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7 Nov 1837

A minute of this date refers to Mr. Hodgson's proposed publication on the Zoology of Nepal, and gives a statement from one of Mr. Hodgson's letters to the effect that he had despatched to the case of the Royal Asiatic Society, 26 sheets of Mammals and Birds, and will continue to send others till the series be complete, which he recommends to the Keeping of the Society: stating also that he had despatched [8] boxes in Jany last by Captain Robinson with directions to deposit them with The Royal Asiatic Society, in case his prior stores should have been removed from the keeping of the Zoological Society - the Minute concluded thus:-
'None of the above articles having been received the Committee directed that the matter should lie over [for] the present.

15 March 1838

The Chairman read before the Committee a letter written to him by J. Princep Esq of Calcutta relative to Mr. Hodgson's work on the Mammalia of Nepal, the publication and circulation of which the Bengal Society are desirous of furthering etc. etc. 'Sir Alexander Johnston stated that he had communicated the contents [of] Mr Princeps letter to Sir Wm Jardine, who had expressed his willingness to cooperate in any measures whereby Mr. Hodgkin's labours might be given to the world

5 March 1842

A Minute of the Council of this date accepts Mr. Howard offer to dedicate Mr Hodgson's Mammalia of Nepal to the R. Asiatic Society, and promised to subscribe for a copy of the work

H. Piddington Esqr
Sub Secretary Asiatic Society
Bengal

Feb 28
1845

My dear Sir
Some weeks ago I called your attention and that of Mr Torrens to the non publication of several papers of mine on the Zoology of Nepal which were transmitted to your society at the close of 1842 and beginning of 1843 when specimens likewise were forwarded to your Zool. Curator either for examination with reference to those papers or as Donations to your society - the specimens lent in the first instance having been for the most part subsequently given to the Society through your Curator in January 1844, thereby with former donations completing for the Society the intire series almost of my Collections. I would not [desire?] to misconstrue appearances to any person's disadvantage, but it is remarkable that the donations in question still continue unacknowledged, and, the papers unpublished by the Society. while their Contents are [transpiring?] in the reports of your Curator to whom more especially both Specimens and papers were confided. Once of the papers [adverted?] to was a Catalogue of Birds partially published in No XXXVI of your Journal but the residue of which is not forthcoming. Another paper was on the [Leucotuchamian?] group. Another on the Larks, another on many new genera and species and being the complement of all my prior papers - besides may others of minor importance. The papers "on several new Genera and Species of Subhemalayan Birds" contained the description and definitions of a great many novelties of form which it was most desirable should be published immediately in order to prevent anticipation. This point was explained to your Curator of Zoology Mr Blyth to whom on the 22nd May 1843 sixty seven samples of the new genera and species contained in the paper in question were sent by DAK, with List annexed, and on the 7th August 1843 twenty one more specimens also by DAK, with a view to obviate the evils of delay. Now, it is under these circumstances (so far as known to me) that there appears in print in the CXL111 No. of your Journal the last yet in England a Zoological "report" of Mr Blyth which anticipates a deal of the matter contained in my papers in question, and especially in the long one just adverted to, several of the new genera of which (for example Pachyglossa Melanozantha) are actually published from my specimens while my papers describe them and which had been many months (twelve at least) in Mr. Blyth's hands. When that report was finally given in are still with held from the printer. Mr Blyth's "report" is called the report for 1842 but it was printed in June 1844 and it bears internal evidence of having been largely added to up nearly to the time of publication. The whole of the circumstances now stated to you may admit of Explanation@ but they at all events seem to require explanation and I therefore request you will submit them to the Society should the evils complained of not have found rectification before your receipt of this letter. In the "report" above specified the donations of several individuals are carefully ennumerated whilst mine are not noticed except incidentally and marginally save when these materials are transferred to Mr. Blyth's text in supression of my own prior descriptions that were in his hands waiting publication and had been so far above twelve months when the greatest part of this report was [personal?] and the designation of the paper "Report of the Meeting of 1843" being complete misnomer.
Believe me
Very Truly Yrs
B.H. Hodgson

[This list pairs with letter Feb. 28th 1845]

