Ceylon and The Cingalese

CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE
BY HENRY SIRR
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THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
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CEYLON
THE CINGALESE.
PD
What Heaven
What
It
is
a goodly sight to see

!
hath done for this delicious land

blush on every tree
hills
!
fruits of fragrance
St
expand
!"
What
goodly prospects o'er the
sk
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Byrok.
AND
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CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE;

THEIR
HISTORY, GOVERNMENT,
THE
AND
RELIGION,
ANTIQUITIES, INSTITUTIONS, PEODUCE,
REVENUE, AND CAPABILITIES
OF THE ISLAND;
WITH
ANECDOTES ILLUSTRATING
THE
MAKNEES AND CUSTOMS
OF THE
PEOPLE.
HENRY CHARLES
Lincoln's inn, b arrister- at-law,
PD
LATE DEPUTY QUEEN's ADVOCATE
de
sk
SOUTHERN
CIRCUIT IN
VOL.
LONDON:
WILLIAM SHOBERL, PUBLISHER,

20,
GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET.

1850.
SEntcrtlJ at ^tatiomriS' Hall.
St
BY
SIRR, M.A.,
OF
ANn
FOR THE
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON.
ud io
I.
Tr
ia
PRINTED BY
G. J.
PALMER, SAVOY 8TREKT, STHAND.
de
sk
PD
St
ud io
LONDON
:
Tr
ia
J^
/T
THE MOST NOBLE AND RIGHT HONORABLE
&c.
&c.
C!)uS E23ork t^, fin pcrmtji^ton, rcspcctfulln Uctliratclr,
de
sk
HUMBLE SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.
PD
BY HIS LORDSHIP'S
MOST OBEDIENT,
St
ud io
&c.
LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX,
Tr
,
MARQUIS OF SALISBURY, K.G
D.C.L.,
ia
"N
JAMES BROWNLOW WILLIAM GASCOIGNE CECIL,
sk
PD
recent events in Ceylon, and the desire for infor-
mation evinced by
all classes
the late Rebellion, we have been induced to prepare
St
and
after our return
of this beautifid island,
sk
Our object has been
PD
which appeared
in a
from the Colony.

to unfold the capabilities
call attention
the following pages for the press,
leading periodical shortly
ud io
From
the
extraordinary interest created by
upon the subject of some portion of
Tr
to its
de
undeveloped resources
amongst the former may

to
be classed the proposed emigration

Ellia,
and amongst the
latter the
long talked
ia
Neweraof,
and
essential undertaking
ancient tanks
the
the restoration of the

last-
whole credit of which
named
proposition, a recent writer,
who has never

for
of,
visited the Colony, has
most unjustly claimed
himself, although the greater
number
if not all,
PREFACE.
vm
authors
PREFACE.
who have sojourned
in the "
Cinnamon
Isle" have referred to the subject.
In the performance of our task,
voured to notice, and believe

sidered,
we have endeathat we have condescribed

the
its
every topic
of interest,
general features of the countiy,

tiquities
glorious an-
and
literature,
its
and
illustrated the cha-
As a book
ia
racter
and habits of
of reference,
mixed population. we have essayed
to
render these pages useful, by the classification

of chapters, each devoted to a particular subject.
The
glanced
ancient history of Lanka-diva has been

at,
and
its
modem,
is
fully entered into, and,
F
it
St
which
connected with European rule, has been

being brought down to the
present period,
includes a
OF THE LATE KaNDL^N REBELLION, ITS ORIGIN,
the supposed grievances of our fellow-suhjects,
de
(ind the critical position of the colonial govern))ieni.
We
tion
sk
AND CONSEQUENCES, together with an expose of
have also ventured, from personal obsei'vafacts, to
PD
and
show the
as a punishment, or example, amongst a population professing the tenets of

April, 1850.
1,
New
Square, Lincoln's Inn.
ud io
or that portion tliereof
complete account
inefficiency of death,
Buddhism.
Tr
IX
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
Poiut de Galle
PD
Beauty of the scenery aud Arrival of steamerScene on boai'dNative Touters lodging-bouses Custom the House Grotesque appearance of Cbitty Man De Guai'd-house Queen's house scription of the your comDwellings Moonnen Pettah Paying
liai-bour
Canoes
ti-aders
to
de
sk
plexion.
.....
for
fort
St
ud io
I.
Tr
Page
1
CHAPTER
II.
Going to call the coach, instead of the coach calling for you Preparations for Departure Description of the Royal Mails in Ceylon The Colombo road Wild PeaBentotte cock Guano ^lonkeys Toddy di-awers Kestive horses Anecdote Caltura Beauty of scenery Cinnamon plantations Pagoda tree The fashionable Curious Colpetty The Galle Face quarter of Colombo Arrival of the Royal Mail, gives gazers at new-comers
ia
OF THE FIEST VOLUME.
CONTENTS.
rise to conjectures as to
who
the new-comers are, and

.
.
wherefore they have come to Ceylon.
19
CHAPTER
Colombo
III.
PD
Harbom* Custom-house Animated scene Troops Queen's HousePublic in the FortPettah Native tradersChui'ches, chapels, and table institutions Public in the PettahNative Slave Island Galle Face Colonial manners The climate upon the female character The drive Beauty of the spotSunset Seabreezes E vening CinnamonTribute manded by the Portuguese Cultivation introduced by the Dutch Value of the monopoly the Dutch and English governmentsDescription of the Uses of every portion of the cinnamon-laurelPeeling knives Number of crops in the yearPrei)aring the spice ChaUiasor cinnamon peelersPunkahsThe of an unexpected downfall Dessert Crows, their boldness and
Derivation of the name of the Port
Fortifications
offices
religious
chari-
offices
effect of
fasliionable
Tr
to
.
ia
shiTib
police
l
.
Fii-e-fiies
de-
St
ud io
result
audacity.
.39
sk
CHAPTER
IV.
ter-
de
Situation of
races
KandyRoute Bridge of boatsPaddy Aspect of the people AmbepusseMountain zoneKadaganawa pass Mountain scenery Talapat, or great fan palmAnimal Draught elephants Peredenia Bridge and Botanical gardens Curious specimens of the vegetable kingdomTravellers' fiiend City of Kandy lake Bathing house of the Queen's Palace Native shops Customs Buildings Artillery-barracks Deficiency of water The governor's
life
Artfficial
CONTENTS.
residence
site
Xi
of
Beauty of the architectm-e and Views Doombera Major Davie's Groimds of the PavilionLady Horton's roadGrandeur of neiy Altitude of the mountains Military on One-tree hUl Legend Kurunaigalla tunnel Compulsory labour Animals, and ia the
the valley of
tree
sce-
station
bii-ds,
.
reptiles,
sur-
rounding oountiy.
.72
CHAPTER
Route
of
to
V.
de
sk
Native suspension bridgeCaves Remains of tanksDifficulty of construct ing a portion of the road Hot wellsTemperatm-e the waters Beneficial application in certain diseases Legend attached to the waters Coast and liarbour of Trincomalee longitude Size of harbour Fort of Trincomalee Town buildings Troops Insalubrity of the climate Tiincomalee named in ancient records Colony of Malabars established there before 125 A.D. Interesting religious ceremony on the promonotory in honour of Siva Pillar the memory of Francia van Rhede Melancholy histoiy Fantastic appearance of the Quartz RocksPrincipal roads 99
Trincomalee
Dambool
Tr
ia
situation, latitude,
PD
St
CHAPTER
Newera EUia The sanatorium of the islandThe roadMountain conflagration Convalescent station for the
militaiy,
established
1829 Cascades
Scenery European aspect of the dwellings Vegetation The town Public buildings Salubrity of the climate Farming experiments Great capabilities and soU of Newera ElliaProposed plan of emigration Price of stock and
Newera
Ellia a royal residence in 1628
fertile
ud io
to
VI.
of
Rambodde
l
-of
Xll
CONTENTS.
produce
Iron found on the plainCarnage roads^FootHorton Plains, the highest tahle-land in Ceylon Luxuriant specimens or pitcher plant Nelu, or of the Nepenthes
path to the summit of Pedi'o-talla galla
distillatoria,
.
.
honey plant.
.115
CHAPTER
VII.
Geological character of the island
PD
Minerals Salt lakes Revenue arising from themTanksAgiicultm-e Nawhen the paddy trodden out plough Mystic CultivationLemon grass Value and uses of cocoanut trees Cinnamon Coffee Sugai* Cotton Tobacco Areka nutsAmbuprasudana, or water nutJack and IndigoMulbeny treesTalapat pahii Mee Ebony treeCalamander Red sandal and satin-wood The Kabook ^Variety of the vegetable world The bo, or sacred Capabilities of cultivation and extraordinary of the Expense of housekeeping Prices of provisions at Galle and Colombo Meat Poultry Fish and Fnxit Vegetables Servants' wages House-rent Same
tive
rite
bread-fi-uit trees
tree
ud io
trees
St
Tr
ti'ee
tree
tree
ia
is
fertility
de
sk
Kandy and Newera EUia.
....
VIII.
to
tail
tisheries
soil
at
134
CHAPTER
Natural histoiy
and Dionysius
Elephants of Ceylon spoken of by Pliny Sagacity Trained be executioners by the kings of Kandy Ancient mode of valuing elephants Anecdote Catching elephants with the atmaddoo
Ornaments made from the coarse hairs of the
King
of Kandy's personal inspection of captm'ed elephants
Tyranny
sljooting
Knox's account Rogue-elephantElephantMajor Rogers His miraculous escape Siu-
CONTENTS.
gular death
Xlll
Elephants ascend the moxmtainsTusks Elks DeerWalmeenya Wild buffaloesBears Cheetahs, Beauty and or leopards Kandian mode of snarmg them Distinctive pecuUarityWild hogs Animals found in jungle Eats ShrewAnecdote of a musk-rat Ornithological mensLand-leeches Ticks SnakesAnaconda Cobra or the sacred naga of the Cingalese Warning
found buried in the jungles
docility
speci-
capello,
Hau--breadth escapeTic polonga LegendIchneiimon
nests.
St
CHAPTER
ud io
IX.
Crocodiles Hunting CrocodileNative method of catching and destroying crocodiles Fecundity Number of eggs Pugnacity of White antsDestructive prothe yoimgInsect 183 pensities Thencharmers
tribes
....
Size, fertility,
sk
Cingalese records Date of the submersion of the island, nearly coincides with the Mosaic Indian conqueror, Wijeya Aborigines Island visited by the Eomans
PD
Mentioned by
classical writers of antiquity
Geographical position of Ceylon
Ciagalese ambassadors visit

sixth
Rome Account
centmy by Cosmas IncUcopleustes Island first Native accoimt visited by the Portuguese in 1505 Portuguese and the between Wars Ceylon in Dutch The Battles Affecting historical anecdote Dutch Portuguese possessions in Ceylon obtained by Oie Dutch
de
in 1658
List of the Portuguese Governors.

CHAPTER
X.
Tr
and produce
Hindoo and
given in the
ia
Historical account continued fi-om 1659 to 1795,
when
attacking a cobra
218
the
xiv
CONTENTS.
siu-venderecl,
Dutch
Ceylon
by
capitulation, their possessions in
to the British
maiy
the
of the effect
Cingalese
List of Dutch Governors Suniof Portuguese and Dutch rule upon character Philalethe's account of the
254
same.
CHAPTER
Kaadian character
officers
XI.
Personal appearanceCingalese of the Native governmentslowlands CustomsMode of smelting ii-on British King's English rule from 1795 to 1805 Governor North established Judicature Court of Supreme governor Kandian war Fearful massacre of British troops conduct of Major Davie DastaixUy and Extraordinaiy escape of two soldiers Summary of poIL events False poUcy of General Macdowall Noble conduct of Captain Nouradeen Braveiy of Major JohnThomas Maitland succeeds the Honourson Suable Frederick North The judicious rule of Governor
Character of the women
disgi-aceful
tical
St
ud io
.
Tr
.
ia
l
Fii-st
North.
PD
.277
sk
CHAPTER
Sri
XII.
Fii'st
From
family mm'dered
Adikar Wila-ama's tyi-anny Affecting account of the execution Heroic conduct of the wife and son Babe taken from the mother's breast to be decapitatedRebellion in KandyMartial law proclaimedTranquillity restored Dalada rehc Death of the King of Kandy Governor Sir CoUn Campbell His policy Bishopric of Colombo conBishop Dr. Chapman His exertions The causes and characterRebellion in Kandy The disturbancePre* New taxes and of
1805 to 1844
stituted
first
de
Piiests'
dissatisfaction
first
CONTENTS.
tender
proclaimed
His
progi-ess
destroy the public biiildings
from Kandy
Reward offered PretenderDestniction of Kumegalle Observer newspaper exciting discontent Alarming

for
at
Matele
Rebels enter and Troops march
Conflict with rebels Martial law proclaimed
of the police
meeting of natives near the seat of Government Attack Mr. Elliot addi-esses the mob Reinforce-
de
sk
PD
St
ud io
Tr
ments sent to Kandy The Commandant takes possession of the Dalada relic Pretender's brother shot Result of Couits Martial Special sessions of Supreme Court The Cluef Justice's charge His recommendation to mercv Lord Torrington's reply. . .318
ia
sk
PD
ILLUSTRATIONS.
VOLUME
View of Colombo
I.
Chitty
Man Man
Tr ud io
.
.
Map
of the Island of Ceylon

.
ia
Page
.
Cingalese
Cingalese
"Woman
Ratramahatmeer
St
PD
VOLUME
. .
IL
.
de
The Lake of Kandy

Kandian
sk
Frontispiece
Woman
.35
.
Cingalese Pins, or Ornaments for the Hair
Buddha and
Priests
.116
.
Profile of Cingalese
Woman
l
1
Frontispiece
I
11
279
282
284
36
74
sk
PD
sk
PD
SIO
82
Point Fe</ro
de
sk
PD
80 Ea^t
Fai>lis/ir/:t />y
St
ud io
Tr
Lon^xtwdbt.
Sll
ia
82
.^reeii.
W. S/u>^// , 2o,
OtMvUorouÂ
Point de Galle
de
Beauty of the scenery and harbour Arrival of steamerScene on boardNative lodging-houses Custom traders Touters the House Grotesque appearance of Chitty Man Description of the Guard-house Queen's house your comDwellings MoormenPettah Paying
Canoes
sk
PD
to
fort
St
for
CHAPTER
plexion.
Prosaic language
is
inadequate to convey a
faithful portraiture of the exquisite scenery, truly
ud io
I.
oriental in its character, that
abounds
namon Isle, the

'
poet's plume,
and painter's pencil,
Tr
B
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE.
in the Cin-
being alone calculated for the purpose.

VOL.
I.
ia
l
The

fertility
extreme
of the
soil,
and the magnificence

neighbourhood
eye dwelling
of the vegetable kingdom, in no part of Ceylon

are
more perceptible than
in the
of Point de Galle, the traveller's
with delight upon the varied, and verdant foliage
which
encircles
the
sea
shore.
The
pellucid
azure of the cloudless skies, the sun's glittering
beams
the
reflected in millions of sparkling rays
on
bosom
of the blue ocean, the waves rolling

in
and dashing
is
volumes of snowy surf over the

all
dark yellow rocks, present a picture of

sublime and lovely in Nature.
Tr ia
O
l
that
The harbour
of
Point de Galle
ud
io
lies
at
the
an inland bay of a semicircular or horse- shoe

form, constructed by the all-bounteous hand of
PD
St
southern exti'emity of the Island of Ceylon, being
Nature, and
long.
is situate
lat.
in lat. 6
59 north,
and
masses of rock, riven by the dashing of the
de
sk
80" 17' 2"
Skirting
the harbour, are
surge,
and worn by the hand of time

and picturesque forms.
cocoa-nut palms
into
many
fantastic
In the back
ground are
(Cocos nucifera)
with their stately but slender trunks o'er-topping

all
the other trees, and outvieing the rest of the
vegetable world in majestic graceful loveliness.
Nothing can be more elegant than the elongated

green leaves,
with their feathery fringe, which

wave
tree,
in a
canopied form fi'om the summit of the
droop around the slender stem,

fro
moving
gently to and
as
the
sea-breeze wantons
among them.
Clusters of nuts (or fruit) of an
oval shape, measuring from seventeen to twenty
inches in diameter, grow amongst the leaves close

to the trunk of the tree
;
and these being of a

colouring,
green less
vivid than their brilliant
dark brown bark of the trunk.

these stately trees
is
the majestic bread-fruit tree
covered with a rough rind, gladdening alike eye
and
heart, wdth the magnificent majestic beauty
St
ud
Near
umbrageous foliage, and enormous emerald-green leaves from the branches are suspended the large round fruit,
io
(Artocarpus incisa) with
its
Tr ia
;
Mingled with
l
in
contrast exquisitely with the subdued hue of the
PD
of luxuriant vegetation.
to this tree will
be
seen the slender
papaw
tree, (Carica
papaya,) the
sk
stem gradually tapering to the top, where the
de
leaves spread
fruit,
forth
in
a parachute form,
the
bright yellow
and melon shaped, hanging
beneath them.
Interspersed amongst these monarch s of vegetation are various other trees,
foliage, but of smaller
clothed
rich
dimensions,
contrasting
well with those of larger growth.
Imagine the
B 2
waves foaming and frothing, dashing against and
over the yellow rocks, then a billow gracefully

rolling appearing to gain increased strength as
it
reaches the shingly beach, on which
it
is
pre-
cipitately driven in a
shower of white spray, the

glis-
froth
remaining
for
a few moments on the
tening strand, and even as you gaze, becoming absorbed.
On
in
the
undulating bosom
of
the
rays of Sol,
all
the varied
are
in
Tr ia
graceful
;
prismatic
swelling blue
ocean sparkling with the bright

tints,
a few
European
vessels
riding at
anchor,
are the canoes of the natives, rudely constructed
barks hollowed out of the trunk of a
St
ud
from the yards.
Intermingling with these craft
io
are
their furled sails
hanging
festoons
tree,
with
a slender spar nearly of equal length with the
PD
of the canoe
is
sk
vessel to which
it is
some transverse
sticks for
benches
to
one side
fastened an outrigger, formed of
attached by two curved arms
the possibility of the canoe being capsized.
de
this outrigger floating
upon the water, prevents
These primitive
to
craft vary in length fi-om twelve
twenty
feet,
and in width from two
to three,
being propelled by paddles three feet and a half

long, roughly wrought into a battledore shape,
the three or
at
either
extremity,
more men using them being seated and in the centre of the
fragile barks
canoe.
These
usually laden

with luscious
articles of
fruits,
5
or
vegetables, fish,
other
an edible nature, for the use of our
ships; and the native occupants of the canoes, are men and youths of bright bronze complexion,
with well-formed features, and soft black almond-
shaped eyes, the luxuriant long black hair of the former being twisted into a thick knot at the back
of the head
their
;
of the
latter,
allowed to flow " o'er
scarf, or
piece of cotton, tied around their loins
forming their sole clothing.
standing at ninety-six, and a faint
ud
Place all these inanimate and animated adjuncts under cloudless skies, and a tropical sun, with the thermometer
io
it
may be formed
As soon as
of the scenery around, and har-
PD
the steamer from

prevails
bour of Point de Galle.

equal excitement
St
England
mendo," we
de
indulgent readers
will
sk
on board the vessel and on the shore, and as we wish to edify our
"Delectando pariterque moar-
imagine the vessel to have
rived during the night, and the captain as anxious to take in his supply of coal, and pursue his
voyage, as
the
passengers are to touch
firma again, after passing days or weeks without
enjoying that luxury, although

for
a few hours.
The
day has dawned,
Tr ia
may
conception
only be
the
shoulders
bare,"
small
handkerchief,
arrives,
terra
morning gun has boomed over the waters, wakening all slumberers, and those amongst the passengers
who
are
about to make Lankadivas *
verdant shores their

busily
home
for a time, are
soon
employed
in
packing up then*
ti*avelling
appurtenances, anxious to avail themselves of the

first
boat that pushes
off,
to take
them
to the
shore.
full
strength
forward with eager anticipation to the comple-
energy of their natiu'e to ensure the accomplish-
ment of their
plans.
St
Could some of the dreamers
ud
to
make
a fortune, resolving to devote the whole
but raise the veil
of futurity,
;
io
his
tion of
schemes and projects, whereby they hope
Tr ia
Many, buoyant with hope, and in the and vigour of manhood, looking
numbers would
and
renown, they would see the phantoms of disease
de
sk
and untimely death throwing around their gloomy shadows, and hovering in their path. But, as
the
orient
PD
shrink back appalled
for,
in lieu of wealth
sun rises in
red blush
unclouded
of
casting the
morning beams
revels in bright
around on land and

visions of
sea, so
man
what
is to be, until
the dull realities
of
life,
like,
clouds obscuring the brilliant
of the planet, cast their shade over the rays of
hope.
*
The ancient name used by
tlie
natives for Ceylon.
splendour,
beams
To return
to our description of the harbour. risen, the waters to
As
soon as the sun has
appear to
steamer,
teem with canoes,
hastening
the
some bringing provisions,

sengers and their baggage,
others to land paswhilst large
boats
be-
heavily freighted with coal, force their
way
tween the lesser
craft.
The scene
of confusion
on board the steam-vessel soon becomes

packages into the canoe that
to the shore,
is to
inde-
and hurriedly attempt
io
the ladder at the steamer's side, but in so doing,
of coal, and each then jostles and hustles the
St
other, in the attempt
made by
ud
encounter coolees ascending,
carrying
either
only to be equalled by that of Babel, exclamaPortugese, Hindostanee, in short in every known,
PD
resounds a confusion of tongues and languages,

French,
pursue their respective routes.
Then
Tr ia
to
to his
bear them
descend
party to
arises
and almost unknown, language in the world assail the ear, with comments neither polite, nor
peculiarly complimentary
de
sk
tions
in
English,
Cingalese,
upon the
agility of the
tawny sons of Adam.

through the
native
with a very
minute portion of dirty rag, attached
medium
of a piece of coir rope tied
around his
loins, will step
upon the deck, with
scribable. Passengers are seen tossing their various
baskets
and
Tamil,
person

trifling
some
article
for sale,
and possibly enlady retreats a pace
counter a blushing bride, or fair damsel fresh
from Albion's shores. The

clothed dusky figure,
fair
or two, with a slight scream at sight of the un-
placing her hand before
her eyes to exclude the disagreeable vision.
Then
will follow a
Moorman
on the
with shaven head,
a round embroidered cloth cap, thickly padded
Tr ia
of
l
with cotton,
placed
it
top
his
shorn
cranium to protect
from the sun's powerful rays,
with at least six yards of cotton, either white or
io
coloured, tied round his loins with a
showy
silk
handkerchief, forming a kind of petticoat reach-
but leaving him in a complete state of nudity
from the waist upwards.
men
some
of humanity has in all probability brought
PD
events what he considers so, consisting of knife-
handles, and snuff-boxes, cut out of the molar

tooth of the elephant, some fine samples of various coloured glass
off"
de
sk
articles of vertu
St
ing to his ankles, (called by the natives Comboy,)
ud
This demi-nude speci-
or curiosity to
sell,
at all
which he endeavours
to
palm
as precious stones
and gems of the
first
water.
These are accompanied or succeeded by divers other natives and inhabitants of the island, some of them offering tortoise-shell and silver bodkins
for the hair, others
calamander work-boxes inlaid

with ivory,
carved ebony caskets, and baskets

for
sale.
made from the porcupine's quills, Amongst the multitude who regard
by
so
all
the steam
boat gentlemen, travellers being thus designated

the native denizens of Ceylon, as their
Jiottels,
lawful game, are the touters for the
for
lodging-houses
are called
by these copper-
estimation, will place a card in the hands of a
ud
traveller
and descant most

to
io
or
fluently
and comforts that are

cular hottel
St
English, upon the good cheer, moderate charges,
be found
So soon
self or to
as the eloquence of the touter has intrust
PD
which he has the
felicity to represent.
duced a passenger, or passengers, to
themselves to his guidance, he intimates

it is
sk
such and such baggage should be placed
de
a coolee that
his will
and pleasure,
Tr ia
in
The touter is invariably a half-caste, or burgher, who generally abounds in a very undue appreciation of his own dignity, and position, and this gentleman, in his own
coloured gently.
in the parti-
l
in
broken
him-
that
a
particular canoe, not condescending to lower his
dignity
by touching,
lifting,
carrying port-
manteau, carpet-bag, hat-box,
or dressing-case.
When
these minor arrangements are completed,

el-
he precedes the traveller down the ladder,
bowing
his way, vociferating in an authoritative
B 5
10
manner, to clear a path as he rudely thrusts the

coolees aside.
Most ludicrous
is
the assumption
of these half-castes,
who
are
held in supreme
contempt by the
full-caste natives, their greatest
term of reproach being

half-caste,)
" he burgher man,"

is
(or
in-
dulged in at
and many a hearty gujfaio their expense by Europeans.

is
two hundred feet into the water,
Tr ia
at
end of which
is
a rude building, bearing a strong
and the inquiry made

personal
intermixed.
If
ud
Custom-house, and
io
resemblance to a dilapidated
to it the
if
it
bam
l
;
The
landing-place
a pier, extending some

the shore
this
is
is
the
baggage
taken,
consists
solely of
St
effects, or if there is
any merchandize
satisfactoiy,
after the
the
reply
is
the
has signed a declaration that he has no article
PD
packages are passed unopened,
owner
ketable commodities,
sk
for sale or barter; for should there
be any mar-
the packing-cases are de-
de
tained to be examined,
and duties levied. Never shall we forget our amazement at the grotesque costume and appearance of one of the subordi-
nate Custom-house officers,

the
who was
a native of
Malabar
coast, of the Chitty caste, or those
professing belief in the doctrines of the
Romish
which
Church.
velvet
The man
carried on his
head a black
cap about six inches in height,
sk
PD
sk
PD
CHITTY MAN.
11
projected forward in a hom-like manner, on either

side of his head, the edges of the head-dress being
trimmed with a thin gold cord.

hair, redolent of
"^from the
His long black
cocoa-nut
oil,
was combed back
copper-coloured face, and twisted into a
knot, close
nape of the neck, protrudIn each ear were three ing beneath the head gear. gold rings, studded with coloured stones, and
down
to the
diameter, rested
upon
the shoulders,
piece having been cut out of the lobe of the ear,

to allow
Tr ia
of his
these
ear-rings
being
fully
thirteen
inches in
l
to
a square
the insertion of these ponderous
barbarous decorations.
to
view his hairy breast, although to one side of the
vest were attached innumerable jewelled buttons
St
white cotton jacket, open in front, thus exposing
ud
This mortal had on a
io
and
round
his loins
yards of white calico, (forming the petticoat or
comboy,) the end of which being brought round

his body,
hung down the fi'ont The comboy was confined round
de
sk
PD
were longitudinally rolled several
person.
his loins
by a
handkerchief folded crossways, the extremities of
which
being pendant at his
back, formed a
novel caudal termination, not hitherto mentioned
by
his
naturalists.
The comboy reaching

feet,
his
ankles, which were guiltless of covering, as well as
unshod splay
which appeared doubly
12

being
contrasted
brown from
petticoat.
with
the
white
This gentleman carried in his hand
as a protection against the sun's rays, a Chinese
umbrella,
made
of black varnished
paper, with
bamboo
stick for the
handle
and we do not
think that our visual organs ever beheld a more

ludicrous spectacle than the tout ensemble of this
being presented.
duced on the minds of those fresh from Europe,
when they gaze
for the first time
of half or rather unclothed Asiatics,
lated
by the desire
to
to
gentlemen"
purchase their goods, whilst others,
staring,
open mouthed
PD
from mere curiosity and indolence,

;
St
ud
around them when they land, some being stimuinduce the " steam-boat
io
Tr ia
is
We
cannot dwell upon the impression pro-
upon a crowd
who throng
l
will
stand
the boys with no other
covering save that which nature has bestowed on
sk
all,
namely that of
their long hair streaming
down
pence.
de
their backs, clamorously asking for pice, or half-
The Fort
of Galle, as the tow^n
called, is
approached by an ancient moss-grown archway,

which, with the ramparts and town, were built
by the Dutch
is
after
they had obtained possession

Tradition affirms that Galle
appellation
of Galle, A.D, 1640.
indebted for
its
and symbol

cock
13
to
an error of the Portugese conquerors,
who preceded the Dutch in Ceylon. The natives named this spot most appropriately, as it is surrounded by rockSj Galla, which
for
is
the Cingalese
rock
but
the
Portugese confounded this

or cock.
word with Gall us,

garrisoned by a
Galle
is
generally
company
of the " Ceylon Rifles,"

Kaifres,
composed of Malays and
and a detachis
Tr ia
of the
ment
vice Rifles
of whatever regiment of the line

in
is
Ceylon.
The uniform
green,
dark
and
the
Malays make
tolerably efficient soldiers,

trepid
(being far more in-
ud
is
and
active than the Kaffi-es,)
way, a sentinel
the ai'chway, as
is
stationed;
PD
tenanted either
you enter, by our own

duty
St
manded by
judicious officers.
io
men
when com Under the gateand opposite to

by the
In
the guard-house,
soldiers or
regiment of the line and the Ceylon Rifles.
the verandah of this building, the soldiers lounge
when
de
sk
Asiatics,
as
the
alternates
between the
off"
guard, and
if
our
are there, they
may be
frequently seen enjoying the luxury of a

;
cheroot with extreme gusto
but, if the Flifles are
on duty, the Malays and Kaffies are invariably

to
be seen masticating a compound of the leaves
and nuts of the areka palm and chunam, bespattering the whole
verandah and ground with the
l
on
ser-
Ceylon
14
disgusting red saliva, produced by chewing their

favourite combination called betel.
Situate
upon an
is
ascent, a short distance from
the guard-house,
nor's
the Queen's house, a govervisits
residence,
when he
Galle.
This
building was erected in 1687, and over the door-
way
the
the date
local
is
inscribed, above
which appears
verandah ex-
symbol
the
cock.
shaded by some magnificent trees

the botanical
from Java by one of the early Dutch governors,
a mile and a quarter, enclosing the town, which
St
ud
name of these splendid exotics is Mimusops Elengi. The ramparts extend about
io
consists
of three
principal
sti'eets,
intersected by several minor ones.

built
PD
on either sides of the
streets, are
story in height
or
to
speak more correctly, confloors,
sist
merely of ground
sk
and, to the best of
de
our remembrance, there w ere but three residences

at Galle
that
had an upper
Tr ia
tends the whole length of this residence, which
these being
The houses
but one
story
these
is
introduced
were
called an up-stairs.
The
roofs are tiled, project-
ing beyond the outer walls, being supported by
wôoden
or
pillars,
thus forming a covered balcony,

front of
tlie
verandah,
in
which are suspended

glare of the sun's
inquisitive
tats, to
subdue
intense
beams, and exclude the gaze of the

passers by.
15
These
tats, or blinds, are
composed
of split reeds, held together

thin coir or string,
by the interlacing of
to the roof
and are attached
of the verandah
ciles in
by rope.
The
roofs of all domi-
Ceylon, whether tenanted by Europeans
or Asiatics, slope outwards from the centre walls?
which are considerably higher than the external

ones
;
tlie
timbers resting upon the walls, leave
the admission of air
thus
is
allowing a thorough
current to pass through the residence
Tr ia
all
a space between the wall-plate and the
l
tiles,
is
for
and
this
arrangement of roof
countries.
met with
io
by
in all tropica
The rooms
ud
are usually lofty
and large
left
are
used,
doors and windows being alike
wide open, a white screen being placed before
PD
St
and, instead of glazed windows, Venetian blinds
the former, to prevent the persons

the inmates being observed
look,
and actions of
who choose
In short,
to
and a thin blind of open cane-work

windows.
sk
occaall
sionally affixed to the
privacy and retirement are sacrificed to that great
de
desideratum in a hot climate
namely,
obtaining
and being
in as
much
cool air as possible.
One street in Galle is inhabited principally l)y Moonnen, some of whom are extremely wealthy,
although the external appearance of their dwellings frequently indicates
abject
7
poverty, com-
If)

These men
all
bined with uneleanliness.
traffic
precious stones, rice, paddy, grain of

tions, cottons, prints,
salt,
descripfruits,
hardware, groceries,
;
poultry, saltpetre
in short, in every imaginais
ble
commodity whereby money
to
be made. In
itself,
fact,
they even trade in that valuable article
as they lend cash where they believe repayment

is
certain,
Tr ia
tant interest
and where they can obtain exorbifor there are not more avaricious
usurers
in
the
world
than
the
Moormen
of
Ceylon.
little
namely, the want of pure water; and neither
Europeans nor natives
procured in the
poses,
as
it
fort for drinking or culinary pur-
St
ud
is
if
esque
spot,
has
one
io
is
The town
of Galle, although a clean picturserious
drawback,
will use the water that is
prejudice of the natives
PD
is
peculiarly unwholesome.
The
carried to so great
an extent, that very few,
sk
any, will lave their
wells in the fort, as they declare that a disease
de
persons with the water that
obtained from the

is
produced by
they
call
it
resembling elephantiasis, which
a Galla leg.
is
Water
of the best
and
purest description
procured in the vicinity of
the fort, and the water-carriers gain a good livelihood by furnishing the inhabitants of the town with this essential requisite to health and comfort.

Within the
fort is the
17
is
Dutch church, which

the
used also for the service of

places of worship, and the
situated outside the fort.
Established
Church, and a Wesley an chapel, the Catholic
Mahomedans being The pettah or bazaar
market
with
plentiful
in our phraseology
is
well
supplied
alike
fish, fruits,
and vegetables, which are

all
and cheap, the prices of
edibles being
materially
The
trade at Galle
is
confined principally to the

details of
exports
consisting of native produce,
which
will
be given in a chapter devoted to the
purpose.
secure places in the mail,
ing to Colombo,
take them, and
we walked
was printed
sk
when we read
PD
our astonishment was extreme
the following announcement, which
St
Having been informed
ud
io
it
was necessary
Tr ia
lOs.
;
lower than at Colombo, or Kondy.
to
if
we intended proceed-
to the coach-office to
in large type
" Fares
from Galle
to
Colombo, European gentlemen, 2

leors, native
de
Moodin-
noblemen, and their descendants,
10s.; proctors*
and
natives, 1.
Upon
quiring,
we were informed,
there
was no outside
or inferior places in the coach,
and that the same
* Attorneys are called proctors in the island, and, during
our residence in Ceylon, mostly
all
belonging to
tlie frater-
nity were burghers, or half castes.
18
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE. was enforced

to
scale of charges
whatever part
of the island the coach went.
In vain we expos-
tulated at this absurdity, trying to convince the
good-humoured proprietor, that our rank

tainly
ivas
cer-
lower
than a nobleman,
and
our
dimensions might be less than those of a proctor,

or
native,
but,
despite
;
our rhetoric,
we were
obliged to pay the fare

smiling,
teeth,
for said
set of
Mr. Christoffaletz
well-shaped white
which would be envied by many une belle dame, " You cannot say you are not a European
gentleman,
clusive, the
hands.
de
sk
PD
St
ud
money was
forthwith placed in his
io
can you.?"
This argument was con-
Tr ia
and disclosing a
19
CHAPTER
II.
G'oing to call
tlie
coach, instead of the coach calling for

for
PD
Description of the Wild PeaKoyal Mails in Bentotte cock Guano Eestive horses Anecdote Caltiu'a Beauty of scenery Cinnamon plantationsPagoda The fashionable quarter of Colombo Colpetty The Galle Face Curious of the Royal Mail, gives gazers at new-comers
you
Preparations
Departure
St
Ai-rival
Ceylon The Colomho road Monkeys Toddy di-awers
wherefore they have come to Ceylon.
The
de
journey from Galle to Colombo occupies

or
sk
rise to conjectures as to
who
eleven hours,
eleven hours and a half, the
coach usually, or rather nommally, starting at

gun-fire,
five
ud
the new-comers are, and
io
tree
o'clock in the
morning.
Tr ia
l
It
not
unfrequently happens, that the passengers have

to
go and call the coach, instead of the coach
calling for them,
and
this
has occurred to our-
20
selves
for
more than once whilst resident

natives
at Galle
the
of Ceylon, like
most
Asiatics,
place
little
value either on time or punctnalit)\

fired,
The gun has

and
and
we
have
walked
about,
working ourselves nearly into a

tizing the
at
state of fusion,
quite into a very ill-humour,
by anathema-
want of punctuality of the Cingalese, length resolve to sally forth, and ascertain
baggage.
is
We
reach the
office,
Tr ia
us.
why
the
coach has not come for us and our

the door of which
closed, the
dim
light of a cocoa-nut oil
lamp
is
ud
Not a sound
ing
;
is
heard from within the dwell-
io
for
seen glinnnering through the crevices of the portal.
all are,
or appear to be, buried in sleep,

is in
and
the coach also
ensconced in the verandah, and under the vehicle
St
a state of tranquillity, snugly
PD
are
comfortably reposing two natives.
These
sacrifices to the di'owsy
god are regarded by us
sk
as personal insults, especially as
we have abridged
Exasperated
house-door
at last is
de
the
our matinal slumbers, for the sake of not keeping
coach
waiting
beyond
endurance, we
batter the
lustily for
two or three minutes, which
opened by a yawning Cingalese, with hair streaming over his shoulders,

tone,
who
inquires in a sleepy
"what master want?"
"Want, eh?
that's
too good.
Why
is
not the coach ready that was

to
21
have called for us at gun-fire
?"
The coach
master, being
aroused by these noises, comes
forth from his sleeping apartment,
and with many

These
apologies, orders the coach to be prepared forthwith, calling loudly for the horsekeepers.
gentlemen are
still
revelling in the
arms of MorFinding
pheus under the coach, and, despite the reiterated

shouts of their master, continue to dose.
words useless, and patience exhausted, physical

force is restored to, and,
by dint of sundry mani-
pulations in the region of the ribs, the dormant
io
it
faculties
of the
horsekeepers are
orders being given in

(to us),
some
start in quest of the horses;
St
is
away they
ud
unintelligible jargon
the master assisting the remaining
So soon as the horses are harnessed

although the quantity
PD
mestics to pull the coach out of the verandah.

to the vehi-
sk
cle,
the baggage
is
attempted to be collected, and

short that
is
be carried by each passenger, being but twenty
de
pounds, the time

arranged,
or
is
long before
placed upon the

will
conveyance, as
lift
each coolee
maintain that he cannot
Tr ia
aroused, and
awakened do-
allowed to
can be either
l
a
carpet-bag without assistance,
and
that a port-
manteau requires the united strength of four of This feat his brothers in colour and calling.
Accomplished, then ensues the turmoil attendant
22
upon placing the baggage, as the sole receptacle for it is a board about three and a-half feet long, and a moiety of the width, placed at the back of
the mail coach.
On
this the
luggage
rests,
one
package being piled upon another, and attached
by pieces
of coir passed over
and under, crossed
dignified
by the name of the " Royal Mail," we
will attempt a description of the same for the
edification,
sers.
and we
trust
The
ud
io
amusement, of our peru-
Tr ia
?
and re-crossed, until all is fairly secured. As we can well remember the astonishment with which we gazed upon the primitive machine,
l
up
royal mails in Ceylon are placed
upon
to
seen in Europe now, but the vehicles have a
St
four wheels, and look like what
nothing
be
slight affinity with,

to,
and bear a
faint
resemblance
the lower half of an antiquated English stage
coach, cutting off the upper half, and detaching
sk
PD
the doors.
The
seat for the driver is attached to
de
the coach, so that his back,
and those of the pas-
sengers on the front seat, touch.

of leather, painted white
The
roof
is
made
iron
lined with cotton,

rods,
and varnished, and supported by four slender

jolt
which shake with every
of the
coach.
To
this roof, leathern curtains are liung, to protect the
which can be either drawn
passen-
gers from the sun or rain, or rolled
to
admit a

free
23
passage to the
air.
The
roof of this antedi-
luvian production projects over the driving seat,
thus covering seven persons, namely, the passengers in the
body of the conveyance, the driver, and whoever may be seated at his side, and the
horsekeeper,
self
who
indiscriminately perches him-
on the top of the luggage, stands on the
fixed protruding iron step, or clings to any part
Tr ia
of the vehicle most convenient to seize hold
Picture this machine badly painted, lined with

leather filthily dirty,
and worn
into holes, from

fibre,
which the
stuffing,
made from cocoa-nut
starts forth.
Put
this
on a carriage, with four
fed,
harness,
replaced with fragments of coir rope, and you will
have some remote idea of the royal mails in the

Island of Ceylon.
de
Let us now suppose

horses,
sk
PD
and worse groomed, caparisoned with worn the buckles and straps of which are
St
wheels of various colours, with two horses badly
ud
all
minor obstacles
io
in
mounted, such as dilatory drivers, and refractory
and we
is cool,
fairly clear of Galle,
en route for
Colombo, the seat of government.

breeze
the grey light soothing
The morning
and pleasant,
to
and our good-humour restored, we are prepared

gaze around, and note
all
worthy of observation.
the tropics
We
were particularly struck
l
of.
sur-
24

the
by
non-existence of
the
twilight,
it
for
almost
immediately
sun sets
is
dark,
and
on
in
the absence of the
moon
continues so, until he

leisurely
its
re-appears.
The coach proceeds
way, and soon our eyes are gladdened by the

glorious spectacle of the sim's
rising
as
gra-
dually Phoebus appears above the bed of waters,
palms, anon they rest upon the roof of a hut,

like a coquettish
beauty bestowing bright glances
on
all
around.
vehicle,
looking
white cloth being hung up at either end, to pre-
PD
vent inquisitive eyes fi'om prying into the interior.
This machine
in
is
answer
to
our inquiries we learn that
St
tilted cart,
with a thatched semicircular hood, a
drawn by one or two oxen, and

it
ud
Soon we encounter a strangesomewhat like a two-wheeled
io
Tr ia
on which he casts the effulgence of his beams. Now his rays are thrown upon a grove of waving
is
sk
called a bullock-bandy,
and contains Moorwomen,
who have been, or are going to the bathing-place. The rumbling of the coach will occasionally rouse a family, (as many of the natives sleep in
the verandah, instead of their dwellings, for the
benefit of the cool air,) and, as they indolently
lift
de
their heads, will gaze upwards,
and finding
that
day has positively
set in, will slowly rise
from the ground on which their sleeping mats
CEYLON AND THE CINHALESE.

have been spread.
25
Along the
coast, ahnost close
to the sea, the screw-pine
(Panclaenus) flourishes
is
in
extreme luxuriance
and, as the whole shore
planted with cocoa-nut trees, which droop over

the road, the lover of nature pursues his
feelings of intense gratification,
way with especially when
the
sun's
is
young beams
Tr ia
it
;
are
reflected.
prospect
so exquisitely lojrely, that
coach
river,
is
placed in a boat, and ferried across the

this spot is also a
and
enshrined amongst the broad green leaves
PD
floats the
pink lotus, the tulip-shaped flower, being
beauty.
On
the
bosom
St
ud
than sober
reality.
Upon
reaching Gindura, the
scene of surpassing
of the tranquil stream,
de
into the river,
sk
palms (Areca catechu) waving
and here and there a flowering
io
over,
its
more
like
enchantment, or a dream of fairy land,
Areca and drooping
shrub of gorgeous hue, intermixed
among
stately trees clothed in their vee.Lure of brilliant
green.
Within a short distance of the opposite side of

the
ferry,
the
constantly-varying panorama of
if
nature, becomes,
possible,
still
more enchantever-changing
ing: the boundless ocean, with
hues on one
yoL,
I.
side, its
white spray dashing over

c
he gazes upon the waving palms above his head, then upon the blue ocean, upon whose surface
The
appears
the
26
the rocks, witli the dense groves of noble trees on the other, are alike sublimely beautiful.
Cocoa-
nut trees planted on either side of the road, bend
towards each other, forming

through which the coach passes.
a shady
avenue
Occasionally young plantations of papns, the

leaves spreading out thickly in an irregular fan-like
form from the root, will greet the eye, contrasting

finely with the older trees,
tall
trunks are surmounted by a crown-like diadem
of leaves.
Startled
by the sound of the coach-wheels, a
peacock, with a
ud
shrill
scream, will take
io
St
gorgeous plumage glittering in the sun, as he
wings his
flight
upwards, or he
Tr ia
ill
whose slender naked
may wend
flight, his
his
way
will
to a noble
ebony
tree,
and alighting
there,
proudly raise his crested head, the feathers
sk
of his drooping tail intermingling with the luxuriant foliage of the splendid tree.
PD
Sometimes a
road in
legs,
guano
de
(a species of lizard,) will cross the
pursuit of his prey,
whose short clumsy
and
agile
slothful ungainly movements, seem

to enable
calculated
him
to pursue, or enti-ap a
more
creature.
little
But
see
he has marked that beautiful

:
squirrel as his victim
how nimbly the reptile

little
is
ascending the tree after the poor
animal,
his
clumsy legs move quickly enough now
luckily the agile fellow has seen him,
and with a
27
pursuer.
bound
to
another
tree, gets clear of his
These hideous
feet
reptiles are amphibious,
and we
five
it is
have seen several that measured more than

from the snout to the
tip of the tail,
and
affirmed they possess such strength in that part,

that with one
blow of
their tail a
man's leg
will
be broken.
your
They
are likewise omnivorous, for
fruit.
Indulging in gambols on the boughs of the
Tr ia
;
ud
It
is
of every size, and of numerous species, which in

the very wantonness of sport, will pluck a
io
that skirt the road-side, are to be seen
monkeys,
St
cocoa-nut, and dash
it
on the earth
then run
despite the
sk
drawers,
who
PD
performing again the same mischievous
along the ropes that attach one tree to the other,

antic,
threatening gestures of the toddyhave, for their
convenience, thus
de
linked the trees together.
would be impossi-
ble to travel seven miles in Ceylon,
much
seventy,
the
distance
fi-om
Galle to Colombo,
without
seeing
toddy-drawers
pursuing
calling, and the first time we saw the operation was during the journey now alluded to. The
liquor
is
obtained from the flower of the cocoa-
nut palm,
(Cocos nucifera,) in
its
fresh
being called toddy, which
a sweet refreshing
c 2
they will alike steal and devour your fowls and
treess
young
less
their
state
28
beverage
the
;
L'EYLON
AND THE CINGALESE.

it
when fcmiented,
qualities
becoines
arrack,
intoxicating
of
which
is
are
well
known.
plished
:
The
ascent of the tree
thus accom-
the toddy-drawer knots a piece of rope

it,
into a circle, passing his ankles through
and
the
resistance
to
offered
by
the
ligature
enables
him
press the soles of his feet against the

tree,
naked trunk of the

of slipping
precluding the possibility
down
whilst in the act of climbing,
the toddy-chatty, or jar, being slung at his back.
When
the
summit of the
is,
tree is
the flower
the
man
cuts off the end, suspend-
ing the chatty to the orifice from whence the
the incision.
Some
St
liquid flows, binding the blossom tightly above

of the full-grown trees will
ud
io
Tr ia
6
reached where
l
yield from one to two hundred pints per
])ut
diem
the trees that are tapped never bear
PD
fruit.
sk
To
the tops of the toddy -trees, the drawers attach
ropes, to enable
them
to
move from one

it is
to the
de
other,
without the trouble

;
of descending
and
to
feet,
ascending
see
and, although
most unpleasant
hands and
these
men
clinging with
whilst pursuing their aerial way, comparatively
but few accidents occur.

i)en, it is
When
one does hap-
usually fatal, as the height of the palms
to
which these ropes are attached, varies from
sixty to one
hundred
feet.
The appearance
of a

fresh-drawn
chatty of
25)
toddy
is
exceedingly
agreeable, as the form of the red clay jar approaches
the classical
the foaming frothing liquid over-
flowing the brim, and hanging in creamy dro])s
around the vessel
moreover, the toddy-drawers
twine scarves about their brows, to protect them
from the sun's rays, carrying their burthen upon
semblance
to the figures of antiquity.
To speak
in
technically, the coach breakfasts at

;
their
tlieh-
movements, the hour varies according

tempers and inclinations.
ud
Ceylon are equally
io
and
or
the
Bentotte at ten o'clock
but, as drivers
erratic
Tr ia
and horses
to
self-willed in
St
All the inns, or
are only legally permitted to charge twenty-five
per cent, above the market prices, for the provi-
sk
PD
vernment property, and the men placed in them
rest-houses, as they are called in Ceylon, are
our peregrinations, these gentry content with this
ample per centage,

be they
cannot
in
de
sions supplied by them, but
we never found
l
(for
their
turbaned heads, thus completing their
re-
Go-
in
but, like all other innkeepers,
Europe, Asia,
Africa,
we
of
tra-
speak
took
from
every
personal
knowledge
America)
vellers
advantage,
making
pay as much
as possible for the slightest
refreshment, or smallest accommodation.

totte
is
Benfur
a lovely spot,
and
rest-house
30
Ceylon,

is
tolerably good, that is to say, the roof

;
does not admit the pitiless storm, or the sun's rays
neither are there holes in the doors to admit when

closed, pariah dogs, rejjtiles
and
rats,
and there
of
are a table, a chair,
and a bedstead,
however,
in
guiltless of
Mosquito
curtains,
one
the
sleeping-rooms.
This we can vouch was the case
lirirther
evidence as to the furniture in the other Oysters are obtained
apartments of the building.
differ materially
from
ud
ance, size, and colour, which
our own,
io
is
here from the river, and, although their appearof a purplish tint,
Tr ia
the flavour
when we
left
Ceylon, but dejjonent cannot adduce
is
good.
]nxrt,
It is
rather remarkable that in no other
through which this river flows, nor fi-om
with, Bentotte being the sole place.
to
the shore,
the
harness two restive horses, and attach them to

the Mail, the driver warning them, speaking or
rather shouting at the highest pitch of his voice,
to
de
be ferried over the stream, and, upon reaching
we were highly diverted at witnessing attempts made by several horse-keepers, to
sk
Again, the coach has to be placed in a boat
hold
" Peter
PD
whence
St
it
has
its
source, are oysters to be
met
Layard's head and keep clear
of Dr. Prin's heels,"
and requesting us
to
take
that
our seats as quickly^ as possible.
The scene

ensued
is
31
beyond our powers of
description, con-
sequently
we think
the
it
better to narrate verbatim driver
the adjurations
bestowed upon the

spelling,
to
horses, endeavouring,
by defective
you seated
imitate the half-caste's broken English.
" Now, genel-men,

cos if
is
in the cocJi,
you
is,
the osses shall be
put to."
An
given by the driver in Cingalese to the horsekeepers, adding in English, " shall be soon off
We
culty one
creature's
was harnessed
ud
as ready to go as
we
were, and after some

to the
io
now, as you
is
ready."
But the horses were not

diffi-
head being held securely by two horse-
PD
the animal towards the vehicle

traces, the horse rearing
keepers, whilst two others dragged, more than led,
St
putting the horses to the coach, the driver placed

his feet firmly against the splash-board, grasping
his whip, with a
de
was possible, head. During the

as
it
sk
and plunging, as much with two men holding his

hazardous perfonnance
of
most determined expression of

state
countenance, whilst we watched the whole proceedings in

a
of delightful
expectation.
At length the operation was achieved, and no sooner was the last trace buckled, than the horsekeepers
let
go the animal's head, rushing on
Tr ia
coach, the other
and attached the
affirmative
being returned, some orders
being-
32

of his path, with the
celerity of
Tliis
iJie
either side
an
arrow sent from a well-strung bow.
horse
other
plunged
violently
forwards,
whilst
planted his four feet firmly in the loose ground,

evincing a resolute determination not to
move
one inch either
for entreaty or castigation.
Now commenced
aiately
a resolute battle for mastery

driver,
between the horses and the

addressed each.
who
thus alter-
kirn
up yer ill-tempered lazy thing yer vont,
rout yer
Thump, bump on
the creature's back
went the butt end of the whip, the driver stand-
ud
at
io
in
Tr ia
minit.''''
it
" Peter Layard yer brute,
ing up to give greater force to the blows.
St
Prins, yer ivillin, do yer vant to hrek the cocJi to

bits
?
is eels lill
be in
my tnout
were
battering
away
the
splash-board.)
if
"Peter Layard, yer hugly beast, kim up,
PD
" Dr.
(They
yer
bined with the implied threat had the desired
de
sk
doesn''t
"
Another heavy
blow,
which com-
effect, for off started
both horses
at full gallop,
rushing close to a hut, the wheels grazing the

dwelling,
and
catching
the
screen
made
of
platted cocoa-nut leaves,
and dragging
away.
</o
"
Now,
êw6^/-men," said the
driver, ";e shall
along
boo-tifu\, its
honhj at fust starting that we

I
uve a bit of bother,
dunt mind these
osses
when we
hant got lady passengers, for they
do
33
that
it's
when Dr. Prins begins is tricks, puts me hoid. You see ere we /</-vays osses halter the genel-raen we buys 'em
squeal so
;
call the
on, for
whoever as a bad
oss
he
sells
he to us
we
giv
15
and
for Dr.
is
but he
and 18 for Peter Layard, a good un to go though he is hugly,

