THE PARSEES 1N ENGLAND.

UP to the beginning of the last century, the shipbuilding trade in India was entirely in the hands of the natives ; and when the Com

pany wanted a vessel, they contracted to have it built at Surat.

In 1735, a ship named the Queen was constructed in this mode; and the superintendent sent by the Bombay Government to overlook

the building of it was so pleased with LOWJEE NASSERWANJEE, the foreman, that he persuaded him to return with him to Bombay to establish a building-yard there. This proposal LOWJEE complied with ; and the great naval arsenal of Bombay originated in these seemingly accidental circumstances. The numerous descendants of its Parsee founder remained at Bombay, where they are known as the " Lowjee Family "; some engaged in extensive commercial pursuits, others in official situations, but one always in the dockyard ; and the Company's present "head-builder" or surveyor is blOWROJEE JAMSETJEE, the fourth in descent from the founder of the family. Under the superintendence of these native naval architects, numerous vessels had been built for the Company, and even for the Royal Navy. But the reports of the wonders of steam reached their ears, as well as of the late improvements enabling steam-ships to cross oceans and be applied to the purposes of war : and it was decided, after due deliberation and advice, that some members of the LOWJEE family, forsaking for a time their wives and little ones, the comforts of their home and the warmth of their climate, should brave the dangers of the seas and come to England, for the purpose of studying the nature of the steam-engine and its application to navigation. Fortified with public and private recommendations, two sons of NOWROJEE JAMSETJEE, and several attendeats, came hither; studied our language and usages for some time, under a clergyman ; and when sufficiently advanced in English, proceeded to the Government yard at Chatham to perfect their knowledge of shipbuilding and master the mysteries of steam. The volume which they have now published, consists of an account of such things as, during their sojourn of two years and a half in England,. struck them as most intrinsically worthy of notice, or most likely to be useful to their countrymen of India. The literary character of a work of this kind is a subordinate feature. The first and by far the most striking point about it, is the growing zeal for knowledge which it indicates in at least the Parsee men of Hindostan. The next is the manner in which we can observe the effects produced by our civilization, and the more obvious working of our institutions, on minds not uncultivated or uncivilized, but formed under a totally different system of society. The literary merit of a Journal of a Residence of Two Years and a Half in Great Britain is, however, respectable, and very attractive from its novel character. It has an Oriental style, not so much in its images and diction as in its modes and thought. JEHANGEER NOWROJEE and IIIRJEERHOY MEERWANJEE belong to a people who do not toss off a book as a regular article of trade, aud among whom anybody conceives he has the qualities of authorship. They have the ideas of a volume implied in the exclamation of the courtiers, "What wisdom ! what words ! they should be written in a book,"— which in England might be no great compliment. Our authors, accordingly, tell the story of their family and themselves ; they narrate minutely the causes which induced them to undertake their journey, and the objects they had in view ; they enumerate the assistance they received and the means they possessed for acquiring information ; all tending to show that they would not lightly attempt an undertaking like a book, or without some sufficient purpose.

After a description of the voyage, the accounts of the Parsees in England are chiefly confined to two classes of subjects : showplaces—such as the Diorama, the Colosseum, the Zoological Gardens, Windsor Castle, and the Houses of Parliament ; exhibitions of a useful and informing character—such as the Adelaide Gallery and the Polytechnic Institution, (which they pronounce worth a voyage to England to see); with the manufactories of engineers, the dock-yards, ship-launches, &c. They also tell a story of their little adventures, and of several excnrsions they made through the country ; winding up with some remarks on the manners, education, and literature of the English, in order to stimulate the education of females in India, and encourage the formation of libraries on the plan of our various public institutions.

Although bred, and we believe born at Bombay, in a place of considerable trade and amid what we are accustomed to fancy Oriental luxury, the wealth of England and its external signs, together with the multitude and bustle of the people, struck them from first to last. The entrance to the Thames, and the appearance of the river as they approached London, especially astonished them.

A PARSEE'S IMPRESSION Or THE THAMES AND LONDON.

