Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/269

1837.] ants say are peculiar characters of the Tapir. The eye is small and dull, the legs massy, the general appearance of the animal clumsy and unwieldy, and the skin about the throat and extremities in folds like that of the rhinoceros—in fact the creature seems to be a link in the pachydermia, between the rhinoceros and the hog.

It is in contemplation to publish an English and Hindustani Dictionary, if sufficient Subscribers can be found to cover the expenses. The work is by a Member of the Madras Civil Service: it is already in manuscript, and, in our next, we hope to be able to give further particulars, and to publish a specimen of the production.

We have received the following communication, and gladly afford it a place in this Journal, with a view to promote enquiry and elicit information on the very curious subject of Mr. Whewell's enquiries, which are exciting so much interest among scientific men in Europe:—

—The Asiatic Society having been requested by its Patron the Rt. Hon'ble the Governor Genera], to draw the attention of those of its Members who may be resident within convenient distance from the Sea Coast, to the desiderata published by the Rev. Professor Whewell, in 1833, regarding the phenomena of the Tides, I have been directed to prepare the accompanying copy of the Professor's suggestions for circulation, and to address them to those of the Society's associates and correspondents, whose zeal in the cause of science furnishes an assurance that they will cordially co-operate in obtaining the information required.

As regards the tides of the Indian Ocean, the principal points to be ascertained are,—the exact times of the arrival of the tidal wave (i. e. the times of high and low water) at several stations on the East and West Coasts of the Bay of Bengal, simultaneously observed for one or more lunations—or if practicable for a whole year. If to this information can be added the tide-lift, or difference in perpendicular height between high and low water, obtained by means of a pier or a post set up for the purpose, the utility of the register will be much enhanced. The direction and velocity of local currents caused by the tide, with note of the prevailing winds and their action on the tides or the currents, will also be valuable additions.

It is particularly desirable to note the difference of the tide-lift in the two tides which occur within the same 24 hours, to serve as data for calculating what has been called the diurnal irregularity, a phenomenon