History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. VI.] ROVAL GIFTS. 327

the Empress of the French also graciously favoured the bazaar with a handsome contribution of a beautiful counterpane which she had worked herself.

The bazaar, thus enriched by such handsome and valuable contributions from the most lofty and high-placed ladies of Europe, was opened in the year 1870 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, at that time travelling in Bombay. On that occasion a large number of richly-dressed native ladies and girls, varying in age from six to thirteen years, were present. It was a sight which can only be seen in Bombay, and His Royal Highness was much gratified at a spectacle which presented itself to him for the first time during his travels in the East."

1 “Vesterday, at a quarter to 5 p.u., His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor and members of staff, visited the Framji Kayasji Institute, where the girls of the Alexandra Native Girls’ English Institution were accommodated in the hall, and where a large number of Parsi ladies were present in the hope of seeing the Duke of Edinburgh. Half an hour later, in the same hall, the annual exhibition for the distribution of prizes to the girls of the Institution was to take place; and the arrangements at the moment of the Prince’s visit had therefore been satisfactorily completed in every respect. In the hall were also exhibited, on well-appointed tables, the various articles intended for the fancy bazaar in connection with the Institution, which commences this afternoon at 2 p.m. A large number of European ladies and gentlemen were also present, attracted more especially by the Prince’s intended visit. His Royal Highness and His Excellency the Governor on entering proceeded to the centre of the hall, and heard an English song sung by the girls of the Institution. A recitation in English was then given by Miss D. F. Kama and Miss Ramchandar Balcrishna, in a distinct and clear tone, and the ease and fluency with which the passages were delivered showed