Here we were greatly surprised to see the amazing number of ships going out and pouring into the Thames, and steamers every now and then running hackAwards and forwards : we cannot convey to our countrymen any idea of this immense number of vessels, and the beauty of the sight. You will see colliers, timber-ships, merchantmen, steamers, and many other crafts, from all parts of the world, hasteniag as it were to seek refuge in a river which is but a stream compared to the Ganges and the Indus, or the still larger rivers of America. We thought it a great wonder that such a small and insignificant a speck AB England appears on the map of the world, can thus attract so many nations of the world towards her ; and we asked ourselves, why should not those mighty rivers and countries, which have naturally much better accommodations for commerce than England, be not frequented as much ? But a moment's reflection satisfied us on this point : the answer presented itself; and we will tell our Countrymen, that it is the persevering habits of the English, it is the labour and skill of that people, that is the cause of such attraction. They are never satisfied with any one thing unless it is brought to perfection, it does not matter at what sacrifice. They are ever ready to receive unprovements; and thus they have attained that celebrity in their manufactures, that countries which grow materials bring them here to be converted into usefulthingsorhich are distributed all over the world ; and. while other countries were satisfied with what they bad, England WAS eager to augment her resources. And how has she effected this? what has been the principal means of her doing it ? Why, by knowledge or science pat in practice, because knowledge is power ; and it is by the power of knowledge alone, and not by the power of arms, that she has so many means of attracting the world to her, and extending the spread of her menu

factures. • ° *

When we came within about five miles of London, we were surprised at the amazing number of vessels, from the humble barge to the more beautiful ships and steamers of all descriptions. The colliers were the most numerous ; and vessels were anchored close to each other, and the river seemed to be almost covered with vessels ; and the masts and yards give it the appearance of a forest at a distance. Indeed, there were to be found ships from all parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America; and a great number of steamers ply about in all directions, tilled with passengers.

None of our countrymen can form an idea of this noble river and the shipping on it. The English may well be proud of it, though a small stream compared to some of the largest rivers of the world. • • •

It was nearly dusk when we arrived at London Bridge : notwithstanding which, an immense number of persons flocked round us to view our costume; for, in addition to our two selves, we were accompanied by a friend, and also by two of our domestics, and five individuals in the Parsee costume, collected quite a mob, through which it was difficult to pass to our carriage; we think quite a thousand Persons were congregated together. We proceeded through the city of London to the Portland Hotel, where arrangements for our reception had been previously made. And from the immense number of people and vehicles of every description that we saw hurrying along, apparently in great haste, and from the increasing noise, we were apprehensive that some public commotion had taken place, or that there was sonic grand spectacle to be witnessed, towards which they were thus hastening. .But yet it appeared so odd that there was as much haste and desire to get forward in those who waved eastward as well as in those who were progressing westward. Every street down which we looked appeared to be pouring out countless multitudes to swell the throng. And we were lost in conjecture as to what this bustle could possibly mean. But when we were afterwards informed that this constant tide of human beings was to be witnessed every day for twelve or fourteen hours, we were indeed lost in amazement at the myriads that must exist in London to furnish out of doors such an exhibition of people.

PARSEES ON THE ADELAIDE AND POLYTECHNIC EXHIBITIONS.

To us, brought an in India for scientific pursuits, and longing ardently to acquire practical information connected with modern improvements, more particularly with naval architecture, steam-engines, steam-boats, and°steamnavigation' these two galleries of practical science seemed to us to embrace all that we lied come over to England to make ourselves acquainted with ; and it was with gratitude to the original projectors of these institutions that we gazed upon the soul-exciting scene before us: we thought of the enchantments as related in the Arabian Nights' Entertainments; and they faded away into nothingness compared with what we then ERVE. Here within this limited space were miniature steam-ships, with every possible variety of improved machinery, gliding upon the water; here were exhibited all and every description of paddle-wheels for propelling them through the water. There was a ship upon the stays ready to be launched upon the removal of the dog-shores ; here was every possible variety of lock-gates for entrances to wet-docks, calculated to open with facility and resist the pressure of a great weight of water when the ship was in dock ; here you could learn how safely to descend into the sea with different contrivances ; and here you were taught bow you might best ascend into the air in a balloon. Here the scientific man for hours and days may acquire valuable information; and here the man in quest of pleasure and amusement may, day after day, gaze upon pleasing inventions and beautiful models of a light nature, to please the eye, whilst his ear would be charmed, with good music.

