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A

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AN ACCOUNT
OF · · THE ISLAND
- Its History, Geog the Manners and Custor
THEJO TC
ILLUSTRATED
ASIAN NE

OF CEYLON
aphy, Natural History, with ns of its various Inhabitants
TOWHICH ISADDED
URNAL OF AN EMBASSY ) THE COURT OF CANDY
BY A MAP AND CHARTS
ROBERT PERCIVAL
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES W DELHI kr MADRAS Ar 1990

Page 6
A、
, EDICATIONAL SERVIC
C-2 15. S.D.A. NEW DELHI-1 *5 SRiPURAM FIRST STREET,
Price: Rs. 295 First Published 1803 AES Reprint: 1990 ISBN:8-206-0563-2
Published by J. Jetley for ASIAN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES C-2f15, SDA New Delhi-1 10016 Processed by APEXPUBLICATION SERVICES New Delhi-11006 Printed at Nice Printing Press
Delhi-1100 5

:ES.
OO16 MADRAS-600014.

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ل
A C C (
THE ISLAND
CONT
Its History, Geography, Natura Customs of its v.
TO WHICH
THE JOURNAL OF AN EM
CA
ILLUSTRATED BY .
BY ROBERT F
OF HIS MAJESTY'S NINETE
I, ON
PRINTED BY AND FOR (, AND R.
BLACK)
gm=
9

OF CEYLON,
AINING
ul History, with the Manners and
arious I.nhabitants
I ISADDED,
BASSY TO THE COURT OF
NDY.
A MAP AND CHARTS.
sagaaasasmanap
PERCIVAL, ESQ.
CENTII REGIMIENT" OF FOOT.
DON: - -
3ALDWIN, OF NEW-BIRIDGE STREET,
FRIARS,
በገ8. Xn

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IIIS ROYAL HIGIIN.
THE DUKI
ETC.
May it please your IRoyal
IT is to th Majesty's forces that every sol tion and patronage, when he h any object tending to promote To your RoY A L HIG HN Ess, the British armies addresses hi
since their welfare and enco principal objects of your life, your present exalted situation. discipline and a spirit of loy spicuous in the army; that has in every respect been im
fort of which his situation is
2.

ESS FIELD-MARSHA
OF YORK,
ETC.
Highness,
e Commander in Chief of His dier naturally looks for protecas turned his attention towards the prosperity of his country. however, any individual of mself with peculiar confidence, uragement have appeared the ever since the attainment of When I say that a steady lity have been uniformly COthe condition of the soldier proved, and that every com
susceptible is now attained:

Page 10
t DEDIC
when I attribute all these adva
carcs of your Roy AL HIGHN) of every officer and every pri While your IRoY A L HII G H: of So much greater importal. intrude with the following Wor conscious that it was undertak
a view to point out to the a country a new acquisition of in a commercial and political From the observations I t
affirm that its retention in
greatest benefit to our East I in general; and is in this reflect the highest honour on Councils. -
From the period of my an regt. on the island of Ceylo endeavoured, during my few duty, to obtain as much usef my situation had it in his p Having had an opportunity
Sea-coast, and also some of t

ATION.
ntages to the regulations and the ss, I only speak the sentiments vate in his Majesty's service. NESS is occupied with objects ce, I should not presume to k upon your notice, were I not en and completed chiefly with littention and enterprise of this the greatest importance both point of view.
hen made, I am enabled to our hands must prove of the india trade, and our commerce
view a measure which must
the wisdom of his Majesty's
rival with his Majesty's 19th n shortly after its capture, I eisure noments from military. ul information as an officer in
ower to collect.
of seeing different parts of the
he interior, while serving with,

Page 11
DEDIG
the escort which accompan: embassy to the Court of Ca the many advantages to be session, as well as to acqu state, a subject hitherto bu
it struck me that the observa
Some information to the pub altogether useless in respect tc All the merit, however, which lowing volume, is an authenti that your Royal III GHINEss, excuse the want of elegant an who has spent his life in a
Whatever may be the fate descension of your RoY A L H ushered into the world under
pressed the most lively and la
Your Ro Y AL HIG

ATION. Wi;
ed General Macdowal in his
ndy, I was enabled to notice lerived from this valuable posre a knowledge of its actual t superficially treated of: and tions I had made might afford lic, and perhaps might not be more important considerations. I can lay claim to in the fol: relation of facts; and I hope with your usual goodness, will d scientifick composition in one military career.
: of this publication, the conIGHNess, in allowing it to be your august patronage, has im
sting gratitude on the mind of
HN Ess's most humble
and ever devoted servant,
ROBERT PERCIVAL.
a 2.

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Page 13
CONTI
xəssis
CIAPTI
Introduction-History of the Isl possession of by the EnglishPortuguese, Dutch, and Eng
CHAPT.
General Description of Ceylon
mate-IRivers-Internal Comm, sions-British Dominions-Tr
tam-lanaar. diiy
CHAPTE
The Pearl Fishery-Customs o
awho frequent it.
CHAPT]
Patallom Salt-works-NigumboBritish troops from Nigumbo
3

ENTS.
ER II.
and previous to its being taken The successive Conquests of the
/is/h. d Page l.
ER III.
The Harbours-Monsoons-Cliunications—Soil-Genera Diviincomalee-Malativ0e-Jafnaprt
s ge s esse 2.ه i =
R III.
f the various Indian Nations
m - 09.
ER IV.
-Fishery there-March of the Surrender of Columbo. 8.

Page 14
CONTI
CHIAPT
Description of Columbo-The l tamts-Trade-Earpence Qf liv
CHAPT
Country south of Columbo-Ga bareen-Bentot-Point de Galle
w
CHAPTI
Description of the Ceylonese Dutc
- CHAPTE The Ceylonese-Their OriginSociety. - - - -
CHAPT
Religion of the Ceylonese.
CHAPT
Circumstances which distinguish
dians, a

ENTS.
"ER V.
Fort-Pettah-Harbour-Inhabiing. ● Page 97.
ER V.
lkiest-Pantura-Caltura-Bar
2-Matura-Batacolo. 124.
ER VIII.
h-Portuguese-Malays. 135
ER VIII.
-Manners-Language-State e qof
- - - - 167.
ER IX.
- - - - - 194.
ER. X.
the Cinglese from the Can
a 215. 2

Page 15
CONT
CIIAPT
The King of Candy's Dominio. liggy Neur–Nilemby NeurCircumstances which distingu
glese. LSSS SLLLL S S SLS S SLLLL
CHIAPT)
The Civil and Military Esta Candy. - - - -
CHAPTE
Description of the Bedahs, or
CHAPTE
Animals of Ceylon. as
CHAPTE
Pegetables. ara - ana
CHAPTE
Cinnamon, the staple commodity

ENTS. .Χί
ER XI.
as-Its Divisions-Candy-Dig-Anarodgburro-Climate-Soilish the Candians from the Cin
Page 229.
ER XIII.
blishments of the kingdom of
28.
IR XIII. Vaddaks. - - 271.
R XW.
- - - - 278.
r 312.
- as a 336.

Page 16
CON
፵፪
CHAPT
linerals of Ceylon. -
CIHAPT}
General Observations-Present
ments-levenue--Ciril and
tages.
CHAPTE
Journal of the Embassy to the Col
Table of Roads in Ceylon.

TENTS.
TER XVI,
an ܀ F. Pa ᎤᏅ 352
ER XVII.
State of the Island-ImproveMilitary Establishment-Advanis 361.
R XWIII.
urt of Candy, in 1800. 375
ao sus 413.

Page 17
Al
A C C O
o.
THE ISLAND
CHAPT
Introduction—History qf the Isl possession of by the EnglishPortuguese, Dutch, and Englis
ON my arrival in Ceylon with 1797, I was induced by curiosi romantic accounts I had heard o enquiries with regard to its presel able amusement in taking notes appeared to me remarkable. In however, I found that they m objects of infinitely greater impo ment. The accounts hitherto pu extremely imperfect; as the watc excluded the researches of strar people from publishing any obse E

U N T
OF CEYLON.
came
ER .
and previous to its being taken The successive conquests of the
h.
his Majesty's forces, in the year ty, and the contradictory and f this island, to make particular it state; and I found an agreeof such facts and objects as he prosecution of my enquiries, ght be rendered conducive to rtance than temporary amuseblished of this island had been hful jealousy of the Dutch both gers, and prevented their ow) vations which they night have

Page 18
2. THIE ISLAND i
made during their stay in the nation were anxious to inquire country, or its inhabitants. The was with them the ruling passion their commerce in the towns on themselves very little with the l)utchmen, even of the better so considerable number of years, wi as a few leagues from the coast. there were seldom men of enl they could secure their own in occupy their attention with the have been productive of national All these causes conspired to 1 peans possessed of this island, e. soon convinced that the narrow p and the selfish views of their of many things which tended great colony. As it was now in our forcible impression on my mind; tribute to render this new acquis try, gave new eagerness to my r of the island both in a comme confident that it would not be gi with the exception of Bombay, either on the Coromandel or Ma moor in safety at all seasons of th

OF CEYLON.
island. Few, indeed, of that into the history either of the desire of increasing their wealth ; and while they could carry on the sea-coast, they concerned interior of the island. Many rt, had resided on Ceylon for a thout having ever been so much Even those sent to command ightened minds; and provided Eerests, they were unwilling to rosecution of plans which might
benefits.
ender the accounts which Euroxceedingly imperfect; and I was olicy of the Dutch government, cers, had made them. Overlook ly to increase the value of the possession, these ideas made a and the hope that I might conition more valuable to my coun2searches. The vast importance 'cial and political view made me ven up at any future peace; for it contains the only harbour labar coasts, in which ships can he year; and even before it came

Page 19
THE ISLAND
into our possession, its internal articles to commerce. Any atte the present state of the island, of improving its internal cultiva attacks of external enemies, w aiming at a national benefit.
With these objects in view I c. fortunate enough to have every ( them which the present situatio a residence of three years I visit coast; and before I left the isla with its general appearance, its state of its cultivation, and the inhabitants. On an embassy be king of the island, I was also appointed to accompany it; an nity of observing the interior of lousy of the natives has seldo penetrate.
The advantages which I der greater part of the island, we assistance of M Ir.. Dormieux, a service, who had resided upwa and had during that period acqu of the manners and language of means, therefore, I was enabled presented themselves to my rese.

OF CEYLON. 3
produce presented several rich mpt therefore to throw light on and thus to point out the means tion, and securing it against the ould at least have the merit of
ontinued my enquiries; and was opportunity in the prosecution of n of the island affords. During ed almost every part of the seand, I was become quite familiar natural productions, the present manners and dispositions of its sing sent to wait upon the native among those officers who were d by this means had an opportuthe country, into which the jeam permitted any European to
ved from personally visiting the e very much improved by the Dutch gentleman, in the English 'ds of twenty years in Ceylon, ired a complete knowledge both its several inhabitants. By his Io get over many obstacles which rches; and the valuable commu
O

Page 20
1. THE ISLAND
nications of several friends have :ompleting my accounts of Cey careful not to advance any fact witness, or which was not derive could hesitate to believe. The bitants, I have endeavoured t impressed my mind at the ti followed the same plan in givil ductions of the island; and thought more calculated for the science. But I hope the public habits of my profession; and amusement or instruction, I tru ency in systematic knowledge.
Before proceeding to the p description of the present state probably gratify curiosity to giv and the successive changes it h the possession of Europeans. throw light on its present state, farther improvement, by shew former possessors.
Previous to the arrival of til the history of Ceylon. It is sa spices even in the earliest ages said to have brought the spiceri and embellishment of his templ

OF CEYLON.
rendered me essential service in lon. Still, however, I have beers of which I was not either an eyed from information which no one manners and customs of the inhao describe in the manner they me I observed them. I have ng an account of the natural prohence my observations may be general reader, than the man of will make some allowance for the if I succeed in affording either lst they will excuse a little defici
rincipal object of this work, a of the Island of Ceylon, it will e a short account of its history, Las undergone, since it came into Such a sketch is even necessary to and to point out the way to its ing the errors committed by its
he Portuguese, little is known of id to have been celebrated for its ; and it is hence that Solomon is es and precious stones, for theuse e. Such vague traditions, how

Page 21
THE ISLAND
ever, are nowise to be depend current among the natives, throw history of the island. The earli for any authentic information, i. under Almeyda, in the year 150 stress of weather into one of th hospitably received by the inh: island, and its valuable productio to cultivating a closer connection culty which they felt in defendin of the Arabs, rendered them ext alliance with a people, whose di arms were so well calculated to Almeyda therefore, on being in had little difficulty in persuadin; to the Portuguese, on condition coasts from all external invasions.
The situation in which Almeyda tially different from its present stal have been introduced into it by The inhabitants consisted of two
Savage Bedas then, as now, occu larly in the northern parts; the r session of the Cinglese. The t is yet ravished from the latter their king held his court at Colun capital of Ceylon. Cinnamon w

OF CEYLON. 5
ed upon; and the wild stories no light whatever on the ancient est period at which we can look the arrival of the Portuguese 5. Being accidentally forced by he harbours of Ceylon, he was abitants. The situation of the ons, made him turn his attention with the natives; and the diffig themselves against the attacks remely willing to enter into an aring enterprise and tremendous strike terror into their enemies. troduced to the king of Ceylon, g him to pay an annual tribute n that they should protect his
s found the island, was not essente, except in those changes which its successive European inmates. distinct races of people. The pied the large forests, particuest of the island was in the pos)wns of the sea-coast were not people by foreign invaders; and abo, which is now the European "as even then the principal pro

Page 22
6 THE ISLAND
duct and the staple commodity tribute paid by the king to the two hundred and fifty thousand p Such are the few circumstance
be collected from the narratives
The minds of these adventurers w desire of enriching themselves, a make any enquiries into the man ral history of the country. The mon of Ceylon presented to cor chief objeet which attracted th accordingly we soon find him end tages, by forming a Portuguese conduct, as might be expected, nation of the native princes. A however, the Portuguese succee the conduct of Albuquerque, t whole sea-coast was reduced un were driven to the mountains of maintain possession.
Albuquerque was an excelle plished politician; but he was de ble thirst of military glory, whic in that age; and dazzled by the overlooked the solid advantages countries he subdued. Ceylon nature to secure the possessions,

OF CEYLON.
of the island, as we find by the . Portuguese, which consisted of ounds weight of cinnamon. 's respecting Ceylon, which can of its first Portuguese visitors. ere too much occupied with the nd aggranditing their nation, to mers of the natives, or the naturich harvest which the cinnar mmerce, seems to have been the he attention of Almeyda; and eavouring to secure these advansettlement on the island. This roused the jealousy and indigAfter a long and bloody struggle, ded in their object; and under he successor of Almeyda, the der their power, and the natives the interior, of which they still
nt commander, and an accom
eply tinctured with that insatia
h distinguished, his countrymen
glare of extensive conquest, he to be derived from each of the
in particular seemed designed by and extend the influence of the
5.

Page 23
THE ISLAND
Portuguese in the Eastern wor ..ford protection to their ships there was no other station on th periods afford shelter to the vesse the island was naturally so strong comparatively small number of centrical, that troops could with be sent from it to any part of was too much engrossed with € coasts of India, to pay due att Ceylon, instead of being made Portuguese possessions in India, them chiefly on account of its ow 'The manner in which the Portu of Ceylon, looked as if it had be as much as lay in their power, t nature. Instead of maintaining natives, and inducing them to as: of the island, every species of in towards them. Not only was seized by the rapacious grasp of toms were trampled upon; and they could still less give up, w persecuted with the most wanton of the Portuguese completely tril and to this cause in particular hatred entertained against them

OF CEYLON. 7
d. Its excellent harbours could at all times of the year, while e same coast which could at all ls of any other European power : , that it could be defended by a troops: and its situation was so the utmost ease and expedition, India. Albuquerque, however, xtending his conquests over the 2ntion to these advantages; and the centre and guardian of the continued to be cultivated by in natural productions. guese conducted the government en their intention to counteract, he advantages conferred on it by a friendly intercourse with the sist in promoting the cultivation sult and barbarity was practised iny little wealth they possessed avarice: their manners and custheir religious opinions, which ere mot only insulted, but even cruelty. The religious bigotry . Imphed over their real interests; may be ascribed the universal and the eagerness with which

Page 24
s THE ISLAND
the native inhabitants of their c
assisted their rivals.
As nothing can be more contra religion, than the attempt to im this method has been uniforml looked with horror on strange blood; and chose rather to leave and find refuge for themselves : mountains of the interior. Th however, still weak enough to priests, who maintained, that in means of the inquisition, was th their dominion. Thesè tyrann. the Cinglese to their forests an their turn, made frequent incurs destroyed the richest plantations tory warfare continued for almo shed, and no advantage to eithc ment of the natives at that time, to acquire considerable accession of the interior was parcelled C princes, each of whom was the : or separate valley. It was the up animosities between these pri ing a common cause for the deliv any open quarrel broke out betw pean neighbours were ever rea

OF CEYLON.
onquered countries received and
ury to the spirit of the Christian Dose it on mankind by force, so y unsuccessful. The Cinglese gods, who seemed to delight in the sea-coasts to their enemies, and their grotesque idols in the le Portuguese government was, yield to the arguments of the nposing the Christian religion by e only sure method of securing ical invaders therefore pursued d fastnesses; and the latter, in ions on the sea-coasts, and often of the Portuguese. This desulst a century with much bloodr party. The internal governindeed, enabled the Portuguese s of territory. The jurisdiction ut among a variety of petty sovereign of his particular tribe, policy of the Portuguese to stir nces, and to prevent their makerance of their country. When 'een these islanders, their Eurody to lend their assistance to

Page 25
THE ISLAND
either of the parties who desir their alliance was of course s the prudence to see their own possession of the territories ( these arts they gradually ext into the interior of the islan masters, their avarice and b. petrate such cruelties, as have of European hateful to the ea While the natives of Ceylo fruitless struggles against the plans of the Portuguese, a them, which promised to put No sooner had the Dutch Spanish yoke, than their con led them to explore every search of opulence. The in speedily attracted the advent tion. In every quarter, howe adready established; and the je settlers observed the approach them that it was only by f: carry their commercial plans Portuguese were actuated by a in a very different manner in sions. The former displayed that rapid attack, and dazzling

) OF CEYLON, 9.
ed it. That prince who solicited uccessful; and they had always generosity rewarded, by taking of the vanquished prince. By ended their dominions farther d; and wherever they became igotry prompted them to per2 ever since rendered the name rs of a Cinglese.
n were thus daily perishing in regular discipline and concerted powerful assistance was offered a speedy end to their miseries. succeeded in throwing off the lmercial and enterprising spirit :oast of the known world in 2xhaustible riches of the East urous merchants of that naver, they found the Portuguese alousy with which these earlier of any rival, soon convinced rce they could ever hope to into effect. The Dutch and different spirit, and proceeded extending their foreign possesone of that romantic bravery, success, which so much distin
C

Page 26
ko THE ISLAND
guished the first conquests of they were possessed of that pe suit of an object, which is the and hence we find them, the wresting one settlement after an at the commencement of the already made themselves master and settlements, which stretch of Molucca.
The situation and rich prod tempting object to the Holland the island however, deterred th ing auu enterprise of such mag Dutch Admiral Spilberg at len coasts of Ceylon; and the na Portuguese, gave him a very the constant wars in which the of Candy had acquired such princes, that at the arrival o upon as Emperor of Ceylon. introduced, and soon eonciliate self and his countrymen to be tuguese. He added, that it w to expel these cruel invaders f had so unjustifiably seized; and countrymen's assistance to th Portuguese from their island.

ΟΕ OEYION.
he Portuguese in India. But severing resolution in the pursoul of commercial enterprise; lugh often repulsed, gradually other from the Portuguese; till seventeenth century, they had s of the most important islands to the eastward of the straits
uctions of Ceylon presented a ers: the extent and strength of em for some time from hazardlitude. In the year 1603, the gth ventured to approach the tives, from their hatred of the favourable reception. During y had been engaged, the king a superiority over the other the Dutch, he was looked To this prince, Spilberg was his favour, by declaring himthe inveterate foes of the Poras their determinate resolution, rom the possessions which they concluded with an offer of his : Ceylonese, in expelling the The king of Candy, as might

Page 27
TE ISLAND
be expected, received this pr “Tell your countrymen,” said willing to build a fort in this is children, will be the first to su materials.' The Dutch were r of the advantages which this al 1632, they sent a strong arma the native prince, against the Pol struggle ensued: the Portuguese their ancient spirit, and appear kast the possession of a countr eonquered by their more warlik ever, overmatched by the res Dutch. These persevering a careful to assist their comman ments, while the Portuguese trusting to the renown of form colonies to their own unassisted e inevitable. The Portuguese of C to trust to. Their commerce wa the l)utch: their cruelties had e degree, that it was impossible minds: and this antipathy, joir Dutch, and the hopes of a spec such a spirit among the Ceyl attacked their former tyrants (
C

OF CEYLON,
oposal with the utmost joy: he, “ that if they will only be land, myself, my wife, and my pply them with the necessary ot long of availing themselves tiance presented to them. In ment to act, in concert with tuguese. A violent and bloody seemed to recover a portion of 2d determined to dispute to the y, which had been so easily e ancestors. They were, howources and the policy of the nd prudent republicans were ders with continual re-inforcegovernment in Europe, feebly er exploits, left their valuable forts. The consequences were eylon, had no internal resources entirely cut off by the fleets of Kasperated the natives to such a ever again to conciliate their ed to the fair promises of the dy deliverance, had awakened onese, that they in their turn Ven in their own possessions, 2

Page 28
2. THE ISLAND
and laid waste those plantations of the Portuguese were derived. The Dutch, however, found or a rapid eonquest. Every pa with them; and after the Por every other station along the c ned rather to perish than to y their government. The Dutch pletely cut of the entrance of land. The courage of the PC increase with their difficulties: fled all the attempts of their e. sals to surrender with disdain. to be attacked by enemies, aga in vain. The place was ill pro supplies could be thrown in, fa due those brave spirits which other shape. After sustaining after braving innumerable hard surrendered Columbo to the I thus ended their dominion in a half after the first arrival island.
The improvements made in t Portuguese, were by no means when they first took possession ( merchants. Their continual wa

OF CEYLON.
from which the only resources
Ceylon by no means an easy iss, every fortress was disputed tuguese had been driven from oast, they still seemed determi-. ield up Columbo, the seat of l invested the town, and comall supplies, either by sea or brtuguese, however, seemed to
and for some time they bafnemies, and rejected all propoAt length, however, they began inst whom all their valour was visioned for a siege, and as no mine and disease began to subhad despised death in every a siege of seven months, and ships, the Portuguese at length Dutch, in the year 1656; and Ceylon, exactly a century and of their countrymen in that
he cultivation of Ceylon by the considerable. Those people, of it, were rather warriors than rs with the natives contributed

Page 29
FHE ISLAND
to keep up the same spirit; and to have been directed to the fort coasts, and the erection of some But the Portuguese appear never advantages to be derived from th OT military point of view. Thei it; and no station could be poi a depot either of merchandise ol tages were overlooked by the C viduals who were sent to comma to gratify their pride by conques' than to pursue any plan of per mother country or the colony. their own misconduct, were de before they were aware of the be The joy of the Ceylonese, on of these tyrannical invaders, ano ers, at first knew no bounds. T the expences of their armamel upon his new allies the principal by their assistance expelled the the. port of Trincomalee, and former of these, which lies on t is that harbour which renders ( in the Indian ocean. Columbo tuguese in the south-west of the most celebrated for the produc

OF CEYLON.
their principal attention seems ification of a few stations on the military posts to awe the natives. to have properly discovered the is island, either in a commercial r dominions extended all around inted out more commodious for military stores. These advanourt of Lisbon; and those indind at Ceylon were more anxious t, and their avarice by extortion, manent advantage either to the The Portuguese, therefore, by prived of this vai uable island, 2nefits to be derived from it.
being delivered from the yoke l their gratitude to their deliverhe king of Candy willingly paid its in cinnamon; and conferred possessions, from which he had Portuguese. Among these were the fortress of Columbo. The he north-east part of the island, Deylon the most valuable station was built originally by the Porisland, in the heart of that tract tion of cinnamon, as the most

Page 30
重藤 THE SLAND
commodious station for collecti country. Along with this post, on the Dutch the towns of Ni same quarter, together with a la to them.
The Dutch appeared exceedi all these concessions; they assu of Guardians of his coasts; and stations put into their hands, m rity; and so well were the Car tentions of their new allies, that in their power to complete the this opportunity to increase the at Columbo. They greatly en pains to render the fortifications post of Trincomalee, on the ol endeavoured to render secure an external or a domestic enemy time were daily increasing by ti from Europe. The parts assign for cultivation in the island; a turning them to the best accou measures, and persevering indust into a flourishing state, and wa internal resources.
While the Dutch were thus kept up the most friendly int

OF CEYLON,
ing that staple production of the the king of Candy also bestowed umbo and Point de Galle in the rge tract of rich land adjoining
ngly grateful to the monarch for med only the humble appellation they began to fortify the different erely, as they said, for his secuadians convinced of the good inthey gave them every assistance ir operations. The Dutch took strength of their principal post larged the town; and were at as complete as possible. Their ther side of the island they also against any attack either from Their numbers in the means he addition of fresh adventurers ed to them were the best fitted nd they immediately set about nt. By means of these prudent ry, the colony was soon brought is able to depend upon its own
strengthening themselves, they ercourse with the natives; and
5

Page 31
THE ISLANI
this conduct, besides enabling improvement without interrupt benefit to their commerce. T without jealousy, and were ea their gratitude to the Guardia trafficked with them for the to great advantage: and had and moderate policy, it is process of time have become : intercourse with the natives, as by Dutch settlers.
The ruling passion of the Du began to over-reach itself, and opportunity of gain, quickly di They began not only to push into the interior, and to seize well adapted to cultivation; ti on the king for the protection found that all the cinnamon v insufficient to gratify the guar their repeated extortions, he settlements, where he committe breach between the Candians a long course of hostilities, duri and no lasting advantage gaine however, were the greatest lo they frequently routed the nati

OF CEYLON. 5
them to pursue their plans of on, was also of very considerable he Ceylonese looked upon them er by their good offices to shev ns of their coasts. The Dutch latural productions of the island they persisted in the same wise probable that Ceylon would in is profitable to them from their
if it had been wholly possessed
toh however, their avarice, soon oy rapaciously seizing upon every sgusted and alienated the natives.
their posts farther and farther upon every spot which appeared ley also increased their demands they afforded him; and he soon hich grew in his dominions was dians of his coasts. Enraged at at last fell suddenly upon their d the greatest devastations. This nd the Dutch was followed by a ng which much blood was shed, d by either party. The Dutch, ers by the contest; for though "es, over-ran their country, and

Page 32
6 THE ISLAND
destroyed their villages; yet thi tered in forcing their way throu and every where full of defile troops, that all their successes
in the end, they were always ob with great loss. The incursio hand, into their cultivated poss momentary, and in general easil the labours of years. These c the Dutch governors to attempt rather by conciliating the native with them. For this purpose t with a variety of rich presents, tify the Candian king by all respect which have so great a Their letters to him were wra with gold and silver, and their the way on his head, the high that country. In these letters, those high-sounding titles whicl eastern monarch; while the D humble and loyal subjects, rep that their only motive for buil of his Majesty's dominions. T failed to have considerable eff vernors were either sufficiently persevere in them. As they wi

(OF CEYLON.
: hardships which they encoungh a country covered with wood, s, destroyed so many of their were too dearly purchased; and liged to abandon their conquests ns of the natives, on the other essions on the coasts, although y repulsed, frequently destroyed onsiderations induced several of : the restoration of tranquility, es, than by inefectual struggles hey sent ambassadors to them, and with instructions to grathose attentions and tokens of
in effect on uncivilized minds. pped up in silks embroidered embassador carried them all 2st token of respect known in the king was dignified with all I are usually conferred upon an utch subscribed themselves his eating their former assurances ling fortresses was the security ese conciliatory measures never ct; but few of the Dutch goenlightened or disinterested to re usually men of no education

Page 33
TESLAN
and entirely of mercantile habi views to distant advantages; fortune by acts of extortion on how prejudicial such conduct terests of their country.
The renewed oppressions of signal for the renewal of hosti tives. A long course of warfa brave and dexterous. The l even in close combat; several whenever they attempted to of the island, they seldom faile men in attempting to force the bushes with which their vigila surrounded them. But Europ severance, frequently surnaoun king of Cahdy saw those wood penetrable barriers, burst throu peared in those vallies, where ir as their mative possessors never approached by a foe. The capital of Candy, and forced t tains of Digliggy, the highest kingdom. Here, however, he pursuit of the enemy, and co and cutting off their convoys C from the coast, till they shoul

, οP, CEYToN.
ts, they could not extend their
uad if they could accumulate a
the natives, they little regarded might prove to the future in
the Dutch was the constant
ities between them and the nare rendered the Ceylonese both Dutch were frequently repulsed of their forts were taken; and benetrate into the interior parts d to lose large parties of their
woods and defiles, or by the ame
at and active enemy every where ean discipline, and Dutch perEed all these difficulties. The ls, which he looked upon as imgh; and the Dutch soldiers apIdeed therewere no fortifications, supposed they could have been king was twice driven from his o seek for refuge in the moun
and most impenetrable in his
found himself secure from the ntented himself with surprising
f provisions and stores sent up
d of their own accord abandon
D
舰

Page 34
a
is THE ISLAND
his dominions. This, after all stantly obliged to do, and with their mem.
I have often heard persons, of Ceylon, express their surpri heart of an island, cut off from where surrounded by European remained in the hands of a pec in spite of repeated efforts to w this circumstance appeared to 1 I had an opportunity of invest. The very appearance of the cou: wonder that it ever should hav than that they were unable to whole country is high and mo steep, narrow, and scarcely act foot. The thick jungles and w view; and they are only penet paths, known but to the native culty of clearing a passage thr portunity is presented to tho destroying the assailants withou selves to the least hazard; and which the native Ceylonese co well that they are unable to col of Europeans in the open fiel consists in posting themselves

OF CEYLON.
heir victories, they were conthe loss of a great number of
unacquainted with the interior e that a tract of land in the all external supplies, and every settlements, should so long have ple heither strong nor warlike, rest it from them. I own that myself very extraordinary, until gating the causes on the spot. ntry, however, made me rather e been penetrated by an enemy, retain possession of it. The untainous; the approaches are :essible, except by persons on roods every where obstruct the rable by narrow and intricate s themselves. Besides the diffiough such obstacles, every opse who know the country, of t being seen or exposing theml this is the mode of fighting tinually practise. They know be with the discipline or bravery l; their skill in war therefore in proper positions among the

Page 35
THE ISLAND
bushes, suddenly falling upon t treating from one position to a tunity of observing the course method of warfare, the Dutch victories as before; and their C which, from the nature of the been difficult, was by this mot impossible, as every convoy wo
defend it.
In addition to these difficult the country, and the manner inhabitants, the Dutch troops effects of the climate, which, in ingly unwholesome to Europ which cover the whole face of the atmosphere moist and dar succeeded the intense heat of tl by any sea breezes, overpowered who had for years been settled O. by which the Dutch could hav from the climate, would have b troops, as we do the Sepoys in own misconduct had rendered the inland parts, like all the otl countries, are exceedingly attac have a proportionable antipathy tachment, originating in the natu
D

OF CEYLON. g
he enemy, and then hastily renother, before he has an opporthey have taken. By this suffered as much after their 'ommunications with the coast, country, must at any rate have de of warfare rendered almost uld have required an army to
ies arising from the nature of of fighting practised by the suffered dreadfully from the the interior parts, is exceedbeans. The immense woods the country, naturally render mp; and the heavy dews that he day, which was not refreshed the constitution even of those n the coast. The only method e obviated the disasters arising een the employment of native
India; but this measure their impossible. The Ceylonese of her inhabitants of mountainous ched to their native land, and r to a foreign yoke. This atare of the country, supplies the

Page 36
2O TTHE SLAND
place of all other ties; and thou idea of political freedom, yet a their customs or the liberty of enthusiasm the pride of immemo most inviolable attachment to
soomer die than swerve from t against them. - The behaviour o successively invaded their island these sentiments; and the cruelti have so exasperated them again require much pains to reconcile confidence can be placed in the
All these causes combined to Dutch at forming a settlement and the difficulties which they to despise the advantages which pretended to look upon the int sequence; a poor and barren co by the badness of its soil, and th Such is the description, which a given of it by the Dutch settlers since convinced me, that either with the country, or that they European power should reap thc short-sighted policy had made
But notwithstanding the Dutc that it was impracticable to re

OF CEYON,
:h they have not the smallest s their princes seldom violate heir persons, they cherish with rial independence, maintain the their native kings, and would heir allegiance, or bear arms f the foreign nations who have , has tended greatly to nourish es of the Portuguese and Dutch st all Europeans, that it will their minds so far as that any
frustrate the attempts of the in the interior of the island; encountered, made them affect they could not attain. They erior as an object of no conuntry rendered equally useless he unhealthiness of its climate. fter my arrival, I always heard
; but my own observation has, they were very little acquainted were unwilling that any other se advantages which their own them neglect. V h seem to have been convinced tain possession of the interior,

Page 37
THE ISLAND
yet their own misconduct had s between them and the Candians, to have recourse to arms. The l; on with the natives, was about 1764, they penetrated into the and made themselves masters o ever, ended as on former occasi great hardships from the climat tives, who continually intercept nications with the sea-coast, they the capital. Their disasters dio their retreat, four hundred of prisoners and put to death at two days march from their ow) Notwithstanding this disaster, left of harassing the king of Can power to deprive him of salt at last to comply with all their d pelled to accede to a treaty wil nions, and left him little better that remained to him. All tho had not formerly belonged to t to them, with the addition of reckoned advantageous for thei the king should have no inten whatever; and that he should

OF CEYLON. 2.
own so many seeds of jealousy that they were often compelled ast great war which they carried the middle of last century. In heart of the king's dominions, f Candy. Their success, howons. After having experienced e, and the activity of the naed their convoys and commuwere at last obliged to evacuate not, however, end here. In their best soldiers were made Cuddavilli and Sittivacca, only in chief settlement at Columbo. however, they had many ways dy ; and in particular by their pleasure, they reduced him at emands. In 1766 he was comnich greatly curtailed his domithan a prisoner at large in those se parts of the sea-coast, which he Dutch, were now conceded several other tracts which they purposes. They insisted that course with any other power leliver up all foreigners or sub

Page 38
22 THE ISLAND
jects of other princes, who sho dominions. All cinnamon whic considered as exclusively Dutch way of special privilege, were a it to the several Dutch factorie growing in the woods was allow property of the natives; they it to the Dutch at a rix-dollar a minal value, and exchanges for sterling of their copper money. the chief article in the stipula the island were by no means ov was also obliged to stipulate th: pepper, cardamoms, coffee, and and sell them to the Dutch at certain proportion of elephant's leaf, together with a share of tl country, formed part of the tribu number of elephants to be deli seasons; these the Dutch transp the continent, and sold to the II prices, as the elephants of Cey all others. The pearl fisheries shores where the pearl-banks ar quisition to the Dutch by this the Malabar coast, and other p

OF CEYLON.
uld happen to come into his h grew on the coasts was to be property; and the natives, by lowed quietly to cut and carry s on the island. The cinnamon red to be, in some degree, the were obliged to peel it and sell pound: this is a coin of a noabout the worth of two shillings
But though cinnamon formed tions, the other productions of erlooked. The king of Candy at his subjects should gather the cotton growing in the interior, certain very low prices. A s teeth, areka nut, and betel he precious stones found in their te imposed on the natives. The vered up, was fifty in the two ported to the opposite coast of native princes there at very high lon are accounted superior to on the west and north-west e situated, formed another actreaty. Several persons from arts of the continęnt, had es

Page 39
THE ISLAND
tablished cotton manufactories island, particularly at Jaffnapat over to the dominion of the Dut In return for all these valua knowledged the king of Candy with a long string of other sou serve by their mockery to ag under these magnificent appellati subjects, to pay him a tribute, a to his court. The most valuable indeed that for which he had c this treaty, was a stipulation on t his people with salt, free of expe to equal their consumption. Ti to consist of a certain part of th ceded tracts along the coast: but upon, and indeed scarcely one st filled with good faith.
It is evident, that by this tree nopoly of all the valuable product any thing was left for the king assist them in availing themsel it was not to be expected, that manner could be permanent. naturally shocked and exasperat in their breasts the most rooted oppressors. They eagerly catch

OF CEYLON. 23
in the northern town of the am: all these were now given ch. ble acquisitions, the Dutch acto be the Emperor of Ceylon, inding titles, which could only gravate his mortification; and ons they engaged, as his dutiful nd to send ambassadors yearly condition granted to him, and onsented to the hard terms of he part of the Dutch to supply ince, and in such a quantity as he tribute to be paid him was e produce, or its value, of the this article was soon infringed ipulation of the treaty was full
ty the Dutch obtained a mocions of the island; and scarcely. and his subjects, but quietly to Ves of their acquisitions. But advantages obtained in such a Such harsh and degrading terms ed the Candians, and fostered and inveterate hatred to their ed at every occasion to elude

Page 40
C4 TIE ISLAND
or infringe the ternas of the tre that in their sanguine hopes of over-reached themselves, and ra the little benefit tilhey had fora the island. Nor was even the this treaty; the Candians freque to procure better terms, altho ceeded in repulsing them; not, shed on both sides. About twe penctrated into the king's cour natives with so much spirit, that then a colonel in the Dutch se cut off with a large detachmen dentally taking a different road expected he would, he got safet
Both parties at last bocame ineffectual struggles; and hostili course, were discontinued as if were chiefly anxious to preven between the natives and foreig was resolved to prevent any in and a nation, which he found 1 prive him of his rights in orde A few articles of no great value. cocoa-nuts, were occasionally sI the Dutch provinces; but thes severely punished by the king.

OF CEYLON.
aty ; and the l9utch soon fou:: satiating their avarice, they had ther diminished than increased herly derived from the interior of ir tranquility at all secured by intly attempted by force of arms Lugh the Dutch Constantly suchowever, without much bloodnty years ago the Dutch again try, but were attacked by the the present General de Meuron, ’rvice, narrowly escaped being t near Sittivacca, and by accifrom that which the Candians o Columbo. Wearied out with these constant, ties, as well as all other interby mutual consent. The Dutch , any connection being formed ners; and the king of Candy tercourse between his subjects eady on every occasion to der to gratify their own avarice. such as betel leaf, areka and nuggled by the natives down to : practices, if discovered, were

Page 41
THE ISLAND
Such was the situation in v Dutch and the native Ceylone of the late war. It was now years since the Portuguese h no other European power had acquire a permanent footing on to be supposed, while the attent was so eagerly turned towards while they maintained so many selves, that so valuable an acc escaped their notice. Surch hov proaching that island, except was the strength of the Dutc other nations in that quarter o tempts were made to wrest it expulsion of the Portuguese, t dispute the possession of Cey island with a large fleet, entere prince, and avowed their detern All these threatening moveme an enterprise planned without spirit, and imaginary obstacles attempting to gain a footing on t
An attempt of the English American war, was likely to power of the Dutch in Ceylon the English had already procu

OF CEYLON. 25
which affairs stood between the
se, towards the commencement about one hundred and forty ad been finally expelled, and since that time been able to
the island. It is not however ion of all the nations of Europe the commerce of the East, and r violent contests among themuisition as Ceylon could have wever was the difficulty of apin a very few points, and such h, and the weakness of most f the globe, that very few atfrom them. Soon after the
he French seemed inclined to lon. They appeared off the d into a treaty with the native nination to drive out the Dutch. nts however ended in nothing: wisdom was executed without prevented the French from even he island.
towards the conclusion of the prove more formidable to the l. The vigorous enterprise of red them a great ascendancy in
y

Page 42
26 THE ISLAND
India; and they were at this on the Coromandel coast. The proved a principal obstacle to t there found a secure shelter ti the year, and could readily t military stores to any part of the command of Sir Edward tachment of land forces, comu was therefore dispatched towa year 1782, to attempt the red second of January they saile settlement on the Coromandel ( reduced, and on the fourth thi comalee. Next day the troops on the following night, while considering of terms of capitu. imarines suddenly made their w and made themselves masters C Fort Ostenburg, a strong fort on the top of a hill, and comr tinued to hold out. In a few assault; the garrison, consistin after a feeble resistance, thre made prisoners of war.
Such a prosperous commence happiest prospect of speedily Lord Macartney, then Govern

OF CEYLON,
time pursuing their conquests a station of the Dutch at Ceylon heir enterprises, as their enemies o their fleets at all seasons of ransport from thence men and
the continent. A fleet under Hughes, having on board a denanded by Sir Hector Munro, rds the commencement of the luction of this island. On the l from Negapatnam, a Dutch coast which they had previously y arrived in the bay of Trin
landed without opposition, and the Governor of the town was lation, a company of English ray through one of the gates, if the place without resistance. in the neighbourhood, situated handing the harbour, still condays, however, it was taken by g of four hundred Europeans,
w down their arms and were
ment of the enterprise gave the educing the whole island; and or of Madras, determined to

Page 43
THE ISLAND
lose no time to secure and imp An Oficer of experience and ju mand the fortress of Trincome endeavour by every means to English, and to neglect no strengthen the British interest guine hopes were entertained of but this fair prospect was soon that dilatory measures are utt in military operations. Soon af the English Admiral judged it of Madras for repairs. While understood that the French A design to retake it; and about t second regiment, under the pi were dispatched to reinforce the fleet should be in a condition t landing the troops, returned that they had fallen in with t lee, and had with difficulty ma Admiral at last found himself protection of the place, having together with a body of troops comalee, he discovered the Fr forts, and the French Admiral the line moored in the bay. I fleet, though inferior in numb
E.

OF CEYLON. 27
rove this valuable acquisition. lgment was appointed to comlee; and he was charged to conciliate the natives to the measure which could tend to in the island. The most santhe success of this enterprise; converted into a striking lesson, 'rly incompatible with success ter the capture of Trincomalee, necessary to sail to the roads these were completing, it was Admiral Suffrein had formed a wo hundred men of the fortyotection of two ships of war, : garrison, till the rest of the o join them. The ships, after to Madras with information, he French fleet off Trincomade their escape. The English in a condition to sail for the on board the new commander
But on arriving off Trin2nch colours flying om all the with a fleet of thirty said of t was in vain that the British ers, attacked and routed the
2

Page 44
28 THE ISLAND
French; the latter found a sc of those forts, which their acti on the part of their enemies hands. And thus the attempt session of Ceylon were for thi The immense accessions of t acquired in the East Indies sir rican war, have rendered them other European power in that vast peninsula of India in part either foreign or native that cau of resistance; and they are left valuable advantages which this commerce. The chief obstacle of stations where their ships m baffle the violent storms incid whole of that large tract, whi mandel coast, presents nothing obliged, on the approach of the the open seas; and there are can be approached only during As the harbour of Trincomalee
seasons, offered the means of it was evident that, on the firs countrymen would attempt to ingly, the junction of the Dut in the late war was the signal

OF CEYLON.
cure retreat under the cannon vity and the want of precaution had suffered to fall into their s of the English to attain poss time frustrated. erritory which the English have ce the conclusion of the Amegreatly an over-match for any quarter of the world. On the icular, there is scarcely a power n oppose to them even a shadow at leisure to cultivate the inrich country presents to their to their enterprises is the want ight be enabled at all times to 2ntal to that climate. As the ch we possess along the Corobut open roads, all vessels are monsoons, to stand out into many parts of the coast that g a few months of the year. ', which is equally secure at all obviating these disadvantages, t rupture with the Dutch, our gain possession of it. Accordtoh with the French Republic for the commencement of our

Page 45
THE ISLAND
operations against their coloni troops was in 1795 detached this enterprise was crowned w military operations, which II describe the several places whe Such is the history of Ceylo our possession. The mismana Dutch, and their impolitic coi vented them from at all reap the advantages which it was Superstition and the love of internal enemies to the Port relaxation of military disciplin the first foreign invader. The by which the Dutch tobtained greater stability and longer d thirst of gain, however, which rations for the reduction of the is advantages which might have tion; for being as strong in ea at large, every one was solic emolument; and provided this little trouble to promote public the want of any regular plan of military defence were the co fire of patriotism which had once was completely extinguished in

CF CEYLON. 29
es in the East. A body of or the conquest of Ceylon; and ith success, after a course of shall detail when I come to re they were carried on.
on previous to its falling into gement of the Portuguese and hduct towards the natives, preing from this valuable colony calculated by nature to afford. tyranny continually stirred up guese, while luxury and the e, made them fall a prey to prudent and persevering efforts possession, seemed to promise uration to their power. That had given vigour to their opesland, counteracted the national been derived from the acquisich individual as in the nation tous only for his own private was attained, he gave himself objects. Rapacious exactions, of policy, and a total neglect Insequences of this spirit. That : animated the Dutch in Europe this colony. During the Ame

Page 46
3O THE SAN
rican war, the French and Ei their harbours, while the Du to await their fate from the f
These errors, and this misco its successive possessors of t be hoped, be avoided by our observation, I can confidently entrusted to such men as the p under his command, the adva both speedy and secure.
I now proceed to describe til empire, avoiding any circumst an eye-witness, or had not aut table mainer.

OF CEYLON.
glish fleets successively occupied teh seemed in resigned apathy rtunes of others.
nduct which ended in depriving is valuable island will, it is to countrymen; and from my own state, that if the care of it be resent Governor, and the officers ntages to this country must be
is new acquisition to the British unces of which II either was not Ehenticated in the most indubi

Page 47
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Page 48
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Page 49
THE ISLAND
CHAPT
General description of Ceylon-1
-Rivers-Internal communica
JBritish dominions - Trincoma Maтaar.
THE Island of Ceylon lies b latitude; and between 79° an situated at the entrance of the bounded on the north. On from the Coromandel coast by strait full of shoals, and imp. (distant about sixty leagues from point of the peninsula of India, and Malabar coasts. Its circum nine hundred miles; and its le northern extremity to Donderl three hundred miles. Its brea some parts only from forty to extends to sixty, seventy, and the southern parts it is much and nearly resembles a ham in napatam has hence received f Hamsheel, and Point Pedro the

OF CEYLON, S.
"ER II. he harbours-Monsoons-Climate
tions-Soil-Gemeral divisiomsee - Malativoe-Jafnapatam
tween 5° 40' and 10° 30' north ld 82° east longitude. It is bay of Bengal, by which it is the north-west it is separated the gulph of Manaar, a narrow assable by large ships. It is Cape Comerin, the southern , which divides the Coromandel ference is computed to be about ngth from Point Pedro at thc head at the southern is about dth is very unequal, being in fifty miles, while in others it even one hundred. Towards broader than in the northern, shape. The peninsula of Jafrom the Dutch the name of y call Hamsheel Point.

Page 50
32, THE ISLAND
As you approach the islan fresher green to the eye, and appearance than most parts of coasts. This I had an oppo every quarter, as on my pa completely coasted round the the sea-shore are bounded by cocoa-nut trees, while the inte rich fields of rice; and the woods, which cover the sides a verdant foliage through ever prospect has the most pleasing fatigued with the shores of b where skirt the Continent.
The appearance of the easter a few reefs of rocks run out i between Point de Galle and Bat castern shores admits the app safety; and if that side of the other defects are amply compen comalee and Batacolo. The n Point Pedro to Columbo is f with inlets of the sea, frequel The largest of them extends from Mullipatti to Jafnapatam island; and forms the peninsl these inlets form small harbou

OF CEYLON.
from the sea, it presents a . has every way a more fertile the Malabar and Coromandel tunity of observing in nearly ssage from Madras I almost island. All the flat tracts on beautiful topes, or groves of rmediate plain is covered with prospect usually terminates in of the mountains, and display y season of the year. Such a effect on the eye, after being arren white sand, which every
in coast is bald and rocky, and into the sea on the South east acolo. The deep water on the 'oach of the largest vessels in
island be the least fertile, its sated by the harbours of Trinorth and north-west coast from at, and every where indented tly of considerable magnitude. almost quite across the island on the north-west point of the la of Jafiapatam. Several of 'S; but so full is that coast of

Page 51
THE ISLAND
sand-banks and shallows, that large size to approach them. tions here sufficiently convenie The interior of the island mountains, covered with thick penetrable jungles. The woods round the dominions of the kiu by nature to defend him again superior skill and power have on the sea-coast. The most l the island nearly into two part them from each other, that b, either side are essentially differ minate completely the effect periodically from opposite sides opposite sea-coast, but the who very little from these storms.
The monsoons in Ceylon ar. Coromandel and Malabar coas with them; but they set in mu the eastern side of the island. ( lies, the rains prevail in the m the season when they are felt monsoon is usually extremely v dreadful storms of thunder and l rents of rain, and violent southance, the northern parts of the is

OF CEYLON, s3
it is impossible for vessels of a Small craft however, find sta
nt and secure.
abounds with steep and lofty forests, and full of almost im; and mountains completely surng of Candy, and seem destined st those foreign enemies, whose leprived him of the open tracts ofty range of mountains divides s, and so completely separates oth the climate and seasons on ent. These mountains also terof the monsoons, which set in of them; so that not only the le country in the interior suffers
e connected with those on the ts, and very nearly correspond uclh sooımer on the Western than Dn the west side where Columbo onths of May, June, and July, on the Malabar coast. This iolent, being accompanied with ightning, together with vast torrest winds. During its continuland are very little affected, and
w

Page 52
34 THE ISLAND
are even generally dry. In th vember, when the opposite mol coast, it is the north of Ceylc any impression of it is felt in These monsoons pass slightl occasion any considerable incor island is not altogether freed f so terribly ravage the tropical odical season, which happens . pours down in torrents, and awful to a degree almost incon From the situation of this is days and nights are necessarily the variation during the two minutes. The seasons are m than the course of the sun; f the north of the line, the coole solstice, while the western mc commences in October, and th ary to the beginning of April. nearly the same throughout th however, renders the nights m of the earth, and the prevalenc The climate, upon the whole, on the Continent of India. F the Equator, the heat is by n felt it on many parts of the

OF CEYLON,
2 months of October and Nosoon sets in on the Coromandel n which is affected, and scarcely the southern parts.
over the interior, and seldom venience. But this part of the rom the dreadful storms which :limates. During its own periin March and April, the rain he thunder and lightning are ceivable to an European. land, so near the Equator, the always of nearly equal length; seasons not exceeding fifteen ore regulated by the monsoons or although the island lies to st season is during the summer nsoon prevails. Their Spring e hottest season is from JanuThe heat, during the day, is whole year; the rainy season ich cooler, from the dampness of winds during the monsoons. is much more temperate than or though Ceylon lies so near means so oppressive as I have Coromandel coast in a more

Page 53
THE ISLAND
northerly latitude. This is ow by which it is fanned, without suffocating land-winds, which so For this reason, although the must of course be intensely ho always afford a tolerably cool ri This temperate climate, how coast where the sea-breezes hav interior of the country, owing and the hills which crowd upor degrees greater than on the se extremely sultry and unhealthy. might be in a great degree ( woods and clearing the jungles, in the neighbourhood of Tril Champagne since it came into dered much less noxious to El The principal harbours in t Trincomalee and Point de Gall and at certain seasons of the ye of Columbo. There are several the island, which afford shelter sels. These are Batacolo, Matul the south-east; and on the río Chilou, Calpenteen, Manaar, an places are rivers of greater or k selves into the sea. These rii R 2

OF CEYLON. 33
ing to the constant sea-breezes ; being subject to the hot and frequently annoy the Continent. erpendicular beams of the sun ot, the shade and the houses
treat. ever, is chiefly confined to the e room to circulate. In the to the thick and close woods, each other, the heat is many a-coast, and the climate often This inconvenience, however, obviated by cutting down the as has been proved by a tract hcomalee, cleared by Colonel our possession, and thus ren
uropeans. !. he island for large ships, are. e; they also come to anchor, 'ar moor securely in the roads other inferior ports all around to the smaller coasting vesra, Barbereen, and Caltura on rth and west, are Nigumbo, d Point Pedro. At all of those ess magnitude emptying themvers, which are for the most

Page 54
36 THE ISLAND
part broad, deep, and naviga craft, are of essential benefit adjacent to the coast, as they of conveying their produce at where European vessels wait t
But these rivers, although u diate outlet into the sea, are derable distance. As soon as cover the native kingdom of rapid; and tumble down with is impossible for the smallest is one great cause of the little in the natives in the higher coul the dominion of the European by land is equally difficult, in anxious to surmount these obs
The two principal rivers are waddy. The former takes its 1 east of Candy, and nearly surrc of circuitous windings among charges itself into the sea at deep as to be fordable only to which every where break its navigated. The Malivagonga high mountain, known to Eure Peak, and situated about six Columbo. This river falls int

OF CEYLON.
ole for some distance by small to the inhabitants of the parts afford a cheap and easy method ld merchandise to those places O receive them. nusually smooth at their immeseldom navigable to any consithey enter the mountains which Candy, they become rocky and such a headlong course that it canoe to navigate them. This tercourse which subsists between ntry and those who live under is on the sea-coast, as the way or have the natives been ever
tacles. the Malivagonga and the Muliise among the hills to the southunds that city. After a variety the mountains, it at last disTrincomalee. This river is so wards the source; but the rocks course prevent it from being
rises from the foot of a very. opeans by the name of Adam's ty miles to the north-east of o the sea by several branches:

Page 55
THE ESLAND
the largest of these, called the about three miles from the f nearly surrounded a large tract it forms a very beautiful penin banks of the Mutwal for many and delightful; and I had an utility in accompanying an esco in the interior, a distance of t marched along the beautiful bar were commodiously transported
Besides the rivers with whi many lakes and canals commun in the neighbourhood of Colum often of considerable extent, al inhabitants in their neighbourh tunity of readily transporting 1 and it is by this means also are supplied with the greatest
The internal communications scarcely passed the first stage sea-coasts indeed there are roa but these roads are in many pl not only difficult but dangerol hogs, buffaloes, and elephants animals are met particularly fr west side of the island, and fro east; in these roads they someti

OF CEYLON. 37
Mutwal River, empties itself ort of Columbo, after having of the level country, of which sula. The country along the miles is extremely picturesque opportunity of experiencing its rt from Columbo to Sittivacca, hirty-five miles; for while we nks, our ammunition and stores
on the river in boats. ch Ceylon abounds, there are icating with them, particularly ıbo and Nigumbo. They are ld of very great utility to the pod, who have thus an opportheir several articles of trade; that the towns on the coast
abundance of fresh-water fish. by land through the island have of improvement. Along the ds and stations for travellers; aces rugged and steep, and are us from the numbers of wild , which infest them. These om Chilou to Manaar on the m Matura to Batacolo on the
mes occasion accidents.

Page 56
38 THE ISLAND
Since the island has come into the roads have been greatly imp1 a general survey of them to be ascertained, previous to adopti communications. I have been with a chart of the distances island, and with his obliging pi of it to this work.
The improvements made in t were dictated more by their je policy. At a great expence th distances round the island, with between the natives and foreigne feared; and while they fruitles pains in this pursuit, they negle island beneficial to themselves, other nations.
To speak of the soil in gener mixture of clay. In the southabout Columbo, there is a gre rich, and exceedingly productiv occupied with cinnamon plantal in its present state of cultivatic quantity of rice for the cons requires yearly supplies from continent. I am convinced, h to mismanagement, and that cessity of importation might b

OF CEYLON.
the possession of the English, oved. Governor North ordered made, and the distances to be ng measures for facilitating the favoured by Colonel Champagne around the whole coast of the armission I have annexed a copy.
he communications by the Dutch, alousy, than any plans of liberal ay built forts and posts at certain a view to prevent any intercourse rs. This was what they chiefly sly spent large sums and much :cted the means of rendering the or secure against the intrusion of
al, it is sandy, with but a small west parts, however, particularly at deal of marshy ground, very 2. This tract, however, is chiefly ions, and the rest of the island, n, does not produce a sufficient umption of its inhabitants; but Bengal and other places on the wever, that this is entirely owing with proper attention, the neentirely superseded.

Page 57
THE ESLANC
The island of Ceylon was o of distinct petty kingdoms, sep mountains which are dispersed subject each to its own indepe time, however, the whole cour minion of the king of Candy, great provinces, from which se still retains were derived. The tou, Matura, Dambadar, and rich districts on the west coast was Candy; it was situated in t noured with the royal residence. to this day; and though all the or less encroached upon, no pa duced to permanent subjection provinces were subdivided into d by the name of cortes, and corr ties. These subdivisions are sti from the natives by the Dutch them is given to the civil and in their vicinity.
The great divisions of the is the one comprehending those p. ropeans, and the other those w In the map prefixed to this vo two divisions are distinctly poi served that the European dom

OF CEYLON, პ9
iginally divided into a number arated by the several rivers and over the face of the island, and indent sovereign. In process of
try was reduced under the dond divided by him into a few veral of the numerous titles lhe se provinces were Candy, CoiSittivacca, which included the The chief of these provinces he centre of the island, and hoThe king holds his court there other provinces have been more rt of Candy has ever been reunder a foreign power. These istricts, known in that country sponding to our shires or counl continued in the parts wrested ; and the government of each of military officers who hold posts
land now are reduced to two; rts under the dominion of Eurich still remain to the natives. lume, the boundaries of these nted out ; and it will be ob
inion, like a ring, completely

Page 58
AO THE ISLAND
encircles the territories of the richness of the country around pulation, that city has always b European dominions in the isla advantages to be derived from merce, Trincomalee is unquest portance.
As the British dominions in round in a circle, my descriptio direction. I shall, therefore, first landed, and lead 1ny read in the same course in which . I communicate to them those imp occurred to me at the several It was at Trincomalee first I have already mentioned the n our government to attempt to from the Dutch. General Ste purpose from Madras. The fe 72d regiment, the flank compa battalions of Sepoys, accompan and pioneers. The vessels conv to the south-east of the fort. unfortunately lost by striking found it most expedient to lar tance of two miles from the fo regular siege. The climate, th

OF CEYLON
king of Candy. Owing to the Columbo, and its size and poeen accounted the capital of the und; although in regard to all it with regard to foreign com
ionably of much superior in
Ceylon skirt the coasts quite of them must follow the same set out from the place where I ers completely round the island travelled it, and endeavour to ressions and observations which
places I visited.
touched the shores of Ceylon. notives which must have induced wrest this important harbour wart was ın 1795 sent for this rce under him consisted of the unies of the 71st and 73d, two ied by a detachment of artillery eying this force, came to anchor Here the Diomede frigate was on a sunk rock. The General ld the troops at about the disrt, tO which he afterwards laid e nature of the ground, and the

Page 59
THE ISLAND
situation of the fort occasioned our troops. Several, both offic fire from it. During the siege Malays in the Dutch service. perceived into one of the batte some of our artillery-men, befo back into the fort. After a sieg at last effected, and the English the Dutch Governor thought it to the terms of a capitulation, although they were greatly sur acting against them.
The town of Trincomalee lies a north-east direction along ( country around it is mountaino tivated and rather barren, an The woods, which are very thic beasts of various descriptions; p. and elephants. The latter ofte: the neighbourhood of the fort, been often shot within a mile of
Trincomalee from its situatio strong. It occupies more groun a much smaller number of hou and appearance to those which towns on the south-west coast.
comalee, within the walls, is abou G

OF CEYLON 4.
much fatigue, and some loss to ers and men, were killed by the a Sally was made by a party of
They contrived to steal uncies, spiked the guns, and killed re they were repulsed and driven e of three weeks, a breach was Welle preparing to storm; when more prudent to trust his safety than the arms of his troops, erior in number to the force
in latitude 8° 30'. It runs in one branch of the bay. The us and woody; the soil uncull the whole appearance wild. k, contain abundance of wild articularly, wild hogs, buffaloes, n come down to the lakes in to drink and bathe; they have the town. n and construction is naturally d than Columbo, but contains Ses, and those inferior in size are to be met with in several
The circumference of Trin
t three miles: within this space

Page 60
A2 THE ISLAND
is also included a hill or risi sea, and covered with a grea which wild deer and other g ground is very little inhabited to the landing place, which li lower parts of the fort were r within these few years.
The fort is strong, and comn particular, the entrance into t which affords at all seasons a a secure shelter to ships of all on all sides, and sufficiently d largest vessel, or any number overlooked by Fort Ostenburg, which projects into the sea; i tuguese out of the ruins of once stood here. This fort the fort of Trincomalee be the harbour forced. In the the water so deep close up to to step from the rocks into of them. At the extremity stands, a strong battery is ere fort is placed.
This harbour, from its nat stamps Ceylon one of our m East Indies. As soon as til

OF CEYLON.
g point, immediately over the t quantity of thick jungle, in ame find shelter. This rising , most of the houses being close 's in the lowest part. Even the nuch incumbered with wood till
lands the principal bays; and, in he grand harbour, or inner bay, hd in every variety of weather, | descriptions, being land-locked eep and capacious to receive the of vessels. This harbour is also a strong fort standing on a cliff, t was originally built by the Porsome celebrated pagodas which cannot be attacked by sea, till irst taken, and the entrance of Day the shores are so bold, and them, that it is almost possible the vessels that moor alongside of the rock on which the fort cted, where the flag-staff of the
Fre and situation, is that which ost valuable acquisitions in the e violent monsoons commence,

Page 61
THE ISLAND
every vessel which is caught b bay of Bengal, is obliged imme inevitable destruction. At thes bay alone, of all the ports on t sula of India, are capable of incalculable advantages to be
are increased by its proximity ments in the bay of Bengal. A here in two days, and can at These circumstances point out particular attention to our gov sequence to retain than the w It will, however, require great provements to render the towr Columbo. For the country ar fertile as to tempt settlers to 1 productions calculated to attra also been looked upon as the
the whole island; and both tle severely from it on their first a of the climate were owing in a marshes which come up to the had never sufficient policy or the place has been in our posses been adopted to render the clim pagne, while stationed here wi large tract of ground, in the ne
G

OF CEYLON, *3
them in any other part of the diately to put to sea to prevent o seasons Trincomalee and Bomlhe diferent coasts of the peninaffording a safe retreat. The derived from such a harbour, and easy access to our settlevessel from Madras may arrive any time make the harbour, Trincomalee as an object of ernment, and of far more conhole of the rest of the island. encouragement, and many im1 populous or anywise equal to Ound is not by any means so reside here, nor are the natural ct commerce. The climate has hottest and most unhealthy of 72d and 80th regiments suffered irrival. These noxious qualities great measure to the Woods and very fort, and which the l)utch public spirit to remove. Since sion, a very proper system has ate wholesome. Celonel Chamth the 80th regiment, cleared a sighbourhood of the fort, of the
9.

Page 62
44 THE ISLAND
jungles with which it was cove the swamps and marshes. The nients have already been experie has since suffered very little from that remedies may, in the same defects under which Trincomalee nothing, as there are no valuabl it; but, from its situation, it is emporium of the East. The wa tivated state of the surrounding mutually from each other; and t in a great measure, do away the
As we advance along the coe comalee, little presents itself to large tracts of wood stretching i here, as well as in other parts of desolate and without inhabitants than reality; for the natives are building their huts in the woods, strangers, they are seen only by The next post to Trincomalee o lies about half way to Jafnapa small factory with a fort, and officer. It was a subaltern's ci garrison of Trincomalee; and v of communication, and to colle For these purposes, and to ke

OF CEYLON.
red; and also drained several of good effects of these improvenced, and the European garrison the climate. It is to be hoped manner, be applied to the other at present labours: its trade is e natural productions to nourish capable of becoming the richest nt of commerce, and the unculcountry, are defects which flow he removal of one would soon, other.
Lst to the north-west from Trinthe eye but a bold shore, and nto the interior. The country the island, at first view appears ; but this is more appearance very numerous, although from and avoiding the approach of hose who explore their recesses. in this side is Malativoe, which tam. Here the Dutch had a a house for the commanding ommand, depending upon the as employed chiefly as a post ct provisions for that garrison. ep the natives in awe, a few

Page 63
THE ISLAND
Malay or Sepoy soldiers, were: considered as capable of any def Malativoe lies in a very ror Close by the fort is a small v falls into the sea, forms a ha craft. The principal employm ing; and with this article the malee. Cattle and poultry are sell astonishingly cheap. Gam the woods abound with wild ht procuring these animals is atte difficulty to an European as c native peasants are so much at supply them with a little pow into the woods, and they wil as much game as he can use, for their services.
As we proceed northward northern extremity of the islan peninsula, almost cut off from sea, which, as we have already across the island. This district. of Jafnapatam, looks directly Coromandel coast, and is cons the island. This is owing to it sea on almost all sides; by winds from the continent of In

OF CEYLON. * ベ 45
stationed here; but it was never
Ce. nantic and delightful situation, illage; and a river which here rbour sufficient to admit small ent of the inhabitants is fishy supply the fort of Trincohere in great abundance, and 2 is exceedingly plentiful, and og and deer. The manner of inded with as little expence or an well be imagined; for the his beck, that he has only to der and shot, and send them l be sure to bring him back without expecting any return
from Malativoe, we find the d stretched out into an oblong the rest by a branch of the mentioned, penetrates almost , which is known by the name
towards Negapatam on the idered as the most healthy in s situation, surrounded by the which means the violent hot dia are cooled in their passage.

