'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from September 1850 to June 1852. Edited by the Secretary. Volume X.' [‎101] (122/458)

LETTERS &c.
Cl
In reference to this subject I would, with the permission of the Society, throw out a sugges
tion for its favorable consideration, whether we should not contribute in some degree to the
successful carrying out of a scheme which promises to add so largely to Geographical science
(for it is in this point of view only that the Society, as a body, can properly regard it) by present
ing Dr. Krapf with a set of instrumen ts such as a pocket chronometer, sextant, barometer
thermometer, prismatic compass A compass fitted with a sighting vane and magnifier to achieve additional accuracy. , Nautical Almanac, See , which would tend materially to the
aouuracy of his future observations. On throwing out this suggestion to the Rev. Mr Isenberg, his
friend and former colleague, that gentleman assured me that such a present would be most
acceptable, and that moreover, Dr. Krapf would, to the utmost of his power, to further the views
of the Society in so far as he could do so without trenching on the paramount object of his
mission. Mr. Smith added, that in the event of his suggestion meeting a favorable reception, it
would be desirable that the instruments should be procured as soon as possible, as the season
for the Buggaiows leaving Bombay for Mombas is approaching its termination.
The Chairman said that tbe matter seemed of so much importance that Government ought
to be applied to, to assist the Missionaries in their researches :-5-tbey appeared to be almost
entirely without instruments of any description, and surely when they provided everything
else for themselves, and imposed on themselves the task of discovery, the means of making it
might be supplied them at the public charge, seeing how much the public were gainers by their
labours.
It was stated that both at Poopa and Bombay there were abundance of instruments, which
the Court of Directors The London-based directors of the East India Company who dealt with the daily conduct of the Company's affairs. had provided for the Engineers’ institution, laying perfectly useless, and
not likely to be required in the public service. It was added, however, that, in consideration of
the importance of dispatch without loss of time, and the enormous amount of time required
before any arrangement of this sort coqld be concluded with Government, it would be better
that they should not be troubled on the subject, but that everything that was desired should be
provided at once from private resources, so as to avoid trouble and delay, and save writing to
the Government unnecessarily—which was unanimously assented to.
A large collection of very valuable works, from America, was laid on tbe tabl^—presents from
the Smithsonian Institution, and from the United States’ Government, from whom a previous
donation of much value had been received. It was remarked that the splendid works now
before them, got up at the national expense, connected with the magnificent offer lately made
by the National Observatory of fifteen hundred dollars to assist in the construction of Current
Charts for the Indian seas, afford us views of the liberality and enlightenment of a Republican
Government in a great measure new to us, and for which national prejudices had prevented
us preparing ourselves.
The following is a list of the letters, papers, &c., laid before the meeting
Letters.
1. From Dr Ross, dated Kohat 30th Dec., 1851, enclosing a draft for Rs. 13, and forward
ing meteorological register for June, July, August, and part of September, and October, taken
at Kohat.
2. From C. C. Rafn, Esq., Secretary R. S. N. A. dated Copenhagen, 4th June 1851, forward
ing for presentation to the Geographical Society, from the Earl of Ellesmere, the “ Guide to
Northern Archaeology.”
3. From Captain Gaisford, dated Ahmednuggur, 31st January, intimating his having made
over the Rain Gauge to Captain Pottinger, on account of his being about to leave India.