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works arc private acts of chanty from a rich individual, as in- 

 stanced in the noble works of Govindsett, in the Concan. Large 

 wells, with a grand flight of steps down to the water, are not un- 

 common in remote situations where travellers, merchants, and 

 caravans are obliged to pass, far from other supplies. 



These are unspeakable blessings in the torrid zone, and have 

 consequently been celebrated in the songs of the oriental poets, 

 and in the sacred page; where we find the most beautiful and 

 natural allusions to refreshing fountains and sacred groves happily 

 illustrating spiritual joys. " The glorious Lord will be unto us a 

 place of broad rivers and streams; in the wilderness, waters shall 

 break forth, and streams in the desert; the parched ground shall 

 become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water- When the 

 poor and needy seek for water, and there is none, and their tongue 

 faileth for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, 

 will not forsake them ; I will open rivers in high-places, and foun- 

 tains in the midst of vallies; I will plant in the wilderness the 

 cedar, the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desert the fir- 

 tree, the pine, and the box-tree." 



Those trees are not indigenous to Hindostan, but my districts 

 afforded as great a variety : mangos and tamarinds were planted 

 near the villages, for general use, or were the property of indivi- 

 duals, who enjoyed their produce, after a small deduction for 

 government. In a plentiful season, at Dhuboy, a culsey, or six 

 hundred pounds weight of good mangos sell for one rupee; poor 

 as well as rich enjoy the golden produce; birds, bats, and monkeys 

 partake of that bounty, which " spreads a common feast for all 

 that live." 



