:

LIGHTNING.-On the 6th instant, the gunpowder magazine at Howrah, had a narrow escape from destruction by lightning. The south-east corner was struck and a piece of the masonry knocked off. The sepoy on guard gave the alarm expecting every moment the magazine would explode. On examination, however, it was found that the building was but slightly injured and the lightning had not penetrated the interior.

THE SOCIETY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF USEFUL KNOW

to the philanthropist. The city and suburbs of Agra | another harvest is preparing. Thus, of the whole pro are supposed to contain a population of 80,000, and now duce, the only part that is not consumed by the actual nearly an equal number of paupers from the neighbour-labourer and the tax-gatherer, is that which is sold to ing districts may be added. By the last daily report, the pay the Government dues. The most intelligent perburials by the police were 400, and were from three to sons here estimate the Government share at one-sixth of four hundred for several days before-say 10,000 a month, the next produce, after deducting seed and food for cattle. at which rate the whole population, ordinary and accesso- Supposing the share of the zemindar to be another onery, would be swept off in sixteen months. From 100 to 150 sixth then two-thirds remain to repay the labour of proper diem, of those taken to the asylum die within twenty fuction. Were the zemindar the party entrusted in raising four hours, from the impossibility of restoring the exhaus- the produce to the maximum of value at the minimum of ted powers of nature, impaired as they generally are by expense, he would of necessity become a capitalist. disease. It is understood, that of the low caste village Very possibly more produce might not be raised than is at - servants, few beyond those now congregated at Agra and present, but the surplus after payment of labour would other places, where relief is afforded, survive. Even of the undoubtedly be far greater. A much smaller portion small renters a large number have perished, others have of the whole population would be altogether dependant in abandoned their lands to escape from claims for rent or the course of the seasons, and there would be a fly-wheel debts due to mahajuns, which they had no means of satis power or compensation-spring in the hands of the farmers fying but a still more extraordinary fact is, that to equalize irregularities. Here is a great legislative some who hold rent-free lands have fled to other object, the means of accomplishing which may not be parts of the country, deserting their rights in despair. very obvious or easy of attainment, but are surely well Everywhere are some roofless villages, and even large worth the consideration of the council. towns thinned of half their inhabitants. So utter has been the destruction of agricultural capital, that unless Government will advance to the remaining zemindars the means of purchasing the necessary cattle and seeds and supporting the labourers, there can be no cultivation, however favourable may be the approaching season for agricultural purposes. Mark that this does not proceed from any actual dearth of provisions. The markets are well supplied with corn enhanced indeed in price by the expense of bringing it from a distance, but not so dear as to be beyond the reach of the labourer employed at the usual rate of hire. Does not this shew that the LEDGE.-The second monthly meeting of the society for root of the evil lies in that part of the agricultural system the acquisition of useful knowledge took place at the that makes the labourer dependant on the profits, and not Sanscrit college-hall on Wednesday evening last. The on the wages of his own individual labour? The la business of the meeting commenced with a discourse on bouring agricultural population becomes multiplied anatomy delivered by Baboo Rajkissen Dey, a student to the utmost extent that an average season will afford of the medical college. The discourse was a creditable surplus falls below the average, they borrow; when it one. After he had taken his seat, Baboo Udoy Chaund exceeds it they refund. In such circumstances the Addy delivered a speech in Bengallee on the vernacular failure of two crops successively, necessarily brings with tongue, pointing out the imperfect state in which it is at it utter privation without resources. The capitalist present, and the ease with which it may be rendered may, on reduced means, support a smaller number of copious and expressive; and shewing the necessity on the labourers, and those who are cast adrift may starve; part of his countrymen to cultivate it. The Baboo spoke but the ryut who has by the failure of one crop, exhaust-at considerable length. The Reverend Mr. W. Adam, ed his means of borrowing, must perish with all his family, who is famous for his familiar acquaintance with the verif the second crop does not yield a sufficient return to nacular tongue, was present on the occasion, and exsubsist upon till the first crop of the following year is pressed himself highly gratified with the Baboo's style. realized. Half a crop will not be applied to the maintenance of half the population for six months, but of the whole population for three months, leaving the whole no resource for the remaining three months. Such is the cottar system. Such has it been found in Ireland, and if not equally destructive in the Highlands of Scotland, it is because in seasons of distress the landlords racked their means and their credit to support their dependants. The prosperity of a neighbouring district affords no resource to the population of the less fortunate. That is already stocked choak full of labours, and can employ no more. Perhaps, indeed, a few hundred families may find room in new lands, as has happened this year at Dehra Doon. Even the village manufacturer or aritisan perishes in the ruin of his customs. To see clearly where the mischief originates, is one step towards the discovery of the remedy. The legislature treats the zemindar as a contractor for the rents of certain lands, of which rents it leaves him a share for his trouble and responsibility. It does not assign to him, but to the cultivators, the fruits of superior culture or of a succession of favourable seasons. He is interested in affording the ryuts assistance only when that is indispensable, and only in so far as it is so This journal is to be edited by T. Beresford Gahan, for the realization of his rents. He has no further inter- Esq., late proprietor of the national advocate, and a est than that, either present or prospective, in agricultu-special magistrate in the West Indies, and now a resi ral improvement, and practically his concern and inter-dent at Calcutta. The register has since appeared, ference are limitted precisely to the attainment of that and we are of opinion, that the editor has mistaken his single object. Then comes the ryut who is just able to vocation. If we may form an opinion from the rabid

