The chairman, Mr. Pattle, addressed the meet- tion on its merits, and proposed a resolution, in subing. As we understood, he was inclined to concede stance, that the interest be remitted. This was secondthe interest mainly on the ground that the indi-ed by Mr. Cullen and carried, no one opposing or disThere were about fifty proprietors present. vidual most interested is a native, and, therefore, agreeing. his severe losses are entitled to particular consider-This is the first remission of the kind made by the ation. But Mr. H. T. Prinsep took the ques-bank.-Englishman, February 5. SUN INSURANCE OFFICE. We attended the annual meeting of the proprietors This office was established 1st January 1834 No of the Sun Insurance Office yesterday. Mr. W. Bruce deposit made. On the 22d January 1835, a dividend Another was in the chair. Mr. Rustomjee Cowasjee, Mr. was declared of Sa. Rs 500 per share. Ezekiel Mushlea, and several foreign gentlemen com- on the 1st August 1836 of Sa. Rs 500 per share. posed the meeting, which was conducted in a very Again on the 21st February 1837, for Co.'s Rs 500 brief, bussiness-like manner. The balance sheet of the And at the meeting above noted, it was resolved that a dividend be made of £50 per share, in bills on the Loneighth half year exhibits. don agents and Rs 500 in cash. This is very satisfactory. Rs. 3,31,970 At credit of the society ..... ...... Above par...... Co's Rs. Equal to Rs. 2,233 per share. 58,406 Messrs. W. Bruce, G. Apcar, J.D. Dow, K.R: 50,128 1,08,324 Mackenzie, and Rustomjee Cowasjee were requested to continue their services for the ensuing six months. 2,23,345 The meeting separated after deliberating about thirty minutes.-Ibid. SAILORS' HOME SOCIETY. The Rev. J. Charles rose to move the first resolution, That the report be printed and circulated. of Britain's virtues,-living epistles of her morals The resolution seconded by H. Walters, Esq. C. S. was carried unanimously. its The learned Divine stated, that when it was announced to the public that it was in contemplation to establish such an institution, every person of right feelings and correct judgment whom he knew, at once concur red in the desireableness of the project. It appeared to him to be a happy conception, a most felicitous idea. He belived the meeting was already aware that the institution owed its origin, and, in a great measure, successful operation, to the worthy secretary (Rev. T. Boaz). For his own part, he regarded the institution as now fully established; and it was matter of con. gratulation that so much could be said of it within or short a period of its existence. It was matter of surprize with him that the interests of sailors had so long been neglected or so little cared for, both in England and in this country. They are an interesting people, comprising, as he had somewhere read, one-twentieth of the population of the mother country. This simple fact, the reverend gentleman considered, ought to have awakened on their behalf a deeper and more general spirit of philanthropy. But they are not less an important than an interesting class; to them Britain owes her naval glory; through them, the fame of her arms, of her science, of her literature, and of her poli tics has reached the utmost bounds of the earth. They are the instruments of her commerce. By their means she lays the whole world under contribution to her wants and wishes; they minister to her luxury and to her wealth. They are not, however, generally, what they should be, and what, as a matter of highest duty, we should endeavour to make them,-a fair specimen Rev. Mr. Morton proposed the second resolution, appointing a new committee, and returning thanks to God for his blessing, and to the last commitee for their services. He considered that there was no question but that the meeting would adopt the sentiments contained in the resolution he had the honour to propose. If the institution has done good and the report states that it has done much good,-if it is a desirable institution,and the reverend gentleman who preceded him had shewn that it was a desirable institution, and moreover that it was an institution now fully established,—he was of opinion that all the good that has been effected, and all the good that the institution promised to effect, was owing to the exertions of the last committee. But the resolution in his hands contained more-viz. an expression of thanks to God for what has been done. He believed that all present would agree in the sentiment with the Church of England, that, "all that is wise, and good, and true, comes from God." A bigher authority than the