List of Birds transmitted to Mr. Blyth May 22 1843
1 - 2 Propyrrhula Subhimachalana
3 - 4 Procarduelis Nipalensis
5 - 6 Propasser Pulcherrima
7 - 8 Propasser Rodopepla
9 Propyrrhula Epauletta
10 Pyrrhula Nipalensis
11 Fringillarius Argent
12 Ioropus Strigula
13 Ioropus Nipalensis
14 Proparus Vinipectus
15 Ioropus Cyanopteris
16 Carthiparus Ignotinctus
17 - 18 Tarsiger Chrysaeus
19 - 2 Cyornis or Ignornis Ioncanea [?]
21 Digenea Leucomelanum
22 Dimorpha Strophiata
23 - 4 Myzanthe Ignipectus
25 Pachyglossa Melanozantha
26 Orthotomus Sutora
27 Prinia Fuscus
28 Nemora Rufilatus [?]
29 Rubecola Ferrea
30 Chelidorynx Chrysoschistos
31 Hemipus Piccator [Picacolor?]
32 Nemora Cyanara [?]
33 Leiothrix Calipyga
34 Larvivora Cyana
35 Hemichelidon Fuliginose
36 My[i]agra Occipitalis [?]
37 Cathiparus Castaneceps [?]
38 Poyodon Gularis
39 Polyodon Occipitalus [?]
40 Cisticola Subhem[him]alayana
41 Ixulus Flavicollis
42 Tribura Leuteoventris
43 Myzornis Flaviventris [?]
44 [H]oreites Pollicaris
45 [H]oreites Brunnifrons
46 Nivicola Schistilatum/s
47 Pnoepyga Albiventris
48 Oligura Flaviventer
49 Muscisylvia Leucurus [?]
50 Temnosis Atrifrons
51 Chrysomma Hypoleucos
52 Alcurus Nipalensis
53 Hemixos Flavala
54 Gymnoris Flavinostra
55 Brachytarsus Phaenicuroides
56 Decura Caudata
57 Digeula Tricolor
58 Stachyris Pyrrops
59 Chaimarrornis Leucocephalus
60 Saxicola Saturatior
61 Saxicola Melalenia [melaleuca?]
62 Muscicapa Leucoshistas
63 Musc [Hemileucara?]
64 Musc. Astigma[astiema]
65 Musc. Ciliaris
66 Prosorinea Purpurea [?]
67 Chaitaris Sundara

Nepal
January 12 1843

H. Torrens Esqre
Sec. Asi. Society

Dear Sir

On the 13 May last I had the honour to transmit to you thirty one large sheets of Drawings as per accompanying 'List' - for the purposes of their being submitting to the Society's inspection and of their subsequent transmission [thru?] it if deemed proper, to England - As these drawings have an extreme value for those whom their peculiar subject concerneth and no value whatever for any one else, I trust the Society will be sensible that it's honour is much concerned in their alleged disappearance, without a word of explanation from the very hour of their known arrival with you up to the present moment
I have the honour to be
Dear Sir
Your faithful servant
B. H. Hodgson

LIST OF DRAWINGS TO H. TORRENS MAY 13 1842

1. Newars or aborigines of Nepaul Proper (Two Sheets)
2. Trans Nivean Bhoteahs
3. Cis Niveanor Cachari Bhoteahs
4. Heads of Newars
5. -ditto- of Cachari Bhoteahs
6. 1. Elephant of Saul Forest
7. 2. Martes Toufous
8. 3. Lynchus Vulgaris of Tibet
9. 4. The Habshi [Tangam] of Des Dharma
10. 5. Hemitragus Quadrimammis
11. 6. Ounce of Tibet
12. 7. -do- -do- Junior
13. 8. Felis Nigripectus Manul
14. 9. Mustela Canigula
15. 10. Sorex Nemorivaguset Pygmaeus
16. 11. Lepus Pallipes
17. 12. Vulpes Ferrilatus
18. 13. Aquila Crassipes
19. 14. Totanus Glareoloides
20. 15. Dicrurus Albirectus
21. 16. Vultur Fulvus
22. 17. Vinago Maronatus
23. 18. Egretta Grayii
24. 19. Crypsirina Simoniiset Vagabunda
25. 20. Carduelis Spinoides
26. 21. Phasianus Pictus et [Amherstii?]
27. 22. Mesidus Nivicola
        28.23. Caracias Bengalensis
28. 24. Thonicarnis Princeps