Prins,
fights
shy of his work atfusi

is
but as for Dr.
Tr ia
is
Prins, he
not worth alf the money, for he

ivicious,
is
a arty feeder, werry lazy, werry
and
werry often kicks over the

the quadruped Dr. Prins,
traces."
Although we
to the driver's veracity, as regards the three latter
propensities of the animal.
ed with the Royal Mail and

place being celebrated for
PD
to
be crossed, and again the ferry boat

its
The noble
stream, the Kalloo Ganga, has yet

freight-
St
ud
its
is
we can bear testimony
io
cannot vouch for the gastronomic capabilities of
cargo.
The
sk
river divides
Caltura from Pantura, the former
de
pure water, and
^salubrity,
and, before the discovery of
Newera
Ellia,
was regarded
(almost
as the Sanitorium of Ceylon,
The
scenery about Caltura

equalling
lovely in the ex-
treme,
that
around
Galle,
though of a
the
water's edge
fruit,
less bold
and imposing
character,)
to the
banks of the
tamarind,
river being
stately
wooded down
with
palms, noble
trees.
bread-
and jack
Scattered be
c 5
34
tween these majestic specimens of vegetation,

is
the pomegranate-tree
with
its
its
bright scarlet
delicate white
flowers, the cinamon-laurel with
blossom, and the tube-rose shrub, loading the atmosphere with the fragrant aroma of their flowers.
On
the ]3ellucid
rippling waters float luxuriant
aquatic plants, the numerous white water-lilies,
and pink lotuses being entwined with a small

creeper, the elegant blossom of
as glorious as
ud
own " forget-me-not " in size and colour. From Caltiu'a to Colombo, the hand of nature and of art appear to combine to make the vista
our
io
it
is
possible
Tr ia
to
which resembles
conceive
l
;
the
St
distant view of lofty mountains,
and
rich groves
situate in
of trees,
and palm-shaded bungalows,
PD
the midst of cultivated gardens, radiant with the
gorgeous hues of the tropical flowers.
which
sk
this
with the heaving ocean, on the

float
Combine bosom of
;
numberless fishing canoes
the yel-
de
low sandy beach,
glittering with the bright scales
of the newly-caught
members
of the finny tribe
must admit the scene to be one of surpassing sublimity and loveliness. For some
all
and
miles, as
you approach Colombo, the road runs
between cinnamon-plantations, the dark shining

leaves of the laurel contrasting exquisitely with
the pearly hue of the blossom
;
but the shrub

is
35
first
clad in
its
greatest beauty
forth its pristine vesture, the
when young
it
puts
leaves then
being of a pale delicate yellowish green, streaked

with bright red.
On
the right-hand side of the road, (near to
the tamarind- tree, where the elite of the colony
go about six o'clock in the morning,
to
drink
fresh toddy,) grows one of the most magnificent
able.*
The
foliage
of
this
tree
and
it
bears a minute fig-shaped, scarlet-coloured
which enlarge as they reach the

trees
take root, fonning a complete grove, or series of
these fibres in their tm'n producing shoots,
PD
which
is
St
ud
the innumerable fibres sent forth
will again multiply
and take root
io
it,
fruit;
nevertheless the principal beauty consists in
earth,
by the branches, and there
Tr ia
is
;
splendid,
pagoda, or banian trees (Ficus indica) imagin-
and
it
asserted, that in the province of Guzerat, one
sk
of these trees measures more than two thousand
stems, the branches of which naturally cover a
much
de
feet in
circumference,
near the bottom of the
larger space.
is
Although the tree we allude

who
tlie
* This tree
affirm the
considered sacred by all Brahmins,
God Vishnu was born under

is
and that
tree.
chai'acteristics of the deity are
emhlcmized in the
all
The
Bo-tree
(Ficus religioso)
held sacred by
Buddhists,
Buddhism being the national
religion of Ceylon.
36
to,

on the Colombo Road, does not cover near
beauty, more especially after dusk,
the same extent of ground,

its
numberless dark leaves are

ads of
flitting
fire-flies,
we can speak as to when its illuminated by myridelight the be-
(Elater noctilicus,) whose quick
movements dazzle and
holder.
In Colpetty, (the fashionable quarter of Co-
Tr ia
it
lombo,)
large
floor,)
bungalows,
l
(dwellings
on
the
ground
surrounded by highly-cultivated
fort before the
shops close, which they invariably
St
ladies, hastening to
make some purchases

or six at the latest.
ud
compounds or gardens, become more fiequent, and occasionally a palaiiqueen carriage will be met, in which recline one or two European
io
in the
do by half-past
five
Then
is
PD
the Galle Face, the
Hyde Park
of the colony,
greensward, cooling the heated traveller's brow,

vehicles of all descriptions are met, from the hac-
cary of the native, drawn by a bullock, to the

carriage of
to
de
sk
attained
the fresh sea-breeze, as
blows over the
one of England's merchant-princes,

is
which a high-bred Arab horse

all
attached, the
inmates of
these conveyances alike bestow-
ing inquisitive looks upon the passengers in the
Royal Mail
and, w'hen a sti'ange face
is
dis-
covered, every attitude and gesture of the starers

evince the utmost curiosity
;
37
for,
believe us, no
new
arrival in a country village, or
town
in
Eng-
land,
no presentation
a colony.
at a
drawing-room, of beauty
or bride, causes so great a sensation, as a

arrival in
new
For
in
a colony everybody
troubles his or her head with every one else's

business, most philanthropically at times neglect-
tum
Mail
PD
So soon as the last passenger and

of luggage have
shades of colour and denominations, being on the qui vive to see " who is in the Mail."
his small quanof,
St
been disposed
to its
ud
own affairs to attend to other people's. The Mail is now at the end of the Galle Face, now it rattles over the drawbridge of the fortificanow it is under the archway now it tions has entered the Fort and now it jingles and rattles down the principal street of the " Fort of Colombo, " many of the inhabitants, of all
ing his or her
;
io
of the passengers, with, at times, sundry additions

also,
men " were come

gives
de
the driver retailing every look and observation
sk
jolts
and jumbles
and embellishments, spreading the news that one or more ^^ strange Englis' genelto the colony,
have been domiciled.
Every eager
the
an opinion
concerning
Tr ia
own
halting-place,
and where they

listener then
new-comer's
l
;
the Royal
.38

or
profession,
avocation, surmising
how
I
niucli
each individual
with,
may
gain by,
calling
or be interfered
in his peculiar
by
this,
or those
" strange English gentlemen."
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
39
CHAPTER
Colombo
III.
Harbour Custom-house Animated scene
table institutions Public offices in the
police Slave Island Galle
St
ud
Native traders
Chiu'ches,
io
the
Derivation of the name of the PortFortificationsTroops -Queen's House PubUc offices in the Fort Pettah
Tr ia
chapels, religious
and chari PettahNative
Face Colonial manners
The
effect of climate
upon
the female character
The
fashionable
PD
breezes
drive Evening
Beauty of the spot Sunset SeaFire-flies
manded by the Portuguese
CinnamonTribute de Cultivation introduced by the

Dutch and
Englisli
sk
DutchValue of the monopoly to
de
governments
Description
of the slmib
Uses
of every
portion of the cinuamou-laurel
Peeling knives Nvmitheir boldness
ber of crops in the

or
yearPreparing the spice Challias, cinnamon peelers Punkahs The result of an unex
pected downfall
audacity.
Dessert Crows,
and
Colombo
is
alike the seat of the colonial go-
verament, and the capital of the maritime pro-
40
vinces, being situate in lat. 6 57" north,

79*^
and
long.
50" east.
Tlie iiarbour
is
semicircular, but
only boats and very small craft can find reluge

within
it,
vessels of
any
size
being compelled
to anchor in the roads, from
one to two miles
Extreme caution is requisite in piloting a ship into Colombo roads, as there are sunken rocks, sand banks, and a coral
distant from the shore.
reef,
during the prevalence of certain winds.
The principal part of the export and import trade

is
carried
on
at this port, consequently, the scene
at the
is
Custom-house, during the hours of business,
carrying bags of coffee, bales of goods, casks of
cocoa-nut
oil,
bundles of the
St
one of great activity and excitement.
ud
io
fibre,
PD
nuts, packages of cinnamon,
and sacks of
shrill
bullock-driver, as he attempts to clear a passage

for his heavily-laden
waggon, or bandy, serves only to make " confusion more confounded."
de
sk
hustle
each other, whilst the
During the time
this is
being enacted at one
part of the quay, boats loaded with various commodities, either endeavouring to land the articles,
or take
them
to
the
outward-bound ships, are
trying to leave or approach the small landingpier

;
and, as the tawny boatmen pursue their
Tr ia
cry
and the vraves break heavily on the bar
baskets of the
grain,
Coolees,
of the
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE,

task, sing at the top of their voices a
41
monotonous
song.
Occasionally a wave will break over the
boat; then ensue shouts and exclamations not in-
tended for ears
polite,
from the cnnicople, or man

he urges the rowgreater
in charge of the merchandize, as
ers to perform
their task
with
caution
and
celerity.
is
Colombo
mentioned
in Cingalese historical
one of their kings, Moongaallonoo, there erected

" warlike defences."
Tradition declares that Ca-
have been, can be a matter of

it is
PD
name from a grove of mangoe trees, called also Calamha in Cingalese; but, in one of the most ancient native works extant, we read that Calamha signifies a sea-port, and a fortified place. What the origin of the cognomen may
its
St
;
ud
is
io
lamha derived
little
quite certain that the Portuguese conquerors
sk
coiTupted or changed the
name
of the spot from

their cele-
brated navigator, Columbus.
de
Calamha
to
Colombo, in honour of
In 1505, the Por-
tuguese visited this port, and obtained permission

to traffic with the natives
disputes ensued, and
we
find that in 1518 the Portuguese
possession of Colombo, and

the fortifications.
commenced
built
The Fort
is
Tr ia
annals, about a.d. 49(), where
it is
recorded that
import, but
had taken
erecting
on a small
for
promontory, which
washed by the sea
more
42
than half

its
extent,
and was completed by the
Dutch
after they
had expelled the Portuguese,
and could contahi, on an emergency, nine or ten

thousand
souls.
The
extent of the fortifications

half, the
exceeds one mile and a
ramparts being
well constructed, having eight chief bastions and

several
&c.,
minor ones, with banquets, parapets, &c.,
communicating one with the other, mounting

troops, the
125 guns and six mortars.
by European
The Fort is garrisoned number of which vary,
the Cejdon Rifles
and gun-lascars being stationed

is
outside the Fort, in a spot called Slave Island.
When
is
the governor
St
;
command
a
ud
a military man, he has the

but,
io
in
of the troops
like
civilian,
the present
count Torrington, the commander of the forces

is
usually a major-general.
(ûeen Street, and in this
sk
The
PD
principal
Tr ia
when
his
Governor, Vis-
street
the
Fort
l
Excellency
is
called
is
street,
which
re-
de
markably wide,
and
kept
scrupulously clean,
stands the Queen's or Government House, the gar-
dens of which are laid out with great care
for a
specimen of almost every flowering shrub or plant

indigenous to the island,
is to
be found in them.
stands the
ninety-six
sailors
In the rear of Government House

Ijighthouse, the
lêet
height
of which
is
above the level of the ocean, and

affirm
43
that in
clear
weather this building can
be discerned from an almost incredible distance

at sea.
Near
to
the
Queen's House are
situ-
ated the various military and civil offices, one

of the
English
churches,
that
of
the
Scotch
Office,
Presbyterians,
the Banks,
General Post
Normal School, and the Queen Street, several

the
in
]irincipal Library.
From
off,
side
at
streets
branch
angles,
these
are
situated
the
Military
the
Medical
Museum and
All
Libraiy, with warethe
houses and shops.
mercial houses carry on their business within
all
the merchants
and nearly every one
St
the Fort, be their trade wholesale or retail, but
ud
it
io
European com-
shopkeepers reside elsewhere.
Without the Fort, an extensive trade

on in every saleable
foreign
origin,
article,
PD
both of native and
de
and stores
street of
sk
by the Moormen, whose shops are situated in the Pettah, the main
is
which
one continuous line of shops
and
warehouses.
Every
anchor,
imaginable
dity is here to
be procured, from a lady's bonfrom a paper of pins

to
net to a
to
ship's
Tr ia
is
minor ones crossing
right
Hospital,
commo-
and
of the
earned
a marlin-spike, from a bottle of pickles

fr-om
saddle,
a web of fine muslin to

;
strong
canvass for sails
in short,
would be impos-
44
sible
sale,

to
enumerate
equally
^Yllat
these
men have
to
for
and
impracticable
say
what
one
they have not.

aihrm, these
Moreover,
we can
their
positively
at
traders
is
vend
goods
half the price, that
demanded
at the principal
is
European shop
situated
in
the Fort.
In the Pettah
the
;
chief bazaar for
edibles of every
description
number
Tr ia
Dutch
the
and here also reside the greater

;
of the burghers, or half-castes
in the
streets that
break off from the main
street,
and
ebony furniture conceivable, the designs, usually

of fruit and
flowers,
the utmost accuracy, depth, and sharpness.
the English, Portuguese, and
PD
Adjoining the Pettah are places of worship for

protestants,
church of the
sk
belonging to the established church, and in the

last are deposited the
St
ud
and
be seen some of the most exquisitely-carved

being chiselled out with
io
in the abodes of these people, is fi"equently to
remains of
de
all
the
island.
Dutch governors who have died in the The Wesleyans, Baptists, and Roman
Catholics, have also their chapels, the
Mahometheir
dans
their
mosque,
Brahmins
and
tigers.
temple, the walls of which are decorated with

carvings of
elephants,
lions,
In
this district is situated the buildings that
belong
to the Society for tlu
Propagation of the Gospel,
45
Promoting Christian Knowledge, Bible Association,
Church Missionaries, Colombo Friend
in
Need,
Government
Schools,
the
Leper
and
other
Pauper Hospitals, the Dispensary,

charitable
institutions.
and
The
Supreme
and
Court
House, the District Court of Colombo, the Court

of Requests, Police Office, Cutcheny,
Office, are all outside the Fort.
is
Fiscals'
(to
extent, however,) by a body of native police,
who
are
similarly
organized to those
Tr ia
of
Public order
maintained
a very limited
Metropolitan force, and are under the superin-
ud
down
tendence
or were
so
when we
as Messrs.
Thomson and Colpepper were
St
two most
efficient superintendants.
io
left
left
Colombo of But zealous

in the
discharge of their duties, they were not ubiquitous, and, as

district
PD
soon as they had
a street or
to
visit
another, the gTeater

sit
number
the policemen
sk
would
in
nook, commence chewing betel,
indulge in a siesta, until roused by the
de
some shady and eventually

visit
their superior officer, or relieved ft'om their active
occupation by a brother dozer.

force are clothed in the
police, with the
This
efficient
same dress
as the
liat,
London
b\-
exception of the
a peaked
cap being substituted, and the effect produced

tlie latter is
most ludicrous, as
their long hair is
our
of
of
(.?)
46
cp:ylon
and the Cingalese.
twisted into a knot above the nape of the neck,
and on
also
their
this the
cap
rests.
Their European
attire
is ill
calculated either for the climate or for

the
stiff
comfort,
collar,
tight
coat and
trousers, being
most
distasteful to those Avho
have
been habituated, from infancy,
to the loose gar-
ments of the
little
Asiatics,
and
their clothing is as
it is
conducive to their health as
to their
ease.
The
artificial
lake of
Sir
of the Fort,
and
Colombo runs at the back Edward Barnes, during his
Governorship, caused a lock to be constructed,
whereby the inland navigation

the lake,
ud
io
named Slave
St
sea.
small slip of land lies in the centre of

Island, so called
Tr ia
is
carried to the
Portuguese and Dutch, who used here to lock up

the government slaves after their day's labour.
sk
certain space
were
built, these
a lofty wall, the gates of which were fastened at

sunset,
de
and unclosed
all
PD
was enclosed, around which huts

dwellings being surrounded by
at sunrise.
Since the aboli-
tion
of slavery,
these buildings have been
demolished, barracks for the Ceylon Rifles, and

tasteful
bungalows
for
Europeans, having been
erected in their stead.
One
portion of Slave Island has the advantage
of the sea-breezes, being only separated from the
l
by the
47
ocean by an isthmus, called the Galle Face, and

this
is
the
fashionable
the
drive
or resort in
five
the
evening,
from
first
hours of
until
seven.
When we
arrived in Colombo,
we
felt
much
astonished at finding but few external marks of

respect paid to the governor.
For instance, his

drive
Excellency's
carriage
would
round
the
Galle Face, and scarcely a hat would be raised
Tr ia
j
as
he passed, although some of the heads on

to civilians,
which the hats rested belonged

of
them high
in
the government service
Surely
it
cannot be derogatory to any man, how-
St
ought to have felt it their bounden duty to have rendered " honour to whom honour was due."
ud
fit
position, as
members
of the legislative council,
io
merchants, who, from their birth, education, and
ever high his station or birth, to evince,
courteous
individual
demeanour,
PD
proper
respect
l
for
some
or to
by a
the
sk
who
is
deemed a
and proper person
ment.
who have
tone
de
It
by
his sovereign, to
hold the reins of govern-
has been previously remarked, by those
resided in colonies, that generally the

of most
colonists
is
of conduct
;
one
of
assumption
permits
us
and, as far as our

to
own experience
form an opinion, we coincide
heartily in this observation, as too
many endea-
vour to assume a position that can only belong

to the
Governor, and act as
if
they believed that
48

familiarity
undue
and disrespectful demeanour
to
superiors,
would ensure the
social position they
were endeavouring to usurp.
Although we thus
to say
contemn the manners of men, we regret

that
numbers of our
fair
countrywomen
lose
many
attractive attributes
fi'om a residence in a
colony, or presidency.
We
believe a lengthened
mental as
it
is
to the physical
female sex, the climate alike enervating body and
io
mind, rendering the one incapable of taking
Tr ia
little
powers of the
l
its
sojourn in the East to be as prejudicial to the
suffi-
ud
cient exercise to preserve health,
and the other of
pursuing those studies that eidarge

bilities.
own capaloses
Thus,
St
after
a comparatively short resi-
dence
in India,
China, or Ceylon, a
woman
whole of her energy, becoming equally disinclined
PD
her vivacity, the princijjal part of her beauty, the
sk
to corporeal or
mental exertion.
The
routine of
a lady's existence has but
variety under a
de
tropical sun
the greater part of the
morning
is
passed reclining on a coucli, en dishabille, being
fanned by an Ayah, who

tress
tries to
amuse her misthis gossip

tiffin,*
by relating the occurrences that take place

abodes of her acquaintance,
in
the
being duly embellished with scandal. After

the fair
\-
dame
will either receive or
pay morning
England,
The mid-day meal, denoniinated

is called tiffin.
liiuclieou in
in the East

visits,
49
in
when more gossip and scandal are indulged or she will read some silly tale of excitement
soothe her to sleep.
is
to beguile the time, or
For
seldom, we grieve to say,
any intellectual occupaone

retires to
tion pursued that tends to strengthen the mind.
About four o'clock the

an elaborate
"
fair
make
toilette for the

;"
evening drive, or to
don equestrian gear
in either case, the attire

is
cised,
and wonder expressed as

can
afford
to
to
how
bands
supply them
expensive finery, feeling quite sure they must be

over head and ears in debt, strangely forgetting
travagance, has assisted

incurring debts, which
sibility
St
in, if
that, in all probability,
she, the
may
ud
not insisted upon,

the
to
preclude
io
censurer of ex-
of
her
PD
sk
native land for

flirtation
own spouse returning many long years. Add

if
Tr ia
with
of every friend that she meets
severely
their husthis
to this
which,
practised in England, would
de
not be tolerated, and a slight idea
may be formed
of female occupations in a presidency, or eastern
colony.
Let
it,
however, be distinctly understood
that we do not thus

ladies
far
condemn
the conduct of all
who
it
sojourn in presidencies, or colonies

oiu-
be
from
intention so to do, for
we have
known women who were as good wives and mothers, and as valuable members of society in
VOL.
I.
l
criti-
poshis
50
every respect, bestowing attention alike on their
domestic
duties,
and
the
cultivation
of their
minds, with the same assiduity they did, or would
have done
in
Europe.
Nevertheless, truth com-
pels us, although
we
feel a
pang
of regret whilst
penning the
line, to say,
such estimable
women
as these cannot be regarded as specimens of the
female character
when removed
fi-om the whole-
some
if
restraints of
English society, and enervated,
not demoralized, by the luxuries and customs
of the East.
and horses
in motion, although the majority of
St
mated appearance, there being many vehicles

the fair occupants of carriages
ud
About half-past five o'clock, the Galle Face, or Hyde Park of Colombo, begins to wear an ani-
io
PD
alike listless in
demeanour, and the eye of the
de
eyes,
sk
stranger seeks,
and seeks in vain, for the clear complexion, roseate hue of cheek and lip, vivacious expressive countenance, and sparkling
which are so pleasingly characteristic of
daughters.
is
Albion's
Every description of conbuilt carriage
veyance
to
be seen driving round the Galle
Face, from the

governor,
Long Acre
Tr ia
G
and saddles, are
l
of the
the dashing phaeton of the wealthy
gig, the country-built
merchant, the unassuming
palanqueen, and the humble bandy.
The horses

that
51
draw these vehicles are invariably attended

(grooms being called horse-
by
their keepers,
keepers in Ceylon,)
conveyance,
drives
;
who run by the side of the when a gentleman, or coachman

pace to that of the horse.
sort of livery, their turbans
at other times, they lead the animal, ac-
commodating
their
These men wear a
and loose clothing being composed of bright

tinted, or white calico, the
colours varying ac-
cording to the taste or fancy of their employer,
and many of
their
costumes are both pleasing
and picturesque, adding materially

ness of the scene.
The view
Galle Face,
is
absolutely entrancing to the lover
St
ud
is is
of nature, for cast the eyes where
io
to the strange-
from, and of the
Tr ia
you
will,
full
beauty of the surrounding scenery.
PD
gaze
is
involuntarily arrested
by the extreme There lies

sail
gliding over
the natives
its
de
sk
the boundless ocean,

its
with
a ship in
undulating surface, the canoes of

floating on,
lightly
and skimming and
over
waters, whilst the waves curvetting
rolling,
dash in a shower of white foam on to the

Bordering the beach
the carnage-drive,
shore.
which encompasses greensward, whereon highbred Arab horses are bounding and prancing, in
the full enjoyment of exuberaiit health
istence.
and ex-
On
the opposite side
the race-course,
D 2
l
the
52
over whose variegated turf the steeds are caricol-
ing
high glee, whilst the carriage-drive that

the race-course from the
divides
greensward
is
thronged with carriages of every shape and descrii;tion, principally, if
not entirely, occupied by
Eurojjeans, whilst the fantastically-clad Eastern
attendants run at the horses' head, or at the side

of the vehicle.
of
Colombo,
the
banks being studded

branches
Tr ia
filled
At the
baclv of the
race-course flows the lake
with
drooping palms,
whose
overshadow
verandah
lily
of which
is
overgrown with graceful creepers, the
grounds belonging
St
to
it
ud
and white
whilst a bungalow, the

being
io
the clear waters, on which float the pink lotus,
with gorgeous-
PD
coloured flowering shrubs, complete the vista of

loveliness on that side.
Looking from the bun-
galow, with nought to impede the view, save the
stand on the race-course, you can distinctly see
sk
de
the
grey time-mossed ranjparts of the Fort
of
Colombo.
In due time, smiset arrives,
then
riously the planet sinks into the

sea, in majestic tranquillity, as his
how globosom of the parting beams
illumine the gi'een waters, on which they glitter

in
thousands of sparkling rays, whilst over the
azure vault of heaven float violet, crimson, and

golden-tinted clouds, which, as you
53
gaze, fade
away,
in
ever-varying
tints.
No
language can
describe the gorgeous, glorious, magnificent beauty

of the sun's rising
and
setting in
the tropics
the
constantly-changing
and numberless
hues
which tinge the clouds in constant succession,

are
beyond the powers of language of the

See Sol
sinking,
orator,
the pen of the scribe, or the pencil of the painter,
appears to be toying with the waters, into whose
bosom he
lurid
is
and on which he throws his

gloriously refulgent
beams.
io
How
Tr ia
;
to delineate.
is
now dipping
he almost
sun's hue,
how noble and
and now he has gone

beams.
St
arch
Gradually he sinks lower
ud
clearly defined is the
lower
lowêr
to illumine
another quarter
PD
of the globe, and cast around his life-imparting
After sunset, the sea breezes
become most
across
sk
freshing,
and,
as
they
are
wafted
waters, their delicious coolness
de
invigorates the
wearied frame, exhausted by the depressing heat

of the atmosphere during the day.
trians
The
now seem
the
to
be more at their ease,

in
gentlemen
gallops,
indulging
occasional
vigorous
ladies putting their steeds into u
gentle canter, the inmates of the carriages appear

to
be
somewhat
less
listless,
and
will
l
is
the
re-
the
equestlie
gaze
54
around,
degi'ee

or
enter into
conversation with
some
fair
of
animation
horse's
retail,
possibly a cavalier will

to
arrest the
progress
salaam his
owner,
and
or inquire the last on-dits,
as he leans on the carriage-door.
In the same ratio as Europeans enjoy the cool

breezes,
so
do the Asiatics dislike them, and
frequently the horse-keepers will cast an implor-
Tr ia
ing look into the vehicle, giving a slight shiver?

their
countenances clearly implying "this

to
sport
you, but
'tis
death to us."
l
tlie
may be
As
the
shades of evening advance, gradually the Galle
bling of wheels are
PD
sounds greeting the ear being the soughing of

the night-breeze
and the breaking of
St
fall,
the neighing of the horses and
ud
When
Face becomes deserted, and, long before nightthe rum-
no more heard, the only

waves
on the shingly beach.
her sable mantle o'er the earth, the aspect of the
de
scene changes, for over the lake hover myriads

of
fire-flies,
sk
clouds of them
io
night has thrown
flitting
about in the
air,
then alighting on the waving leaves of the
palms, causing the foliage to appear illuminated.
Some few
the lotus,
will
settle
on the floating leaves of

will creep into the flower,
two or three
sparkling like brilliants, then more of these lu-
minous insects
will alight
on other aquatic plants,

and the waters
specks of
will will glisten with
55
a million minute
light.
Then,
flight
innumerable numbers
wing
their
upwards
until
the
air
appears replete with a
shower of the moon's

settle,
beams.
tall
Many
;
will
then
possibly
on a
banana
the outline of the gigantic graceful
leaves
being distinctly defined by the dazzling

fire
specks of
upon them.
Nought can be ima-
natural
panorama
and although
tainous parts of the island,
the face of nature
a sublimer aspect, never does she
ud
io
may assume
oriental
wear a more pleasing,

one, than in
characteristic,
Face of Colombo.
PD
The cinnamon-gardens in the neighbourhood of Colombo are the most extensive in the island
St
tlie
vicinity
Tr ia
in the
gined more exquisitely lovely than this varied
and
of the Galle
moun-
truly
and, although the beauty and fragrance of the
shrub are much exaggerated,
sk
still
the plantations
It
de
present a most pleasing spectacle.

asserted by many,
has been
and
still
is
by some, that the
aroma of the spice is perceptible at sea, even when a vessel is some miles distant from the " Cinnamon isle :" this statement is as complete
a delusion as can well be imagined,
effluvia of
for,
it is
if the
cinnamon
is
apparent at sea,
else
when
the captain or
some one
on board the vessel
56*

rubbed a portion of
to
tlie
lias
iVagrant oil
upon the
sails,
mystify travellers.
is
We
admit that an
aromatic effluvia
of peeling
is
diffused, whilst the operation

is
being carried on, but this odour
only apparent close to the spot where the cin-
namon-peeler
is
performing his task
and were
every bush in the island to

neously,
be barked simultaconvinced the smell
we
are perfectly
felt
w'ork Avas being effected,
and
a perfect impossibility, for the scent of the shrub
ceived at sea.
ud
io
into
so to mingle with the atmosphere
Cavilists have recently
endeavoured
to
Tr ia
that
it
would not be
a mile on land from where the
as to be per-
would be
to
prove
the Laurus cinnamomum not
St
be indigenous,
PD
])ut that it
was introduced
traders,
Ceylon by some
of the
early
assigning as their most
cogent reason, that the early
Roman and Greek
sk
writers,
when speaking
(Ceylon)
;
of the products of Tra-
de
pabane
do not enumerate cinnamon

our opinion, over-
among them
strangely, in
looking,
that
although
not
mentioned
included
indivi-
dually, this spice
may have been
among
the imnd)erless fragrant productions, for which

this island
was celebrated.
'to
To
pursue this sub-
ject farther, or
authorities,
attempt to prove by quoting
and
using
arguments that we are
57
borne out in asserting the Lanrus cinnamonmni

to
be indigenous to Ceylon, would be alike un-
interesting to the general reader,

for our present
and unnecessary
purpose
Ceylon, after
it
we became known
;
as
treat principally of
to the Portuguese.
This
shrub
attracted
the
notice
of
D' Al-
meida, who, with

tion usually,
if
the shrewdness
and observainstantly
not invariably apparent in the
perceived the valuable article of commerce this

spice
would
eventually
become.
first
by
the
monarch of Colombo
with the natives
;
ud
governor of Goa,) and permission was granted

to the
traffic
for the
protection promised to be afforded the
Cingalese sovereign against his enemies, that a
sk
certain quantity of
although no care was bestowed upon the
de
given.
This
PD
cinnamon should be annually

with,
demand was complied
year,
we
find the
crown of Portugal demanded
St
and, in the succeeding
io
Ceylon was
discovered by D' Almeida, (then
vation of the shrub, either by the natives or Por-
tuguese, the revenue derived by the sale of the
spicy tribute proved a considerable and welcome
addition to the finances of the king of Portugal.
Although the Dutch gained a footing in Ceylon

in
1G40,
we
find
no attempt was made
Tr ia
In
mental
organization
of
discoverers,
Portuguese to
D 5
1505,
and,
culti-
by
58
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE-
them, to improve the staple commodity of the island
by
cultivation until 1765,
and no strenuous exer-
tions were
until 1770,
made
for the furtherance of the plan

this
and in
year the Governor Falck

for
resolved to
adopt energetic measures
the
culture of the cinnamon-laurel.
In this he was
chiefs,
opposed by the native nobles and

be deteriorated by cultivation.
tuitous
who
imanimously stated the quality of the spice would

the governor caused several
assurances,
plantations to be formed, and tended with the
io
the
gTeatest
care.
The young shrubs
Tr ia
men
w^hy
;
Despite these gra-
throve,
and
sud-
ud
a
promised to repay, by a superabundant crop, the

capital bestowed
upon
their cultivation,
when
denly every plant was found to be withered up.
PD
Falck
the
St
instituted
rigid
investigation
into
cause
of this
phenomena, and discovered

to
that the
chiefs
had employed
pour
sk
boiling water over the roots of the laurels.
Many
and
culti-
de
of the
offenders were
severely punished,
destruction
the
no
ulterior
attempt at
of the
shrubs
vation
ensued.
of
The reason
cinnamon was discouraged

in the first place, that
state,
by
it
the
chiefs, was,
when
grew
only in a wild
they were paid a certain
per centage for allowing their slaves to collect a

stipulated quantity of the bark
as
no European

could
59
be found sufficiently courageous to risk

life, in
his health, or
the forests
and jungles of the

best cinnamon
it
Kandian provinces,
was produced.
bruited that
it
where
the
In the second,
had become
was the intention of the Dutch

should be found that cinnamon
government,
if it
could be improved by cultivation, to forbid any

natives or Europeans trafficking in or having plan-
and
for
the
benefit
of the
executive powers.
affiiir,
Dispassionately regarding this

feel surprised that the
of the cultivation of a shrub from which they had

hitherto derived emolument,
maintained by the Dutch government, that neither the
European nor native proprietor of

stick,
sk
PD
So unjustly rigid was the monopoly of cinnamon

the
the bark,
de
land was allowed to destroy, cut a
spontaneous production of their native
St
ud
;
age,
and throw unlawful impediments
io
Cingalese should discourin the path
and which was the

soil.
or pluck the leaves of a shrub,
Tr ia
or
we cannot
seed of which might have been dropped by birds)

that
grew on
their property
and they were
compelled to give notice to the superintendent

of cinnamon-plantations
when a cinnamon-laurel
bosom,
severe
sprouted
from
the
earth's
penalties were imposed.
tations of the laurel, save those appertaining to,
touch
(the
also
60
CEVLON AND THE CINGALESE.
Every cinnamoii-slnub
sole
\vas declared to
be the
property of the Dutch government, and the
superintendent was authorized to send the peelers

into a
man's grounds
to
search for the shrubs,
and,
if
any were found, they were immediately
stripped of their bark, which Avas transported to

the public warehouses,
and the owner of the land
either fined or imprisoned for having infringed
cinnamon-plant grew on his land.
The Portuguese
were
hard task-masters
Tr ia
sj)irit
the Dutch laws by not giving information that a
in
ud
oppressive as the iron fetters which shackled the
io
The
Ceylon, but the yoke imposed by them, was not so
Cingalese during the period that the
Dutch had
of avarice so
possession of the island.
completely reigned lord paramount in the breasts
St
PD
of the
Dutch
rulers, that history affirms,
when
the
bushes yielded a superabundant crop, bales of
cinnamon were burned, or otherwise destroyed,
sk
de
both in Ceylon and Holland,

exorbitant price
for the spice.
to
keep up the
obtained
then demanded and

old Dutch records
From
we
learn
that for
more than one hundred years, the revenue derived annually from the sale of cinnamon was seldom less than four hundred thousand pounds.
When
the island
came
into
our ])ossession, the

granted to the East
cinnamon monopoly was
II

India
()1
payment of the was ultimately increased to one hundred thousand, which sum was received by our government until 1823, when the right of cultivation and sale reverted to the Crown, and the amount realized by the sale of cinnamon varied to an almost incredible extent,
for the
Company
yearly
:
sum
of sixty-thousand pounds
this
the
annual receipts
fluctuating
between
fifty
])Ounds.
In 1832, a commission of inquiry into
the effects of this
monopoly was
Tr ia
thousand, to one hundred and seventy thousand
instituted,
in the following year,
St
ud
is
Lord Goderich this doned, and the cultivation
by the judicious policy of obnoxious measure was abanof the shrub has been
thrown open since that period.
io
Many
improveindivi-
duals.
A cinnamon
PD
ments have been introduced by private

plantation
somewhat resembles
ai'e,
sk
a luxuriant laurel copse, as the bushes
de
constant priming, not allowed to exceed twelve

or fifteen feet in height, except those that
be required for seed
and these
will occasionally
attain the height of thirty or forty feet, the trunk
of the shrub measuring from eighteen to twentythree inches in circumference. of the Laurus
The propagation
conducted with
cinnamomum
and
facility, seeds, plants,
roots, (if transplanted
and
by
may
(}'2

alike thriving in
with caution,)
soil,
an appropriate
as fine as moist
that consists of a pure quartz sand, Avhich
to
the depth of
many
inches
;
is
sugar,
grey
tint,
and perfectly white it then assumes a and in some of the mountainous dismoss are found immediately
sandy
soil.
tricts,
layers of black
under
this species of sterile
It is re-
markable that although white ants
infest
and
these destructive insects do not injure the bushes

in the slightest degree.
And
it is
many
of the Cingalese, that to have a thriving
plantation of cinnamon bushes four plenties are
sun, plenty of white ants,
St
requisite,
namely
"plenty
ud
io
of
is
and plenty of water."
The
foliage of the laurel is thick
PD
shining green
when amved
Tr ia
sand,
abound
in all
cinnamon plantations
in the island,
a proverb with
and
at maturity, but
young, the leaves are exquisitely beautiful,
l
for
is
it
plenty of
of a dark
when
as
their colour then is a pale yellowish green, striped
de
sk
with bright red

oil is distilled,
from the old leaves a fragrant

medi-
which the natives use
cinal puiposes,
and which
applied by us to
many
uses.
The
cinnamon
blossom
pure
white, and scentless,
the fruit or berry,
acomripens
shaped and small, the hue of which as

gradually changing from
green to purple,
and
from this
is
obtained, by boiling, a substance like

wax,
63
candles,
which
is
frequently
made
into
and these emit

burning.
an
agreeable
perfume whilst
Some enormously large tapers made from this wax were found by our troops in the king of Kandy's palace. The spice is the inner
if
bark of the shrub, and, in order to ascertain

this is in a
fit
state, the
peeler makes a diagonal
incision in a shoot, and, should the inner bark
peeling.
The
knives
used
by the cinnamon-
peelers are of a peculiar form, being heavy, long,
convex on one
side,
concave on the other, and
the point of the instrument
ud
is
io
remarkably
year, the
first
crop being the most abundant, and
producing cinnamon of the

first is
St
The bushes
are generally peeled twice in the
Tr ia
quality.
readily separate, the shi-ub
is
in a
l
state
fine.
fit
for
finest
The
obtained between the months of April and

the
PD
August,
January.
is
second
between
November and
cinnamon
sk
The mode
of obtaining the
de
the
following:
the cinnamon-peeler cuts off
the shoots of a year old, which are of the thick-
ness of a man's finger, varying in length fi'om one

to four feet.
off
The leaves
are then carefully stripped
and placed
in heaps, the
peeler
makes an
incision with his knife the entire length of the

shoot, separating the bark
from the wood; he
then carefully scrapes off the grey exterior skin.
G4

tiie
and the green inner epidermis, leaving

free
baric
from
all fleshy
substance, about the thickness
of vellum, and of a greenish white coloiu'.
The
man
tlien
places the small portions of the bark
on the larger pieces,

out in a
spreading
the
cinnamon
warm and shady
spot, so as to enable
the spice to dry gradually but thoroughly.

sun's rays
The
and atmospheric influence cause the
and,
when
fifty
all
moisture
is
evaporated, the cinna-
mon
from
is tied
up
to
into sheaves, or bundles,
io
seventy pounds, and
for sale.
distilled
from the root camphor
St
golden-coloured fine-flavoured aqueous

is
ud
market
From
the refuse of the bark, a

fluid
is
the peeled twigs are converted into walking canes
Tr ia
is
is
bark to assume a brown hue, and pipe-like form
weighing
sent to the
procured, and
;
PD
;
in short, there is
no part of the Laurus cinnaapplied to the use of
momum
man.
that cannot be
clusively to a very low caste, called Challias, or
de
The men who
sk
peel the cinnamon belong ex-
cinnamon-peelers
and no native woman or man
of a higher caste will associate with, or partake
of food that has been prepared
by these people
in the
the poor Challia being despised in the maritime

districts, as the
unfortunate Rhodia
Kan-
dian provinces.
C5
The abodes
of all Europeans in Ceylon bear a
striking similitude to each other, the houses being-
constructed upon the same j^lan
every door and
window
alike
open, and the portals of distinct
apartments having moveable blinds placed mid-
way
ally
in the frame-work.
The dining-room
is
usu-
extends the whole length of the dwelling,

genein this
consequently the width of this apartment

rally disproportionate to the length
;
hot climate, to enable the residents to partake of

their
meals in some degree of coolness, a punkah,
io
first
nearly the length of the apartment,
from the ceiling over the dining-table.
sk
PD
ment with which we gazed, the first time we saw one of these singular machines, we will describe what a punkah is like, believing there are many in this country who have not the most remote idea what
St
In the
As we have a
vivid recollection of the astonish-
ud
longer
this essential requisite to comfort, in
de
dwelling resembles.
of
wôod,
considerably
than
Tr ia
is
and
suspended
an Eastern
place, a frame
wide,
l
to
is
covered with white calico, to the bottom of W'hich

is
attached a deep
frill
flounce we believe
is
be
the correct feminine term for this sort of garnishing.
The frame-work
is
suspended from
the
ceiling by strong cords, while to the centre of the
punkah
attached a very
long rope, passing
66

which
is
through a pulley
stationed
pulled
by a man
outside the dining-room, and by this

is
means the machine
kept in constant motion.

is to
The
very
use of the flounce

to
catch the air as the
punkah waves
and
fro
over your head, and

artificial
necessary and pleasant are the
breezes thus created by the waving of a certain
quantum
eight.
of
wood-work and
calico,
where the
Tr ia
;
thermometer ranges from eighty-six
There
is
one slight drawback to the delight of

in the tropics, for
will
owning a punkah, even
io
l
to
ninety-
it
is
almost certain that your careless servants
ud
never
sus-
pended, to see if they ai"e worn by the friction, caused
by the constant pulling of the punkah.
St
inspect the ropes by which the punkah
is
It is very,
very, very hot indeed, the mosquitoes are torment-
PD
Jifty times, in the vain endeavour to annihilate
one of these toraienting insects
de
sk
ing you beyond endurance
you slap your own face

at last, in a
fit
of
angiy despair, you
call
out to the
punkah-puller,
?"
" Can't you pull strong, you lazy mortal
The
good
biped, stimulated to exertion by your angry tone,

gives
an energetic
pull
one
in
right
earnest, as
much
?"
as to say, "
Does
that please
rustling-
you now, master
You
hear a sort of
above your head, look up
crash smash down
67
comes the punkah on the dmner-table, making a most awful uproar, shivering all the glass and
crockery, and, worse than
all,
utterly desti'oying
your meal.
This disaster assuredly does not
please you, although your orders were obeyed,
"to pull strong," but even the downfall of a punkah, under different circumstances, excites dissi-
milar passions in the

If this contretemps
human
breast.
you rave
&c.,
at
neglect of duty, carelessness, laziness, stupidity,

&c.,
all
&c.
vow
is
io
that
you
will
replace
fretting,
that
broken,
ud
:
stamping,
fury.
But
let
this
it
disaster occur at a friend's
house, you view
with the indifference of a stoic
and the
tranquillity of a philosopher, the equani-
sk
mity of your temper not being in the most remote

degree affected, or ruffled
PD
St
working yourself into both fever and
de
quietly
the table,
you employ your
serviette in wiping
fiom your waistcoat a portion of the contents of

the cuny-dish, which delicious combination
of
vegetables and
fish,
with some chicken cotelettes,
and a
fall
claret jug,
may have been

punkah
in
deposited by the
of the aforesaid
your lap, not to
the improvement of your white clothing.
tone of voice
is
mild,
your speech deliberate,
Tr ia
rising
happen inyour own domicile, your appoo (or head servant) about his
make him
fuming,
from
Your
68

to
your manner calm, as you beg your host

rate his vexation, consoling
mode-
him by remarking
it is
" That
it is
a horrid bore, to have a dinner spoiled

just like
and the breakables demolished, but
these fellows, so insufferably indolent in every
way, neglecting their business to chew betel, and

gossip about master's business."
The
host thanks
you again and

becoming
again
for
your
consideration,
his apologies for the mishap.
You beg
if
Tr ia
to place
at last insanely profuse
and prolix
of
in
to
him
say no more on the subject, but order his appoo

to clear
away
io
of
the debris,
and see
some edibles
cannot be found either on the table or in the
sumptuous and varied repast that was spread

perverse punkah has converted into an unpalatable pot-pourri, or hodge-podge.
sk
PD
before you, in numberless dishes, but which the
It
is
the invariable
table
St
cook-house, that will serve as a substitute for the
ud
custom
dessert
de
upon the
consists
after dinner, and,
although this
fruit
of
every
variety
tropical
in
season, none save recent arrivals, ever venture to

eat fresh fruit in the after part of the day
:
the
older residents occasionally venture
upon a
little
dried ginger, or try an Euc/lish biscuit, the crisp-
ness and flavour of which have not been improved
by
its
travels.
We
have noticed the flush of
69
delightful anticipation pass over a new-comer's

face, as
he gazed with evident satisfaction upon

fruits,
the cool-looking tempting
garnished with
gorgeous flowers, that were spread in trim array

before
him
what delicious-looking pine-apples
and mangoes, what magnificent bananas and custard-apples, what luscious pumbelows and
he takes one on his plate, and carefully bisects
ritably disposed,
and an old
ud
;"
;)
same with great

case he
gusto.
His neighbour,
resident, in
io
I
the mellow, melting
fruit,
preparing to devour the

if
Tr ia
with an
it
guavas, what inviting water-melons and greenfigs The custard-apples are near " the new man,"
is
almost certain to possess a yellow skin

liver,
and diseased you not

likely to
to
may whisper
St
PD
compassion for such ignorance, "

produce cholera
would advise
is
eat fruit after dinner, as
sk
(the plate is
away with extreme
avidity
" eat as
much as you
harm you in yellow man,
like at breakfast, or tiffin, that won't
de
the least."
The green thanks

morning.
the
resolving to indulge his gourmandise and affection

for fruit the following
We
the
cannot dismiss Colombo without noticing

flocks of carrion crows that infest
immense
;
Colpetty
these birds
abound
in every port of
Ceylon, but we think their number and audacity
cha-
which
air of
very
pushed
70
are
more manifest
in this part of the island than
elsewhere.
their
These creatures are much larger than

is
European brethren, the plumage

glossy,
thicker,
and more
and assuredly there

;
culation in their eyes
in short,
is much spewe think them very
handsome-looking, intelligent birds.

did the
first
No
sooner
glimmer of daybreak appear, than

used to break our matinal slumthievish propensities, and per-
haa, kha
bers.
The boldness,
fast-room, hover over the toast-rack, seize a slice
of
bread, and
St
fly
ud
off
We
have known a crow to
io
:
severance of these creatures, are almost incredible.

fly
with
were people seated
at table
house-window, and there remain watching, with

cook, and no sooner was the man's back turned,
the
PD
other marauders
hop on
to the sill of the cook-
de
or a favom'able opportunity occurred, than
hare-faced feathered thieves would pounce
sk
the utmost inquisitiveness, the
Tr ia
it,
haa,
into the break-
although there
we have witnessed
movements of the
their loud
and incessant guttural, kha
haa, kha
on
some
article of food,
and make
for the nearest
tree, or roof of the building, there to
devour
it
at
their leisure.
We
have heard, but did not see
the act perpetrated, that a crow appropriated a
piece of cake, that a child of six years old was

eating, despite the efforts of the little unfeathered

biped to drive the feathered one away
;
71
but we
can positively affirm that we have seen the crows

flying off with substances fi'om our dwelling in
Colpetty, that were nearly as heavy and bulky as

their
own
bodies.
There was one fellow

old
soldier,
whom
his
we had
christened the
(from
bravery, and because he had lost the lower half

of one leg in the field of battle possibly, as a
piece of red rag was tied around the stump
Tr ia
;
aught we know to the contrary, this might have
been a novel order of the

used absolutely
to
attempt to take food from a
dog whilst eating, and very frequently succeeded the animal would naturally open its mouth, to
St
ud
fix
io
garter,) whose daring and audacity were beyond credence. This bird
l
for
;
snap or bark
at the creature
pulling at the food
PD
who was pecking

would then
or
the crow
avail
sk
itself of this
opportunity to
the beak in the
coveted morsel.
Constantly we have seen these
daring exploits rewarded with success, the bird

flying off in triumph with the sjjoil,
de
and perch
on the branch of a neighbouring which

looked
tlie
ti'ce, under dog would stand angrily barking, as he
u]) at
the robber leisurely eating the food
in security, that
had been purloined absolutely

teeth.
from between his
rl
Situation of
races
KandyKoute Bridge of boats Paddy Aspect of the peopleAinbepusse Mountain zone Kadaganawa pass Mountain scenery Talapat, or fan palm Animal Draught elephants Peredenia Bridge and Botanical gardens Curious specimens of the vegetable kingdom Travellers' friend City of Kandy lake Bathing house of the Queen's Palace Native shops Customs Buildings Artillery-barracks Deficiency of water The governor's residence Beauty of the architecture and Views of the valley of Doombera Major Davie's Groimds of PavihonLady Horton's road Grandeur of nery Altitude of the mountains Military station on One-tree LegendKurunaigalla tunnel Compulsory labour Animals, in the and
io
Tr ia
ter-
CHAPTER
IV.
gi-eat
St
PD
Ai'tificial
sk
ud
life
de
l
site
tree
tlie
sce-
hill
birds,
reptiles,
siu--
roiuiding comitry.
Kandy, the former

1)V
capital of the interior, called

is
the natives Maha-neura, or the great city,

situated
in
lat
78
80"
7^21' N. and in
long.,
48' E,, at the
summit of an extensive
feet
fertile valley,
which
lies
more than 1500
above the level of

to
the sea.
is
The
distance from
the
Colombo
route
Kandy
the
tlie
seventy-two miles,
crossing
bridge of boats, which was constructed during
government of
Sir
Edward Barnes,
Mutwal-Oya
;
to obviate the
unavoidable delay attendant upon the use of ferryboats, to

cross
the
more than once led
to serious results,
Tr ia
when
first
which delay
the
assistance of our troops
was required on the

For the
io
is
is
opposite side of the river.
eighteen
ud
mud
to
miles of the road, the scenery
of the
St
character as that on the coast, with this exception,

that rice
is
cultivated in a different
manner
that adopted in the southern provinces.
Instead of planting the grain on a level surface,
PD
sk
in
this
district
it
is
more general
to
to
sow
teiTaces of irregular dimensions
and construction,
elevation in the
de
the usual
mode being
paddy
make an
centre of the
field,
round which a terrace

is
of less height extends, below which
a smaller
one, each one decreasing towards the bottom of
the artificial
mound.
Every
level space is kept
well supplied with water, and

the terrace underneath,
l)y
it
separated from
walls, in
arc perforations, to allow
descend and
E
VOL.
I.
l
same
to
it
in
which
irri-
74
gate the lower terraces.

galese agriculturist
struction of the
is
And
although the Cincon-
far surpassed in the
paddy
terraces,
by the ingenuity
and regularity evinced
in the formation of the
same by the Chinese,

ance of the young rice
still
the beautifid appear-
is
everywhere
alike,
and
nothing can be imagined more pleasing than the

exquisite brilliant tender green of the
growing
Soon the aspect of nature changes, the cocoanut palm plantations become less frequent, groves
of areka and suriya trees, (Habiscus zeilanicus,)
gradually
taking their place
ud
io
Tr ia
;
paddy.
the
l
latter
is
elm,
and,
when
St
majestic tree, bearing a strong similitude to an

it
is
covered with
is
irs
yellow
blossoms, the lovely appearance

ble.
indescriba-
The
air
sk
PD
of"
the people also varies considerably,
as the maritime districts are left in the rear
the
and a
de
high
comb and long comboy
are
no longer
visible,
a handkerchief taking the place of the
first,
very short cloth or petticoat being used as a substitute for the last.
is
The black paper umbrella

palm being
its
scarcely seen, a leaf of the talapat
used as a protection against the sun's rays in

stead
;
priests of Buddha, with shaven heads,
and
flowing yellow robes, wending their
wav
to
some

temple, are
75
in the to
much more numerous than

;
southern province
in short, all
around tends
is in
impress upon the

country and
traveller's
mind, that he
among
a people totally
to
dissimilar
in all essential
characteristics,
the
lowland
Cingalese.
The road
to
Kandy
;
is
planned, and the
skill
of the engineer has been displayed in the most

as
the hilly
ous districts are ascended, the views become sublime in the extreme
;
and the contrast presented
delightful.
The prospect from
St
by the huge masses of black gneiss rock, to the delicate and luxuriant flowering creepers that cling to some part of them, is alike wonderful and
ud
to
its
io
the Rest-house at
Tr ia
from
the E 2
masterly manner
and movmtaiii-
Ambepusse, situated
lombo,
is
thirty-five miles
surpassingly fine. This building lies in
which are wooded from base

Ceylon, in the mountainous
tinguishing
it
sk
a valley that
PD
is
formed by a semicircle of
summit, the luxu-
riance and gigantic character of the vegetation of

districts,
de
alone dis-
from that of Switzerland, Scotland,
and North Wales.
Although the country around
Ambepusse
district
is
is beautiful,
and
soil fertile,
exceedingly
unhealthy,
dents, both native

to
and European, being
debilitating
fever
and ague.
From Ambe-
Co-
hills,
tlie
resi-
liable
76

whole route,
for
pusse to Attoomakandy, the

eighteen miles,
is
enlivened by the spectacle of

;
land in
sugar,
tlie
highest state of cultivation
coffee,
and indigo crops alternately greeting the

eye
;
traveller's
and two miles from the
latter
place,
the mountain-zone
commences
At the
in all its
first
sublimity and stern grandeur.
view
stretch in
an enormous chain, (and which, during
successive native dynasties, had formed the boun-
ud
which also enabled them,
io
for
daries of the
Kandian monarchs'
centuries, to set at defiance all the arts of
practised by the Portuguese, Dutch,
conquerors of the maritime
St
Tr ia
We
;
tenitories, and more than three
l
all
of these stupendous and lofty mountains, which
war and English

farther
districts,)
road that winds round Kadaganawa Pass can be
sk
compared
PD
progress seems to be debarred.
believe the
to
nothing of the same construction in
de
modern
times, save the Simplon

first
who planned the
and the officer had innumerable difficulties

inefficient as-
to
contend with, in the shape of

unskilful
sistants,
and
unwilling
labourers,
tropical sun
and unhealthy atmosphere, whilst

the latter task, were aided by
those
who executed
willing hands, ready hearts,
and a genial atmo-
sphere.
We
know
that the sacrifice of
human
life,
whilst clearing the dense jungle for the fonnation

of the road was immense, and
that
77
we
regret to say
numbers of our
officers
were claimed by
death, whilst superintending the tardy hxbours of
the natives, in the discharge of
tlieir duties.
series of views of the
most magnificent and

is as-
varied character open forth as the mountain
cended
lands,
on either side of wliich appear cultivated

forests,
bounded by dense
and
rocks, whilst
the clearness of the atmosphere enables the traveller to see the undulating lowlands stretching far
round, and often a perpendicular mountain rears

its lofty crest
on one
side,
same manner on the opposite.
head, as
if
threatening instant annihilation, by

;
PD
brawling waterfall appears over the

hurling him into the deep abyss below
St
ud
for
tain are climbed,
ravines and fissures are
and descends in the Sometimes a

traveller's'
io
into the distance.
As
the steep sides of the
road will become so narrow^ that there appears to
be scarcely room
stand
on,
de
sk
sufficient
the vehicle to
and
the
strongest nerves
shaken, as the eye glances below at the steep

precipice,
rolling,
down which some crumbling
Tr ia
To
then the
may be
earth
is
loosened by the coach-wheels.
circumscribed path, upon turning the next angle,
succeeds a wide road and view of the surrounding country
terminated
by the Blue mountains
l
mounwound
this
78
in the distance,
whose towering heads blend with
the azure heavens,

crest
Adam's Peak rearing
his lofty
above his fellows.
The combination
of
of
sublime
notice
and beautiful scenery, brought under

during
the
ascent
;
the
Kadaganawa
Pass
ing
is
nearly incredible
frightful
roaring toiTcnts dash-
down
abysses,
from whose sides
spring enormous trees, and at whose base are lands
Tr ia
own
;
teeming with grain.
Terrific chasms,
hanging masses of rock, where bright coloured

flowering shrubs have taken root, rapidly succeed
each other
tain is
and,
when
the
attained,
and the boundless extent and
ud
io
summit of the moun-
l
and overbeholders of this magnificent scene cannot find
majesty, and glory of the Almighty's works, and
The
sk
tlie
humiliating feeling of their

freshness
of the
PD
utterance
to
express their sense of the might,
St
beauty of the prospect fully perceptible,
many
littleness.
atmosphere, and
the
all,
de
si)lendour of the
scenery, are admitted
by
and extolled by numberless Europeans who have ascended the Kadaganawa Pass and amongst
those
who
are
keenly alive to the beauties of

sensi-
nature,
bilities,
and consequently possessing acute
we never knew
one, whose feelings were
not alienated from home, or blunted by a pro-
longed residence in the East, who did not de-
II
CEYLOM AND THE CINGALESE.

clare they felt saddened, as the distant
79
mountains
never
and cooler
their
air recalled
scenes and persons in
native
land, they
might possibly
behold again,
tains they
while
they compared the mounto those in
were then gazing upon

Ireland,
England,
Scotland,
or
Wales.
A
is
column of noble design and just proportions
placed on the summit of the mountain, erected in
Pass.
diversified
animal and vegetable kingdoms, as numbers of
from, or settle upon, the boughs of the trees adja-
PD
monkeys belonging to different species will spoit among the branches, whilst flocks of parrots and birds with gaudy plumage will wing their way
St
Every
ud
cent to the road-side.
tint of
io
The remaining portion of the route to Kandy is by many beautiful specimens of the
Tr ia
verdure
it
honour of him who planned the Kadaganawa
be seen upon the

the
sk
trees,
from the bright green of
young
de
leaf, to the
sombre
tint of maturit}-,
which
from
will
gradually subside into a rich brown,
assuming a
its
brilliant
orange colom*, before

;
parent stem
and as the eye wanders
farther into the jungle, the trees appear to forni
one vast natural bower.

