Page:"Round the world." - Letters from Japan, China, India, and Egypt (IA roundworldletter00fogg 0).pdf/192

 showed me through the fortress, and pointed out the vaults where all the Europeans of the station took refuge during the mutiny of 1857, where many fell victims to cholera brought on by pestilence and suffering. Under the fort is a curious subterranean passage which the natives believe runs all the way to Benares. I penetrated about two hundred feet to a spot where a sacred tamarind tree is shown, which the Hindoos say grew in this very place. The water trickling from the roof and the bad air made it impossible for me to proceed further. The fort contains an immense quantity of cannon and munitions of war, and large repair shops where several hundred men were at work. Within the walls was once the favorite residence of Shah-Jehan, but all that remains of his beautiful palace is the “Hall of Akbar,” a magnificent room, two hundred and seventy-two feet long, now used as an armory. Here are arranged with great taste along the walls, and through the center of the hall, over 50,000 stand of arms.

In the center of the fort stands an ancient monolith, forty-two feet in height by about three in diameter, and slightly tapering at the top. On it are two long Sanscrit inscriptions, obviously of remote antiquity, which have puzzled the most learned antiquarians. The popular belief is that it is the Club of Bhim Sen, a hero who figures in the romantic legends of Hindostan.

Allahabad has a population of about one hundred thousand natives, besides many civil and military officials, being the capital of the Northwestern Provinces, and the junction of the two great lines of railway connecting Bombay and Calcutta. It is increasing rapidly in business and importance, and from its central location, healthy climate and important strategic position it is predicted that it will some day become the capital of British India. The new town is laid out with wide, handsome roads, lined with well-built bungalows, and when the trees are fully grown, which are planted along the avenues and so essential in this hot climate, it will become a very attractive place of residence.

After the fort the most interesting sight is the Krusru Garden, which adjoins the railway station. This garden, or pleasure ground, is surrounded by a high embattled wall, and is five hundred feet square. Inside it is tastefully arranged and cultivated, and contains some very fine old Mango trees