306 RIFLE AXD SPEAR WITH THE RAJPOOTS. 



sepoys still guard the old ruined capital, and turned out 

 smartly as we passed the gate* The walls are also in 

 places being rebuilt, or prevented from falling into decay, 

 more, I presume, from sentiment, than for any use the 

 place could be against modern artillery. It would be 

 well if the splendid ruins of the town were as well 

 cared for. In places they are fast crumbling away, and 

 their stones being dislodged by the roots of climbers and 

 parasitic plants. 



Even the celebrated Tower of Victory shows signs of 

 neglect. This is to be regretted, for it is a fine instance 

 of early Hindoo architecture, and should be valued by 

 Rajpoots as a historic monument of their bravery and 

 bygone conquests. Standing over a hundred feet high, 

 the tower is built in nine stories, the upper one projecting, 

 pagoda fashion, with overhanging cornices and balconies. 

 The rich carving with which the stone is profusely deco- 

 rated is still sharp and bold, and everywhere statues, 

 ornaments, and quaint details cover the outside and break 

 its outline. Inside, the ascent is by a narrow winding- 

 staircase, said to be infested in the summer by small 

 venomous snakes. If this be true, the cold weather has 

 now driven them to take refuge in the numerous holes 

 and chinks in the stones. A more or less sacred idol 

 receives you at each landing, and one of probably greater 

 importance has a temple at the foot of the tower. Indeed, 



