suffice ; for abundant materials for test- ing Ammonoides have lately been sent home, and the result of their examina- tion is just announced, viz. that the latter is a good and distinct species.

ee ee eee Oe eee ee ee ee ee

The Mammals of the Sub-Himalayas and Tibet. 108

well known, the skin or kin, the Jharal, the Thar, and the Goral : the respective types of Capra, Hemitragus, Nemorhcedus, and Kemas.* It had long ago been explained that the second type is distinguished from the first by having a small moist muzzle, no feet- pits, and four teats; and the fourth from the third type by the absence of those enormously glandulous eye-pits, which form the special character of the Continental and Insular Nemorhedines, or the the Thar and the Cambing Utan. Moreover, the Jharal had always been spoken of as distinct from the Hemitrage of Jemla, having horns less compressed and less incurved at the points, a keel less prominent and less nodose, and colours considerably different. Your critic has overlooked this distinction of species, and therefore might just as reasonably be lashed on that score as Dr. Jameson, for over- looking the difference between the common and Himalayan Ibexes (skin). Both distinctions are in truth minute, and perhaps false. At all events, the contrary has not yet been demonstrated, and until it be so, to dogmatise in the fashion of your critic, is again mere bow- wow-ism. On this head of goats and antelopes your critic’s observa- tions are not illuminated by one glimmer of new light. They amount in fact to a mere enumeration of native names ; and, I may add, a very questionable enumeration ; for the Eimu of one dialect is the skin or kin (not Sakeen) of another, and so of the Tehr and Sarav. But of a verity the people apply their vernacular names with extreme carelessness: Tehr and Thar are besides almost or quite identical words: and if Dr. Jameson so considered them, and advert- ed to a Hemitrage under the appellations of Thar and wild goat, why he committed no error at all, save overlooking the suggested new caprine type. His surprise at finding a four-teated goat was

* Kemas is erroneously applied as a generic term by Mr. Gray to the Chirt, the type of Pantholops. Colonel H. Smith, who applied the Greek term Kemas to the Chirt, as a specific appellation, recognised in his Mam- malia (Nat. Library) the propriety of the amendment of nomenclature, he never having defined the type, and having been anticipated by Dr. Abel in the application of a specific name. Kemas, as a genus, has for type the Goral (see Zool. Journal for December 1836). Subsequently (same work for Aug. 1837,) the “ Jharal was associated” to it, but erroneously. Hylochrius again is but the female of Jhdral, teste Gray.

104. The Mammals of the Sub-Himalayas and Tibet.

just and sagacious, and his application of native names precisely such, as has just been repeated by that accomplished and elegant writer, Capt. Madden, (see As. Jour. No. 176.)

The Marmots are next spoken of by your critic.