A PANEGYRIC ON IRON AND COAL

It is most extraordinary to see the multiplicity of purposes to which iron is now applied ; steam-boats and indeed steam-ships are built now of iron. Mr. Waghorn has carriages on the desert on the overland route to India composed entirely of iron, lighter than they could be made of any other material, ana possessing this advantage that hot weather will not cause them to shrink. Iron cables we have all seen, and the strong prejudice that existed against them of their want of elasticity is dying away ; for, singular as it may appear, iron cables have, in use, really more elasticity than hempen ones; for a ship always rides with her hempen cable in a state of tension, (that is, drawn out in a line from the anchor to the ship's bow,) but on the contrary, from its weight the iron cable always hangs slack, (bellying, as sailors term it,) and the fact is, when the ship heaves, the giving up of this bellying of the cable yields greater relief than the elasticity of a hempen cable can possibly do. We have chain used for standing rigging and for securing the bowsprit ; we see it used most extensively for knees of ships; we use it in ships for bawse-holes, and for facings to bit-heads • it has been used for boats ; it is used by thousands of tons for railroads. Within doors in England every domestic article may be met with in cast-iron ; it is used for staircases, for mantelpieces, and for cookingkettles ; and in the churchyard it is used for monuments instead of tombstones; on the high-road it is extensively used to supersede milestones; and we hear that it is used even for coffins.

How much does England owe to her inexhaustible mines of coal and of iron ! It is to them she is indebted for all her riches. Gold and silver mines are not to be compared to those of coal and of iron : gold and silver would employ but few persons, and enrich but very few ; but coals and iron ill their processes afford employment to countless thousands. The remarks of the Parsees in England furnish an indication by which we may test the value of the remarks made by English travellers abroad. In all that depends upon external appearance, it would seem, a traveller can describe as truly as a native and in some sense more so, as his perceptions are not blunted by constant habitude. In abstract or general conclusions he can also be trusted, according to the natural powers he possesses—such as the prosperity of the country, its public facilities for locomotion, &c., and its general civilization. Acconate of the

workings of institutions, closely connected with the manners of the people, especially if they possess occasional salient points, must be received with caution ; because the traveller can rarely have sufficient opportunity of observing for himself. Hence, his knowledge is either derived from natives—perhaps ill-informed themselves, whilst such information as they have is second-hand—or the foreigner pounces upon extreme cases. The reader of this volume will be able in several instances to trace observations which are evidently derived from other and different minds ; and in the story of GARROW, illustrative of the effects of cross-examination, he may see how very chary we should be of believing that exaggerated or ludicrous cases represent with correctness the habitual practice of any thing. If a criminal ever escaped in the way stated, it must have been an exception : but the tale has all the appearance of being drawn from a jest-book, and told to the travellers by some indiscreet or mischievously.silly person. Ridicule, or any thing which savours of ridicule, by considering a practice abstractedly and applying to it the touchstone of a limited utility, is also a topic which the generality of strangers are not fitted to handle in strange lands. The exorbitant salaries of opera-dancers excite the wonder and something more than the wonder of the Parsees. The encouragement of dancers, and similar classes of people, is a weakness, perhaps a folly of mankind, but a folly intrinsically attaching to them. It is an outlet for superfluous wealth, perhaps as rational as clothing idle dependents in rich dresses, or any other state pageantry : the excellence is very rare, and the result of an immensity of labour ; but as no repute attends the practice of the art, money is of necessity the reward ; and of the many who attempt the profession, few succeed to gain a payment in proportion to their outlay of time and labour. The Parsees were also struck by our "forms of mock debate." They were told, in the House of Commons, what the division was likely to be, and it turned out very near the prediction : upon which they make the obvious reflection, that all the long speeches were useless, and the House might as well have voted at once. Much of the speechifying in the House of Commons is no doubt worse than useless, looking to the mere speeches ; it is a positive nuisance. But still, the practice is akin to the homage paid by hypocrisy to virtue : it is an appeal to the country. Two parties are, as it; were, on their trial ; and though the pleadings are hollow enough, and dull enough, it is necessary to hear them, rather than let the decision pass sub silentio. Useless and ridiculous in many single instances, the speechifying in Parliament has an aggregate utility.

