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SCENES IN INDIA. 
CHAPTER XVI. 
BOMBAY. THE FOBT. — PARSEES. 
Bombay was originally composed of a cluster of 
small islands, with numerous back-waters, pro- 
ducing a rank vegetation — at one time dry, and at 
another overflowed by the sea. So unwholesome 
was it formerly considered, that no person settled at 
this presidency was supposed to have a chance of 
living more than three years. This is not the case 
now ; though still within the fort, and especially 
during the rains, it is very unwholesome. 
The island of Bombay is at present the principal 
British settlement on the west coast of India : it is 
seven miles long and three broad, and forms, with the 
neighbouring islands of Colabah, Salsette, Butcher's 
Island, Caranjah, and Elephanta, one of the finest 
harbours in the Indian seas. Upon the first of these 
islands stands a lighthouse, which rises from the sea 
to the height of a hundred and fifty feet, and the light 
at its summit is seen at a distance of seven leagues. 
The capital of this island is about a mile long and two 
furlongs broad, and surrounded by strong fortifications. 
What is called the modern town is built in a low un- 
wholesome spot, the ground being so flat that many 
of its houses are on a level with high-water mark ; 