THE HINDOO CHARITABLE INSTITUTION.-The second annual examination of the pupils attached to the Hindoo charitable institution, and the distribution of prizes to such of them as had rendered themselves deserving of the same, took place at the Town-hall on the 13th instant. This institution, which affords instruction in English to a number of boys whose parents are void of means to pay for tuition elsewhere, is principally conducted by Baboo Gopaul Laul Mitter, a student of the Hindoo college. The examiners, Mr. Hare and Rajah Kalikissen, expressed themselves gratified with the progress the students have made.

THE EAST INDIA POLITICAL REGISTER.-The prospectus of a periodical, under the above title, to appear once a week, commencing from Saturday, the 9th of June next, has been circulated. It is to be of the size of Cobbett's Political Register, containing thirty-two closely printed columns, and giving the fullest detail of all English, foreign, and domestic news, parliamentary debates, &c.

The artilleryman, Cotter, who was sentenced to death, by a general court-martial, lately assembled at Kurnaul, underwent his sentence in presence of all the troops at that station, on the morning of the 8th instant. The unfortunate man met his fate with great firmness, and march-goon barracks is closed at night " by order," and not ed round the square with a steady and deliberate step, keeping as exact time with the music, as if he had been one of a funeral party following a comrade to the grave.

Shortly after, it became dark and the wind moved on strongly, carrying with it the sand and dust. We collected together in the compound, to witness what was going on, and it soon became so extremely dark, though the sun was still up, that we could not see one another at the distance of two yards.

was still buried under the rubbish. I screamed to the people, who were about the compound, but could get none to hear;-when I attempted to run forward against the wind, I was, really moving backwards, and it was with the greatest difficulty that I managed to keep about the spot. My own strength was not of the slightest use in extricating Mrs. * and I tried to lift the roof which I found had fallen edgeways across the small of her back with a beam of wood. Fortunately, I at last

and we got Mrs. out, wonderful to say, unhurt, except from a few slight bruizes. Thank God it is over, and so well over. Beams of wood with nothing attached to them, to give them wings, flew fifty yards. A rabbit coop which takes six men to lift, jumped away about thirty feet,-a tree growing in a grove was lifted up into the air carried over a compound wall, right up to the door of the dwelling. I need not give you any other specimen.

It is really worth while to see a dust storm up here at any time; you can have no idea of the sublimity of the approach. There is nothing admirable afterwards. The day before yesterday my mouth got so full of dust, that I looked as if a rajmistry had been feeding me with a handful of cutcha plaster. The whole station is in consternation.

