WD540(40)

‘West Gate and part of City Wall, Umeerapoora.’

THIS view was taken from the terrace of Mr. Spear’s residence, and overlooked the broad moat, — the causeway or bridge which crosses it, and the western gate in the wall of the City, which on the exterior appeared to be about 17 or 18 feet in height.

The whole of the wall, together with the barbacan, or curtain, covering the entrance, and embattled parapet and scarp of the moat, seen on either side of the gateways, are left entirely without plaster, but the lower part of the massive entrance is well stuccoed, whitewashed, and ornamented after the manner of pagodas. The gateway is honorably surmounted by a triple-roofed covering, — serving as ornament to the gate and protection to warders or sentries.

The King’s Palace is seen rising from the centre of the city, and on the extreme left appears the triple-roofed and apparently tiled dwelling of the Ein-she-men or Crown Prince. The Mountains to the East of Umeerapoora close in the back ground.

The trelliced palisade observable in the lower corner of this Sketch is commonly found in front of all the houses in the city, and strongly recalled home thoughts of cottage porch and garden rails in rural England. This effect was not lessened by the tall posts generally found at intervals supporting the lattice, tastefully surmounted by plants in flower pots. ‘(See Report, page 150.)’