As the opinions of Orientals on English senatorial eloquence is a novelty, we will draw freely from the account of their visit to the House. It must be observed, however, that they could not penetrate below thle surface, but were taken in by professional trick ; being moved by O'CoaNsr-L's cuckoo cry of " Justice to Ireland," and thinking Sir ROBERT'S player-like indignation—his "much angry "—real.

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

We were admitted into the body of the House somewhere about six o'clock on Thursday evening, and there we sat until half past two on Friday morning, about eight hours and a half. Shortly after we entered the House, an influential gentleman among the Conservatives told our friend that the Ministers would have a majority of six; and about eight o'clock he said another Ministerial Member had posted home from Vienna, and that the majority of votes would most probably be seven : and, to prove how accurately he made his calculation, the Ministers had a majority of five ; one of the persons who was expected to vote with the Ministerialists voted with the Opposition, and thus accounted for the variation. The gentreman in question is sometimes called the Whipperin of the Conservatives ; that is to say, he urges all to vote, knows where every Member is, and if he intends to be in the House or not. This must be a troublesome office.

MR. DANIEL O'CONNELL

Spoke upwards of two hours ; addressed the House in most energetic terms, imploring the Members, for the safety and welfare of England and Ireland, "to do Justice to Ireland," by placing her on the same footing as England in all things. He spoke most feelingly, most forcibly; and with his large figure, clear distinct voice, and peculiar Irish pronunciation, he attracted much of our attention, particularly when he said very loudly—" Grant this bill, and you will take away much of my powerful influence. I call upon you to disarm me by doing justice to my country." He was very many times loudly cheered by the Members who sat on his side of the House. • * • We were, as a matter of course, dressed in our costume ; and, sitting in the foremost seat allowed for strangers, we bad a capital view of all the Members, and could hear remarkably well nearly every thing that was said ; and consequently every Member could see us. We fancied once, when Mr. O'Connell was speaking, that he observed and alluded to us. He was looking towards us, and at that time in his most forcible manner he said, " Mind what you are doing ! the eyes of the whole world are upon you," or words to that effect. It might be fancy, but such was our impression at the time.

SIR ROBERT PEEL.

After Mr. O'Connell hadfinished his speech, Sir Robert Peel (who was formerly first Minister of the Crown, and who has been for some time leading man of the Tory party) rose, and looking very angrily at Mr. O'Connell, attacked him for some time for threats that he (Mr. O'Connell) had indulged in towards England. He said—" He has spoken in a tone totally unworthy of the representative of the Irish people ; in a tone and temper unworthy of that character, such as I never heard. I do not complain of the high tone which that honourable and learned gentleman takes; but I do complain of the apparent delight with which he gloated on the past animosities between the two people." Sir Robert also said, "I believe you libel your country ; you libel your country when you insinuate that they would not Join us in repulsing the attacks either of France or America." In making these observations, he seemed as if he was much angry and could not control his feelings. We think a great debater should never lose his temper ; if he does, we think he may sometimes lose sight of his argument. After a little more than a quarter of an hour, the violence of Sir Robert Peel towards Mr. O'Connell appeared to abate, and he then went into the merits of the proposed measure, and calmly stated his views and opinions in very fluent language. Mr. O'Connell, after Sir Robert had finished his personalities, packed up his papers, made his bow to The Speaker, and left him to his two hours' speech. And we think him a great. speaker, but his actions were odd, as he kept thrusting one of his hands out between the flaps of his coat, and swinging himself round. We should have called him an orator hut for his losing his temper. Still we should say he reasoned well ; and his speech appeared to make a great impression upon his side of the House. The cheers were loud and often.