The darkness was not only visible, but tangible, and as each volume of it passed, the light from above flash-made myself heard, and a mau came to my assistance, ed down like lightning, so that those whose eyes were not thoroughly stuffed up could get a glimpse of what was going on around. It was really terrific. At last there came on a dreadful crash; every thing moved from its place, bundles of bamboos clattered along, branches of trees, crows, and tiles were swept furiously past, and the frame-work of the tiled roofs shook like a sheet, sending a shower of tiles up with every shake. It now became much clearer; but soon after this, there was another dreadful gust accompanied with total darkness. I left my tent and staggered about trying to get to my family, as by a great crash of tiles and the sound of falling timbers, I thought they were buried under its ruins; but I could see nothing. Thank God I found them safe, but the building was much shattered. Some rain with hail and thunder now came on and the sky consequently cleared. Chairs and tables, a large bed, and the other usual furniture of a room had a reel about the compound; every rope of the tent having snapped, and the traps made their escape. Such a storm was never remembered by that venerable authority, always appealed to in such cases, - the oldest inhabitant. The loss on the river must have been dreadful, but I have not yet heard anything particular. On shore, people were dashed into ravines, and against walls and trees, others suffered by the falling of buildings and trees, and many were cut by tiles, and I understand that two dead bodies have been picked up. I forgot to mention that a few days ago about seven in the morning we had a slight shock of an earthquake.

I learn that the barometer indicates a still more severe storm for to-day than either of the last. If so, God help the poor inhabitants.

HUSSINGABAD.-Letters from Saugor, of date 3d June, state that a most daring dacoity had been lately comadjacent to the cantonments, so early as half past seven mitted at Hussingabad. The rascals attacked the city, o'clock in the evening, cutting down every one who opposed them, killed five men and wounded several, and carried off 15,000 ruppees in money and goods. the country in every direction, but with what success, Major Ouseley has his people in active pursuit, scouring has not yet been ascertained.

NATIVE STATES,

Now, this has a good deal of the marvellous in it; and would read well in the Wonders of the Universe, or any other veritable work on the mysteries of nature; but it HERAT.-It appears that Herat has at length fallen to only forms the first course to a rare treat;-so, be pre- the besiegers. The son of Dost Mahommed Khan had pared to give your powers of belief a little further re- previously proceeded with a considerable body of horse Dost Mahom. laxation. Yesterday, at the same hour, on it came to pay his court to the King of Persia. again, though not heralded in with so much grandeur; med Khan has now himself treated with the King, and but I will not tell you with so much minuteness; let to incite the latter to attempt the conquest of Hindoosit suffice, that the gale was very dreadful throughout; tan, has assured His Majesty that Cabul and Candahar but, at one particular moment, it was more like a are prepared to obey his bidding, and that he may deal thunderbolt than the effect of wind. Buildings, and with these countries as in his wisdom and mightiness even trees of great size, were laid prostrate in the twink- he may think fit, provided only he will aid him in the ling of an eye. The Sudder Board office is in such a invasion of India. Thus there seems every prospect state of wreck, that another house has been taken for of a very promising flare-upon our frontiers ! the business, and the disarrangement and injury done LAHORE.-Ukhbars from Lahore state, that on the to the records, will much impede the public business for Maharajah being informed that a letter had arrived for some time. Several bungalows are irreparably in him from Captain Burnes, announcing his withdrawal jured, and the tiled houses of the native are every from Cabul, his Highness observed, that Dost Mahomwhere unroofed. Even the Sudder Dewanny offices, med Khan might live to rue the day, and it was now clear which are thorouguly puckah government buildings, enough that that chief believed he had made a better had sustained injury. We hear of many people book with the Russians. Sirdar Ummur Sing remarked, having been injured. I heard one man crying it was impossible to say what such a combination of who was crushed under a tree, and it is wonderful that powers might effect, but that, if it were every man for any who were out, were able to save themselves, for the himself, the khyburwalla, with his one hundred thoutiles were quoited down at times with sufficient force to sand horse and twenty-five thousand infantry, might split a man's skull. All my own property is injured, come down when he pleased. He would encounter and a great proportion of it, is utterly destroyed. When Sikhs, who have been victorious in the mountains in the great gast came on Mrs. and I were standing Moolton and in Cashmere. at the door of the little building I before mentioned; the terrific rain that accompained its bursting upon us, JUE POOR.-The Rawul Beree Sal expired here on made me determine to run to the open garden. The the 27th ult. His death, it is thought, proceeded from moment I said "we had better run," Mrs. ran for- apoplexy. Luchwan Sigh, his nephew, succeeds him ward, that door being to the leeward, instead of keeping in his regency for the present. Chorlea still rages. under the wall;-but just then down came the roof upon us. I heard her shriek, and after getting close to

ULWUR.-The reforming Rajah of this state has not reformed his own barbarous and inhuman habits. He

best thing the editor could do, would be to locate him-1 self forthwith in Mr. Beardsmore's asylum, and entrust himself to the safe-keeping of that gentleman.