national church has also said, "every good and every perfect gift proceedeth from the father of light." The reverend gentleman felt assured that be made to raise the moral and religious character of none would dissent from these sentiments, and therefore the seamen who come to this port. Sailors, said his that the meeting would not only unhesitatingly, but lordship, are exposed to numerous temptations in this cheerfully and warmly adopt his resolution. country; and not the least of their dangers, is, that Mr. Morton stated, that he was unexpectedly called they regard the class of the native inhabitants into upon to take a part in the business of the evening, and whose hands they fall to be a simple and ignorant that he was not intimately acquainted with the details people. We know, his lordship observed, that this is of the Home. He was not at Calcutta at the time of not the case. Cunning and villainy soon rob them of its formation he had, however, learned a great deal their money and their health. The crimping system too from the report which had just then been read. He was till lately in active operation to complete their cordial considered the existence of such an institution in this wretchedness. His lordship regarded with country to be a blessing. The reverend gentleman pleasure the extent and salutary nature of that inhere adverted to the mischief and ailments to which sai-fluence, which the Home bad exerted, in rescuing sailors lors are exposed in this port, and to the unfavourable from the cunning and power of these landsharks. His impression which their conduct has produced, and is lordship congratulated the meeting on what they had calculated to produce, on the native mind. If, said he, heard, and concluded with stating, that though he we desire to see the native population converted from could not take any very active part in the management their debasing superstitions ond practices, we should of the institution, of which he had been constituted the seek to elevate the character of our own countrymen; president, bis best wishes attended all its operations. and if we are at all concerned for the spiritual welfare His lordship then proposed thanks to the secretary, of our brethren, consistency requires of us not to neg- Maxton for his gratuitous medical advice to the inmates Rev. T. Boaz and J. W. Alexander, Esq. and to Dr. lect their temporal comforts. The reverend gentleman stated that, according to the view he took of the subject, he considered that chaplains and missionaries had as great an interest in the welfare of sailors as merchants and ship-captains. of the Home. This resolution was seconded by Captain Martin of the Duke of Buccleugh, and carried unanimously. The thanks of the meeting were proposed and accorded to the chairman. Sir J. P. Grant rose to say, that he took a very deep interest in the objects of the institution. That institution was yet in its infancy, and he believed the Rev. Mr. Charles would agree with him in this view, athough he was of opinion that the success of the institution was no longer problematical, and that as such, it required to be nourished and tended and brought into vigorous and healthful exercise. His Lordship fully concurred in the views expressed by Mr. Morton. He considered that exertions should A general meeting of this Society was held at the Town-hall, on Wednesday morning, the 14th February, 1838, at half-past 9 o'clock. The Hon'ble Sir E. Ryan, President, in the chair. PRESENT -The Hon'ble Colonel Rebling. Dr. Wallich. Dr. Huffnagle, W. F. Gibbon, Esq.; Dr. A. R. Jackson, F. T. Furgusson, Wm. Storm, R. Smith, A. Dobbs, M. Staunton, A. Harris, and G. F. McBlintock, Esqrs; Dr. D. Stewart, R. Watson, M. A. Bignell, and John Bell, Esqrs. Mr. Boaz rose and expressed his very grateful sense of the vote of thanks accorded to him. It was his heart's desire to see the institution prosper. He considered its prosperity very much depended on the share the community of merchants and ship captains took in it; with out their hearty aid, he was not very sanguine of success. He begged them to come forward to the help of the committee, both from a consideration of their own interests, and of the benevolent objects of the institution. AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF INDIA. The meeting was very thinly attended, but a spirit of cheerfulness and deep interest appeared pervade it. to The following gentlemen, proposed at the last meeting, were duly elected members of the society, viz. P. S.