Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1840-11-24
LEGENDARY RATS

Miss Roberts, in the last number Of
her intelligent and interesting "Notes of
a Journey through France and Egypt to
Bombay" published in the Asiatic Jour
nal, states that:
"Amongst the various accidents to
which honsesin Bombay ar subjected, the
one to be most apprehended, that Of fire,
is often brought about by rats. They will
carry oil lighted candle at every conven-
lent opportunity, setting fire to dwellings
by this means. They have been also
known TO upset tumblerS containing oil.
which is thus spread abroad, and likely
to be ignited by the falling wick. 1t is
perhaps, impossible totally TO extermin
ate this race of Vermn, which in the fort
set cats completely al defiance, but
something might be done to keep the
population down. have been told that
there are places in the more crowded bor.
ton rendered perfectly impossible at
night in consequence of the effluvia ars.
ing from the immense quantities of musk i.
rats, which, together with the common
sort, and handicoots Ofan incredible size,
abound, the narrow close lanes being ap-
parently built for The purpose of affording
accommodations TO Vermn of every des.
cription. Nevertheless, some Of.tho ma
tive houses ofthe fort would form very
agreeable residences to persons sccustom-
ed to the utmost refinement. Being ex-
ceedingly lofty, the upper apartments
have the advantage of every breeze that
blows, while the views both of the sea
and land are splendid. Tho immense
SIZE OF these houses, and the elegance Of
their decorations, evinCe tho spirit and
wealth Of their owners; they become alb
soluteIy beacons at night, in consequence
Of the frequency and extent Oftheir illu-
uminations. Numerous are the occa-
sions, either holidays or other rejoicings,
in which the natives of Bombay light up
their houses; ots of lamps hung along
the front of the verandahs, upon every
floor, produce a good effect, which is Of
ten heightened by the flood of light pour
ed out of apartments decorated with
chandeliers and lamps of every descrip-
tion. In passing through the bazaar at
night, every third and fourth house is
lit up by some festive occasion; one fa-
vorile and very pretty method consists OF
number Of small lamps, arranged to re-
semble lunches Of grapes, and hung up
ina courtyard. Sometimes in the eve
ming, sort Of market is held in the ma.
tive town beyond the Esplanade, and ev-
cry stall is prolusely lighted; the hawkers
who carry about their goods in an hum
BILE way, upon their heads, in baskets, have
them stuck with candles, and the wild
shadow effects Produced, amid the quaint
buildings thus partially lighted, afford a
continual phantasmagOfia. They must
be destitute ofimaginalion, indeed, who
cannot find pleasure in the coniempla-
ton Of the uight scenes at Bombay, eth
er from its native crowds, or the delicious
solitude Of its sylvan shades. The ear is
the only organ absolutely unblest in this
sunny island, the noise being incessant,
and most discordant; the shieking Of.
Iackalls 6y nights music, compared to
that flom native instruments, which is the
most remote places, are continually stri-
King up: the drums, trumpets, bells, and
squeaking pipes, Of a neighboring village,
are now ntlicting their tOrments upon my
distracted brain in the most barbarious
manner possible. The exertions Of the
performers never appear to relax, and by
night or day it is all the same-.and make
themselves heard at any distance, para.
ding along the roads for the sole purpose,
i seems, Of annoying the more peace
able inhabltants. Certainly, the sister
arts of music and painting have yet to
make their way into IRdia, The taste for
both being at present perfectly barbarous
The European bands, when playing on