Chapter 9

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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