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

CHAP, 11.] A TRIBUTE TO PARSTS. 117

promotion of their interests with those of the State. Salsette is recommended to them by its vicinity to Bombay, its excellent roads, and security. It may not yield the profit they anticipate, but they will render it a garden, and free us from trouble and expense in its management; and, above all, it will give to the wealthy and public-spirited men that interest in the soil and that knowledge of the benefits of works like roads, canals, and bridges, which may be of the greatest use, both as it disposes them to embark in works that advance the interests of Government and the general prosperity of this Presidency. The feelings which will be inspired and the knowledge attained by men of this class being landholders in Salsette will gradually lead them to the Konkan and Deccan, where such persons are much required to promote plans of improvement, without which these countries will never pay the expenses of their occupation and management.”

Framji Kavyasji was the first Parsi—we may safely say the first native of India—who sent a present of that sweet and delicious fruit, the Bombay mango, to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

1 The following letter accompanied the present :—

To Her Most Gracious Masrsty THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND, May it please your Majesty, The improvement and extension of steam navigation have now happily brought your Majesty’s dominions at home and your dominions