We cannot allow the Number which completes the second volume, of the MADRAS JOURNAL OF LITERATURE AND SCIENCE, to issue from the press, without returning our most cordial thanks, to the several friends, and others who have afforded us their kind aid and assistance in the prosecution of the work. In the introductory notice to the first number, we represented that, the success of the Journal, must mainly depend upon the number and nature of the contributions, with which we should be favored; and we cannot but feel that the manner in which the call we then made, has been responded to, reflects the greatest credit upon the literary taste and spirit of the community of this Presidency. We have reason to believe that, the Journal, has fully answered the main purpose for which it was established, by proving a ready medium of communication to the public of such papers relating to the several branches of literature and science, as it may have suited the inclinations or interests of parties to draw up; and we can with pride assert that it has been the means of eliciting some few articles on interesting topics, which would not otherwise have met the public eye. In making our acknowledgments for past favors, we cannot refrain from soliciting a continuance of the distinguished support we have hitherto received; and we beg to assure our numerous subscribers that, no exertions on our part shall be wanting to make the work deserving of their patronage. The heavy pressure of official duties, has hitherto prevented ourselves from doing little more than stimulate our friends to exertion; and arrange for and superintend the progress of the work through the press. We look for no praise; and the only reward we seek, is to see our little volume prosper, and that the labours of its several contributors, may be duly appreciated. EDITOR. MADRAS, 28th September 1835. A Sketch of the History of the Ramoossies, residing in the Sattarah Territory and in the Poonah and Ahmed- nuggur districts.-By Captain Alexander Mackin- tosh, of the 27th Regiment Madras Native Infantry- Commanding Ahmednuggur Local Corps.... Description of Meteorological Instruments, and instruc- tions for making Meteorological Observations.-By the late Dr. Alexander Turnbull Christie.......... 41 III. Observations on Mudar (Calotropis Procera), with some remarks on the medical properties of the natu- ral order Asclepiades.-By Robert Wight, M. D. Surgeon, 33d Regiment Native Infantry....... A description of a set of Balances made for the purpose of delicate weighing; illustrated by drawings.-By Lieutenant J. Braddock................ A Sketch of the History of the Ramoossiês residing in the Sattarah Territory and in the Poonah and Ah- mednuggur districts.-By Captain Alexander Mac- kintosh, of the 27th Regiment Madras Native In- fantry-Commanding Ahmednuggur Local Corps. 105 Observations on the Nuth Grass of the Ceded Dis- tricts. By Robert Wight, M. D. Surgeon, 33d Regi- Autobiography of Tsura Moung-Bo.-By Captain Ar- thur M'Cally, 44th Regt. Madras Native Infantry... 146 Pages. V. VI. VII. .... Observations on the planet Jupiter, &c.-By T. G. 165 .. 167 Letter from the Secretary to the Royal Asiatic Society VIII. Proceedings of the Madras Literary Society and Auxi- .... IX. Meteorological Register kept at the Madras Observatory; for the months of December 1834, and January and February, 1835.—By T. G. Taylor, Esq. Hon. Company's Astronomer. X. I. II. III. IV. V. Meteorological Register for January 1835, kept at No. 8-JULY. 176 178 180 186 A sketch of the History of the Ramoossies residing in On the Velocity of Light-By Astronomicus.... 255 262 290 VI. Calculation of all the Occultations visible at Madras, during the present year-By Goday Vencat Juggarow. 297 VII. Meteorological Register kept at the Madras Observa- tory, for the months of March, April and May, 1835. On the best position of a Prop or support to sustain a superincumbent load on an inclined plane.-by A Remarks on the method of estimating the distance at sea, from objects of known height.-By C......... 338 Description and drawings of a self-performing barrel organ.-By Licut. J. Braddock.............. Biographical sketch of the literary career of the late Colonel Colin Mackenzie, Surveyor-General of In- dia-comprising some particulars of his collection of Manuscripts, Plans, Coins, Drawings, Sculptures, &c. illustrative of the Antiquities, History, Geogra- phy, Laws, Institutions and Manners of the ancient Hindus; contained in a letter addressed by him to the Right Hon. Sir Alexander Johnston, V. P. R. A. S. &c. &c....... 354 Observations on the value of the cipher, and on the mode of computing the time of the Moon's rising and setting.-By Goday Vencat Juggarow........ VII. Observations on the Flora of Courtallum.-By Robert Wight, M. D. Surgeon, 33d Regiment N. I.......... 380 VIII. Meteorological Register kept at the Madras Observa- |