-We have the pleasure to state that the num. ber admitted in the Home during the last half year was 303, out of which 296 have been provided with births. All the departments have prospered as far as they have been tried. - Englishman, Feb. 8. L. Saget, W. Vansittart, Thomas Gibbon, James Cosserat, J. H. Bridgman, G. A. Gregg, P. Sutherland, and R. S. Strickland, Esqrs; H. H. Spry, Esq., M. D. Captain W. N. Forbes, William Mackenzie, Esq; Captain F. W. Birch. The Rev. C. E. Driberg, proposed by Dr. Wallich., and seconded by the secretary. The following gentlemen were proposed as members: W. Moran, Esq., of Tirhoot, Thomas Parkerly, of Kishnaghur, and J. H. Savi, Esq. of ditto, proposed Thomas Bracken, Esq., and Charles Oman, Esq. of Jessore, proposed by Samuel Smith, Esq., and seconded by the secretary. R. Scott Thompson, Esq., and Captain H. J. Wood, The proceedings of last meeting were read and con- proposed by the secretary and seconded by Dr. Wallich. firmed. William Rushton, Esq., proposed by Dr. Huffnagle and seconded by W. Storm, Esq. T. B. Morrell, Esq., proposed by William Storm, Esq., and seconded by W. G. Rose, Esq. Motions disposed of. The notice of motion submitted at the last general meeting, proposing to solicit Government to send one of their own vessels to Orahette for the purpose of bringing a supply of sugar cane, was brought forward and discussed. Moved by Dr. Wallich, seconded by Mr. Storm, measure proposed by Mr. Beattie, sufficient means communications addressed to the secretaries he referred having been already adopted to obtain supplies of to them, and hereaftar embodied in a separate pamphlet. sugar cane. Notices of Motion. 1st.-Proposed by the Agricultural Committee, (on their report of the 8th February 1838.) That with reference to the particular interest which Dr. Montgo merie of Singapore has taken in the proceedings of this society, by sending from time to time supplies of sugar cane from that island, the society's gold medal be awarded to Dr. Montgomerie. Read the following communications : From Mons, Richard, Superintendent of the Botanical Garden at Bourbon to Dr. Wallich, dated Nov. 9th 1837, intimating that under directions from the Bourbon Government, he had despatched by the Alcide, two cases of cactus covered with the cochineal insects. From Captain Charlton to Dr. Wallish, dtaed 23d January 1838, stating his intention of forwarding a quantity of cochineal insect, in living state brought by him from the Cape of Good Hope, on the ship Sesostris, 2d.-Moved by Sir Edward Ryan, That the expense of publishing a pamphlet on the subject of Cochineal, prepared by Mr. Bell, be defrayed by the society. 34.-Moved by Dr. Waltich. That with reference to a letter from Lieut. Kirke, of Deyrah, a small sum be allowed for the purpose of enabling Lieutenant Kirke, to supply the society with seeds raised in that neigh-Charlton, for having imported from the Cape the cobourhood which are said to be equal to English seed. Moved by Mr. Bell, seconded by Mr. Storm, that the special thanks of the society be returned to Captain chineal insect which, although of the wild variety had been presented at a moment that renders it an object of valuable and interesting comparison. The President drew the particular attention of the meeting to these communications, which had given rise to a difference of opinion as to any of the insects, being the true Mexican cochineal or "grana fina." The insects were exhibited at the meeting. On the report being read, Dr. Duncan Stewart proposed, seconded by A. Dobbs, Esq., and resolved, that it be confirmed as the report of the society. Resolved, that any incidental charges incurred by the secretary, in forming a small experimental Nopalarie, be defrayed by the society. Moved by the president, and resolved, that the committee's report be published, for general information. Resolved, that Monsr. Richard he solicited to send the society a supply of the description of cactus, ia which the insect has been imported. Moved by Dr. Wallich, seconded by Dr. Jackson, that especial thanks be returned to the Bourbon Government and to Monsr. Richard, for the courtious and prompt manner in which thy have carried into effect the society's wishes in regard to a supply of the cochineal insect, and that their further co-peration in this important matter be solicited. Read a letter from John Guilding, Esq., dated Baranagore, January 12th, giving it as his opinion, that the Bourbon insect is he true grana fina of Mexico. Read a note from Mr. Marshman of this date, for warding one capy of vol. 5, Society's Transactions, and promising to send more in the course of the day. The secretary wished to have the society's sanction to pay the charges of publication. The insects from Bourbon and the Cape, nad arrived in a very satisfactory and healthy state, and had been seen by Mr. G. A. Prinsep, at the Botanic garden, on their arrival, who pronounced them to be all the wild variety, called in Commerce " grana sylvestra." 