MISSING MAIL.-The Calcutta dawk of the 16th of May, for Delhi, Meerut, Shaharunpore, Loodianah, Simla, Subathoo and Umballa, is reported missing after passing Mynporee with all letters and papers, but under what circumstances, there is no information; and from the length of time that has elapsed, it is to be apprehended, none is forthcoming.

MR. PEARSON. We are informed that Mr. Assistant Surgeon John Thomas Pearson, is likely to be appointed assistant surgeon in medical cl.arge of Dorjeeling.

Captain Runbeer Singh, an officer in the Nepaul Rajah's service, lately passed through Agra on a mission to Candahar.

The late revisit of cholera in the 23d regiment has nearly ceased, but the native portion of the troops are still suffering with fevers to an unprecedented degree for Agra. The native part of the community is tolerably healthy, at least that part of it which is pretty well sheltered from the intense heat of the season; but amidst the miserable employed or unemployed destitute poor, who have assembled here, the mortality is quite appalling. The state of the weather is most appalling from intense heat and sand; the burden of the atmosphere is altogether almost unendurable.

JAUJEMOW.-On the 28th ultimo, the house on the

WAX-CLOTH versus CAOUTCHOUC.-Previous to deterMYNPOORFE.-A bhangy dawk from Calcutta was remining upon the substitution of caoutchouc for wax-cently plundered near this station. No particulars have cloth, it has been deemed advisable to have a certain transpired beyond the precincts of office. quantity prepared for the purpose of ascertaining how far, in common wear and tear, it is superior or even equal to wax-cloth, its comparative cheapness with the Jaujemow estate, the residence of Mr. J. Amman, adusual cost of the latter being undoubted. In conformity with this design, a small piece of caoutchouc cloth was lately submitted to a committee, who, it appears, after testing its quality by various experiments, have pronounced it inferior to wax-cloth, and not at all calculated to constitute a saving substitute, which it was expected to form.

MOFUSSIL.

DELHI. The skeleton of a human body, measuring nine feet four inches, was dug up by miners, near the southern extremity of the Hymalayan mountains, during the past month, at a very short distance from the surface of the nearest stratum of mould.

Captain Abbot, of the artillery regiment, reached Delhi from Mhow, some days ago, having been neither stopped nor robbed on the way up.

Captain Abbot, merely heard the voices of some fifteen horsemen, who passed on the closed side of his palanqueen, at about twenty yards distance from it, and after whom a "hue and cry" was raised, by a rabble of villagers, near Humeergurh.

The rise of the river Jumna, has carried away the bridge of boats at Rajehat.

Rumours of the murder, in Persia, of Mr. McNeil, the British representative, prevail at Delhi and the neighbouring stations.

joining Cawnpore contoniments, was entered by 70 or 80 armed depredators, who managed to carry away property to the amount of 8,000 rupees, chests of drawthe magistrate, repaired instantly from his residence at ers, &c. were broken open by hatchets. Mr. Wilson, Nabob Gunge to the spot, but the thieves had by that time gone away with their booty. However, it is hoped, that they will not escape unpunished. Mr. Amman was from home during the outrage, and Mrs. Amman with her two little children and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Trickett took refuge in a fisherman's boat which happened to be at the ghaut. The chokeedars were unable to offer effectual resistance; three of them were severely injured in opposing the attacking party.

NEEMUCH.-The remains of the Joora force were expected to return to this station by the 29th instant. Nobody appearing inclined to take the country, it was abandoned to the lawful and most lawless owners. None of the murderers for whose apprehension the force was sent out have been apprehended, so when was the business managed?

NUSSEERABAD.-Heavy showers of rain have recently fallen here and in the neighbourhood.

HORUL.-Cholera is raging here with great violence. in one hour, and from that time till the succeeding day, On the 28th instant twenty people are said to have died not one, who was attacked, escaped.

