tended greatly to encourage him, and to acquire for him that influence among the people, which was productive of great advantage to the interests of religion. His lordship often appeared in company with the missionary on public occasions, and was seldom absent from the cottage in which their religious meetings were held. Whether it were a sermon, or a prayer meeting, Lord Molesworth was generally present. The effect produced on the European inhabitants was very pleasing; and the military especially were sensible of the influence of his lordship's example. Mr. Clough had frequent opportunities of conversing with several of the officers on religious subjects, and many of the private soldiers manifested a high value for the mea..s of grace. A small class was formed of the more seriously disposed: though some turned back, several remained stedfast; and some in death bore witness to the power of religion.

The district of Galle is one of the principal stations in Ceylon. The Fort is well filled with inhabitants of various classes, but principally of Dutch and Portuguese extraction. There is a Mahomedan mosque in the garrison; the only instance of the kind in the whole island. Many European families reside in the suburbs, in groves of cocoa-nut trees, surrounded by a very large population of Singhalese and Mahomedan natives. The natives of Galle are not surpassed by those of any other district in the island for docility and gentleness of disposition; but they are enveloped in the darkness of paganism, and are avowed worshippers of evil spirits. To these, the more immediate objects of his mission, Mr. Clough's attention was anxiously directed. As a residence in the Fort would afford him but comparatively little influence over the native population, he wished to live entirely among them; to study their language, and to exert himself for their

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spiritual welfare.

At length an opportunity was afforded him to attain the object of his wishes. He received a visit at the Government House from Don Abraham Dias Abeyesinhe Amarasekara, the Maha, or Great Moodeliar, of Galle, a fine looking man, of good understanding, and of a liberal mind; and who from his rank was possessed of unbounded influence throughout the district. After the usual compliments, he addressed Mr. Clough in English, in nearly the following words: "Reverend Sir: I am come to offer my children to your protection and instructions: I have heard you are desirous of establishing a school for the sons of our native head-men. I have, Sir, a good house, ready-furnished, near my own residence, which is much at your service. If you would please to see if it suits you, I shall think it an honour to have such a reverend gentleman living so near to me; and will assist you in all things in my power."

Mr. Clough, after acknowledging the liberal offer of the Moodeliar, went to view the premises, which are about a mile from the Fort,, and only a stone's-throw from the house of the generous proprietor. They are situated in a very retired and romantic spot; and appeared in most respects to be so eligible, that Mr. Clough did not hesitate to accept of the liberal proposal. He immediately had his luggage removed; and was thus, without any expense to the Mission Fund, placed at once in a situation of comfort and respectability; and in circumstances of all others the best calculated to promote his improvement in the language, and his usefulness among the natives. His school was soon commenced, and attended by some of the most intelligent boys on the island.

The generous proprietor manifested the greatest anxiety for his comfort; furnished him with a small horse, and afforded him assistance, whenever his aid

could render him any service. The patronage and friendship of the Moodeliar had an astonishing influence on the surrounding natives. Curiosity was powerfully excited; and in his new residence Mr. Clough was visited by learned priests, and persons of various classes, who came to enquire respecting the religion he professed. With these, through the medium of an interpreter, he had frequent opportunities of conversing concerning the faith in Christ; and had the pleasure, in some instances, of seeing them depart evidently impressed with the result of their enquiries.

By the assistance of the Moodeliar, a highly competent Singhalese teacher was procured; under whose instructions Mr. Clough applied himself with laborious perseverance to the study of that language; employing every interval from the duties of his school, to qualify himself for preaching to the natives, in their own tongue, the wonderful works of God.

CHAP. VIII.

The Author's residence at Bombay-Derivation of name-Teak wood -Birds, reptiles, and insects--Climate-Population--Various classes of inhabitants-The GENTOO Superstition-Mode of worship-Distinction of caste-Pagodas-Festivals, fasts, processions, &c.-The Gentoo female character-The swinging ceremony-The MAHOMEDANS, their mosques and worship-Marriage and funeral processions-Juvenile merchants-Language-PERSEES-Worship, &c.— Refuse to extinguish fire-Processions at marriages, funerals. &c.— Superstitious notions founded on the decay of the body-Conversion from their idolatry difficult-JEWS-PORTUGUESE ROMAN CATHOLICS-Opulence-Chapels-Superstition and idolatry-Mendicants-ARMENIAN CHRISTIANS-Wealth and respectability-Their various establishments-Their history-BRITISH and AMERICAN

CHRISTIANS-Miscellaneous information.

HAVING Conducted the reader to the several stations in the Island of Ceylon, to which my fellow-missionaries were appointed, and narrated some of the most interesting events connected with their entrance on their respective spheres of labour, I shall proceed to give some account of my residence at Bombay, where circumstances appeared to justify me in remaining for a short period.

As the Governor's house at Parell was generously lent us, under the expectation that our stay at the Presidency would be short, it would have been highly indecorous to have occupied it after the departure of my companions. Several days were spent in endeavouring to meet with a suitable residence; at length one was found in a pleasant and healthy situation, about three miles from the Fort; but the rent was so extravagantly high, being 160 sica rupees (about £20 sterling) per month, that I was deterred from engaging it. On

stating the circumstances to Mr. Money, he sent for the proprietor, and induced him to lower his demand to 100 rupees (£12. 10s. per month ;) which, though a large sum, was really moderate; as the house was sufficiently large to contain the Mission property, types, press, paper, library, &c. which had been left in my care. For the reception of these, I must otherwise have hired a go-down, or warehouse, for which a considerable rent would have been demanded. Previously to taking possession, the owner required me to sign an agreementthat our pigs should not injure the vegetables, nor our children eat the fruit: this I did most readily, as our establishment at that time included neither.

As European gentlemen reside in India but for a limited period, they seldom build houses, or become land-owners. The houses in Bombay, and its environs, are generally the property of wealthy natives of different classes, who find this mode of employing their money productive of very considerable profit, in the enormous rents they obtain from Europeans. Several noble

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mansions, the residences of native merchants, are also found; some of them exceedingly magnificent, surrounded by plantations, laid out in a most tasteful style, and decorated with valuable pictures. few lofty houses are to be met with; the generality of those occupied by Europeans consist of a groundfloor only, with a yard before and behind; the whole surrounded by a wall, or fence, containing offices and outhouses, which are called "the compound." The houses are substantially built of stone and lime, and plaistered on the outside, which is usually white-washed, or coloured. Glass windows are seldom seen; Venetian blinds are substituted, as they admit both the air and light. The floors, it has already been observed, are composed of a description of stucco, called chunam; and, when properly made, is extremely hard and durable, and