Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/658

10 as much more sombre than it probably is in reality, justifies the architect's saying that it is both religious and picturesque in effect. The view is a diagonal one, and shows us part of the nave and a small section of the chancel arch—the one, we presume, which offended the splenetic engineer. The roof of the nave is vaulted, and the clerestory is lighted by circular windows. It is the pillars, however, which arrest one's attention, the capitals and shafts being of purely oriental design. The effect is, to our mind, most graceful. The south aisle is lighted by pointed windows, and on the panels between are the Stations of the Cross, surrounded again by oriental tracery. Through a gothic archway in the south-east corner we catch a glimpse of the Lady Chapel and its altar. The exterior of the chapel, though complete in essentials, is architecturally unfinished. We regret that it is likely to remain so, because this incompleteness detracts considerably from the general effect. In spite, however, of drawbacks the exterior of the Mathurá chapel is singularly pleasing. We fear we speak somewhat vaguely when we say that there is a peculiar mellowness about it—an effect which we doubt not is the result of good proportions and an absence of mere meretricious ornament."—Indo-European Correspondence.

"We do not hesitate to afirm that Mr. Growse's work is decidedly the best and most interesting of the local histories yet published. He is an accomplished scholar and a well-known archeologist and antiquarian; his long residence at Mathurá gave him ample opportunities for collecting valuable materials. After the publication of the first edition of his Memoir Mr. Growse remained at Mathurá for nearly three years longer, during which time he added largely to his stock of local information. This information he has utilized by bringing out a revised and enlarged edition of his work. This edition is adorned with beautiful illustrations, the cost of which, Mr. Growse tells us in his preface, has been defrayed by the millionaire and public-spirited Seths of Mathurá."—Hindu Patriot.

"These two historical and archæological chapters are unquestionably among the best and most interesting of the Memoir; though, indeed, it is difficult to single out any particular chapters for special praise, as the subject of almost every chapter has its own interest, and every one is treated by the author with a fulness and thoroughness which seemingly leaves nothing to be desired. One chapter, however, must not be passed over without special mention. It is the twelfth or last of the first part, and treats of 'the etymology of local names in Northern India, as exemplified in the district of Mathurá.' The subject is not altogether new; on the contrary it has given rise to a vast number of speculations, but most of those hitherto put forth have been of the most haphazard description. The present is the first attempt, on a larger scale, to attack the problem in a scientific spirit and on consistent and well-founded historical and grammatical principles. The general position that the author