86 Mr. Bell had subsequently inspected the insects, and pronounced those from Bourbon to be the true grana fina," and those from the Cape to be the " grana sylvestra," and as it was considered advisable to have the insects examined by a committee before this time, he (the President) would read a report drawn up, and unanimously adopted by that committee, which, howe- From His Excellency Sir B. Caple, Naval Commandver, did not decide the question at issue, as none of the er-in-Chief, dated Trincomalee, 14th January, acknowmembers had seen the living insect before, and their ledging receipt of secretary's letter of the 23d Decemdeductions were drawn only from the remarkable fea-ber last, requesting his aid in procuring supplies of sugartures which charatecrize the two varieties. From Dr. Wallich, dated 25th Jan. and 2d Feb., enclosing separate reports from Mr. Masters on the sugar canes received from Bourbon and Singapore, which are in good condition. cane from the island of Otaheite. Moved by Dr. Jackson, seconded by Dr. Wallich, that as Mr. Marchman executes our printing on the most economical scale, the secretary be authourized to pay his bilis on presentation, and the receipt of the Resolved acworks for which each bill is made out. cordingly. Read a letter from Monsieur Richard of Bourbon to Dr. Wallich, dated 29th November, advising despach by the "Robert le Diable" of 18 cases of Batavia sugar cane, intended for the society's nursery. From Dr. Montgomerie, of Singapore, to the secretary, dated 23d December, enclosing a receipt for seven bundles of sugar cane, part of which he presents to the society. States in reply, that he would he most happy to meet the society's wishes, but that the period of his command is so near a close, he can do no more than recommend the measure to his successor Sir E.Maitland. Resolved that these reports be confirmed. A letter from Major Sleeman, dated 18th January, acknowledging receipt of secretary's letter of 15th idem, intimating the result of a resolution of the society, at a general meeting on the 8d Oct, last, having for its Read a letter from Charles Deverine, Esq, dated the 12th January, stating that the Bourbon insect is differ-object the presentation of the society's gold medal, for ent from any living cochineal he has seen in India. the introduction by Major Sleeman of the Otaheite The president mentioned that Mr. Bell had collec-sugar cane. Returns thanks for the same. ted some information in elucidation of the question at issue, which he had thrown into a pamphlet, and suggested that its issue should be kept back, until the committee's report could be added thereto, when it would be at the service of the committee, and members who might feel interested in prosecuting enquiry. Resolved, that the present committee be requested Read reports of the Agricultural Committee, dated 17th January and 8th February, 1838. From Lieutenant H. Vetch, dated 12th January. Fezpore. Acknowledging receipt of society's letter of the 22d December, and in reply to it, expresses his gratifica tion at the flattering mark of the society's approbation in the offer of a gold medal for a maund of caoutchouc of the same description and quality as that recently ap proved of by the committee. Promises to send a maund From Lieut. G. Poolay, R. N., secretary to the Royal Hon'ble Society of Cornwall, dated 3d July 1837, acknowledging receipt of the 2d volume of our transactions, and forwarding in return, a volume containing the first five reports of their institution. Desiring to maintain a mutual correspondence in matters of interest. From Dr. A. Campbel, to the secretary, dated Nepaul, 28th January, advising despatch of a box containing specimens of the agricultural productions of the Valley of Nepaul, each specimen sufficient to sow four or five cottahs of land, and enclosing a list of the same. From the same, dated 26th January, advising despatch of a parcel containing " Ovah" or the beardless barley of Thibet, and promising to send down, if required, a larger quantity, by next cold season. From Mr. E. Norris, Assistant Secretary to the Royal Asiatic Society, dated 1st September 1837, annexing an extract of a minute of the committee of correspondence of the Royal Asiatic Society, relative to the different From W. R. Cane, Esq., dated Calcutta, 25th Jan., forwarding for presentation to the society a bag of Bour-breeds of cattle known in India, and requesting the bon cotton seed, considered to be of good quality. assistance of this society in obtaining information on the From T. O. Crane, Esq, secretary to the society at subject.