BOMBAY, 189 
nor much spiritual control. Their religion is tolerant, and, as far as 
it throws no impediment in the way of the public service, must be 
considered politically as a good one. Sir William Jones petulantly 
attacked the authenticity of their sacred code, the Zend Avesta, as 
translated by Monsieur Anquetil de Perron ; but he himself, before 
his death, was convinced of his error. Sir James Mackintosh is stu- 
dying the language, and will probably favour the world with some 
additional information on the subject ; but from the accounts that 
I have received, I have no doubt of the authenticity of the original, 
or of the fidelity of Monsieur Anquetil de Perron's translation. 
The beauty of the esplanade, every morning and evening, is 
greatly heightened by the votaries of the Sun, who crowd there in 
their white flowing garments, and coloured turbans, to hail his 
rising, or pay respect, by their humble prostration, to his parting 
rays. On this occasion the females do not appear, but they still go 
to the wells for water, as did the wives of the ancient patriarchs. 
Many of those in a higher line of life retire from the city to their 
country residences early in the evening, in which case they assem- 
ble in their one-horse chaises at a beautiful spot called the Breach, 
where a former Governor built a noble causeway at an expense of 
10,000 rupees, thereby saving a considerable tract of country from 
the gradual incroachments of the sea, which had nearly made its 
way across the island. It is a work of great merit, and has stood 
firm against all the violence of the S. W. monsoon. The India 
Company were however offended at the expense, and the poor 
Governor lost his place. The tract that was recovered has hitherto 
been marshy and useless, but some gentlemen have undertaken to 
drain it, and, apparently, are likely to succeed. 