Page 64
46 THE ISLAND
These land winds are to Eurc cumstance in the climate of other parts in our possession,
tion; and it is with pain I re obliged to have recourse to in The common remedy is to pla dows or doors, Tatts, or blind these being kept constantly we the purpose, the air which pe is cooled by the water, and c its noxious heat. The violence on the quantity of moisture tl In those parts where they blow grounds, or rice fields, they are felt at the places which they a I recollect to have observed a while I was stationed at Trict fort is an extensive sandy plain of low marshy ground: during that part of the fort which
sandy plain, is heated almost which receives the winds fron feels refreshed from the breez winçds in their lottest state is alı) heat cracks every thing which in the windows is often splinte Venetian blinds are generally u

OF CEYLON.
peans the most intolerable cirndia. In Bengal, and several they prevail almost to suffocacollect the expedients we were order to diminish their effects. ce, in frames before the wins' of straw loosely woven; and *t by black fellows retained for hetrates through the interstices leprived in a great measure of of these winds indeed, depend ley meet with in their passage. r over tracts of low and marshy a much cooled and less sensibly afterwards meet in their course. very striking instance of this hinopoly. On one side of the , and on the other a large tract the season of the land-winds, is exposed to those from the to suffocation; while that part n the marshy grounds, rather (e. The violence of the land
nost inconceivable. The intense comes in their way: the glass red in pieces, on which account sed instead. Unless precautions

Page 65
THE ISLAND
be employed, even the drinki to split and fall asunder amon
The violence of this scourge sea before it reaches Jafnapata continent serve here rather t and the fields clothed with ve proof of the temperate nature bles, game and poultry, aboun There appears to be something from the other parts of the isl which lies between Point Ped ever been reared with success. " produced here are of no gre some cinnamon and pepper, ye to that which grows in the so 'The fort and town of Jaffn stands at the distance of some municates with it by means o The river falls into the sea r is also a fort and harbour, in Y Stewart from Trincomalee for barked, and met the fifty-secor over from Negapatam on th purpose. The passage from usually made by boats in a fe The fort of Jaffna was given as soon as they appeared befo

OF CEYLON. 47
g glasses used at table are apt
the fingers of the guests. being broken by the intervening a, the breezes which afflict the agitate and refresh the air; dant pasture are the strongest of the climate. Fruits, vegetad every where in this district. in the atmosphere here different und; for it is only in the tract ro and Jaffna that sheep have she articles of foreign commerce at value, for though it affords :t they are of an inferior kind uth-west of the island. a, the capital of the district, miles from the sea, but comf a river navigable by boats. ear Point Pedro, where there hich the troops sent by General the reduction of Jaffna disemd regiment which had been sent opposite coast for the same ’oint Pedro to Negapatam is y hours. up by the Dutch to our troops 2 it. It is small, but exceed

Page 66
48 THE ISLAN
ingly meat and well built. The the wails, is larger and more po Since Columbo was taken poss Dutch families have quitted it in the neighbourhood of Jaffna cheaper, and better supplied several of which are scarcely to of the island.
The inhabitants of Jaffna co races. The greatest number a are divided into several tribes, balls, Mopleys, Chittys, and C by wearing a little round Ca There is also a race of Malal fering in their appearance from different tribes of foreign settle native Ceylonese in the district tioned were induced many yea held out to them by the Dutcl mandel coast, and carry on her coarse cloths, calicoes, handke These articles were all made f island; and to this day the distri only part of Ceylon where ma to be carried on, with the e Columbo.
At Jaffna there are also a

) OF CEYLON.
'ettah, or Black Town without ulous than that of Trincomalee. ision of by the English, several
and taken up their residence ; as this latter place is much rith all the necessaries of life, be procured in the other parts
sist of a collection of various e of Moorish extraction, and known by the names of Lubholiars: they are distinguished on their close shaven heads. pars found here somewhat dif
those on the continent. These cs greatly exceed in number the
of Jaffna. Those I first menrs ago by the encouragements l, to pass over from the Coroa variety of manufactures, of "chiefs, shawls, stockings, &c. om the cotton growing on the it of Jaffna continues to be the ufactures of this sort continue ception of a very few about
umber of handicraftsmen, such

Page 67
HE ISLAND
us gilds initiis, jewellers, joiner parts of houst-hold furniture. respective occupations; partic island by the name of Portug in the beauty and dexterity of Dependent upon the district tance in the sea to the northral small islands, which the native cities, Delft, Harem, L. islands they employed in breed their excellent pasturage they : pose than any part of Ceylon. tinues the same system. The ho tendance of officers appointed f proper age, are disposed of o would be unjust to pass unnc introduced into every departme Barbet of the seventy-third regi and collector of this district ev session of this country. His co esteemed by his countrymen a The woods towards the inter and the others we have hither Candy's dominions, are inhabit savages, supposed to be the abor and known by the name of Bed leave the recesses of their wood

OF CEYLON - A ()
, and makers of all different They are very expert in their larly that race known in this uese, who surpass all the 1 est
their workaianship. of Jaffna, and at a small diswest of Point Pedro, are seveDutch named from their own eyden, ad Amsterdam, These ing horses and cattle, as from are better adapted to this purThe English government conrses are bred under the superinor the purpose, and when at a n account of government. It ticed the many improvements int of this district, by Colonel ment, who lhas been commander er since it came into the posinduct has rendered him equally nd the natives. ior which separate this district, io described, from the king of d by an extraordinary race of iginal inhabitants of the island, as or Vaddahs. As they never ls, and carefully conceal them
'r

Page 68
5O - THE ISLAND
selves from the eye of every stra them; and many Dutchmen island, who were so far from they looked upon the reports F the same light as we in Europ Lapland witches. The exaggera of them were indeed enough t actually seen them, look upon are, however, certain circumstal they can admit of no doubt; I come to give a particular at people who inhabit this island. The road to the south-west tedious and disagreeable. The passing through thick woods a much-infested with wild hogs, e circumstances render a journey and those who are compelled prefer, if the season permit, passage boats called Donies. Th this side of the island and the of Manaar, from a small islan coast of Ceylon, about sixty m The island of Manaar is sepa of the sea about two miles br almost dry, with the exception c not exceeding thirty or forty y

OF CEYLON.
inger, little is known concerning have resided for years on the having seen any of them, that landed about of them in much e do the stories of fairies and ted and improbable tales related o make any one who had not the whole as fabulous. There nces so well authenticated, that and these I shall detail, when :count of the several races of
, of Jafnapatam is extremely
paths are often very narrow, ld heavy sands; and are very lephants, and buffaloes. These by this way very unpleasant; by business to undertake it, to coast along in those large e narrow sea which lies betwixt continent, is called the gulph d of that name lying off the iles south-west of Jafnapatam. rated from Ceylon by an arm oad, which, at low water, is f a small channel in the middle ards in breadth, and usually

Page 69
THE ISLAND
called the Straits of Manaar.
Ramiseram on the Coromandel fourteen leagues; but the advar from this speedy communicatio) vented by the numberless shallc where interrupt the passage, a of them completely dry except is in particular a line of sandl from Manaar to Ramiseram, k bridge. The name and situatio ed with a variety of curious It is universally believed among the Paradise in whicll the ances or the spot on which he first t a Celestial Paradise. Adam's by which he passed over to th that the Gulph of Manaar, li history, closed after him to pre however, is almost universally distant period formed a part of wards separated from it by so This account, though merely a altogether improbable; for whe of the intervening space, and which it abounds, it cannot earthquake, or still more likely
H

OF CEYLON. 5
The passage from this island to coast is not above twelve or ntages which might be derived in are in a great measure prews and sandbanks which every ld are so high as to be many during the monsoons. There Janks which runs quite across nown by the name of Adam's n of these banks are connecttraditions among the natives. g them that Ceylon was either tor of the human race resided, ouched on being expelled from bridge is with them, the way e continent; and some imagine ke the Red Sea in scriptural vent his return. The opinion received, that Ceylon at a the continent, and was afterme great convulsion of nature. unsupported tradition, is not n we consider the narrowness
the numberless shallows with
be denied that some violent , some extraordinary eruption
f

Page 70
52. THE ISLAND
of the ocean, might have pla tance from the continent.
The Gulph of Manaar, altho of a large size, is not altogeth commerce. Sloops, donies, and tions, convey goods by this p places on the Coromandel coa of taking the circuitous outsi island by Trincomalee and Poi Inner, or Paul's Passage, fro1 who first attempted it. Adal proves an insurmountable obst obliged to unload or lighten at good their passage. It is comn stationed here to receive the g to Columbo; so that the obst are similar to those which sev, of not being accessible to large V are obliged to be conveyed to craft. The Dutch, notwithstar means to carry on a constant the western coast of Ceylon an Vipar, Manapar, Ponicail, and calicoes were the chief articles and in return they carried bac leaf, fruits, arrack, and coya,

OF CEYLON.
:ed Ceylon at its present dis
ugh too shallow to admit vessels er useless for the purposes of small vessels of various descripassage from Madras and other st direct to Columbo, instead de passage, and rounding the nt de Galle. This is called the m a Dutchman of that name, n's bridge, indeed, frequently ruction, and vessels are often Manaar before they can make
non indeed to have large boats Oods and convey them forward 'uctions trade meets with here eral large cities are subject to, essels, but the articles of trade o them by lighters and small lding these obstructions, found traffic by this passage between d their factories of Tutucoran, Kilkerre. Coarse cloths and thus imported by the Dutch,
K areka and cocoa-nuts, betelor cordage made from the

Page 71
THE ISLAND
cocoa-tree. All these places
he English, and there is 1 might be carried on to a muci
The shortness of the passage particularly useful on account fords to people on business, ar telligence. Small boats continue and passengers may be ferried has also boats stationed here f tapal, or letter bags, between means of particular stations ap are conveyed here in a manne we consider that there are no the letter-carriers have to mak thickets under the burning hea tance from Columbo to Madr miles, and yet the tapals are in ten days by the peons, a ca purpose. Their common rate hour, where the country will ad at certain stages by fresh runn lumbo to Manaar, a distance o in three days. Here they take bridge to Ramiseram, and ther coast to Madras. When the occasion any delay in crossing this journey in eight days.

OF CEYLON. 53
are now in the possession of to doubt that this trafficking 1 greater extent than formerly. from Ramiseram to Manaar, is of the speedy conveyance it afd to the communication of inlly ply between these two places, over for a trifle. Government r the purpose of conveying the Ceylon and the continent. By pointed for the purpose, letters Wonderfully expeditious, when roads fit for posting, and that ze their way through sands and - t of the tropic suns. The disas is upwards of five hundred conveyed between these places st of people employed for this of travelling is five miles an mit of it; and they are relieved ers. They usually go from Cof one hundred and sixty miles boat, and cross over by Adam's proceed along the Coromandel weather is not so violent as to the ferry, an express will run

Page 72
54 THE ISLAND
The Dutch built a fort on the to command the passage, and th tinent by Adam’s bridge. It wa: the subjects of the king of Candy produce of the island, particula: all intercourse between that pri by which he might have been gerous to their interests. The and pearl fishery, which lie at no was also another principal objec also contributed considerably to as a station, where certain duti tities of calicoes, coarse muslin. brought through this passage to labars, and other inhabitants of
These circumstances evidently importance, to retain a constar pence of the troops hitherto fou been greatly overbalanced by t In general the garrison stationed pany of Malays or Sepoys, unde officer. During the season of t force is sent from Columbo. command; but it has been the appoint field officers to this a trouble to the garrison here a It is not always that this can be

OF CEYLON.
island of Manaar, with a view e communication with the conprincipally intended to prevent from smuggling over any of the ly spiceries; and also to cut of nce and those of the continent, enabled to formi alliances danprotection of the pearl banks great distance from this island, t for erecting a fort here. It the revenues of government es were levied on the vast quans, cottons, and other articles, Columbo by the Moors, Mathe continent.
y render this place of sufficient it garrison there; and the exund sufficient for this Service has he advantages derived from it. here, consists only of a comr the command of an European he pearl fishery, an additional It was formerly a subaltern's 2 policy of Governor North to ind other stations. The chief ises from collecting the taxes. done without compulsion; and

Page 73
THE ISLAND
the exaction has even been som 1800, a body of the natives, o them, and the payment about t the fort in a tumuituous mann to submit to the exactions. T were immediately sent to the commandant of the place; but them before the arrival of thi two companies of the nineteenth, to Trincomalee by land. Th which, as we have observed, st and thence traversed the count the season was very bad, they su These temporary commotions general repressed with ease, are expected from the ill success w Nigumbo, and Matura, similar naar, and from the same caust in the same manner speedily q ments of the nineteenth regim regiment, who commanded at large body of the natives belong way to that fort from Colum party of Malay soldiers; but h had taken, with very great abi arrived to his assistance. The

) OF CEYLON. 55
etimes openly resisted. In June in the taxes being demanded of o be enforced, assembled before er, and seemed determined not wo companies of the nineteenth, assistance of Major Ford, the means were found to disperse s reinforcement. It was these which first passed from Manaar ay forded the narrow channel, aparates Manaar from Ceylon, try to Trincomalee. Although iffered little from fatigue.
among the natives, though in more frequent than might be hich always attends them. At insurrections to those at Maes, took place; and they were uelled by the arrival of detachent. Captain Vincent, of that Nigumbo, was attacked by a ging to our settlements, on his bo, accompanied with a small e maintained a post, which he lity, till a body of Europeans severe exactions of the Dutch,

Page 74
50 THE ISLAND
and the little attention they pa of the natives, seeins to have e and insurrection among them: ment; a mild, but at tlhe same laws, will, it is to be hoped, sl commotions.
As we proceed along the co we find the country sandy, wild of accommodation and provisio with wild animals, that it is along the roads here without a onward we meet with the villa and military officers, who attend the season when it is carried their accommodation a choultry serves for the reception of occ pearl fishery, a detachment, us rison of Manaar or Columbo, the peal merchants, and preve are also found necessary to en man appointed by government A flag-staff and a field-piece, make signals to the boats, and out or return.
Arippo is the only place hen be procured. This necessary of

OF CEYLON.
id to the customs or prejudices xcited this spirit of discontent but a different mode of treattime steady enforcement of thr beedily put an end to all such
ast of Ceylon from Manaar, , and barren; equally desuitute ths. The woods are so infested extremely dangerous to travel proper guard. About six miles ge of Arippo, where the civil the pearl fishery, reside during on. They have here built for , or stone barracks, which also asional travellers. During the ually of Sepoys, from the garare stationed here to protect nt depredations or riots. They force the orders of the gentieto superintend this department. are attached to the party to to give notice of their going
eabouts where good water can life, at that part of the coast,

Page 75
THE ISLAND
is not only bad, but very sc: great dificulty. Where any g ropeans take care to have the plied; the natives often find it quantity.
There is here a chapel for persuasion, who consist chiefly resorting hither during the seas attend the chapel on Sundays bers; and it is their constant their vows and offerings befo the oysters.
In the neighbourhood of A of deer and wild hogs. Great brought by the Cinglese peasan during the season of the fishery Six miles further on, and at naar, lies the bay of Condatch lected for the pearl fishery. anoon ; the beach which surro waste, with only a few miserable between the bay and the wood is the appearance which the most seasons of the year; but is entirely reversed. At that small vessels, and the beach pr

OF CEYLON. 37
urce, and often procured with pod springs are found, the Eumselves un the first place supdifficult to obtain the smallest
those of the Roman catholick of the Parawas and Malabars, ion of the pearl fishery. They and holidays, in great numpractice, devoutly to offer up re they commence diving for
rippo, the woods are very full abundance of these animals are ts to the officers stationed here,
, about twelve miles from May, where all the boats are colThe bay forms nearly a halfunds it is an extensive sandy e huts scattered along the shore, s which skirt the beach. Such bay of Condatchy presents at during the fishery, the picture time the bay is crowded with esents an astonishing multitude

Page 76
5ෂී THE ISLAND
of people from every quarter their appearance, their languag most entertaining spectacle. B that demands a minute descri the following particulars, which attention brought together, will of public utility.

OF CEYLON
of India. The difference of e, their manners, all afford a ut it, is not amusement alone otion of the scene; several of I have with much care and be found connected with objects

Page 77
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ondateh в ite
I ونصحتهم وعصفحتى عينيه مرتarin Aته مسمعهC بوة معقمة الحمر

Page 78
:-
Chr R.-Baldvirka AswÄrave jetreet “Jaruuauy udø3.
 

CHART
of the PE 4 AR IL F'IS' H E R Y en the Gu//o/AMa naar on the ISLAND of CEYLON
2 委 .5 LLSSSAAASAAAS S S AAASAASAuSASAu AA SAS L ASAiSiSuS
er Ascer/e of Marine fles,

Page 79
THE ISLANL
CIHAPTI
i'hic Pearl Fishery-Customs of frequ
TIERE is perhaps no specta affords, more striking to an E datchy, during the season of
and barren spot is at that tim exceeds in novelty and variety nessed. Several thousands of p tries, casts, and occupations, cc in a busy crowd: the vast nu erected on the shore; with thc each; the multitude of boats r the pearl banks, some of them expecting countenances of the approaching the shore, and t which they run to them whe cargo; the vast numbers of je all colours and all descriptions who are occupied in some way separating and assorting them, ing their number and value, v about, or drilling and boring
circumstances tend to impress

OF CEYLON ჩ9.
ER III.
the various Indian nations who
nt it.
:le which the island of Ceylon tropean, than the bay of Conthe pearl fishery. This desert converted into a scene, which , almost any thing I ever wit2ople of different colours, counintinually passing and re-passing mbers of small tents and huts e bazar or market place before eturning in the afternoon from laden with riches; the anxious poat-owners, while the boats are he eagerness and avidity with arrived, in hopes of a rich wellers, brokers, merchants, of , both natives and foreigners, or other with the pearls, some others weighing and ascertainhile others are hawking them hem for future use: all these the mind with the vahue and

Page 80
ᎧᏅ THE ISLAND
importance of that object wh scene.
The bay of Condatchy is t
the boats employed in the fish
carried on, extend several miles southward, off Arippo, Condatc. cipal bank is opposite to Cond twenty miles. The first step, of the fishery, is to have the d the state of the oysters ascertai subject to government. Hf it h 'is sufficient, and that they are maturity, the particular banks up for sale to the highest bidd by a black merchant. This, ho pursued: Government sometime to fish the banks on its own ac pearis afterwards to the merchan boats are hired for the season o different quarters; the price va circumstances; but is usually f godas for each boat There and the best bargain possible is The Dutch generally followed t fished on government account, different parts of India, or sent was pursued, the governor anc

OF CEYLON, ich can of itself create this
he most central rendezvous for ery. The banks, where it is along the coast from Manaar y, and Pomparipo. The priutohy, and lies out at sea about previous to the commencement ifferent oyster banks, surveyed, ned, and a report made on the as been found that the quantity arrived at a proper degree of to be 'fished that year are put er, and are usually purchased owever, is not always the course s judges it more advantageous count, and to dispose of the ts. When this plan is adopted, in account of government, from ries considerably, according to rom five to eight hundred paare however no stated prices, made for each boat separately. is last system; the banks were and the pearls disposed of in to Europe. When this plan council of Ceylon claimed a

Page 81
THE ISLAND
certain per centage on the value of the banks was disposed of b a stipulated sum to themselves on account of government. Th ed their claims for this perquisit and valuing the banks.
As neither the season, nor attending, would permit the w in one year, they are divided tions, which are fished one The different portions are com separately to sale, each in the By this means a sufficient inte attain their proper growth; an generally recovered its maturit has been fished, the fishery be and may thus be considered The oysters are supposed to a maturity in seven years; for, the pearl gets so large and so vomits and throws it out of th The fishing season commenc the beginning of April. The to fish the banks is six weeks, but there are several interrupt days from exceeding more tha to be a very bad season, an

OF CEYLON. 6.
of the pearls; or, if the fishing public sale, they bargained for over and above what was paid le pretence on which they founde, was their trouble in surveying
the convenience of the persons rhole of the banks to be fished into three or four different por— portion annually in succession. pletely distinct, and are set up year in which it is to be fished. rval is given to the oysters, to d as the portion first used has y by the time the last portion comes almost regularly annual, as yielding a yearly revenue. attain their completest state of if left too long, I am told that disagreeable to the fish, that it e shelh. es in February, and ends about period allowed to the merchant or two months at the atmost; ions, which prevent the fishing in about thirty. Ef it happens many stormy days intervene

Page 82
Ö2. Y TE SLAND
during the period allotted, t, often allowed a few days more interruption proceeds from the days observed by the divers of are employed. Many of the d by the name of Marawas, an of Tutucoreen: these people, are Roman Catholicks, and lea tend prayers at the chapel of days, or II indoo and Mahom. neglected on any account by the regular course of fishing, t that the Catholick Marawas by working on Sundays: but do, without an order from th ment, who is appointed to supe
The boats and donies emplo long to Ceylon, but are brou continent; particularly Tutuco on the Coromandel coast; an Malabar coast, between Cap divers from Colang are accoul valled by the Lubbahs, who for the purpose of being tra the commencement of the fis at Condatchy; and it is her tracted for.

OF CEYLON,
e purchaser of the fishery is as a favour. One considerable number and diversity of holidifferent sects and nations who vers are of a black race, known inhabiting the opposite coast although of the Malabar cast, we off work on Sundays to atArippo. But if many stormy edan festivals (which are never the natives) occur to interrupt he farmer is sometimes desirous should make up the lost time this he cannot compel them to e chief civil officer of governintend the fishery. yed in the fishery do not beght from different ports of the reen, Caracal, and Negapatam, Colang, a small place on the Comorin and Anjanga. The ited the best, and are only riemain on the island of Manaar ned in this art. Previous to hery, all the boats rendezvous they are numbered and con

Page 83
THE ISLANC
During the season, all the together. A signal gun is fire at night, when the whole fleet They reach the banks before d. mence fishing. In this they c sea-breeze, which arises about the bay, Assoon as they a is fired, and the colours hoiste of their Teturn. WWhen the bo are immediately taken out, as completely unloaded before nig the success of their boats, the of disappointment; for, althou cessful one day, they look wit of better fortune to the next; whom they implicitly trust in ( stand too well the liberality of a not to promise them all they ca
Each of the boats carries twe boatman, who acts as pilot. the divers in re-ascending. Th down into the sea by five at : up the other five go down, ar diving, they give each other t fresh plunge.
In order to accelerate the d

OF CEYLON. 63
boats regularly sail and return at Arippo, about ten o'clock sets sail with the land breeze. y-break; and at sun-rise comontinue busily occupied till the noon, warns them to return to pear within sight, another gun l, to inform the anxious owners, ats come to land, their cargoes it is necessary to have them ght. Whatever may have been : owners seldom wear the looks. gh they may have been unsuch the most complete assurance as the Brahmins and conjurers, lefiance of all experience, underman in hopes of good fortune, n desire. nty men, with a Tindal or chief Ten of the men row and assist e other ten are divers; they go. , time; when the first five come d by this method of alternately . me to recruit themselves for a
scent of the divers, large stones

Page 84
6. THE ISLAND
are employed: five of these the purpose; they are of a r country, and of a pyramidal tom, with a hole perforated th: to admit a rope. Some of the a half-moon, which they faste mean to descend, and thus ke These people are accustomed and fearlessly descend to the bot water, in search of the oysters. to plunge, seizes the rope, to w described is attached, with th he takes hold of a bag of ne it being customary among all in working or holding as wel the power of habit that they thing from the ground with the pean could with his fingers. TI another rope with his right h shut with the left, plunges into ance of the stone speedily reach the net round his neck, aud possible dispatch, collects as ma is able to remain under water, minutes. He then resumes his nal to those above by pulling

OF CEYLON.
re brought in each boat for ‘ddish granite, common in this shape, round at top and botough the smaller end sufficient divers use a stone shaped like a round the belly when they p their feet free. to dive from their very infancy, om in from four to ten fatlhom The diver, when he is about hich one of the stones we have e toes of his right foot, while t-work with those of his left; the Indians to usc their toes l as their fingers, and such is an pick up even the smallest ir toes as nimbly as an Eurohe diver thus prepared, seizes and, and holding his nostrils the water, and by the assistes the bottom. He then hangs with much dexterity, and all ny oysters as he can while he which is usually about two former position, makes a sigthe rope in his right hand,

Page 85
THE ISLAND
and is immediately by this me the boat, leaving the stone to rope attached to it.
The exertion undergone dur that upon being brought into water from their mouth, ears, even blood. But this does not again in their turn. They will plunges in one day; and at a hundred oysters. Some rub and stuff their ears and noses entering; while others use no pr the usual time of remaining un two minutes, yet there are insta remain four and even five min a Caffree boy the last year I v. instance ever known was that Anjango in 1797, and who ab full six minutes.
This business of a diver, w and full of danger to an Europ an Indian, owing to the natura his habits from his infancy. II from falling in with the grou This animal is a common and seas in these latitudes, and is
ness to the adventurous Indian.
K

OF CEYLON. 65
ans drawn up and brought into be pulled up afterwards by the
ing this process is so violent, the boat, the divers discharge and nostrils, and frequently hinder them from going down often make from forty to fifty each plunge bring up about their bodies over with oil, to prevent the water from ecautions whatever. Although der water does not much exceed nces known of divers who could utes, which was the case with isited the fishery. The longest of a diver who came from Solutely remained under water
hich appears so extraordinary ean, becomes quite familiar to l suppleness of his limbs, and is chief terror and risque arise adshark while at the bottom. terrible inhabitant of all the a source of perpetual uneasi
Some of the divers, however,

Page 86
66 THE ISLAND
are so skilful as to avoid the
under water for a considerable foe are so continually before til of escaping him so great, that for safety in supernatural mean the priest, or conjurer, is alwa says to them is received with The preparation which he enj ceremonies according to the cas long, and on the exact perfo) greatest stress. Their belief i. stitious rites can never be re event may be from the predicti ment therefore wisely gives way keeps in pay some conjurers, t their fears. For though these much masters of their art, yet descend till the conjurer has p advices are religiously observed, to preserve the health of the enjoined to abstain from eating to bathe himself in fresh water from the labours of the day.
The conjurers are known in name of Pillal Karras, or binde of the fishery, they stand on th the boats return in the afternoo

OF CEYLON.
shark even when they remain time. But the terrors of this heir eyes, and the uncertainty these superstitious people seek s. Before they begin diving, ys consulted, and whatever lhe the most implicit confidence. oins them consists of certain st and sect to which they bermance of these they lay the n the efficacy of these supermoved, however different the ons of their deluders : Governto their prejudices, and always o attend the divers and remove : people are so skilful and so they will not on any account erformed his ceremonies. His
and generally have a tendency devotee. The diver is usually before he goes to plunge and
immediately after his return
the Malabar language by the rs of sharks. During the time e shore from the morning till n, all the while muttering and

Page 87
THE ISLAND
mumbling prayers, distorting til attitudes, and performing cere even themselves I believe, can while it is necessary for them otherwise their prayers would b abstinence, however, they some themselves with toddy, a speci palm-tree, till they are no l devotions.
Some of the conjurers freque divers, who are greatly delighte protectors along with them; bu protection renders the divers in induces them to venture too :
cautions, in full confidence of guardians. It must not how conjurers are altogether the du they accompany their votaries anxious care of their safety; th thither is, if possible, to filch the case, it is evident that thi must look upon their voyages ever, is the devoted attachmei obliged to pass it over in sile. suspicions of their real intentic a doubt of their power over th the divers scrupulous of comm
K

OF CEYLON. б7
heir bodies into various strange monies to which no one, not attach any meaning. All this to abstain from food or drink, pe of no avail. These acts of times dispense with, and regale es of liquor distilled from the onger able to stand at their
ntly go in the boats with the 'd at the idea of having their ut in my opinion, this fancied hore liable to accidents, as it much and without proper prethe infallible power of their ever be imagined, that these pes of their own arts, or that to the fishery merely from an eir principal purpose in going a valuable pearl. As this is a superintendant of the fishery with a jealous eye; such, hownt of their votaries, that he is nce, or at least to conceal his ins. He must also never hint e sharks, as this might render tting themselves to the deep
2

Page 88
THE ISLAND
or indeed deter them from fis! here a rich harvest, for besid ment, they get money and black merchants and those succ The address of these fellows i any untoward accident happer deserves to be noticed. Since session, a diver at the fishery which the head conjurer was cal II is answer gives the most str. and capacity of the people he told them, “ that an old wi had just come from Colang on a counter-conjuration, which f fruitless; that this had come prevent the accident which hai now shew his own superiority ing the sharks and binding up accidents should happen durin the conjurer the event answere damage was sustained from th that year. Whether this was of the conjurer, I leave my F certainly it was firmly believe divers, and he was afterwards esteem and veneration. His action might be disputed, for t.

OF CEYLON,
ing at all. The conjurers reap es being paid by the governresents of all sorts from the ‘essful in fishing up the oysters. in redeeming their credit, when is to falsify their predictions, the island came into our posone year lost his leg, upon led to account for the disaster. iking picture of the knowledge had to deal with. He gravely. toh who owed him a grudge, the Malabar coast, and effected or the time rendered his spells to his knowledge too late to d happened, but that he would Over his antagonist by enchanttheir mouths, so that no more : the season.” Fortunately for l his prediction, and no further e sharks during the fishery of owing to the prayers and charms uropean readers to decide; but d to be the case by the Indian held by... them in the highest merits however in this transhere are many seasons in which

Page 89
THE SAN
to such accidents occur at a shark is indeed sufficient to body of divers; for as soon a inštantly gives the alarna to communicate it to the other the whole, and they often ret any more for that day. The alarm sometimes turn out to stone ou which the divers hal excited in this manner prove of the fishery, every means is they are well or ill founded; a authors of them are punished, more than once in the course
The divers are paid differer agreement with the boat-own money, or with a proportion they take the chance of openi latter is the method most comu with the people who hire out in the same manner. They co sum for the use of their boats banks a certain sum for permiss Some of those who pursue th and become rich; while others tion. Oyster lotteries are car they consist of purchasing a c

) OF CEYLON. (წჯ
l. The appearance of a sirge spread dismay among the whole 3 one of then sees a shark he his companions, who as quickly boats; a panic speedily seizes urn to the bay without fishing sharks which create all this be nothing more than a sharp open to alight. AS false alarms very injurious to the progress employed to ascertain whether und if the latter be the case, the
These false alarms occurred of the last two or three seasons. ntly according to their private ers. They are paid either in of the oysters caught, which ng on their own account; the monly adopted. The agreements the boats are conducted much ntract either to receive a certain , or pay the chief farmer of the on to fish on their own account. : latter plan are very successful are great losers by the speculaied on here to a great extent; uantity of the oysters unopened,

Page 90
O THE ISLAND
and running the chance of eith in them. The European office here upon duty or through cu these lotteries, and very frequ sort.
The boat-owners and merch. of the best pearls while the bo bay from the banks, as the O some time undisturbed freque own accord: a pearl may ther oyster prevented by means of again closing its shell, till ar out the pearl. Those fellows among the fish also commit Swallow the pearls to conceal the plan followed by the merc and give them strong emetics : quently the effect of discoverir As soon as the oysters are are carried by the different pe placed in holes or pits dug about two feet, or in small sq round for the purpose; each division. Mats are spread bel from touching the earth; and rot. As soon as they have ps faction, and have become dry,

OF CEYLON.
er finding or not finding pearls rs and gentlemen, who attend riosity, are particularly fond of ently make purchases of this
ants are very apt to lose many bats are on their return to the ysters when alive and left for ntly open their shells of their l be easily discovered, and the a bit of grass or soft wood from opportunity offers of picking who are employed to search many depredations, and even them; when this is suspected, hants is to lock the fellows up, and purgatives, which have freg the stolen goods.
taken out of the boats, they ople to whom they belong and in the ground to the depth of uare places cleared and fenced person having his own separate ow them to prevent the oysters here they are left to die and assed through a state of putrethey are easily opened without

Page 91
THE ISLAND
any danger of injuring the p if they were opened fresh, as great force. On the shell bein examined for the pearls: it is as the pearl, though- common unfrequently contained in the b The stench occasioned by th is intolerable; and remains for is over. It corrupts the atmos Condatchy, and renders the n extremely unpleasant till the west winds set in and purify t however is not able to overcome after the fishing season, number estly searching and poring ovel the oysters had been laid to pu then fortunate enough to find sates their trouble in searching Mr. Andrews was collector, a the lowest class, got by acciden that season, and sold it to Mr. The pearls found at this f than those got in the gulph of but in other respects are not : an excellent quality; for thou esteemed in Europe, the nativ or golden cast. Off Tutucoreen

OF CEYLON. ;
arls, which might be the case ut that time to do so requires opened, the oyster is minutely usual even to boil the oyster, ly found in the shell, is not ody of the fish itself. 2 oysters being left to putrefy a long while after the fishery phere for several miles round eighbourhood of that country monsoons and violent southhe air. The nauseous smell the hopes of gain: for months s of people are to be seen earnthe sands and places where trefy; and some are now and a pearl that amply compenafter them. In 1797 while Cooly, or common fellow of , the most valuable pearl seen Andrews for a large sum. shery are of a whiter colour Ormus on the Arabian coast, ccounted so pure or of such h the white pearls are more as prefer those of a yellowish which lies on the Coromandel

Page 92
72 THE ISLAND
coast, nearly opposite to Cond but the pearls found there a species I have mentioned, bein ish tinge.
In preparing the pearls, pal ing them, the black people a very much struck with the in ling, as well as the dexterit machine made of wood, and C inverted cone, about six inches is supported upon three feet, c upper flat surface of this mach to receive the larger pearls, with a little wooden hammer. spindles of various sizes accord are turned round in a wood handle to which they are atta in the pits which we have air of the spindle adjusted to th the wooden head of the machi right is employed in turning the process of drilling, he ( by dipping the little finger C nut filled with water which is pose; this he does with a scarcely impedes the operation, much practice.

OF CEYLON.
atchy, there is another fishery re much inferior to those two g tainted with a blue or grey
ticularly in drilling and stringre wonderfully expert. ... I was strument they employ ill drilwith which they use it. A f a shape resembling an obtuse in length, and four in breadth, :ach twelve inches long. In the line, holes or pits are formed the smaller ones being beat in
The drilling instruments are ling to that of the pearls; they en head by means of a bow ched. The pearls being placed eady mentioned, and the point em, the workman presses on ne with his left hand, while his ound the bow handle. During occasionally moistens the pearl f his right hand in a cocoaplaced by him for that purlexterity and quickness which and can only be acquired by

Page 93
THE ISLAND
They have also a variety of o ting and drilling the pearls. T to that state in which we see the themselves is employed. The paring the pearls occupy a gre; various parts of the island. I1 Columbo in particular, many o at this work, which is well wort who is not already acquainted
Such are the circumstances which have fallen under my ob been formerly inconsiderately e Dutch, it is not perhaps so pri revenue which Government de considerable, and may by go Pearls are considered as the ne namon; the concourse of peo facility for disposing of the o management, advantage might b offered to introduce our manufact
Before we leave the bay of to take a view of the various attention of a stranger during t able display of Indian manners, varieties, is, perhaps, the most has its representatives; the arts
monies performed by others, and

OF CEYLON. 73
her instruments, both for cutclean, round, and polish them m, a powder made of the pearls se different operations in preit number of the black men in the black town or pettah of them may every day be seen the attention of any European with it. relative to the pearl fishery, servation. Owing to its having xhausted by the avarice of the oductive as it once was. The rives from it is still however Dd management be increased. xt staple of the island to cinple which it attracts affords a ther produce; and by proper e taken of the opportunity here ures into various parts of India. Dondatchy, it may be amusing objects which most attract the he pearl fishery. The remarkwhich are here seen in all their striking of these. Every cast practised by some, the cerethe appearance of all, present

Page 94
74 THE ISLAND
the richest repast to the curio place he may see jugglers and practising their tricks with a which appear supernatural to ti in another he may observe Fa darams, and devotees of every charity, or in consequence of most painful operations with a which I could scarcely have be not been an eye-witness. I ho improper digression from my 1 those circumstances which mos not particularly connected with , they will certainly afford one
traveller who visits it.
The most painful acts of p dergo, are in order to regain it either by eating things forbi or by having such connection scription as is supposed to defi] held in abhorrence by person from all intercourse with them them. From such a dreadful purified only by paying a larg going the most incredible pen observed, I shall mention a few of them will vow to hold his

OF CEYLON,
sity of an European. In one vagabonds of every description degree of suppleness and skill, he inhabitant of a cold climate; keers, Brahmins, Priests, Pansect, either in order to extort some vow, going through the degree of obstinate resolution, lieved or even conceived, had ope it will not be thought an narrative, if I mention a few of t attracted my notice: they are a description of Ceylon, but source of amusement to the
enance which the Indians untheir cast, when they have lost lden by the rules of their sect, with people of a different dee them. In this state they are s of their own sect, debarred , and prohibited even to touch state of deflement they can be e sum of money, or by underances. Among those which I 7 of the most remarkable. One arm elevated over his head for

Page 95
THE ISLAND
a certain number of years, witl this he will actually continue t afterwards be recovered to its keep his hand shut till the nail into the flesh, and appear qui hand. Many never suffer thei beards to be shaved: in this
which is of a brown or burnt c not unlike the mops we use in long dishevelled strings, simila species of French lap-dogs. Sc while, at the same time, they iron instrument not unlike a g But one of the most extra
which I have witnessed is, sw. termed. A very high and s planted firmly in the ground, c beam is placed in such a mannel and made fast to the upright both, like the yards to the m end of the traitsverse beam, ro to hoist up the devotee. HIe by a number of people dancing round the Swinging post by th with loud shouts, accompanied b ‘sheep is sacrificed, and the bloo
rounding multitude, who are
J,

OF CEYLON. 75
hout once letting it down; and o do, till the arm can never natural position. Another will s on his fingers absolutely grow te through at the back of his r hair to be combed, or their state the hair of their heads, olour, gets matted, and appears n Europe; or hangs down in r to that which grows on a me will vow never to lie down; wear round their necks a large ird-iron without a handle.
ordinary of these ceremonies inging for their cast, as it is trong post, or cocoa-tree, is rossways; on its top, another r as to turn round on a pivot, post by ropes reeved through last of a ship; and from the opes and pullies are sųspended then is brought out, attended before him; and is led thrice e Brahmins and his relations, y music. In the mean time a d sprinkled about on the sur
eager that it shall fall upon

Page 96
76 THE ISLAND
them. Barren women, in parti drops, in hopes of being by th with a view to secure the effic trive to work themselves up, lhighest pitch of religious del shrieking in the most dreadful performed, the devotee is pla ground; and two very large h ously fixed to the ropes suspen beam, are inserted deep into th the shoulders: other ropes are and across his thighs, to help body. He is then, by means o up to the cross tree, immediat suspended; and in this position two or three times. During th a certain number of prayers, a the crowd flowers which he had t pose: these are considered as s away all disease, and ensure surrounding multitude scramble English mob for money thrown
This ceremony is by no mean occasion to be present at more Ceylon. The last I saw perfor when the cross beam broke, an was killed on the spot. A moo

OF CEYLON.
ular, are anxious to catch the s means rendered fruitful; and acy of this charm, they conduring the ceremony, to the rium, tearing their hair and manner. After the sacrifice is ced on his belly flat on the boks, which have been previled from the end of the crosse flesh of his back just under also placed under his breast to sustain the weight of his f the ropes and pullies, hoisted ely under which he continues he is drawn round the post is painful ceremony he repeats. and continues to throw among aken up with him for the puracred relicks, which will keep appiness ever after; and the ; for them as eagerly as an
among them. .
s unfrequent, and I have had than one, during my stay in (med was at Columbo in 1799, l the man falling to the ground r of the Moply cast had pre

Page 97
THE ISLAND
viously observed to the crowd, of the same sect with the dev strong enough to bear the maj This proving actually to be th that the Moor had by his p revenge they attacked him with tainly have been killed, had n officers and Sepoys, whom curi interfered and rescued him out The priests who attend at and other ceremonies, as well mendicants, are a great nuisan ceedingly lazy and idle, they a troublesome. But they are n the multitudes collected at the sides a crowd of jugglers, sn girls of all descriptions, as wel occupation but to procure t filching and thieving, at which This practice, however, is the it appears to be an inherent their dealings with an Europ presents itself, they never fail reaching him. It is only ho that he suffers from them, for rob or take his goods from hiu deed, is the awe which the a

OF CEYLON. 77
who were principally Malabars otee, that the timber was not n, and would certainly break. e case, the Malabars affirmed "ediction bewitched it; and in such fury, that he would cerot I with a few other European osity had brought to the spot,
of their hands. Condatchy on account of these as many other sects of religious ce there; for, besides being exre likewise very impudent and ot the only pests which annoy : pearl fishery. There are beake-catchers, dancing boys and l as many who follow no other heir livelihood by the arts of they are exceedingly dexterous. more pardonable in them, as propensity in an Indian. In ean, whenever an opportunity to employ their skill in overwever by pilfering and stealing they hardly ever venture to m by open force. So great, intehievements of the Europeans

Page 98
s THE ISLAND
have inspired into the natives scarcely ever known to meet a in private conflict or in battle There is no scene at which finer opportunity of turning til the bay of Condatchy, at th For this reason, rogues flock t and no precaution is sufficient Their practice of picking out t secreting them is, in particular, it has been found impossible general censure of the natives native Ceylonese; for, although in their island, yet few of the the numbers who flock from o they at all so much addicted t of hand, to the Indians of the these accomplishments by inher them, it being a common prov “ rogue the greater man.” I s them from my own experience, were repeatedly sufferers by it. visit India, who will not soon sonal knowledge of it.
At Condatchy their depredati and no precautions can entirei boat-owners and merchants deali

OF CEYLON.
of India, that a black man is white man hand to hand, either
the native Indians can have a heir dexterity to account, than 2 season of the pearl fishery. hither from all parts of India, to prevent their depredations. he pearls from the oysters and carried to a great height, and to put a stop to it. In this of India, I do not include the the pearl fishery be carried on 'm attend it, in comparison of ther parts of India. Nor are : O roguery, nor equal in slight continent, who seem to have itance, and are very proud of :erb with them, “ The greater peak of this disposition among as I and my brother officers Indeed there are few who have occasion to acquire per
ons are reduced to a system, y guard against them. The ng in the oysters, are obliged

Page 99
THE ISLAN
to hire people to collect the vent embezzling, confidential stantly attend to watch over a I recollect of the ingenuity em the care of the superintendant employed by a boat-owner to a regular plan for pilfering the appointed to be the thief, a valuable pearl; while another, given, was to make a shew of and to run the risk of being pu to attract the attention of the an opportunity to the real th This plan having been arrang with their work, till one of the pearl, and instantly made the
act the feigned part. The lat mediately began to secrete sc such a manner as to be observi in consequence, seized upon him and began to punish him. Thi the fellow made as much noi while, in the mean time, the r tunity to secrete and secure th was afterwards discovered in c themselves about the division agreed that the pearls should

OF CEYLON. - 7g
2arls out of them; and to preersons are appointed, who conld observe them. One instance ployed by the Indians to evade ... A band of them having been pen his oysters, they concerted most valuable pearls. One was ld to contrive to steal away a
on a signal being previously carrying off one of small value, nished for this offence, in order superintendant, and thus afford lief to get his booty clear off. ed, they went on very quietly 'm lighted upon a very valuable signal to the thief who was to ter, according to his cue, imme pearls of small value, in 2d by the superintendants, who, , detected the pearls about him, s occasioned a great bustle, for se and resistance as he could ; !al thief laid hold of the oppore valuable pearl. This roguery Onsequence of a quarrel among
of the booty. It had been be sold, and the price divided

Page 100
8uᎩ THE ISLAN
amongst them, according t procuring it: but the mock turned off from his employ1 the transaction, thought hims in the profits than the rest his claims not being admitte boat-owner. Upon this, appl officer commanding here, wl punished; and the pearl, bei stored to the proprietor.

OF CEYLON.
the parts they were to act in ief who had been punished and 'nt on account of his share in f also entitled to a greater share ere willing to allow him; and lhe discovered the affair to the ration was instantly made to the 2n the whole set were severely
g at length traced out, was re

Page 101
THE ISLAND
CHAPT
Putallom salt-works - Nigumbo. British troops from Nigum
THE coast as you pass alo presents in general nothing bu appearance, except where it is ble jungles. A great variety of along the shores, some of then themselves are a species of mot surface of which is so indentec paint or ink is rubbed over it leaves behind figures of birds, like appearances, owing to its s
The distance from Manaar t hundred and fifty miles. A few where detachments are posted f Most of the road is extremely much infested with buffaloes which lies between Manaar an the jungle comes down to the is to be found for a consideral which pass through it, these an in the road to the great anr obstacles also occur in this jou)
M

OF CEYLON,
ER IV.
- Fishery there-March of the Jo-Surrender of Columbo.
ng from Manaar to Columbo, t the most desert and barren covered by almost impenetracurious shells are indeed found valuable. The oyster shells her-of-pearl in the inside, the with uneven lines, that when and then gently wiped off, it
trees, men's heads, and such inking into the cavities.
Columbo is upwards of one small places occur in the way or the protection of travellers.
bad, and the country very and elephants; in the track d Chilou in particular, where very shore, and no other way ole distance but narrow paths mals often present themselves oyance of travellers. Other ney. At Pomparipo a broad

Page 102
THE ISLAND
lake is to be passed, which rainy season. There are beside rivers, as the Mosulee and M mountains in the interior.
The first post you come to small island of the same name sea. A company or two of when I left the island, it was ( who had entered into our servi ment from Governor North. '' on the whole island for game.
Putallom, which lies not far salt-pans. This place before the island, supplied the natives wit convenient situation, was pitc manufacturing the salt with wh Candy's dominions, according t with him. The salt-pans are which overflows part of the c Calpenteen. A very large qua here by the Dutch; they look importance to their interests formidable weapon which it against the native king, as it cure any but through their me possession of the island, this entirely neglected. It is capa

)F CEYLON.
comes impossible during the in the way two or three broad dragar, which issue from the
is Calpenteen, opposite to a which lies a little way out at Malays is stationed here, and ommanded by a Dutch officer 'e and received this appointhis is one of the best places
distant, is remarkable for its arrival of Europeans on the in salt; and on account of its hed upon by the Dutch for ch they supplied the king of o the articles of their treaty ormed by an arm of the sea. untry between Putallom and tity of salt was manufactured 2d upon it as of the highest in the island, and the most as in their power to employ as impossible for him to prons. Sinee we have obtained manufacture has been almost e however of being rendered

Page 103
THE ISLAND
very profitable, as it is the onl of the island, and the most co ing the king of Candy's dom severe laws to prevent indivi trading in this article, the g the management of the works a its own subjects and the Ca constant check on the latter, t allow them too great a qual remained at Putallom after su year they destroyed, that it 1 surprise.
A little farther southward lie Dutch have erected houses for It stands on the banks of a br great distance. The country ar wild; and perhaps there is no gerous to travel, from the multil it is infested.
From this place nothing wor we arrive at Nigumbo, a very p four miles of Columbo. The fl: we are now come, presents a 1 traveller. The fields are ever with a profusion of productio variety to the eye. The past
richest kind; and the fields a
MAI

OF CEYLON. 83
y one of the kind on this side Inveniently situated for supplyinions. The Dutch enacted duals from manufacturing or overnment taking upon itself und the care of supplying both ndians. In order to keep a he Dutch were careful not to tity at once; and whatever pplying the demands of each night not be seized upon by
es Chilou, a village where the the entertainment of strangers. oad river; with another at no ound this place is particularly road in the island more danJude of wild beasts with which
thy of observation occurs till leasant village, within twentyat and open country to which most beautiful prospect to the y where fertile, and clothed . ons which offer a charming ures are of the greenest and e peculiarly well adapted to 2

Page 104
84 THE ISLAND
rice, from the constant supply easily inundated during the 1 rivers which intersect, and shac rich fields, joined to the beauti interspersed among them, at ol and give them the most luxuri
Nigumbo is situated on the spot, accounted one of the he Dutch families on this accour and gardens scattered up and cocoa-nut and other trees. N in Ceylon, and for its size co inhabitants. The Dutch built of the cinnamon-cutters, as a spice grows in the adjacent d erected in the fort, where the is lodged, till an opportunity o This cinnamon is reckoned eq island.
The fort is not strong, bei square embankment of sand ent of the milk-tree: the front alon and has a regular gate and dre each angle of the square is a planted on them; and in the g an arched cupola for a bell. ranges of buildings, which se

OF CEYLON.
of water; as the whole is very rainy season. The number of ly hedges which surround these ful topes or groves every where nce contribute to their fertility. ous appearance. sea coast in a most picturesque althiest in the island. Many it reside here, and have houses down in delightful groves of igumbo is the largest village ntains the greatest number of a fort here for the protection considerable quantity of that istrict. Store-houses are also cinnamon, after being dried, ffers to convey it to Columbo. ual in quality to any in the
ng only defended by a steep :ompassed with a thick hedge e is constructed of stone work, w-bridge at its entrance. At bastion with a few old guns ateway are guard-houses with Within the fort are three long ve for barracks to the troops

Page 105
THE ISLAND
and for store-houses to the c formerly given to a subalter arrangements made by Gover field officer, who also acts as civil court appointed to lhe among the natives, and take mitted within this district.
These civil courts existed Dutch, and are now establish military posts and commands manding officer, who is alway gating any affair brought bef trivial nature, has the power to the offence on the spot, of his appears to be intricate or of : it to the head court at Colum remarks on the evidence. Th of trouble that would otherwis litigious disposition of the nati the distribution of justice, as til dence on the spot has an oppo which the distance might other court at Columbo.
Nigumbo is very advantage inland trade, particularly with hood, as a branch of the Mu

OF CEYLON. ഞ് 85
innamon. The command was ; but according to the new or North, it is given to a president of the Landraed, or ar and determine differences :ognizance of the crimes com
under the government of the 2d by Mr. North at all the round the island. The com's the president, after investiore him, if he finds it of a decide the dispute, or punish own authority. If the affair sufficient magnitude, he remits bo, with his own opinion and is institution saves an infinity e arise from the captious and ves. It also greatly promotes he president by taking the evirtunity of acquiring information wise prevent from reaching the
usly situated for carrying on Columbo and its neighbourivaddy here runs into the sea

Page 106
86 THE ISLANI
At the mouth of it is a small small vessels often put in an afterwards conveyed up the which communicate with it, town of Columbo. The cou munication is carried on is pe every direction, and abounds rivers, which give the greate The sides of the rivers and woods and jungle, which affor passengers from the scorching supply the inhabitants with pl with the greatest abundance last articles, Ceylon is much part of India which I have vi One of the principal article the inland communications c considered as the property of farmed out for several thousan man is usually the farmer, and of the fish caught here. He e to the place, paying the own people he engages are compell ment to fish every day that th and particular festivals excepted to purchase from the farmer

OF CEYLON.
arbour, where sloops and other land their cargoes, which are (ulivaddy, and then, by canals to the lake which skirts the ntry through which this comrfectly flat for a great way isa with considerable lakes and it facility to forming canals. canals are skirted with thick a most grateful shade to the heat of the sun, and also enty of fuel, as the rivers do of fish. With both of these petter provided than any other sited.
exported from Nigumbo by onsists of fish. This trade is government, and is annually i rupees. A Moor or Malabar he alone is allowed to dispose mploys all the boats belonging 2rs a certain daily hire. The d by the authority of govern2 weather will permit, Sundays These fishermen are obliged any fish they may want for

Page 107
THE ISLAND
their own use. Whether this ment, or for the fishermen may the worst for the purchaser, a Although Columbo has a ve yet it is also largely supplied soon as caught are put into and canals during the night, morning.
I was struck with a curious tised by the natives in the lak gumbo. They go into the w thigh, carrying in their hands form, something resembling o bottom. This they suddenly down to the mud. They soon a fish by its beating against t this is the case, they thrust hole at the top and lay hold they catch them on a piece of fastened round their waist; and loaded with what they caught operation of plunging the bask are employed in splashing the make the fish go towards the k Besides the produce of the are carried on at Nigumbo to to this place that the adjacent

OF CEYON, 87
system be the best for governbe disputed; but it is plainly all competition is destroyed. ry extensive fishery of its own, from Nigumbo. The fish as ooats, conveyed by the rivers and sold in the bazars next
method of catching fish praces and rivers adjoining to Nirater up to the middle of the a round basket of a conical ur wire rat-traps without the plunge into the water quite find whether they have enclosed he sides of the basket: when down their arm through the of it. They string the fish as f rattan or bamboe, which is I have often seen them quite , in this manner. While the et is continued, other persons water all around in order to basket. fisheries, other, sorts of traffic a considerable amount. It is country sends. Such articles as

Page 108
88 THE ISLAND
are destined for exportation; t them come to anchor of the carried on board and convey India.
The inhabitants contain a nu Indian Portuguese; and it is these casts as well as of the n than at Columbo and other m healthy, and pleasant situatio next to Jafnapatam, though Caltura, another delightful vi of Columbo.
The English landed at Nig they made themselves masters
From Nigumbo southward t it is shaded the whole way, resting places provided for t Columbo is a very large chou officers of the garrisons frequ It is situated in a most agre picturesque country; and snip this quarter.
After the taking of Nigum fifty-second, seventy-third, a three battalions of Sepoys, an tillery, marched to attack Colur he had to pass presented ap

OF CEYLON.
lae vessels which are to receive harbour, when the goods are led to the different parts of
mber of Moors, Malabars, and remarked, that the women of ative Cinglese, are prettier here ore noted places. For its cool, n, Nigumbo is usually ranked some give the preference to llage about thirty miles south
umbo in February 1796, when of it without opposition he road is extremely pleasant; and there are a number of ravellers. About half way to ltry or barracks, to which the tently go on shooting parties. 'eable spot in the midst of a be and other game abound in
bo, General Stewart with the ind seventy-seventh regiments, d a detachment of Bengal arabo. The road through which parently the most formidable

Page 109
THE ISLAND
obstacles. Those rivers which and richness of the country, an much comfort to the traveller, march of an army, and oppoi twenty miles the road may be defile capable of being easily ( rior force. It was intersected rivers, and several smaller ones, had been broken down. Each s our army marched was covered from whence the enemy had an adversaries without even being situation General Stewart ever and was exceedingly surprised, being suffered to pass througl country without the smallest o more striking idea of the degra military establishments at Ceylo fering an ehemy to advance unı Neither want of skill or pruder nor want of discipline on that duced such disgraceful effects.
tion of public spirit, of every that such conduct can be attrib private emolument appears to l feeling in the breasts of the Du warning to all commercial nati

OF CEYLON. පි9
add so much to the beauty d those woods which afford so presented so many bars to the tunities to annoy them. For considered as one continued lefended against a much supeby two broad, deep, and rapid besides ravines whose bridges ide of the path through which with thick woods and jungle, oportunity of destroying their seen themselves. In such a y moment expected an attack, as were all the officers, at h such a strong and difficult pposition. Nothing can give a ded state to which the EDutch
n were reduced, than their sufmolested in such circumstances. ce on the part of the officers, of the soldiers could have proIt is only to the total extincsentiment of national honour, uted. A thirst of gain and of lave swallowed up every other tehmen; and this is a striking ons to be careful that those
N

Page 110
90 TIE ISLAND
sentiments which engage them not obliterate those by which : defended.
If their unmolested march s cumstances which followed sti soldiers. The first obstacle w Stewart, was the Mutwal river miles from Columbo ; and her appearance for the first time, the passage. Nature had done render their resistance effectual mile broad, and ran in such a and insulate for three or fou which immediately presented neck of land on the south-side this tract, which from its streng A battery erected by the Dutc manded the passages, and G. obliged to halt. The army la themselves for a difficult enterpr to learn that the Dutch had t into the river, evacuated the tately into the garrison of C doubted the truth of the intelli a stratagem of the enemy to di attack them with advantage. A presented itself on the other si

OF CEYLON.
to extend their dominions, do alone they can be retained and
eemed unaccountable, the cirl more surprised our British nich opposed itself to General at the distance of about four e the enemy, who made their seemed determined to dispute every thing in her power to
The river was here half a direction as nearly to cut off r miles that tract of country itself to our army. A little afforded the only entrance to rth was called the Grand Pass. :h on the Columbo side, comeneral Stewart was of course y here for two days preparing ise, when they were astonished hrown the guns of the battery - post, and retreated precipiolumbo. The British at first gence, and then supposed it was 'aw them across, and afterwards As no opposition, however, now de of the river, it was resolved

Page 111
THE ISLAND
to carry over the army, whic of bamboe, and a few boats í off the mouth of the river. C large grove of cocoa-nut trees, The position was very advant winding course, protected our left was skirted by a very thi tended nearly to the Black T which lay at no great distanc army with every thing necess cumstance that the Dutch to pusillanimous conduct in aban tion. They said they were afre the ships between them and cutting off their retreat. But the situation of the country v poor palliation of their cowar attempted to land troops betw retreat was opened to them b through which, from our not have been dangerous and imp Whilst our troops lay here, lumbo a large party of M. Colonel Raymond, a French did rather unexpectedly in Our troops, however, particula Colonel Barbut, gave them su

OF CEYLON. gl.
was speedily effected on rafts com our ships lying at anchor 'ur troops then encamped in a with a Malay village in front. geous, as the river, from its right flank and rear, while the ck wood or jungle, which exown of Columbo. Our ships, e, were ready to furnish the ary. It was of this last cirok advantage to excuse their doning such an excellent posilid of troops being landed from the fort of Columbo, and thus those who are acquainted with vill look upon this as a very lice, as even supposing we had een them and the fort, a secure y the thick wood on the left, knowing the ground, it would oper for us to pursue them.
the Dutch sent out from Colays under the command of nan, to attack us, which they he morning about day-break. rly our flank companies under ch a warm reception, that they
N 2
Au

Page 112
92 "THE ISLAND
soon retired very precipitatel brave commander was morta days after. The loss on our was the last and only attemp pose us.
Our army was now come t Dutch dominions in Ceylon, a vigorous defence; and here ted their resistance. On our a capitulation was immediately after, this important place w; To examine the causes which may be of use to our own in our garrisons abroad.
Previous to the British troc its garrison had been in some of the Swiss regiment de Meu composed part of it. This re agreement with the Dutch havi General Stewart was sent again services to our government; hitherto been procured from it at Columbo. The strength means impaired; but the want cipal defect, as upon marchi was found to consist of two b French regiment of Wirtem

OF CEYLON.
y and with great loss; their ly wounded and died a few art was not material; and this t made by the enemy to op
o Columbo the capital of the arge, fortified, and capable of hey seemed to have concentrappearing before it, however, a proposed, and in a few days as surrendered into our hands. led to this unexpected conduct ation, and the commanders of
ps appearing before Columbo, measure weakened by the loss on, which for a long time had giment, upon the term of its ng expired a few months before st Ceylon, had transferred its
and other troops had not Holland or Batavia to replace
of the garrison was by this
of numbers was not its prinng out after the surrender, it attalions of Dutch troops, the berg, besides native troops;

Page 113
THE ISLAND
forming in all a number fu against it.
The dissensions among both of the garrison was a cause w its surrender. Those princip many convulsions and atrocitic trated into this colony. The C was a very respectable old offi a mild disposition. Many of ti violent republicans of the jac against the Governor as a man to place in the government hi over to their own principles. T gone to an alarming height; denounce their opponents, and would in all probability have fa not the sudden arrival of the rescued them from impending C The state of discipline in th the most shameful disorder. I carried to the greatest height. quently declared at the tables in constant danger of his life He had resolved to defend th was the state of insubordinati could not by any means induc particular the officers, to ma.

OF CEYLON. 3
ly equal to the force seat
the civil and military officers hich more powerfully has ened les which have produced so s in Europe, had also pe-leGovernor, M. Van Anglebeck, :er of moderate principles and nose under him were, however, 'obin party; they declaimed of a weak mind, and wished s son, whom they had gained The violence of this party had they had already begun to several respectable gentlemen llen victims to their fury, had English at this critical moment lestruction. a garrison had also fallen into Drunkenness and mutiny were The old Governor has freof our officers, that he was from their mutinous conduct. e place to the last, but such on which prevailed, that he 2 the Dutch troops, and in ‘ch out against the enemy

Page 114
94 THE ISLAND
Personal safety, aun object scal troops either by sea or land, every sense of duty or hono accompany the Malay troop already mentioned; but scarcel the Black Town when their co the Malays to their fate. No officers met us in that actio Raymond, who was ashamed poltroons, and would have br censure had not his life fallen of honour.
This state of total insubo jacobin party, and the fear of the Governor to enter into a with the English as soon as til He let his troops, however, k in agitation; but this produce and he at length signed the ca ledge, and I believe without thei denly introduced into the fort, the Dutch were aware of it. state of the most infamous ( discipline, no obedience, no sp the most bitter reproaches a him as the author of that dis had brought upon them; and

OF CEYLON.
cely ever attended to by our
seemed in them to overpower ur. A few of them went to on the expedition I have y had they reached the gates of urage evaporated, and they left it above one or two European n besides the brave Colonel of being connected with such ought their conduct to public
a noble sacrifice to his sense
dination, the violence of the an internal massacre, induced private treaty for surrender hey appeared before the place. now that such a measure was d no effect on their disorders, pitulation without their knowconsent. Our troops were sudand had nearly entered before They were found by us in a lisorder and drunkenness; no irit. They now began to vent rainst the Governor, accusing race which their own conduct seemed in a tumultuous crowd

Page 115
TE ISLAN
determined to display a despe too late. The Malay troops of discipline. Even they, ho contagious example of the rest cert with the jacobin party a Governor's house, and fired him; crying aloud, that he them to the English. Nor that these mutineers were c and ground their arms.
It was grateful to the hea steady conduct and excellent occasion, when contrasted with duct of the Dutch soldiers. witness, assured me that the even to strike at our men wi insulting and opprobrious na them as they passed. This with their former cowardice, a countrymen. I have often with the Malay officers, who tirely the same sentiments wit highly disgusted with the pusil particularly in the affair at til them without any assistance contempt for their former n the valour of our troops, has

OF CEYLON. 95
rate courage when it was now alone kept up any appearance wever, were led away by the ; and several of them in conmong the Dutch, attacked the into it with an intent to kill had betrayed them and sold was it without much difficulty ompelled to evacuate the fort,
rt of a Briton to behold the liscipline of our troops on this
the riotous and shameful con
An officer who was an eyeDutch soldiers went so far as th their muskets, calling them mes, and even spitting upon behaviour entirely corresponded nd was equally despised by our ince conversed on the subject seemed to have embraced enregard to it. They were all animous conduct of the l)utch, e Grand Pass, where they left to fight by themselves. Their asters, and their admiration of served to render the Malays

Page 116
gნ THE ISLAND
our most sincere friends, and steady and well disciplined reg
These facts with regard to tend to throw the severest ref there, but by no means serv on our part was not attend The opposition of even a very occasioned much difficulty an great General Stewart's milita the troops he commanded. done every thing in her powe
Columbo on this side.