Total 31 Sheets
Notes at the end of the list
6 Haman to Lord Auckland
Lent 24 animals to British Museum whereof 12 Mammals and 12 Birds

1844
6 Haman
12 Quadruped
12 Birds
To British Museum by my father brought home by H.J. Princeps
'List of drawings sent home by H. J. Princeps and delivered to Brit. Museum by M.H. Senior 1844'

EXTRATCS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE COMM. OF CORRESPONDENCE OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY

7 Nov 1837
A minute of this date refers to Mr Hodgson's proposed publication on the Zoology of Nepal, and gives a statement from one of Mr Hodgson's letters to the effect that he had despatched to the care of the Royal Asiatic Society, 26 sheets of Mammals and Birds and will continue to send others till the series be completed which he commends to the keeping of the Society; stating also, that he had despatched 5 in Jany last by Capt. Robinson, with directions to deposit them with the Royal Asiatic Society, in case his prior stores should have been removed from the keeping of the Zoological Society - The minute concludes thus:- None of the above articles having been received, the committee directed that the matter should [lie?] over the present

15th March 1838
The Chairman read before the Committee a letter written to him by J. Princep Esq. of Calcutta, relative to Mr Hodgson's work of the Mammalia of Nepal, the the publication and circulation of which the Bengal Society are desirous of furthering etc. etc. "Sir Alexander Johnston stated that he had communicated the content of Mr Princep's letter to Sir Wm. Jardine who had expressed his willingness to cooperate in any measures whereby Mr Hodgson's labours might be given to the world."
19th Apl. 1839
The Chairman now read a letter from Mr J Princep, dated Calcutta 7 Sept 1838 respecting Mr Hodgson's proposed work on Nepal Zoology and recommending application in support to the Court of Directors.
5th March 1842
A minute of the Council of this date accepts Mr. Hodgson's offer to dedicate Mr Hodgson's Mammals of Nepal to the R. Asiatic Society; and promises to subscribe for a copy of the work.

To The Secretary Bengal Asiatic Society Spring 185-

Sir,

When I went to England in 1844 and presented my immense Zoological Collections (10,000 specimens to the National Museum osteological and ordinary) I was immediately asked how many of the species had been named. I answered that all the new Mammals had been so, by myself in the Bengal A.S Journal or in the India Review that a vast number of the new genera and species of Birds had been described in a paper sent from Nepal just before I left it. But that paper it was replied to me had not appeared and I was requested to recast it, so well as I could from rough notes, not having returned a copy of the MS. I did so and the papers was printed. But it did not include the whole of my ornithological [stores?], and it seemed expedient to put at once in print, my own Complete Catalogue of Birds. Accordingly I placed that catalogue in the hands of Mr. Gray for publication and it soon after appeared in London substantially my own, but with its groups disposed according to the system followed in the National Museum [tear in paper] Catalogue. The alterations I think were not always for the better, my own [distribution] having been founded on a [-ful] [tear in paper] examination of the entire [tear in paper] of species in a fresh [tear in paper] vast advantage, though one, no doubt [tear in paper] qualified by my non access to Library [tear in paper] Museum. In due time another [complete] catalogue of all my Collections appeared under the auspices of the Trustees of the National Museum the Museum and therein the Curator of Zoology in that institution made such rectifications of my printed [J].M.S. Catalogue as seemed proper to them. No doubt there was upon the whole much improvement upon my unaided work performed in the Jungles. But for the reason I have already assigned the new determinations of species and allocation of types according to their affinities were not always sound, and students of Himalayan Zoology have accordingly found it expedient to refer consult the priorly made Catalogue of Birds which with notwithstanding the changes made in it also by the same hands yet more clearly than the latter and official one reflected my own conceptions particularly as to novelty of species.

