CHAPTER IX.

Bombay.

Contrast between landing at Bombay and at Calcutta—­First feelings those of disappointment—­Aspect of the place improves—­Scenery of the Island magnificent, abounding with fine Landscapes—­Luxuriance and elegance of the Palms—­Profusion and contrast of the Trees—­Multitude of large Houses in Gardens—­Squalid, dirty appearance of the Native Crowd—­Costume of the Natives—­Inferior to the Costume of Bengal—­Countenances not so handsome—­The Drive to the Fort—­The Burrah Bazaar—­Parsee Houses—­“God-shops” of the Jains—­General use of Chairs amongst the Natives—­Interior of the Native Houses—­The Sailors’ Home—­The Native Town—­Improvements—­The Streets animated and picturesque—­Number of Vehicles—­The Native Females—­The Parsee Women—­The Esplanade—­Tents and Bungalows—­The Fort—­The China Bazaar—­A Native School—­Visit to a Parsee Warehouse—­Real ornamental China-ware—­Apprehension of Fire in the Fort—­Houses fired by Rats—­Illumination of Native Houses—­Discordant noise of Native Magic—­The great variety of Religions in Bombay productive of lamp-lighting and drumming

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CHAPTER X.

Bombay—­(Continued).

Bombay the rising Presidency—­Probability of its becoming the Seat of Government—­The Anglo-Indian Society of Bombay—­Style of Living—­The Gardens inferior to those of Bengal—­Interiors of the Houses more embellished—­Absence of Glass-windows an evil—­The Bungalows—­The Encamping-ground—­Facility and despatch of a change of residence—­Visit to a tent entertainment—­Inconveniences attending a residence in tents—­Want of Hotels and Boarding-houses—­Deficiency of public Amusements in Bombay—­Lectures and Conversaziones suggested, as means of bringing the native community into more frequent intercourse with Europeans—­English spoken by the superior classes of Natives—­Natives form a very large portion of the wealth and intelligence of Bombay—­Nothing approaching the idea of a City to be seen—­The climate more salubrious than that of Bengal—­Wind blows hot and cold at the same time—­Convenience a stranger finds in so many domestic servants speaking English—­Their peculiar mode of speaking it—­Dress of servants—­Their wages—­The Cooks—­Improved by Lord Clare—­Appointments of the tables—­The Ramoosee Watchmen—­Their vociferations during the night—­Fidelity of the Natives—­Controversy concerning their disregard of truth.

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CHAPTER XI.

Bombay—­(Continued).