OF CEYLON.
they are now formed into a iment in the British service.
the easy capture of Ceylon lections on the Dutch garrison e to shew that the enterprise ed with the greatest danger. small body of men must have d loss to our men, however ry talents, and however brave Nature, indeed, seems to have r to secure the approaches to

Page 117
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Page 119
THE ISLAND
CHAPT
Description of Columbo-The f tants-Trade-E.
CoLUMBO, the capital of C ment, is a place of very consid comalee, on account of its situa consequence to this nation to other respect is greatly superio. tants is much greater ; its foi larger; the country where it is the rich district depending upon than twenty leagues in length situated in the west, or rather of the island, in about 7 north from London.
The fort is placed on a pen From this situation it derives ma
on all sides to the sea breezes rendered temperate and healthy, tor. The fort is upwards of a in a great measure indebted to it is also tolerably, well fortified careless in improving its natu many obvious opportunities bo
O

OF CEYLON. 97
ER V.
ort-Pettah-Harbour-Inhabi
pence of living.
eylon, and the seat of Governerable extent. Although Trination and harbour, be of more retain, yet Columbo in every r. The number of its inhabi
it and black town are much
situated far more fertile, and it much wider, being not less , and ten in breadth. It is towards the south-west part latitude, and 78° east longitude
insula projecting into the sea. ny advantages, as it is exposed , by which means the air is though so very near the equamile in circumference, and is nature for its strength; though by art. The Dutch were very cal advantages and neglected th without and within of ren

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99 THE ISLAND
dering it nearly impregnable. T in the neighbourhood, sufficient but few places near it where b the south side the surf runs rocky, that it would be dang west side of the bay where the wharf or landing place which safe for boats, the only attem quarters are so well defended by the harbour, that there is har ceeding.
On the west side of the for very fine batteries, en barbet, i harbour. They stand on a pa way from the main body of separated by a high wall and d having gates that communicate It is here, that the wharf or la sists of large piles of timber, sea, and affording a very com unloading sloops, and large boa alongside. At this end of th barracks, for half a regiment, :
The ramparts of the fort are cipal bastions, including the tw distinguished by the names o Leyden, Amsterdam, Harlem,

OF CEYLON.
here is no hill or rising ground ly elevated to command it; and oats can land with safety. On so high, and the shore is so erous to approach it. On the 2 sea is smoother, and near the at all seasons of the year is pt could be made; but these y the batteries which command "dly any probability of its suc
t, and facing the sea, are two intended for the security of the urt that projects a considerable the fort, from which they are titch flanked with bastions, and with the interior of the fort. unding place is formed: it con extended several yards into the modious station for loading and ts, which can be brought close 2 fort several store-houses and
are erected.
very strong, having eight prino already described. They are f the towns in Holland, the &c. There are also a number

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of lesser ones, with curtains, b nicating with each other all a troops to line and defend wi The want of bomb-proof casen of the place; the powder mag. structed in that manner. We from ships on the south or we want would be particularly felt. The whole fort is surrounde ditch, over which draw-bridge gates. On the outside are som der mill and a saw mill, attac Adjoining to the covert way, is a lake in some parts extendi country in a north-east directi outside of the fort, the neck o the country) is not above five and in the middle of this space l on each side for a narrow cau sort, and so completely comman ficult for an enemy to storm. tirely cut off, by opening the slu when the lake would be connec rison completely insulated.
In the centre of the lake st with a sally-port on the east fa draw-bridges. It was called by
Ο

OF CEYLON. 09
unquets, and parapets, commuround the fort, and fitted for h musquetry and field-pieces. ents, is the chief disadvantage zine is the only building conre the fort to be bonilbarded st side, as it easily might, this
d by a broad and deep wet s are thrown at each of the * Small magazines, with a powhed to the fort,
and at the foot of the glacis, ng three or four miles into the on. For near a mile on the f land (which connects it with or six hundred yards broad: ies the lake, leaving only room seway. An approach of this ded, would render it very difNear the glacis it may be ences and cutting the road across, ed with the sea, and the gar
nds an island, communicating e, by a narrow causeway and the Dutch slave-island, from

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OO THE ISLAND
its being the place to which is a remarkably pleasant spot, talion of Malays is stationed h house built by the Dutch, whi lodge, with a very pretty gard is very convenient, as it lies s opens the nearest way to the close by it.
The fort has three gates; the guard is stationed, is called the pettah or black town. It has the ditch, which here forms ar are guard houses with a subalte The plan of Columbo is reg four equal quarters by two pri other, and extend the whole le smaller ones run parallel, with At the foot of the ramparts ( or way, which goes round the with the bastions and soldiers' the different angles, open spaces
The grand parade is by no son, as it eam hardly contain o side of it are ranges of public tary departments, with the tov of them, where the Dutch hel On our arrival here we found

OF CEYLON.
they sent their sick slaves. It full of cocoa-nut trees. A bat
ere. There is also an excellent h they employed as a mason's en attached to it. This island O contiguous to the fort, and
cinnamon gardens, which are
: principal one where the mainDelft gate, and leads into the two draw-bridges to pass over angle. At each of the gates n's guard placed over them. ular. It is nearly divided into cipal streets, which cross each ngth of the town. To these connecting lanes between them. on the inside is a broad street whole fort, and communicates barracks; and also affords, at
for their private parading. means sufficient for the garrine complete regiment. On one offices for the civil and mili
wn or stadt-house in the centre d their High Court of Justice. a rack and wheel, with a great

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variety of other implements of for inflicting punishment on cri these modes of punishment, so so abhorrent to the feelings o abolished by our government.
On the other side of the g store-houses, or go-downs, as bottom of the parade stands fort major's office, which is on rious circumstance, that gives of civilization among the Dutc Stewart was on his march hi thunder storm, a very usual world, a weather-cock on the to be struck by lightning; a c. deep impression on the minds dered as an omen of their fut At the upper end of the had begun to erect a church, The Dutch usually attended di and spacious church in the bla from the fort; and worship i English, either before or after The march to this church was convenience to olar troops, in account Governor North was within the fort, for their acco

OF CEYLON. Ol
torture, which had been used minals, particularly slaves; but shocking to human nature, and f a Briton, were immediately
and parade stand the cinnamon they are called here. At the a small building, used as the ly worthy of notice from a cua very poor idea of the state sh at Ceylon. While General ther from Nigumbo, during a occurrence in this part of the top of this building happened ircumstance which made a very of the Dutch, and was consiture ill-success.
arade, the Dutch government but it has never been finished. vine service at a very handsome ck town, about a mile distant s still performed there for the that of the Dutch inhabitants. attended with considerable inthis sultry climate; on which about to roof in the church, amodation,

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፣ {OQ THE ISLAND
The government house, whi long and capacious building, b Several offices are attached to it
ment is transacted. Behind i nally intended for a tank, or r for, though every house has water through the whole year, and unfit to drink. On this a both to the civil and military water from springs about a m by means of bullocks in leatl bags, a certain number of whic and garrisoll in India. Black employed to fill the bags, and ters of the different Europeans march, a different mode is pri negroes, appointed for the pur smaller leathern bags with pipes With these they run along til soldier who stands in need o are empty, replenish them at meet with.
Columbo is built more iun t analogy can at all be drawn, th The interior of the fort has a regular town; as none of thos are allowed to be erected in it.

OF CEYLON.
ch faces the harbour, is a very ut more convenient than elegant. , where the business of governt is an excellent garden, origiservoir, in the event of a siege; a well plentifully supplied with yet it is of a brackish quality, .ccount the Europeans belonging establishment, are supplied with ile from the fort. It is brought hern bags, called here pucially h is attached to every regiment fellows, called puckally boys, are drive the bullocks to the quarI. When the troops are on a actised. A certain number of pose, carry on their shoulders attached to them, called beasties. he line, giving water to every f it; and as soon as the bags
the first spring or river they
he European style, if such an lan any other garrison in India. lso more the appearance of a e huts, peculiar to the natives,
The Dutch houses are all re

Page 125
THE ISLANC
gularly built, though few of t An Englishman is also surprist having glass-panes after the El Indian settlements, Venetian bli This proceeds probably from Dutch, who love here, as wel houses close shut both in the endeavour to have them as ope the air freely.
Before each house, and coni space roofed in and supported a viranda, and is intended to a an opportunity of enjoying an up from the sea, without being from above. Here it is custon about, or lolling in a chair w the railing, which is placed al of three or four feet. In ad sultry rays, the houses are agr of thick spreading trees, plant streets. These take off from reflected by the walls, which white-washed with a very fine shells, The colour is beautifully the coolness of the houses, but in the eyes of the passenger a Most of the houses are of th

OF CEYLON.
hem are above one story high. d to find all the windows here tropean manner; as in our other lds and shutters are chiefly used. the particular customs of the as in Europe, to keep their hot and cold seasons, while we h as possible, in order to admit
lected with it, is a large open on pillars of wood. It is called ford a shade from the sun, and y refreshing breeze that springs exposed to the scorching beams nary to see the people walking ith their feet supported against ong the pillars, to the height dition to this refuge from the eeably shaded by a double row ed on each side of the several the dazzling and sultry glare are all plaistered over and : bright lime made of burnt r white, and may contribute to throws an unsupportable glare ong the streets. 2 same construction, and consist

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O4 THE ISLAND
of the hall in the front, with another room in the back par three, and called the back viran the sloping form of the roofs, i. front. Behind the back vira smaller buildings, proportioned which they are attached, and tion of the servants, for cella.
TOOIS. -
The houses are covered with ently indeed, as I have had o perience. During the rainy sea in such a manner, that it is d place one's - head under. I ha exert my ingenuity on such o barely make a shift to sleep a out getting drenched. The ch the tiles arises from the crows, ing up bones and other things carrying them to the tops of t usually ensues for the plunder, people below, and the continua monkies also, a number of whi often very troublesome, and le ing the tiles. Both the crows : themselves of any entrance, wł lhouses; and it requires no sı

OF CEYLON.
a chamber at each side, and equal in length to the other la. This apartment, owing to much lower than those in the lda are one or two ranges of
to the size of the house to intended for the accommodas, and sometimes for sleeping
indented tiles; very indifferccasion to remember from exson most of them admit water lifficult to find a dry spot to lve frequently been obliged to ccasions; and, after all, could whole night in one place withief cause of these disasters to who are in the habit of pickrom the streets and yards, and he houses, where a stout battle to the great annoyance of the destruction of the tiles. The m run wild aluout the fort, are d their assistance in demolishnd monkies know how to avail ch they find or make into the all attention to prevent them

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from picking up loose articles recollect a very mischievous about the fort, and was so ve ble to catch him. One day l into my apartment, carried off and made his escape. I imm officer I observed standing at ran in to secure his own break fication, found that the monk him, and was already scramblin with a loaf in each paw. Next of a very fine parrot before it belonged, tore it to pieces, gentleman, with many expressi at the exploit.
In the centre of the principe lofty house, which belonged to Anglebeck. At present it is dowal, who commands our forc another very handsome and sp; ant of the garrison, with suital The hospital, which is desi roomy and convenient. It is tinct wards, so as to keep the pletely separate, and thus pre Close by it is a house for th hospital stores are prepared an

OF CEYLON. 105
While I was at Columbo, I monkey who used to run wild y cunning, that it was impossie suddenly made his entrance a loaf of bread from my table, ediately gave the alarm to an the next door; upon which he fast ; but, to lhis great mortiey had been before-hand with g up to the roofs of the houses 2 day the same monkey snatched the gentleman's face to which and then held it out to the ons of satisfaction and triumph
l street is a very handsome and the Dutch governor, M. Van the residence of General Mac
ces on the island. There is also acious house for the commandple offices and gardens. ined for soldiers and sailors, is very properly divided into dissick of different disorders.comwent infection from spreading. 2 chief surgeon, where all the
d kept. It is with much plea
P

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106 THE ISLAND
sure I add, that this hospital necessary in those hot climate and that every attention is pa who are sent here for medical
The fort of Columbo being outworks and detached posts in fison. Three or four battalic The regular guards placed on eighty Europeans, and three tim Besides these, other guards al posts, which are established ro the cantonments of the native the garrison consisted of the 7 European regiment, two comp three battalions of Sepoys. T troops is given to the oldest duty here.
The harbour of Columbo, v nothing more than an open anchorage to ships for only f December to April. During th to which this road is much e. violent degree; and ships from here to trade. But about M on the Malabar coast, and e coast of Ceylon, the roads of protection. Wessels then find

OF CEYON,
(an institution so indispensably s) is extremely well managed; id to the health of the troops
assistance. of itself very extensive, and its amerous, requires a strong garins are usually stationed here. the different gates, consist of es that number of native troops. e stationed in the bazars and und the garrison, and also in troops. On my arrival in 1796, 3d regiment, half the Madras. anies of Bengal artillery, and he immediate command of the , officer of the battalions on
hich lies on the west side, is road, affording good and safe ur months of the year, from is period the north-west winds, posed, do not prevail to any different parts of India put in y, when the monsoon sets in xtends its ravages to the west Columbo no longer afford any helter in the more secure ports

Page 129
THE ISLAND
of Trincomalee and Point de these roads for the following this means cut off from any ir of the island, for two thirds of place for the staple trade of C from these circumstances are ve fury of the monsoon hurricane obviated by improving the cor Columbo and the more secure the island.
For six months of the storm is subject to astonishingly hea with dreadful thunder and light in shore. In the beginning o broke on the fort of Columbo larly on the south-side, were half a mille from the fort a ni at pasture, under the care of thirty of the cattle, were struck of lightning. A woman, in th same time killed, and a child an hour this storm continued, remember to have seen. Nor. air seem at all exhausted by t after, there was another storm though the hospital, and seve
by the lightning, providentially

OF CEYLON. tOy
Galle, and seldom venture to ight months. Columbo is by cercourse by sea with the rest the year. As this is the chief ylon, the disadvantages arising ry considerable; but such is the here, that they can only be munications by land, between harbours on the east coast of
7 season, this side of the island vy falls of rain, accompanied ning, and violent winds blowing f May 1799, a thunder storm ; and several houses, particustruck and damaged. About umber of goats and oxen were a boy; when he, and two and dead on the spot by one flash e black town, was also at the much hurt. For the space of with the greatest fury I ever did the electric matter in the is explosion; as, a few nights almost equally severe: but alal private houses, were struck no lives were lost.
2

Page 130
O8 THE ISLAND
During this season, the vari great. The heavy rains, whic render the atmosphere at that while the excessive heat of the able. This, added to the very clear day to cold and wet weat healthy at this season than du have observed these changes than Europeans.
The Sepoys, in particular, a of India, who come hither in officers, or for the purposes of endure the colds and damps oc which continue much longer i Malabar or Coromandel coasts that island is often called the the rainy season, the Indians fr subject to fluxes, dysenteries, a flicted by another extraordinar as uncommon a cure. This d of the Berry berry: it is occas water, which the natives are ac perhaps, by the dampness of It swells the body and legs ( size, and generally carries him method employed for the cure, cow-dung, oil, chinam, lime-jui

OF CEYLON.
tions of the climate are very h predominate most by night, time extremely chill and damp; sun is by day almost insupportsudden transition from a warm er, makes the climate more unring the hot weather. But E affect the negroes much more
nd other natives of the continent the service of the European trade, are not at all able to 'casioned by those violent rains, in Ceylon, than on either the ; and from these circumstances, watering-pot of India. During om the continent ạre extremely nd fevers. They are also af. t disease, to which they apply isorder is known by the name oned by the low diet and bad customed to use; and in part, he climate in the wet season. f the patient to an enormous off in twenty-four hours. The is to rub the patient over with e, and other preparations from

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THE ISLAND
herbs; and then bury him up the legs only are attacked, alth its name differs: a patient is the from the resemblance their le. of these animals. They are al disease being very prevalent ar of that name on the Malabai
some brackish water which is
The rainy season does not p ous to Europeans, although flu then much more frequent amo! weather. Our soldiers too, by and smoking tobacco, countere mosphere and the water; while live so abstemiously, few or ) drinking any thing but water, with these exhausting distem strength to resist them, and th
On the inside of the roads and separated from them by quite across it, lies a bay suffic ception of small ships and doni sloops and decked boats. This side of the fort; which, by its the violence of the storms, and west winds to the vessels moor is too shallow to allow ships o

OF CEYLON. 109.
to the chin in hot sand. When ough the disorder be the same, n said to have got elephant legs, gs bear at that time to those so called Cochin legs, from the nong the natives of the place coast, owing to the unwholelrunk there. roduce consequences so dangerixes and bowel complaints are ng them, than during the dry drinking plentifully of arrack ict the bad effects of the atthe natives on the other hand none of them eating flesh, or that when once they are seized pers, their constitutions want y usually fall victims. where the larger ships anchor, a sand bank which stretches iently commodious for the rees, the country name for small bay forms a half moon on One projection into the sea, breaks affords shelter from the southed here. The water on the bar f a large burden to pass; and

Page 132
O THE ISLAND
several, when driven by the vi anchorage, have been wrecked not uncommon to fire at vess in order to warn them of their anchoring within a certain dist Columbo was particularly unf first governors after it came in of one year. The first was C seventh regiment. In Decembe from England with half the n General Stewart in the comma lowing, sincerely regretted. C. pany's service, the next senior of but had only arrived three or f former command at Point de C curricle up-setting as he drove and was buried within a week death, General de Meuron, wh of Madras to investigate into upon him the command, whicl able Frederick North was sent of Ceylon. The conduct of th people, since his arrival on ti him to their warmest attachm that his residence among then yond that of his predecessors.
To every fort in India is a

OF CEYLON.
olence of the gales from theiro here. On this account it is els approaching too close to it, danger, and prevent them from
CC.
ortunate in the loss of is three to our hands, all in the space olonel Petrie, of the seventyer 1796, General Doyle arrived ineteenth regiment, to succeed ind, but died on the June fololonel Bonnevaux of the Comicer on the island, succeeded him; our days at Columbo, from his Galle, when he was killed by his out through one of the gates; after his predecessor. After his o was sent by the government the revenue departments, took he retained, till the Honourout from England as governor is gentleman to every class of Le island, is such, as to entitle ent; and to make them wish, may be prolonged much be
ttached on the outside of the

Page 133
THE ISLANI
walls, a town or village, called the pettah, and by us the black habited by black merchants a of Columbo deserves particul superior structure. It is divid the fort consists of one very esplanade near the walls, and old mud wall, and a gate call vision of the pettah are severa Dutch gentlemen and mercha port there is a narrow passage which consists of a long strag by the lake I have already ( street, there are several small In one of them stands a large the Orphan Seminary, or sch educate the children of their peans, as well as those whic These children were here bro till, the boys were old enough t and the females were settled or married to persons of their stitution is still kept up; and o highly praise-worthy, contribut Close by the esplanade, is th the church, as I have already end of the town.

) OF CEYLON.
in the language of the natives town, from its being chiefly inind trades-people. The pettah ur notice, from its extent and ed into two parts; that nearest broad street, beginning at the running on till stopped by an ed Kenman's port. In this dil excellent houses, where many nts reside. Through Kenman's : leading into the other division, gling town, skirted on one side lescribed. Besides a principal er ones running parallel to it. well-constructed building, called ool, where the Dutch used to soldiers and the poorer Euroh they had by native women. ught up at the public expence, ) become apprentices to trades; in some comfortable situation, own rank. This laudable inur government, with a liberality es to its support.
e burial-ground of the garrison; mentioned, stands at the other

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12 THE ISLAN
The shops, bazars, and stalls replenished with various articl use among the natives of In whole day, swarms with peop street, next the sea, is an exc from the sea, the lakes, and Fish, indeed, forms a conside inhabitants; and procuring and employment to a number of peo in their fisheries, particularly a of a curious shape and construc extremely well calculated for In length they are about fifteel in breadth. This shape is ca credibly fast, especially with square sail, which one would carrying without capsizing. T and to an European, a very ex ployed. A log of wood is exte end of the boat, by way of out. according to the size of the bo like the prow of a canoe, to log is fastened to the boat by seems to serve at once for helr contrivance may appear, it is in their extreme narrowness, the b by a person simply stepping int

OF CEYLON.
placed all along the streets, are es of merchandise, peculiarly in lia ; and the town, during the le of all descriptions. In the *llent fish market, well supplied rivers in the neighbourhood. rable part of the food of the bringing it to market, affords ple. The boats or canoes, used ttracted my notice. They are tion, used only in Ceylon, and the purpose they are put to. 1 feet, and not more than two lculated to make them go inthe addition of a very large imagine them incapable of o prevent this, an ingenious, traordinary contrivance is emnded five or six feet from the rigger. It is larger or smaller at, and is shaped at each end cut through the water. This Wo long and bent poles; and and ballast. Strange as this dispensably necessary; as from bats would without it be upset
them. They have one mast,

Page 135
THE ISLAND
to which the square sail is a the boat is capable of sailing instantly to move in an oppos tacking, but merely by swingi A paddle, something in the guide the boat's head.
The body of the canoe is fire, or scooped out by the c it, boards are nailed to the lhe form of a gunwale, to prevent the boat more above its surfa carry large burdens inland by three of these canoes are lasl riggers. Split canes, bamboes across them, so as to form a ki so much loaded, will draw but Other flat-bottomed boats a They are of a much greater b scribed; they are thatched with and are large enough to hold sant conveyances, and are mu going on shooting excursions. vast numbers of the Cinglese, burdens by water from one pl om board of them. Near Colur seen two or three hundred ol noored along the banks of the

OF CEYLON. • 3
tached in such a manner, that either way; and can be made te direction without turning or ng the sail of the yard round. form of a shovel, is used to
a large tree hollowed out by arpenters. Along the sides of ight of about two feet, in the the water getting in by raising ce. When it is necessary to the canals and rivers, two or led together without the out, or betel-tree, are then laid ind of raft; which, though ever
very little water. re also used by the natives. readth than those we have decocoa-tree leaves, like a house, :ouches. They are very pleach used by our officers when The owners of these boats, and whose business it is to convey ace to another, live constantly ibo, in particular, I have often these boats in regular rows rivers, with entire families on

Page 136
A THE ISLAND
board, who made them their ha pean construction, are seldom indeed are hardly known to malee and Columbo.
The street, or rather alley gate to the outer pettah, is the nature of the climate a course excessively hot. Here have fixed their stations. The branches out into a number of them two miles. At the stands the church; and behind ing supported in front with reception of the Candian amba are here kept by the native abundantly supplied with veget In this part of the pettah a smiths, and artificers of variou gold and silver. Here are : merchants, and canoplies, or manufacturers and traders, in stones found in Ceylon.
Columbo taken all together populous places in India. T where so many different langua tains such a mixture of nation sides Europeans, and Cingles

OF CEYLON.
bitations. Boats of our Euroor never used in Ceylon; and the natives, except at Trinco
which leads through Kenman's exceedingly narrow, and from hd its confined situation, is of che shroffs and money-changers outer pettah is very large, and of streets, which extend some further end of one of them it a large oblong stone buildpillars, and intended for the Issadors. A number of bazars, men and women: they are ables, dried fish, and fruit. re vast numbers of carpenters, s sorts, particularly workers in also a great number of black black accountants; as also the different kinds of precious
s, for its size, one of the most here is no part of the world ges are spoken, or which con, manners, and religions. Be, the proper natives of the

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THIE ISLAN
island, you meet scattered a race of Asiatics : Moors of er rians, Malays, Hindoos,” Gento Turks, Maldivians, Javians, isles; Persees, or worshippers their houses burnt and themse employ any means to extingui. of Africans, Cafrees, Buganese Asiatics; besides the half-cast races which proceed from a Each of these different classe ners, customs, and language.
The language spoken most peans and Asiatics who resort of India, a base, corrupt di that spoken in Portugal. It barbarous compound of a nun bined with several European, a distinguishable. Though this most vulgar of any, yet it is sary acquisition, as in most of particularly those which have Dutch, it is common to meet bars who speak it. On Ceylol understood; and indeed withou ble to maintain any conversa they seldom address one in any
AYA

OF CEYLON. 5
over the town almost every ery class, Malabars, Travancoos, Chinese, Persians, Arabiains, and natives of ail the Asiatic of fire, who would sooner have lves perish in the flames, than h it. There are also a number
a mixed race of Africans and l, people of colour, and other mixture of the original ones. s of people has its own man
universally both by the Euroto Columbo, is the Portuguese alect, altogether different from may indeed be considered as a hber of Indian languages commong which the French is very dialect be considered as the a very useful and even necesthe settlements on the coast, been in the possession of the with both Moors and Malait is particularly useful to be t it, a person finds it impossiion with the Dutch ladies, as other. This last circumstance

Page 138
6 THE ISLAN
a good deal surprised me, as found every thing accounted of the ladies. And yet the l ever attempt to speak even their own connexions in Dutc polite language. I am apt the vulgar Portuguese, to thei intercourse with their slaves,
Notwithstanding the difficul its total want of a secure har richness of the district where of articles which it affords to of very considerable trade. account both by Europeans a coasts of India ; and the di bring a revenue of some cons from this district that large q per, the staple spices of the i Europe in vessels, which tou voyage from Madras and E arrack is made in the neighb other districts along the west our settlements of Bengal, M return these send rice and otl is not able to supply its own of coya rope, or cordage, is a plies of it are sent to our sh

OF CEYLON,
in every other place I always ulgar the particular abhorrence Dutch ladies at Columbo hardly in their own families and to h, although it is reckoned the o attribute their adherence to habits of frequent and familiar who all speak this dialect.
ty of access to Columbo, and bour for large vessels, still the it is situated, and the variety commerce, render it a place It is much frequented on this nd the natives of the different ties on imports, and exports equence to Government. It is uantities of cinnamon and pepsland are yearly transported to ch here on purpose on their Bengal. A great quantity of ourhood of Columbo, and the coast. This liquor is sent to Iadras, and Bombay; and in er articles with wlhich Ceylon consumption. A large quantity so manufactured here, and supips on the various stations in

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THE ISLAND
those seas. A number of in this quarter of the island, are Malabars who reside here for are betel-leaf and areka nut, j ish Sagar, Cocoa-nuts - and oil, coral, ivory, fruit, and a vari return they import coarse cott printed or painted cloths for w handkerchiefs, palampoes, stoc and a variety of toys; also be liar to Bombay, and onions fr are remarkably good.
The Dutch exacted a duty exports and imports, which vernment.
Every year, in general tow Chinese ship arrives from Ma sweetmeats, hams, silks, velvet hats, all kinds of china-ware : with a very speedy sale; and hard-money they occasion a g be carried out of the island. The current coin here, as pean dominions on the island, lEnglish, of rix-dohlars, a, , nonni ling, valued at a certain quan were besides several smaller co

) OF CEYLON, 7
ferior articles, the produce of 2 exported by the Moors and that purpose. These articles aggery, a sort of coarse black
honey, bees-wax, cardamoms, ety of other lesser articles. In on cloths and calicoes, pieces of . romen's apparel, coarse muslins, kings, china ware, tin, copper, omeloes, a species of fish pecuom the same place, where they
of five per cent on all these is still continued by our Go
ards February, a Portuguese or cao. with teas, sugar, candied S, nankeens, umbrellas, strawand toys. These articles meet as they are generally paid in great deal of gold and silver to
well as in the rest of the Euroconsisted on the arrival of the nal coin, dike our pound stertity of copper money. There oper coins, called pice or stives,

Page 140
18 THE ISLAND
half-pice, and dudies. Four fanam, and seven fanams to a value of the coins has howeve lations established since the isl sion. There is now current single pice and half-pice, made A pice is about a halfpenny fanam, and twelve fanams to a called by our people, a copper for about two shillings sterling lent to a star pagoda, a Madh lings sterling. Our troops ar gold, one in silver, and one varies however according to ti issuing the copper money, go five fanams to the pagoda, whic as is charged by the company ever are rather sufferers by this lish merchants insist upon fort in their dealings with them. T money in Ceylon is very great diate plenty or scarcity of gold quently been obliged to give copper for a pagoda in gold, a a silver and copper rupee. F parture, gold had been so sc influx of it into the island, O

OF CEYLON.
ice or two dudies went to a rix-dollar. This proportional been altered, and new reguind has come into our possesa new coinage of double and by our East India Company. sterling; four pice go to a rix-dollar, or, as it is usually rupee. This latter coin goes and four of them are equivaas gold coin worth eight shile generally paid one third in in copper. This proportion he state of the treasury. In verment usually allows fortyh is about the same proportion at Madras. The troops howrate, as the Dutch and Eng-eight fanams to the pagoda, he fluctuation in the value of and depends upon the immeand silver there. I have freive rupees or ten shillings in ld the same proportion between or three years before my deurce, on account of the little casioned by the war and the

Page 141
THE ISLAND
unsettled state of affairs, that a sufficient quantity of it to p. often felt a great disadvantage at Columbo, particularly the ve the only times at which man procured. The foreign merchal money of the island in payme our only resource on such oc our copper-money to the shroff cure gold and silver, from them The expence of living at Co able than might be expected. I ral is indeed dearer than on whence most of the articles i expence of carriage has conse original cost. Horses and serv To keep one horse at ColumbC two at Madras. Servants' wag is the custom to bring them f they, as well as their master clothes and food than in their na cles are produced. The servan before they will come to Ceylo judiced against it on account from their homes and places prevails also among the peo

OF CEYLON. 119.
government could not procure ay the troops. This we have when ships occasionally touched 'ssel from Macao, as then were y necessary articles could be hts would not take the copperht, as it passes no where else; casions therefore was to carry s or money-changers, and profor it on their own terms.
lumbo is much more considerEvery thing in Ceylon in genethe continent of India, from in use are imported, and the quently to be added to their ants are particularly expensive. will cost as much as to keep 2s are also nearly double, as it rom Bengal and Madras, and , must pay dearer for their tive countries where these artiS also stipulate for higher wages l, as they are very much preof its dearness, and distance of religious worship. There le of the continent a rooted

Page 142
20 THE ISLAND
and unaccountable persuasion th part of India. Europeans ar. absurdity of this idea, as they it has in fact the best climate The Dutch, to avoid the exp introduced the practice of rear and employing Malays who n gardeners, and indeed good serv they were kept for a trifle in would still greatly reduce the e could be employed for domest however is, that from their di but ill calculated for them; it that they are very inexpert an of horses. I cannot, however, not be obviated, if they were offices of a servant. It wou European manners and ideas likewise retain in the island a off by strangers.
The other articles of life at part of Ceylon, have for sol high. They have all advanc vegetables and other provision greatest abundance have beco This is to be attributed to se

OF CEYLON.
at Ceylon is the most unhealthy 2 universally eonvinced of the have found by experience, that
in that part of the world. lence of keeping coast servants, ng slaves of the African casts, lade very excellent cooks and ants in every respect, although comparison of the others. It xpence if the native Ceylonese ic purposes. The general idea lispositions and habits they arc is particularly complained o: d ignorant in the management see why these objections might early trained to the different ld be a means of introducing among the natives, and would portion of wealth that is carried
Columbo, and indeed in every me years been proportionably ed very much in price, and is that were formerly in the me equally scarce and dear. veral causes. Since the British

Page 143
THE ISLAND
took possession of Ceylon, th people of all descriptions, both occasionally for the sake of tr. the intention of making it the influx of strangers was formerly and jealous policy of the Du our government in encouraging inconveniences, such as a rise i be the consequence, lays the fi population, and consequently a prosperity.
One principal cause of the form so great an article of for the first years after our ge was the Dutch having failed curing their usual annual supp Good Hope and Holland. Th all sorts degenerate very muc years, and soon yield but an quire much care in the reari the seeds, from the ravages o which fasten upon every thin comes within their reach. T absolutely necessary to have nearly every year from their na Such articles however, as a island, are found in great abun

OF CEYLON. " 21 سی ء۔
re has been a great influx of
those who only resort hither affic, and such as come with ir permanent residence. This greatly limited by the narrow ch; but the liberal policy of it, although a few temporary in the price of provisions, may bundation of a more numerous future encrease of wealth and
scarcity of vegetables, which food in these warm climates, lining possession of the island, wo successive Seasons in proly of seeds from the Cape of e seeds of European plants of ch in this climate in a few indifferent produce. They reng, and no less in preserving f the ants and other vermin, g of the vegetable kind that o preserve the quality, it is a fresh importation of seeds turall climates.
re the native produce of the lance and at a moderate price.
R

Page 144
22, THE SELAND
Beef, fish, and fowl in particu ful. Mutton is excessively de in the neighbourhood of Colun that it is only at Jafnapatana on Ceylon with success; and t thence or from the continent (, the price of mutton excessiv doubtful, however, if either t island be so noxious to them have cat remarkably fine and brought from Bengal and the ( on Ceylon several months bef to think that one principal re. reared here with success, is til jackals, snakes, and other noxi in great abundance; although r were very partial to them, as ness was reckoned an entirely ing them. From the same cau seeing ducks on our tables, alt and in plenty. Geese are rare except a few imported occasi other parts of India.
In consequence of the add military stationed in Ceylon Government granted them full of the East India Company's

OF CEYLON.
ar, are both cheap and petitiar, as no sheep can he reared bo. I have already mentioned they have ever been pastured he transportation of them from f India must of course render ly high at Columbo. I am he climate or pasture of the as is generally imagined. I fat mutton, which had been loromandel coast, and pastured ore it was killed. I am led ason why sheep have not been heir falling so easy a prey to ous animals. Pigs are reared either I nor my brother officers soon as we found that cleanli* superfluous article in feedase we were not very fond of hough they were rather cheap , and turkeys not to be had, onally by ships coming from
tional expence to which the were unavoidably subjected, batta, or a double allowance pay. This however went no

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THE ISLAND
farther than the half batta ol one might live better in ever ance. One considerable difere the continent, quarters, or an always given to the officers; obliged to pay for their own from six to twelve pagodas a

OF CEYLON. 23
the continent; where indeed, y respect on the lesser allownce arose from lodging; as on allowance for finding them, are
whereas in Ceylon, they are houses, generalły at tle rate of month.

Page 146
】24 THE ISLAND
OHΑΡΤ
Country, south of Columbo-Ga.
bareen-Bentot-Point de
THIE country around : Colum and very rich. It is diversified as well as a variety of groves, particularly conspicuous. A nu tered up and down through th of enjoying this delightful pros lished with a number of small shady roads, which every where an agreeable shelter to the t country-seats and gardens whicl with a continual change of grat lmost wealthy Dutch gentlemen The late governor, M. Van . house delightfully situated on th the river extends itself into a its numerous windings, affords a the road, which runs along its house occupied by Governor N fort, is a very elegant buildin gardens and grounds, furnishes

OF CEYLON,
ER VI.
kiest-Puntura-Caltura-BarGalle-Matura-Batacolo.
bo, for several miles, is flat with fields of rice and pasture, among which the cocoa-tree is mber of gentle eminences scat2 plains, afford an opportunity pect, which is farther embelrivers, lakes, and canals. The intersect the country, afford raveller; while the aumerous l skirt them, present his eye ification. Here it is, that the have their country residences. Anglebeck, had a very pretty e banks of the Mutwal, where very broad channel; and with most enchanting prospect from
banks for many miles. The orth, about a mille from the g; and, with the surrounding
ご
a delightful residence.

Page 147
THE ISLAND
One of the chief beauties in is the immense number of cini riches of the island. In the w ance; and in the gardens they with the greatest success.
On proceeding southward fra of cocoa-trees, which are equi and their shade, still continue It is therefore, upon the whol though indeed the sand is som quite by the sea-side for six m village of Galkiest, where the modation of both the Dutch tives having been converted to
From Galkiest to Pantura, a road is well shaded and pleasal cinnamon gardens, which stretc is a village with a church; a here for the troops to rest in oc Columbo to Point de Galle. sary to pass a river of conside the sea close by.
From Pantura to Caltura, a country may be considered as road has entirely the appearan shady garden. Few spaces of allow even the hottest sun at

OF CEYLON. 125
the neighbourhood of Columbo, amon trees, which produce the roods they grow wild in abundare now regularly cultivated
pm Columbo, the large groves ally refreshing from their fruit to skirt and shelter the road. e, pleasant to the traveller, alewhat fatiguing. The road lies hiles, till we arrive at the small e is a church for the accomand Cinglese; many of the na
the christian religion. a distance of twelve miles, the ntly diversified by a part of the ches across this tract. Pantura
nd barracks have been erected :casionally, in their route from On our way hither, it is necesrable breadth, which runs into
distance of ten miles, the whole cne delightful grove; and the ce of a broad walk through a it are so much exposed, as to noon-day to penetrate it. The

Page 148
26 THE ISLAND
grateful refreshment such a r this sultry climate, can only b passed from Columbo to Caltu here is remarkable; and the vig ness of the shades, is very se experienced this most satisfacto from Caltura to Columbo in nearly the hottest season of ti tween the two places above ty tura at nine in the morning, palankeen boys, who were to however, I left my fellow trave of an hour in crossing the C. resting at Galkiest, I got to the afternoon, having performe the day, and in the space of se tion this circumstance, to der feebling the climate of Ceylon European, than any other part on the continent which I hav walked above half the distance and yet the road which I trav from the line. I could mentio which the climate of Ceylon make, where they were assiste the road, mor the shades of t Bengal artillery left Columbo in

OF CEYLON.
oad affords to a traveller in conceived by those who have a. The goodness of the roads our communicated by the coolsibly felt by an European. I rily, in a walk which I took December 1799. It was tlen le year, and the distance beventy-eight miles. I left Calin company with two sets of go the same road. In time, llers behind; and after a dclay altura and Pantura rivers, and Columbo by half past four in 'd the journey in the heat of ven hours and a half. I menmonstrate how much less i enis to the constitution of an of India. There is no place e visited, where I could have in the same space of time; elled does not lie six degrees in other instances of exertion, has permitted Europeans to d neither by the goodness of he groves. A soldier in the the morning, and arrived by

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THE ISLANI
stan-set at Resouveorti, where to Candy, a distance of forty posed to the burning heat of road were very rugged and di The river at Caltura is one Muliwaddy, and is here about sides of the fort by which it by boats to the sea. The c situated overhangs the river, most picturesque prospect.
The fort, from its situation, very strong post: it has howe at present greatly out of repair to a subaltern, who is statione awing the native Cinglese, ar Moodeliers or magistrates, as the communication between The commanding officer presic determines all disputes among planade, and the village on til as the beautiful surrounding c. delightful scene. Some tracts ( down here; and it is not till we come to the termination of t which contains so great a propol
From the great plenty of

) OF CEYLON 127
we were encamped on our way miles; though he was often exthe Sun, and many parts of the ficult to travel.
of the largest branches of the : a mille broad. It washes two is commanded, and is navigable 'minence on which the fort is and commands an extensive and
is capable of being rendered a ver been much neglected, and is The command of it is given l here for the purpose of overld enforcing obedience to their well as to keep up and protect Columbo and Point de Galle. les in the court of justice, and the peasants. The sea, the eshe outside of the fort, as well ountry, render Caltura a truly of cinnamon are scattered up and a short way farther south, that hat fertile district of Columbo, tion of the wealth of Ceylon. game about Caltura, frequent

Page 150
128 THE ISLAND
shooting parties resort to it, a is often called forth. Occasion commodation provided for ther the commanding officer with an him a monthly allowance for ke employed in hunting the deer those still employed in the his hunting the great wild deer in yet remain. As the country a is found, is covered with extren of the native peasants are asser and jungles, by the several pat completely encompassed a large extend themselves so as to for this order approach the place w at the skirts of the wood; at noise to rouse the game that m The animals finding themselves endeavour to make their esca other hill or wood in the neigh they cleared the openings, tha. by the sportsmen who have ca and have stationed themselves, at short distances from eac fowling-pieces for the occasion. tives shew in this species of h

OF CEYLON.
nd the commander's hospitality al passengers also find good ach, as government has furnished excellent house, and also gives ping open table. The methods and wild hog, are similar to shlands of Scotland by parties the few extensive forests that cound Caltura, where the game hely close underwood, a number mbled and semt into the Woods hs and openings, till they have : space of ground. They then m a wide semi-circle, and in here the sportsmen are stationed the same time making a loud ay lie concealed in the thickets. beset in their haunts, naturally pe across the valley to some bourhood; but no. Sooner have n they find themselves assailed refully secured every passage; and their Cinglese marksmen h other, all provided with
The dexterity which the naunting, and the celerity with

Page 151
THE ISLAN
which they make their way t that appear impenetrable, is
Certain native manufactures : extent around Caltura. A gr. ticular is made from the grov several miles in every directio tura, and several miles beyond There is also a large plantatic distillery of rum carried on b in the yillage and neighbourho inferior in quality to the Wes
Six miles onward from Calt lage, with a sort of harbour ! where the river runs into the place where the high surf and mits ship-boats of the Europea
This place was signalized by took place here in 1795. А Orpheus having been sent in h the sailors, confiding in the pea the British and Dutch governn apprehenșion, and began to lo and vegetables. They were at rent civility, and many promis fully supplied with the articles was only. intended to amuse t stole unperceived between the

D OF CEYLON. 29
hrough underwood and bushes, ery surprising. are carried on to a considerable eat quantity of arrack in pares of Cocoa-trees, which extend n, and from Columbo to Calit, form one continued grove. on of sugar canes here, and a y some Dutchmen, who reside od. It is however very much t India rum.
ura lies Barbareen, a small vilormed by a projection of land sea. This is almost the Qinly rocky shore on this cọast perun construction to land.
a shocking catastrophe, which boat from his Majesty's ship ere to procure fresh provisions, ce which then subsisted between aents, came ashore without any ok out for water, a few fowls, first received with much appaes that they should be plentithey required. This, however, hem, while a party of Malays m and the boat, and fell upon
S

Page 152
3O THE ISLANE
them unexpectedly. Few of treachery, which was of a piec policy usually practised by th approached their colonies. Ti ments of their cruelty on th dread of its being revenged up before Columbo. Indeed it that the town was taken by “very much exasperated against their repeated attempts to surpr and Columbo.
At Barbareen there is a pri cordage and cables from the c sent from hence to Columbo the vessels which trade to thes A few miles farther lies Ber ducing the best oysters on the species from the pearl oysters Point de Galle, which is co as the third town on the isla south of Columbo, in 6” nort strong, and has several works generally consists of two or half a company of artillery, a It is commanded by the next vernors of Columbo and Trin The harbour is spacious, pa

OF CEYLON.
our men escaped this shocking 2 with the jealous and barbarous : Dutch towards strangers who e Malays, who were the instrus occasion, were afterwards in on them when our troops came was a fortunate thing for them capitulation, as our men were them both on this account, and ise our camp before Trincomalee
incipai manufactory for making ocoa-tree. Large quantities are and Point de Galle, to supply e ports. ご tot, only remarkable for proisland. They are of a different of Mamaar. sidered in point of importance nd, lies about sixty miles due latitude. The fort is pretty attached to it. The garrison hree companies of Europeans, ld a battalion of native troops. enior field officer after the Goomalee. ticularly the outer road. The

Page 153
THE ISLANI
inner harbour is secure during it has this disadvantage, that are requisite to carry vessels C Europe, generally come in sigl Head, the southern promonto. de Galle the first harbour.
The pettah is extensive, and the fort, are superior to thos town is populous, and in poi lumbo. Fisheries to a very on here, and indeed form thi A vast number of Malays and ing, curing, and drying the fisl to different parts of the cont pepper, cotton, and cardamom ports. Cinnamon is also grow tity as about Columbo: in quali of the India ships touches here she has taken in part of her c what cinnamon is prepared for
Thirty miles onward from F captain's command. The fort a country round is exceedingly will visions of all sorts; and game, great abundance. The house fo good, conveniently and agreeably is broad here, and rups into the
S

D OF CEYLON. 31.
a great part of the year; but winds from a particular quarter out. Ships outward bound from nt of the first land at Dondre
ry of Ceylon, and make Point
l the houses both there and in
2 of Trincomalee. The whole
rt of trade ranks next to Coconsiderable extent are carried e chief branch of its traffick. natives, are employed in catchl to prepare it for exportation inent of India. Arrack, oil, s, also form a part of its exn here, but not in such quanity, it is much the same. One annually, either before or after argo at Columbo, to carry of exportation. 'oint de Galle lies Matura, a und village are both small; the d, but well supplied with proin particular, is here found in r the commandant is tolerably situated near the river which 2 sea at a small distance. Al
2

Page 154
32, THE ISLAND
though this fort is within the only subject to the orders of same is the case with Caltura, The country around Matur it is here they are principally three or four years the eleph: government. In 1797 at one seventy-six were caught, the gr to have been taken at one tin Matura lies nearly at the se owing to the nature of the cou European settlement occurs til distance of sixty miles. The c two places, presents the wildest lese have the intrepidity to ir are in constant danger of bei descriptions of wild beasts, by infested. Strangers who are l and the methods of avoiding it willing to travel through a t occur. Those who are oblige lumbo to Batacolo, prefer goir unfavourable they rather take and north-west coast of the isl and unfrequented tract; where, elephants, buffaloes, and other nual risk of falling in with ti

OF CEYEGN.
district of Columbo, yet it is he Governor General; and the
Nigumbo, and Manaar.
abounds with elephants; and caught for exportation. Every unt is hunted here, by order of of these hunts, a hundred and eatest number ever remembered
1Թ. outhmost point of Ceylon, and mtry to the eastward, no other l wé come to Batacolo at tlhe puntry which lies between these appearance. Few of the Cing ahabit those parts, where they ing attacked by the numerous which this quarter is so much unacquainted with the country, terrible inmates, are very unract where so many accidents d by business to go from Cong by sea; or, if the season be the circuitous route by the west and, than proceed by this wild besides the danger arising from wild beasts, they run a contite savage Bedahs, who inbabit

Page 155
THE ISLAND
the woods here as well as in patam.
Owing to these circumstanc connexion with the south and is indeed, in every view, a pl harbour only admits of small c sists of a trifling fort occupied detachment from the garrison where a few Dutch families res is very romantic; and the view Batacolo, is particularly strikin bold; and many of the immens attracted notice, and acquired n they represent. The Friar's H rock, are all well known.
We are now again returned made a tour of the island, anc pears worthy of remark in the pears from this survey, that the population of these possessions west coasts; while that secure renders Ceylon of so much i Indian dominions, lies at the op quarter of the island. The pri as almost entirely to preclude : the opposite sides of the island imparting their advantages to

OF CEYLON, 33
the neighbourhood of Jafna
s, Batacolo has little or no west parts of the island; and ace of small importance. Its raft; and the place itself conby a subaltern, and a small f Trincomalee, with a village ide. The surrounding country
of the island from the sea of g. The shore is uncommonly e rocks which rise on it have ames from the grotesque figures ood, the Elephant, the Pagoda
to Trincomalee after having noticed every place that ap
European dominions. It apinternal wealth, as well as the , lies on the west and southstation for shipping, which mportance to our other East posite side, and the most barren sent state of the roads is such, ll intercourse by land between
which are thus prevented from ach other. In time, however,

Page 156
34 THE ISLAND
these defects may in a great in beneficial plans have already intelligent officers, who at pres is probable also, that in time and east parts may be emplo life, while the rich plains aroun to its valuable spices.
The parts of the island whi under a different sovereign, a ferent appearance and custom Before describing them theref some account of the several ra the sea coasts, as the descriptic necessarily be interspersed wit of its inhabitants.

OF CEYLON.
heasure be remedied; and many begun to be executed by the sent command in the island. It
the poorer lands in the north yed to raise the necessaries of d Columbo, are entirely devoted
ich remain to be described are hd inhabited by people of difis from those on the sea coast, ore, it will be proper to give ces of people who are found on on of the inland country must h observations on the manners

Page 157
THE ISLAND
CHIAPT)
Description qof the Ceylonese
THE inhabitants of the sea of a variety of different races. the natives of every country i representatives. The manners however, fall more properly Several native countries: it is c describe those which are statio a considerable proportion of native Ceylonese who live und peans, and are distinguished b the coasts are chiefly inhabite Malays. All these differ so. I their customs and appearance, t tion of each tribe will afford a The Dutch, and indeed th nation but our own, who are b much in their habits and modes Our own countrymen alone, in they are placed, still remain st toms of Great Britain; and people among whom they li climate, may force them to m

OF CEYLON. 35
ER VIII.
Dutch-Portuguese-Malays.
Coasts of Ceylon are composed At Columbo in particular, n India appear to have their and customs of these tribes, under the description of their only necessary in this work to onary in Ceylon, and form a its population. Besides the er the dominion of the Euroy the name of the Cinglese, d by Dutch, Portuguese, and much from each other both in hat I hope a separate descripmusement to the public.
e Europeans of every other orn and reside in India, differ of life from those of Europe. whatever climate or situation ady to the manners and custhough the prejudices of the ve, and the nature of the ake occasional deviations, yet

Page 158
36 THE ISLAND
w
they never altogether lose sight chief trait of the original Du Ceylon retain, is their fondness respects they adopt the custo country. A Ceylonese Dutchi follows. He rises early, about or sits down by his door in a smoke a pipe. This with a g soupkie, fills up the interval then handed him by his slaves tobacco-pipe are resumed for up, dresses, and goes to bus pay visits; a mode of spendin men are particularly fond.
usually take a pipe and glass go. In their salutations they and make a profusion of boy themselves. If they have leisu take of part of their dress, a which they bring with them o selves to smoke and talk till about twelve. On their tabl heavy food, and are particul quantity of butter and oil mi victuals. At some of the D particular, at Mynheer Conra dishes extremely well dressed

OF CEYON.
, of their native habits. The toh character which those in for gin and tobacco: in other ms and listless habits of the man usually spends his time as six, and either goes to walk, loose role and night-cap to lass of gin, which is called a o seven. A dish of coffee is , and his lounging posture and another while. He then gets siness, or more frequently to ng time of which his countryIn these visits the Dutchmen at every house to which they are wonderfully ceremonious, vs with a stiffness peculiar to re to prolong their visit, they nd put on a little night-cap, in purpose, and then set themnoon. Their dinner hour is es they have very gross and arly fond of having a great xed with their fish and other utch houses however, and in le's, at Columbq, I found the l, and the fish in particular

Page 159
THE ISLAND
appeared exceedingly palatable ner they resume their favour undress, and then go to sleep are again dressed, they either receive company at home; a up the interval till supper is same heavy sort of food is aga This mode of living cannot indolent, which indeed they g they make no effort to encrea appear to have no curiosity, beyond the common insipid ro are of course ignorant and stup out desire of excelling by exertic with the same neglect as other mitted to the care of the slaves minds become equally callous and their poor slaves are tr slightest provocation, and often ment they alledge is highly nec subjection; an argument empl that they deserve to have th themselves, and who hope to the feelings of humanity.
The conversation of women, humanize the world, forms vei man’s entertainment. Althoug

OF CEYLON. 137
to an Englishman. After dinite regale of smoking in an for an hour. As soon as they go abroad to pay visits, or ld this with another pipe fills announced at nine, when the in served up.
fail to make them lazy and enerally are to a proverb. As se their knowledge, and even nor enjoyment in any thing outine I have described, they id, without capacity and withon. Their children are treated objects, and are usually com. Their selfish and contracted to the feelings of humanity, 2ated with cruelty upon the from mere caprice: this treat'essary to keep them in proper. oyed only by those who feel Leir, injustice retaliated upon escape punishment by stiffling
which has tended so much to
y little of a Ceylonese Dutch
h the ladies make part of the
T

Page 160
3S THE ISLAND
company, yet they experience politeness to which the fair se After the first salutations are that the ladies are at all prese ing talking politics over their the women or taking the least avoid as much as possible thi enjoyments, and therefore usu themselves; or if they have 1 they club together at one en other to the ladies.
When such is the treatmen the men, it is not to be exp very polished or skilled in the noons their dress is particularly of a morning with only a pe jacket upon them, their hair crown of their heads, without their feet; and yet these very ties appeared dressed out in minds are still less cultivated are nearly as ignorant on th infancy. Those charms of poli ledge of useful subjects which country women at once so deligh unknown among the ladies of C is such, that accomplishments

OF CEYLON.
none of that attention and ex are accustomed in Europe. over, the men seem to forget nt; and will sit a whole evenpipes, without once addressing notice of them. Indeed they s dead weight on their social ally get into another room by hot an opportunity to do so, d of the room, and leave the
t which they experience from acted that the women can be arts of pleasing. In the forey slovenly. I have seen many atticoat and a loose gown or rolled up in a knot on the either shoes or stockings on `women at their evening parabundance of finery. Their than their bodies; and they heir wedding-day as in their te conversation, and that knowrender the society of our fair htful and improving, are utterly eylon. Their education indeed of any description are not to

Page 161
THE ESLAND
be expected among them. F tirely given up to the managen whom they imbibe manners, ha of which they can never afterw this tuition they continue till t this new state, from the descr. the men, it will not be expect considerable improvements. A tion among the men, they are and obeisance paid them in t which they have been most ac derived from the same source, rity or virtue as their man usually converse in that barbar oned extremely vulgar and onl or ever speak before an Eng but look upon Dutch as rathe harsh for the mouth of a lady. Although the men would n eyes of our British ladies, yet them with the greatest venera of their own defects, and alwa their husbands, they look upon and are therefore extremely j yet their own manners after lated possible to conciliate the
.indeed, in men of any delica
T

OF CEYLON. 139
om their infaney they are enent of the female slaves, from bits, and superstitious notions, ards divest themselves. Under hey get married; and even in ption I have already given of 'd that they should make any S they find such a Cold I recepglad to return to the attentions he society of their slaves, to customed. Their morals being are equally destitute of digners are of politeness. They ous Portuguese, which is recky fit for slaves. They seldom lishman in any other dialect, }r calculated for men, and too
ot apear very amiable in the their Dutch wives look upon tion and affection. Conscious is kept at a great distance by their caresses as a high honour, ealous of their favours. And marriage are the worst calcuattachment of their husbands; cy, they could only produce 2

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40 THE ISLAND
aversion and disgust. The unmarried, dress well and are many among them pretty and they contract such lazy and 11 coarse, corpulent, and dirty in during the day is slovenly anc In this climate, and with th in vain to look for the bloon red and white in the cheeks C are for the most part of a pa are some exceptions to this countenances to be found that even in the opinion of an have a mixture of the native by a tinge in the colour of t black hair; marks which a course of many generations. of whom there are a great ments, sooner begin to look of European extraction. Th of cracking their joints, and which renders them uncommo Dancing is the principal am while the chief pleasure of consists in paying formal a other. To these visits they slave girls, dressed out for

OF CEYLON,
Dutch ladies, while young and tolerable in their persons, and even handsome; but afterwards idolent habits that they become their persons and their dress ! negligent to excess. Lese habits of life, it would be of health and the European if the women; their complexions le deadly white, although there observation, and a few female might be accounted handsome European. Those women, who blood are easily distinguished he skin, and their strong thick e not to be removed in the The women of this mixed race, number in all the Dutch settleold than those who are wholly e Dutch ladies have a custom rubbing them over with oil, nly supple. usement of the younger women; he married and elderly ladies ad ceremonious visits to each go attended by a number of he occasion. These girls walk

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THE ISLAND
after them carrying their be bearing umbrellas over the l seldom wear any head-dress, closely back and shining with in these female attendants, an by the number of them wil These slaves are the comelie and their mistresses in genera With that caprice however, the hands of the ignorant a ladies frequently behave in a to their female attendants, up in particular on the slightests The unmarried ladies usua to their dress; and since the forces, have greatly improved the English fashions. On my dressed in the Dutch manner stays, which to me appeared The dress worn by many of ti European and native fashions, of a piece of fine cotton cloth fastened under the arms, which it is worn a jacket of fine m of the same. Over the whole robe with sleeves fitted close t to the wrist, with five or s
V

OF CEYLON. 4.
(el-boxes, or are employed in leads of their mistresses, who but have their hair combed oil. Their chief finery consists d their splendour is estimated ich they can afford to keep. st girls that can be procured, | behave very kindly to them. which always attends power in nd narrow-minded, the Dutch very cruel and unjust manner Don very trifling occasions, and uspicion of jealousy.
illy pay considerable attention conquest of the island by our their appearance by adopting first arrival in the island, they with long waists and stiff high very grotesque and awkward. nem, which is a mixture of the is light and pretty. It consists wrapped round the body, and forms the under dress. Above . Islin or calico, and a petticoat is thrown the kabey, or muslin o the arms, and reaching down ix buttons of gold, silver, or

Page 164
142 THE ISLANI
precious stones. A long or to fancy.
Some wear their hair loose. the back of their heads. T gold pins, known by the na skewers, of a peculiar shape, handle of a table-spoon: they or tortoise-shell in the shape ses the hair and keeps it firm To this head-dress they frequ a wreath of the Arabian jessal most exquisite scent, which i their necks. The women o keep their hair constantly m this precaution were omitted to its thickness and the heat The odour of the cocoa-nut ( fumes of the jessamine wreaths an European, and render the gusting.
Neither the persons nor the in general very cleanly. Mai most of the lower orders che with a mixture of chinam, or render it hotter and more p house there are a number o ting pots for the women who

OF CEYLON.
short kabey is used according
and others in a wreath round nese wreaths are fastened with me of conde, very large, like and bent at the end like the serve to fastein a plate of gold of a half-moon, which compreson the back part of the head. ently add by way of ornament mine, a small white flower of a S also worn in garlands round f the half cast are obliged to loist with cocoa-nut oil, for if for one week, it would, owing of the climate, begin to fall off. oil, however, joined to the perj, quite Overpower the senses of approach of these women dis
apartments of the women are ny of the elderly ladies, and v the betel-leaf, and areka-nut,
lime made of burnt shells, to ungent to the taste. In every f brass vases employed as spitchew these substances, and for;

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THE ISLAND
the men when they smoke. The and exact in the arrangement o they receive company; these a the tiled floors are highly pc much for their inner apartmen houses, which are quite the ret nuate that I have particularl which indeed few Europeans
houses in India are so open
may be observed by a passing niture is remarkably heavy anc was perhaps in fashion some ( and other pleasure vehicles i grotesque and ludicrous appe afford a subject of much diver. trymen, who have been accust . A race known by the na other part of the inhabitants c it might be supposed that the European nation whose appel fact is by no means the case. from the spurious descendant women, who were scattered island and all their other settl
manners and colour of these now equally lost annong that name. The present Portugue:

OF CEYLON. 43
2 women are in general very neat f their sitting-rooms and where are kept remarkably clean, and blished. But I cannot say so ts and the other parts of their verse. I do not mean to insiy examined their sanctoriums, are tempted to do, but all the and exposed, that thus much glance of the eye. Their furl clumsy, and of a shape which 'enturies ago. Their carriages n particular present the most arance imaginable, and often Sion and laughter to our counOmed to more recent modes. me of Portuguese, forms anof Ceylon. From their name, y were the descendants of that lation they bear; but this in The name is indeed derived s of that people by native in great numbers over this ements in India. But both the original Indian Portuguese, are race which now bears their se of Ceylon are a mixture of

Page 166
44 THE ISLAN
the spurious descendants of of that island by native w Moors and Malabars. A cc than white, with a particula and half European, is all til appellation of a Portuguese.
These people are found in India, particularly those belo form intermarriages With tl common in Ceylon to see a man married to a Portugues connection which our country abhorrence, and would not er Dutchmen alledge that the ca so prevalent, is, that scarcely come to India except those v The manners of the Port Moors, Malabars, and other to adopt those of the Euro the turbans, and breeches in which other Indians wear w drawn together between thei present it is customary for ar a hat, and shoes, with a v acquired some little smatteri aspire to the title of a Por he is extremely prgud,

D OF CEYLON.
the several European possessors romen, joined to a number of lour more approaching to black r mode of dress, half Indian, hat is necessary to procure the
all the European settlements in nging to the Dutch, who often hem. It is in particular very respectable and wealthy Dutch2 woman of this description; men look upon with the greatest ter into on any account. The use of these intermarriages being any woman leaves Holland to who are already married.
uguese differ from those of the Mahometans. They affect rather peans; and wear hats instead of h place of the pieces of cloth, rapped round their waists, and r legs like loose trowsers. At ly black fellow who can procure est and breeches, and who has ing of the catholic religion, to tuguese, a distinction of which

Page 167
TIE ISLAND
Although the black Portugu Christian religion, and are colm they retain many Pagan custo considered as a compound of their religion as well as their Portuguese, though the name b. retain of either. The Dutch h missionaries to go among them : who profess the Protestant relig the Dutch. In general they a Moors and Malabars; but those able degree, may be looked Dutch in later times; for the l guese has been so intermixed hind. Complexions of all sorts mongrel race, from a jetty black hue. Their hair, which is bl long, and usually tied, contrary hometans. Some of their women for their figures. The men ar. der, lank, and ill-made, so a iheir whole expence runs upon cess of shew and finery, and in on their best clothes. They are and passionate to excess; and r ter of their boasted progenitors, ridiculous pride. Like the Port

OF CEYLON. 盘45
lese universally profess the monly Roman Catholics, yet ins, and their religion may be both. They affect to derive
descent from the European e almost the only thing they lave allowed priests and other and there are many of then ion and go to the churches of re somewhat fairer than the 2 who are so to any considerupon as the offspring of the blood of the European Portuas to leave scarce a trace beare indeed found among this to a sickly yellow, or tawny ack or dark brown, is worn
to the custom of the Ma are pretty, and much admired e about the middle size, slens easily to be distinguished, dress; they are fond to exever stir out without putting 2 lazy, treacherous, effeminate, etain so much of the characas to be distinguished for a
tuguese of Europe, they have
U

Page 168
146 THE ISLAND
always a long string of soundi Juan, Don Fernando, &c.
They have no regular cast, worst race of people in India. cast brood, they retain only the characters of their ancesto vices of the Europeans and virtues.
It was from these black Por by the name of Topasses were passes from wearing hats, inste or chaupee, which appears to chapeau, being the term used They were never accounted g hardy mor so brave, as the SepC in the English service. The F had corps of them at Pondic mentS.
The Malays are another race portion of the inhabitants of known to Europeans chiefly by ferocity, is widely scattered ov Their original empire lies in t from thence they have extende tra, the Moluccas, the Philli other islands in the Archipelag determine the date of their first

OF CEYLON.
ng names, beginning with Don
and are usually esteemed the Originally a spurious, and outthe blennishes which tarnished rs; and they combine all the Indians, without any of their
tuguese, that the troops known taken. They were called Toad of turbans; the word topee, be a corruption of the French. in their language for a hat. ood soldiers, being neither so oys; and were seldom employed rench, however, very generally herry, and their other settle
, who form a considerable proCeylon. This race, which is t the accounts of its barbarous er the Eastern, parts of India. he peninsula of Malacca; and d themselves over Java, Sumappines, and a vast number of go of India. It is difficult to
introduction into Ceylon; but

Page 169
THE ISLAND
it lhas for many years been cui them to this, and their other for the purpose of carrying or manufactures, and also to emplc The religion, laws, manners, well as their dress, colour and those of all the other inhabitant various islands and settlement according to the habits and ap whom they are dispersed. Y tinguished to be of the Malay I marry with the Moors and othe and by this means acquire a 1. tural to a Malay ; still their strikingly predominant, that th who are born and brought up turally contract more of the h never indeed get entirely rid of become much less cruel and vir race who reside in the penins native possessions.
The men are of a middling portioned, and of a strong and and arms are particularly well-s wrists and ancles; an ill made among them. They are of a ligh
approaches nearer to a copper
U.