LORD JOHN IN PARSEE EYES.

Lord John Russell, Minister of the Crown and the political Ministerial Leader of the House of Commons, then rose ; and we were surprised to find that lie did not speak fluently ; he appeared to have an impediment in his speech ; but after a little while he shook off his apparent impediment, and he, for nearly two hours, spoke principally in explanation of the question before the House. His side of the House cheered him quite as loudly as Sir Robert Peel had been cheered. We looked at him : he was a little pale-looking man, with a tolerably loud voice, hut not harmonious, and his action, although energetic, was not altogether pleasing.

THE RESULT.

But after all these people had spoken and argued, to gain converts as it were, the result was nearly as it had been foretold at an earlier hour in the evening. For upon a division the Ministers of the Crown had only a majority of five. So that all these long speeches might have been spared; and all the Members of the House, the messengers and the reporters, might, for all the good effect the debate had had, all of them been quietly enjoying their night's rest. • * This is an evening that we shall never forget. We consider it the most exciting eight or nine hours that we ever spent ; and yet upon the whole we were disappointed. We had expected to have seen the representatives of all the wealth, all the talent, all the resources of the country, better dressed, and a different-looking set of men. We saw them with their hats upon their heads for the last two or three hours, sleeping in all directions; and only opening their eyes now and then, when a cheer louder than common struck upon their ears : still, such an assemblage of men, bolding the destinies of millions in their bands, we may never again see.

ORIENTAL ULTRA-POLITENESS: FEMALE CURIOSITY: WINDSOR.

In a very few minutes we saw her Majesty come on the Terrace; and everybody ranged themselves on both sides of the road, to pay their respects and have a peep at their youthful Sovereign. She was plainly dressed; and we had the honour and gratification of seeing her.

She passed by close where we stood; and bad in attendance upon her Lord Melbourne and Lord Falkland : there were many others who were not pointed out to us. We were of course stedfastly and earnestly gazing upon the interesting face of that young lady, who holds so high and important a post as the Queen of Great Britain ; and we were asking ourselves, whether she would not in all probability have been happier, had her lot been to have passed through life as Princess Victoria, without being called upon to fill the high responsible position she now does ! When, attracted by seeing us in our costume, she turned her head and looked upon us, we made our salaams, (an Indian bow) but we received an answer in that look—an answer to what had been passing its our minds.

We saw in an instant that she was fitted by nature for and intended to be a Queen ; we could perceive a native nobility and expression about her, which induced us to believe that she could, although meek and amiable, be firm and decisive; and that, whether Whigs or Tories were the Ministers of the day, she would still be the Queen, and have her own will, and judge for herself. • • Shortly after she had passed us, one of the attendants came to inquire who we were, and what country we came from ; which we informed him : bat he returned again, to say that her Majesty was pleased to know our names ; and as we knew the difficulty an Englishman has to pronounce our names, we gave our cards to him ; which he handed to Lord Melbourne, and no doubt were read to her Majesty, who did us the honour, upon reaching the end of the Terrace, again to look upon us, and what to her was the novelty—our costume.

We felt highly honoured in being thus noticed by our gracious Sovereign— the greatest in the world; and we were highly delighted with the loyalty which the English people present evinced towards her Majesty ; as we observed every individual that was on the Terrace take off their hats and pay proper respect and homage to her.

The progress which our Parsee friends have made in English will be gathered from these extracts. Sometimes, indeed, their idiom is so genuine that it would appear the language had been corrected ; whilst in other cases Orientalisms are met with. Strictly analyzed, we fancy the case is thus : in original description of any kind, in conveying their own impressions, they express themselves in a sort of Anglo-Indian language, English words with a slight Indian manner; when writing opinions they have derived from others, the thought has governed the style. In certain cases it is highly probable the information has been written down for them ; and by a class of minds similar to that of the person who furnished the absurd story of GARROW.