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APPENDIX.

discussion. We must rest satisfied, then, untilsome more certain information is obtained withrespect to the ancient history of India, with takingthe first accounts of that country, which can bedeemed authentic, from the Greeks, who servedunder Alexander the Great. They found king-doms of considerable magnitude established in thatcountry. The territories of Porus and of Taxilescomprehended a great part of the Panjab, one ofthe most fertile and best cultivated countries inIndia. The kingdom of the Prasij , or Gandaridæ,stretched to a great extent on both sides of theGanges. All the three, as appears from the ancientGreek writers, were powerful and populous.

This description of the partition of India intostates of such magnitude, is alone a convincingproof of its having advanced far in civilization.In whatever region of the earth there has beenan opportunity of observing the progress of menin social life , they appear at first in small independ-ent tribes or communities. Their common wantsprompt them to unite; and their mutual jealousies,as well as the necessity of securing subsistence,compel them to drive to a distance every rivalwho might encroach -on those domains which theyconsider as their own. Many ages elapse beforethey coalesce, or acquire sufficient foresight toprovide for the wants , or sufficient wisdom toconduct the affairs, of a numerous society. Evenunder the genial climate, and in the rich soil ofIndia, more favorable perhaps to the union andincrease of the human species than any other part