OF CEYLON. A
tomary for the Dutch to bring settlements in Asia and Africa, various branches of trade and y them as soldiers and servants.
and customs of the Malays, as persons, differ very much from is of Asia. The. Malays of the S also differ among themselves, pearance of the nations among et still they are all easily disace. For, although they interer casts, particularly in Ceylon, much darker colour than is nacharacteristic features are so ley cannot be mistaken. Those in the European colonies, naabits of civilized society; they their natural ferocity, but they dictive, than that part of their ula of Malacca and their other
stature, remarkably well prol muscular make. Their legs haped, and very slender at the leg is scarcely ever to be seen it brown or yellow colour, which hue in their old age, or when 2

Page 170
148 THE ISLAND (
they are much exposed to the and flat; their eyes small, blad nose flattish, broad towards the at the extremity approaching coarse and black, and always cocoa-nut oil. By some it is shoulders, while others twist 1 fasten on the back of the head w of the poorer sort bind it up w The Malays of a higher rank gown, which they call Badjour, It is composed of rich flowered colours, according to the fancy dress consists of a vest of silk worn close to their bodies, with stuff. On their head, they wi neither turban nor cap, but elegantly ornamented. The slip is the same with that worn by poorer sort consists of a piece waists, with one end drawn ti tucked up at the lower part ( to their bodies, and the arms wear a kind of vest or jacket the slaves in the service of I of cloth, have breeches of so thein masters. Novae of the

OF CEYLON.
sun. Their forehead is broad :k and very deep sunk; their nostrils, with a sort of curve the lip. Their hair is long, imoistened with a quantity of worn flowing loose over their t up into a knot which they ith tortoise-shell combs. Some
rith a coloured harsdkerchief.
wear a wide Moorish coat or not unlike our dressing-gowns. silk, or fine cotton of various of the wearer. Their under or calico, called Hadjou, and loose wide drawers of the same ear a dress of a curious shape, something of both, and often per or sandal in use among them, the Moors. The dress of the of cotton wrapped round their hrough between their legs, and of the back. It is fitted close are left completely bare. Some , without sleeves; and Fmost of Europeans, instead of the piece me coarse stuff given them by Malays suffer their beards to

Page 171
THE ISLAND
grow, but pluck out the hairs : against their religion to allow
The dress of the poorer class of a large piece of coarse calico, is folded and wound round the it partly covers, and reaches do of the leg; the upper end of t tened immediately under their up behind like that of the mei condes, those large pins or skew
The women of a superior sta splendour, and sometimes a g the sarow I have just mentio) folded lower down on the wais boddice or close waistcoat, wi waist; it seems intended to co sane time, it compresses and and natural appearance. Over silk, fine musin, or calico g longer; with a girdle of the sa three or four times loosely rou is thrown the badliot, or loose worn by the men. Some inste dang, a piece of silk or musli koosely around the neck and before, and be brought across hair is dressed with the cond

OF CEYLON. 149
is soon as they appear, it being them to remain. ses of the women consists simply or cotton called a Sarou. It body above the bosom, which wn to the ancle or the middle he cloth is tucked up, and fasarm pits. Their hair is twisted n, and fastened with a fillet, or ers I have already described. ion dress with much care and ood deal of taste. They wear ned, but of a finer stuff, and t: They have also a kind of th sleeves reaching below the ver the bosom, which, at the prevents from having its full it they wear either a coloured arment of a wider shape and me, finely embroidered, drawn ad the waist. Over the whole robe, nearly resembling that ld of the badjou, use the saienin about five feet long, thrown shoulders, so as to fall down the waist backwards. Their -pins, and shines with cocoa

Page 172
50 THE ISLAND
nut oik; on the crown and b three or four tortoise-shell OOIY their necks and arms they w and are all provided with ear-r are remarkable for the expen make most beautiful filligree W their persons.
The greater number of Mala and their features strongly indi and revengeful dispositions. nances, and many of the W. beautiful, especially such as : sun, and have not had their ni mon practice with the mother children, to break by compre part of their noses, as the flat r - upon as a symbol of beauty. I
young Malay women of a brig some even approaching to whit to avoid their allurements; for with much danger, and often tremely jealous, and particula which the women give to Eurc fidelity in a wife; and althoug have connection with one u) little less risk from the object jealous husband. The passions

OF CEYLON.
ck part of the head are stuck lbs with plates of gold. About 'ar chains of gold or filigree
ings. Those of the higher order 'e of their dress. The Malays ork in gold, for ornaments to
ys have remarkably ugly faces; rate their ferocious, treacherous, Yet some have comely counteOmen may even be accounted are not much exposed to the Oses compressed. It is a coms, soon after the birth of their ssion the gristle of the upper \ose among this people is looked have seen many very handsome ght yellow or gold colour, and e. Yet Europeans will do well such connections are attended and fatally. The men are exrly of the decided preference peans. They never pardon inՀh they allow an European to nmarried woman, yet he runs of his affections, than from a of the women are equally vio

Page 173
THE ISLAND
lent with those of the men, a taking the most terrible rever mour offers them the slightest of having formed another atta to revenge themselves - either b fatal method of administering they are very prone.
The habits of the Malays i to render them hardy. They of age; and are shortly after Mahometan religion, the high as they can maintain; while tl classes to one wife.
Their usual food consists of
The better sort also eat beef a of their own race, and prepare the Governor of any of our for tertainment to the officers of some of their own people to ki ton intended for table. They : hometan prejudices against Sw abhorrenee that they will not I have seen servants of some C boys, refuse to carry away a p -on it.
Their common drink is wate although some of them make inc

OF CEYLON. 5.
ind they are equally capable of ge. If their European paraneglect, or if he is 'suspected chment, they will not hesitate y stabbing him, or the equally
poison; a practice to which
in their infancy, are calculated 2O naked till about twelve years married. As they are of the er casts marry as many wives heir poverty restricts the lower
fowl, fish, rice, and vegetables. ld mutton, when killed by one d in their own manner. When ts in Ceylon is to give an enthe Malay corps, he sends for ill and dress the beef and mutadhere very strictly to the Maine, which they hold in such so much as touch their flesh. if the Malay casts, even young late which had ham or bacon
, or the juice of the palmyra ; scruple to drink arrack when

Page 174
52 THE ISLAND
they can procure it. Ali da penang, and smoke bang Fr opium is prepared, which the Europeans use strong drinks, t much of it, however, entirely d them to a state of complete s seen these people, after having this noxious drug, lying speec eyes fixed in a ghastly stare. that they get completely infatua and absolutely cannot do withou The amusements of the Mal; tions, and are either bold, vig Innen and women are intempera go into the bath several times which very nearly resembles ol use is made of twisted ratan. they are particularly fond, Their passion for these is fre as to be attended with the mo poorer sort in particular, (lik Germans), after having been s sell themselves and their fami gratifying their passion for pla last stake, they often sacrifice tagonist to their despair.
The Malays have a great v

OF CEYLON,
long they chew the betel or om this last herb a species of y chew in great quantities, as o exhilarate their spirits. Too eadens their senses, and reduces Lupefaction. I have frequently chewed too large a portion of hless on the ground with their Yet, such is the effect of habit, ited with fondness for this drug, ut it. ays are suited to their disposiorous or ferocious. Both the tely fond of bathing, and often in one day. They have a game ur football; only the ball they But the amusements of which are gaming and cock-fighting. uently carried to such excess, st dreadful consequences. The e what is told of the ancient tript of every thing else, will ilies to procure the means of y; and after having lost their themselves and their lucky an
rariety of musical instruments,

Page 175
THE ISLAND
which are usually employed i religious ceremonies, their ma occasions that barbarous and civilized nations so much delig sion. A vast number of flags, s of men and beasts, which see the hideousness of their appeara pomp. The Gong gong is one It consists of a large hollow contrived in substance and sh; noise when struck. The Tom fashion; and other instruments together with iron wire, someth By means of this variety of ir all sizes from the most unwieldy not unpleasing is produced, from The Malays universally prof although, as to some inferior classes differ among themselves. dedicated to their saints and t punctually attend with great de A skill in medicinal herbs is race; and they have a variety eases by their application. Thi peculiar fondness for gardening,
an employment in which they a Χ

OF CEYLON. 53
n a band or concert at their riages, and feasts. On these grotesque pomp, in which unit, is displayed in great profutreamers, figures of their gods, m to delight in proportion to nce, are carried along in great of their principal instruments. plate of a compound metal, so ape as to return a very loud tom, is a drum of a peculiar are formed of bamboes bound ing in the shape of a dulcimer. struments, which are made of r bulk to the smallest, an effect
the contrariety of sounds. ess the Malhometan religion, points and duties, the several They have temples and mosques heir dead; and at these they votion.
almost universal among this of prescriptions for curing diss knowledge is owing to their and rearing all sorts of plants, 'e engaged from their infancy;

Page 176
A. THE ISLAND
and it is from among them th anxious to procure their garde
They are uncommonly ingen and in ratanning couches and cl builders of bungaloes, or houses
In other respects, such as t tuals, and their modes of salutz the natives of the Malabar a are, however, suficiently distin, from all the other natives of institutions, and the peculiar f.
The government, under whic country, in some degree resem tions of Europe; and war is c nation. The manners and disp from these institutions are foun bold, warlike, and prepared f prizes; they hear the comman most profound reverence, and y most rigorous orders. But t these military institutions, whic by the Christian religion, has religion which the Malays have mantic spirit of chivalry, wh civilized society amidst the fe is to be found among the Mal

OF CEYLON,
ut the European gentlemen are ԹTS. ous in all sorts of cane-work, airs; and are accounted capital of the cocoa-tree. he manner of eating their viction, they very much resemble nd Coromandel coasts. They guished from them, and indeed ndia, by the difference of their rocity of their dispositions. h the Malays live in their own bles the ancient feudal instituonsequently the business of the osition which naturally proceed d among them. They are all or the most desperate enteris of their superiors with the eld implicit obedience to their he fierce temper arising from h in Europe has been softened ather been exasperated by the -embraced. None of that roch produced the courtesy of ocity of perpetual bloodshed, y followers of a prophet, who

Page 177
THE SLANC
was as fierce and warlike as pend upon their courage, and is more independence of spir lofty intrepidity found among of the servile tribes of the ea perate to the last dogree, on a to be shed; cruel and revengel human nature can almost be looked upon with horror by dians. I have often had oc ments in the natives of Ceylo cidentally meeting a Malay, sc The arms which the Malays savage and bloody disposition or imaginary injury, they mak own life in taking away that o out for vengeanee, they often weapons which they wear abo kind of dagger, called a Kreese is of the best tempered steel, : form, so as to inflict a most is of ivory or wood, carved in and arms, with a head repres of a man and a bird. This th and to this figure they make th they draw the kreese to execut
they have determined. After
X

OF CEYLON, 5.
hemselves. Accustomed to deavenge their own cause, there it, and more appearance of a them, than among any other st. Brave, ferocious, and desny occasion that requires blood ul in their wrath, beyond what thought capable of, they are the effeminate and timid In
'casion to observe these sention, who start affrighted on acoldier.
carry, are well suited to their ; and as on receiving any real e no hesitation to sacrifice their f the object they have marked do incredible mischief with the ut them. These consist of a or Crisse; the blade of which and often made of a serpentine dreadful wound. The handle to the figure of a man's body enting something between that ley call their Suvamany or god; heir salam, or obeisance, before e any bloody purpose on which they have by this ceremony 2

Page 178
i56 THE ISLAND
confirmed their vow, they dray sheath it till they have drenc is this ferocious determinatio placed beyond the reach of infringe it, they will plunge t pig, a dog, a chicken, or an meet. The scabbard is made ( with gold or silver wire: and weapon, as well as the mod side, greatly resembles that fou Celtic nations. This terrible in so by its being always poisor some poisonous herbs, and an procure it, with poison from th In the use of their fatal dextrous, and like other bar employ treachery or surprise They generally watch their op tim in the back or shoulder b gers, the instruments of their upon by them with a degree c as a most sacred relic, from fa' tion to generation: no money i chase them, and no violence give them up. When a Mala sooner be slain, or kill himself, the enemy.

OF CEYLON.
their kreese, and never again hed it in blood. So resolute l, that if their adversary is their vengeance, sooner than he dagger into the body of a y live animal they chance to of wood, frequently ornamented the whole appearance of the 2 of wearing it on the right nd in the ancient dress of the strument is rendered still more ed; generally by the juice of nong those who can any wise le Upa tree.
weapon they are particularly barians make no scruple to in destroying their enemies. portunity, and stab their vicfore he is aware. These dagferocious cruelty, are looked f veneration. They descend, her to son, and from generas accounted sufficient to purcan compel their owners to is pressed in battle, he will
than surrender his kreese to

Page 179
THE ISLAND
Before entering upon any di mary with the Malays to take bang themselves. This plant, 1 the natives of India as an found over all that continent small shrub, with a leaf in shal of the tobacco, but not large From this plant a species of made into balls, is taken int same manner as a dram of nations. The leaf of the bang tobacco, with a still stronger opium. After employing this n insensible to danger, they are nary atchievements, and rush The horrid barbarities, however, occasions, are not so much to b tion as to the natural savage It is true, indeed, that before a taken, they first throw themsely madness by means of bang; b the crime preceded this state; t to perpetrate their atrocities, a themselves into a phrenzy, tha manity or fear may turn them pose. Some, who are anxious such stains, without considering

OF CEYLON. 15,
esperate enterprise, it is custoopium, or, as they term it, to che bang, which is used among instrument of intoxication, is as well as in Ceylon. It is a pe and texture resembling that r than the leaf of the sage. opium is extracted, and being ernally, and operates in the spirits among the European is also dried and smoked like
intoxicating effect than the method of rendering themselves prepared for the most sanguiblindfold into every atrocity. which they commit on such e attributed to their intoxicacruelty of their dispositions. ny bloody enterprise is undertes into a state of temporary ut the resolution to o commit they first in cold blood resolve nd then use means to throw t no sentiment either of lhuaside from their bloody purto clear human nature from that they arise from situation

Page 180
58 − THE ISLAND
and circumstances, attribute th Malays to the quantity of opi infancy, in consequence of whi petual state of delirium. This longer continuance than til tl drug has spent its force. In pletely master of themselves; enterprises; and the quantity proportioned to their determin: they are about to commit. their religion are sufficient to without seeking for any other nature of having produced ino The manner in which the M their revenge gives the most st cious dispositions. When a N or grievance, real or imaginary, dreadful thirst of revenge appe whole soul. He makes a vow vengeance, together with every ( way, till he meet death from sc pare himself for this i dreadfu quantity of bang, then draws h ing headlong into the street, sta that comes in his way; at the si amok, or kill, kill, from whence is termed by Europeans running

OF CEYLON.
: unparalleled barbarity of the m which they take from their h they are in an almost perdelirium, however, is not of le intoxicating quality of the the intervals they are conit is then they plan their of bang which they take is tion to perpetrate the crime In fact, their institutions and account for their character, cause, and without accusing nsterS. alays undertake to accomplish riking example of their feroAalay has suffered any injury and ever so slight, the most ars to take possession of his to destroy the object of his ther person who comes in his me hard or other. To preexploit, he takes a large is poisoned kreese, and rushbs indiscriminately every one me time crying aloud, amok, this horrid mode of revenge a muck. The fury of the

Page 181
THE ISLAND
devoted wretch is indescribab does is very great before a The natives fly before him in hardly any person but an Eur him. It is indeed a service down the mad savage, as he the last, and even though "mo to destroy his antagonist by The Dutch government at C repress this ferocious practice A reward of one or two hundr destruction or capture of those them as were taken alive were excruciating torments.
The frequency of mucks in attributable to the manner in their Malay dependants. Thi Dutch were chiefly composed this class that the instances C described usually occurred. sulting behaviour of their ma ferocity; and the impossibility their tyrants stimulated them struction of their masters, them At Batavia, and the Dutch where their conduct is most c greatly more frequent than ir

OF CEYLON, l5g
le, and the mischief he often lucky shot brings him down. the utmost consternation, and opean dares venture to attack of incredible danger to hunt defends himself desperately to rtally wounded often contrives a stab of his poisoned kreese. Deylon found it necessary to by the severest punishments. edrix-dollars was offered for the
who ran a muck; and such of : put to death with the most
the Dutch settlements, seems which that nation behaved to e slaves and servants of the of that race; and it is among of savage fury which we have The cruel, capricious, and insters exasperated their natural of obtaining legal redress from to seek vengeance in the deselves, and the human species. settlements to the eastward, lespotic and cruel, mucks are Ceylon, or at the Cape of

Page 182
GO THF ISLAN
Good Hope. Since the arri the barbarous practice has all private murders committed o in the Pettah, were the only to Malays during my stay at be assigned for this difference but the superior mildness of dreadful indeed is the franti the Malays, that as long as exasperated by bad usage, it minds with fear by the severe sistent with the nature of na; ument, and the example of laun: soften their minds and restr bounds of civilized society, ments which are too shocking indeed, in their present state rality, almost incapable of b They have no idea of reveng umph in shedding blood on su seems to preveat them from pose into execution, when the The introduction of Christial means by which this unprinci reformed; and it would cert infinite service to us, that th should embrace this religion.

) OF CEYLON.
ral of the English at Ceylon, most been unknown; and a few n the Sepoys and black people crimes of this nature attributed Columbo. No other cause can in the conduct of these people,
the English government. So 2 mode of revenge adopted by their feelings continue to be c is necessary to impress their st punishments. But it is conan to suppose that mild treatman manners, would by degrees ain their passions within the without these dreadful punishever to reform. The Malays, are, from their ideas of mo2ing admitted into social life. e being a crime, and they trish an occasion. Nothing indeed butting the most atrocious pury have once resolved upon it. lity among them, is the only pled ferocity can be radically inly in a political view be of ose Malays in our settlements
It would be the firmest link

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THE ISLAND
whicla could unite them with very uncomfortable for Europe their servants and attendants a
The Dutch Government at of Malays in their service. time past seemed to form til and were the only troops whic displayed any sort of bravery in tioned that it was from them : opposition, either at Columbo indeed, to have imbibed such English, that there was at ever becoming our friends. T by the ungenerous policy of til secure their colonies by che. implacable detestation of the in particular by representing cruei and inhuman tyrants, w pression wherever they came. arts were not however always ( tion; but the massacre of foreig to as a measure of precaution. boyna has through the whole disgrace of the Dutch name. their abominable policy which has excited general indignation year 1798, Captain Packenhan Y

OF CEYLON. 161
this country. At present it is lans to be as much afraid of s of a mad dog. Ceylon had always a regiment That corps for a considerable le strength of their garrisons, h either kept up discipline, or the field. I have already menalone our troops met with any or Trincomalee. They seemed, n a rooted aversion for the first little appearance of their his hatred had been inspired he Dutch, who endeavoured to rishing among the natives an other European nations, and the English as a nation of ho carried destruction and opThese base and unjustifiable zonfined to mere misrepresentagners was at times had recourse The infamous affair at Am: world circulated the eternal
There is another instance of is less known in Europe, but in the Eastern world. In the
1 of the Resistance happening

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162 THE ISLAND
to be with his ship at Timar, we have lately conquered, he cers, by the Dutch Governor t cumstances prevented the Cap tion: his officers however went and horror, that the Dutch ha obtain an opportunity of assas upon without the least warni. one or two more infamously m attempted to defend their of who was a very strong man, of Sepoys fought his way to retreat to the ship. Upon t barbarous conduct of the D stantly gave orders to fire upo sequence soon reduced to ashes all those who were concerned tately into the interior of the trators of the crime were afte their treachery.
In the same year, an und Amboyna, where the Malays of the Company's Service, wł there; and several more of tl shared his fate, had they not will not take upon me to : implicated in the crime; but

OF CEYLON.
one of the Spice Islands which was invited, along with his offio an entertainment. Some cirtain from accepting the invitat, and found with astonishment d made hospitality a pretext to sinating them. They were set ng, and the first lieutenant and hurdered with some Sepoys who ficers. The surgeon, however, with the assistance of a couple the beach, and made good his he surgeon's representing this utch, Captain Packenham inIn the town, and it was in cons. The Dutch inhabitants, and
in the massacre, fled precipiisland. Several of the perperwards taken, and suffered for
fortunate affair took place at
murdered Lieutenant M'Crae ao happened to be quartered ne. English officers would have been rescued by the troops. I say how far the Dutch were t from their usual policy, and

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THE ISLAND
their conduct on other occasic that they had instigated the M act.
. By such arts as I have desc inspiring the Malays with the countrymen, and there was no were not ready to commit on Malays have since told me, th: Ceylon, their minds had been by misrepresentation, and an the English would give them them to do us all the mischief and base conduct of the Dutc without resistance to our tro Malays who fought their battles alienated the Malays from thei look upon the Dutch with cont former tyrannical behaviour; w duct of the English has gone prejudices against us. After t Malays for the first time duri India entered into our service. in the service of the Dutch wa and the command given to Cap India Company's officers. By dicious conduct in the managem able time, this corps was brou

OF CEYLON. 163
ins, it was strongly suspected alays to perpetrate this savage
ibed, the Dutch succeeded in most rooted aversion to our piece of atrocity which they our troops. Several of the it on our taking possession of exasperated to such a degree assurance of the Dutch that no quarter, as to determine in their power. The cowardly h, however, both in yielding ops, and in abandoning the i to their fate, has completely r former masters. They now empt, and call to mind their hile the brave and open confar to do away their former he capture of Columbo, the ng our long intercourse with The regiment stationed there i brought over to the British, tain Whitlie, one of the East is assiduous exertions and juent of them during a considerght to a very excellent state Y 2

Page 186
64 THE ISLAND
of discipline, and rendered m ment. They have since bel respect and obedience to their being always well used by us gard to our service.
Soon after the arrival of G he new-modelled this corps, ar respectable establishment. Anc Captain Whitlie was assigned officered by their own native the Governor at the particul upon himself the station of t has since been introduced in regiment: the command has pagne, officers for it have been obtained a place among our ot The Malay troops are arm same manner as the European the wearing of which is contr; gion; instead of them they us Along with their other arms th poisoned daggers by their sides: they often throw down their m ing upon the enemy with thes truction wherever they come. same garrison with them for having during that period liv

OF CEYLON.
uch attached to our governlaved universally with great European officers, and from have contracted a sincere re
"overnor North om the island, ld put it on a larger and more other European officer besides l to it; the companies were captains and subalterns; and ar request of the corps took heir Colonel. Another change to the establishment of this Deen given to Colonel Chamsent from Europe, and it has her regiments of the line. led and clothed much in the , with the exception of shoes, ary to the rules of their reli2 a particular species of sandal. ey always wear their kreeses or in the heat of an engagement usket and bayonet, and rush2 kreeses carry terror and desFrom having done duty in the three years and a half, and 2d in habits of intimacy with

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THE ISLAND
their native officers, I had
observing the character of th their natural intrepidity and h lated to become very useful perly officered and commande management, much attention gulating their economy, firmr and at the same time great haviour, to make our service advantage that might be derive officers, who were at that ti own princes and great men, ti plicit obedience, and seemed veneration. On being punishe tial they never murmur, and t seems to be entirely laid asid viour with their usual furious. occasions, struck me so forcib quire the cause of some of t it was an ordinance of their re customs which was never inf obedience to all their officers, and to execute military orders and they were also enjoined ne of their superiors, or hesitate they received pay and conti power. In addition to this,

OF CEYLON. 65
an opportunity of minutely e Malays as soldiers. From ardiness, they are well calcuund serviceable troops if prod. It requires however much to their tempers, skill in reless in maintaining discipline, caution in punishing misbereap in its full extent the d from them. To their native me chiefly from among their ley always paid the most imto hold them in the highest by sentence of a court-marheir darling passion of revenge e. The contrast of this beha'esentments on the most trivial lly, that I was induced to enheir officers. I was told, that ligion, and a rule among their inged upon, to pay implicit European as well as Malay, with the strictest punctuality; Per to murmur at any conduct to execute orders as long as nued in the service of any hey are always tried for any

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66 THE ISLAND
offences by a court composed officers, who are acquainted toms, and thus afford a secur dered to the accused, The ps submit to the sentence of the fraining from revenge when tl intended them, is another str. what I have already advanced, ment will in the end have natural ferocity,

OF CEYLON.
wholly of their own native with their language and custy of every justice being renttience with which the Malays ir court-martial, and their reley are assured that justice is king argument in support of
that mild and gelaerous treatthe effect of subduing their

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THE ISLAND
CHAPTE
The Ceylonese-Their originSoc
I Have now described thos purposes of conquest or comm coasts of Ceylon. The far
habitants consists of the nati mitted to the dominion of Eur first arrived on the island, the of the woods inhabited by t by one race. The natives
however were soon compelled to their mountains, or to S great proportion of them cho preferred the comforts of the dependence of barren fastnesses them all to retire to the mo barely supply the wants of th It is known from their frequ first bore the yoke of the Pol however has rendered it i familia to a degree of abject obedience tò serve, unless some extraod should concur to rouse their 1

OF CEYLON, 67.
ER VIII.
Manners-Language-State ef iety.
various races who for the
erce have settled in the sea
greater proportion of the in
ve Ceylonese who have sub
opeans. When the Portuguese
whole of it, with the exception
he wild Bedas, was possessed
who inhabited the sea-coasts
either to fly for independence
ubmit to their invaders. A se the latter alternative, and
plains to the poverty and in. It was indeed imposible for
untains, as the interior parts
eir thinly-scattered inhabitants.
ent insurrections that they at
tuguese with reluctance: time
ar, and they are now reduced ; in which they must continue
linary chain of circumstances natural feelings.

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168 THE ISLAND
The Ceylonese under the their original appellation of C those parts which acknowledg native princes, are distinguish from the country they inhabit the Cinglese with Europeans, Candians have uniformly enter have introduced considerable manners of these two branches points however they still contin a description of the one cannc circumstances which characteriz give an account of these circa under the general name of C those characteristics which di other.
Whether the Cinglese Were island, or from what other cc time they effected a settleme neither they themselves mor a give a distinct, account. Ther them that after the expulsio) which they universally look was first peopled by a band accidentally arrived on its coa extremely improbable, as they the Chinese, either in their.

OF CEYLON.
lominion of Europeans retain nglese, while those who live in 2 only the authority of their led by the name of Candian, The constant intercourse of and the aversion which the ained to their several invaders, shades of difference into the of the same people. In most ue to resemble each other; and it fail to include most of the e the other. I shall therefore tumstances which apply to both eylonese, and then point out listinguish the one from the
the original inhabitants of the untry they came, and at what nt there, are points of which ny one, else has been able to is an ancient tradition among of Adam from this island, pon to have been Paradise, it of Chinese adventurers who sts. This tradition is however have nothing in common with language, manners, or dress.

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THE ISLAND
Those who suppose that Ce continent of India, and was unusual shock of nature, find the same race who inhabited rate island. Indeed the dista and the continent, that it r tion to suppose that it was peo del or Malabar coasts; and opinion among most people. seem to indicate that they h tance; their complexion, fea are so similar to those of the my part be apt to conclude stock. The Maldive islands sail from Ceylon; and from found among them to those of t might be argued that the nat directly originated from those
The Ceylonese are of a m eight, and fairer in complexic bars of the continent. They neither so well made nor so resemble so much in appear Candians are both fairer, bet than the Cinglese in our servi The women are not so tall are much fairer, and appro
r
4

OF CEYLON. 169
lon once formed part of the isunited from it only by some no difficulty in peopling it with it before it became a sepace is so small between Ceylon quires no stretch of imaginapled either from the Coromanthis is in fact the received Some circumstances however ave come from a greater distures, language and manners Maldivians, that I should for that both were of the same are only two or three days the dissimilarity of the habits he Indians on the continent, it ives of these islands have not
of Hindostan. iddling stature, about five feet In than the Moors and Malaare however at the same time strong. I know no race they ance as the Maldivians. The er made, and less effeminate
C. in proportion as the men;" they ich to a yellow or mulatto
p A.

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17O THE ISLAN
colour. They continually anc oil; and in particular always Both sexes are remarkably persons and houses. In dress pulously nice. They are can vessel out of which they dri would seem a very awkwa they hold the vessel at some literally pour the drink dow from the fear of not doing they never use their left hal in eating it. While at meals, other: they even seem to lo eating as something rather re consistent with decency: whil faces towards each other.
in their diet they are exc rice constitute the chief part where fish abounds, they mak but scarcely any where is fl. The Ceylonese are court meanour, even to a degree í in several qualities they are Indians who have fallen withi I have already exempted the and lying, which seem to be of an Indian. They are mild

D OF CEYLON.
int their bodies with cocoa-nut
keep their hair moist with it. clean and neat both in their ing their victuals they are scruutious mot even to touch the nk with their lips; but (what rd method to an European)
distance over their heads, and in their throats. It is perhaps it with sufficient dexterity that hd in preparing their food, or they seldom converse with each ok upon the whole business of quired by necessity, than very e drinking they never turn their
2edingly abstemiots; fruits and of their food. In some places e it a portion of their meals esh in common use. 20us and polite in their dear exceeding their civilization. I greatly superior to all other n the sphere of my observation. m from the censure of stealing, almost inherent in the nature and by no means captious or

Page 193
THE ISLANC
passionate in their intercourse once their anger is roused, i. lasting Their hatred is inde quently destroy themselves to detested object. One instance to which this passion is ca obtain money due to him debtor, and threatens to kill paid. This threat, which is s duces tle debtor, if it be in pliance with the demand; as the loss of another man's life, eye for an eye, and a tooth expression continually in thei occasions a very common m and a Ceylonese has often b himself in the company of hi suffer for it.
This dreadful spirit of reveng mild and humane sentiments more congenial to the bloody tinues to be fostered by the si Among the Cinglese however i their intercourse with Europ obtaining revenge which I given up from having been disa those parts under, our dom - Z

OF CEYLON, 171
with each other; though when is proportionably furious and 'd mortal, and they will freobtain the destruction of the will serve to shew the extent cried. If a Ceylonese cannot by another, lhe goes to his himself if he is not instantly ometimes put in execution, rehis power, to immediate comby their law if any man causes his own is the forfeit. “An for a tooth,” is a proverbial r mouths. This is on other ode of revenge among them; 2en known to contrive te kill s enemy, that the latter might
e, so inconsistent with the usual
of the Ceylonese, and much emper of a Malay, still concred customs of the Candians. ; has been greatly mitigated by ans. The desperate mode of have just described has been ppointed of its object; as in all nion the European modes of 2

Page 194
THE ISLAND 72נ
investigating and punishing cri nature occurred at Caltura in pening to have a suit or cor an opportunity of going to ba drowned himsclf with the vie to death. The latter was up Columbo to take his trial for n upon the principle of having pahy. There was, however, proof against the culprit, anc This decision, however, did no sentiments of the Cinglese, who tinue their ancient barbarous Candians, although they are de
There is no nation among is kept up with such scrupl Ceylonese; even in the dimer houses they seem restricted, commonly announces its propr certain rank. This strong tr more glaring among the inha those who have been civilized ans. The Candians are not a nor to cover them with tiles, and reserved solely for the Cinglese there is still somethin riches which affects their dom

OF CEYLON.
les are enforced. A case of this 799. A Cinglese peasant haprowersy with another, watched he in company with him, and of having his adversary put on this taken up and sent to aking away with the deceased, been the last seen in his comlothing more than presumptive he was of course acquitted. t by any means tally with the are as much inclined to conpractice as their brethren the prived of the power. whom the distinction of ranks lous exactness as among the isions and appearance of their and a house of a certain size etor to have been born in a, uit of barbarism is of course pitants of the interior, than by an intercouse with Europelowed to whiten their houses, that being a royal privilege, reat king. Even among the more than the difference of stic economy.

Page 195
THE ISLANI
It is difficult to say whethe nical prohibition, or a super of electricity in this climate, t nails in the construction of t - huts, which are too frailly umi are fastened entirely with withes They are constructed of slend daubed over with clay, and co of the cocoa-tree. Round the banks or benches of clay, des benches as well as the floors over with cow-dung, to keep their surface smooth, and not as if it were of clay.
In such a state of society, unknown, sumptuous furniture the best houses. That of the simplicity, and consists merely for preparing their victuals. their rice, and one or two bi it; a wooden pestle and mort stone on which to pound pe their curries; a homeny, or k instrument like the rowel of a like a boot-jack, and used to and a few other necessary ut household furniture. They

) OF CEYLON. 73
'r it be the remains of a tyranstition arising from the danger hat the Ceylonese never employ heir houses. Their small, low ted to admit of above one story, made of ratan, or coya rope. er pieces of wood or bamboe, overed with rice-straw or leaves walls of their houses are small igned to sit or sleep on. The of their houses are all laid away vermin. and to preserve so easily rendered dirty by rain
and where luxury seems almost is not to be expected even in cottages is in the last stage of of the indispensable instruments A few earthen pots to cook 'ass basons out of which to eat ar, for grinding it, with a flat pper, turmeric, and chillies for ind of grater, which is an iron spur fixed on a piece of wood ) rasp their cocoa-nuts; these ensils form the whole of their se neither tables, chairs, hOr

Page 196
74 THE ISLAND
spoons; but like other Ind ground, and eat their. food wi the Candians, are neater and the Cinglese; for although the models, yet the abject state to reduced by the successive ty Dutch, has made them rat improvement, since they ceas empire.
Their villages and towns, i pact appearance to which we a number of distinct houses
midst of a thick wood or for regularity observed, but every tre of a cocoa-tree tope, in th find. In those mountainous p scarcely be procured, and whe danger of attack from wild be tiles, or suddenly overtaken them to build their huts on tops of high trees. Some of posts in the ground, and plac which serves them for a noctu themselves from the intense ra have the large leaf of the heads,
The Ceylonese are exceeding

) OF CEYLON,
ians, place themselves on the th their hands. The houses of better constructed than those of
latter are accustomed to better which their minds have been ranny of the Portuguese and her go back than advance in ed to form part of a barbarous
stead of presenting that comare accustomed, look more like scattered up and down in the est. There is not the smallest one places his hut in the cenhe most convenient spot he can arts where sustenance itself can 're the natives live in constant asts, of being annoyed by repby inundations, it is usual for the summits of rocks, or the
them fix a number of high e upon them a sort ef hurdle urnal habitation. To preserve ys of the sun, they universally talipot-tree carried over their
ly polite and ceremonious, and

Page 197
THE SLAN
never fail on meeting to pres leaf, their constant mark o ranks universally chew the be their entertainments, and the their conversations. The bet but in colour and thickness it leaf of the laurel. Along wi bacco, areka-nut, and the lim more pungent, as is the custo chewed this mixture becomes their mouth, lips, and teeth, never be effaced. This effect, deform the countenance, with fying it, for they look upon w and a disgrace to the humans ever, speedily destroys their toothless at an early age. T nails and fingers with the ju seems to be attended with 1 hands are delicate and well fo There is a wonderful degre versation even among relatio not unusual to see a party of together as grave and mute as the spirit does not move the they continue chewing betel-le

) OF CEYLON. ዝ?5
ent each other with the betelrespect and friendship. All tel-leaf; it is the dessert to all unifailing supplement to ail :l-leaf in shape resembles ivy, approaches more nearly to the th the betel-leaf they mix tole of burnt shells, to render it m with other Indians. When as red as blood, and stains of a black colour which can which to an European would them is considered as beautihite teeth as only fit for dogs, species. The hot mixture, howteeth, and often renders them hey also frequently stain their ice of the betel-leaf; but this ho had consequence, as their rmed in an uncommon degree. se of gravity observed in conas and intimate friends. It is Ceylonese sit for a long time an assembly of Quakers when em; and during all this while, af as if for a wager, and appa

Page 198
176 THE ISLAND
rently enjoying it as much as of old port.
In their salutations they a form which they use is that bringing the palms of the han making a salam, or low bow. of rank are peculiarly. observal on meeting his superior, almo fore him, and repeats his na ways; while the superior, stal bending gravity of features, sc: in return.
The natives of Ceylon are 1 women, than the other Asiatic treated with much more att almost never experiences the looked upon by her husband, 1 ner, as a wife and a compal very inconsistent with that li sexes, which is so contrary t and which has prevailed fro island. Mr. Knox has drawn gard to chastity, or any bound is extremely abhorrent to the but even to the inhabitants of in Europe: and from my own

OF CEYLON.
an Englishman would a bottle
re particularly punctilious: the:
common to all Indians, of ds to the forehead, and then It is here that the distinctions ble: a person of a lower class st throws himself prostrate beme and quality fifty different king past with the most unarcely deigns the slightest nod
more continent with respect to nations; and their women are 2ntion. A Ceylonese woman treatment of a slave, but is more after the European manhion. These traits may seem centious commerce among the O Asiatic customs and ideas, m time immemorial in this picture of their total disres to sexual intercourse, which ideas not only of an Asiatic, the most dissolute Metropolis
observations among the Cin

Page 199
THE ISLAND
glese, and all the accounts : Candians, I am convinced tha exaggerated their licentiousness, A. Cinglese husband is not ir his wife, and is rather ambitio lic eye. Nor is he particularl him, unless she be caught in thinks himself entitled to exel husband. The infringement c Woman either married or unma unless indeed they happen to h lower cast; am act which is lo of infamy. Among the Canc distinction of moral turpitude, barous nation, is carried to the will scarcely venture to marry nor would the King allow of it but a woman is never knowl her own sphere, as it would i di world for ever. With people C trary, the most unbounded co vate; and it is by no means any disgrace, for the nearest with each other.
Among the Cinglese, the C begun to be less strictly attend boundary being established in i
- W− A

OF CEYLON. 77
which I could obtain of the t he has in very few instances
the smallest degree jealous of is to display her to the puby offended at her infidelity to the fact; in which case he cise the rights of an Asiatic f chastity scarcely subjects a rried to the slightest reproach, lave connexion with one of a Oked upon as the very excess lians, in particular, this only which is so worthy of a bar: highest pitch. Even a man a woman of an inferior rank, without exacting a large fine; to form a connexion below sgrace her in the eyes of the f their own rank, On the conmmerce is carried on in priuncommon, nor attended with relations to have connexion
istinction of rank has indeed 2d to ; but without any bette s place. A mother makes inc
A.

Page 200
178 "THE ISI.AND
scruple of disposing of her dat to any one that desires them. forming such connexions with counting it any reproach, a . of her neighbours, will silence her superior dignity, by telli had the honour to lie with a the highest rank do not think connexion with Europeans, all by them in public. This form the Mahometan women of th themselves disgraced and poll were even by accident discover
In some respects the accot connexions of the Ceylonese : ticular been said that each although a woman is permit with several husbands. This h many of the men indeed have as many as they can maintain. tion on the subject, and it is which promiscuous intercours with whieh marriages are dis poverty, the true cause why among them, in their particu the houses consist often of but necessaries of life are so scanty

OF CEYLON,
ighter's favours for a small sum They are particularly fond of Europeans; and, instead of acmother in quarrelling with. any them at once on the score of ng them that her daughter has in European. Even women of themselves degraded by having hd are not ashamed to be seen as a remarkable contrast with le continent, who would think uted if any of their features ed to a stranger. Ints given of the matrimonial are incorrect. It has in parhusband has only one wife, .ed to cohabit promiscuously owever is not always the case: out one wife, while others have There is no positive regulaprobable that the ease with : is carried on, and the ease solved, is, together with their polygamy is not more general lar circumstances indeed, where one apartment, and even the , it is not to be supposed that

Page 201
THE ISLAND
a man will voluntarily undert two wives, when he can at p begins to get tired of, and tal of his affections.
The marriage ceremony, whi ideas of chastity is looked up and veneration, is a matter of the Ceylonese, and seems to b a view to entitle the parties and to give their relations an they have married into their often contracted by the parent in a state of childhood, merely according to their rank, and a almost as soon as consummat those who intend to marry, p. trial of each others temper;. agree, they break off without or any further ceremony, and occasion to either party, but esteemed by her next lover a state of virginity.
After the parties have agree that the man present his bri which indeed are not of the n of a piece of cloth, six or seve of the bride, and another piece
A.

OF CEYLON. . 179
ake the burden of maintaining leasure put away the wife he ke in her place the new object
ch among nations with stricter on with a degree of mystery
very small importance among e at all attended to only with to share in each others goods, opportunity of observing that own cast. The marriages are s while the parties are as yet r with a view to match them are often dissolved by consent ed. It is also customary for reviously to cohabit and make and if they find they cannot the interference of the priest,
no disgrace attaches on the the woman is quite as much ls if he had found her in a
2d to marry, the first step is, de with the wedding-clothes, host costly kind: they consist tn yards in length, for the use ! of cloth to be placed on the
A 2

Page 202
8O THE ISLAND
bed. It gives us a striking ide among the Ceylonese, and th that even these simple marria yond the ability of the man often obliged to borrow them his neighbours.
The wedding presents are p person, and the following night bride. Upon this occasion is : her home, and celebrating the that day he and his relations carrying akong with them tribute to the marriage - feast. in the presence of this assen denote that they are of the sa then tied together; and the nearest relations, or the pries them asunder. This, however ceremony, and indeed scarce When it is desired to make th soluble as the nature of their are joined together with a lo folded several times round bot then poured upon them by th at this ceremony although rar marriage ceremony, whether t one, is performed, the parties

OF CEYLON.
a of the total want of industry eir extreme state of poverty, ige presents are frequently be
to purchase, and that he is for the occasion from some of
resented by the bridegroom in ; he is entitled to lie with the appointed the day for bringing wedding with festivities. On s repair to the bride's house, what they are able to con
The bride and bridegroom, ably, eat out of one dish to ame rank. Their thumbs are ceremony concludes by the t, when he is present, cutting is accounted a less binding ly intended for continuance. e marriage as firm and indismanners will allow, the parties ng piece of cloth, which is h their bodies; and water is e priest, who always officiates ly at the former. After the e stricter or the less binding pass the night at the bride's

Page 203
THE ISLAND
house; and in the morning t accompanied, by her friends, w for another feast. In bringir ancient custom is observed; t march before her husband, an by the way. The traditional that a man on this occasion most, his wife was carried of a circumstance not at all un once among a people who thi ties. The wedding-day is alwa particular festivity; and those v fail to have the feasts accomp; the merriment is often protrac continue to be carolled the wh
The portion given with the the ability of the parents; an in circumstances to maintain t to reside with their parents. I marriage that their dispositions without ceremony; only the portion she brought, in order for her next husband. Both
and divorce several times in t found a partner, with whom to spend the remainder of their Owing to the early interco

OF CEYLON. 8
he husband brings her home, ho carry with them provisions ng home the bride a strange he bride is always obliged to d never to be out of his sight y reason for this practice is, Once happening to walk forefrom him before he was aware; likely to happen more than nk so lightly of the marriage lys looked upon as a time of who are able to afford it, never anied with music and dancing; ted, and certain nuptial songs ole night long. daughter is in proportion to l if the young couple are not hemselves, they still continue f the young people find after do not agree, they separate woman carries with her the to make her as good a match men and women often marry his manner, before they have they can reconcile themselves
days. urse of the women with the

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82, THE ISLAND
other sex, for they are in gen twelve, they soon lose the app and haggart in their looks twenty. The climate indeed decay; and they expose themse were it not for the quantities they anoint themselves profusel and break out in blotches.
The Cinglese women are muc ners, and I may add, more those of the other Indian natic is a trait, which renders then Englishman, although he finds cile himself to the strong exha. The Ceylonese, like other are particularly fond of bathin water several times a day. they are often interrupted by : tain the greatest terror; and a precautions against this dreadf strong paling a little spot on sufficiently large to allow the themselves.
Gravity, that constant char still continues among the Ceylc than might be expected fro This is probably owing to

OF CEYLON.
ral even regularly married at arance of youth, and get old immediately after they pass conduces much to this early lves so much to the sun, that of cocoa-nut oil with which y, their skins would soon crack
h more pleasant in their manlegant in their persons than ns. Their extreme cleanliness n particularly agreeable to an it something difficult to reconlations of the cocoa-nut oil. inhabitants of warm climates, g, and often plunge into the In this gratification, however alligators of whom they enterre obliged to have recourse to il enemy, by inclosing with a the side of a pond or river, m room to wash and refresh
acteristic of the savage state. nese in a much greater degree their stage of civilization. he gloomy superstitious fears

Page 205
THE ISLANC
which they imbibe from thei to embitter their existence eve are almost entirely unknown attempt those tricks and fea natives of Hindostan are so dancers, and conjurors, who a lon, are universally froma tlhe oppressed state under which groaned, Inay indeed be supp tinguished the practice of th during the whole time of my the minutest enquiries, I never in use among the Candians. that in their more flourishin nations, some recreations for Knox records one or two which use at new-years and particula contests with the Portuguese anc of their own internal governm along with the gloom of the those glimmerings of humane were just beginning to break barbarism.
During the wet season, the ( riety of diseases. Every man is the mode of cure practised is plaister of herbs or of cow dun

) OF CEYLON. 83
r infancy, and which continue r after. Sports and diversions among them. None of them ts of activity for which the famous; for all the jugglers, 'e at any time found in Cey continent. The dispirited and the Cinglese have so long Osed to have among then exeir original amusements; but stay on the island, and after could learn of any diversions It is indeed to be supposed a state, they had like other their leisure hours; and \r. in his time still continued in r festivals: but their perpetual | Dutch, joined to the tyranny ent, have probably succeeded, ir superstition, in destroying and social enjoyment, which through the dark ferocity of
ceylonese are subject to a vahere his own physician, and of course very simple. A g is universally applied to the

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84 THE ISLAND
part affected; and I have seen man in a high fever, when hi with this ointment. Leprosy among them, and the streets glese beggars labouring under seen some of these objects v half black and half white; blotches and spots in all tho breaks out, and it is not un pletely white while the oth colour.
The disease which particul is the small-pox. It is looked ment of God’s vengealace, and to use any charms or incantati are accustomed to do in all O of it, he is looked upon as a denied the rites of burial. It quented place, and there left of trees thrown over it. It is t with our countrymen will in notions of fatality, and that Europeans will induce the na would be an object worthy ti cause to be introduced among cow-pox, which has lately been of mankind from a most fai

OF CEYLON.
the same remedy applied to a s whole body was daubed over appears to be very prevalent of Columbo swarm with Cinthis distressing disease. I have with their skins party-coloured, for this disease leaves white se places of the skin where it ommon to see one limb comer retains its natural black
arly excites their apprehension upon as " the immediate instrutherefore they do not venture ons for their recovery, as they ther diseases. If any one dies ccursed, and even his body is , is carried out to some unfrewith a few bushes or branches O be hoped that an intercourse time do away these gloomy the effect of remedies on the tives also to adopt them. It he attention of Government to them, the inoculation for the n discovered for the deliverance cal pestilence. The Governor

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THE ISLAND
might insist that all the childre undergo this operation.
The language of the Ceyloi, by which to trace out their involve our conjectures in grea appears almost completely p spoken by none of the Mal: continent of India; nor can a without considerable difficulty. an opinion on a subject that r tion of the learned, I shoul most nearly allied to the Mal of observing the similarity both between these people and the C at Columbo; it being a custo dive Islands to send an ambas our Governor at Ceylon, in understanding with us. The in shape, complexion, and hab the Ceylonese than to any of language appeared to me to f. There are in fact two dialec differing very considerably from a separate Grammar. The poi styled the Candian Sanscrit, or Mangada. This dialect, whic the interior, where the languag B

OF CEYLON. SS
n within our jurisdiction should
ese may appear the best clue origin; but it only serves to ter obscurity. Their language 2culiar to this island. It is bars or other nations on the ly of them be instructed in it If I might be allowed to offer equires the profound investigad say that it appears to me livian. I had an opportunity n in this and in other respects Seylonese, while I was stationed n with the King of the Malsador yearly with presents to order to maintain a friendly Maldivians of his retinue both it, approached much nearer to the Malabar race; and their llow the same rule. ts of the Ceylonese language
each other, and having each etic or court language is also more properly the Paulee, or h is retained in those parts of e may be supposed to be prea

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86 - THE ISLAND
served in its greatest purity, of Arabic, and is accounted t most smooth and sonorous. inference to be drawn from able a portion of the Ceyl where it is spoken in its origin among the natives is, that Ar and that some mixture of the colony who came over by nent of India. Among the C gar dialect, distinguished by spoken: it has been greatly c − foreign words, and that melod to the language of the interior If I may judge from the im my residence on the island, th is much inferior to any of the I have heard.
The hyperbolical strain of c is common to all the Asiatic greater perfection than in th here a degree of punctiliou phraseology employed is exac - the person addressed, that alto There is no impropriety which unpardonable in their eyes, language that is only fit for a

OF CEYLON.
contains a considerable mixture he most elegant as well as the The learned will judge of the he Arabic forming so consideronese language in those parts al purity. The current opinion. abic is their original language, Sanscrit was introduced by a Adams bridge from the contiinglese on the coasts, the vul
the name of the Cinglese, is orrupted by the introduction of y and force which is attributed , is here no longer discerniblepression made upon me during e Cinglese spoken on the coasts other Indian languages which
ompliment and adulation which nations, is found no where in e island of Ceylon. There is is minuteness with which the tly adjusted to the rank of ogether astonishes an European a man can be guilty of more than addressing a superior in h equal or an inferior,

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THE ISLAND
There is something very pec the Ceylonese. They seem to sentence in such a manner as and then dwell with a loud an ing syllables. They aře partio emphatic ye or ah, which form number of their words.
They divide their time nea commences on the twenty-eigh which they make allowance foi tions of time which are not r lation, is by beginning their y in other words by adding a first month of the year they r Pomahayd, and so on; every c lable ayé. Their months are, of seven days. The first day with our Sunday, they call Fr rudahe, Bodadahé, Braspotind Wednesday and Saturday are form their religious ceremonies from sun-rise to sun-set, is div night into as many, which for time, as the length of the day this latitude.
In their state of society, th
聪 }

OF CEYLON. 187
ruliar in the pronunciation of steal out the first part of the scarcely to catch the attention, ld long accent on the conclud2ularly fond of closing with an is the last syllable of a great
rly as we do, only their year tlh of March. The manner in r Leap-year, and the odd por2duceable to the regular calcurear a day sooner or later, or day to the former year. The lame Wasachmahaye, the second one ending in the favourite syllike ours, divided into weeks of the week which corresponds idahé, then, Sandudahé, Onghouhé, Secouradahé, Henouradahé. the days on which they per. The day, which is reckoned ided into fifteen hours, and the ms a pretty regular division of and night varies very little in
2 exact measurement of time is 3 2

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188 THE ISLAND
not of particular consequence. very little solicitous about dea of which they do not under appear that before the arrival the Ceylonese had contrived c On any particular occasion, t hole in the bottom, that let ou filled in one hour according to strument was sufficient for all seldom employed unless at cou. The learning of the Ceylones tended skill in astrology. It a formerly possessed of some lit refinement in the arts. At . place of worship, and in the r certain inscriptions have been c unable to decypher. The Duta most ingenious Malabars, as w continental tribes, to examine t. they were accompanied by th their traditions, no interpretati Meighbourhood of Sittivacca I several of these inscriptions an To read and write are no or the natives of Ceylon. These chiefly confined to the learned who are retainéd by the king

OF CEYLON.
and therefore we find then ing out scrupulously an article tand the value. It does not of Europeans on the island, Yen the rudest species of dial. ley employed a vessel with a ut the water with which it was their division. This rude intheir purposes; and was even *t ceremonials. e consists chiefly in some preppears indeed, that they were erature, as well as of some Adam's peak, their principal uins of some of their temples, liscovered which they are now th repeatedly sent some of the 'll as persons from the various nese inscriptions; but although natives, and assisted by all on could be effected. In the had an opportunity to see ong the ruins of a pagoda. linary accomplishments among arts are among the Candians men of the sect called Gonies, to execute all the writings of

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state, and those which respect is the character which they en
For writing, as they do not paper, they employ the leaf of leaves, which are of an imme from a foot to a foot and a l of inches broad. These slips sences pared off with a knife other preparation, ready to pencil, like a bodkin, and set ornamented according to the ta to write or rather engrave thei talipot slips which are very tl render the characters more v them over with oil mixed wit and this has the effect also of that they can never be effaced ficient to contain all that they ticular subject, they string s twine passed through them, an the same way as we file newsPalm leaves are sometimes pose, but those of the tallipot thickness are preferred. Few of the higher order who hav accounts to keep with the F materials in writing than those

OF CEYLON. 189
religious affairs. The Arabic ploy on these Occasions.
understand the art of making the tallipot tree. From these Inse size, they cut out slips, alf long, and about a couple are smoothed, and all cxcres', and are then, without any be used. A fine pointed steel in a wooden or ivory handle, uste of the owner, is employed letters or characters on these nick and tough. In order to isible and distinct, they rub h charcoal reduced to powder, rendering them so permanent, When one slip is not sufr intend to write on any parveral together by a piece of d attach them to a board in
Dapers.
employed for the same purboth from their breadth and of the natives, and those only re much connexion and long uropeans, employ any other which I have just described.

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190 THE ISLAND
There is also a sort of paper, sometimes used.
I have seen several of those by the natives olioes, richly o lacquered boards of ivory, or are particularly dexterous and writing. In those letters or d the king to the Dutch gove particularly anxious to display and splendour with which they was enclosed in leaves of bea
cocoa-tree leaf. This was rolle mented and almost hid in a precious stones. The whole wi or ivory, which was sealed y The same splendour has been our Governor since we have h The progress of the Ceylo. is proportionate to their literal in the rudest state; and perh India where the lands are cu The Ceylonese are naturally, 1 mountainous country, and ha habits of pastoral life, indolent where it can be watered, yields rice to maintain their existen much as they desire. The exa

OF CEYLON.
made of the bark of a tree,
tallipot books or files, called rnamented and bound in thin even silver and gold. They accurate in their mode of ispatches which were sent by nment, the monarch seemed is magnificence in the richness were executed. The writing ten gold in the shape of a 'd up in a cover richly ornaprofusion of pearls and other as enclosed in a box of silver vith the Emperor's great seal observed in the letters sent to ad possession of the island.
nese in the other arts of life. ture. Their agriculture is still aps there is no other part of ltivated with more negligence. ike other tribes who.inhabit a lve been accustomed to the in the extreme. Their soil, s them a sufficient quantity of ce, and this seems almost as mple of the Europeans in the

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THE ISLAND
cultivation of the cinnamon h emulation among the natives, their rude agricultural instrut Their plough consists merely shaped in such a manner til handle, while the other which the wood from wearing, plo ground. This very rude instru pose, as it is not required ti merely to loosen the earth s which they, inundate it to di first ploughing with this instr and after they have lain some and they are ploughed anew. the rice serves the purpose of good trait in their husbandry guard against weeds: this in where they have an opportun The other tools they employ i smoothing their fields, which with their oxen; and a piece of a long polé, which serves th When the season for plough it a common concern, and eve and his oxen till the whole society be finished. The same the corn; and both the seed

OF CEYLON. 19
as not yet awakcd a spirit of nor has any improven:ent of ents been as yet introduced. of a crooked piece of wood, at the one end serves for a is shod With iron to prevent ighs, or rather tears up the ment however, serves their pur) make regular furrows, but o as to allow the water with rench it completely. After a ament the fields are flooded; time under water, it is let off, The water besides nourishing rotting the weeds. The only is the care with which they deed costs them little labour ity of flooding the grounds. in agriculture are a board for they drag over them edgewise of board fastened to the end em in place of rakes.
ing arrives, each village makes y one attends with his plough of the fields belonging to that method is followed in reaping time and harvest become in

Page 214
192 THE ISLAN
this manner the seasons of g. ship. Each person of the whole during the time they women are not employed in tions; their business is to ga and assist in saving it.
Oxen are employed both ir the corn. This method of straw, is in reality much mor of threshing out corn; and as less labour, a consideration al to a Ceylonese, it is probable tinued. For unhusking their to beat it in a mortar, or mo or if the rice be of a brittle pieces, they boil it previous the only manure which they
It is evident from this sk the lands of Ceylon do not what by proper cultivation The introduction of a more ii probability, soon render the is porting its present inhabitants, sufficient for a much encrease - The extreme indolence int( present sunk, makes them em labour, and the small quantil

OF CEYLON.
2ral industry and good fellowciety affords provisions to the e cultivating his fields. The cher of these laborious operaer the corn after the reapers,
ploughing and in treading out separating the rice from the expeditious than our method it is also attended with unuch ways of the highest importance that the practice will be conrice, the mode they employ is re frequently on a hard floor; sort, and likely to break in to beating it out. Water is hink requisite. 2tch of their agriculture, that roduce a crop at all equal to hey might be made to bear proved method would, in el and capable not only of supbut also of affording resources
population. which the Ceylonese are at loy every expedient to escape of food which is necessary

Page 215
THE ISLAND
for the support of their exist the greater part of the year
any thing. Small as is the la tion of their rice fields, many their neighbours, who are not tain proportion of grain, ger produce. There are a numbe them from receiving a larg quantity is carried off by the
temples, or is offered up fo both on account of the blessin the hope of farther assistance.

OF CEYLON. 93
ence, enables them throughout literally to live without doing bour required for the cultivaof them let their grounds to , altogether so lazy, for a cerherally about one-third of its r of deductions which prevent 2r proportion: a considerable priests for the service of their r protection and thanksgiving, gs they have received, and in

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94 THE ISLANI
CHAPT
Religion of
THE religion of the Ceylo minent features in a descrip every circumstance of their li people who labour more u stitious fears. Omens regulate decide upon their destiny frc is born, the first step is to quire of him whether it is unfortunate. If the astrologe misfortune, they frequently : destroying it. On going out observe the first object which ing to their opinion of its
nosticate whether the busin prosperous or unsuccessful. A child are looked upon as ome to meet with a beggar or a
a grievous mischance, and wi on their intended business i in my morning rides seen a
treading in one another's foot from the omen that should

OF CEYLON.
ER IX,
he Ceylonese.
nese is one of the most proion of them, and mixes with es and manners. There is no nder the influence of supertheir whole conduct, and even in their birth. When a child call the astrologer, and endestined to be fortunate or r declares that it was born to anticipate its future evils by in a morning, they anxiously occurs to them, and accordgood or bad luck, they progess they go about shall be white man or a woman with ns particularly fortunate; but leformed person, they account Il not proceed for that day they can avoid it. I have tring of Cinglese, cautiously teps and anxiously expecting, occur to the foremost, their

Page 217
THE ISLAND
good or bad success for that always. a glad sight to them. The excess of trembling s minds of the Ceylonese is in buted to the climate in W imagine- from the frequency that the natives would becc
it. But the noise of the t the unseen effects of the lig minds of any but these who of those natural phaenomena, of their apprehensions of the upon these storms as a jud directed by the souls of bad and punish him for his sin storms with them, they col island is abandoned to the do with melancholy regret that t bited by Adam, and the se which they conceive to be ho out number. Every disease is produced by the immediate to punish them: while on ing or success comes direct beneficent and supreme God. the power of the inferior de as wicked spirits, and whose
r

OF CEYLON. 95
day. I, as an European, was
uperstition which unhinges the a great measure to be attrihich they live. One might of thunder storms in Ceylon me gradually accustomed to hunder is too terrible, and ghtning too dreadful, for the know something of the causes ever to get completely rid m. The poor Ceylonese looks gment from heaven, and as men who are sent to torment s. The frequency of thunder sider as a proof that their minion of devils; and recollect his fated spot was once inhaat of Paradise. The fiends yering around them are withor trouble that assails them agency of the demons sent the other hand every blessly from the hands of the To screen themselves from ities, who are all represented power is by no means irresist
2

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196 THE ISLAND
ible, they wear amulets of v ploy a variety of charms an fluence of witchcraft and encl thenimselves beset on all sides. Such is the hold which th infancy taken of the distemp that they find it impossible by ledge or experience of their fo grasp. Many even of those Christianity, still labour unde look with regret and envy c peans that is able to resist they own and believe them under their influence. Those and the other towns of the opportunity of profiting by have been able to bring their of tranquility. Some of the their inferior deities at open common with the Cinglese, complied with, or upon meet in spite of their repeated p divinities, revile them, and e foot. It is probable that Europeans will entirely do as the Cinglese of the towns able progress in subduing the

OF CEYLON,
arious descriptions; and en| spells to ward off the inantments by which they think
se chimeras have from their ered brain of the Ceylonese, any extension of their knowIly, ever to escape from their who have been converted to r their original terrors; and on the fortitude of the Eurothese delusions; for delusions to be even while they groan however who live in Columbo island where they have an the example of Europeans, minds to a comparative state em even go So far as to set defiance. It is not indeed unupon not having their desires ng with a series of bad luck rayers, to quarrel with their ven trample their images under by degrees intercourse with away these superstitious fears, have already made considerir gloomy apprehensions.

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THE ISLAND
Not so the poor wretched mountainous parts of the cou from our settlements. These
for a moment their minds f demons who seem perpetually imaginations are so disturbed uncommon to see many driven Several Cinglese lunaticks hav servation; and upon enquiring had deprived them of their that their wretched state was excess of their superstitious fe:
The spirits of the wicked chief object of fear among their minds with much more divinities who disperse blessing think that their country is i vered over to the dominion of confined to themselves alone; t are also possessed with it, p. frequency of thunder storms has made this idea current
habitants.
There is a curious proof of narrative of our countryman.
believed that he had heard

OF CEYLON. 197
peasants who inhabit the more untry, and live at a distance unlhappy people have never ree from the terror of those
to hover arotund them. Their by such ideas, that it is not to madness from this cause, e fallen under my own obinto the circumstances which reason, I universally found to be traced solely to the
TS f subordinate demons are the the Ceylonese; and impress awe than the more powerful s among them. They indeed in a particular manner delievil spirits; nor is this idea. he Malabars and other Indians robably from the uncommon there; and the same cause even among the Dutch in
superstitious opinions in the , Mr. Knox, who himself in Ceylon the devil crying

Page 220
198 THE ISLAND
aloud in the night-time with the barking of a dog.
The progress of civilizatio stitious fears among the Ceyl the interested arts of their how to make the devils forag being stolen, the people han around the orchard and ded which none of the native Cey the fruit on any account. Es to use it, till it be first l For this purpose, they carry where the priests, after first for themselves, remove the iu dedicated. If any part of has been stolen by some of tl they break out into the most the devils who have been base entrusted to their charge.
The superstitious fears and form the chief part of their beings. With regard to wh: their religion, neither the Eur selves seem to have formed asserted that it is the same w only a slight variation of for ever is easier than to trace r

OF CEYLON.
a voice something resembling
1 and the removal of superonese are greatly opposed by priests; and they well know e for them. To prevent fruit up certain grotesque figures
s
icate it to the devils, after vlonese will dare even to touch 'en the owner will not venture iberated from the dedication. some of it to the pagoda, receiving a certain proportion incantations with which it was the fruit, after its dedication heir less scrupulous neighbours, extravagant execrations against : enough to betray the pledge
ceremonies of the Ceylonese devotion towards supernatural at may be properly termed opeans nor indeed they themany clear idea. Some have ith that of the Hindoos with ns and names. Nothing howesemblances between religions

Page 221
THE ISLAND
where we give free scope to t selves the liberty of altering t of the Ceylonese appears to n system of idolatry from that A variety of ideas indeed st latter; and with these a larg very perceptible. In one po well as with Christians, in Being who made and governs ever as widely from the Mal another respect; for althougl their original superstitions, th ence for the Christian religio have been converted withou others for their apostacy. It the wonderful confusion of the when we find that the same Being more powerful than all time offer up their devotions very productions of the eart) Besides the one Supreme . the Creator and Ruler of he:
have a number of inferior dei
The inferior deities who wat supposed to be the souls of are looked upon as the spirits supposed to act by the pern

OF CEYLON. 199
he imagination, and allow ourerms at pleasure. The religion he to be founded on a different practised among the Hindoos. eem to be borrowed from thee mixture of Mahometanism is int they agree with both, as acknowledging one Supreme all things. They differ howlometans and rigid II indoos in they are unable to conquer sy entertain the highest revern; and some of the Cinglese t being hardly censured by gives us a striking proof of ir ideas with regard to religion, people who adore one Supreme others, should at the same to devils, animals, and the l. Being, who is worshipped as ven and earth, the Ceylonese ties besides tormenting demons. ch over them for good are good men; while the demons. of the wicked; and both are hission of the Supreme Being.

