21 MAY 1842, Page 19

BURFORD'S PANORAMA OF CABUL.

Ma. BURFORD, ever on the alert to picture foreign scenes for the grati- fication of stay-at-home travellers, has produced a beautiful and interest- ing panoramic view of Cahul; which presents, we are assured, a faithful and striking picture of the seat of our late disasters. It is painted from a sketch by Mr. V1GNE, an Indian officer for some time resident at Cabal; and the view is taken from the side of a hill called " Mother Eve," on which a part of the British forces under Sir John Keane were encamped : this elevation commands a complete view of the city, and the plain in which it stands, surrounded by a barrier of rocky mountains ; the Bala Hisser and its lofty citadel being conspicuous objects. The buildings of the city are not in themselves attractive, being mostly low-roofed mud-built houses, enclosed with mud-walls, having square turrets at the angles ; but the river, a narrow, clear, and rapid stream, winding through, and the numerous walled gardens scattered around, give brightness and freshness to the prospect; while the stu- pendous rocks of gneiss towering above and girdling in the plain, have a grand and imposing effect. Mr. BURFORD has skilfully availed himself of the opportunity of introducing groups of natives in their picturesque costumes in the foreground; not only enlivening the scene, but con- veying interesting information as to the physiognomies and costumes of the various tribes. Some of the figures are portraits : Host Mahom- med, his brother Jubbnr Khan, and his son Akbar Khan, Sir Alexander Burnes, and others, will be recognized. The painting is executed in a free and vigorous style; the colouring is rich and varied, in accordance with local truth ; and the effect is lively and natural : one seems to breathe the summer air of Cabot.