Attracted
by
the
warmth,
is to
drops
occasionally
speckled serpent
may be
seen gliding from his
80

underwood,
to
retreat in the
enjoy the
full
power
of the sun's beams, or the reptile

itself
may entwine
some wing
round the trunk of a
tree in pursuit of
lovely bird, (not sufficiently strong on the

to elude
by
flight the creature's
deadly fangs,) or
to rob the nests of the eggs, or imfledged young.

It
would be impossible
to
enumerate a
tithe of
the trees appertaining to different species that

are to be
met with
Tr ia
garden
;
in this vast
principally attracts the stranger's attention,

large
l
but what
is
the
talapat palm
that grows a short distance
from the right-hand side of the road, a few miles

from Kandy.
all
This magnificent tree towers above
wôrld,
and
St
the other gigantic monarchs of the vegetable

it is
ud
io
utterly impossible to find

its
words
adequate to describe
splendid beauty.
The
PD
talapat, or great fan palm, is designated
by most
call
de
sk
it
authors as Corypha umbracidifera, but some few
Licuala spinosa. Leaving those botanists to

the disputed
settle
name
that have a penchant
for disputation,
we
will give a cm'sory descrip-
tion
of this
celebrated palm
which
varies in
height from seventy to one hundred
feet.
The
feet,
leaves frequently measure, from the exti'emity of

the stalk to the point,
more than twenty-four

for fans
and the width
varies from twelve to seventeen,
and these are used by the natives
and

umbrellas.
81
Under
the native kings, none save
these belonging to the highest caste were allowed

to use these leaves,
and the number was fixed was

to
that each chief, according to his rank,
have
borne before him.
The
flowers spring from the
diadem of graceful verdure that crowns the palm,

the
blossoms being of a most exquisite pale
yellow,
and continuing
in
bloom
for the space of
Tr ia
E 5
three months,
when they gradually disappear

Near
tree, the
l
as
;
the fruit forms.*
this gigantic tree, are to
be seen the banian
myrtle (Myrtus), the
bay
tree (Laurus,)
and the tick seed sunflower,

a species of Coreopsis
which bears an immense number of goldenwhilst on the opposite side fragments of yellow
rock are clothed with luxuriant balsams, (Impaticus coccinea,) whose delicate white, and brilliant
sk
red blossoms, stand out' in bold relief fi'om the

shining foliage.
gi'een lizard will dart from out the long grass,
and run across the road, or large cai'penter bees, or beetles, whose wings are resplendant with the
rainbow's hues, will in their airy flight poise on
the wing, preparatory to settling
de
PD
Ever and anon, some sportive
St
coloured blossoms, and
is
scented flower, thus giving the traveller an oppor*
For a detailed account of
ud
this
io
upon some sweet-
palm,
see a future
chapter
82'
tunity of noting their several characteristic beauties.
Possibly the eye
may
rest
upon a small
is
lizard,
whose delicate brown skin
spotted like
the tiger's, or striped like the leopard's, or on a

tree frog,
whose peculiar formation and move;
ments delight as well as astonish the former may be resting tranquilly on the trunk of the
tree,
with extended tongue, to catch the mosqui-
toes, or other small insects,
creeping into the cup of the beautiful blossom,

also in search of food.
It
not unfrequently happens, the next strange
ud
io
Tr ia
child.
and the
latter
may be
object that arrests the traveller's attention,
maybe
St
a tame elephant
harnessed to a roughly-made
cart, (as these creatures are
used by the govern-
ment
by
in this district,) the driver
walking quietly
PD
the animal's side,
unprovided with any means

severity, the
derous brute obeying his keeper's voice with the
de
sk
of enforcing his
commands by
pon-
docility
of a well-trained
air
little
In
fact,
earth
and
in
this
fertile
island
teem with
such infinite variety of natural productions, that

the
man
devoted to scientific pursuits, and he
whose
tions.
sole
aim
is
the acquirement of wealth, find

for
alike a wide
field
their respective occupa-
Three miles from the town of Kandy
is
Pera-

denia, celebrated alike for
its
83
bridge and botaniof
cal gardens; the bridge being built entirely

satin
wood, one noble arch of two hundred and

feet,
seven
spanning the swelling waters of the
Mahavelle-ganga.
The
Botanical gardens, whilst

of
under the
superintendence
the
celebrated
oriental botanist, Dr. Gardner,

in
were maintained
facility
admirable condition, and every
was
for
the student or enquirer to obtain information.
We believe these extensive gardens contained
Tr ia
whose
afforded
by
that talented
and courteous man,
io
now
specimen of every plant, shrub, or

to the island,
tree,)
tree,
indigenous
(with the exception of the talapat
performance of his duty, and many rare specifi'om the
mountainous
mens
St
as Dr.
Gardner was indefatigable in the

district,
ud
exist-
ence wâs previously unknown, were obtained by

the energetic exertions of this gentleman.
PD
Among
is
the curious foreign plants in these gardens,

species of
sk
de
banana (Musa sapientum), native of
Madagascar, called
friend,"
by many the "
Traveller's
that
owing
to
the sweet aqueous fluid
flows fi-om the sheath of the leaf
when punctured.
alluded to far
Every member of
ful,
this tribe is
exceedingly grace-
but the beauty of the one

its
outvies
compeers, as the leaves sprout with
extreme regularity from either side of the stem,
84

each leaf elegantly droop-
in regular gi-adations,
ing over a lesser one, from the base to the summit

of the stem.
The trunk also

it is flat,
is
the
same beautiful
is
green as the leaves, and

peculiar, as
its
formation
most
and has a platted appearif tlu'ee
ance, looking exactly as

regularly entwined.
stems had been
The
height of this extraor-
dinary
specimen
is
nearly eighteen feet, and,
tliis
beautiful tree, Ave feel that
able to impart an adequate idea of

loveliness
and
singularity.
io
The
Tr ia
although
we have
given an exact description of
we have not been

its
lei-chee
excessive
trees,
(Dimacarpus), usually attract
this
parent land growing to an enormous
St
much
we
attention,
but as we had seen them
ud
natives of China
in
size,
PD
did
not feel the pecidiar interest
that
we
the
otherwise
might
have
done.
The
fiaiit,
shape of which
is
oval, is considered
extremely
sk
delicious, varying
in size
from a damson to a
is
de
small
plum
the portion that
eaten,
is
is
a semi-
transparent jelly-like substance, that

in
contained
a tough,
thin,
rough, red rind
these fruits are very palatable,
when dried and can now be

:
obtained in England, but in oiu estimation the

lei-chee to be eaten in perfection, should be pre-
served;
the jelly prepared

is
Chinese,
as delicious a
from them by the compound as can well

be imagined.
85
The trees belonging

nevertheless
to this species
in the botanic gardens have not attained

full
their
growth,
;
they
are
universally
admired
in size
the foliage resembles that of the laurel

colour,
and
and the
fruit
grows in bunches
suspended from
the bark
is
stalks six or eight inches long
a rich shade of bright brown, and in
China, these trees, when arrived at maturity, are as

large
lofty as a full-grown
Tr ia
;
and
oak
those
l
now
al-
luded to at Peradenia are only of a moderate
size.
Although not in these gardens, we cannot refrain

from noticing one of the most noble specimens of
ud
vegetation in the world, that
is to
island.
This
is
a tamarind
St
Mahomedan
indicus,)
burial-ground at Putlam,
tree,
io
be found in the
in
this
(Tamarindus
size the
and
;
called fi-om its
enormous
PD
giant's tree
the height
is
ninety-eight feet,
and
nine feet in diameter: just above, the tree divides

into
de
two branches, one of which
sk
seven feet fi'om the root, the solid stem
is thirty-
is
twenty-one
feet,
and the other twenty-seven
feet in circumit
ference.
The
natives affirm that
increases in
size annually,
and that
it is
not more than a hun-
dred-and-thirty years old.

trees,
At one time tamarind
but of a smaller
jungles, but
used to abound in the immense numbers have been desize,
stroyed in the formation of coffee estates, and
86
CEA-LON
AND THE CINGALESE.
many have been

into furniture.
felled to obtain their exquisitely
variegated timber,
which
is
often manufactured
The
diva,
position of the former capital of

is
Lanka
as
beautiful
and romantic as can be

imagination
well
depicted by the most vivid
being situated in a valley, partially surrounded
by
lofty
mountains, which are clothed in the

trees,
girth
betoken these were saplings in ages past,

(varying from 300 to 2000 feet
The mountains
in height) theatre, in the
like
io
him
are nearly in the form of
and,
lake's
when
clear
their
ud
shadows are reflected

the
Tr ia
scene
perpetual
verdure
of
Avhose
l
fell
enormous
an amphi-
enchantment than
St
waters,
is
more
reality.
This
artificial
lake was formed by the last tyrant monarch of
PD
Kandy, out of paddy-fields,

the owners
to yield
which he forced
;
up
to
and many thou-
sk
sands of
men were compelled
to labour without
de
the slightest compensation, at the embankments,
and numbers of wives were made widows, as

score
after
score of the
labourers
victims
to the
unwholesome exhalations of the disturbed

Notwithstanding
all
stagnant waters.
the atro-
cious associations connected with the construction of this lake,

it
is
a most refi'eshing sight,
as the silver stream extends nearly a mile and

three
87
quarters
in
length,
five
the
breadth at the
feet.
widest part exceeding
hundred and ten
A
in
winding road encircles the lake, which being

base of the surrounding
hills,
at the
is
sheltered
some measuie by them from the scorching rays of the sun consequently, Europeans can indulge in pedestrian and equestrian exercise at a later hour in the mornmg, and an earlier
;
one in the afternoon, than they can either at

Galle,
or
Colombo.
small
artificial
stands in the centre of the lake, on which
Tr ia
to
octagonal building that was used by the Queens

of
Kandy
ud
;
io
it
as a bathing-house
since
we have
St
had possession of the

the palace,
capital,
has been con-
verted into a powder-magazine.

is
Near the lake

destruction
and,
suffered
fearfully
PD
from the wanton
although the building has
sk
of our troops,
its
still
much remains
The massive
art,
show what
in
magnificent decorations
must have been
its
hour of pride.
de
walls bear im-
press of the sculptor's
and they are equally
remarkable for their
solidity.
From
the ])Hlaee to
the side of the lake, runs a beautiful low trellised

wall, in
size,
which are perforations of every shape and

the purpose of illumination of
for
upon
;
casions
public
rejoicing
and
festivity
nothing can be conceived more picturesque than
l
island
is
an
oc-
and
88

hill.
the view of this low wall fi'om the opposite
Alas
we
grieve to say,
this
elegant structure
it
was fast crumbling away, and, as paired, in a comparatively short

vestige
is
not re-
time not a
great objects
of
it
will
remain.
The
of interest in
Kandy
are the temples
and tombs
of the kings, and as a full account of
them
will
The town
in a basin,
of
Kandy
is
insalubrious, as
Tr ia
are
sit
be mention of them here.
given in a future chapter,
we omit
especial
l
it
lies
o])en drains
streets,
rmming
at either side
effluvia
io
it
of the principal
and the
from
these receptacles of
is
absolutely pestiferous.
commenced, by covered drains being constnicted,
PD
and stagnant waters drained off, but as bour proceeds in Ceylon in an inverse
St
ud
filth,
especially after rain,
Improvements were
all la-
ratio to
sk
the growth of vegetation,

(if
will
be years before
effected.
ever)
these sanitary measures are
The
de
present town consists of two main streets
called
Colombo and Trincomalee

and and the principal market
side
Streets,
the
foi-mer running east
west, the latter north
and
south
for edibles is
situated in the middle of the intersecting roads.
On
either
of the
streets
small open
shops, Avhere
the
indolent owners
chewing
betel, being almost too lazy to serve a customer

with their wares,
oriental customs
89
presenting a correct type of
and productions.
all
Spread upon
from
oval
;
small wicker trays, are

the small
sorts of spices, to the
romid black peppercorn
nutmeg and long pipe of brown cinnamon

chillies,
in-
termixed with these, are heaps of brilliant red

white
rice,
green and yellow plantains, and mat bags containing curry stuffs, coffee,
and
sugar.
divested
covering.
and undivested of
Occasionally
St
ud
whilst the others are occupied with
io
is
corner
may be
a pile of oranges and citrons,

cocoa-nuts
then* exterior green

articles
Tr ia
are
In one
these
hand alone could thus have placed them.
sk
When a
cles,
buyer approaches one of these receptais sufficiently
PD
that one
is
almost tempted to believe an
an'anged, and the colours blend so harmoniously,

artist's
his favourite
the
employment of betel-chewing, to state ]mce of the required commodity, a wordy

for the native purveyor,
fruit,
war immediately ensues,

let
him
de
and the proprietor
roused from
traffick in the
cheapest
or the costli-
est jewel, invariably asks

article
double the value of the

native buyer in all
he has
for sale.
The
probability
stufi'
requires
a fanam's-worth of curry
or spice, double the
amount
asked, until
from the roof
are
and golden turmerick, whilst suspended bunches of the
so
90
fraction
by
to
fraction
is
;
abated, and the just price

each, party chaffering with
agreed
as
as
be taken
much vehemence,
if
energy,
and
gesticulation,
at stake,
three
thousand rix-dollars were
instead of three-halfpence.
During the Kandian monarchy, the
relatives
in
and connexions of the royal family resided

direction from the principal temple
and which
is
now
Tr ia
it
a particular district, situated in a south-easterly
and palace,
called
Malabar
Street.
The
re-
liance
St
upon his relatives. The Kandian laws forbade
ud
be prepared for rebellion, naturally placed
io
their
ruling despot invariably
deeming
essential to
all
save the nobles
and chiefs
to
constmct
dwellings
with
or
de
them from the ground the domiciles composed of a compound of mud and sticks, called waretchie, and roofed with platted cocoa-nut leaves, or paddy
to elevate
;
sk
of all of inferior rank being
straw.
\^"as
A Kandian
PD
bricks, or kabook, or to roof
them with
tiles,
chief informed us the following

;
the original plan of the city
all
the streets,
including the principal, being five in number,
ran in straight lines, inclining from west and

east to the north, forming a triangle based
by
the artificial lakes.
There are a few good shops where European

aiticles
91
can be obtained in Kandy, but on account of the expense attendant upon inland
transit, the prices are exorbitant.
The
religious
edifices
scription as those at
is
and public buildings are of the same deColombo, but their number materially less. A very handsome church was
built
pious prelate, Dr.

first
by subscription, and consecrated by the Chapman, the present and
tion of this edifice, divine service
in the Hall of Audience, formerly used
kings of
Kandy
is
for the reception of

is,
which was, and
used also as the Court-house.
the kings are the artillery barracks, situated in
a most picturesque spot, the grounds of which

are
sk
PD
for both affording
and of the Ceylon Rifles, the barracks ample accommodation for a large number of soldiers. Near the tombs of
troops,
St
The town
garrisoned by a detachment of our
ud
io
de
stocked with flowering shrubs,

that are reared
European vegetables,
by the
taking pride
in,
Tr ia
;
Bishop of Colombo.
Previously to the erec-
was performed by the

ambassadors,
and many
and tended
the
soldiers with the greatest care
and bestowing extreme attention

Scattered over the
upon, the well-kept garden.
lower hills are some houses of a better description, that
years,
have been erected within the last few and are inhabited by the government em-
men
92

Although these dwellings
built
in
ployes and Europeans.

are
commodious,
and
comparatively
salubrious spots, they have
one most essential
drawback, namely, want of a plentiful supply of
good water
water
is
for as gneiss forms the
bed of Kandy,
difficult to
obtain in certain situations,

hill sides.
being particularly scarce on the
His Excellency's residence, called the Pavicalculated

trusted
for
the
abode of one
Tr ia
lion,
is
the
only structure in Ceylon that
l
who
is
is
en-
with the
is
government of
Asiatics,
and,
moreover,
the representative of the Sovereign

It is
of Great Britain.
are cognisant,
treme value upon

although this
too
is
St
all
that
ud
the
Eastern nations place exappliances of state,

it
admitted theoretically,
practically,
io
a fact of which most
is
PD
frequently
disregarded
and
de
we have heard the remark made many times, both by highland and lowland nobles, that the Queen's House of Colombo "was plenty small
sk
for gi-eat
man,
all
same Rajah."
Surely
it
is
unwise to practise niggardly parsimony in such

matters, giving a people,
(whom we have
con-
quered,
and wish
to
impress with an idea of

the convic-
our notions of wealth and power,)

tion that
we
either cannot, or will not provide
suitable
residences for the
Governors who are
sent to rule over them.
93
The Queen's House
at
Kandy was planned by

This building
Lieut.-Colonel Brown, R.E., and built while Sir
Edward Barnes was Governor.

is
composed of a centre and two wings, which

is
form in the rear three sides of a square,
elegant
for
and commodious, combining every requisite

architectural
a dwelling in a tropical climate, and beautiful

proportions.
The
house
is
sur-
surface
of this
handsome
edifice
with a preparation that bears a high polish, the

of
the building has the
io
whole
appearance of
ud
being constructed of white marble.

lion
commands a view
and
of the principal part of
the town, as well as an extensive prospect of the

;
possible to have selected a

site
in
every way.
PD
adjacent country
The house
St
it
would have been immore advantageous

stands
in
Tr ia
is
rounded by regular coUonades, and, as the entire

encrusted
The
centre of a large lawn, about which are planted
sk
trees
and are well stocked with flowering

kept in excellent order.
sides of the hills,
de
at regular intervals
groups of magnolia and palm
the park-like grounds cover a large space,

exotics,
The park extends
and beautiful views of the moun-
tain landscape valley of
Doombera, and the meanon which
dering river are obtained. But in the centre of this

lovely valley stands a gentle elevation,
pavi-
the
and
to the
94
is

a large and solitary tree, that recalls mournful
it
recollections, for
it
is
called Davie's tree
and
was
in this vicinity in
1803 the fearful massacre
of our poor soldiers took place, occasioned by

the cowardice
of the
;
them, Major Davie

his country
who commanded man who alike disgraced

officer
and humanity. and

laid
The
beautiful grounds were planned
who succeeded
that winds
Sir
round the
still
hills
Pavilion
is
called,
and known only by the

road.
ud
io
name
of
Lady Horton's
from this mountain path are most glorious, as the

the forest-clothed mountains, and
PD
rapid waters of the Mahavelle ganga flow below,

hills,
St
cession of magnificent views that meet the eye
Tr ia
The
fifty feet
out during the government of Sir
Wilmot Horton, Edward Barnes, and the road

in the rear of the
every tint and variety of foliage are to be dis-
sk
cerned.
to the
From
the
main road, a minor path leads

above the
de
one that encircles the lake of Kandy, (whose
level is sixteen
hundred and
ocean,) the height of the mountain immediately
over
is
it,
being three thousand
feet.
A
;
the rocky ridge of Hantanna, which
rapid suc-
on which
mile beyond
is
four
thousand three
Hoonasgiri
hundred
feet high
the
again
towers above
this,
Peak of and the

its
summit of the Knuckles, then proudly rears

loft}'^
95
all,
crest towards
the heavens above
the
height of this mountain exceeding six thousand
one hundred
feet.
From
other parts of
Lady
Horton's road, various mountains are perceptible,

besides those already enumerated, whose altitude
varies fi'om three to five thousand feet; but al-
though we can give the heights of the eminences,
rounds Kandy.
The
Kandy,
Citadel,
is
or stronghold of our troops at
situated
upon one-tree
io
hill,
ud
cating by signals with Atgallee, which
and
it
is
a military station of great importance, as
stands upon rising ground that
St
seven and a half miles on the Trincomalee road,
Tr ia
is
we cannot impart an idea of the transcendant sublimity and grandeur of the scenery that sur-
communidistant
commands
PD
vast extent of country,
and
this part
proved of
the utmost service during the late rebellion.
On
every side
brated Kurunaigalla tunnel, w^hich was five hun-
dred and thirty-seven feet in length.
de
;
passes
approached by mountain and through one of these ran the celeis
sk
Kandy
The road
through the tunnel united at
the base of the
mountain, with the principal route to Colombo thus enabling troops advancing on Kandy, to
turn the
heights
near the Kadaganawa Pass.

constructed by order of Sir
This
tunnel was
9j8

to consolidate,
Edward Barnes,
British
so to speak, the
into
power
;
after
Kandy came
our pos-
session
for a legend has
been extant, from time

re-
immemorial, that no foreign power could

tain the
Kandian dominions, until a path was BORED THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN. And a chief
told us, that
when
it
his
countrymen beheld
failed
this
task commenced,
their hearts
them, but,
through the bowels of the earth,

it
was
their destiny to
be ruled by a nation who
could pierce rocks, and undermine mountains.
The tunnel
(collapsed,
wâs
completed on the 8th of De-
and the road
St
cember, 1823, but we regret to say this has

is
ud
io
Tr ia
rare
when they saw
completed, and
men walking they then knew
now
This
impassable.
tunnel, the principal carriage roads,
and bridges,
never could have been constructed, had not the
system of compulsory labour been adopted by
sk
PD
our government, as
it
had been carried on under
de
the native
dynasty.
all
By
order of the King in

services,
Council, in 1832,
compulsory
and
forced labovn* of every description was declared

illegal
and abolished.
Whilst making the exca-
vations for the tunnel,
some
and valuable
gems were discovered, and the only ruby we

have ever seen without flaw or defect in colour,
was fomid
at that period.
97
Wild animals and game abound in the neighbourhood of Kandy, as the jungles and forests afford them safe retreat. For as the surrounding
country consists alike of mountains and valleys,
hills
and
dales,
woods and
plains,
rivers
and
streamlets, every animal from the elephant to the
cheetah, every bird from the peacock to the snipe,
every reptile from the python to the centipede,
one or other of their respective haunts.

have known discredit cast upon an
tion,
officer's asser-
who
stated that during Sir
government, he had heard continually after night-
St
fall,
the shrill cry of the elephant, and bellowing
of the elk, in the jungle behind,
ud
now
Governor's temporary residence.
io
and
Edward Barnes'
We feel
was
that every syllable of this statement
PD
correct
as
formerly beasts of prey would constantly come
de
sk
we have heard Kandians
into the city during the night,
when pressed by
hunger, and that leopards have often been found
drowned
in the wells.
Much
of the dense jungle
that surrounded the town is
cleared away,
but we can positively declare that very recently
a cheetah was seen close to a dwelling-house,

in
the
early part of the
day, and, despite the
shouts of the servants,

VOL.
I.
pounced ujion a large

F
"^
Tr ia
or amphibious guano, can find secure shelter in
close to the
certain
strictly
affirm, that
We
98
turkey, deliberately walking off with his prize,
not bounding, into the neighbouring plantation.
Neither can
in
we
forget that during our residence
Kandy, a cobra capello was seen within a hundred yards of our abode, nor that we killed
a black scoi-pion,
tribe,)
(the
most venomous of
in
this
fully
nine
inches
length,
in
the
verandah, narrowly escaping treading upon the
nor that we were roused from our slumbers by

the efforts of a favourite dog,
vouring to
crawling
curtains.
kill
an enormous centipede, that was
up the bed-post under the mosquito
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
reptile,
which we mistook
for
a piece of stick,
who was endea-
1)9
V.
Route
of
to
Trincomalee
Native
suspension bridge Caves
of constructRemains of tanks Hot wells Temperature of the waters Beneficial application in certain diseases Legend attached the waters Coast and harboiu- of Trincomalee Situation, longitude Size of har Fort of Trincomalee Town Buildings Troops Insalubrity of the climate Trincomalee named in ancient records Colony of Malabars established there 125 A.D. Interesting religious ceremony on the promontoiy in honour of Siva the memory of Francina van Rhede Melancholy lustory Fantastic appearance of the Quartz RocksPrincipal roads.
Dambool
boxu-
befoi-e
de
sk
PD
to
latitude,
The
in
is
route from
Kandy
St
to
ing a portion of the road
ud
Ditficulty
Pillar to
Trincomalee abounds
interest
;
io
Tr ia
the
first
CHAPTER
objects of novelty
and
situated six miles from
Kandy, and consists of

F 2
a cane suspension bridge, thrown over the De-
l
one
100
deioo-oya.
The
construction
of this
fragile
medium
of oomnumieation to the opposite sides
of a rapid stream, evinces alike the
ingenuity
and readiness of the natives

of those
to avail themselves
means most
structure
is
easily obtained,
and calcu-
lated for their purpose.
This
composed of
cable-rattan,
which frequently grows to the length of

hundred yards
;
two
and
varies but little in thickness

is
from one end to the other,

flexible,
b}'
Tr ia
is
extremely
l
light,
and tough.
The
bridge
commenced
entwining canes a few feet apart round the
trunks of two large trees that grow on the opposite
St
banks of the stream, and whose branches

the river
;
ud
io
the
bend over
when
the required
number
of canes are
portions of the same material are laid across to
PD
securely fastened in this manner,
sk
form the path, which
is
same breadth as the

Rattans
to
circumference of the stems of the trees.
de
are then placed at a sufFicient height
form
hand-rails,
these
being attached to the bridge

sticks,
by
thin
bamboos, or
which
alike support
and retain the
rails in their
proper place.
From
bridge,
the overhanging boughs are suspended
cane or coir ropes, which are attached to the

thus
strengthening
the
structure,
and
lessening the vibration.
The
means
of ascent

are
101
by a ladder composed of the same materials,

rests against the
which
trees
;
trunks of the opposite
and
it
is
perfectly astonishing to see the
fearlessness
with
which
women,
children,
or
men
can-ying heavy burthens, will cross one of
these aerial structures.

Thirty-five
miles
from Kandy
is
Dambool,
Buddhist
near which place are the celebrated

rock cave temples, which
among
the wonders of the
world,
skill,
complete specimens of man's
perseverance,
that
and ingenuity. *
once
fertilized
The remains
their waters
by
fall
ud
to
io
for
of tanks,
whole
up with dense underwood and rank vegetation

sui-prise
and pain, that our government

of wealth
PD
are continually passed
St
now
suffered to
into decay,
becoming choked
sensations
of
causing
suffer
such sources
focus of disease, instead of having them repaired,
sk
were constructed.
The
a
de
and applying them
to the
purpose
last thirty miles of the
road are peculiarly
interesting to the antiquarian, as they lie through

foiest,
in
which are scattered remains
Tr ia
become
officer
may
almost be classed
as they are
districts,
sliould
which they
temples, tanks,
and
villages.
The
* For tbe detailed account of these extiaordiuary exmvatious, see the chapter devoted to the autiqiiities.
the
of
who
102
traced tins portion of the road, had to overcome
innumerable
difficulties,
and endure both

portion
of the
trees,
toil
and privation was traced

sufficient
in the performance
of his task, as
nearly the whole

fi"om
of this
road
the
summit of the
experienced
the large
in
and
great difficulty
was
obtaining
necessarily
ud
io
number of men was indefatigable in his exertions, and the road was completed in an incredibly short time and we cannot do better than quote his own words, showing the obstacles he had to surmount, and the
water for
employed.
Captain Atchison
Tr ia
tract
remains
light.
of
civilization
that were
l
;
brought
to
"The
ruins of Wihares (temples), remains of
antiquity, prove that the vast wilderness of beautiful
PD
deserted villages, tanks, and other remnants of
St
of
and valuable
forest-trees
through which the
new
sk
line of road passes, heretofore
supposed a
de
trackless desert, obnoxious to the existence of
man, and
destitute
water and
inhabitants,
once contained a considerable
population,
of
by
whose labours an extensive
irrigated
lands was regularly cultivated."
Seven miles from Trincomalee, near a ridge

of
wooded
hills,
are the hot springs of
Kanya
there are seven wells of various sizes, containing

pure water, the temperature of which
100 to
are, is
is
103
uuequal,
the thermometer ranging in different wells from

112^^.
The
enclosure in which the springs
about forty feet long, and eighteen wide,
being surrounded
by a wall of kabook, each
well likewise having a low embankment.

taste
The
of the waters
is
not unpleasant, although
they are not drank, the natives believing only in
nally.
These waters are considered

our medical
efficacious
Tr ia
over
their restorative qualities,
when applied
exter-
The mode
tlie
of using these waters
invalid standing
chatties
St
is by affiision, upon a square stone tablet,
PD
person.
natives,
The
whilst
of water are
ud
men recommend
io
cutaneous and rheumatic diseases, and some of

their application.
poured
springs are
deemed sacred by
which
de
there
is
erected a temple near the spot, and in
is
a stone statue of the god; and the folis
sk
and under the especial protection of Ganeesa, (the Hindoo god of wisdom,) to whom
lowing legend
extant
among
the natives re-
garding the origin of the springs,
which they
view with awe and reverence.
The
god, Vishnu, being resolved to prevent the
hero King, Rawana, going to war, with one of his

devotees, assumed the form of a venerable man,
in
his
the
104
and appeared before the monarch, just as he

was
setting forth to battle,
tations
and with loud lameninformed him that his mother, Kanya, was
dead.
The
king,
deeply
afflicted,
immediately
ordered his soldiers to their homes, stating that
he could not go forth
to
war
until the solemnities
and ablutions were gone through that were enjoined to be performed

for
deceased
relatives.
Tr ia
Vishnu disappeared,
might
but,
fearing
his
be
if
accidentally
encountered
favourite
by
the
monarch,
he went to the bath, caused the hot
appeased his wrath,

never ceased to flow
eomalee has been expatiated upon by many, and
sk
PD
The beauty
the mother of the monarch. of the coast
St
;
the eulogies bestowed
ud
king laved his person, the waters miraculously
and from that time have

being called Kanya, after
upon the immense
io
springs to burst forth on the spot, and as the
and harbour of Trin-
tracts
jacent country, and bold shores, are fully merited.
Trincomalee
vince,
de
of inland forests, groves of palmyi*a palms, ad-
is
the
capital of the
lat. 8
eastern pro-
and
is
situated in
33' 5" north,
and
and
in long.
81 13' 2" east,
possessing a harbour
position,
which
size
;
is
invaluable for
its safety,
naval
men have
declared in our presence,
the greater portion of our men-of-war could find

room, and ride in
it
lOO
with the utmost security.
The inner harbour
or
bay
is
land-locked, and
being nearly unfathomable, vessels of every class
can there find shelter from, and in the most violent storms.
The entrance
east,
to the
harbour
is
nearly five miles
wide, and lies between Foul Point on the south-
and Fort Frederick on the north-west, the

to
Norway Point
denly,
the
south-west,
and
Island on the north-west,
and
Trineomalee harbour
this
is
ud
to
;
Indian navy, as there
is
St
During war,
the principal depot for
io
the
when it expands sudand forms Great Bay to the southward,

northward.
tlie
an excellent dockyard
and
arsenal, capable of holding
and
largest man-of-war.
The
fort of
Trineomalee extends over a space
exceeding three and a half miles, and commands
de
the entrance to the inner bay
sk
PD
within the walls
are buildings, erected for the defence of the low
ground by the landing-place.

of Trineomalee
sea,
is
Three miles west

Osna-
cliff
which projects into the
and on
this is the citadel called Fort

is
burgh, which
built
exclusivel}^ for the defence
of the harbour, and which cannot be taken, until

the lower fort has been captured. F 5
Tr ia
width gi'adually decreasing to three miles between
Chapel
refitting the
106

of Trincomalee extends in a north-
The town
easterly
dh-ection,
along the outer bay, being
situated in a well-wooded, hilly country,
and
is
separated from the fort
by a wide esplanade.
is
Although the population
extremely limited
when compared with

are
that of
Colombo, the houses

greater extent than
scattered over a
much
at
they are at the
seat of government,
but
few
quently the society
is
restricted to the families of
the military and civil officers

there.
Malabars and Moors,

little
St
ud
is
The
native j)opulation
io
so.
composed
Tr ia
who
fill
Europeans have
settled
Trincomalee, conse-
are stationed
who pay comparatively

conse-
attention
to agi'icultural pursuits,
PD
cultivated.
The government
quently large tracts of valuable land remain unoffices are
chiefly of
compa-
ratively few
for the
the religious edifices are calculated
de
tions than are likely ever to
sk
accommodation of much larger congregatheir walls, as,
from the insalubrity of the climate, few Euroat
peans would reside

sity
Trincomalee unless neces-
compels them
to
do
The Wesleyans
and
Roman
Catholics
have each appropriate
jjlaces of worship,
and the natives likewise have
their temples
and mosques.
garrisoned by a detachment of our
The
fort is

soldiers,
107
and the Ceylon
Rifles,
and our troops
evince great dislike to being sent to this station,

as the enervating nature
and excessive heat of

74",
the climate, the thermometer ranging from

to 91
throughout the year,
almost incapacitate
Europeans from exerting themselves, especially when encumbered with a soldier's uniform and
accoutrements.
will
Occasionally spasmodic cholera
attacking and destroying alike in

the European and the
native, the
ud
and
the sober, the brave man and the coward, the happy and the wretched, and after committing
io
fearful ravages will as

theless,
suddenly cease.
cholera
is
always more
St
down,
PD
of Ceylon.
If
Trincomalee and Jaffnapatam, than in other parts
we
are
to
credit
traditions,
appears to
ages, as
sk
have been well known in the earliest

stated there
de
it is
was a temple erected

all
on
this
spot,
that
was celebrated
continent of India.
Brahminical records declare
that in the earliest wars of the gods, three of the
peaks of the Maha-meru, or abode of

beings,
were
thrown
and driven
Tr ia
a few hours
drunken and
prevalent in
Trincomalee
over the
celestial
various parts of the earth,
that one of thestf
break out suddenly in a most virulent form,
Never-
into
108
is

it
Trincomalee, and that
immediately became
the abode of Siva, or Eiswara.
The
heir apparent of
Manoo
Salen, sovereign
of the Coroniandel coast, hearing of the sanctity of Trincomalee,

left
his
father's
dominions,
erected a temple to the god, on the summit of

the rock,
built a town,
constituted
city
a Malabar
chief
the
governor
of the
and adjacent
stated to have
emigrants to settle there.
This
occurred 1589 B.C., and, although this early date
works
in the
Tamil tongue that profess
ud
;
temporary writers, the Malabars possess several

to de-
St
scribe the beauty of this temple
buildings.
io
cannot be authenticated by the testimony of con-
corroborate the Tamil, as they say their King,
de
Gaja Bahoo, who reigned between 1 13 A.D., and 125, gave rice-fields and lands as endow-
sk
ments
to the
PD
Cingalese
historical
records to
temple for entertaining the inten-
tion of destroying the fane of Siva,
anew one
account
to
Buddha
in its place.
also states that
The Cingalese Gaja Bahoo took the

whilst the
natives of the
Coromandel coast prisoners, and

Trincomalee
Tr ia
is
and other sacred
some extent
and building
country, inviting his father's subjects and other
sent
them
to
Tamil

writers
their
109
period,
to
declare that at
much
earlier
forefathers
had
voluntarily emigrated
this spot.
Without attempting
flicting statements, it is
to
reconcile
these
con-
an indisputable fact, that

era,
in the
second century of our
and during the
reign of the Cingalese
monarch, Gaja Bahoo,

it
a colony was established at Trincomalee, and

is
at
Trincomalee can distinctly trace back their
pedigree to the period above named.
peculiar veneration
by the god's worshippers, as
they believe that on this spot the

dedicated to his
service,
St
ud
dedicated to Siva, and this rock
io
is
The promontory on which
the fort
Tr ia
is
l
to)
is
rather remarkable that
many
of the Malabars
built
is
regarded
Avith
first
temple
by the Prince Kala-
erected.
Some
PD
kootu
(the
king's
son before alluded
was
that
oriental
scholars maintain
that Eiswara, the ancient designation for Siva,
de
mean
authority, states in his Sanscrit dictionary,

is
" an universal spirit."
Although every vestige of the temple has long

since been obliterated, at stated periods oblations
are offered to the
sk
Siva means desti-oyer, whilst Wilson,
who
no
god on the presumed

ascends the rock,
site
of
his original temple.
Shortly before sunset, the
Brahmin
priest
wearing a
no
peculiar costume for the occasion, which consists

of a yellow cloth twisted round his loins, and a
chaplet of large and many-coloured beads
bound
climbs
around his brow.
The
officiating priest
to a lofty part of the
rock that overhangs the
sea; the subordinate priests standing upon the
adjacent crags, some of the worshippers ranging
themselves by their side, whilst others stand or
The
chasm
rice
priest
first
performs various ablutions,
then makes several low salaams towards a deep
ud
suppose the god they worship dwells,) casting
io
in the rock, (in
which the deluded beings

into the fathomless
Tr ia
the
it
and betel leaves

;
that rolls below
then again bows lowly to the

in
waters, a subordinate priest hands a species of
PD
upon the
censer
sun.
So soon as the sun touches the
chasm, and stands
sk
St
a devotional attitude gazing
to
his superior,
who holds
l
ocean
vessel
to
kneel in more secure situations.
de
above his head with one hand, waving

fi'o
and
in the air
he then ignites the incense, which
being composed of inflammable and fragrant preparation, bursts instantaneously into lurid flames,
diffusing a powerful perfume around.
When
the
flame has subsided, the priest casts two
young
the
cocoa-nuts into the
ocean,
and receives
oblations and offerings of the congi'egation, for

the god.
priests
111
When
these have been collected, both
and people make low reverences, in the
direction of the chasm,
and the
service concludes
with a few muttered words from the officiating
Brahmin.
The
little
offerings
made by
flowers,
the devotees are
of
value, as they consist of small quantities of
rice, betel leaves,
and cocoa-nuts, and,
copper.
as
it
This ceremony
is
is
remarkably interesting,
;
undoubtedly
one of great antiquity
Tr ia
the
is
the hour of sunset, has a character
ud
whose steep sides beetle

and wildness about
io
from
being performed upon a lofty precipice,

o'er the deep,
when money
is
presented, the coins are generally
and,
and
at
of mystery
affi-
it,
PD
As recently as 1622, an extensive range

temples
dedicated
to
nity to romance, than to the realities of
St
that bears a stronger

life.
of
Siva,
were
levelled
by
sk
the Portuguese,
when Trincomalee was

they
applied
in their
de
possession,
and
materials,
fortifi-
to the construction
of a portion of the
cations.
Above
mental
the part of the promontory where the
officiating priest
pillar,
worships the god,
a monu-
erected to the
memory
of Francina
van Rhede, who in 1687 committed suicide by

leaping from a projecting crag.
lengthy in-
112
scription

was
originally carved
to
upon
tlie
pillar,
but time and exposure
the
elements have
nearly obliterated the whole, leaving merely the
name,
date,
and a few words
visible.
Tradition
has handed
down
the cause of the sinful act,

lady's family are
and
still
some descendants of the

in Ceylon.
Francina van Rhede was
the daughter of a
sei-vice
had formed an attachment

the day
tials.
to
an
army, which was sanctioned by her father, and
of the bride's dowry,
and other matters being
disputed, the intended bridegi'oom broke
St
ud
should
Misunderstandings arose as to the amount
io
was
fixed for the celebration of the nup-
Tr ia
officer
girl,
rendered desperate by the desertion of her
PD
to
Europe.
The
match, and shortly
after
obtained leave to return
unfortunate
and misguided
not leave the
lover,
sk
resolved that
he
information as to the time of the ship's sailing,
de
island during her lifetime
and, having obtained
watched
from her
chamber-window the
spread that were to waft

isle.
him from
the
cinnamon
Before clearing the coast, the vessel was compelled to tack, and pass close to the precipices
that
bound
the southern part of the Fort.
l
ofi"
Dutch gentleman
in the
government
and
in the
the
sails
For

this
113
moment
she had watched
she rushed from

cliffs,
her dwelling, darted along the edge of the
under which the swift vessel was gliding,

instant balanced
for
an
on an overhanging crag, then,
with a wild exclamation of revengeful despair,
leaped from the giddy height, and was dashed

against the rocks below.
With some
difficulty,
her mangled remains were collected, by the order
burial
and, although
of self-murder
insanity,
ud
mission of so fearful a crime, we have often
io
we can only hope the act was perpetrated during temporary as that alone can extenuate the comfelt
St
surprise that the family should have
rated so awful an occurrence
by the erection of
Some
a low
of the quartz rocks at Trincomalee have
a most picturesque appearance from the sea, and
sk
PD
a pillar in this conspicuous situation.
Tr ia
edifices.
of her heart-broken father, to
receive christian
commemo-
hill,
(that extends a distance of nearly

to the opposite
two
Fort Ostenburgh, has a fantastic and singular

aspect.
de
miles,) from Chapel Point
one of
The
sides of the rock are precipitous,
being perfectly bare, standing out like denuded

veins, exhibiting a strong similitude to the ruins
and columns of ancient monastic
The
principal route through the island ends at Trin-
114

;
comalee
for
though roads diverge
at various
points both at Galle, Colombo, and Kandy, the
main road commences

terminates at the
latter.
at the
former town and
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
CEYLON AND THK CINGALESE.
115
CHAPTER
Newera EUia
military,
VI.
The road the Convalescent station estahlished 1829 Cascades of Ramhodde Newera EUia a royal residence in 1628 Scenery European aspect of the dwellings VegetationThe town Public buildings Salubrity of the climateFarming periments Great and soU of Newera EUia Proposed plan of emigration Price of stock and produce Iron found on the plain Carnage roads Footthe summit of Pedi'o-taUa galla Horton Plains, path the highest table-land in Ceylon Luxuriant specimens or pitcher plant Nelu, or of the Nepenthes
sanatorium of the island
Mountain conflagration
ud
io
fertile
The
St
Tr ia
for ex-
de
to
honey plant.
The
road to Newara Ellia, the sanitoriura and
convalescent military station of Ceylon, (called
by the natives the City of the Plain,) commences

at the
Peredenia bridge, three miles from Kandy,
sk
PD
capabilities
distUlatoria,
116

it
whence
runs through
tlie
mountainous parts of
in
the island,
which are celebrated
Cingalese
records from being connected with the names of

the heroes,
Rama, Rawana, and
the lovely Seeta.
The
route winds round precipitous slopes, the
recesses of which, from their peculiar formation,

are called the Devil's Punchbowls, and, during
the whole of the journey, wide-spread valleys,
mountains, gushing cascades, and a well-wooded

country, are passed in quick succession by the
delighted traveller.
Moreover, the invigorating
ud
an
coolness of the atmosphere, as the higher ground

is
io
the
reached,
enables
European
comfort.
Tr ia
best
:
gently undulating ground, flowing rivers, towering
l
to
enjoy
will
St
of
the
exquisite scenery
in
Some
day, remaining at Gampola, twelve miles from
Kandy, (where there
PD
commence
the journey in the after part of the
is
Rest-house
sk
in the island,) for the express
purpose of witness-
de
pala,
ing the sublime spectacle of a mountain conflagration,
which frequently occurs during the hot
and dry season.
The mountain
Ambulawe overhangs Gamit
and the coarse vegetation which clothes
frequently ignites spontaneously
much
of the
grass grows to a height of seven or eight feet,
being distributed over the
hill
in patches
this
117
peculiar herbage being one of the characteristic
productions of Ceylon,
called
lemon-grass,
or
Andrapogon Schsenanthus, and

gi'own with
in this part of the
island generally covers the hills that are not over-
underwood and jungle.

of this burning grass
is
The appearance
magnificent
:
most
a lurid flame suddenly bursts forth
in distinct spots over the

flagi'ation
mountain, and the con-
goes on rapidly against the wind, the
breeze causing the long grass to bend towards

the flames, which drying
it
instantaneously, im-
mediately ignites, casting around a lurid
io
also.
When
bome
tufts
the blaze has subsided, myriads of sparks,
St
;
aloft
with the volume of dense

or,
ud
are
illumine the atmosphere of grass, set

fire
falling
to
them
means
the conflagration extends, a loud crackling
PD
bourhood, and in the distance a roaring hollow

sound, until the advancing flames are arrested by
the dense
de
sk
sound being perceptible
in the
immediate neigh-
woods
that clothe each ravine.

is,
appears extraordinary
that the roots of
Andrapogon Schaenanthus
two-days' rain,
neither
nor desti'oyed by the conflagiâtion,
Tr ia
By
smoke,
upon other
these
injured
for, after
from the midst of the calcined and

will burst
blackened masses the young shoots

forth
;
and
in
a week the whole mountain will be
l
light.
What
the
118
CEYLON
A.ND
THE CINGALESE.
again dotted over with patches of waving grass of

the most brilliant green.
Newera
Ellia
was
first
visited
by Dr. Davy
in
1819, and, although he at once saw and stated the
to
be contended with in the formation of the from Rambodde to the

is
latter part of the road, as
ud
io
6
plains the route through the pass
Tr ia
roll
immense advantages to be derived from its salubrious and temperate atmosphere, it was not until ten years had elapsed that a military convalescent station was established on this spot, and this desirable measure was adopted in 1829 by Sir Edward Barnes. Many serious difficulties had
l
is
on an
in-
fourteen.
Even now much
St
clined plane, which ascends
one foot in every

experi-
difficulty
enced in keeping the road in repair,
for continu-
PD
ally
masses of
soil
and stones
from the
It is
mountain's sides and block up the path.
sk
rather singular that
it
should have been during
every important road in Ceylon was either com-
menced
de
the government of Sir Edward Barnes that nearly
or completed,
and these vast undertak-
ings were carried into execution before the abolition of compulsory labour.
The cascades
of
Rambodde
down
is
are
superb,
and
during the rainy season the vast volume of the

torrents that dash
incredible, the noise

of the
waterfalls being
119
at
is
heard
distinctly
considerable distance.
Near Rambodde
the
lovely valley of Kotmaale, through vphich
mean-
ders
a flowing
stream,
whose waters possess
peculiar efficacy, according to the superstitious

belief of the natives
;
as they assert that whatever
woman
bathes in the river within three months
after she
becomes a
wife, will
be blessed with a
beautiful,
numerous, and fortunate family.
From
lies
the summit of
Rambodde Pass
is
Tr ia
the
hills,
it
clear view of
Newera Ellia
it is
obtained, which
about six thousand three hundred feet above

;
the sea
and, although
ud
called a plain,
io
l
first
it
is
from south-west to north-east, divide
St
not such in reality, as a chain of
running
unequally.
the only vestiges found of former occupants were
PD
it
When we
took possession of this place, in 1829,
F
is
sk
the remains of a temple,

ings,
and one or two buildhistorical fact, that the
although
an
Queen
de
of
Kandy,
in 1628, here took
up a tempo-
rary abode after her second marriage,
when
she
was compelled
guese.
to leave the capital
by the Portuand
it
Game abounds
Iftie
in
this district,
was
in
pursuit of elk that a party of our officers dis-
covered the plains, some natives having volunteered to
conduct them to a spot where the
1-20
animals abounded.
The boldness
it is
of the scenery
aroimd Newera Ellia can only be equalled by

that of
Snowdon, as
mountain
encircled on every side
by craggy mountains,
loftiest
amongst which
is
the
in
Ceylon, Pedro-talla-galla,
rises eight
whose towering peak hundred

feet
thousand three
above the ocean's

is
level.
The
for
plain
dotted over with white-washed
Tr ia
tell,
residences,
recalling
many home
recollections,
to
on the roof of every dwelling are

;
chimneys
the cool
fires
and bracing atmosphere not

pleasant morning and even-
only rendering
ing, but causing

sary.
them
tropics
will
this
remark may appear puerile, but
be fully appreciated by those who have
sojourned in the east, for none can
PD
St
To
those
who
ud
to
io
have
be absolutely necesnot visited

the
sk
latter, the feeling of strangeness that pervades
the
mind when
the
beholder
first
de
dwellings unmarked by this sign of the household
hearth.
Nothing about Newera Ellia Plain

tropics,
l
tells
be seen
save the
looks upon
of the
to
the bracing air enabling

at
Europeans
walk out
frame
its
any hour of the day, the mental and

soon regain their
lost vigour,
the'
1)odily faculties
is
invigorated, the palled appetite recovers
tone,
and speedily the hollow sallow cheek
121
becomes rounded, and assumes

hue
;
health's roseate
many
land,
a desponding invalid, whose large
family and slender

native
means forbade return
to his
has reason to bless the day the
sanitorium of Lanka-diva was discovered.
The
liar
beauties of vegetation also wear a famiis
aspect as the eye
gladdened with
floral
gifts that
appertain especially to the temperate
damask, and pink rose-trees,
violets, sweet-peas,
acacia, peach, apple and pear-trees, with nearly
every fruit and vegetable that are produced or
consumed by
diate
us,
can be met with in the imme-
upon the summit of a mountain seven degrees

from the equator, where occasionally the ther-
mometer has
half an
PD
St
neighbourhood.
And
ud
all
io
fallen
below
28,
is
and where
Tr ia
this
is
zone, such as rhododendrons, the white guelder,
in the morning.
The town
6,300 feet
table-land mountains rise in various directions,

diversified
over
de
which
sk
inch in thickness
sometimes found
Newera EUia stands upon a plain, above the level of the sea, and from this
of
with gentle slopes and undulations,

are
scattered
various
residences.
Perpetual cascades burst from the sides of the
neighbouring mountains, and pure rapid streams

of wholesome water wind
VOL.
I.
through the valleys,
found
ice
\-2-2
whilst
much
valuable
timber clothes the
hills
and
for
an extent of several miles well watered,

plains,
hills
and alternate
and
dales,
give the
sunounding scenery the appearance of a natural A church has been built near the Gopark.
vernor's
house,
and there are
also
residences
belonging to the Bishop, Commander, Colonial

Secretaiy,
and other governmeiit

of
servants.
Newera
are
Ellia,
excellent.
and their barracks, Throughout the
Tr ia
of
detachment
our
troops
l
the
;
is
always
at
hospital, &c.,
district,
from
November
seldom
are
to the
end of April, the thermometer
rises
above 65 Fahr., and, although
ud
io
frosts
is
St
not unfi'equent during the night,

of
:
snow
unheard
the
temperature
bracing
winter
months resembles
the
atmosphere of
PD
a fine October in
England,
and the summer

in short,
with the beneficial showers of April
de
sk
months combine the genial Avarmth of August

oppressive
tlie
atmosphere
of
the
tropics
is
unknown at Newera Ellia. The soil varies as in Great

rich
Britain from the
brown
to the black loam,
and
all
English
produce succeeds in a most luxuriant manner,

although hitherto the farming has been almost
entirely in the
hands of the natives, who, notignorance

of
withstanding
their
the
subject,

have amassed
tion
128
cultiva-
large
sums
from
turnips,
the
of
potatoes,
;
carrots,
aud
other
vegetables
their farming
experiments not ex-
tending beyond these simple endeavours.
Many
gentlemen for their amusement have planted English grass, clover,
wheat, oats, barley, beans, peas,
and have found green crops of every description

thrive
ner.
It
and yield
in the
most extraordinary man-
has afforded us great pleasure to peruse the
circular of
Mr. Baker, an energetic and enter-
prising gentleman,
who has
the
located himself at
Newera
which
Ellia,
wherein he sets forth in most
St
glowing language,
ud
io
which
agricidtural
this district possesses,
and where an
for
;
Tr ia
offers
advantages
ar-
rangement has
lately
been made
opening a
suggesting
new
field for agricultural enterprise
peculiar advantages to the colonist, and ensures
him, on his aiTival in Ceylon, a comfortable farm

with a dwelling-house and requisite buildings,
ready for his immediate occupation.
de
sk
also a system of emigration,
PD
This forewriter
thought for the emigrant's comfort, the

usual hardships experienced by those,
very justly remai'ks, obviates his exposure to the
who under
ordinary circumstances seek to improve their fast-
decaying prospects in their fatherland, by migratG 2
l
both
124

;
ing to uiiknown shores
and the
fact
undeniably
bespeaks a most favourable impression for the

honesty, integrity, and sincerity of the promoter
of the scheme.
Mr. Baker
is
said to have en-
gaged the services of seventeen English fannservants of both sexes, who, with a large supply
of farming implements, have ere this, in all probability,
reached their destination, where that
development of his laudable plan, which,

cessful,
Tr ia
gentleman
is
stationed exerting himself in the

if
l
The
suc-
must be
alike beneficial to the
colony,
and the new
settlers.
results likely to accrue
gration,
still,
plan
is
PD
most deserving of the serious considera-
from Newera Ellian emimaking due allowances, we think his
tion of those
amongst our own
St
Mr. Baker in all his sanguine expectations of the
ud
Although we are not prepared to agree with
io
Irish fanners,
who
contemplate a change, and we wish him, and
sk
de
those British subjects
who may
follow him, the
success
which his energy,

so
honesty, and forecircular
thought
eminently deserve.
before us draws most forcibly the contrast be-
tween the
rica,
settler
proceeding to Australia, or Ame-
and
the
emigrant to Ceylon, the former
landing in a wild and barren country, houseless
and
friendless, with nothing but the certainty of

the greatest privations before
is
1*25
him
while the latter
landed free of expense in Ceylon, and without
delay takes possession of his farm, and, settled in

his house, is ready to
commence
to the
his operations
immediately.
We
in this
can bear witness
advantages offered
mountain
district for a
European
settleis,
ment, and the only matter of astonishment
elapsed before the attempt was made.