Page 222
2OO THE ISLAND
The next in dignity to hin Saviour of souls. This idea degree to pervade every rel tainted by a variety of differen to it; and what is remarka
from the interference of this religion nearly the same. Bu general tradition, was original who was again sent to revisi performed a prodigious numl been transformod into a hun shapes, reascended into heavi procuring the pardon of his of the worship of Buddou i forty years after the Christai say, a violent quarrel took and the followers of Buddou religious sects on the contine and the Buddites were compe What religion subsisted there then prevailed, is a fruitless Buddlites are said to have be
or rather hermits, who led markable for chastity, renou world, and all care of prop support of piety amidst the
It is alleged that Buddou

OF CEYLON.
is their God Buddou, the of a Saviour seems in some igion in the world, although t superstitions which are joined ble, the expectations formed Saviour are in almost every Iddou, according to the most ly the spirit of a good man, the earth; and after having per of virtuous actions, and dred and ninety-nine different 2n, and is still employed in worshippers. The introduction into Ceylon is fixed at about in era, at which time, some place between the Brahmins who then formed one of the nt. The Brahmins prevailed, led to take refuge in Ceylon. Jefore, or if the same religion and unavailing inquiry. The 2n originally a sect of monks, a wandering solitary life, rencing all the pursuits of the erty, and contented with the extremest poverty.
is worshipped in Pegu and

Page 223
THE ISLAND
several other parts of the cont the deity of the moon.
The priests of Buddou are to all others. They are calle high estimation at the court have the chief management authority over them, but en will by respecting their immu distinctions. They have on gratitude for these attentions, him both in repressing disturb and by exciting the people against the Dutch. The foll the immortality of the soul various bodies before it reacl
Eternity.
In such high veneration are persons are accounted sacred absolute as he is, has no p( or anywise punish them even life. They chuse their own priest or archbishop is invest all religious disputes. The elected by the king from am consequently men possessed of dependent of their sacred c respect with which they are (

OF CEYLON. 2O
jinent, under a different name,
in Ceylon accounted superior d Tirimanaces, and are held in of Candy, where indeed they of affairs. The king has no deavours to gain their goodnities, and loading them with many occasions shewn their and have materially assisted ances in his own dominions. to support him in his wars owers of Buddou believe in and its transmigration into
les Nimban or the region of
the Tirinanxes held that their t; and the king of Candy, wer to take away their lives for conspiring against his own superiors; and their chief 2d with the power of settling body of the Tirinanxes are long the nobles, and they are power and influence even incharacter. The honours and
avery where attended shew the
D D

Page 224
202 THE ISLAND
strong hold which they have All ranks bow down before they find their seats covered w they walk forth, the broad borne before them: All these kind, and shared with them Tirinanxes are also exemptic placed under certain restrictic from wine or women. They of escaping from these restra aside their order when it suit Their dress consists of a lar thrown over their left should waist by a girdle of the sam arms, the head, and the fel one hand they carry a painte umbrella of the broad end of The temples of Buddou are other deities; for they never preme Being, nor represent temples of Buddou are figur priests, and placed in various seen setting cross-legged on heads of hair like their wome length on the ground. At Ru a monstruous figure upwards of in the cavern of an immense I

OF CEYLON.
on the minds of the people. them; when they sit down, ith a white cloth; and when end of the Talipot leaf is are privileges of the highest only by the monarch. The from all taxes. They are ns, and aré totally debarred have however an opportunity ints; and are allowed to lay s their inclination. ge loose piece of yellow cloth ler, and fastened round the le. The right shoulder, the et, are completely bare. In d cane, and in the other an
the Talipot leaf. superior to those of all the dedicate temples to the Suhim by any image. In the es of men habited, like his postures: some of them are the ground with long bushy n, while others recline at füll anelli in the interior, I saw twenty feet in length, placed ock which lay at the bottom

Page 225
THE ISLAN
of a hill: I shall describe account of the embassy to C
In the interior of Ceylon, temples which fell in my way of much superior workmanshi of the country. Several of of preservation; and on a c in later times, they afford, t the Ceylonese had formerly of civilization, or that the habited by a different race Most of these ancient monu severely from the ravages of it was to destroy all monum dour among the unhappy nati ings of the Ceylonese were by their barbarous invaders composed them, the hewn št transported to the sea-coasts rivet those chains which we worshippers.
The temples dedicated to th and contemptible; and usually In general they are mere h windows, and covered with cc of these homely edifices, a p and by it a priest is seen sitt
1D

OF CEYLON. 2O3
it more particularly in my andy.
the ruins of the pagodas and were all of hewn stone, and p to these in the lower parts hem were in a perfect state omparison with those erected le strongest proof either that ttained a much higher state island had anciently been infrom its present possessors. uments however have suffered the Portugueze, whose policy ents of art or former splenves. But the religious buildnot only defaced and ruined ; even the materials which ones and massy pillars, were to erect fortifications, and e imposed on their former
2 inferior gods are poor, mean. constructed of clay and wood. uts one story high, without coa-tree leaves. At the doors le or flag is commonly placed, ng during the whole course of
2

Page 226
204 THE ISLAND
the day. There is no fig place within: besides Swami are representations of wild secrated armour, and some and women.
The priests of the inferior same manner with the Tirin by the smaller degree of They are continually met i over the island, and, like a India, are a Set of lazy, im out any exertion or industry the extortions which they prac who supply their demands but superstitious fears have t minds of the votaries to pe selves from the yoke.
The superstition of the
s blishments. The Candians in land and particular taxes to religious houses, particularly t priests however are left to su selves by their own dexterity very successful. As all sort immediate indications of the the temple are the constant rel

OF CEYLON.
re too ridiculous to find a ies of all constructions, there easts, birds, picces of convery indecent figures of men
deities, though dressed in the nxes, are easily distinguishable espect which is paid them. n their wandering excursions ll these of the same class in pudent vagabonds, who, with, are enabled to live well by tise on the people. Even those are conscious of their vices; aken too deep a hold on the rmit them to withdraw them
Ceylonese serves instead of upport of their religious estaleed allow certain portions of
maintain their priests and hose of Buddou. The inferior pport their temples and them, and in this task they are of diseases are accounted divine wrath, the priest and ledies. Hence all the religious

Page 227
THE ISLAND
resorts are daily crowded with by the prayers which they off gods. Nor do they ever neg by a gift, which they devout priest presents it up with al and after its purpose is thus ; verts it to his own use. It
never to quit the temple till own order; and by this mean are punctually received, while are making a tour of the contributions.
The time of sickness is of priests expect their princip offerings, it is usual for a Ce sive of danger from his illn devil or evil spirit who he i animal is then left at home priest finds it convenient to c temple. When any particular í it is usual to see the priest to collect the dedicated cock often procures several dozens
The days appointed for atte gious worship, are the Wedne week: the sick however floci several particular - festivals hel

OF CEYLON. 205
diseased votaries, who expect, ir up, to appease the incensed lect to enforce their prayers ly deposit on the altar. The due ceremony to the god; served, very prudently conis a rule with their priests replaced by some of their s the offerings of the devotees another party of the priests country in search of casual
course the season when the bal harvest. Besides other lonese when he is appreheness, to devote a cock to the magines torments him. The to fatten till the Jaddese or ledicate him at the Covel or estival or sacrifice is intended, going from village to village is for the occasion; and he it a time. ndance on the places of reli'sday and Saturday of every daily to them. There are d in honour of their gods,

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2O6 THE ISLAND C
and with a view to conciliate of June or July at the new and general concourse takes resorts on the islands. Every betakes himself to some pagod 1nothing compulsory in these a usual indifference of the Ce
where their fears are not inter mee caprice. At Candy, th great pomp, and is attended panied with all the splendour Occasion that he makes his p. and joins his people in their
In November, when the mo festival, which is celebrated i tomary on this occasion for the of oil for lighting up their te of the festival.
The festivals in honour of temples where he is usually w and a consecrated tree. The or Adam's Peak, is one of th at the distance of about fifty Columbo. It is from the su tradition reports, that Adam t before he quitted it never to his foot stood at the moment

F CEYLON.
their favour. In the month noon called perahar, a solemn place to the various religious one that regards the festival la or other; there is however cts of worship, and with the ylonese to religious matters ested, many keep away from is festival is celebrated with by the king in person accomof his court. It is on this rincely offering to the deities, acts of devotion.
on is at full, there is another in the night-time. It is cus2 people to make contributions emples during the continuance
Buddou are not held in the orshipped, but at a high hill mountain called Hammaileel, e highest in Ceylon, and lies miles to the north east of ummit of this mountain, as . ook his last view of Paradise return. The spot on which is still supposed to be found

Page 229
THE ISLAND
in an impression on the su bling the print of a man's the ordinary size. After ta father of mankind is said to tinent of India, which was island; but no sooner had h
the sea closed behind him an This tradition, from whatever :
seems to be interwoven with til
and it is difficult to conceive grafted on them without form frequently had the curiosity different casts concerning this them with every appearance was really true, and in sup of testimonies, old sayings a ages been current among ther ditions I do not pretend to with scriptural history is ve a new instance how universal to the origin of man coinci event as recorded in the bible. A large chain, said also Adam, is fixed in a rock near It has the appearance of haw very distant period; but who what purpose, it is impossible

OF CEYLON. 2O7
munit of the mountain 1'CSCIIfoot, but more than double king this farewell view, the have gone over to the conat that time joined to the 2 passed Adam's bridge, than d cut off all hopes of return. source it was originally derived, heir earliest notions of religion,
that it could have been ening an original part. I have to enquire of black men of tradition of Adam. All of of belief assured me that it bort of it produced a variety ld prophecies which have for n. The origin of these tra
trace, but their connection y evident; and they afford ly the opinions with respect de with the history of that
to be the workmanship of the summit of the mountain. ing been placed there at a really placed it there, or for ; for any European to trace

Page 230
208 THE ISLAN
amidst the confused and unin natives have mingled with th The ascent of the mount difficult, and in some parts are obliged to be assisted in fixed by hooks to the rocks pitched upon to ascend, in exertions during the excessiv summit are a number of la plied with water. It is on C Adam's foot is shewn.
This mountain, which is residence of Adam, is held in the natives of Ceylon, but al different casts and persuasion these have particular places o make pilgrimages at certain Roman Catholic priests have current superstitions to forw; own tenets; and a chapel the mountain is yearly fre black Christians of the Portu It is to Adam's Peak that ship at the great Festival of coasts in particular resort to proportion of the Candians from a fear of mixing with

OF CEYLON.
alligible superstitions which the ir obscure traditions. in is exceedingly steep and near the summit the devotees climbing by ropes and chains The night time is usually order to avoid such fatiguing heat of the day. On the ge flat rocks plentifully supne of them that the print of
looked upon as the original in great veneration not only by so by a variety of persons of s throughout India. Most of f worship on it to which they seasons of the year. The also taken advantage of the urd the propagation of their which they have erected on (uented by vast numbers of gueze and Malabar race. the Ceylonese repair to worBuddou. The Cinglese of the t in vast multitudes. A large likewise attend; but whether foreigners, or from ideas of

Page 231
THE ISLAND
superior sanctity, they seem m festival. under the shade of th Annarodgburro, an ancient cit king of Candy's dominions; are permitted to approach thi. says tradition, suddenly flew o and planted itself in the spot intended as a shelter for the branches he was wont to repos Near this hallowed spot ninet merited admission to the regio images they constructed for B good spirits to preside over til protect them from being broug ans; a calamity against which the tree are a number of hut devotees who repair hither; an and dust must be removed fro retained for the purpose of cont before the worshippers, and t performance of the ceremonies.
As the preference was giver the Bogaha tree above all othe among the Ceylonese. Where island, persons are appointed to
from dirt or injury. The Bc

OF CEYTON. 20g
Lore inclined to hold their great e Bogaha tree, which stands at y, in the northern part of the and none but his own subjects S sanctuary. The Bogaha tree, ver from some distant country, , where it now stands. It was
god Buddou; and under its e while he sojourned on eartlı. у kings are interred, who all ns of bliss by the temples and uddou. They are now sent as he safety of his followers, and ght into subjection to Europethey continually pray. Around ts, erected for the use of the ld as every sort of uncleanness m the sacred spot, people are inually sweeping the approaches o attend the priests during the
by Buddou to the shade of rs, it is universally held sacred ver it is found throughout the watch over it and preserve it gaha tree is held in the same
E

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9), O THE ISLAND
estimation among the follower tree among the Brahmins.
Notwithstanding the many stitions which prevail among ti being such devotees and zealo continent. Indeed, they seem hension than by any real sentir think themselves called upon gious matters till they fall into close of life. The injustice of gious tenets upon them, must as they have not the smallest are they from being displeased other persuasions entering the ceremonies, that they are rath attention, and account the pre done themselves. On being q tions, they do not hesitate to apprehensions, but still they lo to escape from them; and drea their freedom, from a fear that over to the vengeance of those their country. The Christian often successful in propagating been able totally to eradicate imbibed from the cradle.
I was very much surprised t

OF CEYLON.
s of Buddou, as the Banyan
religious ceremonies and superhe Ceylonese, they are far from ts as any of the sects on the io be more actuated by apprement of Zeal; and they seldom to take much concern in relisickness, or verge towards the the Portuguese in forcing relihave shocked them the more
idea of intolerant zeal. So far at Europeans, or people of ir temples and observing their er gratified by Such marks of sence of visitors as an honour uestioned about their supersticonfess the absurdity of their Iok upon themselves as unable d even to attempt vindicating chey may be instantly delivered : malignant spirits who infest oriests and missionaries, though their doctrines, have never yet superstitions which have been
o observe the Ceylonese wear

Page 233
THE ISLAND
beads, and mutter prayers as t the road, in the same manner Catholic countries. I at first verts to that religion, but upc were all staunch adherents to 1 high respect for the customs of to adopt this usage from the which they mutter over their ever to those used by the Ron entirely to their own superstiti tives against the influence of them.
The immortality of the sou body, are tenets firmly believ They believe that the souls of death admitted into the rank o prophets and good kings are cising the powers of this stati the souls of the wicked, part impious priests, are supposed t and reptiles.
The Ceylonese are rigid pre people are born to their partic bad, without any possibility Spells and charms are indeed lighten the effects of appointed reliance is placed on giving alm
E. E.

OF CEYLON. 2
hey count them and go along is I have seen done in Roman imagined that these were conn enquiry, I found that they he worship of Buddou. Their the Europeans led them early Portuguese; but the prayers )eads, have no reference whatan Catholics, but are directed ons, and intended as preventhe evil spirits which surround
and the resurrection of the ved among all the Ceylonese. the just are immediately after f gods, and that their ancient long since employed in exeron: while on the other hand, icularly of unjust tyrants and ) have passed into wild beasts
destimarians, and believe that
ular destinies, whether good or
of avoiding or altering them.
supposed in some measure to calamities; and considerable
s. On this account the Cey
2

Page 234
212 THE ISLAND
lonese are very liberal in the consider giving presents to th beggars as essential acts of go service in particular, who hav minds more completely subdue of their extended good nature mary for them even to lay by food to distribute among the strangers are among the India little compassion, yet a Cingle the Malabar or Moor who ask derness is at times extended e it is customary for them to bi tinuance of certain festivals or from killing any living creature and fruits.
I have already observed, t more conscientious in their dea continent. This remark applies who, besides being naturally ab: covetousness, are not tempted l of their neighbours. The Cand more pride and spirit, are by honest. Those indeed among ing or lying, are exposed to p honourable actions never fail when they expect to escape del

OF CEYLON.
distribution of charity. They eir priests and alms to their odness. The Cinglese in our 2 the natural ferocity of their l, often give remarkable proofs in these respects. It is custo
a certain proportion of their poor; and although distressed lns accounted objects of very ese will not shut his hand to is him for relief. Their tenven to the brute creation; and nd themselves during the conseasons of devotion, to refrain ', but subsist entirely on herbs
at the Ceylonese are much lings than the natives of the particularly to the Cinglese, temious, frugal, and free from . y want to purloin the property ans, though endued with much no means so conscientious or hem, who are guilty of stealublic reproach, while just and to meet with applause; but ection, they are seldom deter

Page 235
THE ISLAN
red from trespassing by scrupl of their governors, and their f pean settlements seem to have dispositions.
Their burials are net attende solemnity. Mr. Knox states, mary to burn the dead, particu distinction. If this practice sti lon, it has entirely escaped my rare and confined to the remot analogy of several of the casts bar coasts, among whom the p general, may be alledged as a customary among the Ceylone have been able to discover, simple, and nearly resembles selves. The body is wrapped i carried to some unfrequented sl
Such are the circumstances which apply to the native Cey some particular shades of differ Candians and Cinglese, both fr they inhabit, and from the mo latter with foreigners. These situation, and their forms of among the Cinglese are of c.

OF CEYLON. 2.13
's of conscience. The rapacity requent inroads into the Eurodepraved their originally good
'd with any particular religious that in his time it was custolarly the bodies of persons of ll subsists in any part of Ceyresearches, and must be both est parts of the interior. The on the Coromandel and Malaractice of burning the dead is proof of its once having been se. At present, as far as I the funeral ceremony is very what takes place among ourn a mat or piece of cloth, and pot where it is deposited. I have been able to collect, lonese in general. There are ence which arise between the om the nature of the country re frequent intercourse of the hiefly, relate to their political administering justice, which »urse considerably assimilated

Page 236
21Ꮞ THE ISLAND
to those of the people which h will consequently be necessary separately. I shall therefore
additional particulars concerni fallen under my observation: a of the Candians till I come t

OF CEYLON,
loids them in subjection. It to mention such circumstances at present describe the few ng the Cinglese which have ld reserve any further account o describe their country.

Page 237
THE ISLAND
CHIAPT
Circumstances which distinguish
THE Cinglese, who inhabit tiguous to the coasts, live el whatever European nation ha session of that part of the eountry they inhabit indeed l native but tanconditional submi meet the Europeans in open b. plentiful fields for the barren
The subjection under which time lived, while it has effaced rous independence, has at the and soften their dispositions. T fensive people; exceedingly Their bodies partake of the in is with reluctance they are ro When, however, they are oblig work, such as agriculture, they great deal of labour. They a Moor or Malabar race, and bearers, or coolies to carry bu The milder virtues form t the Cinglese character. The

OF CEYLON, 21 5
ER X.
the Cinglese from the Candians
the low lands and parts conntirely under the dominion of is been able to acquire posisland. The nature of the eaves them hardly any alterssion, unless they could either attle, or consent to quit their mountains of the interior.
they have for a considerable the manly features of barbasame time tended to humanize The Cinglese are a quiet, inof grave, temperate, and frugal. idolence of their minds, and it used to any active exertion. ed to apply themselves to any t are capable of undergoing a e not indeed so strong as the never make good palankeen rthens. he most prominent features of y are gentle, charitable, and

Page 238
26 - THE ISLAND
friendly, and have scarcely any o signing arts which are often fol much less smoothness and coul than the latter, they have m amining the countenances and Ceylonese, it is easy to perce the respective circumstances in countenance of the Candian is mien lofty, and his whole ca independence. The humble yi glese, on the other hand, witl endurance which is painted in dependent and helpless state to The looks of the Cinglese e nacy and cowardice, which exc dians; although the latter, wi never venture to attack an method as the Cinglese, and a the convenient moment of ass or jungle, in which they have
I have already mentioned sc made to resist the orders of rous measures instantly taken c them that the power of the ible than that of their former rebellion was the imposition of the head servant of the Comp

OF CEYLON.
f the false, treacherous, and deund among the Candians. With teousness of face and manner uch sincerer hearts. On excarriage of these two classes of ive the difference arising from which they are placed. The erect, his look haughty, his rriage marked by the pride of elding deportment of the Cinh the patient or rather abject their faces, plainly denotes the ) which they are reduced. ven denote a degree of effemiites the contempt of the Canth all their boasted spirit, can European but by the same re equally cautious in waiting aulting him from the bushes, concealed themselves. me efforts which the Cinglese our government; but the vigoin the occasion, soon convinced nglish was still more irresistmasters. The cause of their certain taxes by Mr. Andrews, any, and the Collector of the

Page 239
THE ISLAND
revenues. A body of the Cin into the woods at the distance several of the corles and distri openly in favour of the rebellic was sent against them: several was not till after a considerabl that the insurgents were compl nature of the country, full of til rivers, that our troops often wa act, and were frequently attack ceived, or even suspected to be It may not be improper h in this and another commotio after, our troops were ultimatel venience and danger might ev general revolt among the Cing it are, however, no less obviou equitable government with a st cannot fail to conciliate the mil already been trained to submis rence for Europeans. As a sur all contingencies, every effort S woods and improve the roads, ease and without risque to wa plantations. It was suspected t among the Cinglese might be c
sive plan concerted among the F E

OF CEYLON. 2y
alese took up arms and retired of a few miles from Columbo: :ts at the same time declared n. A detachment of Sepoys severe combats ensued; and it e loss of men on both sides etely subdued. Such is the nick woods, narrow passes, and inted a proper opportunity to ed before the rebels were per
near them. ere to observe, that although n which happened two years y successful, yet much inconentually be incurred from a ese. The preventives against is than certain. A mild and rict administration of justice, inds of these people, who have sion and an unbounded reve2 precaution, however, against hould be made to clear the so as to enable troops with toh over the security of our that these unusual commotions
onnected with a more exten: natives for the assertion of

Page 240
218 THE ISLAND
their independence; and a st our government, to find out w any share in exciting the rebel ascertained that he had any co them the slightest encourageme The warlike habits of the ( look with contempt on the Ci unacquainted with the manage1 sion to use them except in pri the Europeans. ܢܚ
The dress of the poorer sc ticular manner bespeaks their It consists merely of a piece their loins, and covering their parts which decency requires t either tied up in a bunch O cropped quite close, which is lower orders of the peasants. tied up in the same way, combs. Their dress consists round the waist, and reaching the very poorest class it do They wear also a sbort jac. bosom and shoulders, leaving the bosom is also frequently are employed to do all mann the fruits and vegetables to m

OF CEYLON,
ict enquiry was instituted by hether the king of Candy had lion. It could not however be nnexion with it, or had given
ent.
Jandians make them naturally nglese, who are almost entirely ment of arms, having no occaOcuring game for the tables of
Jrts of the Cinglese in a par
indolence and wretechedmess, of coarse cloth wrapped round thighs, or frequently only the o be concealed. Their hair is in the crown of the head, or the usual custom among the The women wear their hair or fastened with tortoise-shell of a piece of cloth wrapped down to their ancles; among es not reach below the knee. ket which usually covers the the middle of the back bare exposed. This class of women 2r of servile work, and to bring arket.

Page 241
THE ISLAN)
But although the poorer than a very small attention to rior ranks are far from being of the better sort usually w round their waists, and eith to their ancles, or drawn to form of wide trowsers.
The body is covered by unites the appearance of a sl toned at the neck and wrists, on which the magnificence of particularly to depend, and them as splendid as possible. used, and they are either of Enormous ear-rings are anothe Ceylonese cope with their neig to prepare the ear for these ur down to the shoulders, pieces open and widen the orifice v in their infancy. As the clim ing, the shoulders and body : On their heads they wear caps of them coloured handkerchief or the rules of their cast pres The dress of the higher ranl worn by the black Portuguese described. The young Cingle

D OF CEYLON. 21g
Cinglese use no more clothing decency obliges them, the superegardless of dress. The mea ear a piece of calico wrapped r allowed to hang loose down
gether between the legs in the
a jacket with sleeves, which imirt and waistcoat, and is but
The buttons are the articles this piece of dress is supposed no expence is spared to have A great number of buttons are silver, gold, or precious stones. 'r piece of finery in which the hbours the Malabars. In order wieldy rings, which often hang of wood are employed to keep which is made for the purpose ate hardly requires any coverare often left completely bare. of various shapes, and others s, according as fancy dictates, Cribe. ks of women is similar to that : ladies, which I have already Be women of rank dress by nọ
2

Page 242
22O THE ISLAND
means inelegantly, and neithe are disagreeable. They are f the Dutch, who are much n than the English. From the temper of our countrymen, a the native language, they neve Cinglese, or receiving them int
The Cinglese are ingenious play particular dexterity in gol In this last branch, they have. since the arrival of the Englis few, and simple in the constru is readily acquired, and the to well as the hands. They have chinery which is employed to of the Europeans; their impl and as easily set to work. W carries along with him his bel all his other apparatus, and set in a few minutes. The numbe in all sorts of handicraft work articles of that description, bot The Cinglese supply our g fowls, eggs, and other articles moderate rate, as they seldom own consumption : beef in part cow is an object of their worsh

OF CEYLON.
r their appearance nor manner requently met at the parties of nore partial to their company naturally distant and haughty und their unacquaintance with r dream of associating with the o their parties. and expert artificers, and disd, silver, and carpenters' work. already made great proficiency h. Their implements are very ction; the mode of using them as are occasionally employed as e mOne Of that pOnderous mafacilitate the vast manufactures ements are easily transported, When a smith is called for, he lows, anvil, hammer, files, and -s himself to work on the spot r of persons who are employed , renders furniture, and other h good and cheap. garrisons plentifully with beef, of the same sort, at a very make use of them for their icular they never taste, as the lip. A few of them, particu

Page 243
THE ISLAN
larly those most conversant wi arrack; and all ranks use tod the sake of the liquor itself. ploy to hold the juice of th rind of the betel-tree, wlhi leaves; in colour and te: sheep-skin, and is fully as str for retaining liquor. Fowls a abundance: a good fowl sells pence; eggs at two-pence a d may be bought at from oneto the state of the market.
As the Cinglese live under Government, they are also sul of administering justice, except their ancient customs, as the with our modes, are permitte laws of inheritance remain in f tlhe lands desöend to the elde will; but a certain proportion go to the maintenance of children.
The Cinglese under our dc native magistrates, only the su resides in the servants of our g on the island are divided into dinate superintendence of whic

OF CEYLON. 22,
h Europeans, venture to drink y, as well for medicine as for The vessels which they empalmyra and cocoa-tree, is a h forms a coating over the sture it resembles bleached ong, and much better adapted re brought to market in great at from four-pence to eightozen; and a good dish of fish penny to two-pence, according
the protection of the British jected to our laws and forms in a very few points, in which y do not materially interfere 'd to be retained. The same orce among all the Ceylonese: st son, if the father makes no of the property must always the widow and the younger
minion are governed by their preme controlling power always overnment. All our possessions corles and districts, the suborh is given to the Moodeliers,

Page 244
222 THE ISLAN
or native magistrates, who a the class of the nobles styl These magistrates superintenc the villages, and exercise a and city magistrates in Great the Moodeliers to assist in c the proportion of the taxes ar peasants for government serv other supplies to the different viding coolies for conveying st tion to another; in short, it i conduct of the natives, and vidual interest from sustaining The Moodeliers have unde petty officers, who are also c drews. Thcir business is to carry their orders into execut is not thought requisite to qui is a police corps of the nati commands of government in posed of Conganies, or sergean Lascarines, or common soldiers as our sheriff's men, or const short swords and spears: a la Governor in his tours round sions, either for state or exped

OF CEYLON.
e always chosen from among d Hondrews and Mahondrews. both the country parts and power similar to our country Britain. It is the business of ollecting the revenues, settling d contributions, assembling the ice, procuring provisions and garrisons when required, proDres or baggage from one statheir business to observe the prevent either public or indiany loss. *r them an inferior class of hosen from among the Honassist the Moodeliers, and ion. In those parts where it arter a body of troops, there ves appointed to enforce the ach district: they are comts, Aratjies, or corporals, and and perform the same offices bles. They are armed with ge body of them attend the he island, and on other occaency.

Page 245
THE ISLANI
The Moodeliers as well as ficers, are under the immediate of the military post to which t with the exception of a few Candian territory, where it h hold any military station. It officers that all reports, intell ried to the Governor. The make a report of what passes the Maha or Ma Ma Mood order, who resides in the B he on his part lays these There are particular Moode the barking of the cinnamon, and are responsible to the El with the management of tha'
The nobles or MIalhondre Moodeliers are chosen, form distinct from the others, and b manners denote superiority to
The Mahondrews are fai probably owing to their be When they go abroad their to be carried in coolies or going on foot, their attendal over their heads. When the Europeans, a numerous body

CF CEYLON. 223
the inferior class of police of }rders of the commanding officer eir district or corle is attached, corles ou the borders of the is not been found expedient to is through these commanding gence and complaints are carMoodeliers at the same time in their respective districts to elier, the chief of the whole lack Town of Columbo; and reports before the Governor. liers appointed to superintend who interfere in nothing else, uropean officer who is intrusted E department. ws, from among whom the a particular cast completely oth their appearance, dress, and
the rest of the natives. er than the other Cinglese, ng less exposed to the sun. rank and wealth entitles them balankeens; or if they prefer ts hold the leaf of the tallipot appear in public, or wait on either of their own servants

Page 246
22A THE ISLANI
or of the peasants of their their umbrellas and betel bo handsome as if to denote th are usually of ivory, tortoise-sl inlayed. In their own hands resembling a watch, to hold . In their manners the Mah and much more polite and the Continent of India. Th peans, and treat them both nor do they look upon them behave with that fawning an is so observable in the conduc Moors and Malabars towards the Dutch found it their inte occasions, and to grant them la Our Government continues the ing them with confidence and sincere esteem and attachment. The Mahondrews discover o to copy the manners of the E and conversation this predilect. Most of them speak the Du fluently, and many of them English with considerable facili They dress very richly, and cording to the fashions of t

OF CEYLON.
istrict are employed to carry s. The latter are made very quality of the owner: they ell, silver, or calamander wood they carry a small silver box, tlheir chinam. indrews are extremely affable, 2ngaging than the natives of y are very partial to Eurowith candour and confidence; with that suspicious eye, nor l hypocritical servility which t of the Dubashes, and other Europeans. For these reasons rest to use them well on all rge indulgences and privileges. same policy; and, by treatgentleness, has secured their
all occasions a great desire ropeans, and in their address, on is particularly discernible. ch and Portuguese languages lready begin to converse in /.
by no means inelegantly acat country. Their dress is

Page 247
THE ISLAND
peculiar to themselves, and European with the Asiatic. of fine cloth and a dark blu buttons reaching down all til the cuffs wide like these of a holes are embroidered with g the same or covered with flowered calicò, single-breaste old fashion. They button at as we have ahready observed worn by the better orders of purposes of a shirt and wais of gold or precious stones. wear a piece of white or col the waist and drawn together trowsers. Across their shoulde gold er silver lace or embroide a short curved sword or dagg bard variously ornamented ac wearer. On their feet they commonly go bare legged. "I up in a bunch with several tc they chuse to go bare-headec она а сар or hat of the sam us, and only differing in she turned up before and behind, the sides which are generally er
G

OF CEYLON. 受25
eems to combine the ancient t consists of a long wide coat 2 or crimson colour, with the he way to the bottom, and former century. The buttonold or silver, and the buttons ce. The vests are of white l, and with pockets after our the collar like a shirt, and. in the description of the dress the Cinglese, they serve both itcoat; the buttons are always In place of breeches, they oured calico, wrapped ronnd between the legs like loose rs they wear a broad belt of ry work, to which is attached er, with a handle and scabcording to the fancy of the have a kind of sandal, but hey wear their hair fastened rtoise-shell combs: sometimes ; at other times they have materials as those worn by pe; the brim with them is and is entirely removed at mbroidered. The Maha Moo
r

Page 248
226 THE ISLAND
delier occasionally appears in velvet, and his dress in othe numerous retinue which alway The Mahondrews are fond anxious to make a figure in at their wedding-feasts that t to exhibit their splendour, an vited to these parties. I ha such feasts, which were indee to expence. A ball and supper to celebrate his daughter's n sarme class particularly attrac and expensive style in which it and most of the officers of well as a great number of and as the company was too tain, a house was built and In the course of the evenin. Moodelier with a gold chain sense entertained of his faithf
ervice.
The Moodeliers are of infil dience of the natives, and they ale upon so good a foot whole cast of Malondrews, conquered countries, have tr. power to the preservation of

OF CEYLON.
a coat of crimson cloth of respects corresponds to the attends him. of magnificence, and seem he eyes of Europeans. It is hey seem particularly anxious l the Europeans are often inre frequently been present atë prepared without any regard given by the Maha Moodelier harriage with a noble of the ted my notice by the grand was conducted. The Governor the garrison were present, as Dutch ladies and gentlemen; large for any room to concovered in for the purpose. g the Governor presented the as a testimony of the high ul and upright conduct in our
ite use in preserving the obet is extremely fortunate that ng with our countrymen. The
like the nobility of other nsferred their pride from real a fictitious pre-eminence; and

Page 249
THE ISLAND
a species of scrupulous honour paying a proper deference t most value, to procure their
Ꮛu1ᏂCᏋ , . -
The natural dispositions of already observed, mild and hu cept in the promiscuous inter being depraved. Ft is to be minds labour so dreadfully un tious fears, and that their mo rational principles. It is to b will bé paid to their cultivati countrymen than their form the Portugueze; who, by thei sighted policy, precluded thems port from the natives which them masters of Ceylon. Ma. deed been converted to the Chi to be Roman Catholics, while and Lutheran worship: but sca the fundamental principles of cient to their former Europea brought to practice the outwar ship; and their apparent co. frequently to be regarded as than a real improvement in r A zealous effort on the part
G C

OF CEYLON. 227
and therefore it is easy, by those objects which they sincere attachment and assist
the Cinglese are, as I have mane; and their morals, exourse of the sexes, far from lamented however that their ler the influence of superstirality is not founded on more e hoped that more attention on and improvement by our der masters, the Dutch and r own avaricious and shortelves from receiving that supmight still have maintained ny of the Cinglese have inristian faith; and part profess : others attend the Calvinist rcely one of them understands Christianity. It seemed suffin masters, if they could be forns of the Christian wornversion was therefore more a badge of tame submission :ligious and moral principles. of our government to intre
2

Page 250
228 THE ESLAND
duce our learning and religi surest means of improving an the island. The higher orders an example of what that pe intercourse with civilized soc minds capable of receiving th education.

OF CEYLON,
on among the natives is the ld consolidating our empire in of the Cinglese already afford ople may soon become by au iety: many of them display e most polished and systematic

Page 251
THE ISLANC
CHAPT
The king of Candy’s dominio, liggy Neur–Nilemby Neur– Circumstances which distinguis
Have now described the inhabitants. It is in, these pa look for the riches and advan island. The possession of th security of our dominion; an tivation might make it capa greater number of inhabitants as effectually attained by a natives, as by a direct submi Government will doubtless av European masters of Ceylon, vain attempts to subdue the resources which might have re most valuable colonies in the In a detached island, such might expect to find very littl the country and the races b and yet we are here presented governed by different laws, p. of soil, elihnate, and cultivat

OF CEYLON, 22g
R XI.
's-Its divisions-Candy-DigAnaerodgburro-Climate-Soil, the Candians from the Cinglese.
sea-coast of Ceylon and it's its that we are principally to tages to be derived from the e interior might tend to the d an improved mode of culble of maintaining a much ; but these purposes may be friendly intercourse with the ssion to our authority. Our oid the error of the former who wasted unprofitably in natives that time and those indered this island one of the world. as Ceylon, if any where, we e diversity in the nature of y which it were inhabited; with three different dominions resenting the greatest variety ion, and possessed by three.

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23O THE ISLAND
distinct races which seem to with each other. In these pa scribed, the whole tone of m the Cinglese who inhabit ther prominent native characteristics architecture and manufactures derived from Europeans, that to the native cultivation of Ce dominions, which occupy the the invasion of Europeans has tarded than changed the progr the arts. Several features of indeed undergone some alterati from opposition and intercou modes of warfare, and arts, known to the Candians.
Another part of the interio race, who seem to have sca either with the Candians or their woods and mountains sti of society, very little improv neighbours which they anxious
The possession and manners dians and Bedahs, come no information which we have be those subjects be still limite curiosity, it is however so far

DF CEYLON.
have no original connexion its which I have already denners is European ; and even seem to have lost their most
The state of agriculture, of along the coasts is so much little of it can be attributed lon. In the king of Candys greater part of the interior, on the contrary, rather reessive state of civilization and
the native character have on from this cause; and both rse, the European manners, have in some degree become
r however is possessed by a rcely any thing in common Europeans. The Bedahs in l retain their primitive state ed by intercourse with their y avoid. of these two races, the Canr to be considered. If the in able to obtain hitherto on and insufficient to satisfy xtended, as to enable us to

Page 253
THE ISLAND
judge how far they can be 1 colony. Many fabulous storie its inhabitants, which might h; but which at the same time have only advanced such facts from my personal knowledge, sistent with the opinion of th ditional particulars relative t of the Candians will be four bassy to the court of Candy
The interior of the island, Dutch, has been little explo traveller who might have ob Dutch to visit it, could no from the jealousy of the nati been driven by their invade interior, it has been their pC European from seeing those C avarice of his countrymen, or by which an army could pen European by any accident wal they took every precaution t and the guards stationed ev joined to the wide and patl interior from the coast, rend completely desperate. When any European government to

OF CEYLON. 23璋
endered of advantage to the s are: told of the interior and ave indeed amused the reader, might have misled him. I as I either knew to be true
or which I found to be cone best informed Several ado the country and manners d in the journal of an Em
subjoined to this volume. owing to the jealousy of the bred by Europeans; and any tained the permission of the t have executed his purpose es. Since the Candians have
's into the mountains of the olicy carefully to prevent any bjects which might tempt the from observing the approaches etrate their mountains. If an s carried into their territories, o prevent him from escaping; Pry where at the approaches, alless woods which divide the lered such an attempt almost an ambassador was sent from the King of Candy, he was

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232 THE ISLAND
watched with all that strict suspicious temper of i un civiliz an account subjoined to this I attended to the court of t how careful the natives wer making any observations. M years ago went on a similar the same particular circumspe able to add little to our sto
the interior.
The dominions of the nativ
off on all sides from those impenetrable woods and moun through these to the coasts ficult, and scarcely known ev As soon as we advance from coasts a country presents itse sea-coast both in soil, blimat cending the mountains and ourselves in the midst of a stages beyond the first state of are astonished to find in the cultivated fields which surroun towards the centre of the islan
and the woods and mountains parts of the country become 1 It is in the midst of th

OF CEYEON.
ess and jealousy which the 'd nations dictates; and from volume of an embassy which laat monarch, it will be seen e to prevent strangers froua r. Boyd, who about twenty
embassy, was watched with ction; and has therefore been ck of knowledge conceraing
e prince are completely cut of the Europeans by almost stains. The passes which lead are extremely steep and difen by the natives themselves. ten to twenty miles from the lf greatly differing from the e, and appearance. After aspassing the woods, we find country not advanced many improvement, and which we neighbourhood of the highly ld Columbo. As we advance d, the country gradually rises, which separate the several more steep and impervious. ese fastnesses that the native

Page 255
HE ISLAND
Prince still, preserves those r which have been left him by minions are now much redu whole of the sea-coasts which in their various attacks during to get into their power every derive either emolument or se still remain to him are Noure the north and north-west; w the districts of Bintana, Vel others, occupies those parts m south-east lies Ouvah, a prov ing the king one of his ti chiefly included in the provi acorley These different provi or districts, and entirely bel. is needless to recount the na stretch towards the sea-coast, possession.
In the highest and most king's dominions lie the corles Tatanour, in which i are i situ These counties take the pre-el are both better cultivated, an the other districts, and are name of Condé Udda ; comdá

DF CEYLON. 233
mains of territory and power successive invaders. IIis do'ed in size; for besides the vere of any value, the Dutch, the last century, have contrived tract from which they could urity. Those provinces which calava and Hotcourly towards hile Matuly, comprehending as, and Panoa, with a few ore to the eastward. To the ince of some note, and givtles. The western parts are hces of Cotemal and Hotterhces are subdivided into cores ong to the native prince. It mes of those divisions which and are now chiefly in our
centrical part of the native or counties of Oudanour and ted the two principal cities. ninence of all the rest, and more populous than any of distinguished by the general or cande in the native lanH H

Page 256
234 THE ISLAND
guage signifying a mountain, highest.
This province of Conde U than the others, and forms a bf itself. On every side it tains covered with wood, an entered seenn little more tha Guards are stationed all arol and escape; for defence they fluous, did we not recollect
Dutch overcame all these obs the very centre of this natur: In the district of Tattanou dence and the capital of the is situated at the distance of and twice as far from Trince and steep hills covered with difficult passes by which it with thick hedges of thorn; are drawn round the hills i lines of circumvallation. Th is by gates of the same thor to be drawn up and let dow dians are obliged to retreat v the ropes, and then it is in except by burning down the

OF CEYLON.
and udda the greatest or
dda is even more inacessible s it were a separate kingdom is surrounded by lofty mound the paths by which it is n the tracts of wild beasts. und to prevent both entrance might seem entirely superthat the perseverance of the tacles, and forced a way into al fortification.
ur lies Candy the royal resinative prince's dominions. It eighty miles from Columbo, malee, in the midst of lofty thick jungle. The narrow and is approached are intersected and hedges of the same sort h the vicinity of Candy like tough them the only passage ny materials, so contrived as n by ropes. When the Canrithin these barriers, they cut mpossible to force a passage gates, which from their green

Page 257
THE ISLAND
state, and the constant anno behind them, would prove ar culty. These hedge-rows for Candy. The Mali-vagonga a on which it stands: the rive rapid; a very strict guard one who passes or repasses amined.
The city itself is a poor mis by a mud wall of no stren several times burnt by Euro by the king, who retired to dominions. It is upon occasic Macdowal, an account of whic that any information concernin has been obtained; and even than guessed at, as the em admitted only by torch-light break of day. From what city consists of a long strag clivity of a hill; the houses 1 foundations raised in such a n street that they appear quite son of this extraodinary taste his assemblies of the people buffalo fights in the street, houses. When the king pass
H

OF CEYLON. 235
rance of the enemy sheltered enterprise of time and diffim the chief fortifications of lso nearly surrounds the hill r is here broad, rocky, and is kept on it, and every
is closely watched and ex
erable-looking place, surrouded gth whatever. It has been peans, and was once deserted more inaccessible part of his on of the embassy of General h is subjoined to this volume, g the present state of Candy then it could be little more bassador and his suite were 5, and always retired before could then be observed, the gling street built on the demean and low, but with their hanner above the lewel of the ofty to passengers. The rea is to enable the king to hold and to have his elephant and
without interfering with the
es along the street, none of
2

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236 THE ISLAND
the inhabitants are allowed t or the paths on a level with tended with the heinous ind higher than the prince descen
At the upper end of this poor mansion for the abode with high stone walls, and within the other. In the in apartments, and it is there audiences given. The exterio of the city could be but ver who attended General Macdow the crowd, and the dazzling ge account indeed which I have h worthy of notice, and from th dustry among the inhabitants it that any thing could be met to attract the attention of the
The next city in point of im Neur, which lies to the eastv or twelve miles, and in ti Batacolo. The district around wild, barren, and impenetrab Candy. It is on this very ac at times as a royal residenc king was driven out of Canc found here a retreat to which

OF CEYLON,
appear before their houses, them, as that would be atcorum of placing a subject led of the sun.
street, stands the palace, a of a king. It is surrounded onsists of two squares, one ner of these are the royaI that the court is held and of the palace and the rest partially observed by those al, owing to the pressure of are of the torches. By every eard, Candy contains nothing e want of either wealth or in, is not indeed to be expected with in this straggling village
traveller. portance to Candy is Digliggy rard of the capital about ten le direction of our fort of Digliggy Neur is still more e than that which surrounds yount that it has been chosen : : at one period when the y, and his capital burnt, he no European army has even

Page 259
THE ISLAND
been able to penetrate. A fe the surrounding hills; and in leave some clear space, the rice.
About six or seven miles so Nilemby Neur, which has al to the king: he has here a remains of several other tow of the country. On the road stood the town of Aletty stores of grain and other pro as many other towns was Portugueze; and nothing is r some temples and pagodas to were in existence.
The ruins of some towns, both larger and better built. prove that the kingdom of more flourishing condition, a natural course of things to c the invasion of Europeans dep by which they could have ac opportunity of importing eith own. In the nothern part of of Noure Calava, where the splendid city of Anurodgbu stands almost at the northe

OF CEYLON. 237
w villages are scattered among those places where the woods soil though barren produces
uth of Candy lies the town of so at times afforded a retreat palace and store-houses. The ns are found in various parts l from Candy to Trincomalee. Neur, where the king kept visions. This however as well burnt to the ground by the how left but the remains of testify that such places ever
which appear to have been than those hitherto described, the Candians was once in a nd gradually tending by the ivilization and opulence, when rived them of all those means cess to foreign nations, and an er arts or manners into their the kingdom lies the province rains of the once famous and
rro are still discovered. It rn extremity of the Candian

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238 THE ISLAND
donninions, andl borders on tlh former ages this was the resic and has long been the place being at a distance from Candy court, it is much frequented who come here to pay devotio that the stately temples anc worship formerly stood, as ap -hewn stones which still remail made themselves masters of th objects for their ravages than in the other parts of the island remorse the religious edifices w transported the choicest of the and the other towns which tlh This act of sacrilege tended m alienate the minds of the nati
record it with lorror.
The whole of the king's coun
plains around Anurodigburro, p of steep mountains and low vall of the woods, which cover by f country, causes heavy fogs and vail. Every evening the fogs fa are not again dissipated till power. The vallies are in ge and excellently adapted for the

OF CEYLON.
province of Jafnapatam. In lence of the kings of Ceylon; of their burial. Owing to its , and the terrors of a barbarous Dy priests and other Cinglese, in to their saints. It was here pagodas of the Ceylonese pears by the massy pillars and . The Portuguese, howevers e town, and found in it more
they had hitherto met with l. They pulled down without ith which it was adorned, and
materials to fortify Columbo ey erected on the sea-coasts, hore than any other thing to ves; and the Ceylonese stil
try, with the exception of the resent a constant interchange ies. The excessive thickness ar the greatest portion of the unwholesome damps to prell with the close of day, and the sun has acquired great neral marshy, full of springs, cultivation of rice and rear

Page 261
THE ISLAND
ing of cattle. These advantage teracted by the unhealthiness after the rainy season. The p climate of the interior and tha by the stagnation of the atm depth of the vallies and the th to prevent the free circulation constantly attended with excessi ceeded by days equally noxiou vapours. An European on con liable to catch the hill or jun sembling our ague and interm the person attacked, if he doe residence to the sea-coast, wil and refreshing by day, while damps of the night.
The country of Candy can I from internal navigation. Sew sect it; but these during the rapid and impetuous by the from the surrounding hills, th: them; while in the opposite pletely dried up. The Maliva, these rivers, rises at the foot of to the south-west of Candy, an nearly surrounds the capital, a at Trincomalee. The Mulliva

OF CEYLON. 23g
s, however, are greatly counof the climate in these parts rincipal difference between the at of the coasts, is occasioned osphere in the former. The nickness of the woods conspire of air; and hence the night is ve cold damps, which are sucis from their hot and sultry ming into the interior is very gle fever. It is a disease reittent fever, and never leaves is not immediately change his nere the climate* is more cool it is free from the cold and
never receive any improvement eral large rivers indeed interrainy season are rendered so torrents which fall into them at no boat can venture upon season they are almost comgonga, which is the largest of Adam's Peak, a high mountain d taking a north-east direction, nd at length falls into the sea ddy, the next principal river

Page 262
240 THE ISLAND
takes its rise at a small dista towards the west coast. Ther which rise from the hills in although these be not navigabl they might be employed to ti zing the country.
The rainy seasons vary in The south-west quarter is su western monsoons, while the ac by those from the opposite mountains which runs across til divide the island into two difi continued drought on one side has rained on the other witho parts are by no means so su monsoons as those to the west less deluged with rains. The the interior are regulated by actly correspond to either of th rains incessantly during the me which period it is dry in the l As I have already given a d general, and pointed out the Cinglese, a few peculiar circum be noticed of the manners of jealousy which the latter ente connexions, has indeed hithert

OF CEYLON
ce from the other, and runs are a variety of other rivers, various parts of the country: , yet if properly attended to, e greatest advantage in fertili
different parts of the interior. bject to the influence of the rth-east is but slightly touched quarter. The high range of e country of Candy, seems to erent climates: it has been a of them for years, while it ut intermission. The eastern bject to the influence of the , and are consequently much seasons in the mountains of lifferent laws, and do not exle monsoons. Among them it nths of March and April, at owlands. escription of the Ceylonese in articular characteristics of the stances are all that require to the Candians. The excessive tain of Europeans and their rendered every attempt to

Page 263
THE ISLAND
obtain accurate information ( pletely abortive. It might b information could have been O glese in the European dominio tlhe two branches of the natio than that between any of the in North America. Eyen du eommunication is opened, nor side to carry on a secret traf other. The policy of the Du as to render the Candians con them look with apprehension approach of a stranger.
As I have already observed, in which the Candians have Europeans, and the indepen enable them to maintain, ha character more bold and prom tranquility of the lowlanders rugged traits of their natural d dians are governed with the as their prejudices and custom their monarchs, they are prou yoke, and slaves only to a me look upon the Cinglese in our race, who barter their natura tection. The Candians in th

OF CEYLON. 24
:oncerning them almost com: naturally imagined that this btained by means of the Cinls; but the intercourse between n is more completely cut off most savage and hostile tribes ing the intervals of peace no is there any attempt on either fic or correspondence with the utch therefore succeeded so far pletely isolated, and to make and hostile jealousy on the
the state of constant hostility
so long continued with the dence which their mountains
ve rendered the lines of their inent, while the subjection and have greatly softened the more isposition. Although the Canmost complete despotism, yet s are shared and respected by d of being free from a foreign ster of their own race. They
service as a mean, despicable al rights for peace and proeir appearance retain an air of
I I

Page 264
242 THE ISLAND C
laughtiness and gravity; they courteous and polite, as well a than their country men of the counted more athletic, and sup tenance. As they are accuston arms and watch at the differe apprehended, they early acqui itself sufficient to distinguish th houses are also neater and bet same materials and furnished q The dress of the higher ol of several folds of cotton cloth their waists; while another p. wrapped round the body, has back, while the other is drawn hangs straight down to the an and chest, are bare. On thei cap, or turban, of a shape pec resemblance to that worn by t the Cinglese; it is broad and f the lower part, and is stiffen starch made of rice. Over t waists, they wear a belt, to w is suspended. A purse, like Highlanders, is worn before th betel-leaf, areka-nuts, and to connonly a boy to attend t

F CEYLON.
are at the same time more s more crafty and treacherous lowlands. They are also acerior both in shape and couned from their infancy to bear nt posts where any danger is re a military air which is of em from the Cinglese. Their er constructed, though of the uite alike. "ders of the Candians consists , or calico drawn close round iece of the same, after being the one end tucked up at the
together between the legs, or cles. Their arms, shoulders, r heads they wear a sort of uliar to themselves: it has no he natives of the continent or at at top and narrow towards 2d with conjee, a species of heir shoulders, or round their ich a dagger or short hanger hat in the dress of the Scots 2m, and is employed to hold acco. They have, however, hem with a box of ivory or

Page 265
THE ISLAND
tortoise-shell replenished with of the tallipot leaf is their co when they walk abroad in t rings on their fingers; few of one of those indifferent article supreme authority by entering chief distinction in the dress C Candians and the Cinglese; is the immense quantity of cloth
former.
The appearance of the lov every respect the same, only t
of the cap is still observable. ral it may be said that they : glese, as well as fairer in the It may seem strange, that three years on the island, and terior even to the capital, I si the Candian women only from however, was the watchful si during the whole progress of was permitted to fall in our wa est proofs of the apprehension Dutch has excited among the neans particulary jealous of th them out of sight merely from communicated to the Europeans.

OF CEYLON. 243
these materials. An umbrella instant and necessary attendant he day time. They all wear them in their ears, as this is in which the king shews his his royal prohibition. The f the higher orders among the in the form of the cap, and
worn round the waist by the
ver orders among both is in hat the difference in the shape Of the Candian men in geneare better drest than the Cin
complexion. after having lived upwards of after having traversed the inhould still be able to describe the report of others. Such, aspicion of that people, that the embassy, not one female y. This is one of the strongwhich the conduct of the Candians, as they are by no eir women, and certainly kept l, a fear of intelligence being From the enquiries which I
2

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244 THE ISLAND
have repeatedly made, I neve material difference either in th of the Candian and Cinglese w The Candians are divided i precedence of each other acci regulations. The first class c. count it their chief glory to taminated, and for this reaso of an inferior rank. If a won have degraded herself by conn of a lower cast, her life woulc lation they boast that their b latest posterity. This cast, as by the name of Hondrews; an same. The Cinglese Hondrew ment, have begun to relax a ideas of blood; and connexion them with inferiors without be The next rank to the nobles ers, and what is accounted th as Smiths, carpenters, and gold is nearly the same with that C not permitted to eat with th their society.
Those who are employed in occupations of barbers, potte a third cast, with which the (

OF CEYLON.
could learn that there is any e manners, appearance, or dress
OHnen.
into different casts, which take Ording to the most Scrupulous omprises the nobles : these ackeep their high blood unconn never intermarry with those man of this cast were found to exion of any kind with a man. be the forfeit. By this regulood is preserved pure to the among the Cinglese, is known ld the dress among both is the is, however, under our governlittle in the strictness of their S are sometimes formed among ing attended by lasting infamy. - includes artists, such as painte better sort of artificers, such smiths. The dress of this cast if the Hondrews; but they are e nobles, or at all to mix in
what are esteemed the lower 's, Washers, weavers, &c. form :ommon soldiers rank.

Page 267
THE ISLAN
The fourth cast includes all descriptions, who either cul or are hired out to work for to artificers above both the is a very uncommon fact in and peculiar to Ceylon. The qf civilization, and a love for
although by no means incor remains of better days, which i ravages of time and the foe.
All these four casts, accor continue unmingled: the son father from generation to gen ambition is confined to the cas be born. But besides these ( parts of India, a wretched race age to age of this barbarous an who by any crime, or neglec according to the decree of th are not only condemned to infa dren and childrens' children to share in the guilt and contan cast will intermarry with them no trade or profession, nor to race but the partners of their

OF CEYLON. 245
he peasantry, and labourers of ivate the lands for themselves, others. The preference given husbandmen and the soldiers, the arrangement of the casts, :ircumstance bespeaks a degree the arts, which certainly do sent state of these islanders, sistent with the architectural in some parts have escaped the
ding to the Indian customs, pursues the profession of his eration, and love as well as it in which a man happens to :asts, there is here as in other of outcasts, the martyrs from d unnatural institution. Those t of superstitious rites, have, e priests, forfeited their cast, my themselves, but their chilall generations are supposed to ination. No one of another they are allowed to exercise approach any of the human misery; nay if they even by

Page 268
246 THE ISLAND
accident touch any thing, it is r As they are not allowed to w continually for sustenance, and ration become a dead weight C people are by the iron sceptre of a state which cannot be exceed cannot by any good conduct e they have no restraint to prev the most detestable crimes. It worthy the attention of any ge ing this lost body of men to : plain that the dispelling their introduction of another system step towards effecting this saluta These people of no cast are the other Candians as much re servility ordains the latter to p a mong barbarous nations nevei for the origin of every insti towards the outcasts is justifie said to have been anciently co that this race of people once f were employed as the king's hu cation they supplied his table venison; and that upon the di the king doomed them to be c

OF CΕΥΤΟΝ,
eckoned polluted and accursed. ork, they are obliged to beg thus from generation to geneon society. As these wretched superstition already degraded to ed in vileness and infamy, and ver retrieve their condition ; so ent them from being guilty of ; would certainly be an object overnment to attempt convertSome useful purpose; and it is superstitious notions by the of religion, must be the first ary improvement.
obliged to pay the lowest of spect and reverence as eastern ay to the king. As tradition wants a legend to account tution, the cruelty exercised d by the recital of a crime mmitted by them. It is told ormed a particular cast, who Inters; that upon some provowith human flesh in place of iscovery of this atrocious act, utcasts from society for ever.

Page 269
THE ISLANT
This ridiculous fable, I men to which the natives of the to carry his authority.
The nature of the governi establishments form a very co. remarkable among the Candia important topic of enquiry ti endeavour to present my read subject.

OF CEYLON, 2.47
ion merely to shew the extent slamd imagine the king entitled
hent and the military and civil siderable part of what is most ns; and is, perhaps, the most Europeans. I shall therefore ers with a full account of this

Page 270
248 THE SAND
CIIAPTH
The Civil and Military Establish
THE Government of Candy any resistance to the will of maintain it, is sure to be atte tion. In spite of these circul look upon certain fundamental among them from time immen of supreme power; and they tures to encroach upon these, of his country as well as the m of kings who have been depose in support of this idea; althou as the whole force of the state long as there is no counterbale it is a successful rebellion alone The whole doctrine, in fact, se any minister or officer, who fin and ambitious to depose his kind occurred in the fate of t Adigar, or prime minister, havi conceiving that he could gove of his own making, than th

OF CEYLON,
ER XII.
ments of the kingdom of Candy.
is an absolute despotism, and the king without power to inded with immediate destruc
ustances, however, the natives laws and regulations, existing horial, as the real depositaries maintain that if the king venhe is amenable to the justice eanest subject. Some instances 'd and put to death, are cited gh it is evident that as long is vested in the king, and as Lincing power opposed to him, that can bring him to justice. *rves only to give a handle to ds himself sufficiently powerful master. An instance of this he late king of Candy. His ng formed a large party, and rn more absolutely a creature e monarch who had exalted

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himself, deposed and put to procured a stranger to be elect What may seem as inconsist of the king of Candy, the mc by the fundamental laws of th sition takes place, these laws in the power of the people to the royal family, and to elect stranger. The present king, influence of the Adigar, I hav tive of the island of Ramiser opposite Manaar. His only cla the power of the minister, wa
branch of the royal family. immediate descendents, and will between equi-distant males and Candian laws, is given to the f instance, however, there were ty who advanced claims of mea They came during my resider pretensions before Governor No. ference and protection. It is e as we can preserve terns of an is by no means our interest to any claims which may be advar The people do not consider KK

OF CEYLON. 249
death his master, and then ed in his room. ent with the despotic powers narchy is completely elective ! country, and Where a depoare usually acted upon. It is put aside the next branch of the more distant, or even a who was elected through the 2. already mentioned, is a naam, on the Malabar coast, im to the succession, except is his descent from a female When the last king has no here the hereditary right lies females, the preference by the emale branch. In the present vo other of the native princes rer alliance to the crown. ce at Columbo.to lay their rth, and to implore his intervident, however, that as long nity with the ruling prince, it enquire into the merits of ced to his crown.
themselves in their election

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bound to bestow the monarcl family; but think they are either a native or a foreigner, the royal blood. The throne, for many ages possessed by the which is now very nearly extin There appears to be no fi the election; and what is ca may very justly be supposed the ruling party at the time. absurd stories told by some method pursued by the Candi had an opportunity of enqui dation of these tales from sc informed Candians whom I m It has been said that when the a king, the whole people of th that purpose, and the candida produced before them. The arbiter of the throne, and th whom he stopt, and made ob without being anywise instruc the most proper person to en was accordingly elected withou has long been current on the many residing there; and ye

ΟΕ OEYILON.
ly on a branch of the royal completely at liberty to elect though nowise connected with however, has in general, been ancient Candian royal family, Ct. Ked regulation for conducting lled the choice of the people io mean merely the consent of There have been a number of voyagers with regard to the ans in the election of a kingring particularly into the founome of the principal and best
2 Candians were about to elect he kingdom were assembled for tes, together with an elephant, . elephant was then made the e first of the candidates before eisance, of his own accord and :ted to it, was looked upon as joy the sovereign dignity, and it farther contest. This story island, and is still believed by t upon enquiring into the fact

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among the best informed Cand such ceremonial had ever take The king of Candy yields number and extravagance of hi tunity of seeing a long piece were inscribed; but although I I am convinced that few of 1 proficients in heraldry, would l it. For several of his titles, indebted to the Portuguese an liberal in repaying him with dominions which they found it their own use. His Candian Emperor of Ceylon, King of descended from the Golden Suu Candy is higher than any othe must fall prostrate; Prince of provinces and corles on the ea the four corles, Lord of Colu sea-ports of Nigumbo, Calture island of Manaar and Calpente of pearls, to whom all precious elephants bow : these with a lor sort are always added to his them were evidently invented b amuse him with an imaginary actual possession.
K K

OF CEYLON. 25】
ians, they assured me that no
place. to no eastern prince in the titles. I once had an opporof parchment on which they had procured a copy of them, ny readers, even the greatest ave taken the trouble to read the king seems to have been d Dutch, who were extremely these for any corner of his convenient to appropriate to Majesty is usually designed Candy and Jafnapatam, Prince n, whose kingdom and city of r, and before whom all others Ouva, Duke over the seven ust, Marquis of Duranuro and mbo and Galle, Lord of the l, and Matura, to whom the en belong; Lord of the fishery stones belong; he before whom ng string of others of the same Majesty's address. Many of by his European neighbours to overeignty while they had the
2

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252 THIE ISH AND
These lofty titles are atten ence on the part of his o' approach him without prostrat before the throne, each tim his Majesty's titles with the ut the highest rank is allowed t sence. Every one is silent b even in a whisper venture to gravity of his nobles when a sence, altogether corresponds occasion. The chief Adigar O person who is permitted to sta even he is obliged to be some as no one dares be on a leve from the Sun, as all the kings. The business of state is trar the Adigar in low whispers, by any one present; and a to the others is conveyed i Adigar.
This extreme caution to p. of equalization with royalty the court, and to those who : ing edicts for the same purp( things throughout the kingdo allowed to whiten the walls roof with tiles, as these are

OF CEYLON.
ded 'vith correspondent reverwn suijects. No one dares ing himself three several times : repeating a long string of most fervour. No one even of O cough, or spit in his preefore him, nor does any one address another. The solemn dmitted into the royal prewith the greatness of the r Prime Minister is the only nd in the royal presence; and steps lower than his Majesty, ! with him who is descended of Ceylon are supposed to be. sacted between the king and so as mot to be overheard ny message from his Majesty n the same manner by the
revent the smallest appearance , is not confined alone to upproach his person. Restrainise are attached to indifferent m. No one, for instance, is of his house or to cover the
privileges reserved exclusively

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to the monarch. In writing one is allowed to adopt majesty.
This very excess of respe raise him so high above all greatly diminishing his personal only organ of his will, and all access to his person, that mi of issuing what mandates he complaints from reaching the a man of great connexions and the usual power attached to merit of having raised the reig From these circumstances, the government of the kingdom, more left him than the name
The kingdom of Candy has of an absolute monarchy: th by the great Chiefs; and thes the sovereign. Mr. Knox giv tyranny exercised by the pri captivity: but whether from lhe experienced, or from a kings of Candy since his tim with much i more mildness tow: of the Europeans, who are : to the assistance of the rebelli

OF CEYLON. 253
letter and folding it up, no he method peculiar to his
f, which seems calculated to his subjects, has the effect of power. As the Adigar is the nost the only one who has any ister has evidently the power pleases, and preventing any throne. The present Adigar is intrigue, and in addition to his office, he has also the gning sovereign to the throne. Minister engrosses the whole while the prince has little : of royalty. -
entailed upon it all the evils : lower orders are oppressed 2 in their turn are fleeced by es a terrible picture of the nce who reigned during his the fear of a revolt which hange of circumstances, the : have conducted themselves irds their subjects. The fear
lways ready to be called in ous, has no i doubt contributed

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greatly to prevent the exces The present king is by far ever hitherto reigned over th be much attached to us, at look upon us with a jealous The king of Candy affects the whole world, and endeav tains to make good his preter in India, or, as the Candians who wears a crown.
When the king appears in with what in the eyes of a although to an European it that name. He seldom makes but is generally carried in a guards and persons of the first while a profusion of flags a or cloth, are carried before painted or wove of a red ( elephants, tygers, dragons, and The richest of them, howeve the natives of Candy, are no marching regiment.
Loud noise, which seems t grandeur among a barbarous ] train of the monarch. His a number of performers on

OF CEYLON.
ses of arbitrary government. the mildest prince that has e Candians. He appears to hough the Adigar is said to eye. to be the greatest prince in ours, by the state he mainisions. He is the only prince tell you, in the whole world,
public, he is always attended Candian appears magnificence, may seem scarcely deserving use of a horse or elephant, palankeen. A number of his rank always accompany him; nd streamers of white calico the procession. In these are olour figures of the sun, of
many other hideous creatures. r, though sufficient to dazzle better than the colours of a
) enter into all the ideas of eople is never omitted in the rogress is always attended by various instruments, such as

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tom-toms, or drums of vari clarionets, pipes, flagelets, a of brass and iron jingled by cordant noise produced by a at Once, yithout the smallest is extremly disagreeable to th But the most remarkable a set of people furnished with kind, who keep running befo. gèstures likę madmen, to clea approach of the king. The W grass, or hair, and consist of to twelve feet long without which the forerunners produce the dexterity with which they in their way, is truly astonis from the indiscriminate imanı deal their lashes, cannot help In all the interviews which at the court of Candy, the c was never omitted, to the g who were very sulky and dis deed it was impossible for t. to what they were. about wif continually brandishing and cr for my own part, although dexterity of those who’ wiel

OF CEYLON, 255
ous sizes, shrill and squalling sort of bagpipes, and pieces way of triangles. The disll these, sounded and clashed attention to time or harmony, e ears of a European. ttendants of the monarch are a long whips of a peculiar re the procession with strange r the way, and announce the hips are made of hemp, coya, a thong or lash from eight any handle. The loud noise : with their whips, as well as avoid touching those who come hing; although an European, her in which they appear to feeling alarmed for his safety. the embassy I attended had eremony of the whip-crackers eat annoyance of our troops, pleased on the occasion. Inmen under arms to attend e these long whips were kept acking about their ears; and I was well convinced of the ded them, yet I could not

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lielp expecting every moment clastisement.
The civil and military estal to the despotic form of its g appointment of all sorts depe the prince. The institution o inviolable, and officers of a chosen out of a certain class highest. The regular troops, in the interior, and are kept while the defence of the frontie inhabitants, who compose a so to keep constant watch over t The various officers under the according to their rank.
The highest officers of stati Ministers. They are two in share all the power of the ( already mentioned the causes w present Chief Adigar so formid. these officers have afforded mu to the monarch. To counteract their too preponderating influ. policy of the king to appoint dispositions and opposite factio which might overwhelm him. arring interests must always p

OF CEYLON.
to coine in for my share of
lishment of Candy is adjusted vernment, and promotion, and ld wholly on the pleasure of f casts, however, is preserved "ertain rank must always be White men rank with the or standing army, do duty near the person of the king, rs is entrusted to the adjoining rt of militia, and are obliged he entrances into the country : king have various privileges
ፀ are . the Adigars, or Prime number, and may be said to 'ourt between them. I have hich render the power of the ble; but even at other times ch cause of fear and jealousy , any dangerous designs which 2nce might inspire, it is the the two Adigars of different ls, and thus prevent an union The distractions which these roduce, and the constant and

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anxious attention which the l a balance between them, for on a despotic monarchy, whi ploying such instruments as n to its own destruction.
The Adigars are the supr causes may be brought befo give final judgment. An sentence to the king himself; royal ear, it is both difficul privilege, and every one is mo decision, than to hazard an attended with worse consequent plains of
The Adigars are possessed munities which may be suppos power; and in order to app) possible, they have also the allowed to no other person. sists in a certain number of C who carry a sort of staves of of hard clay, which are consic commission, and when prese never fail to procure immedia The embassies to the Eur are entrusted to these Prime charged with the reception of

OF CEYLON. 257
ing must bestow in keeping up part of the miseries entailed h cannot subsist without emay every moment be converted
me judges of the realm; all e them, and it is they who ppeal indeed lies from their but as they alone possess the and dangerous to assert this re willing to acquiesce in their appeal which is likely to be ces than the grievance he com
of all those privileges and imed to accompany their unlimited oach as nearly to royalty as ir particular badge which is Their peculiar distinction confficers attached to their train, a particular shape, and a seal ered as tokens of the Adigar's ited along with any mandate e obedience.
opean government at Columbo Ministers; and they are also our ambassadors. I have had
apa

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°58 THE ISLAND
frequent occasion to see both are portly good looking men. much more attached to our go The officers next in rank to They are the Governors of t besides the principal military to attend the king's person w revenues, and see that good maintained in their commands. entrusted to these and the oth their fellow subjects, none of one publickly to capital puni the matter before the king, w to pronounce sentence of death Udda, or Commander in chief and this officer, having the cor often becomes an object of ap I was at Columbo, it was ev tirely abolished the office, jud too great to be entrusted in th I had, however, afterwards a report unfounded from my ow Dissauva. Udda accompanied t North, and was received by
DisSauvas, as long as they hol the king a certain portion of they often besides squeeze the

OF CEYLON.
he Adigars at Columbo. They The one of them appeared vernment than the other.
the Adigars are the Dissauvas. he corles or districts, and are ommanders. Their business is hen required, to collect the order and strict discipline be But great as is the authority er great officers of state over them are allowed to bring any shment without first bringing hose exclusive prerogative it is 1. The power of the Dissauva of the forces, is very great; mplete disposal of the military, prehension to the king. While en said that the king had enging the power attached to it he hands of a single individual. in opportunity of finding this in personal observation, as the he Adigars to meet Governor the troops under arms. The d their office, are allowed by land for their services; and : people under their command

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THE YSLAND
unmercifully, under pretence his Majesty.
These great officers general ally attend upon the king, W persons endowed with so muc provinces and have an oppo As the Dissauvas, therefore, have inferior officers under thi orders, either in collecting the ing the people for the emolu deputy officers are known by tanies, and Courlevidanies, an provinces and districts to whi inferior rank of officers to th Aratjes, &c. who hold the sa Cinglese, and fulfill the dut officers.
This whole plan of governm oppression, which falls with th orders of the people. Few against the unjust extortions of still meet with any redress. I the true timid spirit of desp understanding between his o. govern, and for this reason he obserye the former exasperating
by oppression. Although the p
I.

OF CEYLON. 259
of collecting contributions for
y reside at court, and personho is, perhaps, afraid to allow h authority to remain in their tunity of courting popularity. cannot attend in person, they 2m, who act entirely by their king's revenues, or in squeezment of their patrons. These the names of Roterauts, Vid are resident in the different ch they are appointed. An ese is composed of Conganies, me stations here as among the ies of constables and police
!ent forms a regular system of e severest weight on the lower have the courage to appeal the higher ranks, and fewer t is the policy of the king, in potism, to prevent any good fficers and the people they is by no means displeased to the latter against themselves ersons of the peasantry be in
2

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260 THE ISLAND
some measure protected, yet t the mercy of the rapacious offi long since been stript of every them trust to the spontaneous scanty subsistence, rather than must be shared with their oppre accident to find a precious sto any thing of superior qualit gathers, he is compeled to giv or if it be of such value that it to themselves, they compel travel up with it himself, and : residence, where he is often C in waiting at the palace-gate and he dares not before then this account a Candian peasa a precious stone, will either de rather than subject himself to carrying it to the royal reside The principal revenues of t contributions brought him by t enforced by his officers, two c contributions consist of money, corn, fruit, honey, wax, arm own manufacture, such as spea pot leaves, &e.
Fear of the Europeans inc

OF CEYLON.
heir property is completely at cers of the court. They have thing valuable, and many of fruits of their forests for a cultivate fields whose produce ssors. If a peasant chances by ine of value, or is possessed of y, even the fruit which he re it up to the king's officers; they are afraid to appropriate the unfortunate possessor to at his own charge, to the royal bliged to remain several days before his present is received, ever think of departure. On nt on lighting by accident on stroy or leave it where it lies, the trouble and expence of
Ce he king consist of presents or he people, or rather irregularly or three times a year. These precious stones, ivory, cloth, s, and other articles of their rs, arrows, pikes, targets, tali
luces the king to practise the

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THE ISLANI
same policy as the dread of among his subjects. He prete poor, although it is well kno' stored with various articles C which he made our governm valuable ones he received fr
indeed.
The lower classes of the peo persons who feel the burden C Upon certain festivals, which the Mahondrews and principal before him, and none must con are admitted to the royal pre: at the palace gate, and are t according to the value of their them to keep back on these present is necessary for the sec property The dackenie, or white cloth, aid carried on the even were it no bigger than cloth is particularly chosen, as except on business belonging to he employed.
These stated periods of cc the only extortions practised c moment in which the king's o' is possessed of valuables, is the

) OF CEYLON, 26
his rapacious officers produces lds on all occasions to be very wn that his treasury is well f great value. The presents :nt in return for some very »m us, were extremely poor
ple, however, are not the only f supplying the royal treasury. he observes in great state, all people are obliged to appear the empty-handed. Before they sence, they deposit their gifts hen received by the monarch offering. It is dangerous for occasions, and the expected arity both of their persons and ift, is always Wrapt up in a : head of him who presents it, the size of a nut. A white this is the royal colour, and the king, is never allowed to
intribution, however, are not
in the Candian subjects. The
ficers understand that any one
: signal for demanding a share
6

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262 THE ISLAND
for the royal treasury; and by the king to make him arı and gold, all at their own exp
As the government of C every subject is of course re reign; and as fear of the El on the alert, all the Candi: arms without distinction at troops, as he calls them, in thousand men. I was led to the circumstance that an arn his regular troops met our ( continued within three miles we remained in the country.
Europeans, that I am convi was on this occasion assem and besides this regular army of the country lay around u
According to the universal u venture to trust their own si about his person a body of who are not his own natural runaways from the Dutch. unconnected with the natives, a for protection and prefermen fidence in them, and employs guard.