—(Referred to the cattle committee.) Singapore, dated 4th January, intimating the partial From Dr. C. Huffnagle, dated 24 September, enfailure this season of a large plantation of Bourbon cot-closing a paper drawn up by Mr. J. H. Haines, relative ton plants, owing, it is supposed, to a blight, occasioned to the cultivation and manufacture of sugar in the dis by the excessive dampness of the soil; mentioning that tricts of Benares, Mirzapore Western Ghazeêpore and he has drained the ground and sown in ridges, which Jaunpore.-(Referred to the Committee of Papers.) may tend to remedy the evil. From Lieut C, Barnett, Adjutant Mhairwarrah local From Dr. Wallich, secretary to the Tea Committee, battalion, dated Beanr, 1st November 1827, forwarding dated 13th February, forwarding by direction of that by the hand of Dr. Maclean, the several packages of committee a pamphlet by Mr. Bruce, entitled" Account cotton, alluded to in his letter of 27th November last, of the manufacture of black tea, as now practised and requesting an opinion as to their quality. at Suddya," and stating that a number of copies will shortly be placed at the disposal of the society. From D F. McLeod. Esq., dated Bancoorah 3d Feb., advising despach by dâk banghy of the following obtained at that station; viz. three skeins of tusseo silk, two cacoons containing the living chrysalis, a small quantity of eggs and a piece of cloth made of the silk, stating that the texture of the cloth is superior to any he has met within the parts of India.-(Referred to the silk committee.) From Captain Corbett, dated Almorah, 2d January, from W. Limord, Esq. secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, dated 15th January, conveying, in reply to the secretary's letter of the 4th instant the best thanks of the Association to Dr. Campbell, Offg. Resident at Nepal, for specimens of Nepalese Paper, forwarded by that gentleman through this society. From James Prinsep, Esq, dated 27th Jan.. forwarding a gold medal, and requesting to be informed if any more be required. From Mr. J. W. Masters dated 9th Feb., enclosing "food of a paper containing a few remarks on the plants." From Dr. A. R. Jackson, dated 27th January, acknowledging receipt of the several packages of books, &c. intended for societies in England and Scotland, alluded to in the secretary's letter, and promising to forward his arrival in them to their respective addresses on England. From Messrs. Lyall, Matheson and Co., advising receipt of a bag of seeds for the Assam Agricultural society, which they promise to despatch immediately. From G. A. Prinsep, Esq., dated 9th Feb., offering a few hints for the better preservation and propagation of the cochineal insect. From J. Vaughan, Esq., librarian American Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, dated 5th August, returning thanks on the part of that society for the 2d volume of our transactions. From Dr. Wallich, dated 12th Feb., 1838, enclosing a note to his address from Mr Masters containing some observations on certain specimens of soils received from Mr. C. Manly, of Keerpoy, forwarded for presentation to the society, the specimen alluded to, as also some articles of pottery-ware made from them. From J. F. Sandys, Esq., dated 12th January, enclosing copies of two papers lately received from F. Sandy's, Esq., of Arrah, the first containing observations on queries regarding the two models of machines for raising water, the second conveying a few practical hints use of the Agricultural Society. on the erection of No. 2 model. From Samuel Smith, Esq., dated 13th Feb., 1838, presenting to the society 400 copies of a report of the anniversary dinner of this society, which he was prevented from inserting in his daily paper, owing to indisposition until it was too late. From Capt. H. Kirke of Deyrah, to Dr. Wallich, dated 23d Jan., on the subject of the growth of sugar cane, &c. Dr. Jackson presented a supply of seed barley for the JOHN BELL, Secretary. Agricl. Society's office Town Hall, } Report of a committee, convened at the requisition of the president, Sir Edward Rvan, to examine certain samples of living cochineal, brought from the Island of Bourbon, and the Cape of Good Hope. PRESENT. Dr. Strong in the chair. want of co-operation on the part of the Indigo planters, who, of all others, the natives excepted, were the most interested