Ellia
is
a district blessed with a peculiarly salu-
brious climate, and in every
way adapted
life,
io
ud
production of those necessaries of
Tr ia
may be
Baker,
that so
many
years of British rule should have
Newera
for the at
which
enoraious expense, and capable of raising supplies considerably
beyond the wants

says
St
this
moment
are imported into the colony at an
of the in-
habitants, for which ready markets

tained.
PD
The
five
natives,
Mr.
produce
the
same land
de
sk
successive crops of potatoes fi'om

:
thus,
even from their ignorant
farming, they
quality of the
adduce a proof of the pecidiar

soil.
Stock of
all
kinds
is
is
remarkably cheap, and
the draught buffalo
an animal which entirely

all
supersedes the horse for
heavy work, not only
on account of his great strength, but from the

fact of his requiring
no other food than pasture.
ob-
now
126

buffaloes
;
Cows and
40.?.
may be purchased from 25*.

36".
to
per head
;
sheep, from
to 7s.
;
pigs from 3.
to Is.
ditto.
fowls, from 7s. per
dozen
to
ducks, from 12*.

that, notwithis
Mr. Baker proceeds
show
standing the very low price of stock, fine meat
unknown
in Ceylon, the beasts
being unfattened,
and slaughtered without
discretion.
Although in
many parts of the island the
calf is permitted to take
has ever been manufactured in Ceylon, and butter sells for

2.5.
Qd. per pound.
the abundance and cheapness of pigs,
ud
bacon have never been cured

articles
io
;
Tr ia
and yet
profit
28.s".
the whole supply from the mother, yet not a cheese
Notwithstanding
l
at
hams and
all
these
are
imported from England at an enormous price,

per pound.
2*.
PD
cheese, hams, and bacon being generally sold at
St
consumed
in large
quantities,
and
All these articles
may be prepared
facility,
Newera
EUia, with the same
sk
and
at one-fourth of
de
the
cost,
of those
produced in England, and

at a large
would therefore
island
toes,
is chiefly
sell
both for
home consumption and
for
exportation.
The
pro-
supplied by
Bombay
at
with pota-
but those of a superior quality

at
now
sets,
duced
three
are
Newera
Ellia
sell
per cwt.
In
they
months from the planting of the

to dig,
fit
and one
set has frequently
been
1*2/
known
proved
to yield fifty potatoes.
Wheat has been

imported,
experimented upon, and the quality produced

infinitely superior to the seed
is
and yet Ceylon

thrive
well,
entirely
dependant ujjon AmeOats and beans

conse-
rica for the supply
of ilour.
but have been neglected,
quently the horses in the island are fed expensively
upon
paddy and
is
gram,
the
principal
a most extensive market
is
open
home
market, as well as that of the Mauritius.
fann, free from those heavy taxes which burthen

his industry
at
home, where he may not only
St
ud
small capital, a comfortable and most profitable
io
but
still,
Mr. Baker
offers to the enterprising
residing in a comparatively civilized society, with
We
de
the house of
feel
sk
a school for the education of his children, and
God
bound
PD
happy, luxurious
amass a considerable
fortune,
Tr ia
to
supply the
farmer of
may
l
live
;
portion of which
imported from India:
thus
life,
with
the
advantages of
within his reach.

to
correct
an error of Mr.
Baker's,
who
states that cheese and
hams were
never produced in Ceylon, as the former have
been made, and we believe are
at the island
of Delft, near Jaffna, and also at

latter
Manear
the
have been cured at Newera Ellia by British
soldiers
however
this
has nothing to do with the
128
fact,

which must be apparent
to the
meanest caat
pacity, that were those articles
produced
New-
era
EUia equal
to the English, they
would bring
remunerative prices to the farmer.
We
should
also observe another mistake, namely, that the
Colony is not
flour,
entirel}-
dependant upon America
for
large quantities being
annually imported
from the
Bombay
Presidency.
In respect also
promoter has overlooked the necessity of manure,
and
his circular
makes no mention of whence he
ud
that in all probability the market

to the
io
;
]3roposes to derive his supply, as well as the fact,
Tr ia
would be limited
island.
to the successive crops of potatoes,
we
fear the
European population of the

Ellia were
We
have been informed that recently potatoes grown
than stated by Mr. Baker.
sk
We
repeat that the scheme of Mr. Baker
PD
market
at 24^. per cwt.
at
Newera
St
offered in the
Colombo
being four shillings less
is
de
highly deserving of consideration

of the climate, circumstances,
what he
states
settlement
little
is
perfectly correct,
and position of the and there can be
doubt that the fattening and improving of
the breeds, both of cattle and poultry, would be
remunerative, as well as the gi-owing of seed and
green crops
luxuries and enormous fortunes are
out of the question
some comfort and an honest

livelihood are to be found
that there
is
;
129
and we should think and

to
a good opening for some able-bodied

their wives
industrious Irish labourers,

families,
their
and
who
are
more inured
;
hardships than
English neighbours
the
men
could be con-
stantly
employed
in this delightful climate in the
cultivation of the soil, while their
women might
and poultry-
find profitable
employment
in dairies
yards.
The
difficulties are great
which encompass the
agriculturist in Ceylon, for
want of a sure supply
of labourers.
The
local press is full of constant
coolees,
coast.
and very few are appearing from
St
complaints and communications on the subject such as these, " Some estates are hard up for
ud
io
Tr ia
G 5
l
tTie
their
own country
PD
Indeed
if it
be
true, as
it is
said, that in
after
fine rains
have fallen
long
lands,
their
we cannot expect men, for it is only in work in their own country, that the Malabars come here."
" Accounts of the most deplorable nature con-
tinue to reach us on the difficulty of obtaining

coolees.
de
exigency, having no
sk
to the
drought, filling their tanks and fertilizing their
There
is
every reason to apprehend
that a large portion of the crops will be lost for
want of hands."
his
"A friend
has just been here on

in search of coolees.
way
Four Korles
130

gives
He
a most
melancholy account of the
scarcity
of
labour which prevails everywhere.

coolees have bolted, and there
to replace them.
is
Nearly
little
is
all his
hope of being able
Happy
on an
Nearly
the
man who can muster
thirty coolees
estate of three
all
hundred acres
in bearing.
the superintendents have gone to look for
coolees, with but faint hopes of success,
and the
ceed, the crop
must be
entirely lost.
large estates the coolees have fled to a
By
the foregoing, our readers will perceive that
ud
io
is
the agriculturist in Ceylon
from the Malabar coast, who require but
St
for labour
upon the periodical
Tr ia
entirely
if
comfortable conviction, that
if
they do not suc-
visits of the
On some
man."
dependant
coolees
for
little
their support,
rice,
which consists
for the
most part of
and when they have acquired a small sum

immediately return to their families,
re-
in wages,
gardless of acquiring more money, and leaving

their
de
Taking
as well as the utter hopelessness of being able to
sk
employers without notice, or redress.

this fact, therefore, into consideration,
PD
induce the Cingalese to work,

cient food to
eat,
they have
suffi-
with very slight

to
and which they can procure exertion, it would appear to us
be indispensably requisite, as an element of
success in Mr. Baker's undertaking, to secure the

assistance of a sufficient
131
number of
Irish, English,
or Scotch labourers, who, being accompanied

their families,
by
ment
have
to
would not have the same inducemake a speedy retreat after the Malabar
The Irish, we know from experience, many good qualities, and that of attaching themselves to those who give them food and raifashion.
ment, and treat them with consideration,

the least; and
heart,
tion.
is
not
at
is
when beyond
For
all fiu'ther
the reach of political agitaparticulars on the subject of

Ellia,
the settlement at
Newera
to the promoter, S.
lar is dated
W.
Baker, Esq., whose circu-
tenham.
Iron of good quality
the natives say that formerly precious stones were
met with in the swamps about Newera Ellia. This statement is disbelieved by many, although excavations are still to be setn that were made by the gem-seekers and we, w lit) know the inert disposition of the Asiatics, can
de
sk
also occasionally
PD
St
4,
is
from No.
Wolseley Terrace, Chelfound on the plain, and
ud
hardly imagine they would have exerted themselves,
had they not anticipated and found proht

toil.
arise
from their
Dr.
Davy
tlie
io
;
we refer our reader
jewel-hunters, for he writes, in 1819,
Tr ia
Paddy
a right good fellow
alludes to these
"There
l
is
good reason
to believe that
individuals en-
132

this pursuit,
gaged in
who
are not very numerous, better
and
in
chiefly
Moormen, would be
the
employed
cultivating
ground
that
they ransack."
Carnage -roads and paths have been constructed

around and through the plain, which branch
into the surrounding valleys
off'
and wind round the
mountain's base
and a foot-way has been con-
structed that leads to the cloud-capped crest of
The
ascent of the mountain
and fatiguing; nevertheless, we have known ladies

attempt and accomplish this hazardous journey,
and have been well rewarded
ud
St
by
the
sublime scenery that surrounds "

altitude of which, as
is
io
The
Tr ia
is
Pedro-talla-Galla.
remarkably steep
for their exertion
l
Mat
we have
and most
eight thousand three hunrichest
sea.
wove rock," the
dred feet above the
PD
previously remarked,
luxuriant parts of Ceylon, namely.
Upper and
and
in the
Lower Ouva,
sk
are seen in the distance,
de
mass
background towers Samenella, or Adam's Peak,

clothed in perpetual verdure; whilst the projecting
of the nearer mountains are distinctly visible,
sides are clad with impervious forest
whose bold
and dense underwood.
The
the
highest table-land in the island
is
situated
some few miles from Newera Elba, and is called Horton Plains, as it was discovered during the

time Sir
133
Wilmot Hortoii governed Ceylon.

it
This
district is celebrated for the rich botanical speci-
mens
that
affords, the
most curious of Avhich
is
the pitcher plant,

thrives
(Nepenthes
in great
distillatoria,) that
and grows
its
luxuriance, as the
extraordinary blossom, or vessel from which the

plant derives
name,
is
frequently ten or eleven
inches long, and the graceful effect of these beau-
is
indescribable.
In this neighbourhood a plant flourishes that

is
called
by the natives nelu, or honey-plant, as

This
a jointed plant that flowers
the flowers emit a powerful effluvia resembling
but once in eight years, and, as the blossoms
PD
decay, large numbers of bees appear to be attracted by the peculiar effluvia

;
St
new honey.
is
are the insects, that chisters of
ud
io
;
and so delighted them

will hang-
sk
suspended from the branches
for hours.
the nelu-plant a leafless parasite often entwines,
whose beautiful blossoms are bell-shaped, having
amber hearts and
de
scarlet edges
appear to be united with the nelu at the
natives declare that this plant bears two kinds of

flowers,
which are
totally distinct in
colour.
Tr ia
tiful
productions, as the breeze plays
among them,
Around
and as these
root, the
form and
134
Geological character of the island
MineralsSalt lakes Revenue arising from tliemTanksAgricultureNative plough Mystic when the paddy trodden out CultivationLemon grass Value and uses of cocoanut trees Cinnamon Coffee Sugar Cotton Tobacco Areka nutsAmbuprasudana, or water nut Jack and bread-fruit trees Indigo Mulberry trees Talapat palm Mee treeEbony treeCalamander Red sandal and satin-wood trees The kabook treeVariety of the vegetable worldThe bo, or sacred Capabilities of cultivation and extraordinary of the Expense of housekeeping Prices of provisions at Galle and Colombo Meat Poultry Fish and Fruit Vegetables Servants' wages House-rent Same
rite
ud
io
to
PD
St
sk
de
fertility
Tr ia
is
tree
tree
fisheries
l
soil
CHAPTER
VII.
at
Kandy and Newera
Eilia.
The
likened,
simile
is
of a pearl,
which Lanka
is
most peculiarly appropriate, not only

form of the island, but from
in reference to the

the natural beauty of
its
135
scenery, the productiveits
ness of
its soil,
and the richness of
mineral
kingdom.
We
have previously referred to the
beauty of the scenery, which we have witnessed

with such deepfelt gratification, and
we
purjjose
devoting this chapter to the mineral construction,
produce, revenue, and capabilities of Ceylon.
The
little
geological character of the country

;
is dis-
exception, constituting the whole
Tr ia
is is
tinguishable for uniformity
primitive rock, with

island.
The exceptions
consist of recent fonnations,
are only to be found in the neighbourhood of
Jaffnapatam, and at a few places along the shore.
St
The
is
varieties of primitive rock are innumerable,

ill
but the species are
defined and few.
ud
io
is
the most dominant species, whilst
domolite,
quartz,
and hornblend, are
PD
l
still
and
Granite
less li-equently to
be
met
with.
Gneiss and granite exist in countless
varieties,
de
sk
and
offer considerable difficulty to the
mineralogist,
who attempts
to
name them.
Fine-
grained grey coloured granite
occasionally to
be met with, and the best we have seen was at

Point de Galle, but graphic granite
less
common.
We
have seen, however, veiy beautiful
specimens from the sea shore in the vicinity of

Trincomalee, in which the quartz
of a grey or
13b'
blackish-coloured rock crystal, and the felspar of
a vivid fleshy hue.
Gneiss and sienite are found in the Kandian

provinces
tiful,
;
the former
is
very abundant and beaufelspar,
and
is
composed of quartz and white
with black mica and innumerable garnets of a

pale colour.
Hornblend, dolomite, and quartz
are rarely to be seen in massive forms.
Horn-
tions of hills in the
Kandian provinces, but
Tr ia
It is
blend and greenstone are plentiful, forming por-
l
is
it
is
not believed that they constitute the whole forma-
io
tion of
any
hill,
or mountain.
Dolomite
found
in as large varieties as granite, generally crystaline
ud
(piently
it is
formed of rhombs, which a blow of a
imbedded, and
PD
hammer
abounds
posed of
St
and of a pure white
colour,
and very
fre-
separates with facility.

in
met with
form
it
veins,
;
and
in
this
in
Kandy
while small hills are comof the

island.
sk
it
in other parts
In
de
ancient days, dolomite was exclusively appropriated

for the use
of the
king.
Quartz
is
very
abundant, and a very remarkable
hill is
com-
pletely formed of this rock in the neighbourhood
of Trincomalee
hill is laid
on the side towards the sea the
bare,
and presents
to the spectator the
appearance of a mass of ruinous buildings, and

possibly owing to this, the
137
name
of Chapel Point
was given
is at
to
one end of
this hill.
In the north of the island, at JafFnapatam, which
once the most populous and productive por-
tion of Ceylon,
we
find two instances of recent
formation,
namely
as
sandstone
and
to
limestone.
Sandstone however cannot be said

to
this
district,
it
be confined
is
found in a variety of
tween high and low water-mark, where

in horizontal stratified beds.
Tr ia
it is
;
places, extending
round the
coast, in general be-
In some instances,
the sandstone
to black,
is
very dark coloured, approaching

it is
and
in others
Limestone however has been considered, and

believed, to be confined to the north
St
colour.
ud
of a greyish yellow
io
l
is
seen
is
it
very
compact, of a fine grain, containing innumerable

shells, of
a pale brown or grey colour, and
PD
its
fracture
is
Iron and manganese are the only metallic ores

of any consequence which have been discovered
in
de
sk
conchoidal.
Ceylon
all
the former
is
plentiful,
and may be
found
over the island, either as magnetic iron,
bog
iron, red hematite, iron pyrites, specidar iron,
or blue phosphate of iron. of any
But we do not know

having as
vein, or large bed, of iron ore
yet been discovered in Ceylon.
Black oxide of
138

in
manganese occurs scattered and imbedded
gigantic rocks in small quantities, but at so great a
distance inland, that the can-iage would be too
expensive to admit of a profitable export trade.

It is
very remarkable, that no other metals have
as yet been discovered, in a country, where the
nature of the rock would indicate their existence.
However, although some authors have asserted,

such we believe to be most incorrect, and we
have never heard, that either lead, copper, or
Tr ia
and
eye
is
that gold
and mercury are found native
in Ceylon,
tin,
ud
Lanka-diva abounds in every variety of the

quartz family
rock-crystal,
;
io
of
is
it
has as yet been discovered.
hyalite, ^chalcedony, iron flint,
and
St
which latter
is
found crystallized and
PD
F
is
massive, in great quantities, and of a variety of

colours.
This
made use
by the Cingalese,
from
it,
who form
employ
it
lenses for spectacles
and
sk
for statuary
and ornamental purposes.

cat's eye, are
de
Rose
quartz, phrase, amethyst,
also abundant.
The Ceylon
cat's
the most
valuable in existence, and

there, than in Europe.
much more
in
prized
former
Topaz and schorl are also found is commonly of a yellowish,
Ceylon
the
or bluish-white
colour, but perfect crystals of
are very rarely to
be met with.
Common
schorl occurs very plenti-

fully
ill
139
it
granitic rocks,
and
in
some
;
places,
is
mixed with
description,
felspar
and quartz
tourmalin
is
oc-
casionally to be
met
with, but of a very inferior

red, green, or
and these are either of
honey
colour.
granitic rock, garnet,
In the
cinnamon-stone
is
and pyrope abound, and the common garnet

found diffused in gneiss through the whole
the
crystals
island,
defined.
The
precious garnet occurs in horn-
blend rock in the neighbourhood of Trincomalee,

but of an inferior description.
has heretofore been exclusively found in Ceylon,
St
where
it is
very abundant, although confined to
ud
is
io
Cinnamon-stone
particular districts,
and
is
principally
Tr ia
The
however are
diminutive
and
met with
ill-
in
Matura.
It is
found
in
very large
masses of
irre-
many pounds
called
PD
in weight,
and small pieces of

" Matura
gular form in the granitic alluvial.
zircon,
by the
is
sk
Cingalese
diamond,"
de
which
found in the island,
considered to be
the best in the world; besides zircon
and hyawhich
is is
cinth, there is another species in Ceylon,
opaque, uncrystallized, and massive.
Zircon
found both of yellow, green, red, and light grey

colours,
which the native merchants dispose of

for
respectively
topaz,
tourmalin, rubies,
and
diamonds.
140

for
Ceylon has
a considerable period been
renowned
species,
for its rubies, of
which there are four

spinell,
namely sapphire,
chrysoberyl,
and corundum, which are found
in granitic rock.
The
met
principal varieties of sapphire, such as red,
purple, yellow, blue, white,

with,
and
size,
star
stone, are
in perfec-
sometimes of large
and
tion at Matura, SafFragam,
and other places.

very rare, and
The
occa-
still
more
so.
Spinell
is
plentiful at a place called
it is
found on the banks of a small
St
met with in the clay-iron ore in the Kandian provinces, where gneiss is abundant. Chrysoberyl is peculiarly rare, and is said generally to come from SafFragam. Corundum is very
sionally
ud
Battagammana, where
river, called
is
Agiri
in the
Kandura
PD
it is
of a brownish colour, and
form of large six-sided prisms.
sk
In the family of felspar,

tablespar,
io
Ceylon
de
Labrador stone, adularia, glassy felspar,
compact
felspar,
is
and common
felspar.
brador stone
found at Trincomalee, and adula-
ria is plentiful in
Kandy.
Common
Tr ia
is
purple, or oriental amethyst,
is rare,
and the green

is
hornblend
produces
The Lais
abundant, and glassy tremolite and pitch-stone

occur in the neighbourhood of Trincomalee.
Mica, forming a component part of granite and

gneiss,
is
very plentiful, and frequently
found

enclosed in these rocks, where
extensive flakes,
it
]41
occurs in very
for
which the Cingalese employ
ornamental purposes.
Green earth
is
rather un-
common
but
is
found in Lower Ouva of a green
and pea-green
colour.
is
At Galle and Trincomalee

found
scattered
common
quartz.
chlorite
through
Talc, dolomite, carbonate of magnesia,
the former rarely, but the latter
Tr ia
is
and native carbonate of magnesia, are occasionSulphur and graphite also occur, ally discovered.
abundant
in
SafFragam.
Nitrate of lime
io
and
nitre are very
common, and
the nitre caves appear to be formed of carbonate
Salt lakes exist to a large extent in the district
St
little
of lime and felspar.
ud
called Megam-pattoo, on the sea shore,

in all probability are supplied
and which
PD
fi'om the sea, as
sk
the saline contents of both prove to be of a similar
nature.
The
salt
monopoly
produces the
de
government a yearly
revenue of 5t'42,000, and,
were this portion of government property superintended and conducted upon scientific principles,
there can be
if
doubt that the revenue
would be twice,
It
not three times the ainount.
appears to us rather extraordinary, that the
attention of the
home and
colonial government
has not been directed to such a legitimate source
142
of revenue, in preference to the tax vipon dogs,
and such
tent
like,
which has created so much discon-
amongst the followers of Buddha.
All the soils of the island appear to have origi-
nated from decomposed granite rock, gneiss, or

clay-iron
stone,
and
It is
in
the
majority of cases
quartz
is
the largest, and frequently nearly the
sole ingredient.
very remarkable that the
than between one and three per cent, of vegetable

substance, which
may be
attributed to the rapid
decom])osition, occasioned
temperature, and heavy
ud
falls
is
St
The most abundant crops

dark brown loam, which
posed granite and gneiss, or in reddish loam,

which
stone.
is
duce inferior crops, are those in which a large
de
sk
The
PD
formed from Kabook stone, or clay-iron

soils,
which have been found
io
is
by a high degree of
of rain.
are produced in the
formed from decom-
Tr ia
natural soils of Lanka-diva do not contain more
l
The
to pro-
proportion of quartz
is
contained.
soil de-
rived fi-om clay-iron stone

colour,
of a reddish
brown
and has the property of retaining water for a very long time, to which may be attributed its To the practical and scienproductive quality.
tific
agriculturists,
Lanka-diva affords abundant op-
portunity for experiment and investigation, where

the soil
is
in a state
of nature,
and unimproved
by
the admixture of any description of manure.
143
Ceylon possesses one great advantage over
many
other countries, namely, a very abundant
supply both of spring and river water, which, in
most instances,
been
tion,
is
of a pure description.
The
ancient inhabitants of the island seem to have

fully cognisant of the advantages of iiriga-
and they availed themselves of the best

to secure a constant supply of water for
means
the purpose.
by them, which
irrigated the
whole island, " and
indicate a degree of prosperity, civilization,
ud
in
io
ai'e
were hardly suiiâssed by the kindred wonders of Egypt," and the ruins of these stupendous works
those
not have learned a lesson from these
sk
for
upwards of half a century
PD
who visit the country at the present day. It is much to be regretted that a British Colonial Government, which has now been established
St
population, which can
scarcely be credited by
Ceylon, should
gigantic
jjui'jioses
remains, and restored them to the useful

for
which they had originally been constructed.

such a course been adopted, capital and
Had
labour would have been ex])ended to some purpose, occupation
de
and employment would have
been given
to a population,
who
dolent, the country
would have produced more
abundant crops, and the land would have been

rendered doublv valuable.
Tr ia
Tanks and lakes were constructed
naturally in-
and
144
This important question has been under the

consideration of various
colonial
governments,
commencing with Sir Thomas Maitland, in the year 1806, who proposed the restoration of the
tanks,
and the Colonial Engineer of that period.

wherein he estimated the expense of
Captain Schneider, made his report upon the

subject,
restoring the Giant's Tank, Cattoekare, at twenty-
would occupy three years.

the
Tradition attributes
national
construction
of this
Tr ia
work
;
five
thousand pounds,
and considered that
it
to the
giants,
which
is
by no means unreasonable,
io
;
as
the people in those days

at all events in energy,
ud
must have been giants

the
present race.
St
when compared with
is
land near Mantotte in the northern province, and

covers a space of twenty thousand parrahs of
north-west to south by an earthen dyke, to confine
de
sowing land, a parrah being equal to about an English bushel and a third it is bounded from
the water in the rainy season
sk
PD
The tank
situated in a large tract of
low
and,
when
necessary, to irrigate the paddy-fields, which are
now
able.
broken, and in several places scarcely trace-
On
rains,
the
south side,
the
the
river,
during heavy
lands
carries
water from the high

to
145
the
sea,
its
and
at
some seasons
depth
rises nine feet
above
banks, notwithstanding the bed of the

;
river is twelve feet in
about nine miles

of Cattockare,
from the south end of the

there
is
dam
another, six hundred feet long, from forty
to sixty broad,
and from eight

stones,
to twelve in height,
built of large
hewn
some measuring seven

from three to four in
and eight
breadth,
feet in length,
Tr ia
is
and from two and a half
to three
l
in
thickness, firmly cemented together, which must
have been constructed at enormous labour.

to this
Near
dam
there
is
a canal to lead the river-
ud
has
water to the tank, but
it
St
of not having been completed, and

several places.
level
io
now
the appearance
broken
at
The height
of the
dam above
at
the
of the
it
sea varies
considerably,
some
it
places
is
PD
thirty-six feet, while at others
is
The
river,
lets running into Cattockare, independently of the
de
would be
sk
sixty-seven.
natives consider that the water of the rivu-
sufficient to
it
supply the tank;
if
this
be the case
would cost a much smaller sum
than Captain Schneider's estimate, and would

consequently take a
plish.
much
Villages have
shorter time to accombeen formed ivithin the
tank, whose inhabitants have constructed smaller
tanks for the irrigation of paddy-fields, which are

VOL.
I.
146
also cultivated within the

tract
same
limits.
large
of country in the vicinity of the Giant's

is
Tank,
now
unproductive, which might be conif
verted into paddy-fields
the people had the

;
means of
be
artificial
if
irrigation
and
it
has been
it
calculated that
the tank were repaired,
would
sufficient to irrigate land,
capable of producfifty
ing annually one hundred and

of rice.
thousand bags
sufficient for our purpose, without reference to the
other tanks and lakes of Ceylon, as ex uno disces
omnia.
After Sir
rigg
St
all
Thomas Maitland, Sir Robert Brownsupported this measure, who was followed in
Sir Robert Plorton,
ud
of
io
and Mr.
the
same views by
Stewart M'Kenzie,
whom
PD
Tr ia
it is
This one instance, therefore, we consider
concurred in the
opinion that the undertaking should be
made
government one
still
no scheme was arranged,
sk
the tanks
continue unrepaired,
question lay dormant until Sir

the
de
and the whole Emerson Tennent,

it
present Colonial
Secretary resuscitated
to
from the colonial archives, and

that the
light,
be hoped
same energy which has restored it to will ere long devise a scheme whereby the
tanks and lakes
may be gradually restored to

to the report of the
their
original purposes
of irrigation, an undertaking
which according
Committee of

Finance and Commerce "
the revenue the whole,
is
147
so certain to repay
and more than the whole
of the expenditure incurred."
As
the inhabitants are
to contribute
labour or
now compelled, either money towards the conthe
struction or repairing of roads, this labour, or
subsidy,
equally,
may be
if
very fairly employed in
not more beneficial work of repairing
colony would become not only self-supporting,

but would export rice equal in amount to the
quantity for which she
now
exports specie.
ud
io
;
Tr ia
The
is
these ancient fountains of wealth, whereby the
l
to
Agriculture has been conducted in Ceylon
by
vation pursued
tions,
by them being of two descrip-
St
the natives on the simplest principles, the culti-
namely, the dry, and wet.
chenas, or
grounds which are overgrown with underwood,
PD
sk
are cultivated in the dry manner, which
com-
menced by
cutting
down
is
the jungle,
by fencing
de
is
in that portion
which
intended for cultivation,
and by consuming the timber which has not been employed for the latter purpose the groimd is immediately after turned up and sown. Great
care
subsequently required to protect the crops
from the wild animals which abound in Ceylon,
and accordingly the natives are obliged strict watch during the night.
keep
148

chiefly
Those crops which are

can,
grown
in dry
ground consist of a species of
rice,
called corri-
and Indian corn
these are occasionally

is
weeded, and no further trouble

crop
taken by the
agriculturist until the time of harvest,

is
when
the
either reaped, or the

off,
heads of the
com
are cut
in case the straw is not preserved.
The chenas do not grow

first
crops the second year,
up
into a plentiful crop, never having
perly extirpated, and secondly, owing to the want

of maniu'e, which
cultivation,
io
This
is
never employed.
is is
however,
comparison with the wet, which

for the
St
poorest classes,
and
ud
only adopted by the
very inconsiderable in
is
Tr ia
;
owing
to the
underwood, which soon springs

been proThis dry
entirely
used
growth of paddy.
last description
PD
is
of cultivation
water,
requires
an abundant supply of
and
followed by the natives in every part
of the island and in every locality, where sufficient
de
water can be
of the paddy.
sk
commanded for the
successive stages
The
fields
devoted to the cultivation of paddy
are suiTounded
by embankments each field is flooded with water between twô and three inches
depth,
in
and,
when
sufficiently
;
saturated,
is
ploughed while under water

repeated, or the gTound
is
this process is again
trodden by buffaloes

until the
I4!>
whole
is
is
worked
into
mnd.
The mud
thus formed
made
perfectly level, the water
drawn
water,
off,
and the paddy-seed, which has already

its
germinated, owing to
is
having been steeped
in
thrown over the
muddy
surface.
Imme-
diately after the seed has struck root, the apertures in the
embankments, by means of which the

off,
water was drawn

is re-flooded.
ai"e
closed up and the field
ud
is
io
The weeds are carefully eradicated from the paddy when it has attained about thi'ee inches in height, and those parts of the field which appear
too thin, are supplied from others where
tlie
Tr ia
is
under water until the paddy
St
has sprung up too thickly.
The
l
paddy
kept
field is
nearly ripe,
when
and
it is
again drained, and
when
ripe is reaped,
immediately trodden upon the threshing-floor by

buffaloes.
time until harvest, the farmer
sk
PD
During the whole period from sowing

obliged concorn-field,
de
tinually to
watch the
day and night, to
prevent the destruction of his crop by wild animals.
Where
field,
a sufficient supply of water can be
had, two and three crops are annually grown in

the same
but where the farmer can only get
a supply
in the rainy season he can only
grow
one crop.
This circumstance alone
is sufficient
to prove the great advantages
which would accrue
150

from the repairing of the ancient
to the colony,
tanks and lakes.

Froro the want of water in the lowland districts,
as
we have
said, only
one crop can be grown, and

;
the fields are generally of a large size
but, in the
is
mountainous and higher
districts,
irrigation
more conveniently managed, there being a more abundant and easy supply of water ; and here, as
Tr ia
which
in China, cultivation is
hills
carried
up the
sides of
l
is
in the form of terraces, and the paddy

its
may
often be seen in
fields, fi'om
various stages, in adjoining
ud
reaped, and trodden out by buffaloes, or oxen. The plough which is used in Ceylon is of
io
is
the newly
sown
to that
being
most simple natm-e, the shear and single upright
F
is
j
handle being made out of a cui^ved piece of

timber
;
St
the single handle
PD
is
surmounted with a
cross-tree, a pole
fastened into a mortice with a
sk
wedge,
at the curve
between the handle and shear,
de
while a yoke
pole,
attached by coir ropes to the
which
is
fastened by coir cords to a pair of
buffaloes or
oxen
one
man
in general holds the
plough, and guides the buffaloes, or oxen, with a

goad, occasionally urging them with his voice.
On
every occasion where the plough
is not,
or
{
cannot be used, the mehmotte, or large ,hoe, of an
unwieldy nature,
is
employed, which in their

hands
is
151
made a most useful implement.
Instead
of a harrow after ploughing the ground, they em-
ploy an implement which they call anadatpoorooa,
which
is
a board with a pole, to which oxen or
buffaloes are yoked,

sits.
and upon which the

is
driver
lighter
implement
used with the hand,

purpose of pre-
like a rake without teeth, for the
paring the
mud for paddy

to
seed.
all
The jungle-hook,
own implements The treading

upon a hard
need description.
out of the
paddy
floor,
;
work, however, a mystic
ud
beating the clay
before the natives begin the

rite
io
j
prepared for the purpose by
and incantation
Tr ia
is
axe, and reaping hook, are
too similar to our
performed
are
observed by the owner of the paddy, in the ex-
PD
M
spirits.
The ceremony
F
;
pectation of preserving the produce from the evil

is
ing three circles, one within the other, on the

centre of the floor, with the ashes of wood, which
de
the owner scatters from a large leaf; the circles

are equally quartered
sk
of which are terminated by a character resembling
a written
letter
owner lays some paddy straw, upon which he places a few pieces of quartz and a small piece
of the
kohomba
St
by a
performed by describ-
cross, the four points
within the inner circle, the
tree,
the whole
of which
he
covers
over with paddy-straw
he then walks
152
round the cabalistic figure three times, and stops

at
one of the ends, salaams three times with up-
raised hands, and finally prostrates himself

the earth,
all
upon
the time
repeating incantations.
Wlien
this
is
ceremony has been completed, the
paddy
piled
upon the concentric
circles,
and
the buffaloes are immediately after urged to the
task of treading the corn.
occus, brinjals, and other Eastern vegetables are

cultivated, but the natives
lar
do not construct regu-
ropean vegetables
have been introduced, and
they are grown there with great success, which
island.
We must here inti'oduce
PD
the climate will not admit of in other parts of the
St
sk
ud
English potatoes, cabbage, peas, and other Eu-
the most characteristic
production of Lanka-diva, the
io
is
gardens for the purpose.
Andropogon
is
Tr ia
In Newera Ellia
In the vegetable kingdom, sweet potatoes, yams,
schce-
growing from two to eight feet in height, emitting when crushed a powerful smell of lemon; very
agreeable in the
the effluvium
in taste
ter
;
de
nanthus, or lemon-grass, which
a hard grass,
first
instance, but after a time

aiid sickening;
is
most oppressive
it is
an acid of a very refreshing charac-
this grass is the usual clothing of the

hills,
Kan-
dian
and when young
considered choice

pasture for buffaloes.
essential
oil
15-3
We
have seen a very

grass,
fine
extracted fi-om this
which
would no doubt be most valuable
to perfinners.
The cocoa-nut (Cocos

sively cultivated in
nucifera) is very exten;
Ceylon
indeed nearly the
whole island
is
encircled with this useful and
productive tree, which

the
may be
of the
is
justly designated
summttm honum
cultivation of
it
native population.
it is
found
to
be a most valuable and safe invest'
ud
io
is
j
ment of property, as it requires a trivial outlay, and little further care than the planting, except
protection from cattle during the
first
St
thriving as
it
does most luxuriantly in sandy
Tr ia
is
;
The
rapidly increasing, for
two years
soil,
and bearing
per annum.
fruit in the fifth j'ear.
The estimated
a rix dollar
value of the produce of a single tree
hundi'ed feet in height, and there
PD
This tree fi'equently exceeds one
no part of
it
which
sk
is
unproductive to the owner
from the
flower he obtains toddy, from which the finest
arrack in the world

is
de
also
and from which prepared a coarse-grained brown sugar,

is
distilled,
called by the natives jaggery, and an excellent
description of vinegar.
The green fiiiit

age to the weary
yields a delicious cooling bevertraveller,
and a vegetable
pul]),
highly esteemed by the natives
the ripened fruit
134
is

is
also used as food, or oil

is
extracted from
into
it,
which
soap,
now manufactured
refuse,
;
candles and
is
and the
or
oil
cake,
used for
feeding cattle
while the external husks, after

coir,
is
long soaking, are beaten into

well
which
is
now
known
in
England, and
used for
stuffing
mattresses, &c.,
and from which cordage and
matting are manufactured.
thatch,
and afford protection from the sun's rays, or,

are converted into an alkali.
when burned,
young leaves
of usefid
Tr ia
;
l
its
it
interwoven, are called cajan, and
The leaves, when make excellent

The
ud
are used by and ornamental purposes,
io
the natives for a variety

particularly
the latter on joyous
and
festive occasions,
when
bamboo
arches
are
which the native practitioners use as an
PD
A
cious
F
oil
brooms and mats are made from the young pine.

medicinal
is
St
decorated with them, and
extracted from the bark,

efficais
sk
remedy
in cutaneous diseases
the root
de
also used for medicinal purposes,

fibres are
and
elastic
woven
into strainers for liquids, while

in building, or conveilêd
the timber
may be used
into beautiful articles of fm-niture-.
But
would
tree is
be endless to describe the various additional uses

to
which every portion of
this valuable
convertible,
which are said to be upwards of one
hundred, and have formed the theme of
many

native poets.
1^0
There are annually exported from the colony about eight thousand pounds' worth of cocoa-nuts, thhty thousand pounds' worth ot
cocoa-nut
arrack,
oil,
seven thousand pounds' worth ol

coir.
and ten thousand pounds' worth of Cinnamon (Laurus cinnamonum) is a

produce
in
staple
article of
Ceylon, but
it is
not neces-
sary for us here to enter

the gardens, in which
upon
the appearance of
of barking the twigs, as

in a former chapter.
very accurate account
Tr ia
half.
it is
cultivated, or the mode we have described both
l
to
is
given of the shrub by Nicolo

of
its
De
appearance, but also of the manner in which
ud
io
Conte, not only
cultivated
cinnamon gardens, which had been previously by government, were disposed of to private individuals, and those that remained in
hands of the crown were farmed
of two shillings per
the
the
highest bidder.
The enormous sum

was levied upon
3'êar
de
sk
sway of native rulers, as well as that of the Dutch and Portuguese, cinnamon was a government monopoly, and was so continued after the establishment of British authority in the island, until the year 1833, when it was abolished, and many large
PD
St
the bark
was prepared
in his day.
During the
pound
Still
it
all
it
exported cinnamon until the
1842,
when
was reduced one
156
M'as

found incompatible with the existence of the
re-
export trade in this article to continue this
duced duty
as from careful investigation
it
was
proved that cinnamon could not be cultivated,

prepared for market, and delivered in London,
paying a shilling per pound export duty, under
two
shillings
and four^ênce per pound

profit
which
out-
was of course without allowing

hiy, or interest of
upon
in 1848, the
whole
the export duty
tariff was considerably altered, upon cinnamon was again re-
Tr ia
any description.
Accordingly,
l
own
duced
to
fourpence per pound, with a duty of
threejjence per
expect the trade in this spice, which has fallen

off
But
and we
PD
this
hope seems
more than one
half, will
St
to
parent country
pound on importation into the and the government confidently
fear that this tardy legislation will not
enable Ceylon to compete with the East India
de
Company's possession on the coast of Malabar,

or with the
sk
Dutch settlement
ud
be revived.
us to be fallacious,
io
in Java,
where the
shrub has rapidly increased in cultivation, since

the prohibitive export duty of two shillings was
imposed by Ceylon
duce.
legislation
on
its
pro-
We
say this advisedly, pailicularly with
regard to Java, as the cost of the grower there
has been calculated
at a
considerably smaller
157
sum than
that of his competitor in Ceylon,
and
this
the former can import his
cinnamon
into
country paying sixpence duty, which gives

in duty alone, the advantage of
him
one penny under
the latter, therefore something
be done by our legislators for

prietors of Ceylon.
more remains to the cinnamon proof export duty
The amount
received
upon
this article in 1844,
was
fifty
three
;
while, in 1846,
it
amounted
to only
sand and eight3^-two pounds.

Coffee
(Coffea arabica)
we
digenous to the island, as we have questioned
they both agreed in stating that a decoction from

the
introduced into Ceylon, fi'om Java, by the Dutch,
sk
who procured
PD
beny had been used by the natives from time immemorial. Some authors state that coffee was
seedlings from Mocha,
in
St
an erudite priest and noble upon the subject, and
ud
io
believe to be in-
Tr ia
it
tliousand one hundred and ninety-seven pounds
twenty thou-
and that under the auspices of the GovernorGeneral of Batavia, Zwaardenkroom, the
plantations were formed in Java.
first
de
When and
and cultivated
wherefore
coffee
was introduced
is
in other settlements,
purpose to investigate,
we treat solely of productions but we feel convinced its Ceylon and the coffee shrub has been known in the island in
as
;
1723,
not our
158

Coffee was
first
a wild state for ages past.

tivated in 1820,
cul-
and has become an object of
great speculation amongst British residents,
who
have expended large sums of money in clearing,

planting,
and
cultivating estates.
Many
indivi-
duals have been
ruined by coffee plantations,
some few
have
succeeded in improving their
financial resources,
who were
to
sufficiently
prudent
and
either
had experience
guide them in the
personal superintendence of their properties, or
berry
is
considerably improved by cultivation
ud
worthy of their confidence.
io
The
first
entrusted the
management
to
those
Tr ia
own
who were
quality of the
;
many
like
Ceylon
St
or fortunate to purchase land at a fair valuation,
coffee
for our
part,
we
bear comparison with
PD
very rarely tasted coffee in Ceylon, which could

it.
sk
The expense
of clearing jungle, and forming
de
it
into
a coffee estate, have been calculated at

acre.
eight
pounds per
is
candidly confess
we
prefer
Mocha, and we have
The
step in this
clearance
both curious and imposing to wit-
ness
the plantations being formed on the
moun-
tain sides, the
coolees are set to work on the
forest trees at the base of the hill,
whose trunks
summit, upon
they notch half

their
way
through, thus labouring on
way up
to
the mountain's

attaining
159
which the uppermost trees are com-
pletely felled,
and these simultaneously

course.
falling
on those beneath, cany them, with a

in
terrific
crash
their
downward
The
falling
mass,
like
the
avalanche, increasing at each step in

its
bulk and weight, acquires fresh impetus in

progress, overpowering
all
obstacles,
and thus
with the roar of thunder, thousands of noble forest
trated
timber
is
usually fired
and reduced
Tr ia
l
like
trees are laid
low
in a
few seconds.
The
prosto
ashes.
The
seedlings are generally planted out
grown with weeds, and jungle
The appearance
truly
beautiful,
of a coffee estate in flower
St
ud
and attention
to prevent
them from being overgrass.

is
which are thrown out in strong and bold
PD
covered with a mass of silvery white blossoms,

relief
sk
the
bushes
io
in the rainy
season,
and require constant care
being
completely
by
the glossy, deep-green coloured leaves.
Then
changed
tacle
de
in the
advanced
stage,
when
these blossoms are
into ripened berries of a
deep red colour,
under whose weight the branches yield, the specis
extremely pleasing,
;
and must be
wit-
nessed to be appreciated
our word for
it,
the
reader must take

is
that at these periods the sight
one of immense beauty, while the general appearance of the coffee estate
is
somewhat
an
160
extensive plantation of evergTeens, dotted here
and
the
there, with
enormous
forest trees, purposely
left in
clearing the jungle, for the protection of

plantation.
young
The
coffee exported in
1846 amounted to one
hundred and seventy-three thousand eight hundred and ninety-two

ewt.,
which was increased in

thousand cwt.
millions
of
1847 to two hundred and

and,
forty-five
pounds have passed over the roads
We
will not
go through the mechanical prepa-
every planter must have to contend with.

first
ud
the difficulties that to a greater or lesser extent
io
ration of the berry for the market, but glance at
Tr ia
young
to the coast.
place,
if
it is
impossible to ascertain from the
sk
and plan pursued upon both, produce
PD
we have known contiguous coffee estates, although the same attention has been bestowed
as
totally dif-
yielding an abundant harvest, whilst the other
has been a total
de
ferent crops, the one having thriven, the bushes
soil
a plantation
St
is
certain to succeed or not,
failure,
from the
rats
gnawed
or
the roots of the plants, or the attacks of

shoots,
coffee-
insects having entirely ruined the
from some inexplicable cause.
The
plant also speedily exhausts the productive quality
of the
soil,
and, unless manured, the earth
during the year
1849, forty
In the
having

loses the elements of fertility, finally
10
becoming
be pro-
incapable of producing even a scanty crop.
Labour likewise
is
extremely
difficult to
cured at times, as the planter depends in a great
measure upon the labourers who arrive from the

coast,
ficient
and possibly they may have amassed a

the crop is ready for gathering, or
is fit
suf-
sum, and choose to return home either
when
beiTy
coffee
when
the
are
annually spoiled.
Many
have suffered severely fi'om this cause, and those

especially
whose superintendents maltreat the
tunate coolees treated with the consideration due

to
human
It is
PD
beings
which
by beating them, or by mulcting them of their scanty and hardly-earned wages. We feel convinced that a more certain supply of labour might be depended upon, were the unforcoolees, either
St
we regret
ud
The
too fi'equently are not.
de
many
sk
years since the cultivation of the

first
sugar-cane was
commenced, but the planta-
tion at Caltura failed, owing principally to want
of experience on the part of the cultivator, in the

selection of a congenial soil.
estate of
io
Hudson, at Peradenia, however, having been more

judiciously formed, led to a successful result,
was the cause of many planters following the
Tr ia
for peeling.
Thus
large quantities of
capitalists
to say they
Mr.
and
in-
162

Several
defatigable proprietor's spirited example.
sugar plantations are

fully
now
actively
and success-
managed, producing an article inferior to none grown in the East, either in appearance or for use, and at no distant period, we may fairly
conclude, that the sugar of Ceylon will be a most
important article in her export trade.

Cotton-cultivation
is
very
is
much
neglected in
believe, that
it is
capable of producing as fine a

;
quality as
any which has ever been grown
Tr ia
service,
the island, although there
every just ground to
in-
ud
has not, as yet, arrested either the attention of the

local authorities, or of the agriculturist.
io
soil,
it
deed the importance of
this
branch of produce
In this
opinion
we
are fortified
St
by an American planter
PD
reports, " I
am
in the East India
Company's
and
who
thus
of opinion, from what I

that
saw of the
will
climate, temperature,
Ceylon
de
comparatively small ainount of capital required

is
sk
produce cotton equal in quality, and when the
considered, T doubt not

article
may even produce

can in America,
the
cheaper than
ive
where a large sum must be
laid out for labour^

is
and where the expense of food and clothing
much
lity
greater than the cost of importing labour
into Ceylon, independently of the risk of a morta-
among
the labourers after they
had been pur-
chased."
163
The advocates of amongst the first

can
fairly
slave emancipation shovild be

to
encom'age the growth of
cotton in Ceylon, and produce an article which
compete with the slave-grown cotton of
America.
commencement has been made

is
in
the neighbourhood of Batticaloa, where
American
grown
seed has been sown, and country cotton
by some
com.
in conjunction with maize, or Indian
heretofore been grown
is
insufficient for the con-
sumption of the island.
Jaffna,
and
its
quality is held in high estimation
amongst the Malabars and Malays, so much so, that some years ago the Rajah of Travancore
contracted for an annual su])ply
quantity of tobacco
St
ud
period grown, and very extensively cultivated at
io
The tobacco-plant has been
for a considerable
Tr ia
of
it.
The
quantity of cotton however which has
PD
now
exported from the island

thirteen thousand
sk
amounts
in value to
some
The Areka,
It is
de
per annum.
or Betel-nut tree (x\reka-catechu)
flourishes in great
abundance through the
a slight
tall
palm, with
much
smaller leaves
than those of the cocoa-nut, and more feathered

in their appearance
tree
:
these are attached to the

skin,
by a tough
impervious
which
The
pounds
island.
is
in.
used by the natives to carry their provisions
164

nuts hang in luxuriant branches, one tree
The
producing several hundreds, which are used by

Easterns with chunam, for the
chewing.
filthy
is
purpose of
large export trade
annually car-
ried on in this article, amounting to about the
value of thirty thousand pounds, which

to
is
likely
lately
is
be
increased,
since
a dentifrice has
in this country,
become much esteemed

prepared from the nut.
which
The ambuprasudana,
Tr ia
is
or water-nut,
valuable provision of nature, for purifying
face of their water chatties, wdiich has the pro-
perty of precipitating
able.
The jack-tree (Artocarpus
PD
ticles,
thus rendering the water pure and drink-
St
all
ud
and unwholesome water; the natives use it for this purpose by rubbing it over the internal surimpure and earthly par-
io
integrifalia)
l
a most
muddy
grows
to
sk
an enormous
size, is
a most beautiful object in
duces an immense quantity of
de
nature, affords most agreeable shade,

fruit
and proits
both from
branches and trunk.
The
;
fruit are of
a some-
what oval form,

ing
is
in size varying
from half a foot to
five or six in cii'cumference
their external cover-
rough and of a greenish hue, and their sec-
tion of a whitish colour, containing a
number
of
kernels, enveloped in a yellowish coating, which

is
165
of a most luscious flavour, but peculiarly dis-
agreeable to the olfactory nerves.

are the size of a pigeon's egg,
The
kernels
and when cooked

curry. The when polished
make
timber
good
is
food,
and excellent
of a yellow colour, but

it
with bees-wax
approaches to a light-coloured
ordinary furniture
is
mahogany, and
tured of
it.
all
manufac-
one of large
size,
and abundantly productive.
Tr ia
soil,
The bread -fruit- tree

this, there are
(Artrocarpus incisa)
two descriptions, the one bearing

is
fruit
other,
lesser sort are both used in culinary preparations,
as well in the green, as in the matured state, the
eat the fruit as a vegetable either boiled or fried.
The
and
for,
native
who has a
PD
jack-tree, has nearly all his wants provided
we may
people.
Indigo was formerly

during Dutch
that the plant
rule
is
;
de
and
it is
attribute the inactive disposition of the
sk
to this bountiful provision of nature,
natives
making a curry of one, whilst Europeans

bread-tree, cocoa-nut-tree,
St
exported from
ud
io
with seed and which
much larger than the which has no seed. The greater and
Ceylon,
notwithstanding, however,
indigenous to the
with the climate oflers every inducement for

cultivation,
and that the greatest
facilities
l
is
also
Of
which
its
for
166
CEYLON AND THK CINGALESE,

still
manufacture are at hand,
no step has yet

has had
the
been taken since Great
Britain
island, to unfold this source of wealth.

tion,
A proposi-
we
believe,
was made
to
government in the
year 1817 to embark capital in this cultivation,
upon condition that the speculators should be

assisted with a grant of land, which, in the event
of the
to
abandonment
of the design, should revert
been entertained, and

indigo, as Mr.
sugar- cane.
it
remains for some other

to
set
enterprising individual
Tr ia
the
example
government.
This does not appear to have
in
The mulberry
might
easily'
ud
io
Hudson did
in the culture of the
tree flourishes in the island,
and
be propagated, for the nourishment
of the silk-worm
had the natives a moiety of the
St
PD
industry and perseverance of the Chinese,
we
see
no reason
why
silk of as fine
a quality as any ex-
de
])roduced in Lanka- diva.
The most
is
island
umbraculifera,) which varies in height from seventy

to
sk
ported from the Celestial Empire, should not be
glorious vegetable production of the
the Tala, or Talapat palm, (Carypha
one hundred
feet.
The circumference
is
of the
trunk near the ground
about nine
feet,
and
gradually tapers to the summit, where the gigantic
leaves droop
and spread out
in a parachute

form
has
;
167
it
is
a singular
fact, that
wherever a leaf
tree,
sprung from the trunk of the
an
in-
delihle
mark
is left after
the leaf has fallen.
The
natives affirm, that the tree never lives
one hundred years, and that
it
more than commences to
decay as soon as the blossom has arrived at perfection.

site
The
flower
is
large
and of a most exquiis
yellow; whilst in blossom this
enclosed in
Tr ia
these
meal
a sheath, which bursts with a loud explosion as
soon as the flower has arrived at maturity.

flowers
remain in
full
bloom
for nearly
months, when they gradually disappear, and the

fruit,
which
is
about the size of a plum, ripens.
measure, from the extremity of the stalk to the

tip
varies from twelve to seventeen feet
PD
of the leaf, twenty-five feet, and the width
St
The
leaves of this magnificent tree frequently
ud
;
io
perishable leaves,
when
dried, are applied
sk
natives to various purposes
from the form of the

can be folded like a
leaf without preparation,

fan,
de
it
and
this is
borne before the chiefs and nobles
by
their retainers.
The
leaves are also cut into
strips
and used
for olas
and books, a thatch
l
;
The
three
im-
by the
is
also
made from them, which

In the trunk
is
serves as a roofing
to dwellings.
pith,
found a species of
fine
which when dried yields a
the
168
natives
make
this into
cakes,
and the
flour is
most
the
delicate
and
delicious.
We
leaves,
regret that
we
are unable to give the reader
name
of a tree which grows in Ceylon,

to their roughness,
whose
owing
are constantly
used by native
cai-jienters instead of
sand-paper
they have also the property of extracting stains
from fiuniture, and are known by the name of
Tr ia
fell
" carpenter's leaves."
l
to
The mee-tree grows

the
an enormous
size,
and
the
branches afford a welcome shelter
to
io
weary
traveller
from the noonday sun
neverthe-
white flower,
is
most unpleasant, and some affirm
St
especially unwholesome.
tance around the parent tree, and the natives say,
PD
appears to be covered with snow for some dis-
buds, that
when they
ud
less, the effluvia of its
blossom, which
is
a minute
So luxuriant are these

the gi'ound the earth
fall to.
sk
that
when
the periodical heavy rains
wash down
de
an accumulation of these^ pestiferous blossoms

into the tanks,
and they
are allowed to remain
floating on the waters, the exhalation invariably
])roduces disease.
tion,
Notwithstanding this convica mee-tree,

oil,
nothing will induce them to

fruit
because the
they apply to
produces pungent
purposes.
which
many
109
The magnificent ebony-tree (Dyospiras ebonum) is most peculiar in its aspect, as the foliage
is
almost black, the bark of the trunk nearly
white,
feet
and the branches sprout

root,
forth about thirty
from the
giving the tree a mournfully
grand
black,
appearance.
The
aft'^'r
Avood
is
usually jet
invariably extremely hard
and weighty,
and
is
much sought
both by Europeans and

are readily obtained for
niture,
fine
and high prices

trees,
specimens, that are elaborately carved.
oldest and best
are generally found in the
forests of the eastern province.

tree,
most majestic,
time, this
forests
;
and
St
(Dyospyrus
ud
io
as
is
The Calamander
ebony,
is
hirsuta,) or variegated
is
also
much
prized.
ti'ee
was exceedingly common in the
PD
but has become
scarce,
esteemed
the
for articles of furniture than
beauty of the wood, which
sk
Tr ia
it
the wealthy natives, for articles of decorative fur-
At one
is
ebony, fi'om
striped
is
mottled with black and shades of brown,

grained, will bear a high polish, and
large sum.
is
de
worth a
The red
sandal and satinwood trees
are natives of Ceylon, but these are
now
as rarely
met with
reason.
as the
Calamander tree, and for the same

tree,
The Kabook
VOL.
I.
a species of teiTninalia, attains
a large size, the timber being exceedingly duraI
l
The
more
or
close
170
ble,
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE. and of a brick-dust colour

