33 



of the Sabermatty, where we promised ourselves the unspeakable 

 refreshment of a running stream. We now found by experience 

 the beneficent character of the banian-tree, the ficus indica, so fre- 

 quently mentioned for its picturesque beauty; we sometimes met 

 with one of these umbrageous pavilions, sufficiently extensive to 

 shelter a thousand men from the sultry rajs of a meridian sun, 

 and found no house so pleasant or cool as this magnificent bower. 

 The shade of the tamarind tree, still cooler, is not so salutary, but 

 when in blossom the fragrance is delicious: the atmosphere of the 

 mango tree is impregnated with the heat and the smell of turpen- 

 tine, which often communicates a disagreeable flavour to the fruit; 

 this valuable production was every where attaining maturity when 

 w r e commenced our march in Guzerat. 



The deprivation of shade and water at Darah, and our early 

 encampments, was a serious evil to the English soldiers, who suf- 

 fered very materially from the intense heat. In the mild climates 

 of Europe we calmly read of the march of an army over the arid 

 plains of Asia, or a pilgrimage amidst the stillness and desola- 

 tion of the Arabian deserts, but we must have experienced some 

 of their difficulties before we can participate in the joy of the 

 Israelites, when, after tasting the bitter waters at Marah, they 

 came to Elim, and encamped near twelve wells of fine water, and 

 threescore and ten palm-trees. The rich colouring in the pastoral 

 psalms and prophetical writings, of rivers, groves, and pastures, 

 was intended to depict the greatest blessings both in a literal and 

 a figurative sense. Mahomet, a native of Arabia, promises his 

 disciples, among the chief pleasures of his voluptuous paradise, 

 beautiful groves and gardens, fountains of incorruptible water, 



VOL. II. F 



