the capital of Mysore, formerly the dominions of Tippoo Sultan, is situated in an island of the Cavery river, about 290 or 300 miles from Madras, and in N. Lat. 12° 32' and E. Long. 96° 47', about four miles in length, by one and a half in breadth, across the middle, where it is likewise highest, whence it gradually falls and narrows towards the extremities. The west end of the island, on which there is a fort of considerable strength, slopes more, especially towards the north; and the ground rising on the opposite side of the river commands a distinct view of every part of the fort. The fort and outworks occupy about a mile of the west end of the island, and are distinguished by magnificent buildings, and ancient Hindoo pagodas, contrasted with the more lofty and splendid monuments lately raised in honour of the Mahometan faith. The great garden, called the Laut Boug, covers about as much of the east end of the island as the fort and outworks do of the west; and the whole intermediate space, except a small inclosure on the north bank near the fort, was, before the last war, filled with houses, and formed an extensive suburb, of which the greatest part was destroyed by Tippoo to make room for batteries to defend the island, when attacked by the combined forces of Earl Cornwallis and the Mahratta chiefs in February 1792. This suburb, or town of modern structure, is about half a mile square, divided into regular cross streets, all wide, and shaded on each side by trees. It is surrounded by a strong mud wall, contains many good boules, and seems to have been preferred by the Sultan for the accommodation of merchants, and for the convenience of troops stationed on that part of the island for its defence. A little to the eastward of the town is the entrance to the great garden, which was laid out in regular shady walks of large cypres trees, and abounding with fruit-trees, flowers, and vegetables of every description. It possessed all the beauty and elegance of a country retirement, and was dignified by the mausoleum of Hyder, and a superb new palace built by his son. This noble garden was devoted to destruction; and the trees which had shaded their proud master, and contributed to his pleasures, were formed into the means of protecting his enemies in subverting his empire. "Before that event, so glorious to the arms of England, this infatuated metropolis (says Major Dirom) must have been the richest, most convenient, and beautiful spot possessed in the present age by any native prince in India; but when the allies left it, the Sultan's fort and city only remained in repair amidst all the wrecks of his former grandeur, the island presenting nothing but the appearance of wretched barrenness. Tippoo is a man of talents, enterprise, and great wealth; but, in the opinion of our author, the remaining years of his ill-fated life will be unequal to renew the beauties of his terrestrial paradise." This prediction was more than verified in the fate of Tippoo; for he lost his life in bravely defending his capital, which was taken by assault in 1799 by the British troops under General Baird. See INDIA, No. 183.