;
the peculiarity of
this tree consists in its flourishing, alike
on the
banks of streams,
and also at an elevation of two thousand three hundred feet, and what is more remarkable still is, that the
in level districts,
natives believe, (and with apparent justice,) that
wherever
this
its
tree
is
found, water will be met
with near
lowermost roots, and those who
ably declare that by digging close to the tree
water has been always discovered.

to notice
tithe
ud
vegetable productions worthy of remark, that are
io
the
Were we
met with
suffice
;
in this fertile spot, volumes
therefore
we
St
shall but give

is
PD
of one
more, and that

bo-ti-ee,
Tr ia
tree
have caused the experiment to be made, invari-
of the trees and
a description
sacred
to
Buddha, the
this
or Ficus religiosa.
magnificent tree, Buddhists believe the god
to
have slumbered, when he became the incarna-
sk
tion of
ant and beautiful, the broad leaves being heart-
shaped; and so sacred were these considered, that

their
de
wisdom.
The
foliage is peculiarly luxuri-
semblance was only permitted to be carved
or painted
upon the palace,
or articles of furni-
ture intended for the sole use
of the reigning
monarch.
The blossoms
are
most lovely and

colour a milk-
fragrant, being bell- shaped,
the
would not
Under
171
is
white, save in the centre of the flower, which
delicately tinged
with
gold.
These
trees
are
carefully guarded from injury,
by terraces of
earth
and
stone,
and some
fi'om their
huge cavernous
trunks appear to have braved the sun's beams,
and the
citron,
lightning's flashes for centuries.
In the early morning, the perfume of the orange, wild

is
jessamine,
and
other
flowering
shrubs,
delicious
beyond conception, and exmore so by the

fragile
quisite as these floral beauties are at all times,
they are rendered

parasites,
still
and pepper
vines, that entwine aroinid
their trunks
is
when met with
ud
in
io
in
a wild state.
Tr ia
if
I
l
It
St
;
impossible to enumerate the luscious fruits of
the island, as every one, save the

that grows in the torrid zone, is
mangostein,
produced by the
trees
PD
prolific soil of
Lanka-diva
from the stately tama-
down
to the small delicate chillie, all alike spring
spontaneously from the teeming earth.
What
de
sk
rind.
Shaddock papaw mangol, and banana
especially
demands the
is,
attention of the
European
agriculturist
that
the various
parts of the island, the peculiar productions of
Europe and Asia
will
alike
thrive,
care
;
is
bestowed upon the cultivation of the former

that while the fragrant
so
nutmeg and
clove-tree,
with
all tropical
productions, attain the utmost

2
172

on one portion of the
turnips,
soil
;
luxui'iance
wheat,
and other European potatoes, vegetables, will yield renumerative crops, and And we believe that no flourish upon another.
barley,
portion of the globe possesses the same capabilities for
cultivation
as are to be found on this
whose internal resources are comparatively undeveloped thus offering a fair opening for the
island,
;
The expense
siderable
;
of housekeeping in Ceylon
Tr ia
enterprising capitalist
and industrious emigrant.

is
con-
for, although the prices of provisions
are generally moderate, the multiplicity of articles required,
and used, by the
ud
io
servants,
com-
expenditure, fiequently, very great. Moreover,
St
bined with the style of
living,
render the domestic

it is
peculation, as the appoo, or head-servant, invari-
ably goes to the bazaar to purchase
PD
impossible to keep such a check as to avoid
all articles
of
sk
daily consmnption
thus
it is
absolutely impracti-
de
cable for the head of the household to ascertain

the con-ect price of food, as
it
not only depends
upon the supply and demand, but upon the honesty

or cupidity of the appoo.
This only applies to native produce, as
all
European productions,
comestibles,
and every
other import are paid for monthly
and
we can
conscientiously aver that either the
importers,

exporters, or consignees, ought to
173
rapid
is
make
and immense fortunes, as the price demanded

often trebled,
and frequently
quadnipled, when
fre-
there
is
a scarcity.
Thus, good butter will
quently fetch two shillings and half-a-crown the
pound, cheese the same, ham, bacon, dried and

pickled tongues, preserves and pickles,
sold in the
being
same
ratio.
The
same
been
prices of all viands are
at Galle
and Colombo, although before the
steamers touched at the former place,
informed
that
edibles
io
were
at
is
cheaper at the former place.
ud
pound
tlic
Mutton, when
is
Tr ia
any
now
nearly the
we have
it
materially
seldom, fetches an enormous price, being sold at

the rate of a rupee or two shillings per pound,*
but a good succulent haunch or joint of mutton
Kids are
and,
sk
cannot be procured in the bazaar

sold,
PD
St
can be piu'chased in the market, which
and used as a
substitute for sheep,
when
de
the creatures are young,
and have been

not a despi-
well fed, a quarter of one roasted
cable dish
the price per
varies from six-
pence
*
to
sevenpence halfpenny.
this aiises
From
Mutton Clubs, a
certain
number of genBut even
tlemen, generally four, forming

feed them,
club, pm-chase shoe]).
and divide the expeubc amongst them.

is
then the price
enormous.
l
but
price.
174

is
Beef
the
invariably tough, and lean,
the
:
best
is
parts being sold at sixpence per
pound
pork
best
animal food that can be procured in

is
Ceylon, and the value of good meat

as beef
price,
the
same
in
Poultry
turkeys
is
plentiful
and moderate
selling
and
geese
to
from
four
shillings
and sixpence
;
seven
shillings
and
sixpence each
ducks from three to four shillings

;
to
one shilling and sixpence each

is
observe that although the price

are never fatted,
ing them materially adds to their original cost.
The
in
St
ud
to
they are
full
grown, therefore the expense of feed-
io
it
and
are generally sold before
Tr ia
;
and sixpence the couple
fowls from ninepence
but we must
low, the birds
fishes
of Ceylon are numerous, and
many
prices of the best descriptions are tolerably rea-
PD
delicacy of flavour and lusciousness, and the
sk
sonable.
The
of their varieties are unsurpassed,
if
not unequalled
fish,
par
is
excellence, of the island is
having much of the appeai'ance and flavour of the

finest
de
the
seir-fish,
which
a species
of scomber,
salmon, which however

is
infinitely excels;
the flesh
less
of a delicate pink, but becomes colour-
when
subjected
fish is
any culinary process.

line,
This delicious
is
caught with hook and
solely found in
salt water,
and we have seen

twenty pounds.
some whose weight
exceeded
; ;
175
The
bull's-eye pomfret is likewise

this
fish
is
much esteemed,
and the beauty of
indescribable, as
the head, body, and fins are of a brilliant red, the

scales being tinged with gold. Soles, whiting,
mackarel, and mullet are also plentiful, attain a

large size, are cheap
and good, and the method

to
adopted by the natives

tioned fish
is
catch the last mei:-
somewhat
singular.
sunset; and,
spot, one
when they have reached
man waves
and
a torch over the water, and
the fish apparently fascinated, speedily rise to the

surface,
remain floating
ud
to
it
io
of
near
instrument, (not unlike a large horse-comb,) at-
back, and hauls

It
PD
it
tached to a wooden handle, into the creature's

into the canoe.
would be impossible
bers of the piscatory tribe that supply the table of
to ensnare them.
de
Europeans, or the means adopted by the natives

Suffice
to say that
for salt-
sk
St
another
man immediately
darts a
enumerate the mem-
Tr ia
the
so
fish to
is
The
fishermen push off in their canoes after

a favourable
pronged iron
water
fish,
the hook,
pronged instrument,
nets are used, whilst for a particular fresh-water

fish,
l
left
torch
and
a
kraals are
it is
constructed
intricate
nature, that
in
impossible for the
escape
thin
for
some
places, conical baskets
made from
slips of
bamboo
in
which an aperture
176
the
hand
are used
this
machine
is
is
cautiously
lowered over the
fish,
and the prize
seized hold
of by the fisherman.
to catch the smaller fry,
So primitive are some of the means employed by and for the poor, that
the
we have seen
men
attach
a grain of boiled
rice to a piece of
cocoa-nut
fibre,
hang
it
over the
side of their canoe,
and patiently catch, and de-
craw-fish,
which would not exceed three farthings. Crabs, and prawns, are to be procured along
be met with in the
river
Bentotte, and these the divers detach from the
rocks with mallets.
St
The most remarkable
ud
to
io
the entire coast, but oysters
Tr ia
its
fit
for food are
tach fish after fish, for hours; the market value of
only
that flows through
cir-
distance beyond, and has not

totte, it is
PD
that although the stream flows for a considerable
cumstance connected with the
latter edibles is,
source at Ben-
that the importance of the fisheries in Ceylon,
both in reference to the consumption of the island,
and as a great source of export

attracted the attention
it
de
We
sk
only at that place the oysters are found.

conviction,
cannot avoid expressing our
trade, has not
deserves.
There
is
considerable
demand
for salt fish in the interior,
and the Roman Catholic population alone amounts to nearly two hundred thousand, who generally

observe most strictly the fasts of the church.
177
To
salt
meet
this
demand, there
is
an import trade of
or preserved fish, amounting annually to the value
of some 0615,000.
coast on every side
every description,
The waters which wash the swarm with the finest fish of and a number of boats are em-
ployed in fishing, particularly in the vicinity of
very small quantity of
fish,
however,
served,
and the mode of salting adopted by the
death
it
is obvious, therefore, that a fish should

it
be salted immediately
natives rarely salt
of,
and the curing never takes place
PD
they have not been fortunate enough to dispose

until after
sk
exposure to the powerful rays of the sun on a
any except that portion which
St
is
de
sandy beach.
gether,
Sand and
fish
salt are
and the
result can
namely, that such

peans, who,
if
cannot be eaten by Euro-
they could succeed in eradicating
the sand, cannot cure the incipient putridity.
The most
ud
easily
climate decomposition
commences rapidly
io
Cingalese
is
peculiarly defective.
In a tropical
after
caught, whereas the
thus mixed to-
be imagined
judicious method for salting that
have heard of is that which has been suggested by Mr. Bennett, namely, to adopt the practice
I
Tr ia
is
l
we
Colombo, during the prevalence of the south-w est monsoon.

pre-
178

;
observed by the nutmeg-curers
and construct,
beneath a thatched
roof,
tiers
of open platforms,
distances and of
composed of
dimensions
fish.
split
bamboo,
at
to
correspond with the size of the
Thus, any quantity might be cured by smoke,

placed
proceeding from the ignition of damped paddystraw,
beneath
the
lowest
tier,
which
would thus ascend to the roof, passing through

gested that, as the boats employed
Tr ia
in
this
have
pied in salting the

after it
fish,
St
ud
little room enough to carry their cargo, a dhoney* should accompany a certain number of them laden with salt, whose crew could be occu-
as rapidly as possible
It
had been caught.
that the extravagant price of salt has acted most
The
attention of the government appears to have
PD
prejudicially
upon the improvement of the
io
must be observed
fisheries.
industry during the Government of Sir
Barnes,
de
sk
been directed to the importance of
Edward when an ordinance was passed imposing

upon the prime cost
fish
a duty of fifteen per cent
of
all salt fish
imported into the island, and perall
mitting the exportation, free of duty, of
cured in the colony.
The
vegetable productions indigenous to the

*
Or native sailmg- vessel.
each
tier in its
progress.
It
has also been sugfishing
branch of

tropics are both
;
179
abundant and cheap and, although
the mangols do not equal those of Bengal, nor the
pine-apples those of Singapore, nevertheless the

delicious fruits of
Ceylon
are, as a
body, unrivalled
Potatoes
for their exquisite
flavour
and
variety.
are at times exceedingly scarce
and dear, and we

sevenpence
half-
have occasionally paid
at Galle
penny per pound

island
for
them, and never less at
for the
supply of these vegetables, but in 1823
first
this article of food
remains dear and comparatively
St
ud
good crops are now annually procured, but

scarce, as there has arisen a greater
io
is
the
potatoes were planted
Tr ia
in
Colombo than threepence. Some years ago, the was dependant upon Madras and Bombay
Kandy, and
still
demand from
Servant's
monthly
in
most establishments
;
PD
wages are not high, but the sum paid

large in proas the
sk
the influx of Europeans.
portion to the income
number of domeshousehold in
dollars *
de
tics,
although not to equal the retinue kept up in

far
India,
exceeds
moderate
Europe.
from
The appoo,
to
or head servant, receives

rix
fifteen
twenty-five
per
month, a good cook the same, the table-servant

from ten
to twelve, the horsekeepers,
and there
is
one to each horse, receive the like sum, the coolee,

*
A lix
dollar is one sliiUing
and sixpence.
180
or servant that sweeps the rooms,
and performs
boy
five,
menial
offices,
six or seven, the cook's
the grass-cutter for each horse three rix dollars,
and the ayah, or native female attendant where

there is a lady or children,
is
remunerated accordshe
ing to her knowledge of needlework, but never

receives less than the table-servant
;
and,
if
understands her business thoroughly as ladies'raaid, or nurse, frequently as
much
as the appoo.
is
paid according to the number of baths and

It is
quantity of water required daily.
custom
to provide the domestics with food; never-
theless few edibles ever
make
St
a second time upon the table
ud
;
io
for,
their appearance
your domestics' account, the

purloin
rats, dogs, or heat,
and
spoil
everything
that
Unmarried men,
sk
few are in the East,) can make two or three

vants suffice; but, although
PD
if
economically disposed, (but

ser-
we have known many

to
de
families have a larger
number of domestics than

our recol;
we have enumerated, we cannot recall

lection
any that had a smaller establishment
Tr ia
To
these must be added the water-carrier,
according to
disappears.
the whole household of

duties as efficiently as
in
men
will not
perform their
two women servants would
England.
House-hire
is
comparatively low, as there are no
who
not the
and
181
taxes, but in particularly healthy or fashionable
quarters, the rent

will
demanded
in
for
a good dwelling,
is
be found
little
lower than that which
paid
in
England, and
some instances much higher.
The
price of provisions at
at Galle, or
Kandy
is
one- third
at times
more than
and
Colombo, and
edibles of every description are exceedingly scarce,

difficult
to
be procured
upon
or
any terms.
Servants"*
wages and house-rent are also exceed-
ingly high.
Those who
reside
Tr ia
money
is
sojourn
l
at
Newera EUia,
or lodging,
is
are compelled to
pay exorbitantly
and,
to
for every article of food,
and
not to be procured for
io
at times a residence,
;
when
ud
the whole or portion of a domicile
be
obtained, the
St
for
sum paid
temporary accommo-
dation, equals if not exceeds, the rent extorted
by
ing place during the height of the season.
the
Dutch and Portuguese
sk
We
have been informed by the descendants of

that wages, house-rent,
de
the price of
PD
the lodging-house keepers of a fashionable water-
provisions and furniture, in every
part of the island, have

.
become more than
trebled
;
since the English obtained possession of Ceylon
and they have pathetically bemoaned

each year the value of everything
strangely
forgetting that,
to us that
increased
although
individuals
for-
might have to pay a higher sum than they
18-2
merly did, the diffusion of specie must benefit the

majority of the inhabitants, as lands become cultivated, and the market-price of the produce materially
enhanced by augmented consumption
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
183
CHAPTER
VIII.
Natural histoiyElephants of Ceylon spoken of by Pliny and Dionysius Sagacity Trained to be executioners by
Tyranny
shooting
gulai-
Knox's account Rogue-elephantElephantMajor RogersHis ninaculous escape Sindeath Elephants ascend the mountainsTusks found buried in the jungles Elks DeerWalmeenya Wild buffaloesBears Cheetahs, Beauty and or leopards -Kandian mode of snaring them Distinctive peculiarity Wild hogs Animals found in jungle Rats vShrewAnecdote of a musk-ratOrnithological mens Land-leeches TicksSnakesAnaconda Cobra or the sacred naga of the Cingalese Warning Hair-breadth escapeTic polonga LegendIchneumon attacking a cobra Crocodiles Hmitiug Crocodile chai-mersNative method of catching and destroying crocodilesFecundity Number of eggs Pugnacity of
de
sk
PD
docility
St
Ornaments made from the coarse hau-s of the tail King of Kandy's personal inspection of captm-ed elephants-
ud
KandyAncient mode of valuing elephants Anecdote Catching elephants with the atmaddoo
the kings of
io
Tr ia
capello,
l
speci-
184
the

young
}teiisities
Insect tribes Wliite Tlieir nests.

chapter
ants
Desti-uctive pro-
In
this
we do
not pretend to classify
scientifically the
mammalia, or ophidia, of Ceylon
we merely give sketches that we think interesting and amusing to those who desire general information. From historical records we find that Lanka-diva
has been celebrated for the tusks of
its
elephants
sius dilate largely
upon the superior
the ivory, which they represent as being whiter,
In ancient times also, the monarchs of the peninsula eagerly sought for the Ceylon elephants,
on account of their superior docility and courage
St
ud
other animals of the same species.
io
and of a
less
porous nature, than the tusks of
Tr ia
at
quality of
from a remote period; and both Pliny andDiony-
phants that were used in battle
sk
well as during the whole of the Punic wars, were
PD
and
it is
believed that the greater
number of eleby Pyrrhus, as
obtained from Ceylon, by the Phoenicians,
who
shipped them to the Persian Gulf, or the ports of

the
Red
de
Sea.
Cingalese annals
slate, that in the
palmy days of
and
spices,
their island, the traffic in elephants

all
formed their principal exports, as
the Eastern potentates, either
when
war with
show,
their neighbours or for purposes of stately
eagerly sought, and gave large sums for these
ponderous but sagacious creatures.
185
Some
authors have attempted to cast discredit

intelligence of the elephant, but
upon the natural

tiously say, that
from our personal observation we can conscien-
we
believe
them
to
be the most
sagacious of
all
quadrupeds, and most capable of
receiving man's instruction.

this statement,
Although we make
to affirm that all
;
we do not mean
elephants exhibit extreme intelligence
neither
all
fool-hardy enough to declare, that the characteristic

quality of
Tr ia
was a
do
men, nevertheless few would be
sufficiently
manhood was
stupidity, because
few are especially obtuse.

the faculty of
That elephants possess

an extraordinary extent,
memory
to
St
has been evinced in numberless instances, and

that they also understand the
ud
it
io
this
meaning of
of
guage has been distinctly proved, and we
PD
adduce
the
following
in
corroboration
assertion.
sk
During the native dynasty
was the practice
de
to train elephants to
put criminals to death by
trampling upon them, the creatures being taught

to
prolong the agony of the w^retched sufferers by

vital parts.
crushing the limbs, avoiding the

the last tyrant-king of
Kandy
favourite
mode
of execution, and as one of the elephant-
executioners was at the former capital, during our

sojourn there,
we were
particularly anxious to test
l
some
lanwill
our
With
186
the creature's sagacity
and memory.
enormous
The animal
and was
was mottled, and

neck
the noble
of
size,
quietly standing, with his keeper seated

;
upon
his
who accompanied us
of
desired the
man to dismount, and stand on one The chief then gave the word
side.
ordering the creature to " slay the wretch
command, !" The

it,
elephant raised his trunk, and twined
as
if
motions as
if
he were depositing the
Tr ia
around a human being, the creature then made
man on
the
earth before him, then slowly raised his fore-foot,
placing
it
alternately
upon the spots where the
limbs of the sufferer would have been.
ud
upon
io
to
This he
if satis-
fied the
bones must be crushed, the elephant raised
his trunk high
work," and the creature immediately placed one

foot, as if
de
upon his head, apparently using his

to crush,
sk
upon the man's abdomen, and the other

entire strength
and terminate the wretch's misery.

bear in mind the monarch was de-
When we
throned in 1815, and the animal had never since

that period been called
PD
above his head and stood motionless; the chief then ordered him " to complete his
St
continued to do for some minutes, then, as
perform the bar-
barous task to which he had been trained, few we

believe will be disposed to cavil, concerning the
extraordinary intelligence and
memory
evinced by

the creature.
187
Space will not permit us to bring
forward other instances, to demonstrate our assertion,
but volumes might be written in proof of the

sagacity and
elephant's
memory, being second
only to those of man.

Cuvier, no
mean
authority, slates that a
marked
difference is manifest in the formation of the Afri-
can and Asiatic elephant, and writes, " Elephas
boidalibus.
Elephas Indicus, fronte plano-con-
cava, lamellis malarium arcuatis undatis."
The
colour
height of a full-grown Ceylon
io
The
ud
mottled
varies from eight
and a half
their
to ten feet,
Tr ia
and
all
capensis, fronte convexa, lamellis malarium
elephant
their
have a portion of
flesh
St
is also diversified,
as
some of the tuskers

over their
head and ears of a speckled
colour,
others
PD
bodies, whilst
many
hue.
White elephants have been occasionally
but rarely found in the island, and the natives
sk
are
are of the usual elephantioe
duced from Siam.

Although
all
de
affirm this breed is not indigenous, but
was
tusk-elephants are males, not more
than three or four in a hundred have these valuable protuberances

;
the remainder being provided
with short tusks like the females, which project

eight or ten inches
variably incline
beyond the mouth, and
downwards.
tusks vary in
rhom-
intro-
in-
188

feet,
length from three to seven
and
their
weight
ranges between thirty to one hundred and twenty
pounds, but sixty-five or seventy are the average
weight of those appertaining

animal.
to
a full-grown
Formerly the
pally carried on
traffic
in elephants
was
princi-
by the Moormen, and, was
as their
mode
of valuing the creature
singular,
we
the
extremity of the fore-foot to the top of the shoulder,
and
for
every cubit they
demanded one thou-
io
;
sand rupees, and readily obtained that sum
Tr ia
One
that
is,
subjoin a statement.
They measured from
for
anecdotes are extant connected with the acknow-
ledged superiority of the island elephants, even
will not
vouch
as
we have never
sk
PD
for the accuracy of the statement,
by those of
their
own
St
ud
the Ceylon elephants.
Numberless extraordinary
species
and, although
we
seen an African and Ceylon
elephant
in juxta-position,
de
anecdote from Tavernier,

tell
we who
give the following

writes, "
I will
you hardly
to
be believed, which
when
any other king or rajah has one of these elephants

of Ceylon,
them,
in
if they bring any other breed before any other place whatever, so soon as the
other elephants behold the Ceylon elephants, by
an instinct of nature, they do them reverence, by

laying their trunks upon the ground, and raising
them up again."

In their native jungle,
tlie
189
tormented
in-
elephant
is
by a large species of mosquiio,

sect called the tick,
or fly,
and an
which pierces the hide, causing

on
excessive pain
and, to baffle these tiny but inrolls itself
exorable enemies, the huge creature

the earth, and,
when a wild elephant emerges from

is
the jungle, the skin
of a dingy brick-dust colour,
from the sand and particles of red earth that cover

the hide.
The elephants are now only found in the thickl}'wooded forests of the interior, although under the
Dutch, and during the rule of the
io
governor, the Honourable Frederick North (since
St
Lord Guildford), the great elephant-hunts used

one or two thousand men would be employed
ud
Tr ia
first
;
English
l
to
take place in the maritime province, and at times
for
many weeks
into kraals.
in snaring elephants, or driving them
As
is
the
de
generally the
sk
mode
PD
of snaring and hunting elephants
same and has been
often described,
we
will only allude to
one of the former, that
we
is
believe to be peculiar to the island, and which

called are
ATMADDOO,
either
or hand-snaring.
The ropes
the hunters
made
in
from buffaloes' or bullocks' hide,

at
and have a running noose

lie
one end
wait in a jungle where they find recent

;
tracks of the elephants
concealed in the trees,
190
they readily perceive the approach of the animal,
and allowing
it
to
pass their ambush, stealthily
creep in the rear, getting close to the creature,
and awaiting
the favourable
moment
slip
the
noose under a hind-foot, another hunter twining

the opposite end of the rope around the trunk of
tree.
is
The
elephant in attempting to pursue the

finally
route
checked and tripped up,
stumbling
additional ropes, and secure the legs
cords from one to the other in a figure of eight

the elephant is then
io
for
Tr ia
to
the other hunters immediately rush forward with
securely
fastened
by twisting
to
the
neighbouring
trees,
and a shed erected
ud
These
to protect
with safety.
phant-hunters were highly rewarded by the monarch, and were allowed to pluck out the long
coarse hairs that are occasionally found at the
sk
PD
Under
the native dynasty, the successful ele-
St
the animal until sufficiently
tamed
be removed
de
extremity of the
tail.
are highly valued
by the Kandian women, who weave them into bangles and anklets. The Kandian kings only
retained the tuskers and speckled elephants, the
others being set at liberty.
Sometimes,
to please
the potentate, the herd would be driven into the

city
and captured
in
in his presence,
and Knox, who
was a prisoner
Kandy
twenty-one years,

says,
191
" If the elephants caught did not please the

he ordered their liberation, but
if
kmg
they did,
he selected some spot near the
city,
and there
they were kept until he ordered them to be secured.
This might not take place
for
two or
three years, during
which interval headsmen and

if
watchers were set over them, and
the beasts did
chance
to
stray
beyond the royal bounds, the

for,
back again immediately,
were one only
they were apprehensive of the king's displeasure,
which was
It
is
little
short of death."
well
these
seen, the Cingalese say that

alia^''
St
found in herds, and when a solitary elephant

it is
ud
known
animals are usually

is
and turbulent conduct by the other members of It is strange, that whenever a solitary the herd.
sk
elephant
is
found or heard
PD
" liora
who has been
expelled for nefarious
of,
the creature is in-
and taking human

in former
de
variably viciously mischievous, destroying crops,

life,
apparently in wantonness
and without provocation, and a rogue-elephant

days used frequently
to lie in
io
a rogue-elephant,
a road, rush upon the unwary travellers, trample
them
to death, then quietly return
to the jungle.
Such an occurrence took place a comparatively

short time ago.
Tr ia
headsmen summoned
their followers to bring
wait near
them
lost,
192

the
In certain parts of the interior,

suffer
natives
materially
at
times
from the destructive
depredations of herds of elephants;

sionally,
trees,
and occa-
paddy-fields,
and topes of cocoa-nut
will
be completely devastated in the course
of the night.
Elephants have a strong partiality

cocoa-nut
;
for the leaves of the
and,
when they
cannot reach them with their trunks, they throw
tinued pressure, succeed in laying low the stately
palm.
vivid glare of the sun, is evidently obnoxious to

their eyes
;
and, for this reason, an experienced
St
ud
mals
is
extremely acute, but a strong
io
The
sense of smell and hearing, in these anilight, or the
PD
place himself in such a position as to allow,

possible, the
elephant-shooter
will
invariably
Tr ia
unless
endeavour
their
whole weight against the
tree,
and, by con-
to
if
beams
is
to fall
upon the elephant's

to
sk
forehead, as
it
near the eyes, at the top of the

is
de
skull, the vulnerable spot
be found.
Balls
will inflict
no serious
injury,
;
the brain
of the animal is perforated
when
this is the case,
in the time of a passing thought,
the ponderous
at the feet
and motionless of the comparative, pigmy destroyer.

creature lies prostrate
their
As elephant-hunters cannot conveniently bag

game,
it
is
customary
to cut off their tail,
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE. and bear

it
193
away
as a trophy,
and some amusing
anecdotes are current in Ceylon connected with
new arrivals and young sportsmen, who have commenced docking a live, instead of a dead
elephant, the creature having been merely stunned
by the shot; and the pain of the

its
incision acting
as a counter-irritant, causing the animal to regain

scattered senses and feet, the animal shuffling
off in
running swiftly in the opposite, bawling loudly

for assistance.
The most
celebrated elephant-hunter in Ceylon

it
was Major Rogers, and

by those who knew
that
ud
has been stated to us
io
he had
elephants. culous, and
PD
among
slain more than fourteen hundred His hair-breadth escapes were mira-
St
this
adventurous
Tr ia
man
its
one direction, and the inexperienced hunter
the
many we
will cite but one,

is
strictly correct.
The Major had

ball glanced off,
de
sk
which, although
it
savours of the wonderful,
shot at an elephant, but the

;
merely inflicting a flesh-wound
the creature, infuriated with pain, raised
uttering the terrific trumpet-like squeal,
they always
make preparatory
to a charge.
elephant seized Rogers with the proboscis, and

carried
him
a short distance, then dashed
the ground, into a deep hole, and trampled

VOL.
I.
l
K
well,
trunk,
which
The
him on
upon
194

places,
him, breaking his right arm intow

several of his ribs;
and
size
and
it
was only the small
of the hole into which he
saved his
life,
as
had been thrown that the elephant had not sufficient
room
to
use his
full strength.
When
his brother
sportsmen came up
to the
Major, they found him
lying senseless, and, so soon as he recovered his
speech he stated, that he was perfectly conscious

the elephant both seized
him, but that he knew attempting to escape, or
ud
was worse than futile, and that he was entirely passive upon principle, as he had often reflected upon such an event occurring, and
struggling
io
:
Tr ia
when
and trampled upon
believe no greater mastery of

resolution,
the 7th of June 1846, and the party were taking
refreshment at a Rest-house, preparatory to pursuing their

journey.
de
sk
mind over matter, or was ever recorded ihan this. The death of this courageous man was as melancholy as extraordinary he was travelling in the interior with a gentleman and his wife, on
PD
St
had resolved
to
remain perfectly motionless.
We
violent thunder storm
came on which detained the travellers for some time it had abated, the sun was again shining and preparations were making to resume their tour, when the Major stepped into the verandah, saying that he thought the rain had entirely subsided, and it was time to set out.
;
195
Suddenly, a vivid flash of lightning was seen,

a loud crash of thunder heard
called to him, saying they
;
his
companions
had
better wait awhile
longer
out,
not receiving a reply, the gentleman went

lifeless
and there lay poor Rogers a and merriment.
corpse,
full
who
life
but a few moments previously, was
of
Thus
died one whilst under
often braved the heat of the
battle, the fury of
the elephant,
and who had never shrunk from a
phants, without remarking upon their capability

of enduring extreme atmospheric changes,
St
ud
We
cannot conclude our observations upon
io
hazardous undertaking.
Tr ia
K 2
Cej'lon, the tracks
of these
animals are found
PD
alike in the valleys of the interior,
and on the
elevated thickly-wooded mountains, and
shelter
and apparently out of danger,
who had
ele-
for, in
many
of
valleys,
de
the ocean's level, the thermometer varying in the
sk
these elevations exceed six thousand feet, above
and on the mountains
forty-five degrees.
These clumsy animals appear also to delight in climbing steep hills, and slippery rocks, and ofttimes their mutilated bodies are found in precipices and abysses below.
Frequently tusks of a large size are discovered

in the jungles,
but whether they have been buried
by the
natives,
and forgotten, or have been forced
196
into

the
it
earth
is
by the animals, none can

tusks, their
tell;
though
fall
asserted that elephants in flight will
upon
their
own impetus and

sockets.
weight snapping them
off close to the
But, even presuming the latter statement to be

correct,
it
is
a problem to us
how
the tusks can
be found beyond their own depth, unless in the

course
of lime
them.
In the central province elks abound and afford
ud
the red deer of Scotland, and at a distance might

readily be mistaken for them.
io
good sport; these animals approximate closely
Tr ia
When
l
are
the soil has
accumulated over
to
they are
full-grown their height varies from four to five

feet
and a
St
their
half, their colour a
dark reddish brown,
vvliich
and hinder
lor their
among them Albinoes

llie
de
sk
deer indigenous to the island, that are remarkable

elegant forms and beautiful coats, and
are occasionally seen, with
red eyes peculiar to the colour,
PD
part.
gradually shades into black upon the neck
There are several species of
and these
animals are highly prized by the Kandians.
We
shall only describe the smallest of the deer
tribe called
by some
naturalists
is
the musk-deer,
the Linuffian the
name
of which
Moschus meminna,
These diminutive
the
Cingalese
Walmeenya.
creatures,
perfect in
proportions,

most exquisitely lovely of
beauty of
their
all
197
the
qnadrupeds
lustrous
delicate limbs,
eyes,
all
spotted skins, and graceful forms baffling

scription.
de-
We
had a full-grown
ten inches,
male,
whose
height did
fourteen
;
not exceed
and length
the throat, neck, and stomach, were milk
white; the remainder of the body was grey, regu-
tant yellow spots.
The head
gradually tapered to
the snout, whilst from either side of the mouth
io
how
to
protruded a small but perfectly-shaped tusk; the
Tr ia
tail
;
ud
eyes and ears large and open, the

the
short,
weight
of
the Lilliputian
was under
pounds.
It
St
was curious
to observe
kindness con-
PD
quered the animal's natural timidity

first
when we
to
had him,
if
an attempt was
made
kicking violently, and small as he was, he could

inflict
hoofs.
came domesticated, he was placed upon

after dinner,
de
strong kicks with his slender pointed hind-
sk
or
lift
him, he immediately snorted and resisted,
Gradually fear subsided, and, as he bethe table
and allowed
to nibble first
l
one
last,
larly striped
with black, over which were equi-dis-
and
five
handle
fruit
and then another from
the dishes;
at
he
would boldly walk about, and, when called by

name, would fearlessly approach and take food
from the hand, allowing caresses
be bestowed
198
CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE. His

;
upon him. by degrees

crouch
in
terror of the
dogs also diminished
at
first,
when they barked he would

the grass for concealment,
down
instantaneously, (as this species do
a wild
state,
among
as soon as they hear a noise,) and remain motionless,
panting with alarm, exhibiting other sympfear,
toms of
with dilated eyes.
At
length,
he
would become calm, finding no injury

and before we
terrier to
if left
inflicted,
stand close
to,
and
sniff his
the larger dogs barked
when he was out of
Tr ia
the island would allow a small

coat, and,
l
for,
his
cage,
would gaze inquiringly towards the spot
where the noise proceeded from, without exhi-
the
alive,
and succeeded
PD
With some difficulty, we obtained a female of same breed, as these animals are rarely taken
in bringing both to
St
first
biting the slightest uneasiness.
ud
io
is
England,
but unfortunately our changeable climate did not

agree with them, and
sk
our tame petted favourite
died of inflammation of the lungs.
de
The
and then the female sickened, and eventually each

wild buffalo of Ceylon
a variety of the
Malabar, but much larger and

in
fiercer,
and abounds
many
of the thinly inhabited districts.

is
Huntshould
ing these animals
considered perilous, (although
adventurous
spirits
pursue the pastime)
the ball not take effect near the
shoulder, the

brute invariably charges, in
clining sideways,
199
line,
in-
a curved
and presenting one horn with
unerring accuracy,
which too frequently enters

Their indomitable
the body of the sportsman.
courage and tenacity of life, are only equalled by

the spirit of revenge evinced
tacked.
natives,
when they
are at-
This
animal
is
called
gaura by the
and formerly
this breed overran
many
localities, that still
bear the creature's name.
The
bears of the island, though small, are refierce,
markably
and
their
will attack
unmolested.
the natives
These animals
as
are
ud
io
man even when much dreaded by

sharp
powerful fore-legs,
or so disfigure the person as to leave few pleasing
marks of humanity.
The
coat,
leopard, or cheetah, has a most beautiful
and a half feet, and, although extremely destructive
de
sk
and occasionally
PD
to
cattle, dogs,
and
all
never attacks
human
beings, unless in self-defence.
The Ceylon
leopard has distinctive peculiarities,

its
the principal one being,
back the claws within the sheath.

Cheetahs abound in the Kandian
the natives
districts,
St
claws, and fangs, usually inflict mortal injuries,
attains the length of seven
domesticated creatures,
incapacity to draw
Tr ia
wage
a perpetual
war of destruction
against them, on account of their partiality for
l
and
200

and poultry.
their cattle
They shoot them, with

is
cross bows, furnished with large bladed arrows,
and spring guns

closures, with
laid
they dig pitfalls over which
suspended a newly-killed animal, and make ena dropping gate, under which
;
is
some tempting morsel

is
left
in short,
no scheme
of extermination
untried,
and our only
astonishment
is,
that the whole race has not been
The wild hog

districts, is
is
found in most of the wooded
both ferocious and powerful, and will

are larger than the Westphalia boar,
ud
grown males
black,
io
;
readily turn to attack man, or beast.
Tr ia
is
l
The
full-
extirpated centuries ago.
the colour of their hides being a dark
brown
or
which shades
voured and succulent, resembling

venison.
PD
sport,
and the
and
throat.
Hunting these creatures

flesh
St
of a
into grey on the shoulders
a favourite
is well-fla-
young hog
newly-killed
hares,
de
In the jungles are also to be found jackalls,

the ichneumon or mongoose,
sk
a peculiar
species of weazel,
many
descriptions of monkeys,
sloths, squirrels of
some of them
flying-fox,
rare
and curious
every variety, and the hideous creature called
the
porcupines,
(which seriously damage
plantations of cocoa-nut trees, as their favourite
food
is
the centre of the root,)
and other animals

that our prescribed limits preclude noticing.
in
to
201
But
no part of Ceylon are

be seen.
lions, tigers, or wolves,
Amongst
the greatest domestic pests in Ceylon,
are the innumerable legions of rats that
abound
in
every part of the island and infest every dwelling,
and the audacious boldness of these destructive

vermin will hardly be credited.
We
have
fre-
quently seen the creatures perched upon the back
Tr ia
;
of a chair, or top of a screen, and not offer to

until
something was thrown
at
them
and we
io
give an account of a rat's presence of mind, that

will
equal that exhibited by Rogers
when he was
seized
by
the elephant.
our dogs,
we went
St
Hearing a great commotion and barking among

into the
ud
verandah
to ascertain
musk-rat;
prize,
the vermin, promising them that as soon as our
survey was completed, the rat should be returned.
We
de
we made the dogs relinquish their pro tem., as we were desirous to examine
took up the creature by the
sk
our nostrils soon informed us was a shrew, or
PD
the cause, and found they were disputing about the possession of a recently-caught animal, which
tail,
(the dogs
it
leaping and barking around us,) carried
dining-room, and held

observe
its
it
close to
the lamp, to
distinctive peculiarities.
K 5
l
move
will
into the
202

creature was without motion
;
The
not a muscle
moved, and the limbs hung loose as if life had This examination totally quitted the carcase.
lasted fully five minutes, and,
when our
curiosity
was
satisfied,
we threw
the rat to the dogs, (which
closely surrounded our legs and the table, yelping
with the excitement of expectation,) expecting to

see
it
torn to pieces,
when
its
to our
amazement the
all
celerity,
and ran
off,
but got clear away, baffling

it.
every effort of the dogs to retake

all
but also
stole a
cunning march upon us.

will
The musk-rat
occasionally measure twelve

tail
;
ud
io
must admit that the rat not only " stole away,"
inches from the snout to the
slender, the upper jaw^ projecting considerably be-
white, the colour of the coat grey, but the feet are
sk
totally
root.
ful
;
devoid of hair, and the
PD
yond the lower, the whiskers bushy, long and

tail is
St
The
effluvia of this creature is
de
and,
if it
runs over any edible, the article

llie
becomes so impregnated with

as to be totally unfit for use.
The
ornithological specimens of Ceylon are as

as beautiful,
numerous
and no study can be con-
ceived that offers a wider field for investigation.
From
the gorgeous feathers of the wild peacock
Tr ia
the head is
thick at the
most power-
peculiar smell
l
Assuredly,
brute not only took to
legs with
imaginable

to the diversified
203
plumage
aJl
of the Cingalese star-
ling,
from the rhinoceros bird to the jungle-crow

being met with on the
and blue rock-pigeon,

island,
and
all
furnishing alike subjects of profit;
able thought
to
and observation
to
we
believe Ceylon
be only second
of,
Australia for the
number
and beauty
indigenous birds.
In some parts of the island red-legged partridges,
to
contend with two serious drawbacks,

jungle and
Tr ia
it
l
let
;
quails,
and snipes abound, but the sportsman has

the
game he seeks be an
tridge,
elephant, or buffalo, a par-
ud
is
abounds with land-leeches, and an exceedingly

disgusting insect called the tick.
is
found wherever there
St
io
or
snipe,
as
every
morass
The land-leech
its
long grass, and
through
to
exclude these blood-thirsty creatures.
The dimensions
de
never yet knew, or heard of any one, being able
sk
what
are
Some sportsmen wear called leech-gaiters, others boots, but we

the
clothing.
inch in length, and one-tenth in diameter, their

colour a dark green approaching to black
PD
then a very fine needle,
slender form
when ungorged not being

enables
to
thicker
penetrate
of the land-leech are about an
but
when gorged they
are quite
two inches long, and
three quarters of an inch in circumference.
They
draw a considerable quantity of blood,

7
their bites
204

irritation
;
causing great
and,
if
the-
places are
their
scratched, eventually inflammation.
As
mo-
tions are peculiarly agile, they are most difficult to

kill,
or to
remove
for,
when you have succeeded

legs,
in taking
them
off"
your
they ahuost instanta-
neously fasten upon your hands, before you have

time to destroy them.
It
is
dangerous
to
pluck
them
oft"
quickly, as that increases the irritation of
they immediately drop
off.
Lime-juice, and other acid applications, will
ous, only suffer

iheir bites,
temporary inconvenience from
St
ud
those
who
are of
good habit of body and abstemiothers
io
who
is
alleviate the itching
and staunch the bleeding, and
Tr ia
live
the wound, bul,
if
ihey are touched with brandy,
whilst
freely,
and
animals suffer severely from the land-leech, and
sk
sheep will not thrive upon any pasture where they

are to be found.
PD
whose wounds
constitutions are debilitated, often find the
fester,
and ultimately
ulcerate.
Many
During the dry season, these

all
noxious creatures multiply to an almost incredible

extent,
hills.
de
and especially abound upon
wooded
the ticks
leaves in
As leeches abound in the grass, so do upon the trees, where they lie upon the
myriads, and,
or
if
the branch
shaken by the wind

fall
touched by the sportsman, they
upon
his

person and drive him neariy insane
;
205
as their sting
resembles the prick of a red-hot needle, and the

skin
is
no sooner pvmctured than intolerable
itch-
ing supervenes.
These
filthy
insects are about
the size of a very large pin's head, of an oblong
form, and
flat,
and of a mulberry colour
they are distended with their sanguinary meal,
can positively declare that

that were quite a quarter of
when we many have seen we

;
but,
The
legs of ticks
seem
to
small hooks, as they cling to the skin with most
Tr ia
to pull
be provided with
ud
them, without pulling the body from the limbs
io
obnoxious tenacity, defying every
effort to
l
remove
;
an inch wide.
these insects are as troublesome to animals as they

are
to
man, and without extreme caution
St
will
agonizing torture upon the poor brute which, mad-
PD
between the
toes,
cluster
round the fleshy part of a dog's foot and

eating into the flesh, inflicting
sk
dened by the pain, vainly essays
them out
de
with the teeth.

readily fasten
We
found that ticks Would more
upon an European than upon the

used
to
country-born dog, and we shall not readily forget

the
manner
in wliich our terriers
be bitten
care
tor-
by them, despite the daily ablutions and

taken to free the dogs from these ruthless
mentors.
Snakes, venomous reptiles, and insects, aboiuid
'206

and
it is
in Ceylon,
surprising that so few deaths
occur annually from their bites.
We
shall neither
attempt to enumerate, nor classify the Ophidia,
merely mentioning what we think most likely to

interest the general reader.
The
is far
largest of the serpent tribe in
Ceylon
is
the
anaconda, (belonging to the genus Python,) and
from being
uncommon
in the island
full-
twenty
feet,
and we have heard

feet long,
one twenty-five
in regular
patches of a dark rich brown and yellow

are large
ud
informant.
This
reptile is
io
and a half
in
and whose body was two circumference, was killed by our

handsomely marked
;
the teeth
and sharp, and the muscular

is
St
PD
has two
homy
excrescences, or spurs, near the

reptile to
povver of the jaws
very great.
Tr ia
it
asserted that
The
l
its
grown snake will measure from
seventeen
to
creature
tail,
and these enable the
cling with greater
sk
security to the branches of the trees, from
which
reach.
de
it
will swing,
ready to seize upon and entwine
around any animal that
may come
within
They
the
encircle their victims in the
boa-constrictor,
crushing every bone,
same manner as and
lubricating the carcase with saliva before swallow-
ing
it
and, although they have been

deer, or
known
to
seize
upon a
is
young
buffalo, their usual
prey
believed to bejackalls.
The Cingalese do

not particularly dread this snake,
attacks man.
as
it
207
rarely
The
as
cobra-capello, or
hooded snake,
is
is
called
naga by the natives, and
considered sacred,
arrival
on the western coast before the

it is
of
Goutama Buddha,
believed the people wor-
shipped this snake.
The
reverence with which

its
this reptile is regarded,
although
venomous
tives
destroying
reasons are assigned
by them
to
Europeans, to ex-
In Kandy, when a cobra
slaying the noxious vermin, and thus preventing
farther mischief accruing, the people wishing to
the night to
some
fear
PD
be rid of
St
it,
it,
will secure
and convey
village,
ud
is
life,
inflicted
by the
cobra, or naga.
caught, instead of
io
tenuate or account for the deadly bite too often
distant
desire
sk
Those who
to hesitate
and
the destruction of
de
the naga, but
whose
superstition
causes them
before they take
make a comfor
promise with their conscience, by enclosing the

snake in a mat-bag, with some boiled rice
food,
and place the
receptacle,
inmate,
food in a flowing stream, where the snake

certain
to
Tr ia
it
during
jungle.
or
meet death either by drowning, or
from the hands of some less scrupulous devotee.
l
and
is
nature
is
well
known, prevents many of the naand the most ingenious it;
208
Therefore,
we warn our
Isle,
readers,
if,
in the course of
their peregrinations, they should
wnnder through
a river's
the
Cinnamon
and see floating upon
sparkling surface a mat-bag, the mouth of which

is tied
with especial care, not to open the same
without due caution, or they
may be
greeted with
a loud hiss, and be severely punished for indulg-
ing in the ao-caWed /e?nmi?ie propetisiti/ of curiosity.
This
reptile,
when
full
grown,
from six to seven
feet
in length,
Tr ia
is
and varies
l
often found
in
colour, those of a light

natives, high-caste,
snakes,
The
ud
io
hue being called by the and those of a dark, low-caste

poisonous and
seen by a
bite of this reptile is
there
is
time to
flee
St
generally deadly, but
if
human
being
;
from the impending danger
as the creature is compelled to twine the lower
extremity, and erect itself
PD
upon the
it
coil,
before
it
sk
can dart.
The
aspect of this creature with
its
inflated head, just before
de
deadly spring,
is
said to
is
makes its be most terrific
unerring;
and the
following occurrence
indelibly imprinted
upon
our memory.
A
and
legal friend
to relieve
was going on
the
circuit to Jaffna,
tedium of the journey had
quitted his palanqueen and taken his gun, re-
solving to walk in the shade, looking for game.
209
and soon bemoaned his

sport.
fate at
not meeting with
He
observed
for
some distance the tracks
and footmarks of elephants, but neither bird nor

beast presented
thicker,
itself;
the footfalls
became deeper,
and
fresher as he penetrated farther into
the jungle, bearing evidence that a numerous herd
had but recently passed through. Our friend picked his way carefully between
these tracks, and, as he stepped over a very deep
hole,
he thought he saw a dark glistening subit
stance filling
up
he proceeded a few yards,
then turned round intending to retrace his steps
and
satisfy himself
to his
what the shining object was,
head, rising from the hole over which he had just

before stepped
;
he instantly levelled his gun and

it
PD
St
when,
dismay, he saw a cobra with inflated
ud
shot the venomous brute before
io
had time
The
more
sk
and
erect itself.
tic-polonga, although
somewhat
and the
Tr ia
in
smaller,
l
to coil
is
de
to
be dreaded than the cobra, as the

fatal,
bite is
almost instantaneously
tile
terrible rep-
darts forward without the slightest warning,
or giving the victim a moment's notice,

it is
in short,
Ceylon.
spiteful.
the most dangerous and vicious snake in the
island, despite the assertion of a recent author to
the
contrary,
who has never been

is
This
snake
peculiarly
active
and
210
attacking alike bipeds and quadrupeds, and the

effects of its
all,
venomous fangs
are the
same upon
and
the muscular powers becoming paralyzed, and

;
the sanguineous fluid speedily coagulating
we
never heard but of two
men who
recovered
after
being stung.
tic-polonga
is
The
long,
frequently three or four feet

thick in proportion to the
and the body

;
is
is
dark grey, almost appi'oaching to lead.

galese abhor this snake as
much
the cobra-capello, and the following legend con-
nected with these two reptiles illustrates the
ud
io
;
Tr ia
is
length
the head
triangular,
and the colour a
as they venerate
l
a
its
The Cin
dif-
" In the
valley,
is
St
ferent sentiments entertained

isle
by them.
there
of Serendib
call the
happy
It
fields
that
men
vale of Kotmale.
watered by numerous streams, and

rice in
produce
PD
abundance
but at one season
great drought prevails, and the mountain torrents
then cease their constant roar, and subside into

rivulets, or altogether disappear.
de
sk
At
this period
when
the rays of the noontide sun beat fiercely

earth, a tic-polonga
and hotly on the parched

encountered a cobra-capello.
in vain sought to
The polonga had

thirst,
quench his burning
and
gazed with envy on the cobra, who had been
more successful
in his search for the pure beve-
; ;

rage.
tell
211
Oh puissant cobra, me where T may find the

' !
I perish with thirst
stream wherein thou
hast revelled.'
cobra,
Accursed polonga,' replied the

the
earth,
'thou
cumberest
wherefore
should I add to the span of thy vile existence.
Lo,
near to this flows a mountain-rill, but an

is
only child
disporting herself therein, while
her mother watches the offspring of her heart.
Wilt thou then swear not

if I
to injure
impart to thee where thou mayest cool thy

'
parched tongue.'
swear by
all
*
Serendib,' rejoined the polonga,
harm
the infant.'
it
'
Thou
St
in front of
gushes forth a spring of water,
ud
seest
evil
io
his
that I will not
yonder hamlet
that abates not during the intensity of the

heat.'
The polonga wended
Tr ia
way
girl
the infant,
the gods of
summerto
spot,
and there beheld a dark-eyed

rushing
waters.
PD
bathing
the
in
the
Having quaffed
sk
delicious liquid,
he repented him of his oath
de
touching
the infant.
her, and,
His
as
soul prompted
him
and
to
kill
she lay beneath
shade of a leafy tamarind-tree,

inflicted
he approached
a mortal wound.
As he
from his dying victim, he again met the cobra,
who
the
seeing blood on his fangs, and perceiving

cause,
thus
addressed him.
oath
'
Hast thou
forgotten the sacred
thou
swearest unto
l
the the
retired
212

?
me
geance.
The blood of Thou shalt
thy victim
surely
die.'
cries
for
ven-
And, darting
his fangs into the
body of the polonga, he slew
him
tiles,
instantly."
There are many other venomous snakes, repand insects indigenous

notice
;
to the island,
which
we cannot
and
till
and,
when the Kandians catch
any of these, they invariably suspend
a warning to their fellows.

to
if
The
this rule
being the sacred naga, who, even

is
exterminated,
never subjected to so great
The
is
ud
an indignity.
beautiful
io
little
creature,
St
the declared foe to this snake,

:
of the snake and seixes the nape of the neck, and
PD
the assailant
the animal springs
never uncloses
less.
its
teeth
until the
Tr ia
the
their lifeless bodies to the trees,
we presume
as
only exception
ichneumon,
is
and
invariably
upon the back

snake
is life-
de
Those who have witnessed the

tries
sk
battle say that
the cobra always
to escape,
and that before

to a
commencing
the
fight the
ichneumon runs
particular plant
and eats a portion, and
this serves
as an antidote to the reptile's poison.
We
are
rather incredulous
upon
this latter point, but are

will assail the
quite certain that the
ichneumon
snake in the open
air,
and as scrupulously avoid

doing so
say
either
if in if
213
cannot
an enclosed space.
antipathy of the
We
the
ichneumon
encounters
extends
to other serpents, as all the
we
have heard of took place with the cobra-cacrocodiles of Ceylon grow to a great size,
pello.
The
feet;
some of the full-grown males measuring twenty

species found in the island differ materially in the
formation of the head from the crocodiles of the
io
Ganges,
animals
but they are
equally ferocious,
and a native told us he knew a
was dragged out of

one of these monsters.
of
St
his canoe
ud
the
fire
leaving go of their prey, seizing alike
and devoured
Tr ia
men and man who

by-
In the tanks and streams
in small sheets of
sionally in a season of long-continued drought,
de
sk
flat
and
scantily-populated districts, and occa-
PD
Putlam these
reptiles
water that are met with in the
swarm, being also found
crocodiles will be seen

their
in
jungles,
making
way from
sport,
the dried-up tanks to the rivers.

creatures,
Europeans hunt these

good
and consider
but their average length
is
fifteen.
The
never
it
and the
lives of
many
valuable dogs
fre-
have often been sacrificed, as the crocodiles
quently seize the animals and drag them under

the water.
The only way
to avoid this disaster is
to ride close to the dogs,
and
as they approach
the water.
214

is
Another method of destroying the crocodiles

too
the following, which, although efficacious, savours
much
of slaughter in our estimation to be
called sporting.
Hooks, baited with
flesh,
are
attached to about twenty thin, but strong strings,

a piece of
wood being
fastened to the opposite
extremity of the
attached.
lines, to
which a strong cord

is
is
This apparatus
cast into the water
has been seized

the
the
men
then pull the cord, and

in
is
numerous
strings
having become entangled
the wide-set teeth of the crocodile, the head
soon drawn above the water, and the sportsman
the spine
the creature
St
aims a shot between the head and neck

is
ud
io
Tr ia
by attendants, the
float indicating
when
l
to
the bait
break
then hauled on shore
and despatched with spears, or guns.
We
have
heard of some men killing in this manner
PD
many
dozens in the course of the year, but we again

repeat,
de
In the districts infested with crocodiles,

themselves
crocodile-charmers
sk
it is
too like butchery to suit our taste.
men
calling
abound,
and, as these cunning fellows
know
the habits and
haunts of the reptiles, they generally succeed in
conveying a party safely through, or across a

stream.
Crocodiles, although ferocious, are slugif
gish and cowardly
attacked, and the natives of
Putlam
will
go
in
a large body into the water.
CFALON AND THE CINGALESE.

