14 
From Cochin we proceeded along a diversified coast to Calicut; 
the celebrated emporium where Vasco de Gama landed after his 
perilous voyage round the Cape of Good Hope, in the first Euro- 
pean vessel which ever navigated the Indian seas: it was then 
a place of great importance, now little more than a Malabar 
fishing-town, with four European factories. We did not anchor 
at Calicut, but arrived the next day at Tellicherry, a settlement 
belonging to the English, in a pleasant and healthy situation. 
From thence, sailing by a hilly tract of country, we arrived at 
Mangulore, then a principal sea-port of Hyder Ally Khaun ; 
where, after procuring water and refreshments, we renewed our 
coasting voyage, and passing Onore, Mirjee, and some other 
places of little importance, we anchored in the beautiful harbour 
of Goa; a noble basin, surrounded by woody hills and fertile 
vallies, enriched by plantations of cocoa-nuts, and fields of rice: 
the prospect was embellished by numerous churches, convents, 
and villas; whose white aspect was finely contrasted with the dark 
mango and tamarind groves which embosomed them. This 
noble harbour is defended by the fortress of Alguarda; and 
the city of Goa, situated a few miles up a navigable river, 
presents some lovely scenery on its hilly shores: Goa was the 
most magnificent of all the European settlements in India; and 
the churches, monasteries, and other public structures, indicate 
the former splendour of the capital of the Portuguese Asiatic 
establishments, the seat of the inquisition, and the residence of 
the governor-general, the archbishop, judges, and other principal 
officers. 