in the society's proceedings. He complained of the absence of these gentlemen, to whom he had not alluded on the last occasion, an omission on his part, to which cause alone he hoped he might justly attribute their indifference. However, he now entreated them to add to the number of the society, and expressed a lively nor a About sixty gentlemen attended the Dinner at the Town Hall on Monday evening, Sir Edward Ryan in in the chair. The chairman immediately after the cloth had been removed proposed (the first public opportunity He did so he had had of doing so) the national toast. with the greatest delight- The Queen, and God bless her! The party responded to the chairman's enthusiasm, and the cheers were loud and long continued. The toasts followed in quick succession. The chair-hope that they would imitate the example of the mer. man again rose, and in proposing the health of the Gover- chants. It was a subject of much regret that so few General congratulated the society that in the natives had joined the society. They were the parties most interested in its success, and though their feelings successor of Lord William Bentinck, of whose services it was not necessary to remind them, they had found another would not permit them to attend the commemoration of the society's anniversary, it was expected they would great patron of the institution. Sir Edward prefaced join and aid the monthly meetings by their subscriptions the next toast with what he pleasantly termed " and influence. He noticed the extension of Auxiliary parish business." He noticed the state of the society's Societies: last year there were six, at present there were finances, and the successes which have attended their twelve in various parts of India. He noticed the efforts to bring forth the resources of the country. As to Society's Transactions, alluding particularly to the very the finances, he had good grounds for saying they were valuable papers of Dr. McClelland and Dr. Griffiths. in a flourishing condition, exhibiting a large increase on But he would not trouble the party longer with "parish the current year, arising from the rapid augmentation of the affairs," which was indeed unnecessary, as the whole number of members. But if their receipts had increased, would be stated in detail by the excellent secretary. In so also had their disbursements, for the society did not conclusion, the chairman gave Prosperity to the Agrihoard money. He noticed two large items in the latter, occasioned by the publication of the third and fourth cultural and Horticultural Societies of India. volumes of the Transactions, and the reprint of the first volume, strongly recommending these to notice. As to the number of members, he remembered, he said, something on the last occasion with regard to the littte encou-had he seen our prosperity, and the improvements our ragement the society had at that time received from the influence has produced?" He entreated the meeting to commercial community of Calcutta. On that occa-join in drinking, in solemn silence, the memory of that sion his friend opposite (Mr. A. Colvin) had taken to great and good man. himself the observation, and glad he was to say, if they Mr. Cracroft proposed the health of Sir Edward Ryan, conveyed any reproach, his friend had since done his to whose exertions the society are not a little indebted best, and the mercantile community had entirely freed for their present flourishing condition. The toast was themselves of censure. In 1836 there were two mer-drank with much applause. Sir Edward returned chants only on the list ; in 1838 there are thirty-two. The thanks, and took that opportunity to inform the members civilians had ever shown a warm interest in the society. present in what manner the medals had been distributed. He had thought it his duty to express this opinion on We regret much we are not in possession of the corres a former occasion; but if, up to that time, they had done pondence between Major Sleeman, and the society on well, they had since done better. In 1836 there were the subject of the Mauritius sugar cane, which, we uneleven members civilians; in 1837 the number increased derstand, in consequence of the perseverance of that to forty-seven. This was matter for congratulation; gallant officer, now shoots up luxuriant on the banks of nevertheless there was another side of the picture, which the Nerbudda. Major Sleeman's opinions have been His observations on the 46 The next toast was proposed by Dr. Wallich, the vice president. He recurred to his early associates, and feelingly exclaimed "what would Dr. Carey have said |