a large and strong town of Asia, in the peninsula on this side the Ganges, and on the Malabar coast. It was taken by the Portuguese in 1508, and is the chief town of all their settlements on this side the Cape of Good Hope. It stands in an island of the same name, about 12 miles in length, and fix in breadth; and the city is built on the north side of it, having the convenience of a fine salt-water river, capable of receiving ships of the greatest burden, where they lie within a mile of the town. The banks of the river are beautified with a great number of handsome structures; such as churches, castles, and gentlemen's houses. The air within the town is unwholesome, for which reason it is not so well inhabited now as it was formerly. The viceroy's palace is a noble building; and stands at a small distance from the river, over one of the gates of the city, which leads to a spacious street, terminated by a beautiful church. This city contains a great number of handsome churches, convents, and cloisters, with a stately large hospital; all well endowed, and kept in good repair. The market place occupies an acre of ground; and in the shops about it may be had the produce of Europe, China, Bengal, and other countries of less note. Every church has a set of bells, some of which are continually ringing. There are a great many Indian converts; but they generally retain some of their old customs, particularly they cannot be brought to eat beef. The clergy are very numerous and illiterate; but the churches are finely embellished, and have great numbers of images. In one of these churches, dedicated to Bon Jesus, is the chapel of St Francisco de Xavier, whose tomb it contains: this chapel is a most superb and magnificent place; the tomb of the saint is entirely of fine black marble brought from Lisbon; on the four sides of it the principal actions of the life of the saint are most elegantly carved in basso relievo; these represent his converting the different nations to the Catholic faith: the figures are done to the life, and most admirably executed: it extends to the top in a pyramidal form, which terminates with a coronet of mother-of-pearl. On the sides of this chapel are excellent paintings, done by Italian masters; the subjects chiefly from Scripture. This tomb and the chapel pertaining to it, must have cost an immense sum of money; the Portuguese justly esteem it the greatest rarity in the place. The houses are large, and make a fine show; but within they are but poorly furnished. The inhabitants are contented with greens, fruits, and roots; which, with a little bread, rice, and fish, is their principal diet, though they have hogs and fowls in plenty. The river's mouth is defended by several forts and batteries, well planted with large cannon on both sides; and there are several other forts in different places.

Goa is the residence of a captain general, who lives in great splendour. He is also commander in chief of all the Portuguese forces in the East Indies. They have here two regiments of European infantry, three legions of fepeos, three troops of native light horse, and a militia; in all about five thousand men. Goa is at present on the decline, and in little or no estimation with the country powers; indeed their bigotry and superstitious attachment to their faith is so general, that the-inhabitants, formerly populous, are now reduced to a few thinly inhabited villages; the chief part of whom have been baptized; for they will not suffer any Mussulman or Gentoo to live within the precincts of the city: and these few are unable to carry on the husbandry or manufactures of the country. The court of Portugal is obliged to lend out annually a very large sum of money, to defray the current expenses of the government; which money is generally swallowed up by the convents and soldiery.

There was formerly an inquisition at this place, but it is now abolished; the building still remains, and by its black outside appears a fit emblem of the cruel and bloody transactions that passed within its walls! Provisions are to be had at this place in great plenty and perfection. E. Long. 73. 46. N. Lat. 15. 28.