and drag them on shore with strong
nets.
215
Those
who drag
tion,
the net keep their legs in constant moothers
whilst
shout and
;
strike
upon the
water with long poles

to terrify
this disturbance appears
and confound the crocodiles,

struggle but
little
who comin
paratively
when entangled
the net.
Men, armed with spears and

as the reptiles are
fire-arms, remain
on the banks of the tank, or stream, and so soon
drawn
into shallow water they
the spear try to

leg, as that is
the
most vulnerable part of the
creature.
they prefer this
St
;
And
ud
by
bark
wound
the reptile under the fore
io
it
are speedily despatched.
The
natives in using
mode
powder and
ball,
as from the hard
PD
surface of the
crocodile's skin,
any, save a good marksman, to mortally
The
fecundity of the crocodile
sk
the reptile.
is
the female lays from seventy to eighty eggs, which

are larger than a goose's
de
these are deposited in

the heat of the sun,
arrive
the sand, being hatched
and numbers of the eggs fortunately never

at maturity.
eggs, and liberated the

that
Those who have broken the mature young crocodiles, state

immediately
they utter a sharp
Tr ia
and
to wasting
is difficult for
proverbial, as
l
irregular
wound
on
leaving the shell, and will snap and bite a stick,

or
any other weapon held near them.
216
It is impracticable to particularize
many
of the
insect tribe,
although Ceylou
is
as rich in these
as she is in her ornithological
and vegetable kingfire-flies
dom, and the brilliance and beauty of the
and beetles are proverbial, whilst the white ants

are equally celebrated for their destructive propensities.
This small insect and natives, as

furniture,
it
is
dreaded both by Europeans
devour clothing, and render provisions
useless.
And what
is
most extraordinary
Tr ia
a to entice
fire
will
undermine houses, destroy
is,
that
the insect will eat
ud
leg of a piece of furniture, leaving the exterior
io
away
the interior of a beam, or
apparently
sound, and the
first
intimation you
have of the work of destruction being commenced,

is
the
beam
St
down
falling
in particles of dust
or
PD
the table, bedstead, or chair giving way.

tain seasons they acquire wings,
At
certo
and possibly,
sk
the dismay of the inhabitants, in
few minutes
de
every article in the room will be covered with
white ants, and the only

of the dwelling
is
way
them out
in
to
have a
kindled
the
compound,
as a bi'illiant light invariably attracts
these insects.
The Cingalese
boiled rice,"
call
their nests
" heaps of old
and they are composed of various
substances, so amalgamated as to bear a strong

resemblance
grains of rice.
to
217
a fine
white
honeycomb
and
We
have heard of those who have abodes to examine them,

for their
broken
off pieces of these
and who have as a reward

of investigation,
bitten or
laudable spirit
we presume, been most severely stung by the inmates. A difference of
opinion exists, as to whether white ants sting, or

bite;
VOL.
de
I.
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
we know not what means they employ, but we do know they can draw blood in one instant, and cause extreme pain when inflicting the wound.
218
CHAPTER
Geographical position of Ceylon
IX.
io
visited
5*^
Size, fertility,
classical wiiters of antiquity
Cingalese records
Date of the submersion of the
ud
Mentioned by
Wijeya
Tr ia
and produce
l
Hindoo and
island,
nearly coincides with
St
the Mosaic
Indian
conqueror,
Aborigines Island
by the Komans
given in the
first
PD
Cingalese ambassadors visit

sixth
visited
centui-y
Rome Account
by Comas Indicopleustes
Island
sk
by the Portuguese in 1505 Native account Dutch in Ceylon Wars between the Portuguese and
de
Dutch
Affecting
historical
anecdote
Battles The
Portuguese possessions in Ceylon obtained by the Dutch

in 1658
List of the Portuguese Governors.

is
Ceylon
gitude
island,
siliiale
between
56',
and
9^ 50'
north latitude, and between 80 and 82 east lon;
and, froin the shape and position of the

it
has, with
to
no
less
beauty than truth,

of"
been compared
a jiear'-drop on the brow

the Indian continent.
miles, its
is
219
about 276
Its
length
its
is
breadth about 103, and
circumference
is
about 900.
The
superficial area
nearly
is
24,000 square miles, and the population
esti-
mated
a-half.
(since the last census) under a million
and
The
island
is
bounded on the north-east

it is
by the Gulf of Mannar, by which

other shores.
separated
from the main land, and the Indian Ocean bounds

its
The
scenery
;
Tr ia
for
l
sea-shoi'e
in
presents
great
diversity
of
rocks, in others
cocoa-nut trees, which skirt the island, presenting

a scene of truly oriental beauty.
In the interior are mountains from 6,000 to
natural circular fortification, protecting the inte-
to defy
European modes of warfare
sk
rior,
by means
PD
of
8,000 feet in elevation, which form a species of
which the natives were enabled
St
it is
ud
io
some places studded with barren wooded to the water's edge with
more than
de
three
centuries.
Many
trees
of these
mountains are
clothed from base to summit with primeval forests,
and among the

laurel, but,
may be
seen the cinnamon-
when
this
shrub attains the dimensions

useless for
of a moderate sized tree,

cial purposes. It is
commer-
on the slopes of these mounadapted

for the
tains that the soil best
cultivation
of cofTee
is
situated,
and since 1835 the culture of

L 2
220
this slirub lias so increased, that the ]ivoduce of
Ceylon alone,
is
nearly sufficient to furnish the
supplies requisite for the consumption of Great

Britain.
Although the breezes passing over the ocean
and these
the
lofty
mountains are
at
times refreshing,
oppression
is
produced by the heated atmo;
sphere
frequently extreme
but the suffocating
are here entirely
unknown.
The Wellanee,
dora,
the Mahawelliganga, the Gui-
and the Kalluganga, are the principal
io
Tr ia
:
simooms experienced on the continent of India
rivers
and the sources of these, together with those of

mountains
St
some smaller and

lofty
isle
;
tributary ones, originate in the

fertility
and the
ud
of this verdant
may be
good water.
The temperature
PD
attributed to the plentiful supply of
of the
island varies consider
sk
ably,
as in
the mountains, and at

fall
Newera
Ellia,
de
the thermometer will
below freezing-point,
range from eighty-six
whilst on the coast
it
will
to ninety-six of Fahrenheit.
From
the earliest ages

for
Lanka-Diva, or Ceylon,
the sea yield-
has been renowned
the wealth of its marine,
vegetable, and mineral productions
ing cosily pearls, and a plentiful supply of various
and delicious
fish, fit fur
the sustenance of
man.
"2-2
The
vegetable
kingdom teems with
riches of
another nature, equally valuable
the coffee-bush,
is
from the berry of which the fragrant decoction
made
pure
the cinnamon-laurel, the bark of which
furnishes delicious spice, and from

oil is
whose leaves a
its
obtained
;
the nutmeg-tree, with

its
aromatic spice
the dove-tree, with

its
fragrant
spiral slender leaves
and the tobacco-plant.
The
into
graceful cocoa-nut tree,

is
which
a cooling and delicious beverage, the ripened nut
St
food, the shell fuel, the fibres are

or rope, tracted
;
ud
is
cient to cover the root; the green fruit furnishing
io
is
;
existence where there
scarcely soil suffi-
woven
and from the old nut a pure
Tr ia
oil is
will spring
into coir,
from the elements
sk
which, when fermented, a spirit

sugar extracted
fruit,
;
PD
the
leaves,
;
when
plaited,
form a shelter
the trunk yields a juice from

distilled, or
]jast
and the
tree,
when
bearing
timber
de
is
cut
down, and the beautifully-variegated

into articles of furniture.
its
is
made
The
in
Jack-tree, with
enormous
fruit
oval shape, measuring more than eighteen inches
diameter,
affording
nourishment
while
yellow trunk, when hewn,

for
made
into articles
bread-fruit-
domestic use.
The magnificent
blossoms; the sugar-cane, with
juicy pulp and
ex-
of an
its
2-22

with
its
tree,
splendid
foliage
and
fruit
the
orange, pomegranate, lime, shaddock, and tamarind,
with their luxuriant verdure, flowers,

;
and
delicious fruit
added
to these,
we
find the
Malay
apple, cashew-nut,
fig,
papaw, jambo, almond,

rambatam,
guava,
trees,
custard-apple,
and
mangoe
fruit, all
and nearly every other
tropical
being distinguished for their size and umbrageous

foliage.
Amongst the denizens of

young
other
;
vegetation,
Tr ia
l
we
find
the elegant banana, or plantain-tree, with

leaves, folded trumpetwise
its
broad,
io
:
one within the
the superb amethyst, bell-shaped flower,
St
with yellow petals, and the pendant clusters of

yellow, ripened, luscious fruit
the
ud
amber ananas,
and the grena-
or pineapple, with its green crest,
PD
dilla
melon with
its
mottled rind.
Whilst amongst
sk
culinary vegetables are brinjal, yams, sweet potatoes, occus, a species of
cucumber, pumpkins, and

fruit,
de
rice
whilst European vegetables and
such
as strawberries, peas, beans, potatoes, and cab-
bages,
have been introduced into Kandy
and
Newera-Ellia since 1823.

In the forests are found,
the
noble talipat,
ebony, calamander, banyan, areka-nut, suriya and
many
other trees, whose
names
are totally
un-
223
known
to
Europeans
but,
were we
to attempt to
give an account of
all
it
the riches of the botanical
produce of Ceylon,
would occupy volumes.

the earth's
The
frultfulness of
womb
is
here
developed in the production of the ruby, emerald,

sapphire, onyx, amethyst, opal, moon-stone, cat'seye, jacynth,
and topaz.
The
precious gems here
enumerated are found
at the present
day
and we
have been informed by a Kandian noble of high

rank, that gold was formerly found on the island.
io
;
From
"
the foregoing facts,
it is
apparent
Tr ia
has done for this delicious land
and,
management, the
nies,
by judicious and energetic government and prolific and fertile isle might
and the brightest colonial gem
PD
soon be rendered the most productive of our coloin the British
The Cingalese
sk
diadem.
St
are extremely
ud
What Heaven
proud of the
de
brity
and antiquity of
their isle
and the native
historians assert,
that thousands of years before
the birth of our Saviour, the island
was peopled by a race whose mental powers were highly cultivated,
and of
it is,
whom
they are the descendants.
Certain
that the Cingalese, for centuries past,

in
have been retrogading
the arts and sciences
l
;"
cele-
as the antiquarian remains of public buildings,
224
tanks,
and temples of vast magnitude, found
in
the interior of the island, indicate the existence of
a nation, which had nurtured and brought to perfection the nobler arts.
These extraordinary remains
will
be noticed
to the
more particularly
larly,
in a future
paper devoted
antiquities of Lanka-diva; but to proceed regu-
we must now
glance at the early history of
volved in obscurity.
that here
Cingalese historians affirm

;
was situated the garden of Eden
Tr ia
first
Ceylon, although the greater portion of
l
it
is in-
from
the top of the highest mountain in the island,

called
Adam's Peak, they say
St
of
all
mankind was expelled, and
ud
io
that the progenitor
that from this

is
mountain's top the trace of his footstep

seen.
to
be
We
PD
gather from
F
Herodotus that the
earlier
sk
Greeks had a knowledge of the countries and

islands east of the Indus, but the
circumstanor Ceylon,
tial
is
who
B. c.
de
account that we haveof Taprabane,
given by Onesiculus, the Macedonian admiral,

lived B.
c.
329 or 80.
Diodorus
Siculus
44, gives a correct account of the size and
situation of the island
and describes the

is
natives,
fidelity,
customs and pi'oductions, with extreme

although a love for the marvellous
occasionally
indulged
in.
Strabo
states
that
Taprabane
'220
abounded
iu elephants,
and that the contiguous
waters teemed with amphibious creatures of an
immense
size.
Dionysius,
who
flourished a.d. 36,
confirms former accounts,
saying,
"
And from
to the
thence the vessel's course being turned
west, immediately in front of the promontory of
Koolis, you will come to a large island, Taprabane, mother of Asia born elephants, and other strange
the size and value

tusks, the
of the
elephants and their
gems and
fragrant spices.
standing numerous
other proofs
is
to
prove that Ceylon
sity of
opinion has arisen
St
Taprabane of the ancient classical historians, a diver-
among
it
PD
identity of the island j but, as
able to follow ancient or

their various
modern authors through

on
this
ud
:
duced
synonymous with the

writers, as to the
io
would be unprotitsubject,
Tr ia
L 5
animals."
This celebrated geographer
treats of
Notwith-
have been ad-
disquisitions
sk
shall proceed to give an account of the
presumed
" Historia de Ilgha de Zeilau "
The Chinese, from a remote period, w ere the masters of Oriental commerce and some of their
;
de
origin of the Cingalese.
Ribeiro writes, in his
vessels were driven
near the district

Chilau.
upon the coast of Ceylon, which they subsequently termed
The mariners and passengers saved
themselves upon the rocks; and, finding the island
we
226
fertile,

soon
established
themselves
upon
it.
Shortly afterwards, the Malabars, having discovered

it,
sent hither their exiles,
whom
they deno-
The exiles were not long in mixing with the Chinese and from the two names was formed Chingalees, and afterwards
;
minated Galas.
Chingalais."
The
sities,
other statement
is,
that the son of an Indian
who, the native authors
the island, and bestowed
upon them
Tr ia
assert,
king, Wijeya Singha, of renowned warlike propen-
l
is
conquered
his
name
of
or wherefore the island
io
Singha.
Why
called
ud
who
Ceylon, and the people Cingalese,

little
;
can matter
nese were neither wholly nor in part the abori-
the yellow skins, small elliptic eyes, broad faces,
and
flat features
that the Cingalese differ from
great similitude in every way, between the person
and complexion, of the Cingalese and Indian.
de
both in
To
sk
them completely, complexion and features. But there is
PD
gines of Ceylon, as those
St
but to us
it
appears evident, that the Chi-
are acquainted with
of that nation, will readily admit
us
it
seems that the only hypothesis

is,
to
be
drawn from the above

early date,
that the Indian king,
Singha, did conquer the island of Ceylon, at an
and that his followers mixed with the

is
aborigines, and from them the present race
de-

scended.
ever, are
227
Whether any of the
aborigines,
how-
now
to be found in the island, whose

it
blood
is
unmixed with Indian,
is
difficult to
prove, or whether the Veddahs, or wild men,
of
the present day, are descendants of the original
inhabitants of Ceylon
distinct race,
terior, living
but at this time they are a
and
are only to
be found
in caves,
in the in-
in the jungle,
or in rude
jungle to jungle in search of game, quitting each

successively as food becomes scarce, and shooting
their prey with rude
bows and arrows
io
Veddahs
ud
;
will not hold intercourse, live in a
Tr ia
;
huts built of the branches of trees, wandering from
and these
town,
St
or intermarry
with
the
inhabitants.
We
been informed that the language they speak
intelligible to
most other natives of the

therefore,
PD
All
these
facts,
strengthen our pre-
viously-stated supposition, that the Veddahs, are
sk
the aborigines of the island
and that the other
Indians.
[t is
de
inhabitants are the issue of the aborigines and the
distinctly
proved by historical records that

54."5,
the island was conquered by Wijeya, B.C.
and Ceylon was then

Hindoos, Lanka-diva.
to
called, as
It
it
now
may
not be irrelevant
remark, that both Hindoo and Cingalese chro-
nicles agree in stating, that about
2387
B.C.,
l
is is
have
un-
island.
by
the
228
island
(late
was ovevwlielmed by the

are but
forty years
it,
sea,
and
in this
there
difference
be-
tween
and the time assigned
to the
dehige by
native
Usher, in his erudite chronology.

writers state that this calamity
The
was brought about
by the wickedness of
of the inhabitants
similarity
their
monarch, Rawana, who

remarkable
then ruled the island, and the obdurate sinfulness

;
and
this also, is a
sons assigned for the flood.
Cingalese records
state,
"
The foaming waves
of our pearl-like island,
since then the resplendent palaces, stately towers,
llawana was the sovereign of Southern India and

king of Oude, into his " pearl-island kingdom," and
bloody wars ensued which nearly depopulated the

island.
de
sk
Ceylon, and carred off the lovely wife of Rama, the
And
PD
brass, are
known
the whole history

oldest epic
seven concentric walls, and battlements of shining

only to the gods of the sea."
St
ud
extensive provinces, as well as the lovely capital
io
of the ocean overwhelmed the most fertile and
Sri-Lanka-poora, and
Tr ia
extant.
between the Mosaic and heathen
rea-
is set forth in
the
Rama-yama, the
poem
Having
thus glanced incidentally at the history of Ceylon

before the flood, and the birth of our blessed Lord,
we
will proceed to the first century of our era.
Piinv affirms, that during the reign of the
Em-

peror Claudius, a
229
Roman
vessel from the coast of
Arabia, was driven upon that of Taprabane, or
Ceylon
that the king of the country treated the
Romans
with hospitality
and kindness during
their sojourn
of six months; and
upon
their de-
parture they were accompanied by four ambassadors
from the Eastern to the

writers
treat this
Roman monarch.
account as fabu-
Many modern
lous
;
his statement
by the
fact,
that
Roman
ancient date were found, in the year 1574, at
Mantotte, in Ceylon.
learn also, from Pliny,
that a fleet, consisting of

sail,
coasts of Malabar and Ceylon, for the purposes of
trade.
Doubt has been thrown on
St
went each year from the Red Sea
ud
more than one hundred

to
io
We
Tr ia
to
but, in our opinion, Pliny
is
borne out in
medals of
the
this assertion,
PD
ill-
as writers state that
it
would have been impracti-
cable for the
constructed vessels of that period,

for
;
and with imperfect knowledge of navigation,
de
the
Romans
sk
to
have traversed the Indian Ocean

it
and although
must be allowed that such a

have sailed
voyage must necessarily have been a perilous one,

still
it
was
perfectly practicable
with one monsoon, and to have returned by the

opposite, as
is
the custom, in the present day,
with the unwieldy junks of Siam.

All writers agree that in the
first
century after
230
the Christian era, regular commercial intercourse
was established between the inhabitants of Southern Europe and those of India and Ceylon.
Gibbon,
in his
" Decline and Fall of the

:
Empire,'' writes
" The objects of Oriental

trifling
;
Roman
traffic
gious worship and the

articles here
pomp
Tr ia
we may
pound of which was esteemed not inferior in value to a pound of gold precious stones, amongst which the pearl claimed the first rank after the diamond and a variety of aromatics that were consumed in reliwere splendid and
silk,
of funerals."
to
luxurious
Romans
with
ud
the
;
principal exports
required by the wealthy and
io
enumerated appear
have been the

of the
exception
elephant's tusks, from
St
which they manufactured

and personal
supply most abundantly
PD
ornaments, and this coveted-material Ceylon could

;
articles of furniture, drinking-vessels,
therefore
conclude that the trade of Ceylon with
sk
Rome was
de
considerable.
to
About
this time the
Chinese began
trade with the Cingalese
and we find com-
merce gradually extending until the sixth century, when Ceylon was visited by Cosmas, who was
surnaraed Indicopleustes, during the reign of the
Emperor Justinian and he particularly treats of the precious gems and spices, which were con;
veyed
to all parts of India, Persia,
and the Arabian
Gulph, from Ceylon.
l
;
The
fairly
231
We
cannot trace, century by century, the course
of the history or
quote the
commerce of Ceylon, but words of Marco Polo, who visited

1244.
:
will
the
island, a.d,
After describing
its
position
and
"
size,
he writes
Both men and women go nearly

grain besides rice
in a state ol
nudity,
only wrapping a cloth round their loins.
They have no
which
rice,
and sesame, of
part of the world
and likewise sapphires, topazes,
costly
stones. *
St
amethysts, garnets, and
ud
many
io
and they drink wine drawn from The island produces more valuable and trees. beautiful rubies than those found in any other
and
flesh,
other precious and

is
Tr ia
it
latter
they
make
oil.
Their food
In this island there
high mountain, so rocky and precipitous, that the

ascent to the top
PD
is
impracticable, as
l
is
milk,
a very
is said,
excepting by the assistance of iron chains
em-
sk
ployed
for that
purpose
persons attain
de
by means of these some the summit, whei'e the tomb of

;
Adam, our
first
parent,
is
reported to be found."
And
the
yet this circumstantial account, w'ith its
veracity of detail,
was stamped
writers,
as fable, both
by
contemporaneous
and
those
who
Ibllowcd, for a lengthened period, after the decease

of the learned and truthful author.
* Samauella, or Adaiu's Peak.
232
Ill

the year of our Lord, 1444, Nicola de Conle,
tali-
a Venetian, gives a particular account of the

pot-tree, its leaves, size, &c.,
and describes the

precious
mode
of preparing cinnamon, and the
gems and
pearls that were found in Ceylon.
the fourteenth to the sixteenth century,
From we have
;
much
valuable information given us by various
authorS;,
concerning the trade of the island
but
after
it
came
once
into the possession of

state, that, in
Europeans, we
Tr ia
its
it
as our principal business is connected with
it
will
at
1505, the Portuguese, under
Previously to proceeding with the history of the
St
ud
is
were permitted
to trade.
io
Don Lorenzo
de Almeida, visited the island, and
country from the sixteenth century,
we must
take
PD
count of the government of Ceylon under

rulers, or kings.
a retrospective glance at the ancient historical ac-
native
From
these accounts,
appears
sk
that the island
was frequently
in a state of war-
adjacent continent; that, with the fortunes of war,
each would conquer alternately, and in turn be subdued, when ratifications of peace would ensue
to
be again broken, which, necessarily, produced

hostilities;
de
fare, either
with the Malabars, or
Muormen
of the
fresh
and
it
apparent that
Kandy
and
the
adjacent
country became
subjugated
a prince
eventually by the Malabars,
who placed

of their
233
own
nation on the throne, and maintained
their position against the native kings of the south,
the Portuguese and
Dutch
rulers, until
dethroned
in 1815.
by the
force of British
arms and valour
The
ally
island
was divided
its
into various principalities,
each ruled by
own
king,
who would
the
his
continu-
make
incursions into the domains of a brother
monarch, when war would result;

party would become
captive,
tlie
weaker
and
would merge
into that of
conqueror.
Notwithstanding these continued internal commotions, the wealth of the people appears to have
been great; and
arts
and sciences were cultivated
the
statement not borne out by historical and
St
to an extent which would seem incredible, were
ud
io
Tr ia
that
it
kingdom
native writings of that period, and supported
PD
the remains of ancient grandeur,
which
are dis-
We
shall
de
sk
persed throughout the island.
now
leave the ancient historical retro-
spect of Ceylon, and return to a.d. 1505,
when
Portuguese obtained permission from the emperor

of Ceylon to trade with his subjects, bartering the
produce of Europe
of
their
island.
for the ivory,
gems, and spices
History
asserts
chance, or rather adverse winds, which drove the
Portuguese vessels on the shores of Ceylon, whilst

in
pursuit of
some Moorish
pirates
whom
l
by
the
was
they
234

sailing in the dii'ection of the Maldives,
had seen
in the
and the winds proving adverse, they sought refuge
Bay
of Colombo.
The Portuguese
at that
period were endeavouring to extend their trade,
and obtain possessions
in the east
Goa,
on the
Malabar
liar
coast, being their principal settlement,
and the contiguity of

facility for
Goa
to
Ceylon offered pecu-
bringing their policy into action.
a shrewd, crafty, wily politician, and one well
calculated to carry his sovereign's schemes for the
io
extension of his dominions into

ingly,
we
ud
find that the vessels
were scarcely an-
St
chored off Colombo, before he made overtures to

the emperor to trade with the natives.
Tr ia
effect.
Francisco de Almeida, the governor of Goa, was
Accord-
From
curious antiquarian work
F
:
in Cingalese, the follow-
ing description of the Portuguese, their diet, and

guns,
is
extracted
it
"
And now
sk
1505, that a ship from Portugal arrived and an-
de
PD
occurred, in the Christian year
chored in Colombo.
The
race of
;
men
are exceed-
ingly white and beautiful

to the feet
they wear a covering

iron,
is
and head made of
and they are

the colour of
always
in motion.
Their drink
blood; and they eat what looks like a white stone.
They have weapons of warfare which make a noise like thunder when it breaks upon Jugan-
235
dere Parivata, and a ball of iron shot from one of
them, after flying some leagues, will break a castle

of stone."
According
a treaty
to the
Portuguese historian, Ribeiro,
was made between the Portuguese and it was stipulated that the emperor, Prackrama, should pay a tribute annually, to consist of two hundred and fifty
Cingalese raonarchs, and
thousand pounds of cinnamon,

tugal,
to the
on condition that the latter should assist in
Although the trade of the island had been de-
ud
io
to
defending Ceylon from her enemies and invaders.
creasing for centuries,
still,
in 1518,
Tr ia
it
king of Por-
must have
been considerable
narch sent a
fleet
for,
of nineteen sail to enforce the
expedition, Alvarengo, writes (according to Ri-
many
sk
beiro):
" In
PD
payment of the
tribute, the
St
when
the Portuguese
commander of
the harbour of
Colombo we found
ships from Bengal, Persia, the
Red
to
Sea, and
other places, waiting for their freights of elephants'

tusks and spices "
tribute,
de
Prackrama refused
pay the
and
the
hostilities
were commenced by Alva-
rengo,
forced
who took
possession of Colombo,
Cingalese
monarch
acknowledge
himself tributary to the crown of Portugal.

the death of Prackrama, in 1527, the island
torn by civil war, which
was
carried on with
l
mothis
and
On
was
more
236
or less vigour until the year 1536 (during the
whole of
this period skirmishes continually took
place between the Portuguese and natives, which

invariably concluded by the success
of"
the former j,
when
the reigning monarch placed his grandson,

to his throne,
and successor
under the protection
of the crown of Portugal, sending an embassy to

that court with the
image of the young prince, and
Between the years 1518 and 1536, the Portuguese had introduced the form of Roman Catholic
worshij) into Ceylon, and had
tery in
Colombo, and Juan Monteira, the
ud
John
io
endowed a monasfirst
latter year.
In 1541, the effigy of the young prince, Dhar-
maa
Paala, which had been sent
PD
St
Romish bishop
of Ceylon, died at
Tr ia
Colombo
to
a crown of pure virgin gold.
the court of
Portugal, was crowned by
III., in the great
sk
hall of his palace at Lisbon, with
extreme cere-
mony and
de
rejoicings, the
ambassadors from the

retinue,
Cingalese monarch,
with a numerous
being present on the occasion

tugal,
the
king of Por-
by
this public act,
acknowledging that he
had accepted the protection of the young prince, and that he undertook the charge confided to him
by the grandfather of Dharmaa Paala, the then
reigning monarch of Ceylon,
who having been
l
in the
CKYLON AND THE CINGALESE.

accidentally
287
shot by a Portuguese gentleman in
the succeeding year, the Portuguese raised Dharraaa Paala to the throne, thereby exciting consi-
derable commotions amongst the natives, as the
uncle of
Dharmaa Paala
laid claim to the crown,
and was supportedby numerous followers; and, in

consequence,
much bloodshed
ensued.
Eventually the arms of Portugal were victorious,
and Dharmaa Paala retained possession of the

It is
:
throne until he bequeathed the whole island, in
time that a native historian writes

period forward, the
io
1580, to the crown of Portugal.
Tr ia
to
women
St
and also the women of the low
ud
" From
about this
this
of the principal people,

castes, such as
humowas and
gold, began to
challias, /or the sake
the Portuguese
PD
of Portuguese turn Chrhtians, and to live with
;"
and
it is
from this intercourse
subsequently with the Dutch, that the burghers,

or half-castes, have
de
sk
of the Cingalese
women
with the Portuguese, and
principally
sprung.
Ceylonese, as they
call
themselves, in contradis-
tinction to the Cingalese, possess all the vices of
the natives, without the redeeming or ennobling

qualities of either their
genitors.
European or Asiatic pronot allowed

retain
The Portuguese were
peaceable possession of the island, asRajah Singha
l
These
238
proclaimed himself king of Ceylon, and a long
and bloody war ensued, which ended and death of Rajah Singha,
curred in the year 1592.
at the
in the defeat
advanced age
of one hundred and twenty years, which event oc-
The Portuguese now

dependent
state,
resolved
upon subjugating
an infor
Kandy, which had remained

that purpose,
loss.
to this period
and sent a large force thither
which was defeated, suffering great
sessions in the
tive,
East Indies were vast and lucraisland
and
St
this
would open a new gate

;
ud
turned their attention towards Ceylon
io
It
was
in the year 1602, that the
Tr ia
;
l
Dutch
first
their pos-
to
gain, could they obtain a footing
consequently,
was despatched by the Prince of Orange and
sk
States General of Holland, with
PD
in furtherance of their design,
Admiral Spillbergen
men-of-
three
war, fully armed and equipped, to open

nication with the natives.
commu-
de
The
fleet anchoi'ed
south of Batticalloa on the
29th of March in that year, and the admiral immediately commenced a correspondence with the
o-overnor of Batticalloa,
and
finally
despatched a
messenger to the king of Kandy, Wimala Dharmaa, who received him with cordiality, and sent a
letter to the admiral, written
by himself, inviting

the admiral to his kingdom.
239
Accordingly, on the
6th of July following, Admiral Spillbergen, with

his suite, set out for
Kandy, and they were
treated
by the king with great attention and hospitality

every opportunity was afforded them to acquire
information, and every public building opened to
their inspection.
The king appeared

for allies,
desirous to
faci-
lity for
carrying on trade between the two nations;
endeavouring at the same time, with eager curi-
The
admiral's mission proved a most successful
one, as he obtained permission to build a fort on
the sea-shore, and to carry on a free trade in cin-
ticalloa
on the
PD
namon and pepper.
'Snd
made
sk
three Poi-tuguese sail

for,
engaged with, and
Spillbergen sailed from Bat-
of September, and, espying

off"
St
the coast of Ceylon, he

finally
ud
religion of
Europe.
io
8
osity, to obtain insight into the laws,
de
these vessels,
and sent them as presents
king of Kandy.
De Weerd was by the Dutch to Ceylon, and was received by their new ally, Wimala Dharmaa, in the most
In the following year, Schalt
sent
amicable manner, and an ambassador from the
king of
sailed
Kandy accompanied De Weerd when he De Weerd, however, subsefor Achcn.
Tr ia
customs, and
captured
to the
have the Dutch
and offered every
240
quently exasperated the king of Kaiidy by breaking the treaty of alliance, and releasing four Por-
tuguese vessels which had been recently captured
by him. WimalaDharmaa, upon the return of the Dutch squadron to the coast of Ceylon, remonstrated with the admiral upon this violation of the
treaty
and breach of
faith
and the ambassador

suspicion, cautioning
excited
Wimala Dharrnaa's
Shortly afterwards, the admiral requested the
king
to visit
him on board
his ship
St
monarch positively refused to do, fearing that he might be made prisoner, alleging, as his reason, that the queen was alone at Kandy, and that he
must return
to her.
De Weerd continued
ud
io
to
Tr ia
;
him against
the treachery of his
new
his request with impertinent importunity,
cluded by saying, that the king need be in no

hurry to retmni to the lascivious queen, as doubt-
sk
PD
less she
had found some one
supply the king's

if his
de
iilace before this
time: adding, that
allies.
but this the
to press
and con-
request
was not complied with, he would not attack Galle,
according to the articles of the treaty.
Wimala
Dharmaa immediately
ordered his attendants to
De pig!" A
seize
Weerd, saying, " Seize that foul-mouthed

skirmish then ensued between the Kanto
dians
carry
and the Dutch, as the former essayed

their
monarch's
orders
into
effect,
and
241 were
De Weerd and many

killed.
of
his
attendants
It is
impossible to read of the conduct of Schalt
De Weerd
met the
without loathing the character of the
despicable, treacherous, coarse,

fate his insolence
Dutchman, who
his
drew on
head
and,
although historians endeavour to palliate his con-
the
estimation
if
of
all
right-minded
excuse,
a correct one, only heightens the folly of
with an
ally.
The
sent
following epigrammatic and terse note was
It
appears from history, that the Dutch allowed
the death of
de
let
there be peace
sk
the king of Kandy to the second officer in command of the squadron "He who drinks wine is worse than a sow. Buddha lias executed justice. If you want peace,
PD
by
If war, tlien war."
De Weerd
to
did not
declare
war against VVimala Dharmaa,

the
who
died in 1604, and was succeeded by his bro-
ther, Senerat,
who married
St
pass unnoticed, as they
ud
drunkenness, to negotiate and carry out a treaty
widowed queen
io
the Dutch, in
sending an admiral, addicted to
Tr ia
men
Kandy.
We
VOL.
find
no further mention of the Dutch
the year 1612,

I.
when Marcellus De Boschouder M
l
;
duct, by saying that he
was heated with wine
in
this
of
until
242
arrived at Kancly, and entered into a
new
treaty
with the Kandian sovereign, offensive and defensive

;
they were then granted the exckisive right
of trading in Ceylon, and were allowed to com-
mence building a
fort
at Cottiar.
The
Portu-
guese, already in possession of the island, viewed
with jealous hostility the privileges granted to the

;
being commenced, despatched an army, consisting

of
more than 4,000

Cingalese,
soldiers,
ance made by the Dutch? and butchered
ud
fort,
which they took
after
io
guese,
and Moormen,
Tr ia
to
allies,
composed of Portuattack
Dutch
and immediately on the
fort
of Cottiar
the
a desperate resistin
the
most barbarous manner the whole of the occuThis massacre of his new
guese,
pants, including
St
women and
children.
PD
by the Portuwith
terri-
so exasperated Seneiat, that he sent an
sk
array of 5,000
men
in
pursuit,
who
fell
in
de
the invaders before they reached their

tories,
own
and vanquished them, making many prisoners, from whom they demanded heavy ransoms.
The king
of
Kandy now
from
resolved
upon ex-
pelling the Portuguese
Cejlon, and com-
menced war
cessfully
;
in a vigorous style against them, suc-
and, in 1614,
from the viceroy of
we learn Goa proceeded
that an envoy
to
Kandy, and
proposed a treaty of peace, which Sencrat refused

to accede to.
243
From
this date until 1635,
we
at
find
the
Kandians, assisted
by the Dutch,
;
con-
tinued war with the Portuguese
the latter erect-
ing forts at Trincomalee and Batticalloa, for the

protection of the coast, but suffering constant and
severe defeats
as
the
Kandian army advancing as

and
far
Colombo,
in their attempts to expel the Portu:
tracted
and desperate struggle that the Portuguese
succeeded in retaining possession of the fort of
reign of thirty years,

eldest son,
and was succeeded by his
Raja Singh a
should be formed into a separate kingdom, and
sk
he proclaimed their monarch; and endeavoured
PD
his right, that Matele
de
to
enforce his
demand by
Wijaya Paalaa, the king's brother, claimed
St
II.
ud
civil
In the year 1635, Senerat died, after a brilliant
io
Colombo.
Tr ia
who
;
and the adjacent provinces
flying to arms,
calling in the aid of the Portuguese,
readily
acceded
the
to
this request in the
expectation that
commotion produced by
war would aid
their
own
designs.
Historians differ materially as to the

of the invading
that
it
number
army Ribeiro
and Botelho stating

while
was composed
of seven hundred Euro-
peans, and twenty-eight thousand Indians
guese from Ceylon
it
was only
after
a pro-
as
and
244

it
Valentyn affirms that

three
six thousand Caffres.
it
consisted of two thousand
hundred Europeans and half-castes, with
But be the number what

comdid penetrate
might,
it
is
certain that a large army,
manded by Don Diego de Melho,

into the interior, and,
retired to
after
ransacking Kandy,
Gannaruwa.
Here Rajah Singha, the by the sword

in
putting
all to
death, either
Tr ia
king of Kandy, surrounded them with his forces,

or baroff
barous modes of torture, and subsequently cut
ud
form, as a warning to
all
io
their
heads and piled them up
a pyraraidical
aggressors; and history
asserts that only eight-and-thirty
Europeans
es-
caped
this frightful slaughter.
In the year 1637, the Kandian monarch re-
to assist ])im in
sk
driving
to
PD
solved upon calling in the aid of his Dutch allies
vanquishing the Portuguese, and them from Ceylon, and sent ambassadors
for that
St
Batavia
purpose,
;
who were
received
de
with every mark of res])ect
and envoys from the
Dutch were immediately despatched to Kandy. A treaty was entered into, whereby the Dutch
that the whole expenses of
agreed to furnish troops to the Kandian monarch

u])on the stipulation
the war, on land and at sea, were to be defrayed
by Rajah Singha.
This the king consented to
readily, but insisted that all the forts built
by the
215
Portuguese, as they were taken, should be placed

in his hands.
All being
now
satisfactorily
ar-
ranged, the envoys returned, and Admiral
Wes-
terwold was sent in
command
of a force of six
hundred men and several pieces of cannon, who

immediately
attacked
;
Batticalloa,
wresting
it
from the Portuguese
and the king of Kandy, as

to the
Batavia with presents

of the Indies.
General and Council
was razed
to the
ground, and not one stone
ud
1639, and by the orders of Rajah Singha the
io
Trincomalee was taken from the Portuguese
Tr ia
to the
a token of gratitude,
sent two ambassadors to
standing on the other.
St
The
fort at
Batticalloa
that the
PD
whole of the
tuguese,
stroyed.
had previously shared the same

fortifications
fate, so
belonging
coast,
on
the
eastern
were now de-
with renewed vigour, success following the Kandian and Dutch troops.
de
In the year 1640, the war continued
sk
to
Negombo,
after a faint
spirits
a fortilicd
town about eight leagues and a-half
to the north,
was taken by the Dutch
resistance
made by
followed
taking
the Portuguese, as the
of the
were sinking under the continued prosperity that

the Dutch arms. Immediately after Negombo, the Dutch marched to Point
l
in
fort
left
Por-
rage
men
246
de Galle,

and stormed the place, which was
taken after a vigorous resistance had been
made
by the governor, Ferreiro de Bretto, who fought by the

assault,
life
side of his
men
the whole night of the
and
fell
covered with wounds, and his

at the entreaty
was only spared

wife.
of his noble
and heroic
Tr ia
life.
instance of the devotion and courage of
where her
is
affections are called forth,
io
recorded by Ribeiro,
who
states, the
ried
to
to
woman who was

at his side
him, and that on the night of the assault she
remained
PD
and cheering him by her presence and courage.
At
length,
after
sk
with a mushet levelled him, and the soldier was
St
receiving five wounds, a blow
de
about
to dispatch
him when
ud
of Point de Galle, Ferreiro de Bretto,
passionately attached
on the batteries, animating
his wife threw herself
between them, calling upon him as a

a Christian to spare her husband's
the soldier hesitate, she implored
life first,
him
and thus save her the anguish of seeing

her
her beloved husband butchered before her eyes,
and threw herself on her knees, clinging

prostrate husband.
This affords us an opportunity of relating an
woman,
governor
and which
was mar-
man and
Finding
to take her
to
Dutch
officer,
who was
near, hastened to the group, desired the soldier

to desist, raised the
247
weeping lady, and had the
gallant governor
tended until his wounds were
healed.
Admiral Koster, under whose command Galle had been taken, was now made governor of the
place,
and he immediately commenced building

fortifications
;
and repairing the
but finding the
Point de Galle, he deemed

in the aid of the
to
it
necessary to call
Kandian king, and proceeded
promised to
assist the
Dutch admiral against the
Portuguese, refrained from keeping his word, as
be exchanging his enemies.
sk
The king now appeared

to give
PD
masters of the south of the island he would only
he considered that were the Dutch to become
St
ud
to
ceived
him with cold
civility,
have awakened
io
Kandy
for that purpose.
Rajah Singha
Tr ia
and, although he
Portuguese from Kandy, which was,
de
the line of policy
which had induced the Dutch

that they
him
the aid of their troops to expel the
might eventually become the masters of the whole island, as every place which had been taken by the Dutch had a large garrison left there to guard and protect
the
it
from the natives as
much
as from
Portuguese.
Admiral
Koster
vehemently
last
pressed the king for his aid, which was at
Portuguese were making preparations to retake
re-
to
248
peremptorily refused.
the
king's
The admiral then accused

of
interfering
to
ministers
prevent
Rajah Singha keeping his treaty with the Dutch.
High words
the
ensued, and the admiral quitted

in great wrath, setting out
king's presence
for
by the king's
orders.
The Portuguese appear
to
island between them and the Dutch.
ud
and there were constant skirmishes
io
with their former valour, as they retook
Tr ia
all
have been imbued
in
the hands of the Dutch, and they forthwith
PD
fortified the
town, throwing up earthen bastions

fort,
St
1644, the fortune of war again placed
at every
corner of the
and on these were
sk
mounted
several pieces of cannon.
In 1646, a temporary pacification
de
into
between the Dutch and Portuguese, which
continued until 1654, and, during the intervening
period a species of desultory war was carried on
by Rajah Singha against the Dutch and Portuguese.
The Dutch
carried off
authorities at Negombo, in 1646, some of the king of Kandy's tame ele-
phants, and slew them for the sake of their tusks
he was never murdered on the was destined to reach, as he road between Kandy and Batticalloa, it is said
immediately
Galle,
which
Negombo,
over the
In the year
Negombo
was entered

and molar
teeth.
"249
This act of wanton aggression
natmally excited the anger and aronsed the vengeance of Rajah Singlia, who without loss of time
surrounded the Dutch troops,
took their com-
mander, Adrian van der
Stell, prisoner,
caused
him
sent
to
it
be strangled, then
cut off his
head, and
enclosed in a silken wrapper to his coun-
murderers and robbers.

In
the
year
1655,
hostilities
again recom-
following,
the
Dutch took prisoner
St
menced between the Dutch and Portuguese, and Callura was taken by the former in the October of that year. During the month of December
ud
io
guese governor of Jaffnapatam, as he was on his

road from Manaar to Colombo, then the stronghold
the
war against the Portuguese with renewed

;
energy
de
and, marching up to Colombo, laid siege
sk
of the Portuguese.
PD
The Dutch now prosecuted
to that city,
blockading
it
both by sea and land
Tr ia
the
trymen who were stationed on the sea coast, with a message to the effect that thus he punished
Portu-
and, after severe loss on both sides, and an obstinate resistance on the part of the Portuguese for
seven months,
it
was surrendered by
unimpeded
capitulation,
the Portuguese stipulating that they should be
allowed to
retire
to Jaflnajiatani.
The accounts
given by Ribciro of the sullcrings
l
;
250

frightful.
of the Portuguese during this siege are
Reduced
to starvation, they
swallowed the most
loathsome matter, resorting to the most revolting

expedients to sustain
life
maternal
life.
love being
engulphed in the pangs of hunger, and mothers

cutting the throats of infants at their breast, de-
voured their offspring
to
sustain
These ac-
counts are too horrible to dwell upon, and

willingly let a veil
fall
we
ready obtained,
Not contented with the victory they had althe Dutch pursued the Portu-
guese to Jaffnapatam, thereby violating the

cles of the capitulation
io
Tr ia
houses
over them.
l
arti-
made
prisoners of war.
vituperates most bitterly the indignities offered
PD
to his nation
by the Dutch
St
months,
it
was surrendered, and the inhabitants
ud
;
and, after a siege of four
The Portuguese historian

pillaged,
plantations destroyed,
wives dishonoured,
and
daughters ravished, are amongst the crimes that
de
It
he attributes to the Dutch conquerors.

is
sk
at
all
times fearful to contemplate the

its
horrors of war, and
attendant misery to indi-
viduals, even of the victorious nation, but
how
of
much
in
greater
to
meditate on the sufferings

?
those attached to the conquered country
But
no history do we find greater
atrocities recorded
than those laid to the charge of the Dutch after

the surrender of JafFnapatam, in 1G58, and
251
which
;
terminated Portuguese dominion
in
Ceylon
but
own sentiments cannot better be expressed than in Fox's favourite maxim, " Iniquissimam
our
pacem justissimo
bello antefero."
We
conclude the account of the Portuguese
rule in the island,
by quoting the following from
Percival's " Ceylon

*'
:"
Ceylon by the Portuguese were by no means considerable
that
it,
people,
when they
first
session of
were rather warriors than merchants.
Their continual wars with the natives contributed
attention seems to have been directed to the fortification of a
few stations on the coast, and the
PD
St
to
keep up the same
ud
;
spirit
and
erection of
some
military posts to
io
awe
their principal
But
the Portuguese appear never to have properly
discovered the advantages to be derived from this
de
sk
island, either in a
commercial or military point of

all
view.
Their dominion extended
Tr ia
The improvements made
in the cultivation of
took pos-
the natives.
around
and no station could be pointed out more commodious for a depot, either of merchandize or military stores.
These advantages were overlooked

;
by the court of Lisbon
and those individuals

at Ceylon,
who were
sent to the
command
more anxious
to gratify their pride
by conquest,
it,
were
252

their avarice
and
f
pursue a
there-
by extortion, than
to
plan of permanent advantage either to the mother

country, or to the colony.
fore,
The Portuguese,
by
their
own misconduct, were

it."
deprived of
this valuable island before they
were aware of the
benefits to be derived from
Although we do not coincide completely with

the view taken
self-evident
by
this excellent writer, still it is
attention to the cultivation of this prolific spot of

earth,
and we do not find amongst Portuguese
records
any statement of the proceeds of any

;
pearl-fishery
so
little
that
ud
we may conclude
was paid
to
io
Tr ia
that the Portuguese paid but
little
that
comparatively
attention
the
commercial or agricultural capabilities of Ceylon.

tuguese had to contend against innumerable
culties,
PD
However,
it
must be borne in mind
St
that the Pordiffi-
being not only at war with the natives,
whom
sk
they never entirely conquered, but continu-
European enemies, the Dutch.
de
ally harassed
by skirmishes and war with

is
their
The
following
list
of Portuguese governors
and commanders
cois de
in Ceylon, as given
by Ribeiro:
Pedro Lopez de Souza, Jerome de Azevado, Fran-
Menezes, Manuel Mascarenhas, Homen, Nunho, Alvares Perreira, Constandin de Sa y Noronha, G. d'Albuquerque, D, George d'Al-
253
meida, Diego de Mello, Antoine Mascarenhas,

Philippe Mascarenhas,
Francois
de
Mello de
Castro, Antoine de Souza, Continho, under
whom
Colombo was
lost.
At Jaffnapatam and Manaar
there were also Antoine d'Araarel y Menezes, the

last of their captain-generals.
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
254
CHAPTER
Historical accouBt continued
j&."om
X.
1659 to 1795, when the
Dutch
Ceylon
siuTcnderecl,
by
capitulation, then- possessions in
to the British
List
io
of
Tr ia
l
Dutch Governors
Sum-
maiy
ud
of the effect of Portuguese
and Dutch ride upon the

account of the same.
Cingalese character
PD
Portuguese by the Dutch in Ceylon, namely, in

1659, Captain Robert Knox, the
first atithor
The
year succeeding the subjugation of the
St
Pliilalethe's
who
de
soner at Batticalloa, the frigate Ann, which he
commanded, having been wrecked off that coast, when the natives made him and several of his crew prisoners, who, by the orders of Rajah Singha II., were sent up to Kandy, and there held in captivity until 1679, when an escape was
effected.
From
sk
wrote an account of the islands, was taken pri-
" Knox's Historical Revelation,"
we
learn

that the
255
Dutch experienced great difficulty in rewhich they had wrested from the Portuguese, as Rajah Singha, the king of Kandy, was constantly at war with them, entaining the possessions
deavouring to retake the various
fortified
places
and
sti'ongholds occupied
by the Dutch. Notwithfur-
standing these continual skirmishes, the Dutch,
therance of their commercial and political views,
endeavoured to preserve an amicable course with
anxiety and desire
to
be at peace with him.

to
Rajah Singha was not

ances, or professions
;
St
ud
to
Kandian
court,
to assure the
io
the natives, and sent frequent embassies to the
monarch of
be appeased by assur-
occasionally, he
Tr ia
to
times he would detain their envoys, without assign-
an envoy, who was resolved

sacrifice his
life
de
In the year 1670, we find Rajah Singha detained

to leave
sk
ing any reason for so doing.
PD
ceive the embassies with toleration, while at other
would
Kandy,
wishing to retain a footing in the island, in
their
re-
or
in
the attempt.
This noblefind re-
spirited
man, whose name we do not

ought
as an
corded, but which
have been handed
down
sat
to posterity
example of dauntless
his court,
bravery, presented himself before the king, as he
on his throne giving audience
fully
armed and equipped
for a journey, his per-
256

outside
the
sonal attendants remaining

gates, saying that he
palace
had come
to take leave of
his Majesty, as he
diately for
was about setting out immeColombo. He bowed respectfully to
the walls, in accordance with the etiquette ob-
served at the Kandian court on taking leave, and

quitted
the
palace without
any attempt being
made by
to
the king to arrest his progress.
On
the
proceed on his journey unmolested, and
Tr ia
that
contrary. Rajah Singha gave orders that he
was
l
of
to re-
ceive
what aid he might require
in so doing.
We
well estimate the dauntless daring and courage,
St
ud
duct
himself a
noble brave character, he could
io
can fully appreciate the Kandian monarch's con-
that
would prompt such
a course of action.
And
have met with the constant annoyance which they

experienced from the king of Kandy.
de
No
sk
language of ours can so well explain the
PD
had the Duch invariably pursued an open, honourable course with Rajah Singha, they would not
erroneous plan they pursued as
Knox
himself, at that time a prisoner at the
Kandian
court
"The
their
Dutch, knowing his proud

it
spirit,
make
their
advantage of
by
flattering
him with
and that
ambassadors, telling him that they are his

jesty's
Mait is
humble subjects and
servants,

out of loyalty to
257
forts,
him
that they build
and and
keep watches round about his country,

foreign nations
to
prevent
;
and enemies from coming
that as they are thus

service, so
it is
employed coming up
in his Majesty's
for sustenance,
which they want,

into his Majesty's
that occasioned their
country.
And
thus,
by
flattering
him, and ascrib-
things he greatly delights

vail
in,
sometimes they pre-
to
to
have the country they have invaded, and

;
but
falls
upon them
at
unawares, and does them
great
damage."
France directed her attention
PD
between the Kandian and Dutch,

to
Events pursued the same monotonous routine,

until 1672,
St
ud
off"
upon
better consideration, he will not be flattered,
io
he
have the honour
yet at other times, and
Lanka-diva and
mediately sent envoys to the Kandian king.
de
de
la
Haye, which anchored
sk
despatched a squadron, commanded by Monsieur

Cottiar,
Singha received them most amicably, and granted
them permission
Trincomalee.
to build a fort la
near the
Tr ia
and im-
Monsieur de
Haye
shortly after-
wards
sailed for the
Coromandel
coast, sending in
his stead
Monsieur de Lanerolle, accompanied by
a suite, to the Kandian court.

for the
Most unfortunately
French nation, Monsieur de Lanerolle was
l
Bay
ing to him high and honourable
titles,
which
are
when
Rajah
of
258
ill
calculated for a political mission
hot-headed
and impetuous, absurdly vain of the power, grandeur,
and customs of his own nation, he refused

court,
observânce to the code of etiquette adopted at
Rajah Singha's
and treated the monarch

This ex-
with undue familiarity and insolence.
asperated Rajah Singha, and, upon the return of
Monsieur de
prisoner.
la
Have, he found De Lanerolle a
The Dutch,
affairs,
taking advantage of this position of
gave chase to the French squadron, taking
only
well-arranged
scheme concocted by
and which,
in all
ud
malee which they had
built.
io
some of
their vessels,
and the
So terminated the
the
French
to obtain a settlement or possessions in
St
Tr ia
fort
near Trinco-
the island of Ceylon
l
probait
PD
bihty,
would have been

for the
successful,
had
not
been
insane, overweening vanity of
De
in
de
the French nation in the seventeenth, as

the nineteenth century
sk
Lanerolle, which was as strongly characteristic of

it is
it
being a national
fail-
ing, and not an individual's foible.
For vanity,
caused the
and nought but
self-sufficient vanity,
disastrous events, precursors of the downfall of
the French empire, which occurred during 1848
and the
shaking
effect
it
has been the convulsion of Europe,
to its very centre.

There
is
259
a paucity of interesting matter con-
nected with the history of Ceylon, until the year

1679,
when
the Dutch governor of Colombo,

to
Van
Goen, sent an embassy
Kandy, requiring the
king to abide by the articles of the treaty made
between the two powers.

raised
To
this the
king pro-
adherence, his warlike propensities
and
infir-
energy having become subdued by age and
eighty.
In the month of October, in the same

effected his escape, after having
year,
Knox
Tr ia
in
mity, for at this time he was between seventy and
years.
Again, there seems to have been a cessation of

historical events
worthy of record, until the year
PD
1685,
when Rajah Singha
St
ud
io
detained a prisoner at the Kandian court for twenty
II. died, after
tracted reign of fifty-one years, and
was succeeded
by his son, Wimala Dharma Suriya.
Knox
been
a pro-
de-
sk
scribes
Rajah Singha, with
whom
he frequently
well-formed, portly, athletically-built man, of a
darker hue than most of his countrymen, with
keen shrewd eyes " that were always
de
conversed during his captivity, to have been a
motion,
who
bears his years well, being between seventy
and eighty years of age, and though an old man,

yet appears not to be like one, neither in counte-
nance nor manners."
He was
abstemious
in his
260
diet,

and chaste
his court.
in morals,
and punished severely
any dereliction from morality that he discovered
among
"
Knox
writes
Many
times
when he hears of
the misde-
meanours of some of his nobles, he not only

executes them, but severely punisheth the women,
and he hath so many
spies, that there is
but
little
done which he knows not of; and often he gives
command
not one
to expel all the
women
little
out of the city,
Tr ia
and
died,
l
to
remain
but,
is
by
little,
when
they think his wrath

again."
aj^peased, they do creep in
Rajah Singha possessed,
io
in
satraps of the East, an inordinate fondness for
dress and jewels, delighting to adorn his person
with gaudy-coloured raiment, and ornaments stud-
Singha exhorted his son and successor, Wimala

remain
de
sk
Dharma Suriya
at
PD
ded with jewels.
the Second, on his death-bed, to
peace with the Dutch, and allow them

and, being
to retain possession of their territories;
of a tranquil temperament, he followed his father's
counsel
consequently, during his reign, there are
no accounts of a peculiarly interesting character.