OF CEYLON.
artists are frequently employed ms and different works in silver
ᎾᎥᏂCᎾ . andy is completely despotic, ’ady at the call of the sovropeans keeps him continually uns are held obliged to take his command. His regular hay consist of about twenty form this computation from ay nearly of that number of ambassy near Sittivacca, and of us during the whole time So great was his jealousy of nced his whole efficient force bled in our neighbourhood; , large bodies of the Militia s in every direction. Sage of despots, who dare not bjects, the king always keep Malabars, Malays, and others subjects, but many of them As these troops are entirely nd depend solely on his favour t, he places his chief conthem as his constant body

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Besides this corps of fore duty at the palace, about troops and a number of the the neighbourhood ready to notice. These troops, though arms nor cloaths to entitle th wear what dress they chuse, sort of weapons they can proc they present merely a grotesc Their armour is altogether pikes, Swords, targets, bows perhaps, a thousand fusees o these pieces of armour whic order, and their whole accou diculous.
The rest of the military occasions, lie scattered throug and subsistence consists in a salt, a piece of cloth annual exemption from taxes and all piece of ground to cultivate any of the soldiers are guilt any other criminal offence, h compelled to level a piece ( of a river. This might seem punishment, and well adapted country; but lest my readers

OF CEYLON. - 263
ign guards, who do perpetual 2ight thousand of his regular nobles are kept quartered in be assembled at a moment's called regulars, have neither tem to that appellation. They and arm themselves with any ure; so that when assembled, que groupe of tatterdemalions. of a motley nature; spears, and arrows, matchlocks, with, r muskets and bayonets: all h I saw were in very bad trements and appearance ri
force, except on particular hout the country. Their pay
small allowance of rice and ly given them for dress, an l other services, and a small for their maintenance. When y of a neglect of duty, or is usual punishment is to be of hill, or clear the channel : a very reasonable mode of I to the improvement of a
might think this idea rather
2

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264 TE ISLAND
too refined for a Candian, I him, that it always makes pa the earth and rubbish back were taken and replace them more trivial offences the sold
and allowances.
Distrust and jealousy, the power, pervade the whole O commanders and other officer lowed to correspond, or eve when the public exigency r together; and it is the poli them to watch and act as spie combination among themselve Europeans. The last object se against by the continued cha: blished around the whole outs
inhabitant of the borders is them have their habitations which overlook the whole col sible to elude so many obs the country or into it by ste Even in the interior of the jealous precautions are observ to pass from one district to examined and producing his p of a piece of clay stamped

OF CEYLON.
must at the same time inform rt of the punishment to carry to the spot from which they
in their original form. For ers are curtailed of their pay
constant attendants of arbitrary f, the military system. The s of the forces are never alin to see each other, except equires them to be brought cy of the king to encourage s upon each other, to prevent s or any intercourse with the ems indeed sufficiently guarded in of posts and watches estakirts of his dominions. Every a sentinel; and as many of placed on the tops of trees untry, it is altogether impostacles, and get either out of alth or against their consent. Candian domainions the same red, and no one is permitted another without first being assport. This passport consists with a seal or impression de

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THE ISLANI
noting the profession of the b tary, man represents a soldie shoulder; that for a peasant, his shoulder, and a bag or it: the passport of an Euro figure of a man with a hat ol side. These precautions are s serve the intended purpose: b. the most jealous prince to thi way of communication and int nature, especially when we con of the woods to be cleared aw through his dominions. His strangers, except when he is no better grounded; as even th are so possessed with an opin mate in the interior, that they ing it. This we learnt to οι Court of Candy, when the Ci ployed in conveying our guns such a manner that we were part behind.
The narrow paths which 'mountains of the Candians, a purposes of the natives, as the ride a horseback is a royal pri made use of by the monarch.

OF CEYLON. 265
arer: the passport for a miliwith a pike or gun on his a labourer with a stick across vallet attached to each end of Dean has impressed on it the his head and a sword by his trictly enforced and completely ut it would be needless even in ow any more obstacles in the ercourse, than is interposed by sider that the king allows none ay, nor any roads to be made apprehension of intrusion from at war with the Europeans, is e native Cinglese of the coasts, ion of the fatality of the clithink, with terror of approachr: cost in the embassy to the nglese peasants who were emand baggage deserted us in obliged to leave the greater
ead through the woods and e indeed sufficient for all the r universally travel afoot. To vilege; and a privilege seldom imself. There are indeed no. I M

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266 THE ISLAND
horses kept in the interior b
jesty; and even the royal stud it consists merely of present ments of the coasts. No ho and it is observed they die there, both from the change of proper care and managemei from want of dexterity and ac point of view; and in the me to which they are so little ac deficient. Nor is all the prosp sufficient to procure his Ma grooms in a country and clima Where the government is a depends on the immediate will no fixed and established laws. of an ancient code of written hands of the monarch who is ancient customs and rules, h. the authority of fundamental li king himself being amenable to than that the breach of them tion, as more than once to h rebellion. His authority super every sentence of death is subj
With regard to courts of ministering justice, the Cand

OF CEYLON,
ut those belonging to his Mais in a very reduced state, as from the European governses are reared in the interior; soon after they are brought of climate, and from the want t. The native Candians, both tivity, are bad servants in any nagement of horses, an animal customed, they are particularly ect of royal bounty and favour esty the services of Malabar te so different from their own. pure despotism, and everything of the sovereign, there can be The Candians, indeed, boast laws, but these remain in the their sole interpreter. Certain owever, are supposed to have ws; but when we hear of the them, it means nothing more excites such general indignaave given rise to a successful edes every other decision, and "ct to his revisal. aw, or regular forms of aduns appear to have scarcely

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formed any conceptions. Th their punishments, unless wher ate. Their capital punishme some aggravating cruelty; h; pieces by elephants, pounding paling him on a stake, are Where the offence is not adju prit is coridemned to pay a h. confiscated, to perform severe ta. rying heavy weights on his back up again, &c. Imprisonment i to be inflicted on a Candian, a of Europeans. This may be of their summary trials and p fine a culprit. Not only а р finement, seems to convey ide imaginations. The Candian prevailed upon to allow the convey them to an audience upon them, as they said it lo ers: and the doors were actual in order to remove their objec The administration of justic and Adigars; but in capital ca As respect is paid not only to to the rank of the offender, it tion of justice must be very d
M

of CEYLON. 267
eir trials are summary; and 2 the king interposes, immedihts are always attended with lving the criminal dashed to him in a large mortar, or imthe common modes practised. iged worthy of death, the culeavy fine, to have his property sks of various sorts, such as car, levelling hills, and raising them is a species of punishment never ind only suited to the barbarity alleged as the principal cause unishments, as they never conrison, but any species of conas peculiarly horrible to their ambassadors could not even be loors of the carriage, sent to with our Governor, to be shut oked like making them prisonly obliged to be fastened back tions.
is entrusted to the Dissauvas ses an appeal lies to the king. the merits of the cause, but is evident that the administraefective. Presumptive proof is
Μ 2

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268 THE ISLAND
allowed to have great weight, that prejudice has still more. so much depends on the will o not often triumph over the love judges, if convicted before the without farther ceremony inst sence. Debt is looked upon : as well as in all other poor accumulation of wealth in the large fines imposed on debtors injuries, the king never fails to
The great safe-guard of justi natural mildness and honesty C they excel all other Indians. I. indeed few temptations to be perhaps the rarity of crimes w. tion of justice be permitted to
I have now mentioned all notice which could collect Ceylon, who live under the do The Candians, shut up as the foreig countries, and proud might be supposed to enjoy and woods a life of tranquill looked for among those busy in by luxury and agitated with t far from being the case. The

OF CEYLON.
and it is therefore probable Nor can we suppose, where f individuals, that favour does of justice; though indeed the prince of unfair dealing, are ntly put to death in his preis a heinous offence in Candy, ountries where there is little hands of individuals. In the and those guilty of personal come in for his share. ce among the Candians is the f their dispositions, in which in a country so poor, there are dishonest or unjust; and it is hich has made the administra
remain so long defective. the circumstances worthy of with regard to the natives of minion of their native prince. are from all intercourse with of immemorial independence, midst their native mountains ty and happiness not to be tions whose minds are inflamed e thirst of gain. But this is oppression of their governors,

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THE ISLAN
the constant dread of Europe arising from the nature of haunt them, deprive this isola which seem congenial to thei that our countrymen, by a gei will speedily diminish their so the gloomwhich overhangs th its rise from the oppressive e: of the Dutch. After the la the natives sustained, on bein supplied them with fish, and til cle of salt, they formed a re country which could not even ries of life, but as the price however, permitted to put t execution: the Dutch were p island; and the passage to t they had determined to seek strong post which the Europe This post proved an insupera deserting their native country assistance from their friends ol
But although strong posts escape of the natives from the plans can never render then provement. It will require m mild and steady policy to c

) OF CEYLON. 25g.
ans, and the superstitious fears heir climate, which continually ed people of all the enjoyments situation. It is ...) be hoped erous and well-regulated policy, arces of unhappiness. Much of e minds of the Candians, took (actions and destructive inroads it and most severe blow which g deprived of Portallom, which ne still more indispensable artisolution to abandon for ever a supply them with the necessaof slavery. They were not, his last effort of despair into lossessed of every outlet of the he island of Ramiseram, where for refuge, was guarded by a ans had established at Manaarble bar, both to their plan of , and to their receiving any
the opposite continent. - and guards may prevent the island, it is evident that such ! efficacious agents in its imany years of perseverance in a bliterate those prejudices with
6

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270 THE ISLAND
which imprudent cruelty has ans. But the advantages whic friendship and co-operation, ce least worth the experiment. more congenial to the feelings happy to observe that the me government in Ceylon, are of si conciliated the minds of the na had reason more than once t ties. About five years ago h of his own country and sect, a jah of Ramnad. She passed Manaar and the king ackno officer stationed there for the gress to Cancdy. Attentions of timed presents and concessions on the prince and people, th
former possessors of the island them.

OF CEYLON.
inspired them against Europeh may be derived from their tainly render a new system at A mild and liberal policy is of my countrymen; and I am sures already adopted by our uch a nature as to have greatly tives. The reigning prince has o be gratified with our civilie married a Malabar princess nd a near relation of the Rainto the island by the way of wledged his obligations to the civilities shewn her in her pro
this nature, with some well, must have more effect both an all the armies which the wasted in fruitless wars against

Page 293
THE ISLAN
CHAPT
Description of the
THE most singular part o remains yet to be described. man is so prone to society a of them can alone unduce hi barbarous state; and yet am of Ceylon we find a race,
the luxuries of the Cinglese yet prefer the savage indepen precarious subsistence procure of the Bedahs, or Waddahs, w of the Ceylonese forests, ha other race can be found in responds with them. Conjectu the occasion, as it usually wanting. The Bedahs are ge the aboriginal inhabitants of
overwhelmed by their Cingle dependence of savages to a tradition, however, assigns t related that they were cast a to settle there; but refusing, assist the king in his wars
2

OF CEYLON. 27
ER XIII. Bedals, or Faddals.
f the inhabitants of Ceylon
It has been supposed that nd civilization, that ignorance m to remain in a solitary or Jong the woods and mountains who are accustomed to see
and the arts of Europeans, dence of their wilds, and the d by the chace. The origin ho inhabit the deepest recesses is never been traced, as no the eastern world which corre has, indeed, been busy on is where real information is herally supposed to have been the island, who, upon being e invaders, preferred the intame submission. A current lem a different origin. It is. way on the island, and chose
upon a certain occasion to against some foreign enemies,

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272 THE ISLAND
they were driven out from tl forced to take up tlheir ab forests. Some imagine that of the native Candians, who savage freedom, when the vallies submitted to the cult restraints of society. This Bedahs, who are most known, the Cinglese. It is, however, this is the universal language account of their origin suppo of proof.
It will not seem strange til is so little known, when I i lived a considerable time in I even heard that there was numbers residing there to th fact. The first time. I under bited Ceylon was in conseq being surprised by our Sepoy while up the country against were brought to Columbo, wi examining their appearance. entirely diferent from the othe were fairer, and inclining to remarkably well made, wore tucked up close to the crow

OF CEYLON.
e society of the natives, and de in the most unfrequented he Bedahs are merely a part chose to retain their ancient brethren of the plains and vation of the earth, and the pinion rests entirely on those speaking a broken dialect of by no means ascertained that of the Bedahs; nor is any rted by the slightest shadow
at the origin of the Bedahs inform the reader that I had the island of Ceylon before such a race in existence; and is day know nothing of the stood that the Bedahs inhauence of a party of them is in the beginning of 1798, the rebellious Cinglese; they nere I had an opportunity of They seemed to be a race Ceylonese: their complexions a copper colour: they were long beards, and their hair ) of the head; their bodies

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THE ISLAND
had scarcely any other covering from nature.
Since I left the island, I h Champagne that he had an op of these savages. They had be alarms in the northern part C instigation of the Dutch, in cc them had been apprehended ar. They were wild and savage in with bows and arrows. After e Colonel Champagne made the ordered them to be released; away into the woods like deer. The Bedahs are scattered Ov of Ceylon, but are most numer which lies to the north-east c Trincomalee and Batacolo. T acknowledges no authority but gious men. The Bedahs are have never entered into any natives, or scarcely even been s ing on the district of Jafnapata the west and south-west quar Adam's Peak and the Raygam only Bedahs who have been much less wild and ferocious forests of Bintan.
N. N.

OF CEYLON. 273
than what they had received
ave been informed by Colonel ortunity of seeing some more en making inroads and causing f the island, probably at the onsequence of which several of ld brought before the Colonel.
their appearance, and armed njoining them to live in quiet, m a few presents and then Jpon which they instantly fled
ær the woods in different parts 'ous in the province of Bintan, of Candy in the direction of he tribe found in this quarter that of its own chief and relicompletely savage here, and
intercourse with the other seen by them. Those borderm, and the tribes who inhabit ters of the island, between and Pasdam corles, are the seen by Europeans, and are than those who live in the

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274 THE ISLAND
The Bedahs, as they acknow chiefs, so they adhere from ge Own laws and customs without subsist entirely by hunting deer their forests supply them. T is an art which they never at it indeed be possible for them which they inhabit, without i ground for the reception of ri The flesh of the animals whic and the fruits which grow spo pose their whole food. They foot of them: and in the latt other bushes all around them t their rustling to give warning the least noise rouses his appre the tree with the utmost exper The few of this race who though they do not acknowled yet they furnish him with ivor such of them as skirt the Eur articles with the Cinglese for mode of life requires. To p surprised or made prisoners, the method they employ is c need of cloth, iron, knives, ol work, they approach by night

OF CEYLON.
ledge no power but their own (neration to generation to their the smallest variation. They and other animals with which he cultivation of the ground empt to practise; nor would in the thick woods and wilds nfinite labour, to prepare the ce or any other sort of corn. h they procure by the chace, ntaneously around them, comsleep either on trees or at the er case, they place thorns and o keep off wild beasts, or by of their approach. As soon as hension, the Bedah climbs up tness and celerity. are not altogether so wild, alge the sovereignty of the king, r, honey, wax, and deer: and opean territories, barter these the simple things which their revent themselves from being hile carrying on this traffic, urious. When they stand in any other articles of Smith's some town or village, and de

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THE ISLANE
posit in a place where it is covered, a certain quantity of pot leaf expressive of what th lowing night they repair. agail rally find their expected rewar they are easily satisfied, and the person with whom they treated with neglect, they will tunity of doing him a mischie afterwards dispose of the articl the traffic profitable; and in so woods carrying with them a however, can only be carried o described; for ano native of th approaching a stranger than til already said, will venture eve natives; but the wilder class, ba. Vaddahs, are more seldom most timid of the wild animal
As the Bedahs chiefly live they acquire by habit an aston ment. They learn to steal thu silently, that they often come deer; when they throw their the animal seldom escapes aliv great abundance in every part article of their food, and also se

OF CEYLON. 275
likely immediately to be distheir goods, along with a taliay want in return. On a follto the same place, and geneawaiting them. For although readily allow the advantage to leal, yet if their requests are not fail to watch their opporf. The Cinglese, as they can es afforded by the Bedahs, find me parts frequently go into the rticles of barter. This trade, n in the manner I have already e woods can be more afraid of he Bedahs. A few, as I have in to converse with the other known by the name of Ramseen even by stealth than the
by the produce of the chace, shing dexterity in this employough the bushes so warily and inperceived within reach of the little axes so dexterously that e. Honey, which is found in of their woods, forms another ves the purposes of salt, which
A

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276 THE ISLAND C
it is out of their power to flesh in honey, and then place a wooden case well chinamed, it. This honey, which they finding out, and which they b: with the Candians, is also use of purposes. A prevalent. ide balm their dead, makes many taste honey from the fear ol served a former purpose; and prejudice, I felt no great incli unless it was brought down in
The dogs of the Bedahs are and not only readily trace o one species of animals from a any carnivorous animal, or of put their masters upon their are indeed invaluable to them a When their daughters are mar portion ; and a Bedah is as " as an Arabian with his horse war broke out between us and cured a couple of these dogs, sold for four hundred rix-dolla. These Bedahs who venture natives, are represented to be beyond their state of civilize

F CEYLON.
rocure. They preserve their it in the hollow of a tree, or till they have occasion to use imploy much of their time in rter in considerable quantities d by the latter for a variety a that they employ it to empeople on the coast averse to having it only after it has I must confess that from this nation to use any wild honey, combs.
remarkable for their sagacity, ut game, but also distinguish nother. On the approach of a stranger, they immediately guard. These faithful animals ind constitute their chief riches. ried, hunting dogs form their unwilling to part with his dog Some time before the last Holland, a Dutch officer prowhich he carried to Surat, and
'S
to converse with the other courteous, and in address far tion. Their religion is little

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THE ISLAND
known. They have their infer demons of the Cinglese, and these occasions victuals of ve root of a tree, and the cerem dancing around them.
These few particulars are al this remarkable people; and 1nected state, without arts or more circumstances worthy known. They are rather an of utility or apprehension to I perhaps pass before they can cultivating the island, or unite disturb the tranquillity of their

OF CEYLON. 277
ior deities corresponding to the observe certain festivals. On rious sorts are placed at the onies of the festival consist in
l that are at present known of
in their savage and unconpolicy, there are probably few of notice that remain to be object of curiosity, than either Europeans; for many ages must be either brought to assist in d into such a society as might
neighbours,

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278 THE ISLANID
CHΑΡΤ
Animals (
HAVING described the isla races of it's inhabitants, I now of it's natural productions. F of life, a systematic descriptic ed. I shall therefore in relate what I have myself learnt from authentic inform same predicament with mysel with the terms employed by s an account at least more re who have studied natural h easily able to refer the fa system.
At the head of the class to those of the same species the world, are the elephants these noble animals produced t are they found either so di shape and appearance. To of a species so often describe would be superfluous; but as

OF CEYLON.
ER XIV.
f Ceylon.
ld of Ceylon, and the several proceed to give some account rom my profession and habits on of these cannot be expectplain and common language, observed, and what I have tion: those who are in the f, and who are unacquainted cientifick men, may find such 'adily understood; and those istory as a science, will be :ts I advance to a regular
of quadrupeds, and superior found in any other part of of Ceylon. The number of nere is very great, and nowhere pcile or so excellent in their give any particular description d and so universally known, the manner of catching them

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THE ISLAND
in Ceylon is considerably di the continent of India, som without entertainment to my
For a month or two previ natives are employed in encl in the midst of a tope of perhaps encompassing a tank closure consists of large, strc wood, driven firmly into th connected together by strong 1 contiguous trees interwoven. bushes and boughs, so assto from being seen. The way le is by long, narrow, and circ side in the manner already every different direction. B sufficiently large to admit thi other very narrow ones to towards him and retreat occa: to pursue them. Within th smaller compartments formed and one straight path is pr lead out the elephant when the appearance of one large displays a very considerable
As soon as all this work, finished, the Moodeliers and
4

OF CEYLON. 279
erent from that practised on account of it may not be
readers. ous to the elephant-hunt, the sing a large space of ground Pocoa-trees, and adjoining, or or pond of water. The enng posts, usually of cocoae ground, and fastened and opes and the branches of the The inclosure is covered with prevent the posts or the ropes 'ading into this inclosed space uitous paths fenced on each described, and approaching in asides these paths, which are : elephant, there are various allow the hunters to advance ionally without his being able large enclosure are several with paths leading into them; pared at the further end to 2 is secured. The whole has byrinth; and its construction legree of ingenuity. which occupies some time, is other principal men among

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28O THE ISLAND
the Cinglese set about collect quarter; and a vast number - C furnished with drums and speedily assembled. The woo all sides. by this multitude; w find their way through the th are furnished with fire arms t sudden attack of the beasts ol The elephants are by this tim by thirst, as guards have be stationed at all the lakes and them away; and now they their haunts in all directions of torches. One quarter a described, remains undisturbed both with a peaceful retreat a spot therefore they all repair, to hasten their steps by the : tinually assail them from the trance of the paths leading t sagacity enables them to perc the place: the fences and in room is left for their natural that danger is at hand and a begin to shew every symptom time however is left them for tunity of retreat; from the
6

OF CEYLON.
ng the peasants from every f men, women, and children, ther noisy instruments are ds are immediately beset on hen day light fails them they icks by torchlight, and they defend themselves from any prey which infest the forests. e reduced to great extremities 'en for some days previous ponds of water to frighten find themselves roused from by loud noises and the glare lone, the enclosure. I have , and here they are presented nd plenty of water. To this and are frequently compelled aproaching noises which conrear. On coming to the eno the enclosure, their natural 'ive the altered appearance of arrow paths, where so little exertion, makes them suspect Snare laid for them; and they f dread and consternation. No deliberation, nor any opporright and the left, as well

Page 303
THE ISLAND
as from behind, the noise mediately press upon them.
Urged on in this manner, t and push forward till they re closure. As soon as they are are sent in after them, and all narrow paths by which the r The hunters now advance by use every means to separate singly into the smaller comp; within the large enclosure. O thing that remains is to securi elephants are here of the most and greatly assist them in thro neck of the wild animals. A made fast with ropes, he is prepared for the purpose, an trees on the outside of the renew the same process with within the enclosure are succes It frequently happens that t are very unruly and violent; i have recourse to the powers a The latter, when they perceiv nageable, fall to jostling him, trunks, till such time as the calm and compliant. They

OF CEYLON. 281
and clamour of enemies im
ley at length enter the paths, ach the large space of the en
thus secured, tame elephants the avenues shut, except those atives are to approach them.
these in all directions, and the elephants and drive them artments which are contained this being effected, the only e them with ropes. The tame effectual service to the hunters, owing ropes round the legs and s soon as the wild elephant is led out by the straight path d made fast to the strongest labyrinth. The hunters then the rest, till all the elephants sively secured. he elephants when first caught n which case it is necessary to nd sagacity of the tame ones. e their wild brother is unmaund belabouring him with their have rendered him perfectly are also very assiduous in О о

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282 THE ISLAND
watching all his motions, and sudden attack on their keepers
In 1797, no less than one plhants, taken in this manner. bridge from Ceylon to the co an opportunity of seeing these Pass beyond Columbo. One. and tall, and surpassed in size possession of the Nabob of palace of Chepauk. These a in a wild state, appeared quite of being mischievous, and read The superiority of the eleph sist in their size, (for they are on the continent;) but in thei for exertion, in their docility passion. The natives are so excellence of their own elepha phants of all other parts of th those of Ceylon, and thus in superiority.
These lords of the forest, strength formidable to all its live in continual apprehension which neither their sagacity defend them. This diminutive of the elephant, and pursues

OF CEYLON.
prevent him from making any
hundred and seventy-six ele, were sent over by Adam's ntinent. On their way I had immense animals at the Grand of them was exceedingly large even the royal elephant in the Arcot, which I saw near his himals, though so lately taken tractable, shewed no symptom ily obeyed their keepers. ants of Ceylon does not conin general not so tall as those greater hardiness and powers and freedom from vice and possessed with the idea of the nts, as to affirm that the elee world make obeisance before stinctively acknowledge their
though from their size and other inhabitants, themselves a of a small reptile, against nor their prowess can at all creature gets into the trunk its course till it finally fixes

Page 305
THE ISLAND
in his head, and by keeping length torments the stupendou. fully afraid are the elephants they use a variety of precau and never lay their trunks t gather or separate their food.
The struggles which the ele selves from being secured, a render them tame, produce a sonae of them die while other less. Not above the half of or otherwise taken, can be pre afterwards brought to sale. greatest ever known.
Of those animals applied to duces but few. I have already sheep are not natives of this made to thrive there when im bred on the small islands beyo of the Arab and the common are mostly used for drawing vehicles. The Manilla, the Pe. much employed for these pu: very much esteemed on acco strength, and their being capal fatigue. The horses used by are chiefly Arabs brought by

ΟE CEYTON. 发越3
him in continual agony, at animal to death. So dreadof this dangerous enemy, that tions to prevent his attacks: o the ground, except when to
phants make to prevent themld the violence employed to
number of accidents of which 3 are rendered completely usethose driven into the enclosure, seived from injury so as to be
The hunt in 1797 was the
domestic purposes, Ceylon pro7 mentioned that the horse and island, and scarcely can be ported. The horses which are ond Jafnapatam, are a mixture horse of the Carnatic. They gigs and other light pleasure gu, and the Atcheen horses, are poses, and, though small, are int of their fast trotting, their ble of enduring a great deal of the civil and military officers the way of Bombay. ) o 2

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28叠 THE ISLAND
As the expence of importati of sheep and horses, and as a of the former, die on being la mals are in consequence much part of India. Sheep someti times the price they do on the In Ceylon, or indeed in an never employed in servile w As they are scarcely ever C spirited and vicious as in some purposes. The care and attend too great to allow their being for pleasure. Two attendants a horse: one of them is employe as much grass as he requires t care of him, cleans him, feeds his master to mount. The horse, but follows him whereve occasions to take charge of hiu horse-keepers, as they are call twenty or thirty miles togethe the rate of five or six miles an The Indian horses are extre their riders against the attack myself been indebted to their from the fury of a buffale. to be perfectly unmanageable,

OF CEYLON.
on must be added to the priee great proportion, particularly inded in the island, these anidearer here than in any other mes fetch ten and even twenty opposite coast of Coromandel. y part of India, horses are ork, or for drawing burthems. astrated, they are indeed so degree to be unfitted for these ance which they require is also kept by any but the wealthy are constantly attached to each d in cutting and fetching him o eat; while the other takes him, and makes him ready for last attendant never quits his he goes, and is ready on all n. I have seen some of these 'd, keep up to my horse for ', while I was proceeding at
hour. hely spirited, and often defend of other animals, and I have prowess for my preservation it is only when so vicious, as that these animals are ever

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THE ISLAND
castrated in this quarter of th state, they decrease greatly in means so capable of enduring t violent fatigue which must be countries. In consequence of used; and in particular, on number of horses are collected fered to come in the way, as outrageous.
The oxen of Ceylon are remar exceed our calves of a year ol well-shaped, as they have a hu are as inferior in quality as il and the Coromandel coast; a twelve rupees, or rix-dollars, sterling. The beef is sometin good, and forms the chief food tioned on the island.
These bullocks, though smal employed in all sorts of work in drawing artillery, and conv large for the coolies to carry indeed makes these people be work which would otherwise be common method of carrying b suspended to each end of some their shoulders; and it is really

OF CEYLON. 笼85
2 world; and in this mutilated value, as they are then by no he heat of the climate, and the occasioned by exertion in these this, mares are seldom or ever a line of march or where a
together, they are never suf
they would render the horses
kably small, and in size scarcely d. They are far from being imp on their shoulders. They size to the cattle of Bengal nd are to be had for ten or about one pound five shillings hes however, fat and tolerably
of the European soldiers sta
l, are very useful. They are to which they are adapted, eying burthens which are too
The want of proper roads employed to do much of the : imposed on the oxen. Their urthens is on their heads, or : pieces of bamboe laid across 'astonishing to see what loads
4

Page 308
ኗ፭፻ ) THE ISLAND
they will bear in this manner, of noon. Though they may lifting the load at first, yet wil travel at the rate of four o: The spring in the pieces of motions, greatly facilitates til When the roads will admit heavy for the coolies, the b them in carts of a particula island by the name of band long, narrow, and clumsy. Th strong beam, which projects lik the extreme end of this pole a kong, and very thick, is attac hoops fixed for the necks of by pegs. By this means the on the neck and shoulders of cart along. The sides of th boards, of the skins of buffalo strong post of wood is placed. give it a shape and hold these boards, or interwoven bamboes semble those of the Irish truc wood rounded.
Buffaloes, being much largei are much more frequently e. these animals are found in g

OF CEYLON.
even under the fatiguing heat find coinsiderable dificulty in Len once set agoing, they will five miles for a whole day. bamboe, by yielding to their he carriage of the burthen. of it, and the loads are too ullocks are employed to draw r construction, known on the es. These vehicles are very e body of the bandy rests on a ke the pole of a carriage. To piece of wood, about six feet ched crosswise. Under it are the cattle, which are kept fast whole weight of the load rests the oxen, while they drag the e cart are composed of thin es, or split bamboes; while a at each of the four corners to
firm. The bottom is either of : the axle-tree and wheels rekles, or cars, being blocks of .
and stronger than the oxen, mployed in drawing burthens, reat numbers on the island,

Page 309
THE ISLAND
both in a wild and tame state cies and appearance. They a obstinate and untractable, W tenance. Even such of th draught, and familiarised to original habits, but are always to meet in the fields. In shap narrow behind, and their legs always carry their heads low : thick, shooting out backwards bending towards the shoulders. their horns offensively, in the but first run headlong at thei foot; and after this is accomp knees and endeavour to bring sition as to gore their victim. with these animals, particular complexion or dress they hav scarlet coat is the chief object ders them perfectly outrageous to red is extremely vexatious self frequently experienced it, fast as I could from their fury: by the spirit of my horse. TI almost any wild beast, as it either by gentle usage, or the

OF CEYLON. ኳ87
', and are all of the same spere fierce and rough, extremely rith a wild forbidding counam as are trained to the the people, never lose their dangerous to meddle with or be, they are broad before, and are thick and short. They their horns are black and very to a considerable length, and The buffaloes do not employ : same manner as our bulls, r object and trample it under lished, they get down on their their horns into such a poIt is always dangerous to meet ly for an European, to whose e the greatest antipathy. A of their resentment, and renThis unaccountable aversion to military men. I have myand been obliged to escape as at one time I was saved only heir fierceness surpasses that of can never be totally subdued sense of fear

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288 THE ISLAND
The buffalo is of a dirty gre or rather bristles, are thinly skin. The flesh and milk, tho rank and disagreeable. These clined, and are constantly to b to the neck in mud and water The markets of Ceylon are they can be always had at very ones at about five shillings, and more than ten. The pigs her our small greyish ones.
Few parts of India produce mals than Ceylon ; and its í dangerous by beasts of prey a sizes. Many wild animals ar. man; and afford subsistence t range the forests.
Varieties of deer and elks the woods and jungles. One calculated to attract attention. in size not exceeding our ha the moose-deer, and by the na but in size they are complet beautifully spotted, or streake usual for the natives to catch in cages to our markets, wh

OF CEYLON.
y or mouse colour; the hairs, Scattered over his thick coarse ough sometimes used, are very animals are very dirtily in
e seen like hogs wallowing up
well supplied with pigs, and reasonable prices; the smaller even the largest never sell for 2 are usualiy about tile size of
a greater variety of wild aniorests are rendered extremely ind noxious reptiles of various e also offered to the use of o the tribes who, like them,
are every where met with in species of deer is particularly It is a very small creature, re; it is called by the Dutch tives gazelle. In every thing e deer; and their sides are d like thc fallow-deer. It is them, and bring them down are they are sold at about a

Page 311
THE ISLAND
shilling apiece. Their flavour the hare, and when stewed the
Rabbits are not natives of introduced, it is probable that by the wild beasts and reptil assail them above ground, and burrows.
Hares, of exactly the same in Europe, abound in every . qu greater numbers than I have Columbo one may easily shoot The wild hog is much more wild boars add much to the da they are very large and fierce, fall in their way. The nati them, and think it an exploit them.
The smaller species of tyg seldom ventures to attack a the royal tyger, is not an inh a circumstance extremely fortu the woody nature of the cou would have every opportunity impunity on the human species The tyger-cat found here is and presents both in shape and indicated by its name. It is
P

OF CEYLON. 289
is much stronger than that of y are excellent. Ceylon, and even if they were
they would soon be destroyed es, which would every where even persecute them in their
species with our common hares arter throughout the island, in ever seen elsewhere. About a dozen in a few hours. esteemed than the tame. The ingers of the Ceylonese forests; and boldly attack those who ves are particularly afraid of of no small intrepidity to hunt
er also infests the Woods, but man. The larger kind, called abitant of the island, which is unate for the natives, as from intry, these ferocious animals
to commit their ravages with
about the size of a lap-dog, colour exactly the appearance very wild and extremely diffi
P

Page 312
290 THE ISLAND
cult to tame, though from animal.
The leopard is a native of There are no foxes in Cey supplied by an immense numl very much resemble the fo fiercer. It is always by nig lages in large packs, making the screaming of children, wil they have found carrion, or ar striking trait of their savage ( keep up this frightful noise, their food. As soon as the all the dogs of the village, as sally out to attack them al woods.
The hyena and the bear, very rarely met with; a few east side.
A great variety of monkies island; and some of the speci row is remarkable for its gre quite from ear to ear across is of a dark grey. Anothe, black body, and a white tria There is also a large greeni woods here. The rillow is

DF CEYLON.
its size it is not a dangerous
the island. lon, but their place is amply per of jackals. These animals x, but are much bolder and ht that they approach the vila loud and horrible noise like nich they increase as soon as ly other sort of prey. It is a character, that they continue to even while they are devouring uproar of the jackals is heard, if by one consent, instinctively ld drive them back into the
though natives of Ceylon, are only being found on the north
are found in Swarms over the es are ùncommon. The vandeat white beard, which stretches its black face, while the body species is distinguished by a gular beard with a purple face. sh monkey which inhabits the a very large species, not less
6

Page 313
THE ISLAN
than our larger dogs. It is d lying flat in its forehead. T rous, and a great annoyance which they rob in the face of him by antick gestures.
A variety of porcupines, and mungooses, are found it easily caught, and are frequen The squirrels are very dest they invade in multitudes an fruit. The black squirrel of C remarkable for being three ti Squirrel, and for having a ta The small striped squirrel is seen Squeaking and skipping a The Indian ichneumon is a between a weazel and a mung the natives, from its invete would otherwise render every f ous. The proofs of sagacity w animal are truly surprising, an the wisdom , with which Provi every animal to its particular diminutive creature, on seein instantly dart on it and seize finds himself in an open place of running to a certain herb,
T)

OF CEYLON. 20
stinguished by long parted hair his species is extremely numeo the corn fields and gardens,
the owner, while they deride
acoons, armadilloes, squirrels, Ceylon. The porcupines are tly kept tame in the houses. ructive to the gardens, which l devour vast quantities of the eylon has the nose red, and is mes as large as our common il twice as long as its body. very playful, and is constantly bout among the trees.
small creature, in appearance goose. It is of infinite use to ate enmity to snakes, which potstep of the traveller dangerhich I have seen in this little l afford a beautiful instance of lence has fitted the powers of situation on the globe. This a snake ever so large, will it by the throat, provided he where he has an opportunity
which he knows instinctively (2) לז

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292 THE ISLAND
to be an antidote against the happen to receive one. I was at Columbo to ascertain the The ichneumon, procured for t snake in a close room. On he did not discover any incl. enemy, but ran prying about was any hole or aperture by finding none, he returned has himself in his bosom, could no quit it, or face the snake. house, however, and laid down place, he instantly flew at th He then suddenly disappeared returned as soon as he had This useful instinct impels th the herb on all occasions, whe whether poisonous or not. Th ment was of the harmless
purpose.
The formouse, or flying-fox appearance both of the bird is derived from the great rese to the fox. Its body is abou the wings when extended meas that of the other upwards of s animal from the nose, to the

OF CEYLON.
oison of the bite, if he should present at an experiment tried reality of this circumstance. he purpose, was first shewn the eing let down to the ground, nation whatever to attack his the room to discover if there which he might get out. On ily to his master, and placing it by any means be induced to On being carried out of the near his antagonist in an open e snake and soon destroyed it. for a few minutes, and again ound the herb and eat of it. 2 animal to have recourse to re it is engaged with a snake, e one employed in this experikind, and procured for the
, like the bat, partakes of the and quadruped; and its name mblance of its head and body t the size of an ordinary cat: ure from the tip of the one to ix feet; and the length of the ail of which it has barely the

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THE ISLAND
name, is about two feet. The and perches on the tallest trees animals suspend themselves by continue tó hang in this maan night is the season of their a about with a horrid noise a they can come at. To preven thrown over the fruit trees, pieces of board so contrived a them away by its noise.
The flying-foxes also see by serving where fruit is to be fol attack upon it till night, ar. thick woods till dark. They island, and I have often seen accustomed in Europe to see ery. It was my intention to h over to Europe, and for this hovered over my head in the but the smell was so intolera preserve it even for the shorte The rats are very numerous There are several species beside most observable are the blin bandy-coot. The blind-rat liv in the earth like the mole, rivers. Like the mole it is

OF CEYLON, 293
: flormouse lives in the woods,
While asleep or inactive these the feet from the branches, and er as if they were dead. The ctivity: at that time they fly ld devour all the fruit which t their ravages, strong nets are and a sort of rattle made of s to clap together and frighten
* day, and often fly about obund; but then they defer their ld generally keep among the are very numerous in this them in such flocks as we are crows about an extensive rookave one of this species shipped purpose I had killed one as it neighbourhood of Nigumbo; ble that it was impossible to t time.
and exceedingly troublesome. those common in Europe: the |-rat, the musk-rat, and the es in the fields, and burrows chiefly about the banks of instinctively warned to shun

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294 THE ISLAND
the surface of the ground 1 over its eyes as soon as it be light: and from this it deriv The bandy-coot is as large body very thick and round, bling that of a hog; it also that animal. When closely pu coot becomes very fierce, a sailants.
The musk-rat, or perfuming long snout, much extended be laing about it makes a sque but much shriller and loude of musk which accompanies an where-ever they go, they ar. and there is scarcely a house, i. has not been strongly scente Many articles are rendered ei musk which they communic: them. For it is a certain f nature is their effluvia, tha bottle of wine ever, so well sc comes so strongly tainted w used; and a wholes cask ma
same manner.
When I arrived in Ceylo wear 1796, the houses wer

OF CEYLON,
ly a membrane which closes comes exposed to the rays of es its name.
as a middling-sized cat, the and the head greatly resemmakes a grunting noise like rsued or attacked, the bandyld turns furiously on its as
shrew, is very small, with a yond the under јаw. In runking noise like the squirrel, r. From the intolerable smell d remains behind these animals e very disagreeable inmates; (h Columbo in particular which d by them in every corner. ntirely useless by the smell of ate in merely running over ct, that of so penetrating a t if they even pass over - a 'orked and sealed up, it beith musk that it cannot be y be rendered useless in the
on in the latter end of the : terribly infested with rats.

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TIE ISLANI
This was in a great measure venliness and negligence of th induced them to keep their company sufficiently clean, the particularly their go-downs or and slaves, were so dirty an harbour all sorts of vermin, of the country of much servi the residence of the British tcrriers have been continuall; houses of rats, the number C nished. More attention is also of those apartments allotted t follow the example of their I much more cleanly in the ser Dutch.
The taigoi is a species of the ants in the same mann his slimy tongue before their into his mouth as soon as he insects.
The Birds of Ceylon are sorts of our domestic poultry, of the island; and there are or marshes that do not here a sants, parrots and parroquets bers, both wild and tame.

OF CEYLON. 295
to be attributed to the slo2 Dutch; for though vanity rooms for the reception of other parts of their houses, out-houses for their servants full of old lumber as to nor were the dogs and cats, 2e in destroying them. Since officers on the island, their 7 employed in clearing the f which have sensibly diminow paid to the cleanliness the servants, who naturally masters, and are consequently vice of the English than the
the ant-eater; and destroys r as the others, by laying nests, and drawing it back finds it covered with those
a very numerous class. All turkeys excepted, are natives ew birds found in our woods pound. Ducks, geese, pheaare all found in great num

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296 THE ISLAND
The lowrie or lory is a in its size.
Snipes are found in great p is the best time for shooting a very beautiful and striking from our common snipe; only the body and wings are s black spots, which give it a
The florican is a species o size and weight of a large lent eating. It lives among th of pools or lakes. The neck : so slender ina proportion to crane or heron.
The banks of the rivers a cranes, herons, and water fo
Wood-peckers are found w golden colour.
Pigeons, both wild and tar the birds of Ceylon. The n cinnamon pigeon, so called í to the cinnamon woods. It i and is as large as our comm in Ceylon at all seasons of by the Europeans, and are It is remarkable of these pi on the ground, but perch the Banyan-tree.
5

OF CEYLON.
pecies of parrot, and varies
lenty in the hot season, which them. The painted snipe is bird. In size it differs little the bill is somewhat shorter, potted with red, yellow and very fine appearance.
f the crane kind, about the :apon, and is esteemed excelle woods which skirt the banks and body are longish, but not their length as those of the
ind lakes abound with storks, wls of various descriptions. rith beautiful top-knets of a
ne, form a prominent part of host remarkable species is the rom being particularly partial s of a beautiful green colour, on fowl. This species swarms he year; they are often shot highly esteemed for the table. geons that they never alight on high trees, particularly on

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THE ISLAND
There is another species o. which is nearly as large as t every where abound with sma
and various colours.
I have been told that the pe but I never saw it. There small red-legged kind, found Nigumbo and Manaar. Many propagate the breed more e Macdowal was at particular Tutocoreen and other parts they were let loose in the ciri Among a great variety of distinguish the honey-bird. It instinct by which it discovers As if designed for the service bird continues to flutter about it has attracted the notice o him to follow the course it flutters before him, till it ha the bees have lodged their tre off the honey, leaving a litt which silently and contentedly to enjoy its reward. As soon tion, it renews its noise, an tree, followed by the man, wh
for him by nature.
Q

OF CEYLON 297
pigeon of a greyish colour, hat described; and the woods ller pigeons of different kinds
lican is a native of this island, are a few partridges, of the on the west coasts between attempts have been made to stensively here; and General pains in procuring them from on the opposite coast, when namon gardens to breed. smaller birds, we particularly , is so called from a particular the honey concealed in trees. of the human species, this and make a great noise till f some person, and induced points out to him. It then s led him to the tree where asure. The man then carries le for the use of the bird, watches till it is permitted as it has eaten up its pori goes in quest of another o finds a guide here provided
Զ

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298 THE ISLAND
The crows here, as in ev exceedingly impudent and t very difficult to exclude them account of the heat, are bui such intruders. I have alr vexations I experienced from are so audacious, that, like frequently snatch bread and even when it is surrounded exactly resemble our common smaller. They abound in ev the island: as if particularly they are continually seen hop tions, and are very rarely retired places. These animals, troublesome, and continually thing that comes within their sidered as an unnecessary pes of that part of the globe. important benefactors to the amply compensate for their t are all voracious devourers ( all sorts of dirt, offal, and appear; they carry of those remain, would in this hot cli smells, and probably give ri account the crows are m
4

OF CEYLON.
ery other part of India, are roublesome; and it is found from the houses, which, on lt open and much exposed to eady mentioned some of the them while at Columbo. They the harpies of old, they will meat from the dining table, with guests. In shape they crow, but in size are generally ery town, fort, and village on addicted to the society of man, ping about among the habitato be met with in woods or however, though so exceedingly on the watch to pick up every reach, still are not to be cont entailed upon the inhabitants The crows, in fact, are very Indians, and by their utility roublesome knaveries. As they of carrion, and instantly eat up dead vermin as soon as they substances which, if allowed to mate produce the most noxious se to putrid disorders. On this uch esteemed - by the natives,

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their mischievous tricks and and they are never suffered to
The kites and vultures
feathered tribes of the forest camped, are, like the crows,
noisome matters.
The Indian roller is a bil of its plumage: its tail is orn singular appearance and remar
The yellow-crowned thrush, is remarkable for its powers C 'epeat every note which it h Among the smaller birds, t remarkable for the art with This bird is of a yellow colo in length, and slender in prop sibility of its - little nest bein to attach it in such a manne that both must stand or fall t of leaves which it picks up from by means of its slender bill it uses as needle and thread, growing on the tree with gre ceives the name of the tail consists of down, adds little which is scarcely felt on the t Two speeies of fly-catchers :
w

OF CEYLON. 299
impudence are put up with,
be shot or otherwise destroyed. are very destructive to the ; but where troops are en
very useful in removing all
'd remarkable for the beauty lamented with two feathers of kable length.
which is here kept in cages, f imitation, and can readily 2ars. he tailor-bird is particularly which it constructs its nest. ur, not exceeding three inches portion. To prevent the posg shaken down, it contrives r to the leaves of the tree, ogether. The nest is formed the ground; and it contrives, and some fine fibres, which to sew these leaves to those at dexterity. Hence it reor-bird. The lining, which to the weight of the nest, wig that supports it. are found in Ceylon. They
rA C20

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3OO TEIE ISLAND
are remarkable for the enc which gives them the appeara through the air. In the ta feathers, which exceed the nine inches.
The swallows found here ar They never quit the island.
Two species of the peac the one, which is kept in : kind with those known in Eu at large in its native wood and truly a magnificent bird. which is its native climate; did plumage to the beauty c The jungle-fowl resembles presents a much more beautifu by its double spurs.
The reptiles and insects of merous, and several species a particularly abound, and are habitants.
The covra capello or hood six to fifteen feet long. Its b the herb pointed out by timely applied. When enrage raises its head and body to feet in a spiral manner, wh

OF CEYLON,
ormous length of their tails, ince of arrow's while they dart ail of one of them are two others in length by at least
e of the same species as ours.
ock are produced in Ceylon: a, tame state, is of the i same rope: the other, which roams is, is of a much larger size,
It is found all over India, and adds greatly by its splenof the forests. our common fowl in size, but ll plumage, and is distinguished
Ceylon are exceedingly nu- : e very little known. Serpents a great annoyance to the in
led snake is found here from ite is mortal; the natives find he ichneumon a remedy, if and preparing to attack, it the height of three or four ile at the same time the re

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THE ISLAND
maining part of the body is c force to the spring. At this head a membrane in the for
it receives its name. This ho along the forehead and the sid imperceptible till the animal and is about to attack his foe it completely alters the appes closes a curious white streak, in the shape of a pair of s horse-shoe. The extension of tended by providence to give this animal's reach, that he without this signal, he would his motions afterwards are too more than once been an ey the fatal bite of this snake the object of his vengeance rations.
One remarkable characteristic
their fondness for music. Even to listen with pleasure to th hemselves into attitudes T greatly on this instinct; and grees instruct them even to ke The covra manilla, the mos about two feet long and c

OF CEYLON. 3O
oiled up to accelerate and give instant it distends from its
m of a hood, from which
od is a membrane which lies
es of the neck, and is almost gets into a state of irritation, When the hood is erected, trance of the head, and dişwhich runs along the forehead Dectacles and sometimes of a
this membrane seems inwarning to ail those within is preparing to attack them: be very dangerous indeed, as rapid to be avoided. I have e-witness to instances where was escaped from merely by timely observing his prepa
of these dangerous serpents is when newly caught, they seem he notes, and even to writhe he Indian jugglers improve after taming them, by deep time to their flagelets. it dreadful of all snakes, is Kontinues from head to tail

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30 THE ISLAND
nearly of the same thickness. The bite proves almost instan known to be recovered from. dence, however, this species is entirely confined to some part rarely is it met with, that I who had actually examined, or account I have given is taken f on the subject.
The whip-snake and grass-sna are of a greenish colour and s The water-snake, the wood-s usually found among old ruins, are distinguished from the po themselves up to prepare for a close to the ground and hissing The rock-snake is an immen feet in length. I have myst long, and about the thickness told that much larger ones we I had a transient glimpse of through the bushes in the n size he seemed to exceed the ( rock-snake inhabits chiefly the colour is greyish with broad though formidable from their i from poison. They are, howev

OF CEYLON.
Its colour is a reddish black. tly fatal, and has never been By the goodness of Provis not numerotas, and is almost is of the interior. Indeed, so have never conversed with one
even certainly seen it. The rom the most common reports
ake are both poisonous. They peckled. nake, and a few other species are perfectly harmless. They isonous kinds, by not raising ttack, but keeping their head
all the while. se animal, extending to thirty slf seen one twenty-two feet of a man's thigh; and I was 're to be found in the island. another as he glided past me righbourhood of Columbo; in one I had formerly seen. The : rocky banks of rivers. His white streaks. The animals, mmense size, are perfectly free er, destructive to some of the

Page 325
THE ISLAND
smaller animals, and will devo &c. first twisting their tail r bones. and squeeze it to death.
Before I arrived in the island a monstrous snake, so vast in tigers and buffaloes, and so elephant. I made every inqui terrible animal, but not one of the monster. Probably th rise from an exaggerated accou Alligators of an immense siz lon, and rehder them every persons continually fall victims when Colonel Champagne was sence of Mr. North, an allig inspection by one of the pri twenty feet in length, and as It was killed about thirty mile two carts placed one after th bullocks, to transport its imm tail still hung trailing on the g was found to have in its belly man not yet completely digest hortly texture, like that of a impenetrable to a musket bal year, when the escort of the the Candian ambassador, arriv

OF CEYLON. 303
tr kids, goats, hogs, poultry, und their prey, to break its
, I had heard many stories of size as to be able to devour laring as even to attack the y on the spot concerning this of the natives had ever heard se fabulous stories took their nt of the rock-snake. 2 infest all the rivers of Ceywhere very dangerous: many to them. In the year 1799, lieutenant-governor in the - abator was sent him down for ncipal Cinglese. It was full thick in the body as a horse. : from Columbo, and required e other, and drawn by eight ense body, while part of the round. On being opened, it the head and arm of a black d. The skin was of a knotty young rhinoceros, and quite In February of the same iovernor, on his way to meet 'd at Sittivacca, some of the

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304 THE ISLAND
soldiers having gone, after th refresh themselves by bathing i this beautiful and romantick find the place pre-occupied by present at the time, and hap in my hand, I fired at two young ones about eight feet in The guana in appearance ve tor. It is a very disgusting a fectly harmless, and lives in esteemed good food by the curry, or rich soup. The fle rabbit.
An immense number of toa melions, and a variety of oth every where throughout the isl tion of them could afford no e One species, however, has l my mind to be passed over employed by apothecaries, to corrupted blood, there is an inmense numbers the woods a particularly in the rainy seas( every one who passes throug species are very small, not mu of a dark red speckled colou not crawl like a worm, or like

OF CEYLON.
: fatigues of their march, to the river which runs through spot, they were alarmed to a number of alligators. Being pening to have a fowling-piece and killed them. They were
length. ry much resembles the alliganimal to look at, but is perholes in the ground. It is natives, and makes excellent sh tastes very like that of a
ds, lizards, blood-suckers, caers of the same class abound and; but a particular descripintertainment to my readers. eft too deep an impression on nnoticed. Besides the leeches reduce tumours and carry off ther species which infests in ld swampy grounds of Ceylon, n, to the great annoyance of them. The leeches of this h larger than a pin; and are In their motions they do the leeches we are accustomed 2

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THE ISLAND
to see in Europe; but keep fixing their head on a place, to it with a sudden jerk, whil is thrown forwards for anothe move so exceeding quickly, they contrive to get upon
mediately endeavour by some to the skin. As soon as they blood; and as they can effec clothing worn in this climate pass through the woods and sy being covered with blood. On ing through the marrow paths terribly annoyed by these verm down or even halted for a immediately attacked by multi could get rid of them our glo blood. This was attended wi soldier were, from drunkenness ground, he must have perishe rising in the morning, I have skin covered with blood in an in their marches into the in several of their men; and on that we should hardly be abl But, though we were terribly a my serious accident. Other
R

OF CEYLON. 3OS
constantly springing, by first ind then bringing their tail up e at the same time their head r hold. In this manner they that before they are perceived, one's clothes, when they imaperture to find an entrance reach it, they begin to draw t this even through the light , it is almost impossible to ramps in rainy weather without our way to Candy, in marchamong the woods, we were in; for whenever any of us sat moment, we were sure to be tudes of them; and before we
oves and boots were filled with ith no small danger ; for if a or fatigue, to fall asleep on the 2d by bleeding to death. On often found my bed clothes and alarming manner. The Dutch iterior at different times lost our setting out they told us e to make our way for them nnoyed, we all escaped without animals, as well as man, are
R

Page 328
306 - THE ISLAND
subject to the attacks of these from their excessive plunging a creatures when they fasten upo for any one to ride through th A species of flying lizard membrancs extending along it with which it is enabled to ta
It is not above nine inches lo although it is the only anima fabled dragon.
The insects of Ceylon are are several species of spiders f poisonous. Flies, beetles, b roaches, with almost every inse found, of curious shapes, and colours. Ground-lice and tick degree as almost makes them 1
Ants, which are here found pest, in addition to the lee counter in our journey throug our clothes and furniture su vermin. The large red ants, their nests among the branches in passing among the trees re approaching their habitations, to feel the effects of his inadve varieties of black and red ants (

OF CEYLON.
leeches. Horses in particular, hd kicking to get rid of these n them, render it very unsafe
woods of the interior.
is found here, furnished with sides in the form of wings, ke its flight from tree to tree. ng, and is perfectly harmless, l known which resembles the
extremely numerous. There ound, of uncommon size, and utterflies, muskettoes, cockct known in Europe, are here ornamented with a variety of s plague the dogs to such a mad.
of every species, were another ches which we had to ensh the woods of Candy; and uffered extremely from these which live on trees, and build , bite very severely; and one quires to be very cautious of or he will speedily be made artency. There are also other of a smaller size, which inhabit

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THE ISLAND
rotten trunks and stumps, a motion, running up and d perfectly harmless, and thoug those of our own country, y very little uneasiness.
There is a very small speci dwelling houses, where it is C the larger ant, the white ant speedily devour every thing vages; and if one at table acc meat, or any sort of food, it and animated, from a vast nu ing upon it, to carry it off. trivance to prevent them from tling in swarms on the bread, particularly agreeable to their to see a cup of tea, upon be vered with these creatures, í
SCII .
But the most mischievous s white ant, which is equally de dwelling-houses. They build ti which they throw up in larg pare for the purpose. It is cement, that as soon as it is sun, it becomes so hard that i with a pick-axe to level the
R

OF CEYLON 3.07.
nd are observed in perpetual own the trees. They are gh they bite occasionally like et their bite is attended with
es of ant which is found in f very great use in destroying , and the cock-roach. They which is exposed to their raidentally drops a bit of bread, t instantly appears in motion mber of these creatures fasten
It is impossible by any coninvading the table, and set
sugar, and such things as are
palate. It is not uncommon ing filled out, completely coloating dead upon it like a
pecies of these vermin is the structive in the fields and the heir nests of a very fine clay, e mounds, and carefully premade into such an excellent dried up by the rays of the t requires great exertion even heaps. These ant-hills are
R 92
حيخ

Page 330
3OS THE ISLAND
often from six to eight feet both at the top and around and communications. They much more dangerous animal covra capello snake; on which ful never to lie down or fall white-ants, in the space of eat up all the boots, shoes, a come in their way, or are never done but by the carel In camp, the furniture of t bottles, with their necks plan account of the slippery na climbed up by the ants. trunks, chairs, and bed-posts a tin vessels full of water. . .
beams of a house almost ea and ready to tumble down ol This destructive instinct, most singular utility, and is . the same benevolent purpose every part of his plan. In th inhabit, and which are never cultivation, the constant acc would in time greatly impede, tion, were not these animals tinuafly to devour it.

OF CEYLON.
high, and have large openings the sides to serve for entrances often serve as a receptacle to s, such as scorpions, and the account the natives are careasleep near the ant-hills. The one night, will demolish and and bottoms of trunks which left on the ground. This is essness of the black servants. he tents is placed on inverted ted in the ground, which, Οι ture of the glass, cannot be In the dwelling - houses, the ce for the same reason placed in have frequently seen the large ten through by these insects, n the heads of the inhabitants. however, is not without the made by the Creator to serve es, which are conspicuous in le immense forests which they subject to the hand of human umulation of decayed timber if not entirely choak vegetaemployed by Providence con
5

Page 331
THE ISLAND
Another instinct is also coi inclinations, which in a grea and prevents their injurious ef endowed as they are with su carry on their operations like observed by those who were progress, there would hardly b from their ravages any thing houses, especially in Ceylon, wil and destructive than perhaps intend to move from one sett they have fixed on a piece of which they mean to destroy or commencing their operations, tl low passage for themselves, wh and repass without being seen. size of a goose-quill, is made patch and dexterity, and when As soon as it has attained a to devour under its covert with is this instinct, that they will tom to the top of a house, alon first preparing their covert way. they expect to escape detection and point them out to the O When these tubes are swept d

OF CEYLON. 30g"
mbined with their destructive t measure counteracts them, fects. Were the white ants, ch powers of destruction, to other ants iin secret, and uninterested to obstruct their e a possibility of preserving either in the fields or the here they are more numerous any where else. When they lement to another, or when wood or some other article effect a lodgement in; before hey first raise a tube or holere they may work, or pass This tube, which is about the of fine sand, with much deso newly finished appears wet. proper consistency, they fall
great celerity. So powerful not even pass from the botg the walls or posts, without
This contrivance, by which never fails to betray them, bservation of their enemies. own and destroyed, the rag

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8 1Ꭴ THE ISLAND
vages of the ants are for tha never proceed to work with structure."
The black scorpion of Cey and its sting is frequently in our inches long and from middle of the body. Wher tail is usually carried on thei fangs or forceps, and instant in their tail, into the place emits a poison resembling white. When these scorpior veterate enemy the ant, and sting themselves to death.
The centpied or centipedes, the many legs which shoot body, stings in the same 1 biting the object, and then d: the wound.
There is an immense spid less than four inches long, with thick black hair. The enough to entangle and hold. its usual prey.
There is an insect found mense overgrown beetle. It

OF CEYLON.
it time prevented, as they will out previously renewing their
lon is a very dangerous insect, ortal. This species is about one to two broad over the running or disturbed, their r backs. They bite with their sy dart the sting, which lies they have bitten. Their sting milk, but not altogether so is are attacked by their incannot get rid of him, they
which receives its name from
out from every part of its manner as the scorpion, first arting the sting on its tail into
er found here, with legs not and having the body covered webs which it makes are strong even small birds which form
here, which resembles an imis called by us a carpenter,

Page 333
THE SLAND
from its boring large holes i and to the depth of several it takes up its habitation.
Fish of every sort in great lakes and rivers of Ceylon, ; seas. Those found in the f remarkable for their vast The mullet however is very the fresh-water fish. None of learn, are peculiar to Ceylor warm latitudes, though differi circumstance has often struck in every pond or muddy poo water, or even only recently nected with any other water tinually found. The only e possible to give of this phenc by some unknown process car skies, and then let down with dition immediately to become
Many excellent kinds of fi coasts of the island, and for the traffic and food of the na

OF CEYLON. 3i
timber, of a regular torm, feet, in which when finished
abundance are found in the is well as in the surrounding resh water are much more numbers than their quality. good, and perhaps the best of the species, as far as I could l; but all common to the ng from the European. One me with astonishment, that l, casually supplied with rain formed, and entirely uncon, swarms of fishes are conxplanation which it appears menon, is that the spawn is ried up with the rain into the it upon the earth in a conalive. h are caught all around the n a principal article both of tives.

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32. THE ISLAND
CIAPT
Jegetables
ΟEYLON is particularly p those fruits which are peculia within the tropical climates, dance and of a Superior qua species, the mangoes of M. orange of China, which has been raised at Bombay, this able superiority over all our of India. The climate is rel vegetation, and there are few fruit or other does not grow fruits, which are natives of t In the woods without any cultu the only labour required from t and bring them to market, w at a very low price.
Among the fruits which grc of Ceylon, are found most ( most delicious desserts of ou pine-apples, oranges, pomegra pumpkins, water-melons, squas bilberries, &c. all of which a any particular description.

