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Curious Hindoo Idol-India

fanta of Portugal, and as the Portuguese had made conquests in India. before our time, the island belonged to them.

Perhaps you think the princess was very well off to be presented with a whole island, but really the English people did not think very much it, for it was not nearly so valuable then as it is now.

Since that time it has grown two or three turns over among the waves. to be of very great importance. There The sun is shining so brightly and are railways and manufactures, beautiful warmly that he has not taken the trouble streets and fine large buildings, and many o put on any clothes, but inside that European gentlemen live there with their large hat of his, if we could but take a families. peep into it, we should very likely find Six miles from the city are the Caves some letters that he is carrying to land, of Elephanta, which, though very much for that plan is often adopted by these decayed, show us how patient and skilful Madras natives. In very bad weather, the old heathen workmen must have been, when landing would be too dangerous an for this wonderful structure is hewn out of one solid piece of rock, and is supposed kinds, there is one immense stone image, to have been dedicated to Siva, the de- fifteen feet high, which represents Brahstroying god. Travellers who have visited ma, Vishnu and Siva, all in one. the place tell us that as they passed along The faces of each of these gods are from one cave to another, stone images seven feet long, and that of Siva looks seemed to be peering down upon them angry and cruel. In one of his hands he from all directions.

Some years ago, when the Prince of Wales paid his visit to India, he went to see this wonderful temple.

A number of Indian princes and chiefs went with him, all of whom were arrayed in their very gayest, most costly apparel; for they wished to show great respect to the queen's son, who had come to see them. The party went over in steamers from Bombay to the island on which the caves were built. As soon as they landed, they had to walk for half a mile up a steep hill, through beautiful plants, and rocks, and trees.

Not far from the