In 1707,
Wimala Dharma Suriya
St
History affirms that Rajah
ud
common
with most
and was
succeeded by his sou, Narendra Singha.
The
following year the Dutch obtained possession of

the island of Java, and, at the
261
of
commencement
1709, they banished the ex-king of Java, Susasan
Mang
liing
Burat Mas, with his family and attendants,
to Ceylon.
There were many followers of

it
this
who
shared his exile, and thus
was
that
the Malays
became
residents in the island, where,
as a natural result, they multiplied considerably.
In 1721, the queen of
the king, Narendra Singha,
upon
that event
Dutch, preserving
for the
all
external tokens of respect
king of Kandy,
io
who allowed them
in peaceable possession of their
ud
main
in
Ceylon.
vernor
Rumph was
St
The
letter
of condolence sent by go-
to this effect
" To
occasion of the demise of the high-born, excellent,
and all-accomplished queen."

In
1723,
forty-four in
the
Dutch
de
sk
some Javanese princes and chiefs, number, that had revolted against
were banished to Ceylon,
into the
at Batavia,
and thus more Malays were introduced

island
by the Dutch.
to render
In 1729, Governor Vuyst (governor of Colombo)
made an attempt
had recourse
PD
the Almighty to comfort his Majesty on the trying
himself an independent
sovereign, and in the prosecution of that

to the
most atrocious
Tr ia
cruelties,
Dutch sent an embassy
to
Kandy died, and the Kandy to condole with
dominions
implore
scheme
and
the
to re-
262
perpetrated crimes of the blackest dye.

at last
He was
to
taken prisoner by his countrymen and sent
to Batavia, tried,
and convicted of high treason

to
his country,
and was sentenced

his
be broken alive
upon the wheel,

collected
body
to
be quartered, and
It is revolting to
then to be burned to ashes, and those ashes to be
and cast into the

to
sea.
humanity
read these loathsome details, savour-
met a merited reward for his crimes, in having had sentence of death executed on his person
body, throwing the ashes into the sea, refusing
them Christian
burial, is almost past credence, as
having occurred in the eighteenth century, and
St
ud
io
still
breaking alive on the wheel, quartering the
casts a stigma of disgrace
upon the nation
Tr ia
vile
:
ing of the ages of barbarism, and, though Vûyst
that
ing vengeance on senseless remains.
de
and was succeeded by his brother-in-law, SreewiHistory says that the character of
jaya Rajah Singha.
sk
In 1739, Narendra Singha died without issue,
PD
would sanction torturing the
living body, or wreak-
Narendra Singha was
he was most
licentious, indulging his passions without restraint;
prone
to anger,
he insulted his nobles, and was on

Notwith-
the brink of losing his crown, through a rebellion
which these injured nobles headed.

standing
all this,
he reigned two- and- thirty years,

and during
this period his
263
peaceable possession,
Dutch allies retained and employed the advanlast
tage offered to increase their maritime dominions.
During the reigns of the

kings,
two Kandian
the
the ordinances of the
Buddhist religion
priests
had
been
considerably
neglected,
having become lax and careless in the administration of the various rites thereof; and, in 1745,
his chiefs to Siam, to request that priests might
be allowed
to
come
to
Kandy,
to
ud
;
with this request, several npasampada, or high

priests, returned with the chiefs,
io
who
neglected ordinances of Buddha.
In compliance
vigorously, immediately on their arrival, to
St
It
appears that
the principal portion of his time to purify and
sk
PD
the mission which
had brought them from Siam. Sreewijaya Rajah Singha devoted

and Buddhism
to all its
restore the religion of the state,
grandeur.
During
de
under this monarch was restored
this
reign,
hostilities
were renewed
and, although
between the Dutch and Kandians
some of
the maritime provinces were taken
Tr ia
set to
Sreevvijajâ
Rajah Singha sent a deputation of

restore the
former
the latter, they were eventually retaken by the
Dutch; and,
died,
in 1747, Sreewijaya Rajah Singha and was succeeded by his brother-in-law.
work
fulfil
by
264
Kirtisree

Rajah
of
Singha,
who,
and,
in
1750,
sent
another deputation of chiefs to Siam, to procure priests
Buddha;
in
1753,
these
chiefs returned to Ceylon,
accompanied by some
Siamese
wike, of the
priests of the highest rank,
and Welleat the
the chief pinest,
was placed
head
Buddhist
title
establishment in the
island,
under the
of
Sanga Rajah.
against the natives by governor Screuder, occa-
sioned an insurrection on the western coast; the
ties, (for
there had been
tion,)
and skirmishes were constantly carried on
St
ud
and thereby involved themselves
io
Kandians aided the insurgents against the Dutch,

in fresh hostilifor a short period a cessa-
until the following year,
when
bera, and
sk
PD
themselves masters of
Kandy, Matele, Doomkingdom,

hideous
after
Wallapana; but Kirtisree Rajah Singha

portion
of the
the
for nine
retook
this
de
Dutch had held possession

the slaughter that ensued
is
Tr ia
the
to
In the year 1761, the violent measures adopted
Dutch made
months, and
read
of.
From
this period, desultory warfare
was carried
until
on between
the
to
contending
parties,
the
;
Dutch appear
as, in
have obtained the advantage

treaty
1766, a
new
was entered into between
the
Kandian monarch and the Dutch, which en-
sured to the latter the unmolested possession of

all
265 and
the
the
places
on
the
sea
coast
Dutch now might look upon themselves as conquerors,
having brought the eastern potentate
under subjection, as by this treaty they dictated

the articles which were agreed to by Kirtisree
Rajah Singha, and one of these was, that the

various humiliating ceremonies which were ex-
acted by
the
king,
when an envoy from

were to be
the
to his court,
for the future
entirely dispensed with,
and
totally abolished.
Pybus was sent by the Madras government

monarch of the
to furnish
ud
;
io
must now take a retrospective view of events, and return to the year 1763, when Mr.
as
We
friendly feelings of the English
towards him, and the anxiety of the government
him with
war against the Dutch, and

a treaty.
PD
the
means of carrying on the

offered to enter into
National events of importance, and
the stirring incidents of the American war, called

for all the attention
de
ment had
sk
and money that our governand

to this only
to
bestow,
St
ambassador
to the
king of Kandy, to assure the
attributed the non-fulfilment of the treaty entered
into with Kirtisree
Rajah Singha
this
but the imfaith,
pression
the
produced by
breach of
minds of the king and royal family, was

1.
VOL.
Tr ia
N
Dutch went
can be
l
on
266

to
most prejudicial
England.
In
the honour
and probity of
1781, Kirtisree Rajah
Singha died, and
was succeeded by his brother Rajadhi Rajah Singha; and in the following year a fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir Edward Hughes, and a body of troops, headed by Sir Hector Munro, were dispatched by Lord Macartney, then Go-
Tr ia
to
in
l
;
vernor of Madras, to Ceylon, to take from the
Dutch
troops
their
territories in
that island
and our
took possession
of
Trincomalee,
in the
which
August
Sir
to
have some necessary repairs performed
St
ud
of the
same year, during the absence of Admiral Edward Hughes, who had sailed for Madras
to his
ships.
Mr.
Hugh Boyd had been

as
io
the French re-took for the
Dutch
sent
with
PD
the
expedition
ambassador
the
king of
Kandy, and
left
Trincomalee
until
February, but
sk
did
not reach
Kandy
to the
the
beginning of
for,
de
March, owing
although
badness of the roads;

is
Trincomalee
less
than
180 miles
from Kandy, the route was a most tedious and

perplexing one, Mr.
Boyd and
force
his
companions
a
having
dense
at
times to
their
way through
forest,
or jungle.
Previously to quitting
Trincomalee, the following letter was despatched
267
by Mr. gha:*
"
Hugh Boyd
to
Rajadhi Rajah Siu-
To the king of Kandy, &c. "I have the honour of acquamting your highness, that I am appointed ambassador to your
Highness, Durbar, by His Excellency the Right
Hon. Lord Macartney, the Governor, and the President of Madras; and that I am charged with
order to explain to you their favourable sentiments,
and assure you of
their friendship.
suppose your
highness has already heard of the great successes

of the English against their enemies, particularly
from the coast of Coromandel, having taken from
them
their last settlement,
"To
against
carry
the
on the victories of the English
PD
St
the Dutch,
whom
they have
Negapatam.
Sir
ud
now
io
driven entirely
Dutch,
Vice-admiral
Hughes, commander in-chief of the king of Eng-
de
sk
land's ship
and marine
forces in India, is
arrived with the fleet and force under his

at
Trincomalee, in conjunction with the troops of
the English East India
Company. He has
taken one of their
forts
from the Dutch, called
Trincomalee Fort, with many prisoners, and with=;=
This
letter will
be foimcl in the " Miscellaneous Works
of
Hugh
Boyd,"
vol. II.
Tr ia
N
2
a letter to your highness, from the governor, in
Edward
now command
alread}^
268

;
out opposition
and he
is
proceeding with vigour,
and with certainty of equal success against their

only other
fort,
called Ostendburgh,
which must
also yield to the great superiority of the British
arms.
" This will certainly have been effected long
before your highness can have received this letter.
But
in the character
with which
have the
to
highness, I
portunity
in
am
desirous to take the earliest opto
ti'ansmitting
io
particulars, to assure
their enemies, the
you that
English are directed, and that the highest respect
and attention
will
wath the utmost kindness and friendship, according to a declaration
PD
and dignity, and that your subjects
St
be shown your highness's rights

will
ud
Dutch, that the arms of the
Tr ia
it is
honour of being invested, as ambassador
your
you these happy

only against
which his excellency, Sir
Edward
sk
Hughes,
admiral
and commander-inI
de
chief,
has ah-eady published.

to
am happy
be treated
in
communicating these matters

not doubting that
it
your highness,
will
give
you pleasure
to
hear of the success and power of your friends.
" As
many more English

to
ships and troops are
expected soon
be here, and, as some great

enemies,
further operations will probably be soon carried
on by them
for the destruction of their

and the advantage of
their friends, I
269
ordered
to
am
by
his
excellency, the Governor of Madras,

to
communicate
sible,
your highness, as soon as poshim,
the letter from
which
have the
honour of being charged with.

"
I shall
be happy, therefore, to deliver
it
to
your highness in person, with every explanation
and friendly assurance which you can

soon as
I shall
desire, as
have sent proper persons
to
conduct
will
me
Tr ia
Boyd,"
know,
in reply to this, that
thither
and
this I
hope your highness
be pleased
do immediately, as there ought to be no delay in

transactions of so
much
importance,
ness, from his
Highness Walah Jah, Nabob of
the Carnatic, which I shall be
St
"
am
also charged with a letter to
ud
"
happy
PD
to
you.
only wait
to
have the honour of

;
hearing from your highness, as I have desired

I shall
then immediately proceed to enter on
sk
io
your high-
to deliver
these important matters, on the most friendly and

satisfactory
de
ground
to
your highness.
(Signed)
Hugh
Upon
the arrival of our ambassador at
Kandy,
he met with innumerable delays, and was received

with distrust and suspicion by the Kandian court
the natural result of our former breach of faith.
l
you
to
;
all
;i70

ill-accorded
and which but

since
with
the
British
character for probity.
" It
is
now twenty
:
years
your ambassador arrived here, while we
waged war with our Dutch enemies

promised aid
breath have
we
replied
frankly, and accepted cheerfully your offered

;
and
but since your envoy
left,
not a
we heard of your offered aid, nor promised assistance. As you are now at war, in
to injure
them, and obtain their possessions, you
that
ever
PD
met with treachery from Europeans." Our ambassador made excuses for the nonfulfilment of the former treaty, and referred to the high character borne by England for probity and
truth
;
but
all
sk
his efforts proved abortive, and he
St
to
ud
come to us, professing that it is only for our benefit you desire to force them to quit our kingdom. We doubt the sincerity of your nation, as we have
io
quitted
Kandy
the latter end of
de
having accomplished either of the objects of his

mission
namely,
left
make
a treaty, and form an
alliance with the king of
Kandy
Tr ia
your turn, with the Dutch nation, and are desirous
March, without
and
for
some
years
we
the
Kandians and Dutch
in undis-
turbed possession of Ceylon.
In the year 1785, Governor Vander Graaff
first
introduced paper currency into Ceylon
and, in
1789, the same governor caused a census to be

taken of
tricts,
all
271
the inhabitants of the maritime dis-
subject to the
Dutch East India Company

of both
and the
statistical returns
gave eight hundred and

sexes,
seventeen thousand inhabitants,
and of all ages.

In the year 1795, the union of Holland with
France took place, and war was declared by us
and Colonel, afterwards General Stewart, was sent
by the Governor of Madras, with a large
reduce Trincomalee, to which he laid siege, and,

after the lapse of little
fort
more than
three weeks, the
was surrendered by the Dutch commander,
io
place
Tr ia
it.
;
force, to
our troops were preparing to storm
ud
In the
by the same general

to
Colpentyn was surrendered

under the
St
September following of that year, Jaftha was taken

the
British
forces,
Colonel Bowser, on the 5th of
Success
now
de
sk
General Stewart shorly afterwards took Negombo.

followed the British arms in Ceylon,
PD
command of November and
and General
now,
and
Stewart
resolved
upon attacking
with
his
Colombo, the
Majesty's
seat of
government then as well as

for
marched
that
52nd, 73rd, and 77th regiments, ac-
companied by three battalions of Native Infantry,
and some Bengal Artillery. The route to Colombo lay through dense jungle,
and over
rivers swollen
by the
late rains
but no
l
as
272
auibush
was
laid
by the Dutch
to obstruct the
progress of our troops, and they reached the river
Kelany (about four miles from the Fort of Colombo), which was defended by a strong
there halted to await the expected
fort,
and
coming of the
Dutch
troops.
At the conclusion of the second
day, intelligence reached them that tHe guns were
dismantled and spiked, and that the troops had
Our men crossed
the river with great caution, fear-
PD
ambuscade had been laid. Our encampment was then formed, the siege of Colombo planned, and our soldiers immediately afterwards marched for the fort, expecting a strong resistance to be made by the Dutch but to the astonishment both of General Stewart and the troops which he commanded, the only attempt to defend Colombo was made by a body of Malays,
ing surprise, but no
St
ud
ofl&cer,
io
headed by a French
sk
who were
de
them, but quickly retreated, and very shortly
Tr ia
;
abandoned the
fort,
and retreated
to
Colombo.
sent to meet
after
Colombo surrendered,
British forces,
by
capitulation,
to
the
who were commanded by General

Within a
Stewart and Captain Gardiner, R. N.
short period, the whole of the forts and possessions in the island belonging to the
Dutch were
facile a
delivered
up
to our troops.
We
should not have found Ceylon so

conquest, had
it
273
not been for the want of disci-
pline and subordination found
amongst the Dutch
troops
the
men
refusing to obey their officers'
orders,
and the
officers
ahnost devoid of bravery or

rights.
energy to defend their country's

to " Percival's Ceylon," p.
According
force
92" The Dutch
consisted of two battalions
of Hollanders, the
French
Regiment
of
Wirtemberg,
all
with some
native troops, forming in
a force equal to that
of the invaders."
In taking leave of the Dutch as rulers in Ceylon,
we
give the
names of those who were
governors.
The
;
ud
first,
in 1640,
J.
was W.
io
P.
J. P.
J.
sent there as
J. Koster,
J.
Kiltenstein, A.
Vander Meyden, R. Van Goens,
St
Von
who
took Galle
J.
Thysz,
Matsuyher,
Hustaur, L.
Van
Peil, T.
Van Rhee,
P. Vuyst, S. Versluzs, G. Wontersz, J. C. Pielaat?
de
sk
De Heer, C. J. Simonsy, N. Rumph, A. Moll, J. Hertenberg,

G.
PD
Becher, T. A.
D. V. Domburg,
J.
Maccara, Baron Von Imhoff,
W.
M. Bruininch, D. Ovcrpeck,
W. M.
inch, D. Overpeck, J. V. S.
Galnesse, G.
Vreeland, J.
De
Joug, J. G. Saton,
Van
Baron Van Eck, A. Mooyart, J. W. Falck, W. J. der Graaff, J. G. Van Angelbeech, under whom Colombo and the entire possessions of the
Dutch were delivered over
to the British.
Tr ia
N 5
De Rhoo,
Schagen,
Bruin-
Schrender,
l
Van
J.
Van
27-1

their
Under the Dutch,

professed converts
own mode
the
of worship
vâs introduced into Ceylon,
and there were many

Cingalese.
among
This
arose from a regulation of the Dutch,
which pro-
hibited any native from holding an office, however
humble, under their government, unless he professed to belong to their church^
The Dutch
en-
covn'aged agriculture to a great extent, and intro-
and cinnamon.
the latter shrub
fisheries
It
was under Governor Falck

JiJ'sl cultivated.
Tr ia
it
duced the cultivation of
coffee,
pepper, cardamons,
that
was
The
pearl-
io
were also lucrative and productive, under
ud
;
their
management
consequently,
must have
been a national loss of no
trivial nature,
when
so
St
profitable
and promising
a settlement
was wrested
at
the effect produced upon the native character by
PD
We
shall
from them by the British.
wind up our summary by glancing
de
acted as if they believed that their responsibility
sk
the line of conduct pursued by the Dutch,
who
as Christians
and enlightened men, commenced
and terminated by forcing nominal religion upon the natives by making an external avowal of
Christianity the only stepping-stone to patronage,
employment under government; and they neglected no opportunity or means whereby wealth could be amassed. Their public policy and private
or
OEYLOxX
enterprise began
AND THE CINGALESE.
275
view
and ended with the same goal in namely, the acquirement of riches. Thus
the English
commenced
their
rule
in
Ceylon,
having the impressions
to eradicate
which had
been produced upon the minds of the Cingalese, through the sufferings they had experienced under
the military
and
religious oppression of the Porreli-
tuguese, and no less oppressive grasping and
These
fearful
examples,
set
Christians, have been too forcibly
by professing stamped upon

;
the feeble and flexible characters of the natives
and European vices have thus
time districts, thus forming a character of the
most despicable description.
We
lethe's
subjoin the following extract from " Phila-
sk
PD
St
upon the effeminate, pusillanimous dispositions of the Cingalese who inhabit the lowland and mari-
History of Ceylon,"
previously-expressed views and sentiments
de
ud
in
become engrafted
io
support of our
:
The Portuguese were under the influence of a sentiment of bigotry, which, when it becomes a predominant feeling in the human heart, equally
disregards the suggestions of caution, admonitions
"
of prudence,
and the higher considerations of

a blind impulse, and
it
humanity.
Tr ia
has
gious despotism of their
Dutch
successors.
It is
the effect of blindness, both visual and mental
l
all
;
270

which
truth,
it
in the strange deviations
causes from the
straight path of virtue
and
and consequently
of the best policy, and most stable interest.
The
Dutch did not bend before the grim Moloch of rt>ligious bigotry; but cent, per cent, was their faith, gold was their object, and Mammon was
their god.
But
the idol of the
Dutch
is
as un-
favourable to the growth of the loftier virtues, and
as that of the Portuguese.
Avarice
it
culating feeling, and where
as impenetrable as a stone to those moral considerations
which are more particularly associated

are placed in subjection to our will, or
PD
those
who
with
a benevolent regard for the happiness of
St
ud
the desires in a single object,
io
it
bosom, absorbing the
affections,
within the sphere of our influence.
Tr ia
is
totally pervades the
and concentrating
renders the heart
The
de
the happiness of the people of Ceylon, as the

enthusiastic bigotry of the Portuguese."
sk
avarice of the
Dutch proved
as unfavourable to
to all that
tends to humanize the exercise of power,

a cold, cal-
insensate
277
ud
rule,
lowlands
officers
PD
St
Dastardly and disgraceful conduct of

Exti'aordinary escape of two soldiers
tical
Suimnary ofpoli policy of General Macdowall Noble events conduct of Captain Nouradeen Bravery of Major Johnson Thomas Maitland succeeds the Honourable Frederick North The judicious rule of Governor North.
Sir
Before we
de
sk
^False
enter
upon the history of Ceylon
under the British, as the subjugation of Kandy

forms a prominent feature of our
io
we
Kaudian character
Personal appearanceCingalese of the Character of the womenNative government King's CustomsMode of smelting British rnle from 1795 to 1805 Governor Nortli First English governor Supreme Court of Judicature established Kandian war Fearful massacre of British troops
ii-on
Major Davie
a sketch of the character of the people, and the
government of that nation under the dominion of
Tr ia
will give
CHAPTER XL
278
their

All those own sovereigns and rulers. who have written upon Ceylon remark,
authors
with great justice, the difference of character that

is
observable between the inhabitants of the
moun-
tainous and those of the lowlands and maritime

districts
It is
an insult to a Kandian to
call
him
a Cingalese, as the Kandians hold the latter in contempt.
The Kandians term only

Cingalese
;
the inhabit-
of the
latter,
when speaking
variably
make
the same distinction
io
Kandians, and not Cingalese.
Tr ia
of the former, in-
calling them
much
ser-
nobility of character are daring, courageous, and
generous; whilst the Cingalese are cowardly,
vile,
and mean
it
and the nobles of Kandy
St
ud
The Kandians
are a purer race, possessing
ants of the lowlands,
and the natives
assert
high rank, and the highest caste) that the vices of
PD
(and
was
stated to us
by a Kandian chief of
so fearfully prevalent in
lying and thieving,
de
Ceylon, were introduced into the Kandian provinces
sk
now
by the Cingalese, who had acquired
these
intolerably despicable vices from intercourse with
the Portuguese and Dutch.
Robert Knox, who
passed twenty years in captivity at Kandy, thus

writes of them, in the seventeenth century
:
"
Of
all
the vices, they are least addicted to
stealing, the
which they do exceedingly hale and
sk
PD
=4
sk
PD
CINGALESK MAN.

abhor
;
279 comand
so that there are but few robberies
mitted amongst them.
They do much
extol
commend chastity, temperance, truth in words and actions ; and confess that it is out of weakness and infirmity that they cannot practise the
same, acknowledging that the contrary vices are

to
be abhorred."
After
making
this statement,
is
he gives the
fol-
contradictory, as
regards their propensity to lying.
lowance must be made
for the position in
Knox was placed

ceived
as his protracted captivity for
so long a period (during
ud
which time he had

to
io
in
;
Tr ia
But
his
lowing one, which
somewhat
l
great al-
which
re-
St
many promises
relative
release)
would not predispose him
to place
much
reliance
on their veracity, or enable him to give an unprejudiced opinion as to the national character.
PD
Not-
the
succeeding quotation, which gives, on
sk
withstanding, there
is
much
truth to be found in
the
whole, a fair estimate of the Kandian character: " In understanding, quick and apprehensive
in design,
de
subtle
and
crafty
;
discourse, cour-
teous, but full of flatteries
naturally inclined to
temperance, both in meat and drink, but not

chastity
;
near and provident in their families

in
commending good husbandry

tions, not passionate
their disposito
neither
hard
be recon-
280
ciled
when angry
it
in
their
promises very un-
faithful
approving
in others;
till
lying in themselves, but disdelighting in sloth
liking
defeiTing
to
labour
urgent necessity compel them; neat
in apparel; nice in eating,,

slee]3."
and not much given
For the bravery, which we deem inherent in the

Kandians, and their love of country, no better proof
protracted resistance opposed to the attempted
subjugation of their country by the Portuguese,
extent at this moment, as the recent insurrection
proved
whilst the Cingalese have tamely sub-
Kandians and Cingalese,
PD
a half.
The
difference of person apparent in the

is
mitted to foreign rule for more than a century and
St
ud
The
;
posed yoke of a foreign power exists
io
as
Dutch, and British.
And
this dislike to the imto
Tr ia
marked
;
can be offered than the determined, vigorous, and
sk
mental dissimilitude.
bearing of the Kan-
de
dian
is
haughty and erect

fixedly
the complexion, bright
bronze, or brown;
observer's
the eye large
meeting
the
;
no small
as their
the
and undauntedly
brow
high
nose, well formed and prominent

their
and the
expression of the face intelligent.
While, on the
is
contrary, the deportment of the Cingalese

vile
ser-
and crouching;
;
complexion of a yellower
brown the
eye, although of
good
size,
seldom
fully
281
opens, and endeavours to avoid looking fixedly on

the observer
;
the
brow low
the nose less promi-
nent, and not so well formed, as that of the
Kan-
dian
and the expression of the countenance has
a cliaracter of servile, low cunning.
Although
it is
affirmed
by writers that the Kan-
dians and Cingalese are both descended from the
same parent
rially, as
stock,
we
disagree with them mate-
marks of a nobler race, and purer blood

in our opinion, the offspring of
Malabars,
Kandy remained
St
to
non-admixture with foreign conquerors

a
free, warlike,
ud
had intermarried with the Veddahs, or aborigines of Ceylon, whose blood has remained pure, owing
;
io
Tr ia
who
the Kandians have
all
the distinctive
being,
who
and independent
state long after the
lowlands had experienced the
yoke of numerous conquerors, of various nations:

whilst the Cingalese are the descendants of the
followers of the Indian King, Wijeya,
sk
PD
quered Ceylon long anterior to the Christian
de
But the
cally
latter race
has deteriorated, both physi-
and mentally, by constant admixture with
the various tribes and nations
who have conlowlands and
quered, colonized, or visited the
maritime
districts.
Although Buddhism inculcates the practice of

chastity
and continence more than
any other
l
era.
as
con-
282

is
heathen religion, yet in no part of Asia

the followers of
the
observance of these virtues less practised than by
Buddha, and more

all
especially in
Ceylon, where the want of chastity in woman,
which pervades
classes,
beginning with the

is
highest and descending to the lowest caste,
lamentable in the extreme.
This appears to have

earliest records
been a national
of the island
;
failing,
from the
perusal
it
would be unadvisable
from
et seriatim
tiates
fully
Knox on
women
:
this topic,
io
and strongly on the
Tr ia
to
total
;
but in a work intended for general

quote verbatim
therefore, confine ourselves to the following extract
she desire and seek her
PD
of a
man
own
of a lower caste than herself, so would

it
from that author " Whilst a woman would
St
ud
evinced by the
for
chastity.
who expadisregard
We
shall,
flee
from the contact
most anxiously with one of
de
At
sk
this
caste, or of a higher one."
time
it is
the crying sin of the natives,
even among
women
arise
professiug Christianity
and
many murders
husbands and
from the excited jealousy of
lovers,
who come
unexpectedly,
and
find a
paramour with the women

of,
when
is
the
ever-ready knife, or any other weapon that

is
near,
seized hold
and bloodshed ensues.

of
The government
Kandy was an
absolute and
de
sk
PD
sg^.
'S^^
CINGALESE WOMAN.
'"^
St
ud
io
Tr ia
sk
PD
283
despotic one, the king having unlimited power
over the lives and property of his subjects

fact, the
in
Kandian nation being the
slaves of the
monarch
slavery
was permitted, and
practised
to a great extent
throughout the kingdom.
But
the king was not only lord paramount of the soil, the whole produce of which he could claim, if it pleased him so to do but he claimed and en;
forced equal ownership over the persons of the

cultivators.
The men
of the next rank to the monarch were
io
this
to
the two adikars, or prime ministers
adikars also acted as judges, and to them an ap-
St
peal could be made, should a suitor

tisfied
ud
with the decision of the governor of his
province
to the
PD
and
from the adikar a final appeal lay

;
king in person
and human
occasions.
sk
himself the power of inflicting capital punishment,

life
was constantly
but the king reserved to
sacrificed in the
most wanton manner, and on the most puerile
and held office during the king's pleasure.

the adikars
de
These adikars were appointed by,

After
the dissaaves, or governors of
came
provinces.
certain
number of
appointed to the
command
was
of the king's troops
Tr ia
;
and these
dissa-
I'eel
body were
;
and these held a superior rank
their fellows,
whose business
it
to receive
and pay into the
284
royal treasury the tribute to the king, and maiutain
peace and order in their provinces.
The
dis-
saaves, like the adikars, received their appointment
from the king,
who would
offices,
disgrace them, depriv-
ing them of their
and putting them
to
death, or torturing them, as caprice dictated.
hatmeers,
preserving proper order in their provinces during

the disaaves' necessary absence from their dis-
io
tricts,
whilst on duty at court.
Tr ia
Under
official
;
The next in rank and power were the ratramawho acted as deputies to those dissaaves, who commanded the king's guards, or troops, by
these ra-
St
obtained their posts either by bribery or from the
ud
tramahatmeers were many
inferior officers,
who
the
patronage bestowed by their superior.
When
PD
dissaave, or ratramahatmeer, travelled through his
province, to administer justice, he
was attended
Before the
by the whole of
his inferior officers.
sk
or
dissaave,
ratramahatmeer, was borne a long

the talipot palm,
whip made from the fibres of which was the emblem of their
de
rank, and
also used
by them
as an
implement of punish-
ment.
This whip was constantly kept in motion

before these officials
to
when borne
and the sound

or passers-by
produced served
to clear the road,
to
warn
all travellers
and leave a
free passage,
and also
apprize those
who had complaints
or charges to
sk
PD
RATRAM AHATMEER
sk
PD

prefer, that the dissaave, or
at
285
ratramahatmeer, was
hand.
AVhen
complaint had been substantiated,

official,
which, in the estimation of the
called for
corporal punishment, the criminal was straight-
way
stripped, tied to the
first tree,
and flogged
This busi-
with the whip which a short time previously had

given notice of the judge's approach.
way,
to enact the
same scene elsewhere.
imprisonment, and torture were the other punish-
tions,
which were conducted with great

;
ud
is,
meers,
in the course of these periodical visitastate,
ceremony, and parade

tive, as the dissaaves
and were
St
that
sequently whoever could or would administer the

largest bribe almost invariably gained his suit.
de
But on the reverse of this pleasant picture stood a despotic monarch, who, from the merest whim,
would take from them
their
sk
PD
bribed to decide in the briber's favour, and con-
and ratramahatmeers were
rank and wealth.

facts, writes
:
Knox,
all
after referring to the

is
above
" But there
io
ments
inflicted
by the dissaaves and ratramahat-
also very lucra-
something came
after, that
the honour and wealth of these great courtiers

all
not at
desirable
and
that they are
so obnoxious to the king's displeasure,
Tr ia
which
Fines,
makes
l
is
ness concluded, the dissaave would resume his
286

it
SO customary, that
is
no disgrace
for a iioble-
maii to liave been in chains
nay,
and
in
llie
common
so ready,
gaol, too
and
tlie
great men, too, are
when
the king con)mands, to lay hold

as he
to
on one another,
command them, and
glad to have the honour to be the king's executioners,
hoping
to
have the place of the exefound a summary
cuted."
In the foregoing quotation
is
Tr ia
us,
;
l
of the uncertain tenure of place and power,
when
held from or under a despotic monarch,

dictated
who even
almost
what description of dwelling

It
his subjects
were to build or inhabit.
paradoxical that a nation should have suffered

to tyrannize over their persons, actions,
and properties,
St
own
the
one
man
to the extent
rebel against the mild rule
PD
permitted under their
F
is
sk
ment
But such
human
lingly
nature, that
we
ud
will
kings, and should yet
of the British govern-
anomaly presented by
cheerfully
io
we
may appear
which the Kandians
and
wil-
de
endure what we voluntarily submit
to,
or
our forefathers
intolerable
it
have borne before

to others
however
may appear
knowledge
whilst the
su]iposition or
into
that
are to be forced dictated

its
a particular line of action,
bv a
novel or foreign power,

laws, although
tlie
who
rules with
own
adiiiinistration
of those laws
287
may be
equitable,
and
for
our benefit, produces
a feeling which causes us to consider ourselves
aggrieved
and we rebel against the foreign yoke

ti
This
is
not only
national feeling predominant

will
amongst the Kaudians, but

quarter of the globe, and
is
be found in every
applicable to the in-
habitants of every country.
Knox,
alter
describing
the
various
:
modes
houses above one story high

cover them witli
tiles,
neither
nor whiten their walls with
lime
but there
is
a clay which
ud
;
St
men
to
that they use sometimes.
The
not above one room in their houses

two, unless they be great
PD
io
is
poorest sort have
neither doth the
king allow
them
to
build better.
sk
people have handsome and commodious houses.
They have commonly two

site
buildings
the other, joined together on each side with
a wall, which makes a square court-yard in the
de
middle.
Round about
are
against the walls of their

sit
house,
banks of clay
slaves and servants dwell round about without,

in other houses, with their wives
and children."
This author speaks of the ancient remains of

grandeur which were found in Kandy, and these
Tr ia
may
The
upon.
adopted for building their dwellings, says " For they are not pennilted to build their
they
as white, and
few above
great
one oppo-
Their
"
288
will

be noticed
in
a chapter devoted to the antiIn writing of their cultivation
quities of Ceylon.
of rice,
the
staple
commodity of food
for
the
nation, he tells us that their ploughs consisted of
" a piece of wood, shod with iron [these primitive
ploughs are used in the interior at the present

day, and to them are yoked buffaloes, or bulloclis]
proper for the country."

the husli, " and this
He
describes minutely
the Oriental custom of treading out the grain from

is
;
a far quicker and easier

at
way than
threshing
reaping also they are
He
also stales, " their rents

in
io
excellent good, just after the English manner."
Tr ia
and not
it
were brought
l
to the
king thrice
in the
each year, and were generally paid
ud
St
produce of the
soil,
in
money."
upon the king's
PD
Besides these, however, whatsoever is wanted in " the king's house, and they have it, they must,
Kandian dominions,
sk
Knox
order, bring
describes the state

to
of learning in the
in a fearftil
have been
de
slate
of degradation,
;
to
is
what
it
had been
in
former times
and
it
certain that for centuries,
the inhabitants of Ceylon had been retrograding

in learning, arts,
and sciences, more particularly
since the Portuguese

footing in
and Dutch had obtained

all
the island,
"Their learning," says

they ordinarily learn
is,
Knox, "
is
but small;

to read
if
289
to
and
write, but
it
is
no shame
man
he can do neither
nor
have they any schools

polished the precious
wherein they might be instructed in these or any

other arts."
The Kandians
still
stones found in their dominions by a species of
grinding stone,
in
use
which
is
very similar to an European one.
among them, and They
smelted the gold found in their rivers, in furnaces,
and they fashioned the precious metal

ments
toes
;
for
the head,
in the gold
nose,
ankles,
and
were frequently
stones and gems.

lines
subtract the succeeding
interesting account of the
St
the
from Knox,
as giving a most accurate and
mode adopted by
ore.
ud
it
We
io
ore
mences
about
earth
:
by saying,
PD
Kandians
to obtain iron
from the
that
throughout the country, and that
generally lay
sk
five
or six feet
" First they take these stones and lay them in a heap, and burn them with wood, which makes
de
below the surface of the
them
softer
and
fitter
for
the
furnace.
they have so done, they have a kind of furnace,
made with a white

furnace, behind
sort of clay,
;
wherein they put

is
a quantity of charcoal
there
a back to the
which the man stands that blows.

o
VOL.
I.
Tr ia
fingers,
formed of a species of white clay, found inland,

into orna-
set precious
He
was found
When
and
the
com-
290
Behind the furnace they have two logs of wood

placed
fast in
;
the ground, hollow at the top like
two pots
upon the mouths of these two pieces
of hollow
wood they
in
tie a
piece of deer's skin, on
each part a piece, with a small hole, as big as a
man's finger,
each skin.
In the middle of each

are
skin, a little beside the holes,

tied fast to as
like a spring,
two
strings,
many
sticks
stuck in the ground,
bending
describes
like a
bow
this pulls the
skin upwards."
He
then
minutely the process of

:
is in
them
ud
melts,
is
and runs out
io
blowing, and continues " As the stones are thus burning, the dross that
at
Tr ia
;
pose.
of
it
fire,
is
PD
Out of this hole runs the dross-like streams and the iron remains behind, which, when
think enough, they drive
purified as they
sk
through the same slanting hole

it
St
where there
a slanting hole
made
l
the bottom,
for the
pur-
then they give

so fling
it it
a chop half
:
way through, and

it
into
de
the water
that
it is
they so chop
that
may be
seen
good
iron, for the
satisfaction of those
who are minded to buy." The state of religion

Kandians, anterior
to, at
observable
the period
among
of,
tlie
and sub-
sequent to Knox's captivity, will be noticed hereafter

;
and we
will fur the present bid adieu
to

the
291
ancient Kandians,
and resume our history

possession
of
subsecutively,
from
in
taking
the
in
Dutch settlements
1796.
Ceylon by the British,
Mr. Andrews was sent as ambassador
to the to
Kandian
minary
court,
by
and
the
Madras government,
obtain Rajah Siugha's ratification to the

treaty,
preli-
to negotiate
a definitive one
dian nation was to have enjoyed privileges and
advantages which they had not possessed in tranquillity for
more than two

free
centuries.
vessels
service,
to
were to have been placed at the king's
carry on
or
foreign
and home trade
St
entirely
from our superintendence,

;
ud
io
to
seways,
salt-marshes at Putlara,
profitable,
and which had been
PD
in the possession
of the Dutch, from
whom
they had passed into
our hands, were to have been given up to Rajadhi
de
Rajah Singha.
sk
Our ambassador could not
ceed in bringing matters to a termination, as the
king of Kaudy required various alterations
Tr ia
to
on more enlarged principles, by which the Kan-
Ten armed
and the
then most
made
in
the
proposed
treaty,
which Mr.
Andrews was not authorized
to accede.
The
first
pearl-fishery, under our government,
took place during this jear, and yielded upwards

of sixty thousand pounds.
The proceeds
o 2
of the
suc-
be
292
several
will

fisheries
under ihe Dutch and English

to
be given in a porlion of this work devoted
the produce of Ceylon.
In the year 1797, an insurrection was caused
by the employment
lectors of the
offices
of
Malabar Duboshes,
;
or col-
revenue and other duties

filled
these
had been formerly
by the Cingalese
aratchys, or headmen, but the
Madras governmeht
These
had displaced them, substituting natives of the

Malabar coast
sided,
official
Tr ia
;
l
in their stead.
trivial
dis-
turbances were speedily quelled, and entirely sub-
when
the Cingalese were reinstated in their
appointments.
The king
ud
io
made
of the negocialion,
but, before a definitreaty
of Kandy, during this year,
and conclusion of ihe
tive
arrangement
Singha died,
PD
after a
wives or queens, as well as concubines, he did
de
not leave any male issue

racter of
lo love
sk
seventeen years.
St
v\
overtures to us for a renewal
as entered into, Rajadhi Rajah

tolerably tranquil reign of
five legitiniaie
Although he had
and he bore the chaan indolent, voluptuous man, " addicted

;
and poetry, and

the
to
nothing
else,
and who
ruled his subjects with an easy yoke."
The
fol-
lowing
is
personal
description
of Rajadhi
" Miscella-
Rcijah Singha, given by
Boyd
in
his
neous Works
:'"
10

"
"293
He
is
about thirty-six, or thirty-seven years
of age, of a grand majestic appearance, a very

large man,
and very black, but of an open,

as
I
intelli-
gent countenance,
nearer approach.
attitude put
found afterwards on a
On
mind
the whole, his figure and of our Harry the Eighth.

is
me
in
He
wore a large crown, which
a very important
In the following year, 1798, Ceylon was
a King's Colony, and the Hon. Frederick North,
ud
cessor to his learned
and philanthropic progenitor,

island,
io
it
afterwards Earl of Guilford, and a worthy suc-
there in the
St
was appointed governor of the month of October.

Historians
differ,
as to whether
the concubines of the late king, that Pilimi Ta-
Kandy, under the title of Sri Wikrama Rajah Singha, to the exclusion of the royal family as Prince Mootoo Sawme, the chief or
the throne of
first
de
queen's brother, was the legitimate heir to
the crown.
sk
lawe, the
first
This step was taken by Pilimi Talavve
PD
of one of the queens, or a son of a sister of one of
adikar or prime minister, raised to
to further his
own ambitious
views, as Sri
throne,
rama was but an automaton on the actions were directed by the first
Talawe, who imprisoned the chief queen of the
Tr ia
and arrived
was a nephew
adikar, Pilimi
l
made
Wikwhose
distinction from the other princes of the East."
294
late
monarch Rajadhi, and

;
several relatives of the
Mootoo Savvme, with his adherents and followers, made their escape from Kandy, and placed themselves under the
royal family
whilst Prince
protection of the British government at Colombo.
During the following

slaves
year, the importation of
was
prohibited, and torture and barbarous
Tr ia
to Pilimi
North granted an interview
the prime minister appears to have been most cau-
tary one
but in a subsecutive one, in September,
he offered to assassinate the monarch, Sri WikEnglish would assist him to ascend the throne,
PD
rama,
whom
he had raised
St
ud
ment, as this interview was merely a complimen-
that he, Pilimi Talawe,
io
tious in his
mode
of proceeding with our govern-
to that dignity, if the
would govern Kandy

This
modes of punishment abolished in our possessions in Ceylon. In the month of February, Governor
Talawe, and
as
sk
the English would
dictate.
ignominious
de
proposition was rejected in the
manner it merited, and the governor made Pilimi Talawe understand,

that neither the
monarch, nor nation, which he had
the honour to represent, either aided or abetted murder, or assassins

;
but,
undaunted by
this
prompt
to aid
and determined refusal of Governor North
him
in
his
criminally nefarious project, Pilimi

the
Talawe made many after-communications of
295
same
nature,
which were rejected with the scorn
and contumeliousness they merited.
The
year;
first
English seminary was established at

within the
after
Colombo,
for the instruction of natives
thus
we
find that
immediately
Mr.
North held the reins of government, and when naturally in a new colony, there were many important political,
and
commercial
subjects
to
engross the governor's attention and time
gentleman had been employing his leisure hours

in
endeavouring to ameliorate the
suflferings,
improve the condition of his sable fellow-man.
Governor North abolished

slaves,
ud
the
io
Tr ia
;
importation
ment, and established a seminary for the instruc-
tion of the ignorant
and benighted
St
torture
and barbarous modes of punishnatives,
that within the space of twelve months.
conduct of this nature needs no comment or praise,
wise."
In the following year, 1800, Governor North

agreed
to
de
and each one in reading this may apply the following text to himself, " Go and do thou like-
sk
send an ambassador to the king of

first
PD
Kandy, as the
adikar, Pilimi
lâlawc,
made name
overtures of an honourable nature, in the
of Sri Wikrama, in his
ofllicial
capacity of
:
prime-minister.
The Rev. Mr. Cordiner writes
l
that
and
of
and Noble
had
296
" In order to elude the arts of the adikar, the
governor promised that Major-General Macdowall

should be sent as ambassador,
if
the consent of
the liing were previously obtained to his carrying
with him a sufficient military force to maintain

his independence.
It
was
at the
same time proit,
posed, that
if
the king should approve of
he
should transport his person and his court for
enjoy
all
his royal rights,
and
Tr ia
to for
depute
l
19lh
greater safety to the British
territories, there to
to Pilimi
Talawe, the adikar, the exercise of his power in
and General Macdowall started
four battalions of his Majesty's
St
Kandy on his embassy, escorted " by the light company, and

foot,
five
PD
companies of the second battalion of the 6th
ud
The king
of
Kandy consented to
io
Kandy."
the requisition,
regi-
ment of
coast sepoys, five companies of the
Malay
sk
regiment, a detachment of the Bengal artillery,
with four six-pounders and two howitzers."
Now,
de
the utility of the caution evinced
by Governor
North
escort,
in
sending an ambassador, with a powerful
tion
was displayed, as on the road the deputamet with opposition from the natives, and
Talawe had
secretly instigated
several skirmishes resulted, not without suspicion
that Pilimi
the
rebels to this contumacious
mode
of proceeding.
297
Our ambassador and

Kandy, where a
his escort finally reached
series of lengthened interviews
ensued between Sri Wikrama and General
Mac
dowall, which terminated in the general returning

to
Colombo, without having been able
to
effect a
new
treaty, or alter the position of affairs then ex-
isting
between the British and Kandian governhistorical nature
ments.
quo during the year 1801, but the following year
was fraught with circumstances of

point of view.
interest, as well
as with those of deep importance in a political
The Supreme Court
ud
lion
was introduced.
year, the king of
PD
Kandy
St
was now
first
established,
and vaccine innocula-
At the beginning of the

sent his second adikar as
io
ambassador
a
to
our government at Colombo,

treaty
satisfactory
was
entered
ensured the safety, and permission to carry on
de
commercial intercourse,
powers.
it
sk
to the subjects of the
Tr ia
into,
Events of an
remained
in statu
of Judicature
Shortly after the
new
treaty
was
ratified,
was
violated
by the Kandians, who connnitted
the
first
act of aggression,
by plundering some
Governor North de-
British subjects,
in the
who had purchased Areka-nuts

should be
Kandian dominions.
that restitution
manded
made
o 5
stolen property, or that the parties should be rcim-
when
which
two
of the
298
bursefl
to

the
full
value of their merchandize.
This demand Pilimi Talawe, in the name of his

sovereign^ promised to
comply with, but postponed
the fulfilment of his promise, and after repeated
demands had been made by our government for the required compensation, which were constantly
met by puerile evasions, Governor North
if the
threat-
ened the king of Kandy with hostile proceedings,

forthwith made.
War was
the head
declared against the Kandians in
io
the January of 1803, and General Macdowall, at
Kandy.
plete
These troops consisted of "two incom-
companies of Bengal
St
ud
of a considerable
force,
Tr ia
the
marched
l
had pursued
demanded and promised
restitution
was not
for
artillery,
with the usual
proportion of gun-lascars, two companies of his
51st regiment (625 strong,) one thousand Ceylon
PD
Majesty's 19th regiment of foot, the entire of the
ment, and a small corps of pioneers."
sk
native infantry, one
company of
Malay
regi-
Colonel
de
Barbut also
set out for
Trincomalee, commanding
artillery, five
"one company
of the
Madras
com-,
panics of the 19th regiment, the greater part of the
Malay regiment, and a necessary proportion of

lascars
and pioneers."
These
divisions, in their
respective marches, did not meet with the slightest

resistance, and, although each
differ-
CEYLON and the CINGALESE.
299
ent routes, arrived almost simultaneously at the
Kandian
seat of government,
which they found
undefended and deserted, and our large army,
which consisted of more than three thousand men, took undisturbed possession of Lanka-divas
capital, the palace of
which had been
fired before
the retreat of the Kandians, and
was
partially de-
stroyed
but in some of the apartments were found
dha, sets of glass and china-ware, and
golden cups adorned with silver filagree."

arsenal, or
what was used
for the store-house for
their warlike
weapons, a large quantity of arms
and appropriated.
the brother of Rajadhi's chief queen, and he
de
sk
Mootoo Sawme was now proclaimed king by Governor North, and he was crowned with all due ceremony at Kandy. This prince was the legitimate heir to the Kandian throne, as he was
PD
St
of various descriptions were found by our troops,
ud
treaty
io
Tr ia
" pier glasses, statues, particularly those of Bud'

a few
placed himself under the protection of the British

government, when Pilimi Talawe placed Sri Wik-
rama on the throne,

without male issue.
after the decease of
was
l
tG>
In the
had
Rajadhi
ratified
by
Governor North and Mootoo Sawrae,
to the effect
that the British merchants and soldiers should be
indemnified for losses sustained previously
and
300
during the war, that a portion of land was to be

given up for the purpose of constructing a road
from Colombo to Trincomalee, that the province

of the Seven Korles, which
is
a tract along the
western coast, should be
made
over for ever to the
British, that the king should not form
any alliance
without the concurrence of his Britannic Majesty,
and that an European
force should be kept in
these
agreed.
considerations,
Mootoo
Tr ia
into
to
Sawme
Kandy,
for
the preservation
of order.
To
all
readily
Barbut, in pursuit of the fugitive Sri Wikraraa,
which
but,
was nearly drawn
St
ud
was now sent to Hangrenketty, about sixteen miles from Kandy, commanded by Colonel
io
much
force
an ambuscade,
the troops were sent remained unaccomplished.
de
mode
being
sk
Pilimi Talawe evinced
PD
retreat
was
owing
to the caution of the colonel, a timely
effected, although the object for
which
penetration in the
of warfare which he adopted with our troops,

fully
conscious
of the inferiority of the
Kandian
soldiers if
opposed
them
in regular
engagement.
He
harassed
them by hovering
all
about the capital, cutting off supplies, and
communication between Kandy, Colombo, and

Trincomalee.
nearly taken
detachment of our men were
by
Pilimi Talawe, which had been

sent out to
30l
commence a negociation with some

vicinity,
chief in
the
and our soldiers
barely
to
of
escaped annihilation,
retreat into
and were necessitated
Kandy
was
set
precipitately.
reward
ten rupees
on the head of each European,
and
five
rupees on that of any of the native troops
in the service
of the British.
to
make
inroads on the health of our troops,
a negotiation
was opened with General Mac-
Sri
Wikrama,
into the
hands of the
ud
men.
to surrender the person of the
condition that he, Pilimi Talawe, should have
and that Mootoo Sawme should

government.
PD
Octoan Komarayan, or great and supreme prince,

retire to JafFna-
Unfortunately for the honour of Britain, this
degrading proposal was acceded
de
sk
patam, receiving a pension from the Kandian
supreme authority
St
in
Kandy, under
io
dowall by Pilimi Talawe,
The
adikar proposed
deposed monarch,
British, on the
Tr ia
the
to
l
title
This harassing mode of warfare was beginning
when
of
by General
Macdowall, who returned
to
Colombo, withdraw-
ing a large body of the troops, leaving
Kandy
Talawe
under the command of Major Davie, with a garrison of only one thousand
Piraili
having found that his nefarious scheme

ing power, aud raising himself
for obtain-
to the highest dig-
302
nity

had succeeded, now resolved upon attempting of the person of Governor
at
to obtain possession
North, and for this purpose requested a conference
might take place

royal residence.
Dambadiva, about
North
fifty-seven
miles east of Colombo, and which had been a
Governor
being most
anxious for peace, and to avoid bloodshed, acquiesced most readily to Pilimi Talawe's proposi-
A
to
day having been fixed upon
ence, namely, the 3rd of
ud
guards, whilst a detachment

soldiers
io
May, the governor went Dambadiva, attended by a numerous suite and

of three hundred
Tr ia
it
for the confer-
l
met Governor North
at that place.
tion.
These
precautions were necessary to guard against the
accompanying the governor,
PD
lawe
and, had
F
it
treacherous designs of the perfidious Pilimi Ta-
St
not been for this armed force

in all probability
he
de
arrival,
made prisoner, as the adikar had of armed men awaiting the governor's body a
sk
wôuld have been
but he liad not any proposal, or fresh ne-
gotiation to enter into.

seize the person of
Finding
impossible to
in the face of
Governor North
his escort, Pilimi

after
Talawe broke up the conference,
a nominal ratification of the former treaty.
General Macdowall returned to Kandy, and

took the
command
of the garrison on the
6th of
CEYLON AND tHE CINGALESE.
303
sake of
May, and most unfortunately

taken seriously
ill,
for
the
humanity, and of Great Britain's honour, he was
and compelled
to leave
Kandy
on the 11th of June following, leaving the garrison

under the
command
of Major Davie.
its task,
Our pen
almost refuses to perform
and record the
horribly sickening details of the fearful massacre
and
sacrifice of
human
life,
brought about, and
by the cowardice and pusillanimity of one man, who dishonoured and disentailed on his victims
he served, the commission he held, the uniform he

wore, and
wielded.
the sword which he ought
ud
is
io
power
;
graced the country that gave him birth, the king
Tr ia
to
all
;"
St
So long as there
in language,
will
or truth in history, the
name
of
Major Dmue
treacherous,
PD
be execrated and loathed, as denoting

vile,
despicable,
dastardly,
Therefore,
de
sk
mean
" Veritatis simplex oratio est
we resume our
history.
From concomitant
duced
for
circumstances,
we
Talawe only waited the absence of General Macdowall to attack

to believe, that Pilimi
the weakened garrison of
Kandy
the
power of
the troops was diminishing daily, either by deser*

lion, or sickness.
They were under
the
command
l
have
that is
and
are
in-
304
of Major Davie, a creature unworthy the
name
of
man, who had neither the courage nor

an
office
ability for
which placed
in his
keeping and power
the honour of his country, and the lives of his

fellow-creatures.
Within a few days

to leave
after the general
was forced
son,
tion
delivered
up forthwith, with the whole of the

and that the British troops should
military stores,
retire
der had been made, our
Kandy.
pital,
Major Davie, marching
St
ud
whom
their arras.
Before sunset on the day the surren-
gamson had evacuated

at the
io
to Trincomalee, being allowed to retain
Tr ia
our troops, leaving 150 sick Europeans in hos-
PD
who had
not been
for
named
in the articles of
Kandy, Pilimi Talawe besieged the garriand Major Davie surrendered by capitulaand it was stipulated thai Kandy should be ;
head of
capitulation,
and
no provision
was
de
Our
enemies might choose.

troops,
sk
to
made,
be dealt with as their savage, barbarous

consisting of
seventeen
officers,
fifty
twenty British soldiers, two hundred and
Malays, one hundred and forty gun lascars, ac-
companied by Mootoo Sawme and
his attendants,
reached Wattapolawa on the Trincomalee road,
when
their progress
was intercepted by the

all
river
Mahavelliganga, at
times a rapid stream, but

at that season
305
much
increased by the late rains.
Major Davie in vain attempted to get the men across; and no mention had been made of this
river in the articles
;
therefore their enemies, the

to
Kandians, were not bound

canoes, or rafts
;
provide them with

sur-
and they now stood on the

jeering at the
position
rounding heights,
our
troops were placed in.
Mootoo Sawme, Major
Tr ia
?"
Davie, and the
officers,
with their followers,
re-
mained on the banks of the

and
river during the night,
their attempts to procure rafts the following
morning proved
lution,
abortive.
Observing their irreso-
some Kandian
chiefs
lowers, and
these chiefs offered to provide boats,
St
cation with
Major Davie, and his perplexed
ud
io
lost
opened a communifol-
on the condition that Mootoo
Sawme was
delivered
PD
into
the
power of
the Kandians.
Major Davie
sk
for a short
time hesitated, but Jinally agreed to
this dishonourable, base,
infamous, atrocious proto
position,
the
unfortunate prince, or rather king, Mootoo Sawme. "Is it possible," he exclaimed, "that the triumphant arms of England can be so humbled, as
to fear the
de
and communicated his determination
menaces of the Kandians

were
But
tardly,
his expostulations
upon the das-
cowardly Davie, and Mootoo
Sawme
v\
as
306
delivered to his enemies
living holocaust, pre-
sented by British officers to the demons of disgrace
and cowardice.
No
tain
language
is
sufficiently
powerful to express
the dishonour brought on the
by
this
infamous
act.
name of Great BriThe law of nations, as
well as those of good faith and honour were violated