CAWNPORE.The heat is intense; much sickness preThe artilleryman, Cotter, who was sentenced to death, vails amongst the European troops, especially Her Maby a general court-martial, lately assembled at Kurnaul, jesty's 3d dragoons. Eight funerals took place on the underwent his sentence in presence of all the troops at evening of the 2d instant, at the calvary end of cantonthat station, on the morning of the 8th instant. The unments. Every door on the windward sides of the drafortunate man met his fate with great firmness, and march-goon barracks is closed at night "by order," and not ed round the square with a steady and deliberate step, a breath of air suffered to perflate these densely inhabitkeeping as exact time with the music, as if he had ed buildings. The prevailing sickness, which partakes been one of a funeral party following a comrade to much of the nature of apoplexy, cannot be attributed to the grave. want of exercise, as the dragoons are indulged with riding school every morning, and frequently enjoy foot parades, which last until dark in the afternoon.

FURRUKH NUGGER.-Several natives of Delhi, to whom the Nawaub of this zillah is indebted, lately made a representation to the Governor General, in which they stated, that they could not sue the Nawaub in the Session Judge's Court, for the recovery of their debts, as the judge of that court would not try complaints against a man of the Nawaub's rank. In reply to this, His Excellency very properly directed all complaints from parties within the Company's jurisdiction to be heard against the Nawaub, and adjudged.

AGRA.-Government have refused to acknowledge the claims of Mirza Kamber, to be considered as heir to his late father Prince Sooleeman Shakoh. One branch of the native noblesse has thus been cut off.

Slight shocks of an earthquake were felt at the station on the 26th and 27th ultimo, but very imperceptibly.

ful whirlwind at Allahabad :
ALLAHABAD.-The following is an account of a dread-

On Saturday, the 2d June, (that is the day before
yesterday,) the whole sky looked strongly hazy, and
the barometer for three or four days previously having
indicated the approach of bad weather. I left office
rather early in order to be at home when the gale
should come on.
when the room became so very dark, and there was such
About 5 o'clock, we were at dinner
a cry of surprise outside amongst the natives, that I
went out to see what was the matter. The whole sky
was blood-red, not with clouds, for there was not a
cloud to be seen, and, overhead moved immense masses
of dust; but below there was not a breath of wind!

Shortly after, it became dark and the wind moved on was still buried under the rubbish. I screamed to the strongly, carrying with it the sand and dust. We col-people, who were about the compound, but could get lected together in the compound, to witness what was going on, and it soon became so extremely dark, though the sun was still up, that we could not see one another at the distance of two yards.

and we got Mrs. out, wonderful to say, unhurt, except from a few slight bruizes. Thank God it is over, and so well over. Beams of wood with nothing attached to them, to give them wings, flew fifty yards. A rabbit coop which takes six men to lift, jumped away about thirty feet,-a tree growing in a grove was lifted up into the air carried over a compound wall, right up to the door of the dwelling. I need not give you any other specimen.

none to hear;-when I attempted to run forward against the wind, I was, really moving backwards, and it was with the greatest difficulty that I managed to keep about the spot. My own strength was not of the slightest use in extricating Mrs. **, and I tried to lift the roof which I found had fallen edgeways across the small of The darkness was not only visible, but tangible, and her back with a beam of wood. Fortunately, I at last as each volume of it passed, the light from above flash-made myself heard, and a man came to my assistance, ed down like lightning, so that those whose eyes were not thoroughly stuffed up could get a glimpse of what was going on around. It was really terrific. At last there came on a dreadful crash; every thing moved from its place, bundles of bamboos clattered along, branches of trees, crows, and tiles were swept furiously past, and the frame-work of the tiled roofs shook like a sheet, sending a shower of tiles up with every shake. It now became much clearer; but soon after this, there was another dreadful gust accompanied with total darkness. I left my tent and staggered about trying to get to my family, as by a great crash of tiles and the sound of falling timbers, I thought they were buried under its ruins; but I could see nothing. Thank God I found them safe, but the building was much shattered. Some rain with hail and thunder now came on and the sky consequently cleared. Chairs and tables, a large bed, and the other usual furniture of a room had a reel about the compound; every rope of the tent having snapped, and the traps made their escape. Such a storm was never remembered by that venerable authority, always appealed to in such cases, - the oldest inhabitant. The loss on the river must have been dreadful, but I have not yet heard anything particular. On shore, people were dashed into ravines, and against walls and trees, others suffered by the falling of buildings and trees, and many were cut by tiles, and I understand that two dead bodies have been picked up. I forgot to mention that few days ago about seven in the morning we had a slight

shock of an earthquake.

