363 



interior of these extraordinary excavations, in which the Triad Deity of 

 the Hindoos is distinguishable at the termination of the central aisle, or 

 avenue. A strong light is thrown into the cave through an accidental aper- 

 ture in the side of the mountain, the light originally admitted being only 

 from the principal entrance. 



XXXIX. 



Comparative View of two principal Pillars in the Excavations at Salsette 



and Elephanta. 



The lofty column, surmounted by elephants and something like a bell, 

 was drawn correctly from one highly-finished in the large temple at Sal- 

 sette. The other is a representation of the fluted pillars in the Elephanta 

 cavern. Its capital seems well adapted to the situation, giving the specta- 

 tor an idea of its being pressed and swelled by supporting the superincum- 

 bent mountain. 



XL. 



Hill Fort, on the Island of Caranjah. 



This island was taken from theMahrattas in 1774. The fort, built by the 

 Portuguese on the summit of a lofty craggy mountain, contains the ruins 

 of a church, and commands a noble prospect over the island, town, and 

 harbour of Bombay, at a few miles distance. 



XLI. 



Scene of a melancholy Event on the Island of Salsette. 



The little affecting anecdote of a Hindoo mother having her only child 

 carried off by a tiger while gathering fuel on the borders of a forest, is 

 mentioned in the Memoirs at Salsette. The spirit and interest of the 

 original drawing, which is from the pencil of Baron de Montalembert, 

 have been well preserved in the engraving. 



