We entered the harbour of Bombay in the evening of the 29th of October, too late to contemplate the beauty of its scenery, there being unfortunately no moon.  As soon as we dropped anchor, a scene of bustle and excitement took place.  The boxes containing the mails were all brought upon deck, the vessel was surrounded with boats, and the first news that greeted our ears—­news that was communicated with great glee—­was the damage done by fire to the Atalanta steamer.  This open manifestation, by the officers of the Indian navy, of dislike to a service to which they belong, is, to say the least of it, ill-judged.  A rapid increase in the number of armed steam-vessels may be calculated upon, while the destruction of half of those at present employed would scarcely retard the progress of this mighty power—­a power which may alter the destinies of half the world.  The hostility, therefore, of persons who cannot hope by their united opposition to effect the slightest change in the system, becomes contemptible.

It is a wise proverb which recommends us not to show our teeth unless we can bite.  To expose the defects of steamers, may produce their remedy; but to denounce them altogether, is equally useless and unwise, since, however inconvenient they may be, no person, with whom despatch is an object, will hesitate to prefer them to a sailing-vessel; while every officer, who takes the Queen’s or the Company’s pay, should consider it to be his duty to uphold the service which tends to promote the interests of his country.

CHAPTER IX.

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BOMBAY.

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Contrast between landing at Bombay and at Calcutta—­First feelings those of disappointment—­Aspect of the place improves—­Scenery of the Island magnificent, abounding with fine Landscapes—­Luxuriance and elegance of the Palms—­Profusion and contrast of the Trees—­Multitude of large Houses in Gardens—­Squalid, dirty appearance of the Native Crowd—­Costume of the Natives—­Inferior to the Costume of Bengal—­Countenances not so handsome—­The Drive to the Fort—­The Burrah Bazaar—­Parsee Houses—­“God-shops” of the Jains—­General use of Chairs amongst the Natives—­Interior of the Native Houses—­The Sailors’ Home—­The Native Town—­Improvements—­The Streets animated and picturesque—­Number of Vehicles—­The Native Females—­The Parsee Women—­The Esplanade—­Tents and Bungalows—­The Fort—­The China Bazaar—­A Native School—­Visit to a Parsee Warehouse—­Seal ornamental China-ware—­Apprehension of Fire in the Fort—­Houses fired by Rats—­Illumination of Native Houses—­Discordant noise of Native Magic—­The great variety of Religions in Bombay productive of lamp-lighting and drumming.

The bunder, or pier, where passengers disembark upon their arrival in Bombay, though well-built and convenient, offers a strong contrast to the splendours of Chandpaul