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I 



XXXI. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF THE CAVE 

 IN THE ISLAND OF ELEPHANT A, 



BY J. GOLDINGHAM, ESQ^ 



nr^HE Elephant a Cave y which is situated in a smalj 

 -*■ island in the harbour of Bombay % has deservedly 

 attracted the attention of the curious ; an elephant of 

 black stone, large as the life, is seen near the landing- 

 place, from which the island probably took its name : 

 the cave is about three quarters of a mile from the 

 beach; the path leading to it lies through a valley ; 

 the hills on either side beautifully clothed, and, ex- 

 cept when interrupted by the dove calling to her ab- 

 sent mate, a solemn stillness prevails ; the mind is 

 fitted for contemplating the approaching scene. 



The cave is formed in a hill of stone ; its massy 

 roof is supported by rows of columns regularly dis- 

 posed, but of an order different from any in use with 

 us* ; gigantic figures, in relief, are observed on the 

 walls ; these as well as the columns are shaped in the 

 solid rock, and by artists it would appear possessed of 

 some ability, unquestionably of astonishing perseve- 



• See the sketeh of one of the pillars. 



ranee. 