OF CEYLON.
CR. XIV.
of Ceylon.
rolific in plants. Almost all to India and the countries re here found in great abunlity. Except in one or two assegol, and the mandarine within these last few years island maintains an undenisettlements on the entinent markably adapted to promote parts where some species of in luxuriance. Most of those he island grow spontaneously re or care in the rearing; and he peasants is merely to pluck here they are of course sold
w spontaneously in the woods of those which constitute the European tables: such as nates, citrons, limes, melons, les, figs, almonds, mulberries, e too well known to require

Page 335
THE ISLAND
The mango is of an oblo) and size resembling an egg. culiar, and it is reckoned one in India. One remarkable ( mango resembles another plu taste or flavour. The pulp, w a stringy texture, is covered larger and thicker, and easily very large, and of the same the mango resembles the melo not unlike turpentine. The wholesome to eat ; and wher maturity it makes the best pi that quarter of the world. vast size, and extends its like our oak; but the timbe ful purpose.
The mangusteen is a fruit one of the rarest in Ceylon, b gardens belonging to Dutch g fruit resembles the pomegrana that of the mango, and con It is esteemed an excellent rei
The shaddock or pumpelmose a man's head. In shape it covered with a coat of the s softer and thicker. The puli
S

οF CEYLoΝ. 33
g cylindrical form, in shape (ts taste and flavour are pe
of the most delicieus fruits ircumstance is, that no one ked from the same tree in hich is extremely juicy and of with a coat like a peach, but peeled off. The kernel is shape as the fruit. In smell th, although at times it smells fruit when ripe is extremely plucked before arriving at 2kles and preserves known in The mango-tree grows to a large and beautiful branches r is not applied to any use
very highly esteemed, but eing only found in one or two entlemen. In appearance this e, but the pulp is more like sists of fibres full of juice. medy in fluxes.
often grows to the size of resembles the orange, and is ame texture, although much
also resembles that of the
S

Page 336
3直4 THE ISLANC
orange, only the juicy fibre There are two species of : white, and the other of a differ ın favour.
The tamboe or rose apple our ordinary apples, and of more oval. It is of a bea the pulp is of a softer textu the taste and smell of a ros name. It is a very wholesom though insipid. It contains a the size of the fruit.
The cushoo apple is of a soft and full of a very harsh up the lips when applied to shape is not unlike a kidney the apple ; and tastes, when but more oily.
The katapa somewhat resen taste, has a better flavour.
The paupa, or papaya, is has a pulp nearly, of the sam as to be divided with a spoo is not a fruit of a delicious very wholesome and cooling, it of the pulp there is a ho quantity of seeds of the colc
3

j OF CEYLON.
is are proportionably larger, shaddock; the one is of a yellow colour; and they also
is about the size of one of nearly the same shape, only utiful red and white colour: re than our apple, and has le, from which it derives its e fruit, cooling and pleasant, large soft kernel nearly half
smaller size than the former, astringent juice which puckers
them. The nut, which in -bean, grows to the end of
roasted, like our chesnuts,
ables our walnut, but to my
of the size of a melon, and e taste and smell, but so soft in like pudding. Although it flavour, yet from its being , is much eaten. In the inside low space which contains a Iur and size of black pepper;

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THE ISLAND
having exactly the taste of w
have often used them. The custard apple is so c Eome resemblance in taste to is contained in a speckled she number of black seeds mixe nearly of the same consistence The tamarind grows in kong kidney-beans; but of a stri contains a number of kernels, guality it is often made use ol the air beneath its shade so un order with the troops, never t there. This noble tree expands assemblies for religious and ot under its shade, secure from ti fruit is extremely refreshing, and dysenteries.
The plantain is a small tree The leaves are very broad, this tree has borne fruit, the springs up through it from tl the top of the tree in bunch hog's puddings, from six to t ten to twenty in a bunch. It lemon colour, which is easily ripe is of a white or yellowis
S S

OF CEYLON. 315
'ater cresses, instead ef which
alled from the pulp having custard pudding. The pulp ll like a fir cone, and has a d with its inside, which is
as that of the former. ; green pits like those of our gy and spungy texture. It and is very acid, for which f. The tamarind tree renders wholesome, that it is a general o, allow horses to be picketed its branches so widely, that her purposes have been held he influence of the sun. The
and very efficacious in fevers
with wood of a soft nature, ong and green. As soon as trunk dies, and a new one he root. The fruit grows at es, resembling in shape our welve inches long, and from is covered with a coat of a peeled off; the inside when h colour It has a pleasant
2

Page 338
36 THE ISLAND
flavour, and no quantity eaten the stomach. When fried it fritters, and in taste resemblin fruit varies as well as its e beautiful vermilion.
Ceylon produces two species species, the jacka, or jack-fir very large size, which spreads eur chesnut. This fruit is oi ance, growing to the thickne not, like other fruits, spring from the body of the tree it root; the latter is preferred. tesque appearance of the body all over with these immense short stalks, which, though are frequently unable to supp fruit is therefore often oblige off by being placed in basket which are fixed to the trees, is ripe for pulling.
The external coat of the hard, of a green colour, and this coat is covered with a sc which, when touched, adhere When cut, it distiis a milky, able pulp is small when com

OF CEYLON,
of it has been found to injure is delicious, in appearance like g pancakes. The size of this olour, which is sometimes a
of the bread-fruit tree. One uit, grows upon a tree of a
out its branches around like a very extraordinary appearis of a man's waist. It does from the branches, but issues self, or immediately from the
Nothing can exceed the gro7 of the tree when it is stuck protuberances, hanging from exceedingly tough and strong, ort their unwieldy burden; the l to be prevented from falling 3 of cane or cocoa-tree leaves, and remain there till the fruit
fruit is extremely thick and full of prickles. The inside of ft, white, glutinous substance, to the fingers like bird-lime. ropy kind of gum. The eatpared to the size of the fruit

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THE SAND
while it is covered with the ol different compartments, each c the size of a chesnut, but long these kernels in taste very mu pulp is not very agreeable to having a strong smell not unlil we could bring ourselves to it in a glass of salt and wa much relish; and when they nerally travel with a bag of ti Another species which is us tree, in the appearance of the jacka, only that it is much sm are large, and of a dark greer in a variety of different ways, ent dishes are prepared from it is eaten in place of bread; a by the natives, and then bake invaluable preservatives against own indolence, the terrors of til of their governors are able te regular cultivation, however, t extended, and their quality imp The cocoa - tree is of such si Ceylonese, but to all the nati full account of it, and its use

of CEYLON. 3.F
uter coat. It is divided into ontaining a kernel or two of er. When roasted or boiled, ich resemble a potatoe. The the palate of an European, ke turpentine. The only way eat it, was by first soaking ter. The natives eat it with go upon a journey, they ger he kernels roasted. ually called the bread-fruit fruit, is quite similar to the haller. The leaves of this tree colour. The fruit is dressed and no less than fifteen differWhen sliced and roasted, it nd is often scraped into flour into cakes. These fruits are famine, of which neither their heir enemies, nor the tyranny deprive the Ceylonese. By heir utility might be greatly roved. ngular utility not only to the ves of India, that I hope a s, will not be thought super

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33 THE ISLAND
fluous by my readers, even alt peculiar to the island I am d The cocoa-tree grows to a straight, with the body comp crowned with a bunch of lor may be compared in appearai ligament passes through the grow out from its sides, in th leaves the nuts appear growin, from two to three dozen. TI Coat of a green Colour, very t threads. These are so long as ealled coya ropes, and cordage cables of the largest size are rally esteemed from being mo those made of hemp. These harsh a nature to be manufa preparation; and therefore on put into water to swell, and i. is capable of being wrought in When this outward rind is r plucked, the shell is found is pulp which adheres to it. Aft however, this pulp dries up Acolour. On being stript of
yhich when plucked from the

OF CEYLON.
hough it is not by any means escribing.
great height, is slender and etely bare, and only the top g green leaves. These leaves ce to a goose-quill: a thick middle, and long green slips 2 manner of fern. Under the g in clusters: each tree bears ne mut has a rind Qor outside nick, and composed of fibrous to be manufactured into ropes, : of various descriptions: even made of them, and are genere buoyalat in salt water than fibres, however, are of too ctured without some previous being taken -off, the riad is s afterwards beaten, before it to cordage. emoved, if the nut is recently lightly covered with a white dr being kept for some time, and becomes of a brownish its external coating, the nut
tree was as large as a mid

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TEIE ISLAND (
dling sized bowl, is reduced eighteen pound cannon ball. being opened, we find about a milky liquor, which forms a side of the shell adheres a coa of a very white substance, i almond. It is frequently ea
more frequently in curries, water. It is first scraped off instrument I have already d of a spur; and then being m stance like milk.
The oil extracted from the among the natives, and indee purpose. It is prepared from are first split and left in th their inside coating being r dried, they are put into mills the oil is expressed from the It is not, however, the nu kuxuries to man. From tlhe leaves shoot up, a liquor calle sion. A slit is made in this overnight, and a chatty or ea branches so as to receive begins to distill, and continue when the pot is removed. Th

F CEYLON. 349
to the size of a twelve or )n the smaller end of the nut pint of a very cool, refreshing, delicious drink. To the int of about half an inch thick, taste resembling a blanched ten in its natural state, but mulicataluny, and peppermint he inside of the shell with an scribed, resembling the rowel ixed with water forms a sub
cocoa-nut is highly esteemed d is applicable to every useful the oldest of the nuts, which e sun to dry without any of amoved: and when sufficiently prepared for the purpose, and
ll. It alone that affords food and
top of the tree where the d toddy is procured by incipart of the tree with a knife rthen-pet suspended from the he juice, which immediately s to do so till next morning is liquor, when drunk before the

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320 THE ISLAND
heat of the rising sun has c wholesome and cooling, and ol But upon being fermented, it this state is well known to use it in large quantities, when distilled from it. Arrack in toddy, and whole woods of th the purpose of procuring it. this process, equal to that wh: liquor employed in the prepar is likewise made into vineg coarse black sugar known by Nature seems to delight in as mamy useful purposes as 1 tree, and likewise among the a coat or web of a very light is manufactured into a very ( or gunny cloth. It is used also for coverings to the cinn: is also made into a coarse sp The utility of the cocoa-tr cut down, the trunk furnishe branches rafters to roof the tives; while the leaves are e repel the inclemencies of the other purposes are served by tree. Besides many domestic
2

)F CEYLON.
used it to ferment, is very }rates as a gentle purgative. becomes intoxicating; and in the European soldiers who hey cannot procure the arrack Ceylon is solely made from : cocoa-tree are employed for A barm or yeast arises from ch is procured from our malt ation of whisky. The toddy ir, and yields a species of the name of jaggery. making the cocoa-tree serve possible. At the fool of the branches at the top, grows and porous substance which oarse cloth called grinjakken for bags to hold rice, and mon bales. The grinjakken 2cies of paper. e does not end here. When s posts to support, and the ungaloes or huts of the namployed to cover them, and sun and the storm. Various the wood of this valuable uses, it is auch aployed

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THE ISLAND
also in the construction of ca boats of Madrass are built. wood is applied to the cons have been assured that the sent his ambassadors to the in a small ship which was the cocoa-tree, while those er fed upon the nuts.
It is surprising to see wi climb those high, straight, a many ways of facilitating thei pieces of the long leaf, twiste around the body of the tree, two feet between each piece, selves a sort of ladder. Freq with their feet and then tie sed round the ancles: at the with their hands, and thus their ancles and their arms of one tree, their agility from having to renew their t ing branches, and some rop for the purpose, they contri another. I have seen them in from a whole grove of cocoaand their feats of agility on
thing I have seen the most
T

OF CEYLON. 3.
loes; and with it the Mosula
In some parts of India this ruction of larger vessels. I king of the Maldive islands Dutch Governor at Columbo, ntirely built and rigged from mployed in fitting it out were
h what dexterity the natives ld slender trees. They have r ascent. Sometimes they tie d together like ropes of hay, leaving the distance of about and thus forming for themuently they embrace the tree poth together by a rope passame time they clasp the tree ascend, resting alternately on Having gained the top ind dexterity prevents them bil... By means of the adjoins fastened at different places ve to pass from one tree to this manner collect the toddy rees without once descending; these occasions equalled any lexterous of our sailors pera
T

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322 THE ISLAND
form among the rigging o outdone even by the monke these groves.
The trees from which the prived of so much of their inferior quality, and much Soo When we consider the inn tree affords to the natives of dered that they hold it in the a most important part of th born, it is customary for them morial of the happy event; arouad the trunk by its animal number of the recurring birthAnother tree, bearing a fruit no means equal in utility to ti tree. I have already mentione betel nut is chewed by the usually distinguished by the na however, grow upon this tre chewed along with the betel nu tion. The tree, though rem equally remarkable for its ( thicker than the calf of a ma bunches at the top like those C bigger than a nutmeg, and After they are pulled, the Cin

OF CEYLON,
f a ship, and was scarcely ys, the native inhabitants of
toddy is extracted, being dejuice, produce fruit of a very ner fall into decay. S. umerable comforts which this India, it is not to be wonhighest esteem, and reckon it eir Wealth. When a child is to plant a cocoa-tree in meand the rings which are left vegetation, serve to mark the days. t as generally used, though by hat of the cocoa, is the betell how universally the areka or natives of India. The leaf me of the betel-leaf does not, 'e, but from being constantly ut, has acquired this appellaarkably tall and straight, is xtreme slenderness, being no n's leg, The nuts grow in if the cocoa, but are in size no with the same sort of shell. glese expose them in the sun

Page 345
THE ISLAND
to dry, and then split the outs it from the nut. The leaves to six feet in length, and very cocoa, although of a more del at the root of the leaves, a spreads them like a thick coat resembles a tough leaf or rat natives to hold their victuals, that it retains water or arrack which it is generally employed. The nuts, from their genera trade among the natives. The rafters to houses, and makes ployed in pales to fence their g The plant from which the a vine, and is supported by poles placed for the purpose. is not unlike that of the ivy, As I have already mentioned i the natives always chew it alo contrive to render the mixture lime, tobacco, and the most p Ceylon, which has been so produces several sorts of pepp is produced on a shrub. T. pods which are at first green dried, become red; and fron

OF CEYLON. 323
ide husk, in order to separate of the betel-tree are from four
much resemble those of the icate texture. From the tree, ubstance grows up, and overThis extraordinary substance her a skin: it is used by the and is of so strong a texture like a bladder; a purpose for
l use, form a great article of
timber of the tree is used for .
excelent lath. It is also em
rounds. betel-leaf is procured resembles twining around other trees or The leaf in shape and colour but larger and rather thicker. in a former part of this work, Ing with the betel-nut, and also still hotter, by the addition of ungent spices.
long renowned for its spices, . er. The chilly or red pepper he fruit grows in small oblong l, but upon being pulled and n them the cayen- pepper is
T 2

Page 346
324, THE ISLAN
made. The troops on a marc to cut up some of these chi qualify the water with them b
The black pepper, though found in so great plenty ther forms an useful part of its around supporters like the vin in clusters like grapes. These gradually change to a dark b and dried become black. Th chine framed for the purpose together. The white pepper i black, and is rendered of th chinam applied to it before it black coat with which it is co Cardamoms grow in the sout ticularly in the neighbourhoo taste resemble our carraways, various dishes.
The coffee produced in Cey and in flavour resembles the has been raised in the plantat and presents a very beautiful
The palm or palmira tree much inferior to it in utility shorter than those of the fol in which form they are used

D OF CEYLON.
h have found it of great benefit lies in their green state, and efore drinking it.
not peculiar to Ceylon, nor
• as in the Molucca isles, still produce. The plant twines 2, and the pepper hangs from it clusters are at first green, but rown; and upon being pulled e husk is separated by a ma, with a wire bottom twisted is originally the same with the at colour by a preparation of is dried, which takes of the
vered. h-east part of the island, pard of Matura. The seeds in and are used for seasoning to
lon is of a very good quality, Moka coffee. The coffee-tree ions with the greatest success,
uppearance.
resembles the cocoa, but is The leaves are thicker and "mer, and fold up like a fan, by the natives to write on.

Page 347
THE ISLAND
A tough whitish skin, like th the body of the tree, and is to hold their liquor. The n and by incision the body of sant liquor, not so strong or The sugar-tree is a species parts of the island. It is a v its trunk a number of rings W It bears a flower distinguished On cutting off the flower, ar place from which it sprung, slight process of boiling and st as that extracted from the ca jaggery. The commercial ad the proper cultivation of thi upon; and experiments will n ascertain whether this tree mi; to the cane.
But it is not sugar alone t afford to the general use of plant has also been discove) this island. I have in my officer in the 80th regt. wherei the real tea-plant in the wo equal to any that ever grew i his power to point out to G tivating it in a proper manne
1

OF CEYLON. 325
at found on the betel, covers also employed by the natives ut contains a sort of milk ; the tree affords a very pleaintoxicating as toddy. of the palm found in several ery tall tree, and has around hich increase with its growth. by the variety of its colours. d making an incision in the a juice distils which by a raining yields as good a sugar ne, and far superior to the fantages to be derived from s plant need not be insisted O doubt speedily be made to ght not be made a substitute
hat Ceylon seems destined to ihe Western world; the teaed native in the forests of possession a letter from an ) he states that he had found ds of Ceylon, of a quality 1 China; and that it was in overnment the means of cul
The vast advantages to be

Page 348
326 THE ISLAND
derived from the cultivation dominions, ought at least to
experiment on the subject.
The most beautiful species lon produces is the tallipot-l in other parts of India an bestowed by Providence on th and straight: the wood is har is employed in carpenters' wo yellow flower, which, when ri and diffuses a disagreeable and this account that the natives w The fruit is of a round form, non-ball: it contains two nuts is from its leaves that the tali) These hang downwards from elegant and grand appearance. cular, terminating in the mo into plaits like a fan, which In size and thickness it co other leaves. The breadth o to four feet, and the length a it is large enough to cover ter the weather. It is made int serves equally to protect the rays of the sun, and the rair deluge their country. As it is 4

OF CEYLON.
of the tea-plant in our own prompt a speedy and vigorous
of the palm kind which Ceyree. This tree is very rare .d seems a peculiar blessing his island. It grows very tall l, and veined with yellow, and rk. The tallipot bears a large pe, bursts with a loud noise, unwholesome smell. It is on ill not place their huts near it. and about the size of a canof the same shape. But it pot derives its high estimation. the top, and present a most The leaf is completely cirst beautiful rays, it folds up in figure it nearly resembles. mpletely surpasses always all f the diameter is from three ind thickness is in proportion: men from the inclemency of D umbrellas of all sizes, and natives against the intolerable is which at particular seasons of such an impenetrable tex

Page 349
THE ISLAND
ture as to defy either the sur shelter even more secure than rains it is not unusual to see of a tallipot leaf with a stick then creep under it for prot scribed the manner in which t leaf for writing. *
The banyan tree, or, as it diam fig-tree, is a native of Co blossom, but grows to an in striking peculiarities in its ap great height in the air, and t wards. A vast number of root forth from the lower extrem they continue suspended like i themselves in the earth. Fr. spring up, which in their tu their branches into the grou formed from one original stock; branches and the numerous int. to have actually the appearanc The circumference of the grove frequently been known to extend It is no wonder that the adn noble tree should have pointed ration of the inhabitants of the the assistance of its impenetrab

OF CEYLON. 327
or the monsoon, it affords a heir huts. During the violent the natives prop up one end two or three feet long, and "ction. I have already dehe natives make use of this
is frequently called, the Inylon. It bears no fruit nor nmense size, and has some pearance. It first rises to a then drops its branches down-s are then observed to shoot ities of the branches, where cicles, till they at last fasten om these roots new shoots rn become trees, and strike ld. A whole grove is thus and the arches formed by the rwoven shoots, come in time of grottos and excavations. arising from one stock has to several hundred feet. irable shelter afforded by this it out to the particular venetorrid zone. Indeed without e shade, it is almost impos

Page 350
32.8 THE ISLAND
sible that the numerous cerem stition could have ibeen at all fore that we find the Brahmi religion continually celebrating usually erected in the neighbo as well as the choultries pre of the weary traveller. It take up his abode under this at his ease in the shade whil rays of the sun is scorched
The cotton-tree of Ceylon It is slender and straight, wi near the top. The cotton shape, about the size of a burst, and the cotton is then In this state they are gathere ber of seeds like black pepp from which they are separate of a cross, which the women their hands, and during this The cotton procured from th an oily substance, and is I goodness to that which grows ( India. It is, however, much and coarse cloth, fit for com] The wood is much employed
The tick-wood tree, which ma

OF CEYLON.
onies enjoined by their sùperperformed. It is here thereis and the devotees of their their rites. The pagodas are urhood of this friendly shade, pared for the accommodation is common for the Indian to tree, and to remain stretched e every thing exposed to the with the intolerable heat.
grows to a middling height. th the branches shooting out grows in pods of an oblong small pear. When ripe they seen projecting out of them. 2d. Within the pod a numer are mixed with the cotton, l by little sticks in the form turn round very quick with operation the seeds fall out, is tree is contaminated with lot by any means equal in on the shrub in other parts of ised for matrasses and pillows; mon purposes is made of it.
in making fences. y be the called oak of Ceylon,

Page 351
THE ISLAND
is found to be of great valu useful purposes. Owing to t which is uncommonly hard, intense heat of the sun with sist the attacks of ants and o' climates abound. On these used for tables, chairs, and ot ture, as well as for building exposed to the rays of the su: employed in the construction quite as durable and adapte made of oak.
Nando-wood is also used but it is not near so highly purpose as tick-wood.
Satin-uvood is very much em tables, chairs, and couches; has a very handsome appeara
The most beautiful wood ho is the calamander. The colo and brownish streaks, which, appear with uncommon beau much in household furniture though a considerable quantit factured, the beauty and eleg der the demand still greate very high-priced.
U

OF CEYLON. 329
, and is applied to the most he firm texture of this wood, it is able both to endure the out splitting, and also to reher vermine with which warm accounts tick-wood is much her pieces of household furnivessels, &c. which are much n. At Bombay it is frequently of ships; and these are found d for every service as those
in furniture of various sorts; esteemed for this or any other
ployed by the Dutch in their and when properly finished it
[)CᎾ. wever which the island affords ur is nearly black with white when it is highly polished, ty. The natives employ it and writing desks; but al7 of these articles are manugance of their appearance renr and they are consequently

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330 THE ISLAN
The manjapumeran is rema flourishing appearance during begin to droop as soon as til rizon, and do not again raise appearance it resembles the Indian poets, is the tree into tamorphosed on rejecting the e The morinda grows in all wood is useless, but the root
The sindric-mal is a plan supply the want of clocks; as ing open from four in the ev and remaining shut during th said to be customary for the gardens, and in cloudy weather cannot be seen, as well as wh not otherwise be discovered, i. want of a better time-piece.
The limes bear a small frui The manghas-tree produces than the mango, and remarkal which has given rise to the tı apple tasted by Eve, and th continued on it as a testim odium thrown upon it by t general belief that it is of a

OF CEYON.
kable for having a fresh and the night, while its boughs e sun appears above the hotheir heads till he has set. In olive; and, according to the which their Daphne was meinbraces of the Sun. he watry parts of India. The is employed to dye red.
employed by the natives to it has the quality of continu:ning till four in the morning e other twelve hours. It is Candians to plant it in their * when the height of the sunt en the approach of morn canE in some degree supplies the
t resembling lemons.
a fruit considerably smaller le for a hollow on one side, adition that this was the fatal at the mark of the bite has 2ny to all future ages. The ais tradition has occasioned a oisonous quality; but it is so

Page 353
THE ISLAN
no more than any other fruit, to excess.
The true ebony, so remark polish which it takes, is four island.
Gamboge, well known to yellow, is here procured from roundish ribbed fruit, of a ye extracted from the wood of t which soon becomes solid. It in painting, and acts very pow upwards and downwards.
Gam-Lac is found in great in abundance in different sandis dissolved in spirits of w lacquering.
The sugar-cane has been i. plantations of it are found in Some rum is made from it, chewing the pulp.
But the most remarkable is the nepenthes, known among Bandura. It is also called th auce. The leaves are narro a long tendril, which termin closed at the extremity. by a ing, aud in full vigour, see1

OF CEYLON. . 33
and is only fatal when eaten
ble for its weight, and the d in great abundance in this
painters as affording a rich a large tree which bears a llow colour. The gamboge is e tree, in the form of a juice is used in medicine as well as 'erfully on the intestines both
plenty om å plant which grows pits throughout the island. It line, and then employed in
ntroduced into the island, and the neighbourhood of Caltura. and the natives are fond of
plant which Ceylon produces the Cinglese by the name of e peeis plant from its appear, and from their ends issues tes in a long cylindrical tube, valve. This tube, while growas like a blown bladder, and
U 2

Page 354
332 THE ISLAND
contains within it about a Wi There is no appearance of any water; but the general way menon is, that it is formed b valve. Shortly after being p sure of the water inside, bur away; but as long as it is a mains round, distended, and small and black, not unlike th The flowers of Ceylon, th attended to by the natives, h. scent. I have already mention is worn by the ladies of Ce odour and the ornamental app flowers. The scent is too po highly esteemed among the nat The champaca produces floy colour, with which the native produce a fine contrast to its customed to strew it over thei As the chief food of the na principal labour consists in the chiefly in the level lands towar In the interior, little in prop woods and the steep nature c the rice from being properly vating it is as follows: around

OF CEYLON.
e glass of pure limpid water. passage for the entrance of this of accounting for the phenothe dew soaking through the lled, the head, from the prests, and the coat soon withers ble to retain the water, it ręn full vigour. The seeds are )se of the tulip. ough not numerous nor much ave a most rich and exquisite :d a species of jessamine, which ylon, both on account of its earance of its beautiful white verful for an European, but is ives. vers of a most elegant saffron women adorn their hair, and glossy jet. They are also ac
beds and furniture. ives consists of rice, so their cultivation of it. It is sown ls the southwest of the island. rtion is sown, owing to the the country, which prevent ooded. The manner of cultithe fields intended for the re

Page 355
THE ISLAND
ception of the rice small em height of about three feet, to then let in upon the grounds pletely inundates, them. As si to get dry, buffaloes are intro they are turned up with a sort already described in a form ground, thus prepared, looks and in this state it receives t been steeped in water mixed The soil is afterwards levelled, a lumps by a sort of harrow or a piece of board fixed to a pol
As the rice will not thrive pletely drenched, it is allways r banked and prepared by the season. They usually sow in , February; although when prop monsoons, they have often two
manner in which their lands are
to clear the whole fields at o manage it so that their whole the same time. In bringing th dexterous ; and though they 1 which naturally ripen at diffe ner of sowing and the quanti duce, they contrive to i make th

OF CEYLON. . 333
bankments are raised to the retain the water, which being evelled on purpose, soon comDon as the fields begin again duced to tread them over, or of light plough, which I have er part of this work. The like one large tract of mud; he rice which has previously with the lime of burnt shells. und prevented from caking into rake, which consists simply of e, and drawn edgewise along. without the ground being comnecessary to have the fields emcommencement of the rainy July and August, and reap in per advantage is taken of the ) crops a year. As from the 2 held, it is necessary for them nce, they are very careful to crop of rice may be ripe as is about, they are particularly may have several kinds sown, ent periods, yet by the manity of water which they introe whole crop advance equally

Page 356
さ4 THE ISLAND
When the rice is pretty well g ments are laid open, and fu drawn to carry off the water. rity, instead of reaping it acco they pull it up by the roots, The rice is trodden by oxen and is afterwards beaten to tak
Where the rice fields lie ona labour are employed to mak this purpose they are laid out other, and each secured by a remind one of a flight of stair flooded, and the water overflow to those below. Where the over them, or cannot afterwa usual to employ scoops for t ments consist of mud-walls, great neatness, and serving for ployed in the culture of the obliged to wade knee-deep in
The flooding of the rice-fiel the alligator, who frequently c. and conceal himself among til are on this account often ve with great eare before they water.
Besides this superior spec

OF CEYLON.
rown up, the different embankrrows at the same time are When it is arrived at maturding to the European custom, and then lay it out to dry. to separate it from the straw, e of the husk. a declivity, very great art and e them retain the water. For in narrow slips one over the separate embankment, so as to s. The higher parts are first iing them proceeds successively water is not easily dispersed irds be readily removed, it is hese purposes. The embankthree feet high, formed with foot paths to the people emrice, who would otherwise be mud and water. ds attracts a terrible enemy in ontrives to steal in umperceived, he embankments. The natives ry much alarmed, and search venture among the mud and
tes of rice, there are several

Page 357
THE ISLAND
other inferior kinds, as well as natives frequently sow on ac water. What is commonly c. grain. Corocan is a small seed beat in a mortar, and make
prolific grain, and hardly req quires first to be parched by
mortar, in order to be unhuskec more than rice; and though
accounted sufficiently wholesom

OF CEYLON, 335.
other sorts of grain, which the count of their requiring less alled paddy is a very inferior
like our mustard, which they into cakes. Tanna is a very uires any cultivation. It rethe fire, and then beaten in a l. When boiled, it swells even rather dry and insipid, it is
XA خه ی

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336 THE ISLAND
CHAPTE
Cinnamon, the staple
I Shall conclude my account of Ceylon with the most valu the whole, the Cinnamon. T Columbo enabled me to obse whole process of procuring and and the importance of the su much pains to acquire a comp and the improvements of whi is capable. The subject has in to before: Dr. Thunberg in ance with botany, and his be cinnamon, has been able to g tion concerning it; and in or complete as possible, I shall occasionally of his assistance.
The principal woods, or gar the Cinnamon is procured, Columbo. They reach to wit and fill the whole surrounding near the town is so extensive a
from ten to fifteen miles in
from the north-east to the sc

OF CEYLON.
ER XV.
commodity of Ceylon,
of the vegetable productions able and important article of he length of my residence at 'rve with my own eyes the preparing it for exportation; bject induced me to employ lete knowledge of its growth, 2h this branch of commerce deed been frequently attended particular from his acquainting employed in proving the ive the public much informader to render this account as
not scruple to avail myself
dens, as we call them, where lie in the neighbourhood of hin half a mille of the fort,
prospect. The grand garden s to occupy a tract of country length, and stretching along uth of the district. Nature

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THE ISLAND
has here concentrated both the island. Nothing can be than the prospect which stre low cinnamon trees which co to reach the groves of ever clumps, and bounded every cocoa-nut and other large tr with small lakes and green m rice and pasture fields. In on mon trees appear completely t in another, the openings made just serve to shew that the penetrated. One large road, gate of the fort, and returr makes a winding circuit of s It is here that the officers at garrison of Columbo take th one of the finest scenes in n The soil best adapted for th loose white sand. Such is the around Columbo, as well as il and Caltura, where this spice quality. What is gathered at differs very little from this, es sea, which are most favourabl The quantity found in the ot
trifling, as hardly, to deserve 1 Χ

OF CEYLON. 33
the beauty and the riches of more delightful to the eye etches around Columbo. The ver the plain allow the view greens, interspersed with tall where with extensive ranges of ees. The whole is diversified arshes, skirted all around with 2 part the inter-twining cinnao clothe the face of the plain; : by the intersecting footpaths thick underwood has been which goes out at the west is by the gate on the south, even miles among the woods. ld gentlemen belonging to the Leir morning ride, and enjoy ature. he growth of the cinnamon is a soil of the cinnamon gardens a many parts around Nigumbo is found of the same superior : Matura and Point de Galle pecially in those parts near the 2 to the growth of cinnamon. her parts of the island is so notice. Of late years, little is
X

Page 360
338 THE ISLAND
procured from the interior; a coarser and thicker in the appe gent taste. The interior is not producing this plant; and the Dutch, as we have already me King of Candy to such desperat himself against their future atta dominions which could excite t view he has, since the last til with them, employed every : and propagation of the cinnam As this spice constitutes t pains are taken to ascertain its choicest kinds. The prime sc the gardens around Columbo, cinnamomum. This is a tree of feet in height: the trunk is slo shrubs, a number of branches a every side. The wood is soft, ance much resembling that of is chiefly fit for fuel, to which us is, however, sometimes sawed i into caddies and other pieces o not secure it from the attacks ( of roots and fibres run out fr shooting up into slender twigs,
The leaf a good deal resemb

OF CEYLON.
ld what is brought thence is arance, and of a hot and punso well adapted by nature for exactions and avarice of the ntioned, at length reduced the ion, that he resolved to secure cks, by leaving nothing in his heir covetousness. With this reaty he was forced to make means to prevent the growth On tree. lhe wealth of Ceylon, great quality, and to propagate the »rt, and that which grows in is procured from the laurus a small size, from four to ten .nder, and like several of our nd twigs shoot out from it oun light, and porous, in appearur osier; and when barked it e it is commonly converted. It into planks, and manufactured f furniture; but its scent does of the worms. A vast number m the root - of the tree, and form a bush around it.
es that of the laurel in shape,
4

Page 361
THE ISLAN
but it is not of so deep a ning - lengthwise, but no cross other leaves. At its first ap) red; but after some time it When chewed, it has the hot The blossom is white, and cover the woods. It is proba which an object of this colo been led to affirma that the ciu off the island. This assertion even in passing through the any scent from the tree, exce leaves or branches. The flowc leaves or a bit of twig.
The cinnamon tree produces acorn, but not so large, which autumn, and is gathered by th tracting oil from it. The proc fruit, boil it, and skim of the and body on great occasions, an When mixed with cocoa-nut light. The Kings of Candy us unerly commanded their subj quantity as a yearly tribute. to these princes, they always of audience. .
When the tree gets old ar
X X

OF CEYLON. 339
reen. It has three fibres runor intersecting fibres, like most earance the leaf is of a scarlet changes gradually to a green. taste and smell of cloves.
when in full blow seems to dly from the great distance at ir is seen, that voyagers have namon may be smelt far at sea is, in fact, a mere fiction, as woods I never could perceive pt by pulling off some of the ær has even less scent than the
a species of fruit resembling an gets ripe about the latter end of 2 natives for the purpose of exess they employ is to bruise the oil : this they use for their hair l also for burning in their lamps. oil, it gives extremely good e it for this purpose, and forcts to bring them a certain When any ambassadors are sent burn this oil during the time
l decayed, and most of the 2,

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340 THE ISLAND
branches fit for barking have tomary to set fire to it, and bl roots are seen to shoot up again better formed than the precedi the highly-esteemed cinnamo fresh are of a lively green, rese time the bark becomes shrivel the appearance of hazle-sticks the taste and smell of cinnamo is extremely valuable, and the young for sticks has been four rious, that it has been totall came into our possession.
There are several different
the island; at least, trees w them. Four sorts however ar. are species of the plant I ha the laurus cinnamomum. Cir natives by the name of cu, epithets joined to this appella distinguished. The rasse cur distinguished by its large, bro counted to have the finest f Snake cinnamon, has also larg inferior in quality to the for camphor cinnamon is an in camphor by distillation; or

OF CEYLON.
been stript off, it is cusrn it down to the ground; the in long straight plants, much ng ones. From these are cut n walking-sticks, which when ‘mbling holly, but after some ed, and they have very much ... They still, however, retain n. The bark of these shoots practice of cutting them when ld to prove so materially injuy prohibited since the island
species of cinnamon trees on hich in appearance resemble e alone barked, and all these ave all along been describing, inamon is known among the rundu, and it is by various tion that the several kinds are undu, or honey-cinnamon, is bad, thick leaves, and is aclavour. The mai curumdu, or . e leaves, and is not greatly mer. The capuru curundu, or ferior species: its root yields if an incision be made in it,

Page 363
THE ISLAND
a gummy substance contain from the wound. The cab species of cinnamon, harsh to leaves than the former sort species of cinnamon-tree whi good quality, or indeed whic ed by the servants of go other varieties which are easi curundu has its bark of a so compact nor so firm as those bending without breaking; wl mucus in the mouth. The mon, receives its name from rolling itself together, but rem is distinguished by its long ni only species which even from being confounded with the pri Till this island was possess grew entirely in the wild sta Europeans as well as natives th was to be found in perfection, it never failed to degenerate. the wild state is attributed to t ries, but the kernels not dis thrown out, and thus disperse birds chance to fly. During t however, experience has shewn
2

F CEYLON. 34搬
ng camphor distills of itself tte curundu is an astringent he taste, with rather smaller, These four are the only h produces this spice of a are ever allowed to be barkfernment. There are some y distinguishable. The saevel it, fibrous texture, neither so already mentioned, but easily len chewed it leaves a slimy lawul curundu, or flat cinnathe bark, on being dried, not laining flat. The nica curundu arrow leaves. These are the appearance run any risk of oper cinnamon. ed by the Dutch, cinnamon te; it was even believed by at it was in this state alone it and that upon being planted The propagation of the tree in he birds, who swallow the berolving in their stomachs are | up and down wherever the le course of the last century, that the cultivated cinnamon

Page 364
342 THE ISLAND
is every way equal to the wild first attempted to rear cinnam Pass near Columbo; and soon of several thousands, which quality. After this lhe emplo) the cinnamon gardens around more into regular form. The his memory highly esteemed; the island as one who preferre private interest, the only chara ny. His successors, however, cutting and collecting the cinn care, and they were at little tr. crease or continue the supply. found by us in a neglected were fortunate enough, on taki there a vast quantity of cinna an opportunity to send off to tion is now paid to the ci North. Since his arrival, the and enclosed with a broad caused a new road to be mac direction from the circular one equally excellent and pleasant The plantations, besides y quality with that found in more commodious, from the

OF CEYLON. .
The Dutch Governor, Falk, n-trees by art in his garden at raised in that spot a plantation yielded cinnamon of the first ed the same means to extend Columbo, and reduce them e useful labours have rendered and he is still remembered on the public benefit to his own cter fitto preside over a colo did not follow his example; amon seemed to be their only ouble and expence either to inThe woods were, therefore, und exhausted state; but we ng Columbo, to find stored up mon which they had not had Europe. The strictest attenmamon gardens by Governor r have been much improved, embankment. He has also e through them in a different I have already described, but
elding cinnamon of an equal he wild state, are infinitely trees being regularly placed

Page 365
THE ISLAND
in rows, instead of the peop obliged to creep through int search of it.
There are two different se barked. The greater quantity called the grand harvest, whic The little harvest continues f from November to January. . means restricted to these partio bark brought in every month
Each particular district wh bound to furnish yearly a cert: portioned to the number of which it contains. The Cingle have each a piece of land all are also exempted from other joy other privileges in proporti deliver.
Those who are employed t schjalias by the Dutch, and b placed officers of a superior superintend the workmen, to and to prevent cattle and imp there. Besides these, there is cast, called cinnamon moodeli judge and punish all small of different districts and villages v

OF CEYLON. 343
e employed in barking being ricate and pathless Woods in
asons in which cinnamon is is prepared during what is lasts from April to August. r little more than a month, The barking is, however, by no ular seasons; I have observed of the year. ere the cinnamon grows is ain quantity of cinnamon prothe villages and inhabitants se, in return for this service, otted them rent free. They government services, and en
on to the quantity which they
o bark the trees are called
us choliahs. Over them are class, whose business it is to
take charge of the woods, roper persons from trespassing a set of officers of a higher ers, whose business it is to fences, and to superintend the where the choliahs reside. Over

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344 THE ISLAND
the whole a head officer is Portugese name of Captain C Cinnamon. IIe is styled by th or Chief of Cinnamon. The cl reports concerning the woods, general, from the inferior office Captain, who is accountable onl Under the government of th very extensive privileges, and to their own Moodeliers. Fro selves entitled to resist the auth In the district of Caltura, w commanded, they absolutely ref thority, and a party of them river, almost under the Comma their disrespect by maltreating over, and throwing several hea the river, to the imminent dar donald having investigated th offenders to be tied up and flog in such cases. At the same ti done to Governor North, and re there was of punishing such con choliahs on their part complai encroachment on their privilege amenable only to their own chie. was well convinced that the a

OF CEYLON.
laced, usually known by the 'nnstille, which means Captain : natives Corundu Mahabadda, ief Moodelier receives all the and the cinnamon affairs in 's, and transmits them to the
to the Governor. : Dutch the choliahs enjoyed were accounted amenable only n hence they thought themority of our military officers. there Lieutenant Macdonald used to acknowledge his auone day crossing the Caltura ndants windows, they shewed the natives who ferried them dlong out of the boats into ger of their lives. Mr. Maca circumstance, ordered the ged, the ordinary punishment me he reported what he had presented to him the necessity tempt of subordination. The ved to the Governor of this , and insisted that they were S. Governor North, however, dmission of this plea would

Page 367
THE ISLAND
only pave the way to greater possible to suffer an independe heart of his government. He to what Mr. Macdonald had
the choliahs must now conside same jurisdiction with the rest The process of preparing thi condueted as follows. It is th find out a tree of the best qua practice easily enables them to marks. Such branches as are proper for the purpose are t crooked pruning knife. Fron thin coat of the bark is scrapes shape, concave on the one sic With the point of this knife til and the convex side is then el
it from the branch till it cảm state the bark appears in the fo the smaller of which are inser spread out to dry. The heat up the moisture makes the tu they at last attain the form in When sufficiently dry the bark thirty pounds weight each, ar. split bambOe twigs. These bu liahs to the cinnamon gordouins Y

OF CEYLON. 345
excesses, and that it was imnt jurisdiction to exist in the therefore gave his approbation done; and from this decision, r themselves as subject to the
of the natives. e cinnamon for exportation is e first care of the choliahs to ality. This their sagacity and do from the leaves and other three years old, and appear hen lopped off with a large n these branches the outside l off with a knife of a peculiar le and convex on the other. he bark is ripped up longwise, mployed in gradually loosening be taken off entire. In this brm of tubes open at one side; ted into the larger, and thus of the sun by quickly drying bes contract still closer, till which we see them in Europe. is made into bundles of about d bound up with pieces of indles are carried by the choor store-houses belonging to
Y

Page 368
3A 6 THE ISLAND
the company. As they art marked and weight , and pl ticular district or village to belong; each heap being ke expected from the district b cesses required in cutting ai parcelled out among several employed only to perform t by this subdivision of labou easier to them, and much ployers.
The next step after the cini company's store-houses, is t task is imposed upon the co disagreeable one it proves to a few sticks out of each b cessively, as the taste is the taining the quality. The ci this operation, excoriates the mouth, and causes such an impossible for them to contil three days successively. The in their turns to resume it, goodness of the cinnamon: mitigate the pain by eating between whiles.
The best cinnamon is rathe

OF CEYLON.
brought in, each bundle is aced in the heap of the parwhich those who brought it pt separate till the quantity e made up. The several prold barking the cinnamon are
classes of choliahs who are heir own particular branches; r, the service becomes much more profitable to their em
amon has been carried into the O examine its quality. This mpany's surgeons, and a very be. It is performed by taking undle, and chewing them suconly sure method of ascernnamon, by the repetition of
tongue and the inside of the
intolerable pain as renders it nue the process above two or
surgeons are however obliged as they are responsible for the it is customary for them to a piece of bread and butter
' pliable, and ought not much

Page 369
THE ISLAND
to exceed stout Writing pa light yellowish colour; it p hot as to occasion pain, and in The inferior kind is disting darker and brownish colour, and succeeded by a disagreea After the quality of the means ascertained, it is mad about four feet long, and : weight of each bundle is at five pounds, although it is eighty pounds; five pounds drying during the voyage. and packed up in coarse cli from the cocoa-tree; and a ships which touch at Ceylon the bales, black pepper is s fill up all the interstices, a the cinnamon preserved, but pepper, being of a hot and the moisture of the cinnam does not prod(ice within itself for this purpose, the ships namon to Europe, bring quantity from the other p. from the Malabar coast.
After that part of the ci

OF CEYLON. 347
er in thickness. It is of a
ossesses a SWeet taste, not so ot succeeded by any after-taste. uished by being thicker, of a not and pungent when chewed, ble bitter after-taste.
cinnamon has been by this e up into large bundles, each all of the same weight. The the time of packing up eightymarked and reckoned for only being allowed for the loss by The bundles are firmly bound oths made of strong hemp or re then carried on board the for that purpose. In stowing prinkled among them so as to ind by this means not only is both spices improved; as the l dry quality attracts to itself on. As the island of Ceylon. a sufficient quantity of pepper which come to carry the cinalong with them a sufficient arts of India, and particularly
mamon which is fit for expor
Y 2

Page 370
348 THE ISLAND
tation has been sent off to this valuable spice is capable The fragments and small piec off in packing up the bales ar tubs, about a hundred weight water as is sufficient to cover is left for six or seven days poured by little and little into slow fire is applied. The we aqua cinnamoni, is received in struction; it is nearly of the floats at the top of the gla slowly and cautiously conduc distilled off in twenty-four ho were members of the council Dutch,) are appointed to supe cess; and one of them is alw'; prevent the apothecary, who embezzling any of the oil. A in the recipient, the oil is ca eye of the commissaries, and are sealed with the governme governor, by whom they are pl same manner. The reason of great scarcity and value of this company's laboratory at Colum less than can be procured from

OF CEYLON.
Europe, the very refuse of of being converted to use. es which happen to be broken a collected, and put into large into each, with just as much them completely. This mass o macerate, and is afterwards a copper alembic, to which a ter which comes over, called glass vessels of a peculiar concolour of milk, and the oil ss recipient. The process is ted; one tub being usually urs. Two commissaries, (who of justice in the time of the erintend the whole of this proays required to be present to onducts the distillation, from After remaining for some time refully skimmed off under the put into large bottles, which nt seal, and brought to the aced in a ehest secured in the all these precautions is the oil. It is only made at the bo; and the quantity is much an equal weight of any other

Page 371
THE ISLAND
spice. The jealousy of the quantity procured from the ht accurately ascertained. The three-fourths of a Dutch duca been to be procured at any p it set up for sale among the vernor Van Anglebeck; but th wards of ten pounds sterling coming the purchaser. Cinnar lent remedy for spasms in the the finer sorts of cinnamon i while that from the coarser bar The process for obtaining have at present described is th by the Dutch. The manufact since the island came into our never be resumed with much a able extent. The small quantit mon yields, however valuable, what the cinnamon itself brings and the oil from the coarse quality.
After this description of c employed in bringing it to m portant to enquire how this v may be improved or extended seems to have been confined

OF CEYLON. 349
Dutch has prevented the exact Indred weight from being ever Lusual price on the spot was t; but of late years little has rice. I saw a pint bottle of :ffects of the late Dutch Goe upset price, which was updeterred any one from benon-oil is esteemed an excelstomach. That extracted from s of a beautiful gold colour, k is darker and brownish. the oil of cinnamom which II at which was put in practice ture has not been earried on possession, and indeed it can dvantage, or to any considery of oil which the finer cinnaloes not fetch a price equal to on being exported to Europe; kinds is of a very inferior
innamon, and the processes arket, it may not be unimaluable branch of commerce The growth of cinnamon by nature to the island of

Page 372
35Ꮎ THE ISLAND
Ceylon; for at Malabar, Ba indeed every other place to y it has uniformly degenerated. in perfection only on the sout parts, and about the harbour reared; and therefore it mu coast which the want of harb for exportation. The seaso. prepared however suits with touch at Columbo, sufficient disadvantage arising from this accession which the cinnamo the introduction of an improv plant. Of late years the re. tended with every success, and a flourishing state, under the North. Two principal advant improved system of planting. mon seeds and plants of the fi which are at present unpro kinds, may be made to proc system of plantation were onc mon grounds might be divic divisions, one of which shot By this means a successive quantity to be procured exa great waste saved. Improven
6

OF CEYLON,
tavia, the isle of France, and Y hich it las been transplanted, Even in Ceylon it is found h-west coast. In the northern of Trincomalee, it cannot be st always be sought On that purs renders most inconvenient
at which the cinnamon is the time at which the ships ly well to prevent any great s circumstance. The principal in-trade can receive, is from ved method of cultivating the aring it by art has been atthe plantations are already in active management of Governor ages may be derived from an By carefully selecting cinnarst quality, the whole grounds, fitably occupied with coarser luce the finer species. If the e fully established, the cinnaed into three or four great lid be cut down each year. crop might be obtained, the ctly calculated upon, and a ents might certainly be also

Page 373
THE ISLAND
introduced into the method cinnamon; the present system of those employed very unp number.
These few hints I suggest w judgment of a more skilful per I succeed in turning the atten of national advantage, and in improvement,

OF CEYLON. 35
of barking and collecting the is very rude, and the labour roductive compared to their
tlh diffidence, and leave to the ions. My object is gained if tion of the public to a concern shewing that it is capable of

Page 374
852 THE ISLAND
CHAPT)
Minerals
HE minerals of Ceylon areיT" long been particularly famous f we find not less than about enabled to procure specimens home with me to Europe, bO state.
The ruby, the topaz, and th tura, are not by any 6S SO or the Brazils. The saphire, tourmalin, are on the contrary country.
The diamond of Ceylon is s but generally appears of a mi effect of rendering it somewhat and buttons, in which I have a very expensive. As it is found by any means high-priced here I The ruby is esteemed accordi ness of its red, and its freedol are seldom found of any consi most frequently are no larger th The amethysts are merely piece

OF CEYLON.
ER XVI.
of Ceylon.
numerous, and the island has or its precious stones, of which twenty different sorts. I was of them all, which I brought th in a rough and polished
e diamond o Ceylon or Mavaluable as those of Golconda amethyst, aqua marine, and equal to those of any other
eldom completely transparent, lky colour. Burning has the t purer. It is cut for rings lready said the Ceylonese are in great abundance, it is not
ng to its clearness, the deepm from flaws. These stones derable size in Ceylon; and an grains of barley.
es of mountain crystal, tinged

Page 375
THE ISLAND C
with a violet colour. They s walnut, but most commonly a value depends upon their size colour. It is often diminishe spots or streaks of different ti Cording to their sizes, into but Stones, known by the name of any electrical qualities, are f The red tourmalin appears tran up against the light; it then blue tourmalin is simply a sli green tourmalin, or chrysoprase, grass colour, and much ester tourmalin generally resembles an found of a deeper colour. It but looks very beautiful when se The topax is chiefly found ir shades of colour vary considerab The blue saphire and the gree tons and rings. They vary frol hues ; and the blue saphire i colour.
White crystal is found in all crystals, only differing in colour whole are used for buttons and The black crystal is a spec
Z z

F CEYLON. 353
eldom exceed the size of a re found very small. Their , and the deepness of their l by partial colouring, and nges. They are formed, acons of various descriptions. of tourmalins, though destitute Ound here, of various colours. sparent only when it is held resents a pale red hue. The ghtly coloured quartz. The is of a beautiful transparent 2med. The yellow or topax nber, although it is sometimes is seldom larger than a pea, at in rings.
yellowish splinters, and the »ly. in saphire are made into butm the palest to the deepest is frequently unequal in its
undance. Yellow and broun
, are also met with ; and the
other ornaments.
ies of shirl. It presents a

Page 376
354 THE ISLAN
shining surface, but is not tran be of any great value.
The cat's eye is a species C from a white sparkling ray in the eye whichever way you t esteemed by the natives of In size of a nut will fetch sixty rarity and curiosity of the cat price. It is much worn in ring Cornelians, and other stone found in Ceylon in great plein merly an article of revenue, contracted for a particular rang however, has for some years stones found in the King of C. to those of the lower parts found it the easiest method ( from him a certain quantity a Prince was obliged to comply perious neighbours, and send stones every year. Of late, h servitude; and to tempt the as possible, he has prohibited in his dominions. He does 1 any account, to barter precio carry any above a certain va

OF CEYLON.
sparent. It is too common to
f opal, and receives its name the centre, which still meets urn it. This stone is much dia, and a perfect one of the rix-dollars and upwards. The 's-eye is the cause of its high s by the Indians. s of the same description, are ty. Precious stones were forand collected by farmers, who e with government. This plaia, back been given up, as the andy's dominions were superior of the island, and the Dutch of procuring them to demand tribute. For some time that with the mandates of his imthem a certain proportion of owever, he has shaken of this avarice of Europeans as little any more from being collected not now allow his subjects, on is stones with Europeans, or to ue out of his territories, under

Page 377
THE ISLAND
pain of death. It is even dan any above a certain value in decree they all belong to the tioned the hardships to which by this arbitrary decree, and privately give or throw.valuab risque of being obliged to c wait, half-starved, at the palac to receive them.
The precious stones are gel hills and rocks, and along the are frequently picked up. By vacca, and divides the King's particularly found. The viole in the higher parts of the isl from the hills; and when the ri clear and low, they are found nels which are then left dry. ) whom we usually call stone-me river for this purpose, and ofter Those black merchants swar Columbo. They are a mixtu nations of India; few of then the island. They are constanti about their stones, and besiegi pean Officers and other gentlem
to be their most liberal custom(
Z Z 2

OF CEYLON. 355
gerous for a Candian to retain his possession, as by a royal King. I have already menthe poor natives are exposed
that they will often rather le stones away, than run the arry them Zup to Candy, and e gate, till his Majesty deigns
herally sought for among the banks of rivers, where they the river which passes Sitticountry from ours, they are nt rains which frequently fall and wash down these stones vers begin to subside, and get among the sands of the chan( have seen the black fellows, rchants, tracking the bed of a 1 with great success. Inn in great numbers about e of the different casts and n are Cinglese or natives of y seen in numbers hawking ng the doors of the Eurohen, whom they always find rs. They present the stones

Page 378
356 THE ISLAND
for sale in all different states, but most usually they have shapes, in breast pins, crosses same description. At particu Europeans are obliged to be troublesome fellows, who are
and infest the houses with th of their wares, and carrying comes in their way.
These fellows are often at times a very valuable stone trifle. But a person requires ing with them, as they are a pieces of glass or inferior sto similate to the more valuab that it requires considerable from the other.
The black merchants ofter many dangers in procuring t for them under various prete territories, and carry them at the risk of their lives.
With regard to the pearls, article of revenue and traffi given so full an account of of the coast where they are to add any thing here. As

OF CEYLON.
both polished and unpolished; them set in rings of various , and other ornaments of the lar seasons of the year, the on their guard against these almost all perfect vagabonds, e double purpose of disposing off any loose article that
a loss for purchasers, and at may be got from them for a to be very cautious in dealpt to impose upon him with ones, which they cut and asle ones with such dexterity, skill to distinguish the one
encounter much labour and
the stones. It is not unusual nces to go into the Candian of privately from the natives
which form so considerable an
c in Ceylon, I have already
them in describing that part
found, that it is unnecessary
they are whiter than those of
4

Page 379
THE ISLAND
the Gulph of Ormus and the not so highly esteemed by the tial to those of a yellowish ol Lead, tin, and iron ores but they are never wrought
pose.
There were several mines the Dutch in Ceylon. In 17 out one at Cotta, about six quantity we procured from it but it afforded a most useful garrison, as at that particular ti and mercury was the princip liver complaints. ܗܝ
Although some quicksilver mine, yet the labour and expe owing to the want of exper that it was judged proper to before I left the island. I ha the undertaking has been resu
Ore. SlcCeSS.
In this article of quicksilv stance of the secrecy with wh their transactions in this isla covery of the mine at Cot mineral had ever been fount Dutch inhabitants ever hint

OF CEYLON. 357
: coasts of Arabia, they are natives, who are more par
golden cast. are found in the interior, or applied to any pur
of quicksilver wrought by 97, Colonel Bobertson found miles from Columbo. The did not exceed six pounds, and seasonable supply to the me all we had was exhausted, al remedy resorted to in all
was still procured from this nce attending it was so great, ienced and skilful workmen, give up working it altogether ave since been informed that imed at the same place with
r we had a remarkable inich the Dutch carried on all nd; for previous to the dis- - a, we never knew that this here, nor did any of the the circumstance to us, al

Page 380
358 THE ISLAND)
though they had at different ti They indeed observed the sa stance, and never gave us any was in their power to withhold.
I may here introduce an ac of peculiar qualities, which a six miles from the fort of Candy. The waters were ana 80th regiment, with some othe to the garrison. The result of which I was favoured, is as fo
The hot-wells of Cannia are degrees of heat. They all, ho for the water in all of them the surface of the ground; and them raises the height of the w As the water also from all t phaenomena, there can be littl from the same spring.
Upon examining the heat of attention, it was found they v of Farenheit's thermometer, in different depths.
Bubbles of air are seen to the wells, and it was therefo might be acidulous, and impreg
It was found, however, that

OF CEYLON.
mes extracted large quantities. me policy in every other inpiece of information which it
:ount of some springs possessed re situated at Cannia, about Trincomalee, on the road to lysed by Dr. Christie of the r medical gentlemen belonging this analysis, with a copy of llows. six in number, and of different owever, evidently communicate, is at an equal distance from l a body immersed in one of rater in the other. he six wells exhibits the same e doubt that they all proceed
the different wells with great aried from 98 to 106 degrees early in proportion to their
rise from the bottom of all re conceived that the water gnated with carbonic acid gas. the water did not sparkle in a

Page 381
THE ISLAND
glass more than common wate vegetable colour red; and upon the water, and tying an empty it, it was found, after shaking disengaged.
It would therefore appear t nated with any air; but that mon air disengaged from the w; however, might be collected quality may be easily ascertaine The water has nothing pec taste. It is not crude or hard and perfectly. -
It contains no sulphureous pri silver, when immersed in it,
colour.
It contains no acid nor alk: upon mixing a delicate vegeta to a green or red colour was
The water does not contain
kaline matter combined with v a solution of mercury in nitrou deposited. Nor does it contai bination with marine acid, no upon mixing mineral and vola precipitate was formed.
On mixture with a decoction
6

OF CEYLON, 35g
I, nor did it turn a delicate filling a large case bottle with wet bladder to the mouth of a long time, that no air was
hat the water is not impregthe bubbles are merely comater by the heat. As the air, with a proper apparatus, its d.
uliar in its colour, smell, or , for it dissolves soap readily
inciple; for a piece of polished contracted no rust nor dark
ali in a disengaged state; for ble colour with it, no change perceptible.
any selenite, or earthy or alitriolic acid; for upon adding ls acid to it, no sediment was h any earthy matter in coln}r any copper, nor zinc, for tile ai kalis with the Water, no
of galls, the water acquired

Page 382
360 THE ISLAND (
a blackish tinge, which shew's with iron.
On mixture with a soluti some precipitate of luna corne duced. This shews it to con
sea salt; but not more than Comalee, on whicl the solu effect, with this difference, t water of the hot wells was impregnation of iron,
These experiments were m from those of the highest and the 4th of July 1798, wher was at 91 degrees. They water after it was brought to result.
From hence it would appear possess few mineral qualities, heat, which is of a tempera bathing.
For many complaints, drin mended, and for this purpos hot spring is always preferabl because it is always of a fixe

OF CEYLON.
it to be slightly impregnated
on of silver in nitrous acid, 2a, muriat of silver, was protain a very small portion of the common Waters of Trin
tion of silver had the same hat the precipitate from the
blackest, probably from the
ade at the wells, with water of the lowest temperature, on the heat of the atmosphere were also repeated upon the Trincomalee, with the same
, that the hot wells of Cannia or any virtues besides their ture not unfavourable for hot
king of hot water is recom
e as well as for bathing, a . le to water heated artificially,
d degree of temperature.

Page 383
THE ISLAND
CHIAPT
General Observations-Present ments-Revenue-Civil and tages.
I HAVE now laid before n notice which fell under my ol in Ceylon; and if my rese to some too limited, it will, same time that all my ot considered as subordinate to conclude my account with a the state and value of this r
COWI. A
The cultivation of Ceylon, mer part of this work, was government of the Dutch. our taking possession of it, affairs in the mother country, from being seat from thence, paid to the management of dist excuse for this meglect. But the Dutch republic was in it. the little progress made in til proof | that the system pursue
d
t

OF CEYLON. 36.
ER XVIII.
state of the Island-Improvemilitary establishments-Advan
ly readers every thing worth servation during my residence Irches on some topics appear I hope, be recollected at the her pursuits were of course my military duties. I shall
few general observations on lew acquisition to the British
as E have observed in a forextremely neglected under the For some years previous to the unfortunate situation of
as it precluded any supplies or indeed any attention being ant colonies, may serve as some ven before this period, when
highest degree of prosperity, e cultivation of Ceylon is a with regard to it was funA.

Page 384
362. THE ISLAND (
damentally wrong. In the co cinnamon, the staple produce tention seemed to be absorbed overlooked. The impolicy of perceived from a few observati The soil of Ceylon, particul on the sea-coast, is well ada only of all those articles whicl climates, but of many which a Even the sands and brittle cl up and down in different part: dantly, and are equal in fertilit to be attributed to the uniform lon, and the frequent rains whi with moisture; while on the is often destroyed by the exc parching winds to which it is the year.
So little advantage, however temperature and soil, that Cey sufficient quantity of rice and tion, although these and othe proper attention be raised her Bengal or Surat. The inatter ture was partly owing to the ductions with which nature su either of clothes or food in th

F CEYLON.
lecting and cultivation of the of the island, their whole atand all other advantages were such a system will easily be )IS.
rly in those parts bordering pted for the production, not are common to the tropical e properly natives of Europe. y which are found scattered of the island, produce abuny to the richest earth. This is and mild temperature of Ceyzh supply its fields abundantly continent of India vegetation essive droughts and the hot subject at different seasons of
, was taken of this excellent ton has never yet produced a
wheat for its own consumpkinds of grain could with to as great advantage as at tion of the natives to agriculabundance of spontaneous proplied them, and the few wants is warm climate; their cocoa

Page 385
THE ISLAN
trees and jack-fruit being alm all their purposes. The Dutc policy and by holding out pro in a great measure overcome from these causes, and might appreciate the comforts and er and affluence.
These measures, however, or culpably neglected by the happy to add, that there is e speedily carried into execution countrymen. Within the las increase of tillage, and much of rice and paddy have taken west parts of the island, in ments held out by governmen rived from a perseverance i The money which is every y purchase grain being retained ficient quantity of that com itself for its own consumption crease of its wealth, and co. The excitement of a spirit might also be productive of would be difficult to estimate. to cultivate their lands, and 3

of CEYLON. ვ6ვ
ost of themselves sufficient for b, however, by a well-directed per encouragement, might have the indolence naturally arising have taught them to know and joyments arising from industry
vere either entirely overlooked
Dutch governors. But I am very appearance of their being l, with the best effects, by our t two or three years a great improvement in the cultivation place in the south and southconsequence of the encourageit. The advantages to be den this policy are incalculable. ear sent out of the island to in it, in consequence of a suf, modity being produced within l, would tend to the rapid innsequently of its improvement. of industry among the natives advantages which at present it
If they could first be engaged l to taste the comforts arising
А 2

Page 386
364 TE ISLAND
from industry and property, speedily lead them to manufac Another immediate consequi vation would be the ameliora ing the country of those t serve to form and perpetuate have often proved fatal to aatives of the continent from By the increase of cultivati would be removed. The hig island in comparison of what whence they are imported, o, facturers from quitting the whatever commercial advanta dearness of provisions must tures, and tend ia a high d lishment. But if by the progr of provisions could be produced of prices should, in consequer of different descriptions might various advantages, to settle inot only provisions, but cłoth be obtained within itself, with countries, Ceylon would soo1 continent of India, and capab any external assistance

OF CEYEON,
their own inclinations would tures and commerce. nce of the progress of cultition of the climate, by clearnick woods and marshes that those noxious vapours which Europeans, and deterred the
settling in the island. on, other obstacles to settlers price of provisions on the ; it is on the Continent from perates greatly to deter manulatter for the former. For ges Ceylon may present, the greatly check infant manufacegree to prevent their estabr ess of cultivation, a sufficiency in the island, and a reduction Ice, take place, manufacturers be more easily, tenapted, by there. And, if by this means, as and other necessarios could out having recourse to other become independeat of the e of supporting itself without

Page 387
THE ISLAN
have had occasion in the mark that the soil and climat the production of some very Tea, coffee, tobacco, and suga vated to great advantage. Thi to the Dutch; but, with a p they repressed every attempt this island, fearing it might di Dutch East India possessions meed mot dwell on the advanta revenue which may be obtained It is not useless to observe the greatest abundance in th most unfavourable to other k.
I need not here repeat what spect to the improvements from making roads, and thụ: between the different parts of but justice to remark, that a Governor North was busily em. could tend to its advantage. setting out on a tour round t specting its state in person. I accompanied by several gentlen the various natural productions
The revenue of Ceylon is interest and importance to ou

OF CEYLON. 363
course of this volume to ree of Ceylon are favourable to valuable articles of commerce. r-cane, have already been culticircumstance was not unknown olicy of unexampled absurdity, to cultivate these articles in minish their value in the other where they were produced. I ges both to our commerce and by pursuing a different system. hat the tea-plant is found in be northern parts, which are inds of produce. , I have already, said with rewhich must necessarily result s opening the communication the island. It is, however, t the time I left the island, ployed with every object which He was then on the eve of he island, for the sake of inh this expedition he was to be hen well calculated to examine with sliill and accuracy. of course an article of great government; but from what

Page 388
366 THE ISLAND
I have said of its present of which it is capable, it timate of the future reven actual state. By the reports and revenue for Ceylon, it twenty to thirty years back penditure; and at times the of the island. The increase ( expenses, however, which had the destructive wars between tives, joined to that corruption which began gradually to under lony, soon raised the expend of the revenue. In 1777, a was a great deficiency. In to no more than 611,704 the establishment were 1,243, pense of Ceylon to Holland w; sterling. This deficiency was mon, cardamoms, coffee, and island to Europe, as well as fishery, and the imposts laid o into Ceylon from other parts
(On the introduction of new tivation of the island, the e and the consequent influx of we that the revenues levied in th
6

OF CEYLON.
state; and the improvement is evident that no fair esue can be formed from its of the Dutch board of trade , appears that it was from able to defray its own exbalance was even in favour of military establishments and taken place in consequence of the Europeans and the naand inattention to public affairs mine the prosperity of the coiture far beyond the produce nd the following year, there 1795, the revenue amounted ivres; while the charges of 338 livres : so that the exas 631,034 livres, or 5£57,934 asily made up by the cinnaother articles sent from the by the profits of the pearln the several articles imported of India.
improvements into the culstablishment of manufactures, alth, it is not to be doubted, e island itself will soon ex

Page 389
THE ISLAND
ceed its expenditure. Conside expected from an improved mc and in fact several additions the revenue since the arrival
It must however be observ the revenue cannot be expecte vious expense on the part of cultivation must be set to t must also be held out to induce them to quit their By a well-timed liberality C much may speedily be effec begun goes on of its own pidity.
The natural strength of the points at which it can be safely a great degree of security; yet re. they are insufficient, without a ment, to protect it completely terprising enemy. The force for on the island consisted of ab and about two thousand Malay glese. These were dispersed in the island, in such a manner readily be collected upon one where by far the larger propol ment was usually stationed. T

oF CEYLON. 367
able advantage is also to be de of taxation and collection: have already been made to of Governor North. 2d, that these advantages to l without a considerable preGovernment. An example of e natives. Such advantages oreign manufacturers as will wn country for this island. in the part of Government, ed; and improvement once accord with accelerated ra
island of Ceylon, and the few approached, seem to promise it beated experience has shewn that considerable military establishagainst a powerful or an enmerly maintained by the Dutch but three thousand Europeans s, Topasses, and native Cinhe various strong posts around that no great number could
point, except at Columbo, tion of the military establishis place had also been greatly

Page 390
3.68 THE ISLAN
strengthened by the Swiss reg fortunately for the Dutch til at the critical season of dan Oversight in policy, this fine bo greater advantages being held services to their most danger powerfully in the reduction of This military establishment exceeded five thousand men in the attacks of the native Prin the nature of the country, of C of any European force that di the troops stationed at any pa dent, from the great extent force was obliged to be too n of making any effectual resistan When the depth of water on as well as the facility afforde harbour of Trincomalee, it i number of troops for tlbe defe been spared from the protect the south-west, which were m make, a descent from the coa difficulty of communication lil ployed to be the greater, as it troops from one side of the is
render each other any effectua
3

OF CEYLON.
ment of De Meuron ; but une term of its services expired er; and by an unaccountable dy of troops were permitted, on out to them, to transfer their us enemies, and to co-operate their former masters.
of the Dutch, which rarely ill, was found sufficient to repel *es. It was also capable, from ompletely baffling the attempts d not much exceed in number Lrticular point. But it is eviof the island, that this small nuch scattered, to be capable ce against a numerous enemy. he eastern shore is considered, l for landing by the spacious impossible that a sufficient ice of this quarter could have on of the rich countries, on 'naced by an enemy ready to st immediately opposite. The ewise requires tlue force emis next to impossible to march and to the other, in time to
support.