a

It is really worth while to see a dust storm up here at any time; you can have no idea of the sublimity of the approach. There is nothing admirable afterwards. The day before yesterday my mouth got so full of dust, that I looked as if a rajmistry had been feeding me with a handful of cutcha plaster. The whole station is in consternation.

I learn that the barometer indicates a still more severe storm for to-day than either of the last. If so, God help the poor inhabitants.

HUSSINGABAD.-Letters from Saugor, of date 3d June, mitted at Hussingabad. The rascals attacked the city, state that a most daring dacoity bad been lately comadjacent to the cantonments, so early as half past seven o'clock in the evening, cutting down every one who opposed them, killed five men and wounded several, Major Ouseley has his people in active pursuit, scouring and carried off 15,000 ruppees in money and goods. the country in every direction, but with what success, has not yet been ascertained.

NATIVE STATES.

HERAT.-It appears that Herat has at length fallen to the besiegers. The son of Dost Mahommed Khan had previously proceeded with a considerable body of horse to pay his court to the King of Persia. Dost Mahom. med Khan has now himself treated with the King, and to incite the latter to attempt the conquest of Hindoostan, has assured His Majesty that Cabul and Candahar are prepared to obey his bidding, and that he may deal with these countries as in his wisdom and mightiness he may think fit, provided only he will aid him in the invasion of India. Thus there seems every prospect of a very promising flare-upon our frontiers!

Now, this has a good deal of the marvellous in it; and would read well in the Wonders of the Universe, or any other veritable work on the mysteries of nature; but it only forms the first course to a rare treat;-so, be prepared to give your powers of belief a little further relaxation. Yesterday, at the same hour, on it came again, though not heralded in with so much grandeur; but I will not tell you with so much minuteness; let it suffice, that the gale was very dreadful throughout; but, at one particular moment, it was more like a thunderbolt than the effect of wind. Buildings, and even trees of great size, were laid prostrate in the twinkling of an eye. The Sudder Board office is in such a state of wreck, that another house has been taken for the business, and the disarrangement and injury done LAHORE.-Ukhbars from Lahore state, that on the to the records, will much impede the public business for Maharajah being informed that a letter had arrived for some time. Several bungalows are irreparably in him from Captain Burnes, announcing his withdrawal jured, and the tiled houses of the native are every from Cabul, his Highness observed, that Dost Mahomwhere unroofed. Even the Sudder Dewanny offices, med Khan might live to rue the day, and it was now clear which are thorouguly puckah government buildings, enough that that chief believed he had made a better bad sustained injury. We hear of many people book with the Russians. Sirdar Ummur Sing remarked, having been injured. I heard one man crying it was impossible to say what such a combination of who was crushed under a tree, and it is wonderful that any who were out, were able to save themselves, for the tiles were quoited down at times with sufficient force to split a man's skull. All my own property is injured, and a great proportion of it, is utterly destroyed. When the great gust came on Mrs. and I were standing at the door of the little building 1 before mentioned;

powers might effect, but that, if it were every man for himself, the khyburwalla, with his one hundred thousand horse and twenty-five thousand infantry, might come down when he pleased. He would encounter Sikhs, who have been victorious in the mountains in Moolton and in Cashmere.

the terrific rain that accompained its bursting upon us, JUE POOR.-The Rawul Beree Sal expired here on made me determine to run to the open garden. The the 27th ult. His death, it is thought, proceeded from moment I said "we had better run," Mrs. ran for- apoplexy. Luchwan Sigh, his nephew, succeeds him ward, that door being to the leeward, instead of keeping in his regency for the present. Chorlea still rages. under the wall;-but just then down came the roof ULWUR.-The reforming Rajah of this state has not upon us. I heard her shriek, and after getting close to reformed his own barbarous and inhuman habits. He