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very rapid. As one result of the system, in their moral im provement, it will be enough to state that in 1851, before it was introduced, the number of punishments administered for offences committed within the jail, was 162; in 1852, after its introduction, the number so punished was 18. It is not much to the credit of the Government that it only allows the miserable sum of five rupees ($2 50) a month in support of so important an experiment.

Jinan jgk montily exum ration of the prisoners, and they wiin kun kondu zuort zimny, and ropout the multiplication table of winde numbers and true tions up to 16x16, 6,225 and 64x64. me entitled by # visit from the friends or a bath in the Jamna, if Hindoos, and a visit to the Taj, if Moslems. The me advanced scholars are obliged to pass in writing, the facts of astronomy, simple and compound interest, &c. There la great cimulation among the prisoners, and their progress is

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very rapid. As one result of the system, in their moral improvement, it will be enough to state that in 1851, before it was introduced, the number of punishments administered for offences committed within the jail, was 162; in 1852, after its introduction, the number so punished was 18. It is not much to the credit of the Government that it only allows the miserable sum of five rupees ($2 50) a month in support of so important an experiment.

CHAPTER IX.

THE RUINS OF

FUTTEHPORE-SIKREE.

Excursion to Futtel pore-Sikree-The Road Thither-Approach to the Ruins-Their Extent and Grandeur-The Palace of Rajah Beer-Bul-Perfect Condition of the Remains-Shekh Bush&rat-Ali-Age of Futtehpore-The Emperor's PalaceRooms of the Sultana Marium-Akbar's Tolerance-The Five Palaces-The Pillar of Council-Profusion of Ornament-The Emperor's Salutation-The Elephant Gate and Tower-The Durgah-Shekh Selim-Chishti-He gives a Son to the EmperorThe Splendor of his Tomb-View from the Gateway-An Experiment-Tiflin in the Palace-The Story of the Rajah Beer-Bul and the Ruby-Last View of Futteh pore-Sikree.

BEFORE leaving Agra I made an excursion to the ruins of Futtehpore-Sikree, which are about twenty-two miles to the west of the city. I had been so strongly counselled to visit the place, as well from its historic interest (having been the favorite residence of Akbar), as from the extent and magnificence of its remains, that I postponed for another day, though reluctantly, my departure for Delhi. Mr. Sherer, one of the Secretaries of Government, kindly offered to accompany me, and through his familiarity with the history of those times, the now desolate spot was peopled for me with the phantoms of its former inhabitants. I have rarely had the Past so

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vividly restored, or so completely given myself up to its illu sions. The day was one of the whitest in my calendar, and not unworthy to be chronicled beside the memorable Theban days of the previous year.

In order to make the excursion in a single day, I had relays of horses sent out in advance, and took my departure be fore sunrise, in a light garree-a two-wheeled vehicle, resembling a genteel cart. The road was broad and good for the first eight miles, and bordered by stately acacia, peepul and neem trees. I passed two or three large walled gardens, belonging to native Rajahs, and a cleanly little village, with several small temples to Vishnu and Shiva. The road gradually became rougher, though the country still continued level and tolerably cultivated. My horses, inspired by the pleasant morning air, trotted merrily along, and before three hours. were over, Futtehpore-Sikree was in view, A low range of red sandstone hills appeared in the west, with here and there a crumbling ruin on the crest. The extremity of this range, about four miles distant, was covered with a mass of walls, terraces and spires, crowned with a majestic portal, which rose high above them, gleaming against the sky with a soft red lustre, as the sun shone full upon it.

As I approached nearer, I found that this part of the hill was surrounded by a lofty wall of red sandstone, with a machicolated or notched parapet, and a spacious gate, through which my road ran. It is almost entire, and upwards of six miles in circuit, enclosing a portion of the plain on both sides of the hill. Driving through the deserted gateway, I was amazed at the piles of ruins which met my eye. Here was a narrow hill, nearly a mile and a half in length, and averaging a hun