Accordingly I have been frequently asked for copies of this prior Catalogue which is frequently cited by writers in Europe. But I have no more copies left and cannot comply with these requests. It seems to me that the republication of the Catalogue giv[ing?] [tear in paper] it is the great aim of our Journal to as[sist?] [tear in paper] and facilitate; and that this Catalogue giv[ing?] [tear in paper as it does in one view, a complete [?] of Nepalese Species, must a [tear in paper] be convenient for consultation, notwithstanding its errors. I therefore forward for publication if the society see fit and have marginally noted the chief points in which I think Mr. Gray has unwisely deviated from my own allocation of new types

I am Sir
B.H. Hodgson

Brianstone
Dorjiling
Feby [11] 1857

My dear Sir,

Your recent letter came to hand just in time to enable me to add a [few?] young [?] of the Rutwa Muntjac to Capt. James' despatch of birds I had however priorly at his his request afforded him all the advantages of my long experience in England of the pheasants and partridges of the Sikim Himalaya so that he was enabled to comply with the wishes of the Zool. Socy though not so [effectively] as he might have done had more time been afforded for procuring, taming and fitting for their journey our splendid game birds. I trust that some of his may nevertheless reach England in good health, though if you would make the [experiment?] of conveying these birds to Europe with all available chances of success, you should make your application, one season and, your transport of the birds, the next one, and so that the birds might be clear of the Bay of Bengal by the end of February. As it was it was too late to collect and quiet down the birds before they were sent off; and I apprehend that their embarcation will also be too late even if a sufficient quantity be forthcoming at Cala [Calcutta] when your Agent is ready to receive them and to convey them to England. Every thing depends on having birds duly prepared for the journey down the country, upon shipment at the [people?] season or height of the cold weather and upon ample room and careful supervision of the voyage. With all these advantages the birds may be assuredly conveyed home in high health, as I witnessed during my last voyage to England; without them here is but a doubtful chance of success. I request you will convey to the Committee my acknowledgements of their flattering attention to Dr. Horsfield and your suggestion for the illustrated publication of my Mammal novelties. Had I got this intimation a little sooner I could have forwarded with the Birds not only a fine live Ratwa or Kaker/Kacker which I did and beg to present the same to the society, but also, the [spoils?] of the wild Yak and of the Tibetan badger with one or two more rarities particularly a splendid skin of the Melanic variety of the leopard. But the intimation of your purpose came too late for that opportunity and the season is now so far advanced that the transmission of these skins, with any others I may get in the [interior?] had better be postponed till next season I have also now in the house a healthy and joyous individual of the Paradoxures tricus or the 5 striped species. But that is too great a pet to be parted with, though I may at all events be enabled to send you by and by an account of it's manners and habits as observed under circumstances of unusual advantage, I sent you long ago a drawing of a fine old male of Cervus Affinis I cannot hope to get a live sample but may procure more skins. Should I do so I will remember your wishes
Very [truly] yrs

B.H. Hodgson

To Brian Houghton Hodgson

26 July 1844
Brit. Mus.

My Dear Sir

I am sorry that you did not tell me you intended to send me a preamble or I would have directed the press to have been stoped to insert it when sent, the list was printed off last Friday with the corrections you made when you read the list over here. I don't think its important as very ornithologist of any reputation will duly estimate the value of the list and clearly see that it was prepared so as kindly to over look any errors in the nomenclature any they must be fully aware whenever your numerous and valuable papers have appeared if they are not, their appearance in my estimations would not be worthy of attention. The last was made out with care and verified so I don't see how any species could have been left out. Mr Brother desired Longmans & Co to send you the genera as he understood, you ordered him to do so. If you don't wish to keep it please send it back to him here, as soon as convenient Mr. brother assures me he has not in any way interfered with nor copied any of your [novelties?] nor will he do so without your express permission. The Indian Vulture was figured from a specimen from Bengal given to the Museum by General Hardwicke to which my brother had given a new name but when your list was received, he finding that you had already named it, out of compliment to you he adopted your name instead of his own. I have directed the duplicate specimens of your collection to be packed together into the Boxes. Shall they be sent to you? and what is the best manner of doing so. I know nothing of Mr [Howard] nor of his Proceedings nor of the specimens he has. I shall be detained in town until the end of the month by the marriage of my friend so that if you are ready, I can still come to make the selection
Believe me Dear Sir
Y[ou]rs Very Truly

J.E. Gray

Note
The duplicates amount to almost 860 birds and [20/28] Mammalia
the latter are all in bad condition