208 
Mahomedan tombs and mosques, in a good style of architecture; 
like the Hindoo temples, they were covered with a coat of fine 
chunam, in whiteness and brilliancy equalling the purest marble, 
or porcelaine, which it most resembles: these polished domes form 
a striking contrast to the mango and banian-trees, by which they 
1 are surrounded. 
t. 
The Mahomedan mausoleums generally stand in a garden of 
pomegranates and custard apple trees, which take oft' from the 
gloom of a cemetery: the Hindoo temples in the Concan are also 
frequently surrounded by a garden, sometimes of singular beauty. 
The brahmins evince as much taste and judgment in the situation 
of their seminaries and temples, as the monks in the disposition 
of abbeys and priories in England; where some of the most lovely 
spots are still graced by their ruins. In this respect the monkish 
and brahminical taste exactly corresponds: to the latter, shade and 
water are indispensably necessary; and, contrary to the general 
restrictions of the monastic life, the Concan shades are enlivened 
by the songs and dances of the female choristers appropriated to 
the temples; the number of Brahmins engaged in their religious 
rites; and the concourse of people assembled to morning worship 
Nor are these gardens deficient in flowers, fruit, and vegetables; 
the latter indeed compose the principal part of the brahmin's food; 
their best orchards contain guavas, plantains, jam bos, and every 
variety of Indian fruit; with grapes, figs, and mulberries: superior 
grapes, oranges, peaches, and apples, are supplied from Poonah 
and Aurungabad, in the Deccan. The whole country produces 
mangos and tamarinds: the mango season in the Concan com- 
mences in April, and ends soon after the heavy rains fall in 
