nd is divided into
five distinct parts or stories, one above another, each fitted with an
outer gallery and adorned with colossal inscriptions in bold relief. The
whole exterior is fluted from the bottom to the top, narrowing gradually
as it ascends, and affording a good view of the present Delhi, twelve
miles away, while it overlooks that broad region of dead and buried
cities. Though the Katub Minar has stood for so many centuries, not the
least crack in the masonry can be discovered, either inside or out. This
singular tower, the original purpose of which can only be conjectured,
stands near two courts of an ancient Hindoo temple, which are surrounded
by ruins of cloisters. In the middle of the area, between the two lines
of cloisters, stands a tall iron pillar with a Sanskrit inscription
signifying so long as it remains the power of the Hindoos has not
departed.

There is a legend which our local guide related to us, that the
Mohammedans tried to destroy this column by digging it up, but were
unable to find the bottom of it after working many days. They finally
gave up the attempt in superstitious dread, for the Hindoos declare that
it extends down to the earth's centre. We visited other temples and
tombs, but the Katub Minar rivaled them all in interest. Among the
branches of the trees, as we drove back to Delhi, we observed both wild
monkeys and apes, the latter species being the first we had seen in
India. Many birds were noticed, and whole flocks of pea-green paroquets,
tiny things with mottled plumage, circled about the trees and chirped
incessantly. On inquiry it was learned that nowhere in all India exists
so much bitterness towards the English rule as is secretly indulged in
here. That the populace should not be well-disposed towards their
present masters is not to be wondered at; and if this community were not
completely disarmed, and watchfully kept so, there would likely occur
outbreaks among them of a serious character. As none but Europeans are
permitted to own firearms, the game hereabouts has greatly multiplied,
and some of the best bird-shooting in India goes begging on the plains
about Delhi. Standing at the door of our bungalow in the early morning,
it was really wonderful to see the number of crows that flew up from
their roosting-places in the neighboring wood, and passed overhead
dispersing in various directions; but they, as well as the jackals, are
the permitted scavengers of the land, and no