The compiler is fully aware that the Catalogue has many defects. It was hurriedly got up when he was preparing to leave for England on account of his health. In familiar phrase, it was Hobson's choice. The sheets had to be hastily printed, and, notwithstanding every effort, he has been obliged to leave a portion of the work in rough manuscript to be set up after he has left Madras.

In the Catalogue there are many omissions. The proper title should be a "Contribution towards a Catalogue of Tamil Printed Books." There are, doubtless, also several mistakes in entries. In a great many cases copies of the works could not be obtained. If two native scholars, consulted separately, coincided in their account of a book, it was inserted under the head they mentioned. If they differed, further information was sought. It is to be expected, however, that there will be some errors. But in spite of defects, it is hoped that the Catalogue will be found useful for the present, and worth the expense of purchase.

The compiler would earnestly direct the attention of Tamilians who have received a good English education to the great desirableness of publishing a series of works illustrative of their native language and literature. Let them be assured, that so long as they despise their mother-tongue, they have merely a thin whitewash of civilization.

F. Schlegel, one of the greatest scholars in modern times, remarks as follows of his countrymen in his "History of Literature" :

"The more that national feelings and recollections were revived, the more also our love awakened for our mothertongue. That acquaintance with foreign languages, whether dead or living, which is necessary for men of letters and fashion, was nolonger associated with neglect of their vernacular speech; a neglect which is always sure to work its own revenge on those who practise it, and which can never be supposed to create any prejudice either in favour of their politeness or their erudition." Vol. I. pp. 3, 4.

The following might each form the subject of a volume :

I. The Rise of the Saiva system in South India, notices of the principal Saiva Temples, a full list of Saiva books, with summaries of their contents, and some illustrative extracts.

II. A corresponding work on the Vaishnava System. A full account of Ramanuja is desirable. The differences between the Vadakalai and Tenkalai should be stated.

III. An account of the works on Philosophical Hinduism, with analyses of their contents and copious extracts. The differences between the Sects should be stated, and the books advocating the tenets of each should be grouped together.

IV. A complete account of the works on Astrology, Divination, and Magic. This would be valuable in several respects. It would be interesting as showing how far the eastern and western ideas corresponded. Another question is, to what extent is Mesmerism known and practised in India? In connection with this subject it may be mentioned that good service would be done by little works in Tamil, in a lively style, bantering the people on their belief in astrology, omens, &c.

V. An account of Tamil Medicine, with descriptive notices of books and select extracts.

VI. A work on Tamil Poetry. Specimens of versification should be given. In addition to descriptive notices of books, it would be interesting to give translations of passages both from Valmikis and Kamban's Ramayana, showing the differences between the works. Popular Songs of the country should be noticed.

The

Books on the above subjects, well got up would meet with a remunerative sale in India, Europe, and America, and gain some name for their authors. There are also nobler considerations. Educated Tamilians, instead of sinking into sloth, or being absorbed by mone-y

making, might well devote their leisure to such a

cause.

Still less is known of Telugu and Canarese literature than of Tamil. Corresponding works treating of these languages would be equally useful.

Complete Descriptive Catalogues are also a desideratum. They could best be prepared when important subjects have been investigated separately. Still, better Catalogues than any now available might be got up without much difficulty.

Still more is it incumbent upon Native scholars, who have received an English education, to make known to their countrymen, through the vernaculars, some of the knowledge they have acquired. Remarks on this subject by E. B. Powell, Esq., Director of Public Instruction, addressed to the Graduates of the Madras University, deserve to be carefully pondered.

In Romanising Tamil words in this Catalogue, letters have simply been transliterated-they have not been altered to express the pronunciation. From want of accented vowels, the long sounds have not been indicated. Other classes of letters might have been represented according to the system of Max Muller; but the compiler was so pressed for time, that this could not be attended to. As the titles, where necessary, are also given in Tamil, this is of less consequence.

The following abbreviations may be explained :A. M. P. American Mission Press.

C. V. E. S. Christian Vernacular Education Society. G. B. D. Government Book Depot.

M. S. B. S. Madras School Book Society.

M. T. S. Madras Tract Society.

M. U. G. K. S. Madras Upayukta Grandha Karana Sabha.

R. T. S. Religious Tract Society.

S. I. C. S. B. S. South India Christian School Book Society.

S. P. C. K. Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

* An asterisk perfixed to a title, shows that at present is out of print.

Indian Money.

12 pie 1 anna, 14d. 16 annas lings, an. anna, as. = annas.

=

1 Rupee, 2 Shil

Re = Rupee.