Page 391
THE ISLAND
But it is not the defence should induce us always to m From its situation, it affords those troops which are destine tablishments in India, and to the native princes. On the C. where our possessions have of troops may arrive from Ceylo this means preclude the possib overrun by surprise before a lected to oppose the invader. arose on the borders of Tin tention was forcibly called to which took place there. Ow troops stationed at that time possible to co-operate from tl company to repress the commo force could be brought toget this purpose, several officers diers were killed and wounde at that period stationed in C have been almost immediately Troops may be sent to al peninsula of India from Ceyl much shorter time, than from Bombay or Madras. Since w the island, detachments have a
3

OF CEYLON, 369
of the island itself alone that laintain a powerful force here. the best point for stationing ed to protect our several esact as a constant check on oromandel coast in particular, late been so much extended, n iun a day or two, and by ility of our settlements being sufficient force could be colDuring the disturbances which ivelly and Madura, my at) this subject by the events ing to the smal number of in Ceylon, it was found imnence with those sent by the tions; and before a sufficient her from other quarters for and a great number of sold. Had a large force been cylon, the disturbances might
quelled. ny of our possessions in the on at a less expense, and in either of the presidencies of 'e have been in possession of t various times been sent with
B

Page 392
870 HE ISLAND
great effect to join the troop and the Nairs ina the Cotiote
It is impossible to estimate be placed in Ceylon by gov when I left the island, as ceded by treaty to the British as yet permitted any regular fixed upon with regard to it. latest accounts, stationed the 51st regiments, three native the Bengal artillery, besides th service on the capture of th government in raising native t climate and acquainted with productive of the happiest eff can be employed to secure a very properly are Europeans.
The force though perhaps peace for the preservation of self, is by no means fit to of such a valuable colony, an tual assistance to our other any commotions. The smalle appointed to this must consi regiments, and seven or , eig for the garrisons of Trince de Galle alone; without incl.
飘

OF CEYLON,
s serving against the Poligars
the establishments intended to ernment, from their situation at that time it had not been crown, nor had circumstances
plan of appointments to be
The force, according to the e, consists of the 19th and battalions, and about 200 of e Malays who entered into our e island. The policy of our roops who are enured to the the country, promises to be ects, and seems the best that distant colony. The officers
sufficient in times of profound
tranquility in the island itbe entrusted with the defence d far less to render any effecpossessions in the event of st establishment which can be st of at least three European it battalions of native troops malee, Columbo, and Point uding the fort of Jafnapatana, 3

Page 393
THE ISLAND
Manaar, and the other subor which will require to have g importance. There are severa cessary to strengthen, and pla ing than they are at present, p: Nigumbo, Caltura and Matura fall almost to total decay, but their neglect on the first at invasion.
Many material improvement military and civil department North on the island, and it is perseverance in the same plans any additional burthen to the in such a posture of defence enemy at defiance. No motiv our government to place the a respectablę footing, while ti and Dutch are inmediately b evident the successive expulsi consequent ruin of their enpir was owing to the insufficiency of military discipline.
After the security of the , is an adequate military establish prity must in a great meas ment of the civil department,

OF CEYLON. 37
linate posts round the island, arrisons proportionate to their posts which it would be nece on a more respectable footarticularly Manaar, Calpenteen, l, which the Dutch suffered to found much reason to repent empt made by an enemy at
is have been made in both the since the arrival of Governor s not to be doubted that by a of policy, it will soon, without British government, be placed as to set any attempts of an 'e can be wanting to stimulate military establishment there on he examples of the Portuguese efore our eyes, and while it is on of these nations, and the e in that quarter of the world, of their forces, and the aeglect.
and has been provided for by ment, its tranquillity and prosare depend upon the arrange
and the proper administration в 2
Araí

Page 394
372 THE ISLAND
of jutice. While Ceylon remai its Governor was absolute with island, but subordinate to the considered as Governor-Genera in India. The Governor of C. cil, composed of the most res' siding at Columbo. The mem minated by the Governor, an ments by the government of H For the administration of ju established at Columbo, to who capital cases belonged. At Point de Galle, there were sub suitable appointments. In all throughout the island, there landraeds, for the more speed matters of less importance. manders of the district usually all these inferior courts to the hi. The whole Dutch civil estal military who acted as civil amount to four hundred and all who were anywise attached proportion for an island of whence such valuable articles but according to the comput ranked only as their eighth In

OF CEYLON.
led in the hands of the Dutch, regard to the affairs of the Governor of Batavia, who was of all the Dutch settlements ylon was assisted by a counpectable Dutch gentlemen rebers of this council were noi confirmed in their appointolland. stice, there was a high court m the ultimate decision in all Trincomalee, Jafnapatam, and ordinate civil magistrates, with the inferior forts and stations were petty courts, called y administration of jutice in In these the military compresided. Aun appeal lay from gh court of justice at Columbo. blishment, independent of the magistrates, was computed to fifty persons, comprehending o it. This may seem a small such magnitude, and from of commerce were exported: tion of the Dutch, Ceylon ian government.

Page 395
THE ISLAND
For some time after we t government was necessarily a was completely established. North, the civil establishment the office of Provost Martial, a litary courts, and restored the same form it bore under the re-established the supreme cour a civil magistrate to superinten another in the Black Town. for the service of these depart appointed; and similar regulati other parts of the island. Th parts of the country still contin commanding officer of the ne of Ceylon was for some time d but is now only subject to tha entirely unconnected with the E For the better ordering of litary board established at Colu bers taken from among the co veral corps stationed in Ceylo of the forces in the island is Commandant of Columbo fo sident. It has attached to it suitable salaries.
I have now brought my a

OF CEYLON. 373
)ok possession of Ceylon, the military one, until tranquility From the arrival of Governor has its date. He abolished nd the jurisdiction of the micivil establishment to near the dominion of the Dutch. He t of justice at Columbo, with d the police of the Fort, and The various officers necessary ments were at the same time ons were adopted through the e petty courts in the distant ue to be presided over by the arest post. The governmentlependent on that of Madras, t of the mother country, and ast-India Company.
military affairs, there is a mimbo. It consists of six memmmanding officers of the sen. The commander in chief president of this board, the r the time being Vice-prea secretary, clerks &c. with
ccount of Ceylon to a con

Page 396
374 THE ISLAND
clusion. After the remarks interspersed, it would be mee vantages to be derived fron field for commercial enterpr stores and troops, and as a our other East India possessio be pointed out to equal it The measures already taken dicate that those in power a tance of the acquisition. By moderate policy there is every tives will speedily be brought improvements; and that the pe shall look upon Ceylon S O our foreign possessions.
The Journal of the Emb throw some light on the sit as I am anxious to give my possible of every thing regar joined a description of the diffe it, as they were ascertained by the Post-master General o

OF CEYLON.
which have occasionally been dless to recapitulate the adit to this country. As a ise, as a general depôt for centre of communication with ins, there can no other station in that quarter of the world. by Governnent sufficiently ine well aware of the imporperseverance in a wise and reason to hope that the nato co-operate in our plan of riod is not far distant when we it inferior in value to any of
assy to Candy may serve to juation of the interior ; and readers as accurate an idea as ding the island, I have subrent roads which pass through by a survey very lately made
Ceylon.

Page 397
r 3
JOU)
T H E E M
ΤΟ COURT o
In
ܕܚܫܚܚܡܫܚܚܡܫܒܚܫ
GovERNOR NORTH - hav embassy to the King of Can keep up a friendly intercourse with a view to political o Macdowal, the commander i island, whose well known ab rendered him every way wo occasion, was appointed to un As it was intended that this as possible, and should maki minds of the Candians, by f kind which had hitherto bee: vernor, previous to its depa private secretary, Mr. Boyd, at Sittivacca, there to meet

75
RNAL,
B A S S Y
F CANDY,
800.
ring determined on sending an dy, both with an intention to : with that Monarch, and also bjects of importance, General in chief of the forces on the ility and conciliatory manners thy of being selected on this dertake the commission.
embassy should be as splendid es a strong impression On the ar exceeding any thing of the n seen on the island, the Gorture from Columbo, sent his to the borders of our territory with the Adigar and the other

Page 398
376 JOURNAL OF
ministers of his Candian Maj them the necessary arrangemen country, and its reception at be accompanied by a large esc the apprehensions, and remov dians on this head, as they has to the introduction of a milita This object having been effect ments having taken place, the parture. The presents destine for some time been in readine the garrison of Columbo, whic neral, had been appointed. ) pany, and four battalion com foot, five companies of the 2d coast sepoys, five companies o tachment from the Bengal art and two howitzers, and part of
corps.
March 10th. The tenth o upon for the day of our depart suite, with the above escort, m lambahar, about four miles dist bank of the Mutwal river. rice-fields adjoining.
11th. Remained in our enc:
sents which were still at Colum
5

THE EMBASSY
|esty, in order to make with its for its passage through the 2Ourt. As the General was to ort, it was necessary to quiet 2 the suspicions of the Cand always been extremely averse ry force into their country. ted, and the necessary arrangeembassy prepared for its dei for the King of Candy had 'ss, and the detachment from h was to accompany the Geit consisted of the light companies of his Majesty's 19th battalion of 6th regiment of f the Malay regiment, a deillery, with four six-pounders the Madras pioneer and lascar
f March, 1800, being fixed ure, the General, his staff, and larched from Columbo to Pa:ant, and situated on the right Here we encamped in some
ampment waiting for the prebo. One Maclaren, a private

Page 399
TO THE COU
in the 19th regiment, was dro Rain, thunder, and lightning a 12th. Remained in the san yet arrived, mor a sufficient convey the hospital doolies, ment. Some of the natives w for the body of the man we li near the spot where he had sui night.
13th. Marched about eight lying along the river in a ver encountered a very strong and the uncommonly steep banks skirted by hills covered with t peared a kind of fort or breas up by the Cinglese during ti vernment in 1797. This entre possessed of any degree of mil without considerable difficulty, deep hollow defile, lined on troops might easily be statione the enemy severely without c several sepoys killed and wo before the rebellious Cinglese derable number of years ago hundred of their troops surrou Our escort encamped about h
d

T OF CANDY. 377
wned while bathing in the river. t night. Thermometer at 79. le place, the presents not being number of coolies provided to und provisions for the detachho had been appointed to look st the preceding day, found it k. Slight rain and thunder at
miles to Cudavili, the road y agreeable manner. Here we narrow pass : on our left lay of the river: our right was hick jungle; and in front apt-work which had been thrown heir rebellion against our gonchment, if held by an enemy itary skill, could not be forced as the approach to it is by a 2ach side with bushes, where i in such a manner as to annoy xposing themselves. We had unded here at different times could be subdued. A consithe Dutch had about fou hded and cut of near this spot, alf a mile beyond the pass, in
C

Page 400
878 JOURNAL OF :
an opera piain, nearly surroua here in a variety of directions is delightfally romantic.
14th. Haited this day. F. the 51st regt. from Madras embarked in order to forma thunder and lightning at nig 15th. Marched twelve miles place situated in a pleasant several high and steep hills in tensive ehoultry, or house for t was built here by the Dutch of repair. A Cinglese villag or rather intrenchment, die clo broad and rapid. During ti 35th battalion of Madras S. several maonths, and during til men from the fire of the Fel in the neighbouring thickets19th regt. while washing his river was suddenly seized and tor. Rain with sexiere thunde 16th. Halted. We now beg of climate here and at Colur night, succeeded by excessive elay; the height of the thern Rain thunder and lightning ai

E EABASSY
led by the river, which winds . The situation of Cudavili
roma - Columbo we learnt that had arrived there and dispart of the garrison. Rain, t. to Gurrawaddi, a yery pretty and romantic country, with n the peighbourhood. An exlae accommodation of travellers at present it is much out Fe avad a smạil circular fout se by the river which is hele e disturbaaces in 1797, the apoys occupied this post far at period lost many of their Dels who coaceaded themselves -This day a private of the rowsers on the brink of the dragged down by an alligar r and lightning at night. un to experience the difference bo. .RLeawy „fogs ʻand dews at . y hat and suitry weather by meter being 92 at noon.-
night,

Page 401
TO THE COU)
17th. About two o'clock with two companies of Sept ceed about six miles farther; long, and the fatigues which counter from being exposed t be greatly encreased if they sl the artillery, which on accout could proceed but very slowly 18th. The escort set of ve marelred fourteen ràmides to Sitt ingly hilly and difficult, full often obliged to wind among hills, as the impenetrable thic passage but by the beaten tra Sittiwacca presents as beautil as any spot in Ceylon. Et i ጎ theatre of intercourse, both
the Candians and their Euro loody battles were fought by guese and Dutch; here their been repeatedly signed; and t for the interviews of the Eul sadors. It is the last station and is separated from the branch of the Mullivaddy riv several directions, and is join gonga a little below this place.

T OF CANDY. 379
he General ordered the guns ys and the pioneers to proas the next day's march was the men would have to eno the lreat of the stan, would hould be obliged to accompany it of the badness of the roads
y early in the morning, and ivacca. The road was exceedof ascents and descents, and the vallies which intersect the skets on each side prevent any
Ct.
sul and romantic an appearance s famous for being the chief friendly and hostile, between pean neighbours. Here many the natives against the Portutreaties, or rather truces, have his was the spot usually chosen ropean with the Native Ambasbelonging to us in this quarter, Sing's country only by a large er, webich winds around here in Ed by a branch of the Maliva
3 c 2

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3色む JOURNAL OF
On the summit of a hill, in camped, stood a large range trenchment, and formerly occ almost in ruins. The view of is truly grand and enchanting. thickest woods, are diversifie ledges of rocks, which rear thi tallest groves. Through the th the eye is enabled to trace the green tracts of clear land wl course.
On our arrival here, the Ge inform the Adigar, who lay e with several thousand Candians, next day. The thermometer cessive heat of the weather was the surrounding hills. About ceived a message from the A river at the time he had appoi with thunder and lightning.
19th. About twelve o'clock. crossing the river. A vast nun to the water edge to see our astonished at the quickness an the guns and artillery waggons - been presented to them for ma ever been such heavy metal

HE EMBASSY
mediately under which we enF buildings defended by an eiupied by the Dutch, but now the country from this height The hills, covered with the with immense perpendicular ir stupendous heads above the ickets which cover the valleys, windings of the rivers and the ich imitate their serpentine
neral sent across the river to ncamped on the opposite side that he intended passing over was to day at 96. The exoccasioned by the closeness of three o'clock the General redigar, with leave to pass the nted This night we had rain,
re struck our tents, and began ber of Candians flocked down troops, and were not a little
facility with which we drew ver. No such appearance had y years before, nor had there
introduced into their country.

Page 403
TO THE COU
The ford where we crossed wi four feet deep, it being then from our side was so great,
to be taken from the waggor draw the artillery through the was transported on the heads attached to the guns. We e the river at Golobodivili, whe choultry, and several ranges for the reception of the Amba they repair hither to have an The General went to the choul from the Adigar, who came pi the King's letter wrapped up i ove his head; a mark of pr this, which is the royal colour livered Governor North’s lette day was excessive; thermomete 20th. I took the opportunity to see the ruins of a temple w ment. It was the first built of island. About four or five fee remained, with flights of steps. had been bestowed on its cons tions were still visible on the its basis. Contiguous to it la deserted as the women had
2

RT OF CANDY. 38
is not more than from three to the dry season. The descent that the bullocks were obliged is, and the troops employed to water, while the ammunition of the lascars and pioneers ncamped close to the banks of 're is a Candian village with a of buildings erected on purpose Lssadors and their trains, when interview with the Europeans. try, where he received a visit receded by a Candian, carrying in a white cloth, and bearing it ofound respect always paid to The General, in return, deto the Adigar. The heat to r at 98”.
of our halting this day to go hich lay close by our encampstone which I had seen on the it in height of the walls still all around them. Great pains truction; and several inseriplags and pillars which formed y a neat village, but entirely niversally left it is on our ap

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382 JOURNAL OF '
proach, and the men formed texleył the Adigar. About eig całę i great state by torch lig to the General, when the co hal on egoinplifilmentavy maiattel bag dimed, this day with the the interview. The coasteesai and if I may je sig fram na tired of it, and wished it
conclusion. The Adigar pro five hundred of his people
tended for the King of Cand peasants in our serviee in tran visions : but this poanise, if formaaee, might also be set c matter. Rain, thunder, and li; 21st. IIalted. Sent the p which were represented to b 22nd. The Adigar waited
state, being accompanied by
about three hundred of leis g carried on men's shoulders, b of a very wide bore with bl lower end of thę barrek - ne when abaut to be fired. Ofi grawnd, while the anuzake is
I mentionsd Immediately

HE EMBASSY
part of the militia which at ht o'clock at night, the Adigar ht, to pay a visit of ceremoly nference continued for a full A number of officers wha General were present during ion was eaFried oa standing, self, all parties were heartily to be brought to a speedy aised to send the General to convey the presents iny, and to assist the Cinglese sporting our baggage and prowe may judge from the perlown among the complimentary, ghtning at night. ioneers to repair, the roads 2 in a very bad coadition. . on the General in his usual several of the chief mea and uards. Their great guns were eiag littke more taan mussets cks of wood attached to the ar the breech. Those guns, are sinaply placed on tha elevated by the piece of wood pposite the street leading to
3

Page 405
O TE GEGU
the place of audience stood a which a sort of platform had of Buddou were accustomed and the claief people to tak sional assembly. As the Adig that way, several of our offic selves on this elevated situati ter view of the procession.
to observe them above hilan, and desired that they should ought in his presence to be who personated a king with before whom as the descender should fall prostrate. Before several flags and streamers, variety of musical instrumen and a number of fellows ci to produce a most stunning running about like so many and the Adigar were engage opportunity, by means of a preted for me, of conversing Candians, who waited at th They seemed a handsomer Cinglese ; their maanners · Iwer conversation more polite. Tla knowledge of our customs, as

RT OF CANDY. 383
Yery fine Banyan-tree, around been placed, where the priests to performed their sacrifices, e their stations at any occaar and his train were to pass ers and soldiers planted themon in order to have the betThe Adigar however chancing
expressed great indigination, be ordered down, as no one placed higher than himself, whom none is on a level and ut of the golden sun all men : the Adigar were carried with people playing QOila ° a, ts peculiar to their country, racking immense whips so as noise, while they continued madmen. While the General d in conference, I had au. Malay Prince who interwith some of the principal e outside of the choultry, race of people than our e more courteous, and their ey were as eager to obtain we wewe to be informed of

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384 JOURNAL OF
theirs; and they examined se great minuteness. They were tain Vilant, of the 19th reg in a few minutes of one of
to him. Our watches did not were very curious to have til those extraodinary machines, little presents, they seemed af to accept of any thing, lest knowledge. They informed possible to bring up our lho which was afterwards found t not forget the significant smil seeing a tumbril pass by: i “you may as well leave it v returning from this conference of his people to fetch the
had destined for his Candia
valuable, and consisted, amon state-coach drawn by six hor ments of solid gold which ha Sultan, and was valued at eigh were besides presents of rose muslins. After these had bee joined by two hundred Ca to supply the place of thos us through dread of the cli

THE EMBASSY
veral articles of our dress with not a little surprized on Capiment, sketching of a likeness their chiefs, and presenting it escape their notice, and they he uses explained to them of Upon being offered some raid on account of each other it should come to the king's Is that we should find it imorses and waggons to Candy, o be really the case. I shall 2 which one of them gave on t seemed emphatically to say, where it is.” The Adigar, on with the General, sent some presents which the Governor n Majesty. They were very g other things, of an elegant ses ; a betel dish with ornad belonged to the late Tippoo t hundred star-pagodas. There 2-water and a variety of fine n delivered, and we had been ndians, sent by the Adigar e Cinglese who had deserted mate, at one o'clock we set

Page 407
TO THE COUR
forward, and marched about th a small plain surrounded witl scarcely pitched our tents wh descend, accompanied by the of thunder that imagination flashes of lightning succeeded the firmament seemed to flar alarming uproar of the eller three hours; but although sc videntially no lives were lost, jury done to any of our troc 23d. The General ordered t and Lascars, accompanied by one of Sepoys and Malays, in our front for the artillery, our march lay, besides bei so full of precipices and rav the one, and filling up the possible to proceed. The A. work for this purpose, sent t disapprobation of this measu any of his master's territory slightest degree, though he k. pair the road, or give up further. Every thing indeed s by no means much inclined t whole tract which it was inten
progress to Candy, was mark
C)

T OF CANDY. 385
ree miles further to Apolipitti, very high hills. We had en torrents of rain began to loudest and most awful peals can conceive, while the vivid each other so rapidly that ne in every direction. This ments lasted for upwards of veral tents were struck, pronor indeed was the least in
ops. W ihe whole body of pioneers a company of Europeans and to set about making a road as the paths through which ng exceedingly narrow, was ines, that without SmOothing other, it was absolutely imdigar, on seeing the men at o the General to express his re; and remonstrated against being infringed upon in the new that we must either reour intention of proceeding hewed that this minister was o shew us any favour. The ded we should pursue in our cd out by twigs and bushes
*

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- 386 JOURNAL OF
set up at proper distances.
easier road than that pointed Adigar. Iład we taken a dir or to the south, as the Dutc should have escaped many of til were daily subjected. The n pitched upon the most difficul order that we might suffer the cumspection with which we w how little confidence the Can of Europeans. At the distant our encampment lay a large b sisting, as we were informed some elephants. This body few miles a-head of us the always to remain just out officers were allowed to appr portunity of observing thei ascertain how far report ha but although I contrived te unmolested, I was forced to my object as prudence forbac against their inclinations. B whole inhabitants of this part in arms, and lay in every
them often came among u walked out from our encal

THE EMBASSY
It was well-known that a far out to us was known to the ection either more to the west h were accustomed to do, we nose inconveniences to which we inister seemed indeed to have t and intricate paths for us, in more in our march. The cirere constantly watched, shewed iians reposed in the good faith 2e of two or three miles from lody of the king's troops, conof seven thousand men with we never saw, as they kept a whole way, and were cautious of our view. None of our pach them, or to have an opr numbers. I attempted to d been correct in this point; pass several of their parties return without having effected le me to venture farther alone eside the regular troops, the of the country were assembled direction around us. Some of s; and whenever any of us npment, we seldom failed to

Page 409
To THE COUR
perceive the Candians skulk vicinity. The party sent out roads, were obliged to retur of the rain thunder and lig severe as yesterday.
24th. About eleven o'clock
Ruanelli, or, as it is called b precious stones, ten miles fr most uncommonly hot, the t addition to this, the road wi tiguing. I had here an opp Europeans bore the extreme natives. The Bengal artillery the greatest perseverance, and giment were frequently obliged through the ravines and defile of the roads, that in spite of troops and pioneers had been away the stumps of trees a structed the passage, we were guns five miles in the rear, wit panies of Sepoys, while the native troops marched on to a trees near Ruanelli, called Res the King's Royal Gardens, wh infested us in this march to
of the soldiers had their leg I ؤ

T OF CANDY. 387
ing about the woods in our
in the morning to make the in at one o'clock, on account htning which began to be as
struck our tents to proceed to y the Candians, the valley of om Apolipitti. The day was hermometer being at 101. In as exceedingly difficult and faortunity of observing that the
heat much better than the
men exerted themselves with
the soldiers of the 19th reto assist in dragging the guns es. But such was the badness
these efforts, and though the employed two days in clearing nd pieces of rock which ob: obliged after all to leave the h a covering party of two comEuropeans and the rest of the
very , extensive tope of cocoaue Orti Palagomby Watty, or ere we encamped. The leeches a most alarming degree; most
's and different parts of their
) 2

Page 410
338 JORNAL OF T
bodies streaming with blood, boots i found that I had mot « to be nothing more than exce out to be the effects of these l employed in clearing the jungle solutely shocking, as they see with blood. Nor was it possibl | the attacks of the leeches, owi of them which swarmed amon The Dutch always said they w they had to encounter. The occurred to us on this day's mi being struck with a coup de st 1some hours delirious. It was by narching before sun-rise, as ceding day had so completely were forced to remain till the dried them. The guns besides day-light through the shockir
pass.
On our march we had seve views of the country, which pr thickly wooded hills, intersec The grove where we encamped cumference, being bounded on and rapid branch of the Maliva Ruanelli, another branch ran in
3

E EN3ASSY
On taking of my gloves and escaped, for what I had taken 'ssive perspiration, now turned eeches. The officers and men es presented an appearance abned to be completely covered e by any precaution to prevent ing to the immense multitudes g the bushes and the grass. 'ere one of the worst enemies only serious accident which arch was one of the Europeans oleil, which rendered him for impossible to avoid the heat the rain which fell the predrenched our tents that we ; morning sun had sufficiently could not be conveyed without g roads we were obliged to
ral beautiful and picturesque
'esented a charming variety of S. ted with delightful valleys. was about two miles in cirthe West by a large, deep, gonga, while in front towards a south-east direction, winding

Page 411
TO TE E COUF
in such a manner, that three compassed by water, while the hedges of bamboes and betel tree garden lies immediately u which command a most roma country. It forms part of the the place where his elepha trained.
Hitherto the river was navigo us to have a large proportion conveyed by water, as it run march that we encamped close up to Candy it is shallow, re that boats cannot proceed alo and those only the small cano melli to Columbo, the distance and such was the rapidity of dreadfully heavy falls of rain stay here, that a boat could hours, and for most part of t. quired of the boatmen was stumps of trees, and sand-bank their course; while in returning or ten days of excessive labour ance from hence to Columbo the highest utility, on account

T OF CANDY, 38g
sides of the grove were enfourth was enclosed by thick trees. This extensive cocoalder very steep and lofty hills, intic view of the surrounding : King's own, domains, and is
ints were usually kept and -
ble by our boats, and enabled of our stores and provisions in such a direct line with our : to its banks. From Ruanelli cky, and much narrower, sQ ng it without great difficulty, es of the natives. From Ruaby water is about sixty miles; the current occasioned by the which happened during our go down to Columbo in eight he way, the only exertion reto keep clear of the rocks, is, which happened to obstruct to Ruanelli, it usually took nine The facility of the conveyby water proved afterwards of of our sick; as several of our

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390 JOURNAL OF
men, and myself among the dysenteries and fluxes while w 25th. Sent back two comp the Sepoys who had been left ment of the other troops and with them to assist in the di tillery forward: for although ( locks yoked to it, they requir them to make their way th] In the Carnatic and different elephants are employed to obv which may arise on a march. the sagacity of those animals, fast in a rut, or a stop mac ascent, Will come and render til wheel with their trunk, or by hinder part of the carriage assistance was very much wan the bullocks of Ceylon are n strength to those of the conti of a number of those smalle produce an effect equal to a í trained oxen. About two o'cl formed on the right of the te troops. The weather for the hot, the thermometer being to

THE EMBASSY
rest, were attacked with violent e encamped here. anies of the Malays to relicve to cover the guns. A detachthe corps of pioneers returned fficult work of getting the arach gur had a number of buled a number of men to enable rough the ravines and steeps. parts of the continent of India, riate any difficulties of this sort It is astonishing to observe who, on observing a gun stuck le on meeting with a difficult heir assistance, by lifting up the 7 placing their forehead to the and pushing it along. Such ted on our present march, as nuch inferior both in size and nent, nor can the united force animals be applied so as to ew of these larger and better ck the artillery came up and ints occupied by the European ast two days was uncommonly day as high as 102” at noon.
6

Page 413
To THE COUR)
26th. Remained in our enca coolies supplied by the moo gumbo, and Caltura, deserted the General found it necessary others to replace them. The about two miles from us, on the
Within a mile of the plac and towards Columbo, rose a ll striking appearance. It was s mense and steep rocks, interspel trees, reared there by the han these rocks lay a cavern, in W to the god Buddou. The ac this place induced me to seize ing it. After crossing a little to the foot of a perpendicular surrounded by others of an infe cavern is about forty feet, and path composed of fragments o On arriving at the entrance ( pearance which it presents, the and the scene which surrounds of objects which rivet the eye, mind much easier to be conceive ing the tempele, which is a very out of the rock, the first obje an immense figure of a man car

OF CANDY. 391
mpment. A number of the Leliers around Columbo, Ni
Before we could proceed, to send to Mr. North for Adigar and his people lay at
opposite side of the river. e where we were encamped, ill of a most uncommon and ituated in the midst of im'sed with plantains and cocoa d of nature. Under one of hich was a temple dedicated counts which I had heard of the first opportunity of visitwell-watered plain, you come. rock, of a very great height, rior size. The ascent to the is made by a narrow winding rock and stumps of trees. of the cavern, the wild apascent by which it is gained, it, present together a groupe and produce an effect on the d than described. On enterlow and long apartment cut :t which presented itself was ved in wood, and upwards of

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392 JOURNAL OF
twenty feet in length. A bed him out of the rock; and her his right hand supporting his that of a negroe; and his was dawbed all over with red ple Was rudey painted with si attended by two priests, who any difficulty; nor did they shoes, a custom which they serve. Their duty was to wal allow the lamp burned before Another reason perhaps op rules of their order to enfo which was, to receive the off tinually flock to this temp very welcome visitors, as ever left some money, fruit, or ri The natives who repair hithe are constantly obliged to c cloth, or some other commod. ous votaries who frequent th puted to possess great riches; to come in for his share of them very highly. I doubt I well-pleased that his priests sh ral visitors as they found our nelli. Adjoining the temple

THE EMBASSY
and pillow had been hewn for e he lay on lais right side, with head. His hair was frizzled like serene and placid countenance paint. The inside of the temtreaks of red and black. It was permitted us to enter without insist on our taking off our generally oblige visitors to obit at the temple, and never to the image to be extinguished. erated as powerfully as the rce their constant attendance; erings of the votaries who conle. Our detachment afforded y one who went thither always ce, for the service of the god. r for the purposes of devotion ontribute either money, rice, ity of value. From the numeris temple, the priests are reand the king, who never fails every thing, accordingly taxes, not that his Majesty would be ould frequently have such libetroops during our stay at Ruawhere the image was placed,

Page 415
To THE COUF
were two other apartments those hours when their atte requisite,
This day it began to rain accompanied with severe peals other almost without an inter four sick men of the 19th re. 27th. Remained in the sam the day uncommonly hot, wit ning about the usual hour. the dews which fell at night did not disperse till the sun in his full heat. Several cool
28th. The heat of the day 104. Distant thunder and ligh to wait for coolies to replace was it indeed possible to procee in the weather,
29th. Morning very hot. manded the detachment of th since our arrival here, was where he died in a fortnight commenced a heavy rain, whicl hours with severe thunder and
30th. The same weather a of -as long continuance. Du
messages passed between the
3

T OF CANDY 393
where the priests resided at ndance on Buddou was not
violently about two o'clock, of thunder succeeding each val. Sent down to Columbo gt. Le place. The early part of h terrible thunder and lightThe evening was very cold: were uncommonly heavy, and broke through next morning ies lost.
very great: thermometer at tning. The General continued those who had deserted; nor 'd without a favourable change
Captain Kennedy who comhe 19th having been very ill sent by water to Columbo, after. About three o'clock it n continued incessantly for ten lightning. - s yesterday, with the storm uring our stay here several General and the Adigar, who E.

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394 JoURNAL OF
lay about the distance of tw natives seemed very much di lery into their country, or our camp, although permissio court of Candy to have thi numerous than any which h orders had been issued to gi tion. It was indeed reported self at that time in rather the internal divisions and facti made him wish that the escort be as strong as possible. But of great power and intrigue, uspect, mot very friendly to influence to over-rule several many instances to counteract The weather continuing still no prospect of procuring a s carry the provisions and stores while the roads which lay be dreadfully bad as to render an baggage and artillery almost i induced by these circumstanc the Europeans and the greate this encampment, and to proc companies of Sepoys and the regiment. Accordingy, he gav

E EM3ASS
miles across the river. The pleased at our bringing artiltirring beyond the limits of had been obtained from the embassy more splendid and d preceded it, and although e us the most friendly recep, that the King found hima precarious situation, from pns among his subjects; which attending the embassy should the Adigar, who was a man and, as we had reason to the English, had sufficient of the King's orders, and in
his intentions. unfavourable, and there being afficient number of people to requisite for the whole escort, ween us and Candy were i so r attempt to proceed with our npracticable; the General was s to leave the artillery with part of the native troops at ed to Cándy escorted by two same number of the Malay 2 out that he would cross the

Page 417
TO THE COUR
river next day, and appointed here in his absence. During detachment which he left b Re Sue Orti Palagamby Watt. out the most heavy -falls of violent peals of thunder and almost constantly closed the thick damp fogs at night, succ early part of the day, produ temperature as was attended to the health of the troops. complaints, became frequent; often proves fatal where the portunity of being immedia began to make its appearance campment were also so close, camp without the greatest ris mazes. Two soldiers happenir in this manner unable to reg the woods a day and night ex such weather as I have desc. probability ever have been rec been sent out in different dire time to time, in hopes that til port of the musquets. This h poor fellows were at last brol
3 в

T OF CANDY, 395
Colonel Torrens to command upwards of a month that the ehind remained encamped at 7, very few days passed withrain, attended with close and ightning. This weather, which evening, and was followed by eeded by excessive heat in the iced such a rapid change of with the most pernicious effects Dysenteries, fluxes, and liver and the jungle fever, which person attacked has not an optely removed to the sea air, The woods around the enthat no one could stir out of the que of losing himself in their ng to walk out one day, were in the camp, and remained in posed to all the inclemency of ribed : nor would they in all 'overed had not several parties ctions, with orders to fire from he stragglers would hear the read the desired effect, and these aght to the camp, after having 2

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396 JOURNAL OF
undergone the terrible appreh their days in a dreary forest.
Having procured the Adiga cursions, and also people ac conduct us, we had an oppor villages, most of which we f inhabitants. On the approach instantly given, and the nati fled directly into the woods. that we could persuade a few bitations: but I never saw any from the time I entered the ment of my quitting it. We cure hogs, fowls, and fruits f articles were in great abundal a little surprised us, as the issued orders directing tas to necessaries. We were more d country people themselves tha the court. The Candians, orders, shewed little inclinatic us. Their dread and hatred o numberless aggressions of the come too rooted to be easily attribute that distrust and disl every opportunity of shewin

THE EMBASSY
insion of being doomed to end
r's leave to make shooting exJuainted with the country to unity of seeing several of their und totally deserted by their of a red coat, the alarm was "es, men, women, and children, It was not till after some time of them to remain in their hathing in the figure of a woman Candian territory to the mofound it very difficult to proom the natives, although such hce in the country. This not King's officers had expressly be supplied with every sort of isposed to attribute this to the n to any deceit on the part of indeed, particularly the lower n to have any connexion with f Europeans, occasioned by the Portuguese and Dutch, had beremoved. To this we are to ke towards us, which they took g. No sooner were tidings

Page 419
TO THE COUR
brought them that we had s Columbo to Sittivacca, than : semble in great numbers on that we were approaching wit from the King however remo lhead; and at the same time til mediately to join the regular struct or molest us in our territory.
Several kinds of precious are found in the environs of and gravellining the banks of of our encampment, I picked crystals, of different colours, washed down from the neighb side of the river lies a valley and less woody hills, than thos or the place of precious ston found in considerable plenty; b European conquerors, the Kin dug up or looked for. The others, who belonged to our ployed in searching among the Macdowal shewed me a great curiosities, which these peopl these I observed a black shi

OF CANDY. 397
et forward on our route from they immediately began to astheir frontiers, under the idea 1 hostile intentions. A message ved their apprehensions on this nose militia received orders imtroops, and in no wise to obmarch through the Candian
stones and metallic substances Ruanelli; and among the sand the river which ran in the front up several pieces of very fine
which seemed to have been ouring hills. On the opposite encompassed with more gentle e on our side, called Ruanelli. es. Here they were formerly but since the impositions of his g does not permit them to be
black people, Malabars, and
detachment, were daily emsands of the river. General
variety of stones, and other e had brought him. Among ining substance, resembling a

Page 420
398 JOURNAL OF .
petrified shell, with which the brellas made from the tallipot
31st. General Macdowal, att and Sepoys which I have all panied also by the officers of gentlemen of the detachment : capital, passed the river about about two miles further to a and a pagoda. The rain com time as on the preceding days.
April 1st. Remained in the march of next day. Rain, thu 2d. Moved on about eight country was, on this day’s mau cult than that we encountered
3d. Halted. Severe storm, 4th. Marched twelve miles difficult and steep. The cour open, and the air much cooler 5th. Proceeded six miles to the ground of holes and caver a number of cavities in the r part of the country abounds. to pass than on the preceding and cooler than on the from began to become more settled.
6

HE EMBASSY
Candians ornament their um
IrᎾᎾ. inded by the escort of Malays eady mentioned, and accomhis staff and suite, and such s expressed a desire to see the eleven o'clock, and proceeded place where stands a choultry menced again about the same
same place, preparing for the nder, and lightning.
miles to Edimalpani. The rch, more open, and less diffi-~ on our approach. to Ruanelli. as formerly.
to Atipitti. The road very try, however, was much more
than hitherto experienced. Wolgoagoudi, which signifies, s. It receives its name from ocks and hills with which this The road here was still worse lay. The air was much clearer tiers; and the weather now

Page 421
TŐ THE COU
6th. Moved on to Ganna so called fron several volc took place here. In many have at different times bur in a high degree to possess t whatever it may be. Iron cured in various places thro dians, for mamy years past, covering or working any of surfaces of several rocks wh metallic ores; and the water presented that thick scum an posed to indicate the presence try around Ganna Tenna was than amy we had hitherto tra nually to advance in heigh This last march was very round several hills by narroy ascents and descents which e proved extremely fatiguing. cultivated spots where rice, grain were raised, as they streams. that poured down
th. Falted to refresh the t terday's march.
8th. Marched, nine miles ta

T OF CANDY. 399
renna, or, the place of fire; nic eruptions which formerly arts of the interior, volcanoes t forth; and the hills seen he principle of those eruptions und other ores might be progh this tract, but the Canrave paid no attention to disthe veins. I observed the ch gave strong indications of issuing fron them frequently d crust which is usually sup2 of some metal. The counmore open, rocky and barren. versed; and it seemed contiit as it approached Candy. difficult, as it had to wind f intricate paths. The steep very now and then occurred, In some of the valleys were paddy, and other sorts of were well-watered by the from the rocks and moun
oops after the fatigue of yes
) Ganaroa, a high mountain.

Page 422
400 JOURNAL OF '
The road here was very stee hills. The country seemed had yet traversed. The air w ticularly at night; there was damps than is usually experi the country. At the foot escort now halted, lies a bea Malivagonga. The view from and takes in a vast range woods and jungle, and inters here and there some fertile : dians. The ruins of an old f the spot where the troops r 9th. Halted. Messages passe General, previous to the latter lay at a small distance.
10th. Removed to a spot in camped opposite the hill on whi body of Candians were poste in view of the General's enc allowed to be carried on betw any of the escort allowed to the country in the neighbou correspondence between the A all conducted with the utmost punctilious ceremonies which matters of the highest import

THE EMBASSY
p, being up two very high more cultivated than any we as more serene and cool, parless of the noxious fogs and enced in the lower parts of of the mountain where the utiful valley watered by the Ganaroa is extremely grand, of hills, covered with thick ected with valleys presenting spots cultivated by the Canort and a temple, lie close to asted.
:d between the Adigar and the proceeding to Candy, which
ear the Malivagonga, and enich Candy is situated. A large d on the other side of river ampment. No intercouse was een them and our people; nor ) quit the camp or examine. urhood. The interviews and Adigar and the General were solemnity, and with all those
ccording to their ideas are
alC.,

Page 423
NOTE COUF
The attendants, and indee seemed to be actuated by the so that little information wa about the King or his politics The General was now arr
was determined he should re business of his embassy. It overcome the chief difficulties the fatigues of his tedious ma. sated by a frank reception and presence. But it was the stud the Ambassador with the high their condescension in receiving government. With this view, each introduction into the roy could be transacted; and such between each interview, that tl to three during his stay here, April to the third of May.
But previous to any interview to adjust the ceremonies of in tomary for the Kings of Cand several other degrading tokens bassadors introduced to them. always submitted to be introdu and to prostrate themselves befo
WWT WW hen Trincomalee was ta
s

RT OF CANDY. O
d the whole of the natives, : same mysterious taciturnity; s to be collected from then
ived at that place where it eside while he transacted the might now seem that he had that lay in his way; and that rch Would lhave been compenready admittance into the royal ly of the Candians to impress est ideas of their dignity, and ; Overtures from an European so many ceremonies attended al presence, that little business
a space was allowed to elapse he General was only admitted which was from the tenth of
, it was found no easy matter troduction. it had been cusy to demand prostration, and of submission from the am
The Dutch ambassadors had ced into the capital blindfold, 'e the Monarch. In a former ken by us from the Dutch,
F

Page 424
AiO2 JOURNAL OF
proposals were sent to the K his enemies out of the island, liance with him. After the
siness had arrived at Candy, t standing; and the envoy, not in such a case, declined the in Madras; by which means so object of the embassy was b tirely defeated, and the envo sented. Even after the British capture of Columbo and the Candian Monarch would not sions; and Mr. Andrews, the chief civil servant, who was se shortly after we had taken obliged to kneel on being ac Nay, to such an extravagant ideas of the indispensable na that when Trincomalee was i troops under General Stewart, consequence prevailcd upOn tC these persons very modestly di himself before them, and to knees. This request, howev comply with; but returned so much in the habit of kneel a custom which his country.

CHE EMBASSY
ng to assist him in expelling and to form a treaty of al:nvoy entrusted With this bue King would not receive him having instructions how to act erview till he could hear from much time elapsed, that the r intervening circumstances eny returned without being prehad shewn their power by the expulsion of the Dutch, the recede from his lofty pretenBritish East India Company's nt upon a mission to Candy possession of the island, was lmitted to the royal presence. pitch do the natives carry their ture of this royal prerogative, a the last war taken by our and when the King was in send ambassadors to Madras. sired Lord Hobart to prostrate eceive the King's letter on his, er, his Lordship declined to or answer, that as they were ng, and so fond of prostration, nen never adopted, their best

Page 425
TO THE COUI
plan to prevent the omissio) would be to prostrate themsel supreme authority there: anc found his Lordship would no actually assented to.
General Macdowal, understa expected at his introduction, jesty, by means of the Adiga account submit to it. The K receiving him into his presence to prostrate himself and then royal audience. The General compliance, and informed the acknowledged the superiority and that sooner than degrade of his representative, he woul being presented. The King, no breach with us, upon this waved to reconcile this derogation from he informed the General that it in his case with the usual cel dors at their introduction, as brother the King of Great-B strength he acknowledged to b or the East-India Company.
This important matter having and the time appointed for the
3

OF CANDY AO3
of this essential ceremony, es before him who held the this alternative, after they submit to the other, they
lding that this ceremony was previously informed his Ma, that he could not on any ing made many objections to , unless he would consent first o remain kneeling during the , however, positively refused minister that his Sovereign of no Potentate upon earth; his Sovereign in the person l return to Columbo without È daring to come to an open his prerogative; but in order his dignity to his own feelings, was his royal will to dispense emonies required of ambassathe General came from his itain, whose great power and far above that of the Dutch
been adjusted in this manner,
irst audience being come, the 2

Page 426
4O4. JOURNAL OF
Adigar, with a numerous atte of torches (for audience is alw to the edge of the river to c presence. The General on hi boats which were in readiness gentlemen belonging to the sisting of a subaltern and fif ducted by the Adigar about palace. The road thither. WS crooked paths. The capital w hedges, with gates of the san vetties. The caravetty neares breast-work, on which some of mounted. The resistance whi proach of a regular army is, is indebted for its principal fo The way up to the city escort was not a little incomm. who eagerly pressed to gaze and the glare of the torches from having an accurate vie on entering it passed throug the palace. The houses, th appeared greatly elevated from on each side of the street, below. At the further end enclosing the gardens which

THE EMBASSY
lance, lighted by a great blaze. lys given here by night) came induct the General to the royal part crossed the river in the attended by his staff and the mbassy, with an escort cony Sepoys. He was then conmile and a half to the King's up a steep hill, with narrow as surrounded by thick thorny ne, called by the natives carait Candy has a rampart and their artillery was occasionally ch it could make to the aphowever, very trifling: Candy rtifications to nature.
was very fatiguing, and the oded by the crowd of natives at them. This circumstance prevented the General's retinue of the city. The embassy h one long broad street to ugh low huts of themselves, being built upon high banks which forms a kind of area of this street is a high wall elong to the palace. After a

Page 427
TO THE COU)
short turn here to the left, on the right. In front of it and a viranda or balcony, King's guards and several of stationed. After passing this flight of steps, a large Squar afforded a station for some mc posite side stood a large arch inner court where the King state have their residence. In kept his own body guards, w and Malabars. These troops : and shields; and on them t chief dependence in the event alarm.
On the right hand of this arch, through which was the ence. This state room was arches and pillars along its well as from the appearance of a considerable resemblance to pillars and arches were adori ornaments made of the plant pretty effect. At the further one of the larger arches, was or throne, covered with a steps. Here the King sat in s

T OF CANDY. 405
ht
the palace appeared standing was a flight of stone steps, in which a number of the lhe chief men in waiting were , and descending by another e surrounded by a high wall ire of the guards. At the opLed gate-way, leading into an and his principal officers of n this inner division the King ho were composed of Malays are armed with swords, spears, he King seems to place his of any sudden commotion or
inner court stood an open entrance to the hall of audiа. long viranda with alternate sides. From this structure, as the roof and ceiling, it bore the aisle of a church. The led with muslin flowers, and ain leaf, which had a very end of the hall, and under s placed a kind of platform :arpet, and surrounded with tate. A small partition raised

Page 428
406 JOURNAL OF
in front concealed his feet a from view. Below the arches courtiers were seen, some pri and cross-legged like a parc The General was led up wit by the Adigar, and the n placed along with the Adigar throne.
Although the rest of the where the King sat was cont than the rest, with a view C those who approached him. man, very black, with a light so portly or well-looking as of the officers around him. very fine muslin embroidered breast with several folds draw ing down from thence like a la from the elbows downwards. ber of very broad rings set w sorts, while a number of gol his neck over a stiff frilled Queen Elizabeth's ruff. His ban of muslin spangled with crown of gold, an ornament from all the other Asiatick their religion from wearing thi

THE EMBASSY
nd the lower part of his body on each side of the hall, the Ostrate, others sitting in silence el of taylors on a shop-board. h much ceremony and gravity ext chief officer present, and
on the uppermost step of the
hall was well lighted, that part rived to be made more obscure f impressing a greater awe on the was in appearance a young , beard. He was by no means
the Adigar and several other He was dressed in a robe of with gold, fitted close at the in round the Waist, and flowdy's gown. His arms were bare On his fingers he wore a numith precious stones of different d chains were suspended round piece of muslin resembling a head was covered with a tur
gold, and surmounted by a by which he is distinguished rinces, who are prohibited by s badge of royalty, and whose

Page 429
TO THE COU
ornaments, when they use a or feather of precious stones. a rich sash, to which was s ger or sabre, the handle scabbard of gold fillagree-wo jesty much resembled the fig of King Henry VIII. Th size, might indeed be said tó difference in dress was disce sovereign, except that the mi although his turban also was a ducal coronet.
After General Macdowal ha his Majesty, and a numero been gone through, the Kin the health of his Britannick our affairs; to all which q such answers as propriety di carried on with the most p Even the most trifling circ whispers, with as much cerem fate of kingdoms depended up his speech to the Adigar, wh throne, and who repeated Maha MIoodelier, who had C Cinglese interpreter. The la Portuguese to Monsieur Join
4 -

RT OF CANDY, 407
ny, consist simply of a sprig His waist was encircled with uspended a short curved dag
richly ornamented, and the
rk. In appearance his Mares we are accustomed to see e Adigar, from his superior
do so still more: very little rnible between him and his nister did not carry a crown; surmounted by something like
ad been presented in form to us string of ceremonies had proceeded to inquire about Majesty, and the state of uestions the General returned ctated. The conversation was rofound gravity and reserve, imstances were mentioned in ony and importance as if the
on them. The King directed
stood on the step below the his Majesty's words to the ome up with the embassy as tter in his turn gave it in ille, who had also been sent

Page 430
408 ' JOURNAL OF
up by Governor North to and who repeated it in F. Thus the conversation was ca sons, and in three different la returning by the same chai Majcsty’s qucstions.
The tedious length to whicl been protracted, may be ea lasted near three hours, thi Occupied with complimentary ence, rose-water was freque curiously wrought vessels of handed about on salvers of The oppressive heat of the powerful exhalations of the lamps, and the rank smell the natives present were unive effects of all these precautions, pean gentlemen who were allc the hall where the General's gu audience, the rain poured do mission; and continued to do his march back to the camp,
in the morning, quite exhaust
= } After this audience, some di before another could be obta
maxim with the Candians in

TE EMBASSY
interpret from that language, ench to General Macdowal. rried on by five different pernguages; the General's answers nel which had conveyed lis
such a conference must have sily conceived, and though it s first interview was entirely matters. During the confer2ntly sprinkled around from gold; and perfumes were gold and silver fillagree-work. room however, joined to the scented oils burned in the of cocoa-nut oil with which 2rsally anointed, overcame the and almost stifled the Eurowed to remain at one end of ard was stationed. During the wn in torrents without interso until the General was ou , where he arrived about five ed with fatigue. ays were permitted to elapse ained; as it is a standing ever to hurry forward affairs,
3 w

Page 431
, TO THE COUI
or to betray any symptom of to a conclusion. I am conv this principle on the present share of uneasiness; as thei violent to allow their minds
continued in their country.
At the second audience the ness of the embassy, and m: was authorised to do on bel cerning the nature of those di turned to them, I do not c give any statement, as they v ciation. One circumstance how having been laid before his Ca on this occasion. It was a req government, that that prince made and a communication to to Columbo, through his ter. of Candy. This would have venience and importance to the tapals or letter-bags had tous route along the Sea-coast and double the distance of th; dian territories. The King hc accede to this proposal; but e to any intercourse or connexi 3 (

RT OF CANDY. 409
anxiety for their being brought inced that their adherence to
occasion cost them no small r suspicions of us were too to enjoy any rest while we
General introduced the busi
ade those demands which he
half of Great Britain. Con
lemands, and the answers re'onsider myself at liberty to vere matters of private negoever was publicly talked of as ndian Majesty by the General uest made on the part of our would allow a road to be be opened from Trincomalce titories, a little to the north been a matter of vast conour government, as hitherto to be conveyed by a circuiby Manaar and Jafnapatam, at proposed through the Canwever would on no account 'xpressed his decided aversion on existing between his sub
r

Page 432
4 lO JOURNAL OF
jects and the Europeans. At expressed a desire to live on tish, whose power he acknow that of the Dutch. Whateve to the objects of the embass. conjecture to be set down in
Between this audience and purpose of taking leave, seve took place between General political topics. The greatest the Candians to prevent any our escort, particularly the M in the King's service. Our s neral to the court were previ from conversing with the na cautions, however, several pi cured which may be turned t Malays in the King's service pressing their sorrow at not return to Columbo with the those Malays had been slave account of ill treatment mad territories. They would have masters, and submitted to an tion, rather than live in co: caprices. of a despotic and bar
3

THE EMBASSY
the same time, however, he amicable terms with the Brifledged to be far superior to further transpired with regard y was too much the result of
an authentic narrative.
l the next audience for the ral messages and conversations Macdowal and the Adigar on precaution was employed by intercourse between those of alays and Malabars, and those soldiers who attended the Geented by every possible means tives. In spite of these preeces of information were proo advantage hereafter. Several
found an opportunity of ex
having it in their power to air old companions. Most of s to the Dutch, and had on e their escape to the Candian gladly returned to their former y punishment for their deserntinual apprehension from the barous court,

Page 433
To THE COU
At the audience for taking round the General's neck, an and an embroidered belt and ring set with different sorts o phant. These, even when add vernor North by the King, wel of those his Candian Majesty To the officers who accompani gold chain, a ring, and some and the soldiers were merely p. cloth. Nor was the escort while at the Candian court; a expected, and which on forme to confer. A small quantity of sort, with a few sweet meats d were all the gifts which our hospitality.
The General, after taking h and having obtained orders for c on the 2nd of May for the c. there on the 6th. Next day he lumbo, leaving directions with detachment back as soon as the him to Candy were sufficiently
On the tenth of . May the Sittivacca where they encampe 3 G

RT OF CANDY. AO A
Pave, the King put a gold chain d presented him with a sword scabbard. He also gave him a f precious stones, and an eleed to the presents sent to Goe of small value in comparison received from our government. ed the King were distributed a tortoise shells of little value ; resented with a piece of coarse even supplied with provisions piece of hospitality which was 2r occasions it had been usual rice and paddy of an inferior ealt with a very sparing hand, troops derived from Candian
is final leave of his Majesty, leparture, commenced his route amp - at Ruanelli, and arrived a set out with his staff for Co
Colonel Torrens to march the escort he had carried up with refreshed from their fatigues. whole detachment set off to d that night.
; 2

Page 434
412 JOURNAL OF T
11th. Marched to Gurrawad
12th. Halted this day, bein
13th. Proceeded to Cuddavi
14th. Marched to Columbo, being allowed a few days to r Garrison duty.

E EMBASSY, ETC,
i.
Sunday.
li. where the detachment, after fresh themselves, returned to

Page 435
TABLE OF ROA
I. THE Road along the Coa commencing at Trincomalee, a Manaar, Columbo, Point de ( with the names and distances resting places on the road, b and the people employed to co chiefly taken from a very late master of Ceylon.
The distances are set down in country, le: are about six English miles each leagu two camouchies, which means the cha ease themselves in turn when carrying lated in country leagues according to the benefit of travellers, as they will bi tance they advance on the road. The are allowed to the Tapal Peons to go f the letter-bag. All the under-named p forward the packets; and stretch all between Baticolo and Trincomalee.
From Trincomal
ಲಟ್ಟ Horsfor
From where to where. theTapak
Trincomalee to Lavelly...
1瑟|3 Lavelly to Couchavelly.... 2: 3; Couchavelly to Terriate... 2: 3: .
6
麦
1 Ο

)S IN CEYLON.
wywiadowww.
·
st of the Island of Ceylon, ld proceeding by Jafnapatam, Galle, Matura, and Baticolo,
of the different stations and oth for passengers travelling, nvey the tapal or letter-bags,
survey made by the Post
anseadmammann
agues as reckoned by the natives, which e-the natives divide their leagues into inging between Palankeen - bearers to passengers. The distances are calcuhe custom of the country people, for : the better able to judge of the dishours are also set down here which rom one station to another, and deliver laces are where people are stationed to
around the island, except the tract
2e to Manaar.
Remarks on the Road.
Sandy, very thick wood, hilly,
with elephantjungle Rather good, very woody
Much the same; wild hogs and
buffaloes

Page 436
AA TABLE C
From where to where. ်းမျိုဒိ 器 Trincomalee to Terriate,
6 | 1 Ο brought over . . . . . . . . Terriate to Cokelaye. . . . . . 2: Cockelaye to Wattouve. . . . 2; *Vattouvé to Mulativoe. . . 2: || 4
A 22, Malativoe to Matulé . . . . . || 14 Matulé to Chiondicalaw. . . } 2
Chiondicalaw to Beschouter 2: Beschouter to Klalie. . . . . . || 2 Klalie to Chavacherry ... 2 Chavacherry to Jafnapatam|| 2 || 3
126 42
Jafnapatam to Calamonie. . ; 2 Calamonie to Pounaveen... 3 4
Pounaveen to Bavatongy.. | 2 2 Bavatongy to Polveracotta 2 Polveracotta to Palliar. . . || 1 || 2; Palliar to Elpocarrie. . . . . . . . 2; “Elpocarrie to Vertativoe. 1 2. Vertativoe to Mantotte. . . . . 2; 4 Mantotte to Manaar. . . . || || 2
From Trincomalee tọ 一
I ಟ್ಠಾರಾ!!! 4 li 66
* This ends the district of Trincoma
Mantotte to )

DF ROADS
Remarks on the Roads. pì
Rather sandy, and water to cross.
Water to cross, rather hilly and 3 woody, tolerable SWoody, but rather good; wild 3 animals numerous
Rather sandy and woody
Sandy, water to cross, Woody; road 3 muddy
Sandy; cultivated; palmiras at 3 teach side Ditto, Ditto, EDitto SRather sandy, cultivated with 3 palmiras |S Ditto, ditto, but good road, culti
: vated ditto
sOn a line with this part are the small The sea to cross, sandyk islands and
ith * iras . . commenceSandy, with palmiras ment of the gulph of Ma
22 Sandy and woody “ဝှိ Ditto, ditto, good road and f f Ditto, ditto, indifferent t†ချီ O Ditto, ditto :: Pitto, ditto d ဗူဦ% Ditto, ditto ಬ್ಲೂ டி - ཁ། ་་ | phants S Ditto, water to cross to Manaar
island
e. f Ends Jafnapatan, district, ngalle, s-2.

Page 437
IN C
From Mantolle you leave the roa
right hand to Manaar by the of the island of Manaar, when Adam's Bridge, at Tulmenar.
From where to where. Country Hour Leagues the I
Mannar to Carrichelly. . . . 1 2
Carrichelly to Congangelli 1 2
Concangelli to Tulmanaar, s .
or Little Manaar . . . . .
3 5
From Mamaa
Manaar to Bangalle. . . . . . || 1 || 2:
Bangalle to Arippo. . . . . . . 1 2
Arippo to Callar. . . . . . . . 2 3: *Callar to Marchichatty... l ; 2. Marchichatty to Mardodde l ; 2. Mardoddeto Pomparipo... | 1 : 2 Pormparipo to Moeroun- { l; 2.
damvelli. . . . . . . . . . . . S '' Moeroundamvellito Care-2| 1
divo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1풍
- Caredivo to Ambellam. . . .
Ambellam to Potalum. . . . 1 2.
rawnwaMinne nama
3, 25
Eads Manaar district, and begins Columb strictly forms one, and from Chilow to jurisdiction of Columbo.

EYLON. 415
i to Columbo, and proceed on your following road, to the extreme end
rou cross over to the continent by
at
# Remarks on the koads
Sandy and waste
Ditto S Rather good; here you cross to * R Ramisseramisland, opposite this
ur to Columbo.
Sandy, and water to cross
Rather sandy, water to cross; a village and choultry. The Moulipatty river runs into the sea here t } Sat:; road; pearl banks lie op. E posite this part Sandy and woody Rather ditto, ditto Ditto, ditto, ditto
Woody and stony ; much water, and a great lake near Pomparipo Half good, rest si (ဇံtōry,lါ;&w၀ဝဇံy Wianಣ್ಣ: Tolerably good A rippo all
Rather sandy; salt along this road; pans : hereaboutsi i"§ the sea flows in far S, elephants on this flat country
:
district; though from this to Chilow more columbo another, both separate, but under the

Page 438
A 6 TABLE C
From where to where.
From Manaar to Ambel
lam, brought over. . . . S
Potalum to Onnavelly....
Onnavelly .to Andepanie. .
Andepannie to Karcopannie Karcopanie to Chilou. . . . . .
Chilou to Toddeway. . . . . . Toddeway to Merravellie..
Meravellie to Ullevettie . . . Ullevettie to Kaimellie. ...
Kaimellie to Nigumbo. . . . Nigumbo to Cordé. . . . . .
Cordé to Dandigam . . . . .
Dandigam to Jaille. . . . . . .
Jaille to Maabolle... ... .. Maabolle to Passbetale, ... Passbetale to Columbo. . . .
Country
ਨੂੰ Leagues theTa,
13
l
불
풀
통
Manaar to Columbo, distance is a
29
2
حصصصيمي
25
플
;
2.
풀
품
至 本
··
57
In the rainy season the country between A sp that the peninsula of Calpenteen becor between the two places on account of th and passengers going from Columbo to M must be carried over in a boat from Po the following road to get into the usual ri

ROADS
Remarks on the Roads.
Near this is Calpenteen island; a great deal of
} Rather sandy water in the
and muddy rainy season : Sandy and muddy ဖါးဖါဒို့ဗd to keep farther up by another road sbarrenwildcoun-.
Wary sandy
{ Ditto, ditto,
Water to COSS Ditto, ditto Ditto, ditto
try, with tracts く of thick jungle and cocoa-nut trees; very much [ူး with
elephants all this coast Ditto, ditto }
from Manaar Ditto, ditto
very flat and Sandy Ditto, except a little near Nigumbo The road very good; fort and : village here Very good road s
Ditto, ditto, ri- pleasant&shady; ver to cross, most of the way little sandy { plenty of cocoaVery good road, nut trees
little sandy Ditto, a very broad river to cross
Very good road; and a number
of houses scattered along
depannie and Potalum is all full of water, s an island; and it is impossible to cross mud; in consequence of which the letters naar, or coming from Manaar to Columbo, aripo to Calpenteen; and then proceed by at Andapani; and on from that to Solumbo

Page 439
IN C
Country Hou
From where to where
Leagues theT
From Pomparipo to Cal- 2
pcIntČcIn . . . . . . . . . . . . 풀 || 3 Calpenteen to Etally. . . . . . l; 2 Etally to Navacally. . . . . . . 2 3. Navacally to Vetapallie. . . . 2 3. Vetapallie to Andepannie... | 2 | 3. 9; 1:
IRoad along the South Coast f.
Matura, a;
Columbo to Galgieste. . . . 1景
Galgieste to Pantura. . . . || 2 || 3
Pantura to Caltura. . . . . || 2 3
4. This Road is reckoned 28 English
and pleasant road to travel: I from Caltura to Columbo, withc
M
Columbo to Caltura. . . . . . . A 7
Caltura to Barbareen. . . . 24
Barbareen to Bentotte. ... 1 1景

EYLON. 417
sfor ipal
Remarks on the Roads.
Sandy ; the sea and water to cross Sandy Pitto Ditto Ditto
Wild and woody
rom Columbo to Point de Galle, nd Baticolo.
As
Very sandy and woody; cinnamon growing on the left hand side ; shady A little Sandy, good road; pass through part of the cinnamon
ardens ; river to cross Very good shady road; cocoa-nut { trees the whole way; a broad river to cross; a fort and village
miles; it is an exceedingly cool have myself walked in seven hours but being much fatigued.
country beautiful, and well cultivated {Sါးရံ့ဖြို; ; good road; rather Sandy;
cultivated ; cocoa-trees Water to cross; good road, rather {ူ၍];း cocoa trees; oysters sold
here
The fort and village, with the

Page 440
4星8 TABLE Ol
Fion where to where. ountry
From Columbo to Ben
totte, brought over. . . .  ́ Bentotte to Gossgoddé. ...
Gossgoddé to. Amblam-)
goddé. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annblamgodde to Ecotté. . Ecotte to Gendura . . . . . .
Gendura to Ponté Gallé. .
Galle to Wakgalmodere. . To Cattecoeroende . . . . . . .
To Gay a Pané. . . . . . . . . .
Gay a Pané to Belligamé To Gravetté. . . . . . . . . . . . Gravette to Matura. .....
Matura to Tangalee...... Rainneg and Tallavillie.. Ambentotte and Boundelli latetoupanie and Tate Ri.. Patepoutanie and Kouman e Miattiagamgattoa to Ba-} ticolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leagues
풍
O
English Miles
2. 2O 24 25 8
24
About English miles. . . . . .
123
Hoursf. theTap:
:
통
2
ع۔ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــہ
2
9
··
This Track round the island may
considerable accuracy; and near
is usually supposed to be, whicl
allowing for the greater extent ne
and projections of land along the

ROADS
Remarks.
Good road; hilly; cocoa-nut trees Ditto, ditto, ditto, water to cross
Ditto, ditto, ditto, rather sandy, do. Ditto, ditto, ditto
Good, but rather sandy; water to
CITOSS
This road shady here and there, with sandy tracts, and a little cinnamon growing near the coast; two broad rivers to cross; game and wild animals numerous
(The Road from Matura to Baticolo lies through a very wild part of the country, difficult to travel on account of the wild beasts; and dangerous from the natives of the island, called Vaddahs, who live in the woods about this east part of Ceylon, which renders it necessary to have military escorts The road is equally dangerous, and unfrequented by Europeans, from Baticolo to Trincomalee
く
ascertain its circumference with y corresponds to what Ceylon is about nine hundred miles, rer the sea, which takes in bays OaSt. 7

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IN CEY
English miles.
Trincomalee to Manaar . . . . 250
Manaar to Columbo. . . . . . 160 Columbo to Baticolo. . . . . . 22O
6ვO
A space between Baticolo and Trincomalee; difference between its ut- 7O most projection and the road set down here. .
II. Road from Columbo to Cano
English Columbo to Cudavilli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cudavilli to Gurrawaddie. . . . . . . . . . Gurrawaddie to Sittivacca. . . . . . . . . . Sittivacca to Apolipitti. . . . . . . . . .
Apoli pitti to Ruanelli. . . . . . . . . . .
Ruanelli to Edimalpani. . . . . . is a a s Edimalpani to Atipitti. . . . . . . . . . . . . Atipitti to Wolgoagoddi. . . . . . . . . . . Wolgoagoddi to Ganna Tenna. . . . . . , Ganna Tenna to Gannaroa. . . . . . . . . Gannaroa to Candy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
III. Road from Trincomaleet
The route Mr. Boyd took from Candy to Trincomalee; the only one taken by the English. . . . . . . . . . . From Candy to Gunnoor, this I take to be Gannaroa, where General
MDowal halted. . . . . . . . . soo o o 难

TILON, t 4.(
Dimamame=s
ly, taken by General M'Dowal
miles. ... 10 A level and pleasant road ... 11 More hilly; though tolerable ... 14 Hilly and difficult
. 4 A level road
Difficult, full of hills and nar
row defiles ... 10 Nearly the same ... 12 Very difficult
6 Ditto, ditto 8 Exceeding steep hills to ascend 9 A very steep hill in the way ... 3 The ascent to Candy very steep
Candy, taken by Mr. Boyd.

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42() TABLE OF ROAD
Englisł
Gunnoor to Osspoot. . . . . . . . . . . . . Osspoof to Allaway. . . . . . . . . so o Allaway to Nallendy Caravetty. . . . . . Nallendy Caravetty to Choultry plain From Choultry plain to Gona. . . . . . From Gona to the Rock River. . . . . . . From Rock River to Wishtegall. . . . From Wishtegall to Pulian Caravetty, From Pulian Caravetty to Permaumad Permau mado to Tertolay . . . . . . . . . . Tertolay to Tumbela Caumun. . . . . . . Tumbela Caumun to Copputorey. . . . Copputorey to Trincomalee. . . . . . . . .
Should events hereafter render it n. to Candy in a hostile manner, til and less dificult than those descr
is a road the Dutch once took Point de Galle, by which the disi
F I N

S IN CEYLON,
miles.
This road is by Mr. Boyd's account exceeding difficult, 6 and many parts dangerous ... ) on account of the elephants.
From what I could learn, I o understood the distance be
is j tween Candy and Trincoma6 lee not to exceed 120 miles, and from Columbo to Candy
... 5 about 90. I have not a '' doubt but the Candians took Mr. Boyd the longest and 器 most difficult ways, particu
6 larly for the last two or three days' march, as they 9 evidently brought him round into the Columbo road at - Gunnoor
167
ecessary for the English to proceed here are other roads much shorter ibed; between Chilow and Putalom , and another between Caltura and
tance is not above 70 or 80 miles,
N I S.

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