:
Mootoo Sawme
fled to us for protection,
placed his person in our keeping, confiding in our
l
honour
;
we accepted
the
more, caused him to be crowned king in his own

dominions, and entered into an alliance with him then broke our faith with him, by listening
Tr ia
trust
still
reposed
nay
;
io
to,
ud
and accepting the overtures of a
rebel, thus depos-
He
retreated
with
St
ing the monarch
whom we
ourselves had crowned.

trusting in
our troops,
PD
British probity,
when
he was shamelessly handed
over to his enemies, by one of that nation to
whom
And
a
de
man who was guilty soldier, and one who ought

the
sk
he had confided the safe-keeping of his person.

of this atrocity was
to
have guarded the
honour of his country, and the persons of those
who
placed themselves under the protection of
Great Britain.
dishonoured
endure, and
Shame on
and
will
the
name
of Davie
it is,
be as long as time
shall
we spurn
the
name from our
pen, as
we would
a loathsome reptile from our path.
307
Mootoo Sawme was taken

Sri
before the usurper,
Wikrama and
his adikar,
put the following question to " Was it proper for you, being, as you are, of
:
when him
Pilimi Talaue
the royal family, to fly to the English for protection,
and join them
in fighting against
your coun-
try?"
"
am
at
your mercy," the unfortunate Mootoo
Sawrae meekly replied.
Some
humble
further questions were put,

replies,
ordered to suffer the most barbarous tortures, and
be impaled
terrific
alive,
thus meeting death in his most
ud
their
io
when
this
wretched prince was
and agonizing form.
Mootoo
Sawme
did not appease the insatiate
PD
Kandians, who, finding that their former demands
had been agreed
to,
now
sk
promised boats, insisting that the British troops

should lay
down
St
This
refused to provide the
their arms,
and return
No
de
attempt at resistance
to this
was made by Major
Davie
bited
unprecedented demand
tulation used as to the breach of faith

;
Tr ia
to
and received
sacrifice of
no
now
all they required was by the Kandians readily agreed to, and Major Davie, with his offi-
cers,
were separated from
men, and the arms
of the whole party taken from them.
The men
were then marched into a narrow pass, strongly
l
Kandy.
exposexhi-
308

their
guarded by
armed Kandian
escort,
and
if
ordered out, two by two, and the question put
they would serve under the Kandian king

a negative
When
was given, these poor fellows were taken some distance from the main body, and
butchered in the most horrible manner by their
savage enemies.
At the conclusion of this

three
revolt-
ing slaughter of the soldiers, the officers shared
but Captain Nouradeen's fate merits more particular
and honourable
PD
returned to Kandy, and murdered the whole of

the hundred-and-fifty sick
The Kandians, not
St
ud
yet
lives in a
wretched captivity among the Kandians,
notice.
io
and Nouradeen.
The
first
three lingered out their
European
Tr ia
glutted
officer,
European and one Malay officer being spared. The names of these were. Major Davie, Captains Rumley, Humphreys,
de
these
sk
hospital.
What must have been the agony of men, whilst this revolting massacre was
Left
taking place?
country, by their
it
unprotected,
commanding
was
to
have provided
for their safeguard, pros-
trated
by sickness or wounds they had received
whilst fighting under their country's banner, and

in
her monarch's cause, unprovided with arms,
prostrated
by bodily
infirmity,
prevented thus
l
in
the
same
fate
but
with blood,
soldiers in
a hostile
whose duty

from availing themselves of the means of
defence, with
their mental
309
self-
which nature had provided them,

sufferings must, indeed,
have been
if,
most
their
terrible.
Nor can we be
surprised,
in
dying agony, they forgot their duty as Chris-
tians,
and cursed the man whose cowardice, want
of firmness,
and hum.anity, had

inflicted
left
them
to
meet death,
enemies.
by the hands of barbarous
l\vo of our men most miraculously escaped

from the fearful slaughter; the
first
Barnsley of the l9lh regiment, he received a deep

sword-cut on his neck, and had his head laid
St
open by blows from a club, but he contrived

extricate himself from the
ud
and
io
swam
Tr ia
and
difficulty,
was Corporal
heap of
then
slain,
over a
bank
until
into a paddy-field,
where he lay conacross the
cealed
river,
night.
and received assistance and food from some
sk
kind Samaritans,
PD
He
who
followed the precepts of
Buddha, succouring the sick and needy, although

the suppliant
de
was not one who believed

suffering
in their
god.
After
much
poor fellow reached our garrison at Matele, and

finally recovered
from his wounds.
The
was
other soldier
was
in hospital at
Kandy,
torn out of his bed,
had
a blister pulled off
his chest, and
was knocked on the head with the
l
to
roll
the
310
butt end of a musket, and thrown with his mur-
dered companions into a deep
pit.
He made
his
way from among
the dead bodies, and crawled
into a neighbouring drain, from
whence he was
to a tree
:
dragged in the morning, and hung
the
left
rope broke, and he was again suspended, and
to die, but strange to say the rope again gave way,
and he contrived
subsisted
sides.
to
secrete himself in a neigh-
upon the grass that grew from
Tr ia
bouring cave for ten days, during which period he

the
his preservation, that he determined to inform the
king.
soldier
The
superstitious tyrant declared that the
ordered him to be provided with food, raiment, and
sk
a dwelling, and eventually he, as well as Barnsley,
PD
the
gods, thus to have
must be under the especial protection of

escaped with
life,
St
ud
accidentally found him, and was so astonished at
io
Kandian who had seen him twice hanged
and
de
had the
in a
to
it
gratification of
being restored to their
families.
We
believe if these accounts were read
work of imagination, they would be declared
be beyond the bounds of probability, so true
is
"
That
tiTith is strange,
stranger than fiction."
The wretched
being, Davie, died in 1810, and
it is

asserted that
in
311
appearance and dress he had
become
family,
essentially
Kandian
and that he cohabiwhom

affirm
ted with a
low caste vvoraanj by

it is
he had a
and
said that grandchildren of his are
now
in
Kandy.
tried
Military
to
men
that our
government
ransom
this
contemptible
sea-
creature, but as the
Kandian king demanded a

to
port to be given
tion, it
up
in consideration for his libera-
was impossible
left to
accede to such terms,
and Davie was

with
they
linger
among
Tr ia
a people
all their faults
are not cowardly ; consequently,
must have despised him
io
to
for his
bravery.
It is the
St
bounden duty of an historian
ud
l
who
want of
be
to
impai lial, and draw notice to the conduct of
thos.e
it
necessary to animadvert upon the line of policy
sk
adopted by General Macdovvall.

place,
it
PD
placed in responsible positions; therefore we deem
In the
faith,
first
was a decided breach of

crowned^
and
vio-
de
lation of our treaty with
Mootoo Sawme,
the mo-
narcli
whom we had
enter into a
negotiation with Piliuii Talawe,
and agree that
he should be the viceroy of Kandy, thereby deposing Mootoo Sawme, and pron.ising that he
should
retire to
Jaffnapatam.
The
overtures of
the crafty, Pilimi Talawe,
had not the excuse of
being made in the name of the king,
whom
he
312
acknouledged, and whose prime minister he was,

namely, Sri Wikrama, but were made in his own
name and
for his
own
benefit, as
he consented
into the
to
deliver the person of his
monarch
hands
of the British.
General Macdowall evinced but
an imperfect knowledge of
listeniiig to,
positions
traitor to
faithless
to
the country
which gave him
Tr ia
whom
added
to
human nature, even in much more in acceding to, the proof a man who was alike a rebel and a his king and country. He who was
birth,
and the monarch whose confidential servant he
io
was, could not be relied upon, or be expected to
himself of
to
use as a step in ascending the ladder
of his ambition.
\\\ tlie
a body of troops from Kandy, leaving only one
sk
thousand men
PD
be censured, for prematurely withdrawing so large
second place, General Macdowall
St
ud
keep
faith
with the British,
he only availed
is
to
in garrison, in the
midst of a hos-
de
tile,
treacherous
nation,
who
could,
from the
all
natural defence of the country, cut off
comof
munication and supplies

small body of
which, this
men was
left
under the
command
to
an
officer totally
incapable and unfit
have so
fearful
important a trust reposed in him.
The
consequences attendant upon the whole of the

mistaken line of policy pursued by General Mac-
313
dowall in this disastrous business, has been seen

in the fatal results recorded in previous pages.
No
attempt at palliation can be

;
made
for
Major
Davie's misconduct
and, for the credit of Great
Britain, such transgressions of the laws of
honour
and humanity
are
rare.
The
result of Davie's
all
pusillanimous cowardice, in acceding to
the
met with awful retribution in and those of his brother officers

ings could not restore
to
life
his o/.n
;
but their sufferthe
ud
is
it is
slaughtered
men who had

is
fallen
io
victims to the
savage brutality of the Kandians.

regulated
mind, death
St
always preferable
Tr ia
To
and
is
person,
hundreds of
a wellto
his country; and fortunate
PD
imprinted on the heart of the British defender of

that the contrary
dishonour, and this feeling
generally deeply
sk
sentiment
sons
as
;
is
rarely
it
met with
among
Britain's
for,
de
were
otherwise, and conduct such
Major
Davie's
of
frequent occurrence,
should become a byword

the earth,
instead
among
the nations of
re-
of being honoured
spected where the name of England
known.
the
life
We
expressed our intention
of nuticiug
heroic conduct of Captain Nouradeen, whose
was spared
This
officer
1.
at
Watlapolov\a by the Kandians.

a
was
Malay, ihen comniauding the

p
VOL.
unconscionable demands of his Kandian enemies,
we
314

;
Malay regiment
and Pilimi Talawe had used

during the period our troops
every persuasion
occupied Kandy, to induce Captain Nouradeen

to leave our service,
and enter that of the Kanriches.
dian, promising
him high rank and

;
All
these offers were steadfastly refused
and,
when he
was made
riches, if
prisoner, Pilimi
Talawe renewed them,

life,
tempting Captain Nouradeen with
rank, and
;
radeen) was already the servant of a mighty king,
persuasion useless, threats and tortures were es-
St
ud
serve
whose uniform he wore, and that he could not two masters." Finding all entreaty and
io
Tr ia
he would serve Sri Wikrama but the answer he received was, " that he (Captain Nou-
sayed; but these proved alike
futile, in
try
which he served; and

to death
PD
Captain Nouradeen to become
inducing
traitor to the
coun-
this noble, heroic fellow
was put
by Pilimi Talawe. The contrast
presented in the character and conduct of Noura-
menced between the British and Kandians, when Sri Wikrama, stimulated and intoxicated by his
late successes, threatened to attack
de
deen and Davie needs no concluding comment. In August, desultory warfare and ravage com-
sk
Colombo, but
importance, in
refrained from doing so; and, in September, he
besieged Ilangwelle, a
fort of little
our possession, and suffered a severe defeat.
315
At the commencement of the year 1801, the
Kandians prepared and attempted a general invasion of the British settlements, but were repulsed
on
all
sides
great havoc
was made among
their
troops,
and the
losses they sustained
were con-
siderable.
Shortly after this, Pilimi
Talawe again
made
overtures of an amicable nature to our go-
had met with previously,

impressed on their minds
Tr ia
in
vernment
but the severe punishment the British

after listening to
his
treacherous propositions in 1803, were too vividly
so treacherous a
tures
man
made by
Pilimi Talawe were rejected with
Kandians again invaded the British
PD
In the month of February of the year 1805, the

territories
;
sk
but the result was the same as that which they
the contempt they called
St
ud
for.
further intercourse of a friendly description with
and, therefore, the over-
de
experienced the preceding year,
and
of
defeat.
body of our
troops, consisting only
three
hundred men, followed by numerous
coolees and servants, and
commanded by Major
interior.
io
to
permit them to hold
viz., that of loss
Johnson, were ordered to the

officer fought his
This brave
way from
Batticalloa to
Kandy,
Sri
and was there surrounded by the troops of
Wikrama.
Nothing daunted, he cut his way
through them,
and proceeded
his
road to
p 2
316

constantly harassed
Trincomalee, although
the
by
Kandian troops, who opposed the progress
of this undaunted
body of men. This small army,

their destina-
headed by Major Johnson, reached

tion with comparatively small loss,
having had
to
pass through a hostile country, and constant skir-
mishes having taken place between them and the
Kandian troops thus showing what energy and
treaty
was entered
St
agreed to by the British, although no formal

into,
ud
when commanded by an The war was carried on with much determination and bravery on both sides and the king of Kandy proposed a cessation of hostilities, which was
officer
possessing firmness and valour.
io
;
and peace continued
Tr ia
gem
left
bravery could perform
l
no
till
In July of this year, 1805, Governor North was

relieved
to
PD
by
sk
F
Sir
3814.
Thomas Maitland, who succeeded

of
the
appointment
Governor of Ceylon.
the
de
Governor Norlh
all
returned to England with
good wislies of
of that island
;
the natives and British subjects

certes.
and
Great Britain
is
in-
debted to the abilities

North, the
first
of the
Hon. Frederick
for
English Governor of Ceylon,
retaining this bright colonial
in the Britisli
diadem.
Governor North
the colony in
comparative state of tranquillity,
fresh hos-

tilities
317
having been renewed with the Kandiaus

it
until
1814; and he found
a scene of disorder,
left
warfare, and bloodshed.
Mr. North
Lanka-
diva's verdant shores with the

viction, that
satisfactory conto ameliorate tlie
he had done much
condition,
physically
and morally, of the be-
nighted inhabitants of Ceylon.
de
sk
PD
St
ud
io
Tr ia
318
From 1805
Adikar Sri Wikrama's tyranny Affecting account of the execution Heroic conduct of the wife and son Babe taken from the mother's breast to be decapitatedKebellion in KandyMartial law proclaimedTranquillity restored Dalada reUc Death of the King of Kandy Govei-nor Sir Colin Campbell His policy Bishopric of Colombo conBishop Dr. Chapman His exertions stituted The and characterRebellion in Kandy The Priests causes disturbance Pre of dissatisfaction New taxes and Eebels enter and tender proclaimed His destroy the public buUdings at Matele Troops march from Kandy Conflict with rebels Martial law proclaimed Reward offered PretenderDestruction Kumegalle Observer newspaper exciting discontent Alarming meeting of natives near the seat of GovernmentAttack of the police Mr. Elliot addresses the mob Reinforcements sent to Kandy The Commandant takes possession Pretender's brother shotResult of of the Dalada
to
1844
Tr ia
first
family murdered
de
sk
PD
fii-st
St
for
ud
io
progi'ess
relic
l
Fii'st
CHAPTER
XII.
of

Courts Mai'tial
Cliief Justice's
319
Special sessions of Supreme CourtThe charge His recommendatiou mercy

to reply.
Lord Torringtou's
Although
there
was a cessation of
hostilities
between the British and Kandians, we were not

uninterested observers of the political events oc-
curring in Kandy, which were most important,
weak, supine youth
mere automaton, placed

and dictated by, his
on the throne by Pilimi Talawe, and whose acor prime minister.
which Pilimi Talawe had been with

during, the
first
ud
The
;
adikar,
part of his reign,
PD
not subsist during peace.
dians were engaged in war with the British, could

authority of Pilimi
St
Talawe gradually declined,
as the
io
The
tions
were subservient
to,
upon Wikrama, when the Kanfooting

Sri
sk
more securely the
reins of government,
Sri
Tr ia
whilst
monarch held
and
felt
now
of a despotic tyrant, and he evinced his determination to govern, as his predecessors had ruled
Kandy,
to retain,
de
himself seated fastly on the throne.
Wikrama
exhibited his real character, which was that
with
absolute
side,
power
Talawe, on his
was
in like
manner resolved
and maintain, his

distrust
influential hold over
the
Kandian monarch and

i
his court.
Mutual
between the monarch and his
as the monarch, Sri
Wikrama, was no longer the
Pilimi
320
adikar existed for years, until 1812,
when
Pilimi
Talawe excited the jealous fears of Sri Wikrama, by requesting that the illegitimate daughter of
the last king, Rajadhi, might be given in marriage
to his son.
Sri
Wikrania was highly incensed
at
this
presumptuous proposal of the adikar, as he

it
viewed
as a covert attempt to be enabled to
claim affinity with
the
royal blood,
and sum-
Tr ia
Sri
moned
ferred various charges of misconduct,
assumptions, against Pilimi Talawe.
Talawe was condemned by

the surprise of
ud
:
tiie
complaints made by their king, and Pilimi
io
The
chiefs listened with
becoming
the whole of his chiefs to court, and pre-
and arrogant
gravity to
Wikrama, with
the concurrence of the assembled chiefs; when, to
PD
declaring his reluctance to punish so old a servant,
and reinstated Pilimi Talawe
St
all,
the king pardoned the adikar,
in his office of
adikar.
sk
It is
de
difficult to
fathom the motive which acit
tuated Sri
either
Wikrama
must have been dictated
by the most noble generosity, or by the
most subtle cunning; but Pilimi Talawe enjoyed

his position as adikar only for a short time after
he had been reinstated
in his office, as his con-
duct again excited the king's displeasure,
who
to
banished him to his province, forbidding him

leave
it
321
without his (the king's) permission, and
depriving
him of his rank and honours. Scarcely was Pilimi Talawe in his province,
This
for-
before he hired Malays to murder the king.
conspiracy was discovered by Eheylapola,
merly the second adikar,
but
whom
the
king
had made first adikar when he disgraced Pilimi Talawe the conspirators were taken, tortured,
;
and condemned
to
be trodden to death by
;
ele-
phants, trained to that pur|30se
Talawe and his nephew were tortured and
Tr ia
breast
to
for
whilst Pilimi
be-
io
to
:
headed.
reigned lords paramount
ud
in
The demons
of cruelty
and suspicion
the
chiefs
he
condemned
St
Wikrama
in
his
without just cause, and feared rebellion to exist
who
at
that time
PD
every breath his subjects drew.
Eheylapola,
his king, Sri
was devoted
province the king declared to be in a state of re-
de
sk
Wikrama, regarded with

bellion, although
distrust
province after
Eheylapola vouched
allegiance
nevertheless, Sri
Wikrama
fined
of the inhabitants,
imprisoning,
torturing,
mutilating others.
In
some
districts, the
ordered the priests and
Moormen
to
quit,
bidding
all
women, except
natives of those dis-
tricts, to
remain in them.
The domestic
wretch-
P 5
l
now
death
of Sri
their
some
and
king
for-
322
edness this edict caused
is well described by Dr. Davj, who was in Ceylon at the time. " Wives were separated from their husbands mothers from their children the young bride and
; ;
the aged parent
all
indiscriminately were torn
from the bosom of their families, and driven from

their
homes, producing scenes alike of
distress
and anger, which might well shake the firmest
Thus we
subjects.
see
how
Sri
Wikrama
1814,
goad into rebellion his stanchest adherents and

neglect of duty, Eheylapola
district of Saffragam,
io
In the year
Tr ia
;
ud
for some was ordered
l
contrived to
trivial
loyalty."
to his
and thither he
retired, in
St
obedience
to
the king's
command
but as Ehey-
PD
of Saffragam, they exhibited every demonstration of joy at the return

of Eheylapola.
lapola was beloved sincerely by the inhabitants
This Sri
sk
Wikrama chose
to
construe into an act of rebelto
de
lion,
and proclaimed Saffragam

prisoner,
;
be in a
state
of insurrection, and despatched troops there, to
make Eheylapola
capital,
alive,
and bring him

formerly
Sri
to the
or dead
and these were comthe
manded by Molligodde,
adikar, but
seccmd
be-
upon
whom
Wikrama had
stowed the place of Eheylapola.
This nobleman,
however, with several chiefs, took refuge in Co-
323
lombo, placing themselves under the protection of the British government, whilst Molligodde
look prisoners
many
of his adherents,
and
re-
turned triumphantly to
Kandy, carrying with him
the adherents of Eheylapola.
The
lapola
fury of the king at the escape of
EheyExe-
knew no bounds,
and he
wreaked his
vengeance on the victims within his grasp.
cutions, tortures, impalements, mutilations, confiscations,
and imprisonments,
hourly
were
daily
almost
air
occurrences.
torturer,
of torture and execution flowed with
under the hands of the
As
Sri
Wikrama
could not get the person of
Eheylapola into his power,
St
now one
vast slaughtering-place.
ud
the
was
filled
with the shrieks of victims,
he determined
io
and Kandy was
Tr ia
to
now the The place human gore
PD
obtain possession of his wife and children.
sk
cordingly, they were

lapola's brother
made
prisoners, with
Eheyforthsuffer
and his
wife, the tyrant resolving

all.
de
to
wreak his vengeance on

brought
to
They were,
with,
death for
Kandy, condemned being the wife, ofi*spring, and Kandy,

for
relations
of a rebel, and were to be executed publicly in

the market-place of
in the presence of the
whole court and population.
The day appointed
this horrible
butchery
l
to
Ac-
324
arrived,
and the wife of Ehejlapola,

(the eldest
with his
four children
boy being but eleven

were
years of age, and the youngest an infant of a few
months
old, sucking at its mother's breast,)
led to the place of execution.
The
wife, a
woman
attired
of majestic mien and noble deportment,

in her court-dress,
and adorned with
all
her jewels
of state, befitting her high rank and station, ad-
vanced boldly
to
meet her
fate,
declaring her
husband's integrity, and expressing her hope that

the
life
which she was about

to
be of benefit
back, as
it
him.
She was ordered
Tr ia
to
give up might
to stand
to die last
chered.
braced her eldest boy, telling him to submit to
St
She uttered no remonstrance, but em-
ud
was the king's command that she was to stand by and see her children but-
io
PD
his fate as
became Eheylapola's
and
terrified,
son.
to
l
The
his
child
hesitated,
for
clung
mother
years
younger,
de
mother, and told his brother not to disgrace his
father
by such cowardly conduct, and that he would show hira how to die as became Eheyla;
sk
protection,
when
his
brother,
two
stepped forward boldly, embraced his
pola's son
advanced with firm step

lifeless
to
the exe-
cutioner
one blow a
to
trunk, deluged in
blood,
spirit
falls
the earth, and the

its flight.
young noble
had taken
325
But the refinement of barbarous cruelty was not to terminate in compelling a mother to stand
the trunkless and see her offspring butchered the paddy-pounder, head was thrown into a
;
pestle placed in the mother's hand,
and she was
ordered to pound the head of her child, or she
should he disgracefully tortured.

hesitated
;
The mother
but the feelings of innate delicacy imthe high-born
planted in
vailed
woman's breast pre-
mental anguish would be prefer-
able to the public exposure of her person

lifted
fall
up
the pestle, closing her eyes, and let
Tr ia
last, it
;
every
l
she
it
on the skull of her dead child.
This hideous scene was enacted with the two
St
other children, and the wretched mother had to
ud
it
io
At
was
its
endure the same mental torture.
F
it
the infant's turn to die, and
was taken from
PD
mother's arms, where
lay sleeping,
and smiling,
then,
pressed her babe convulsively to her bosom
de
sk
in
tranquil unconsciousness.
Eheylapola's wife
in
mule agony, allowed the executioner

from her.
to take
little
her
last child
In a
moment
the
head
was severed from the delicate body. Tlie milk that had been drawn a short time previously from the mother's breast, was seen distinctly Jlo wing
and mingling with the sanguine stream of life. The Kandian matron then advanced eagerly
to
326

step, she
meet death. With a firm
walked towards
the executioner, but with caution, to avoid step-
ping in the blood, or treading on the
lifeless,
mutilated bodies of her children. Her face was cahn ahnost wore an expression of satisfaction
the
Sri
worst
had happened
she
had seen her

of the execu-
children slaughtered
they were out of the tyrant

The hand
Wikrama's power.
is
grave. *
She thrusts him

to
Tr ia
;
tioner
laid
on her, to lead her
to
her watery
to
aside, telling
him not
pollute a
high-born Kandian
matron with his

see her children
murdered
would she therefore shrink from meet-
ing them in death

in-law, telling
birth
;
St
?
Bade adieu
ud
sister
wife,
and had stood calmly
io
to
touch
remember
that
she was Eheylapola's
to her brother-
him
to
meet death as became his
her husband by useless wailings, but to follow
ceding, carrying large stones.
de
to
Kandy,) two executioners following and prearrived at the tank
They have
sk
her; then walked towards the tank, (contiguous
PD
called to her sister-in-law not to
unman
Eheylapola's
* Eheylapola's wife
and
were condemned to be
drowned
the brother and children to be beheaded.

this traoêdy
The
eye-
details of
and attendant circumstances were
described to the writer by a Kandian chief,

witness to this hoi'rible butchery.
who was an

wife gazes fixedly on the tranquil water,
327
whereon
the sunbeams glitter sportively in millions of rays;

the sister
weeps as the executioner commences

secured
;
attaching the heavy stones to her slender throat.

It is firmly
;
the weight bears her fragile
form to the earth

pelled
to
and the executioners are comthe tank.

;
carry her to
She shrieks
wildly as they near the tank

the waters
they hold her over

air.
more
piercing screams rend the
tyrant's victim,
serenely unconscious of the atro-
city perpetrated.
atmosphere.
'Tis
now
St
over her features, as her sister's shrieks
ud
Eheylapola's wife had stood motionless during this period, a slight expression of scorn passing
filled
io
Tr ia
die.
off.
sudden splash
then
the waters close over a
her turn to
executioners advanced towards her, carryino- the
ponderous stone.
still
PD
She motions them
advance
that are to attach the weight to her throat already
de
sk
are
;
quite close to her; the cords
touch her person
she asks them to desist, assur-
ing them that she will not

or attempt to save her
refuse, stating they
life.
make any resistance The executioners

to their orders
must adhere
She
and one lays his hand roughly on her shoulder. shrieks, and eludes his foul touch, for with a
the
The
They
328

darts towards the tank,
:
bound she
the water
circles,
and leaps
for ever.
into
they close over her form in eddying

spirit
and her
has flown
The
executioners depart, palm-trees droop gracefully
over the waters, and the sunbeams glitter sportively

in millions of sparkling rays, as the stream
mursister
murs
a requiem over the
murdered wife and
of Eheylapola.
ud
blood-stained
hand
on
io
the
advances towards him, sword in hand, lays his

chief's
Tr ia
The
is
The butchery in the market was not completed when Eheylapola's wife quitted it, for her husband's brother was slill to die. The headsman
attempting to raise his head.
chief,
indignant exclamation, throws the audacious hand

off his person, plants his feet firmly
St
on the earth,
standing with
desiring
PD
draws himself up
niajestic
to his full height,
dignity,
and
shoulder,
with an
scornfully
the
de
the chief's stern gaze unnerved the
sk
executioner to
fulfil
the tyrant's
command. Has headsman

.?
blow was struck

!
a stream of red blood gushes

!
forth
but,
!
:
horrible
the
is
head
not wholly
struck off
The sword
it
again poised in the air
a flash of light falls on the glittering
destruction
throat
;
weapon of descends on the muscular, manly

is
the sword
now
reeking with red blood
329
headless trunk
falls to
the ground, whilst the

rolls
head, with glaring eye-balls,
along the
eartli,
and
foot.
is
thrust aside rudely
by
the executioner's
!
The bloody
to
tragedy
is
finished
Before the temples of the gods Nata and Vishnu,
and opposite
the
queen's
Sri
palace,
was
this
fearful scene enacted.
Wikrama
;
laid all feel-
ings aside save those of revenge dian laws

it
for,
by the Kan-
should be shed near a temple
Tr ia
wound
in
;
was forbidden that human blood

;
also to
shed the blood of a
woman was
considered
girl.
During the time

going on,
ud
We
of Eheylapola
was a
io
heinous crime, and one of the innocent children
this
revolting butchery
women
shrieked, closing their eyes to
torture,
many
rolled
of the noble Kandian youths, in anguish
on the earth, their mouths pressing close
sk
PD
burying their heads in their hands
exclude the
St
terrific reality
men groaned
mental
whilst
de
the sod to
stifle
their
cries.
will
wind up
this fearful account
by quoting a contemporaneous
crowd,
author:
" During assembled

unable
this tragical scene the

it,
who had
to witness
wept and sobbed aloud,

feelings.
to suppress
their
Palihapaul
Depaaul was so
expelled his
affected that
for
he fainted, and was

such
tender
office
showing
or
was
to
330
During two days the whole of Kandy, with the exception of the tyrant's court, was as
sensibility.
one house of mourning and lamentation, and so
deep was the
grief, that
not a
fire, it is said,
was
was
kindled, no food dressed,

held."
and a general
fast
We believe the
history
perors,
:
savage cruelty of this barbarous
tyrant to be unparalleled in ancient or
modern
the crimes imputed to the
Tr ia
trivial,
Nero and Caligula, were

with those constantly
l
pared
practised
Roman emwhen comby

Sri
lengthened period to the cruel tyranny exercised
St
as the
Kandians
should
Sri
ud
Wikrama, and our astonishment is extreme that any nation more especially a warlike one, such
have submitted
for
io
by
their
monarch.
Wikrama spared
alike
neither
PD
age nor sex
the sucking
all
infant, children, old
and
be
tortured in the most revolting, disgusting manner,
de
mutilated and executed,
sk
young women, were
condemned
to
if thej^
or their relations
incurred his displeasure, or from the caprice of
the instant.
We
can comprehend
man viewing
;
with apathy the destruction of his fellow-man
but
we cannot understand how men could permit the slaughter of the delicate woman, or the helpless
child
every
against
feeling
implanted
in
our nature
that
rebels
the
bare
supposition
the

creatures
selves
331
feel our-
whom, from
very instinct,
we
bound
to protect, should
be slaughtered
before
our eyes, for no crimes which they had
committed, but simply for being the wife of the
bosom, and the offspring of a man who had

curred a tyrant's
displeasure.
It
is
in-
an enigma
nature, Sri
how
this
debased specimen of
human
hovering in his path, although the punishment he
met with
in this
world did not equal his deserts.
io
At the end of
this year, Sri
Wikrama
had gone into his
ud
for
tortured ten native traders (British subjects)

territories
merchandize.
They made their escape from Kandy, coming to Colombo in a mutilated condition, some without
ears, others
PD
without eyelids
St
of
the remainder either
noseless, footless, or handless
and
sk
plaint to the Governor-general, Sir Robert
de
rigg.
On
the 10th of January,
1815, war was
declared against the

the
King
*'
Kandy, not against
Kandian nation,
but against that tyrannical
power which had provoked, by aggravated outrages and indignities, the just resentment of the
British nation, which
families in the
had cut off the most noble kingdom, deluged the land with
subjects, and,
the blood of
its
by the
Tr ia
Wikrama, escaped assassination by the hands of his subjects; but the scourge of retribution was near,
cruelly
made comBrown-
violation of
who
33-2
every religious and moral law, had

object of abhorrence to mankind."
become an
territo-
The
ries
British troops entered the
Kandian
on
the
following
day,
and
fighting
com-
menced.
The Kandians gave

and
service of a
battle, not as
men
fighting for liberty
their land, but as
merce-
naries in the
tyrant,
who,
for gold,
fought against the British,

befriend them
;
who were disposed
to
and war was carried on by the Kandians without

spirit,
or energy.
Mollegodde, the successor of
Eheylapola, at this critical period, deserted his

cruel master,
one whose place
PD
was impossible to refill, the loss Sri Wikrama sustained was irreparable. Mollegodde had been long disgusted with the
it
St
only efficient
Wikrama and, commander whom he

Sri
;
ud
io
Tr ia
the
and skirmish
after skirmish ensued,
as he
was
the
possessed, and
tyrant's
service,
and
awaited
opportunity
sk
of joining
the
English,
which had been only
de
deferred until he could get his wife
and children
from Sri Wikrama's court.
The
tragical execu-
tion of
Eheylapola's family warned Mollegodde
what would be the fate of his wife and children, if he abandoned his office of adikar, leaving these
sacred ties in the clutches of the savage king.
But no sooner had he

his family from the
effected the withdrawal of

territories,
Kandian
than he
333
offered his aid to the British, to assist in dethron-
ing Sri Wikrama.
On
the 14th February, Sir Robert Brovvnrigg
established his head-quarters
atKandy; but
that he
the
king had made his escape from thence a few days

before,
and
it
was reported
had
fled to
;
Doombera, about twelve miles from Kandy and as part of our troops, which were advancing to
wives, a quantity of jewels and treasure which
were captured, the report bore every appearance

not an instant in forming plans to ensure the
Sri
capture of
Wikrama.
ud
;
lost
Detachments
the
io
his
llic
of being a correct one.
Sir Robert Brovvnrigg
Tr ia
in
Colonel O'Connell's, Majors Kelly and Rook's

round, making every possible search for the tyrant,
to cut
off' all
retreat.
de
their search
sk
Energetic and efficient as these officers were,
was
the English never
PD
fruitless; and, in all probability,
would have succeeded
divisions,
were ordered
St
to
scour
turing Sri
Wikrama, had not
own
subjects
aided them.
Eheylapola's followers were looking
with lynx-eyed vengeance, for
wretch
had butchered the wife and children of

lo^-ed
their be-
chief.
They sought him with unwearied

found
perseverance,
him
and,
although
the capital,
had
fallen in with
two of the king's
from
country
cap-
who
the
334

tyrant, Sri
Malabar escort which surrounded the
Wikrama, fought nobly

stained monarch,
in defence of their blood-
captured
the
fugitive
king,
bound him hand and foot, reviled him with the atrocities he had committed, and the murders he had caused, spat upon him, telling him that it
wasEheylapola's slaves
he had butchered
the slaves of the woman

thus treated him, in re-
that
intended to drag him to a neighbouring village,

that he
might be execrated by the multitude as he

Curses loud and deep were showered
went along.
of him for a murdered or mutilated relation or

;
St
as he passed along the road
ud
on the head of Sri Wikrama, by his own subjects,

;
io
Tr ia
;
venge
for
his savage brutality
that they
now
almost each inquired
he was subjected to every species of ignominious

reproach
;
PD
friend
curses and missiles were hurled at
him
pri-
and, finally,
was handed over a
soner to the British.
sk
de
Sri
Wikrama, the
last
king of Kandy, was
taken prisoner at Galleehewatte, in Doombera, on

the l8th of February, 1815, being exactly four
days
after Sir
Robert Brownrigg had established
his head-quarters in the capital of his dominions.
Some
historians, with a misplaced,
maudlin sen-
sibility,
have deprecated the treatment that Sri

at the
Wikrama met with
hands of Eheylapola's

followers.
335
to
Although Christianity teaches us
forgive our enemies,

injuries
and those who have
inflicted
it
upon
us,
the best Christian
finds
most
difficult
precept to follow.
Can we,
then,
wonder
these
at
the reproaches and ignominy, which

one,
men showered on
who had condemned

to
the innocent children

solely because
and wife
a cruel death,
he could not lay hands on the per-
son of their chief?
did not profess Christianity, but were heathens,

followers
of Buddha.
to
On
the contrary,
they exhibited in placing Sri

tortured
and unmutilated, immediately

prisoner,
ud
in
Wikrama
io
fire
men
are
be commended
for the forbearance

alive,
Tr ia
after
St
had made him

British.
the hands
not unprepossessing, except
and the face wore an expression of malignant
de
cruelty.
He was
sk
then his eye gleamed with the
PD
The
personal appearance of Sri
Wikrama was when he was excited,

of a demon,
tall,
well-made, slightly enhon-
point
the features of the face good, and the exintelligent

;
pression
rich, dark
the complexion of a clear,
brown
the head well formed, (although
the animal organs predominated over the intellectual,)
with are dundancy of long, thick raven-black
hair.
He
took great delight in adorning his per-
l
these
more especially as
these
men
unthey
of the
336

all
son, and wore a profusion of cosily jewels at
times
in
but on state occasions, the cap and dress

glittered with
which he habited himself
gems
of inestimable value.
character, "
We
Sri
need only say of his
Ex
uno disce
oimies.''^
On
the
2nd of March,
Wikrama was
finally
and formally dethroned; and a convention concluded between Sir Robert Brovvnrigg and the
the
Kandian
territories.
The
Tr ia
official
:
Kandian
lished
chiefs, together with the chief officers of
on the
occasion
states
" This
in-chief
notice pub-
day a
the
Governor
and
ud
of the palace of
Kandy, between
io
solemn conference was held in the audience-hall

his Excellency
Commander
of
the
Forces, on behalf of his Majesty, and of his Royal
St
PD
the adikars, dissaaves, ratramahatmeers, and other jnincipal chiefs of the
Highness the Prince Regent, on the one
part,
and
Kandian provinces, on the
other pait, on behalf of the people, and in pre-
de
sence of aratchega3's, coraals, vidhans, and other
sk
subordinate
headmen from
the different provinces,
and a great concourse of inhabitants.

instrument of treaty, prepared
in
public
conformity to
conditions previously agi-eed upon, for establishing

his Majesty's
vinces,
government in the Kandian proin
was produced, and publicly read
Engto.
lish and Cingalese, and unanimously assented
337
first
The
British
flag
was then,
for
the
lime,
hoisted,
and the establishment of the British do-
minion in the interior was announced by a royal

salute."
The second article of the treaty stated " Sri Wikrama was, by consent of his subjects, formally
declared to be deposed, his family and relations
for ever
all
debarred from ascending the throne, and
the rights
and claims of
his race to
be extin-
The two succeeding

minor
articles
were devoted
Tr ia
treaty,
guished and abolished."
political arrangements.
protected."
material nature.
de
recognised according to established forms, and by

the ordinary authorities,
sk
By the eighth and eleventh it was declared " That the laws of the country were to be still
and that the royal dues
for the
and revenues were
support of the government." *

*
We have
merely given the outlines of the
PD
to
The
sixth
and seventh
St
and places of worship were
articles
be levied, as before,
ud
to
The fifth article declared " That the religion of Buddha was inviolable its rights, ministers,
be maintained and
io
were of an im-
what we considered most probahly would

general reader.
interest
VOL.
I.
l
to
and
the
338
In the month of January following, Sri Wik-
rama, and
all
the
members of
and
to
his family, were
banished
to
Madras,
our
government
of
in
Ceylon were well pleased

duty attendant upon
ex-king's
his his
be
rid of the
onerous
the
the
safe-keeping
person
or
as
they apprehended
either
escape,
that
some Kandian,
to
benefit
country, might assassinate him, to prevent
Kandy.
From
to
Tr ia
this period, until the 10th of
dian chiefs of Welasse rose in rebellion, resolving
St
to struggle to regain the
PD
flicts
with Malabars, Malays, Moors, Portuguese,

finally, their
prized so highly, and for which their various con-
ud
failed
with tranquillity
but at this date some Kan-
Dutch, and,
sk
the English,
breast.
had
io
to
1817, the government of the British was submitted
independence which they
voluntary subjection to
eradicate fiora their
de
The conduct
of the chiefs, in heading
and exciting the inhabitants of their districts to revolt, was inexcusable, as they had voluntarily
sought the aid of the British to assist in dethroning their king, Sri
Wikrama, had entered
the
possibility
of his regaining the
throne of
September,
into a
treaty with, and sworn allegiance to, the government of Great Britain the treaty which had been entered into by us with the Kandians, had

been most rigidly adhered to
the
339
not
and they had
shadow of an excuse
for rebelling against the
government, vyhose aid they had sought, and to
whom
went
they had voluntarily subjected themselves.

district,
Mr. Wilson, the government- agent of the

to
meet the
rebels,
and endeavoured
his life
rebels.
to quell
the revolt, but most unfortunately did not succeed

in
his object, although
fell
a sacrifice,
having been killed by the
priest of
Buddha, who had thrown

;
off the yellow
robes of his office
the chief
who
aided the pretender was a
man
of great influence
to
in his district, Kapittipola,
with him to join the pretender.
St
Eheylapola,
and who brought many followers

Pilimi Talavve,
the son of the former adikar, also joined the rebels,
with
many
felt
PD
other chiefs.
now
by our government,
Considerable alarm was

for,
ud
and brother-in law
io
;
in less
months from the commencement of the
sk
de
every district of any importance was in a state of

rebellion
place,
;
in
the various skirmishes which look
we
lost
many
officers
and men
also skulked about our
encampments, waylaid, and
murdered our
soldiers.
On
the 21st of February,

in the
was declared
1818, martial law Kandian provinces, and the
Tr ia
Q 2
The pretender
to
the throne of
Kandy was
principally
than six
revolt,
the rebels
340
sacrifice of
human
life
was
terrible
on both sides.
to sink
Our
the
soldiers
effects
were now beginning
under
of the unwholesome
atmosphere of
Kandy, and, day by day, events assumed a more gloomy aspect for the British, whilst the Kandians grew bolder, and held a grand meeting
at
Deyabetmewala, at chiefs were present.

writes
:
which the pretender and Dr. Davy, in his " Ceylon,"
Tr ia
;
" During the three following months our
affairs
little
assumed a army was

fatigue,
still
more gloomy
aspect.
Our
much exhausted and reduced by
de
and disease the rebellion unchecked all our efforts had been apparently fruitless not a leader of any consequence had been taken, and not a district subdued or tranquillized. This was a melancholy time to those who were on the scene of action, and many began to despond, and augur from bad to worse, and to prophesy that the communication between Colombo and our head-quarters at Kandy would be cut off, and that we should very soon be obliged to evacuate the country, and fight
our
sk
way
Tiiese
PD
out of
gloomy forebodings were not destined

:
St
it."
ud
was
still
io
privation,
to
be realized
disunion of a serious nature
now
manifested itself among the chiefs, and the pretender was taken prisoner by an adverse party,
who
set
tipola, their
up a chief of their own selection. Kapitmost able general, was defeated in

several engagements, and, in October,
prisoner, with Pilimi Talawe,
341
was taken
;
by the
tried,
British
one
by one, the
chiefs
were taken,
convicted of
high treason, and beheaded.

of rebellion
still
Notwithstanding
to
these stringent, but necessary measures, a spirit
continued
until
manifest
itself,
and
it
was not
February,
1819, that the
administration
of martial law in the Kandian
provinces ceased.
of the Dalada
their this
relic, which they say is a tooth of god Buddha, and which they hold sacred, until page. This relic was taken, towards the end
of the late rebellion, and, trifling as this incident
may appear
ud
we
owing
io
at the first glance,

facts, that it is
believe
stance of having given up the possession of the
Dalada
relic
to the
charge of the priests, which

the full particulars of
has, in a great measure, occasioned the late insurrection in
Ceylon, 1848,
sion
of that sacred
de
be given subsequently. The Cingalese tradition is, "That whoever obtains posses-
which
will
sk
PD
St
borne out by
to the circum-
relic,
obtains
government of Ceylon
and no sooner was it made known that the Dalada was in the posses;"
sion of the British, than the followers of
returned to their allegiance, district after district

laid
down
their
arms,
and acknowledged the
sovereignty of Great Britain.
A new
Tr ia
we
with
it
Buddha
convention
We
purposely omitted mentioning the capture
are
the
342
native
Dissaaves,
who were
Tr ia
was now entered into with the chiefs, by which it was stipulated " That all personal services, excepting those required for making and repairing roads and bridges, should be abolished, and that all taxes should be merged into one, a tax of one-tenth on the produce of the paddy-land. That justice should be administered by the board of commissioners at Kandy, and by the agents of government in the different provinces, aided by the
henceforth
to
be
remunerated, not by the contributions of the peosalaries."
was placed in the keeping of Kandian provinces, and was publicly exhibited to the priests and Whether people, for worship, at stated periods. it was consistent with our character as a Chrisrelic
The Dalada
the government-agent of the
de
sk
of that dignity, his followers quickly dispersed.
PD
assumed the title of king of the Kandians, and collected some few of the Veddahs, or aborigines, but, at Bintenne, and created new disturbances as the self-elected king of the Kandians was apprehended immediately after his assumption
St
ud
In January, 1820, a
man
io
ple, but
by fixed
of the second caste
tian nation to
have aught
to
do with, or sanction
the heathen worship, of a piece of yellow ivory,
we will not enter upon here. The island was now in a state of tranquillity
for

although
trivial
343
ar
disturbances took place amongst
few, which were quelled as soon as they arose,

the nation appeared to be satisfied with our go-
vernment.
Attention was directed to the forma-
both by our government and by the missionaries, and attempts were made to induce them to embrace Literary and agricultural societies Christianity. were formed means of communication, by the formation of roads from one part of the island to the other, were planned and commenced bridges were thrown over rivers ; and every facility offered for the transit of passengers and
tion of schools of instruction for the natives,
;
merchandise.
the
natives
In
of
short,
Ceylon,
bigots, or of grasping adventurers
PD
means, that we were not a nation of warlike but wished to improve their moral condition, and contribute
St
ud
we tried to convince by every honourable

;
to their happiness, whilst
they conducted them-
selves as loyal subjects of the
sk
Britain, to
whom
they had sworn allegiance.
de
The
political horizon of
for years; the
Ceylon remained un-
clouded
colony gradually improved

In 1832, the ex-king of
under our management.
and until 1835 ; no event occurred worthy of especial remark.

died at Vellore, of dropsy
Kandy
In the January of thai year, Mollegodde, the
and Dunewille Looko Banda, who Wikrama's queens, with several others of lesser note, were
first
adikar,
was
related maternally to one of Sri
io
crown of Great
Tr ia
344

for
charged wilh high treason, and

spired against our government.
tradictory evidence
having con-
A
;
mass of conand, although
was gone
into
they were acquitted,
tioned.
St
The
ud
little doubt remained on the minds of many that a conspiracy had been concocted, but which had been frustrated before the plot had ripened. Regular lists were found, appropriating the various places held under our government to the Kandian chiefs. This the officials did not approve of, and still less did they admire the list whereon the names of their wives were inscribed, each lady being allotted to some particular chief, and to those of the highest rank, two of England's matrons were appor-
io
to
;
conspirators
Tr ia
prove
l
;
tried
;
that
these
documents were forged
and did so
to the satis-
faction of the jury,
de
proofs, during the intervening period, of his loyalty.
into the service of our government;
year died the son of Sri Wikrama, in exile.
From
revolt,
sk
godde lost his rank as first adikar, another chief being appointed in his stead but he was reinstated in his office in March, 1843, having given
Dunewille Looko Banda was also taken and in this
the year 1835 until 1848,
PD
who
acquitted them.
Molle-
no attempt
at
or rebellion, agitated Ceylon.
Since the
colony had come into our possession, various

charitable,
scientific,
scholastic,
literary,
and
agricultural societies
were established
a legis-

lative council
instituted.
345
was formed, and a supreme court

all
In short, Ceylon enjoys
the ad;
and by many political economists is considered the most promising colony we possess.
vantages of our most flourishing colony
In
justice
to
the
late
efficient
governor of
Ceylon, Lieuten ant-General Sir Colin Campbell,
who assumed
stale
that
appointment
it
in 1841,
we must
what
his exertions have
done
for that co-
country.
The
;
valuable land sold at five shillings
per acre
and
government
servants enriched
io
it
themselves at the expense of the country, by
Tr ia
Q 5
purchasing this laud, turning

(to
into coffee
sugar estates, and neglecting their

country,) they devoted
ud
official duties,
vation and improvement of these estates.
St
discharge
which
they
their
were paid by their time to the cultiprohibited,
vernor
Sir
Colin
government minute, the sale of crown land under the sura of twenty shillings per acre and at this advanced price found numerous and ready purchasers, and frequently a much higher sum was realized. By the unbiassed representations of the Governor to the home government, civil servants were forbidden to purchase or re-
de
sk
PD
Campbell
tain
land for agricultural
purposes,
and were
which
required to devote their whole lime and attention to the duties of the respective offices
they held under government.
lony.
He
found
burthen to
the
mother
and
Goby a
346
Sir Colin Caiupbell
met with most determined

;
opposition on this point from the colonial corps
and vituperation of the most disgraceful nature was heaped upon his head, by those members of it who were amassing large fortunes by these
agricultural pursuits, to the neglect of their of-
should perform those duties that required their
munerated.
de
Ceylon was constituted, by letters under the great seal of England, an episcopal see, by the title of the Bishopric of Colombo, as previously it had been included in the see of Madras and the Rev. Dr. Chapman was appointed the first bishop. The bishop arIn
1845,
patent
sk
undivided attention, and for which they were re-
PD
Undauntedly, however, did Sir Campbell pursue the straight path of honest duty to his sovereign and country, and was rewarded hy his own conscience, and by the approbation of all right-minded men. Sir Colin Campbell used every exertion in his power to have the salaries of the Ceylon civil servants increased, and was successful in his efforts; thus benefiting the men who had so lavishly censured him for performing, to the best of his ability, the duties of his office as Governor of the colony, by insisting that the paid servants of the crown
ficial
duties.
Colin
St
;
ud
rived in
Colombo
in 1846.
io
We
man, have done more towards the conversion of the heathen,

exertions of this truly pious, benevolent
Tr ia
believe that the

since his arrival, than
347
had been effected during
the previous centuries, that nominal Christians
had formed settlements in Ceylon.
Every
by Dr.
jDart
of his diocese
;
is
visited constantly
unwearied in his duty, undaunted by the fear of contagion, he visits hospitals, jails, and the unwholesome jungle sedu-
Chapman
lously learning the native language,
whereby he
may
be enabled to communicate with and preach
of an interpreter.
He
is
it is
has
made
understand that his

residence, but that
life
not to be a temporary
his intention to pass his
resolve so beautifidly as his own, and which he
learn
PD
" 1
and humility, Dr. Chapman
de
sk
have come to Ceylon to live among you, and with God's blessing to your language benefit you, and with his permission to die in your country." Possessing great piety, learning,
;
addressed to a native congregation, shortly after he entered upon the duties of his sacred office
St
eloquence, fluency of language, facility of expressing ideas, extreme urbanity of manner, unbounded
benevolence, a most prepossessing exterior
ud
is
;
among them.
No
words can express
io
Tr ia
;
to the Cingalese, without the aid or intervention
the natives
blessed with great
devotes the whole of his time and attention to the arduous duties of his office.
man
In conclusion, we can only say, that Dr. Chapis a worthy, though humble, follower of his
that his appointment
Great Lord and Master
his
and
348
as bishop,

and residence
in the colony, are calcu-
lated to benefit professing Christians, as well as
the benighted heathen, for the force of his example, coupled with his precepts, must influence
and counteract,
in
to a great extent, the effect
which
the lax morality practised by
many Europeans
Ceylon, has had on the hearts and minds of
the rising generation, both of English and Cingalese.
Tr ia
the
Nothing worthy of remark

1848,
occurred
colony
l
its
until
when
so
the rebellion broke out which has
drawn
much
attention
to
to
stronghold of the purest and most enthusiastic
Buddhism, and the
St
ud
understand the events connected with it clearly the reader must remember, that Ceylon is the
priests of this
io
religion have
rendered to the priests the custody of the tooth

of
de
Buddha, which had ever been regarded
sk
which they have no control, but with which until lately they might have considered themThis conselves in some measure connected. nection was severed when our government sur-
PD
long been dissatisfied with a government over
as the
palladium of Cingalese sovereignty. The abandonuient of this sacred charge on the part of the
government has been regarded by

sacerdotal
faith,
present
guardians, not
only as a breach of
in reference
and a mark of great disrespect, but also as
an exhibition of political weakness;
to the ancient tradition before referred to, namely,
349
that whoever possessed this sacred relic should govern the island. In 1842, the priests fomented rebellion, and succeeded in raising a puppet-pretender to the
Kandian throne, who with many of

were
tried
his adherents
;
and convicted of high treason
and
made a full confession of his guilt, as well as the manner in which he had been induced to lend his name to the rebels. The flame
the former
the priests availed themselves of the dissatisfaction expressed by the people at certain financial
the smouldering^ combustibles.

early in July of the
In this effort the chiefs were not inactive, and
same year Gonegallegodde
Banda,
Singha,
stated
who
the house of a native, following the occupation

of a wederala, or doctor, resided for five days in
contents.
Kandy, acting as the chief leader of the malWhile there, he was an inmate of the Dalada Maligawa, whose priests maintained him. He had figured in two previous rebellions, and was tried for high treason in 1843, and acquitted.
On
amounting it is said to four thousand, assembled from various districts in Kandy, stating that they desired to have an interview with Mr. Buller,
de
the 6th of July a large concourse of people,
sk
PD
be a descendant of Rajah had been previously sojourning in

to
St
ud
road-tax, gun-tax, dog-tax, and slop-tax, to refan
io
regulations
introduced in 1848,
Tr ia
known
of rebellion thus raised was only smothered, and
as the
350

;
the government agent
this
gentleman, on
re-
ceiving intelligence, went to meet them at the
Cutcheriy, but owing to their violence he was

obliged to retire to the Maligawe.
Here he
attempted to address the multitude without effect. Many of the crowd became excited with
ardent
spirits,
and their violence increasing, the

unsuccessfully to disperse the
police attempted
mob and
The
arrest the ringleaders.
civil
authorities
with determined resistance, and the latter be-
coming more and more
irritated,
selves with branches of trees, and
ud
and injured some of the police. the 15th regiment was then called
io
Tr ia
fact,
were met by the people
armed themknocked down A company of

out,
assisted the police to disperse the people.
PD
apparent object of the crowd was to extort a promise, that the obnoxious tax ordinances should
St
who The
be repealed.
of the
occasion
It
is
a remarkable
that none
sk
headmen
;
or chiefs were present on this and there can be but little doubt, that
this step,
having stimulated the people to take

licly
they abstained from implicating themselves pub-
awaited the result of the movement.
de
with the demonstration, while they anxiously

local authorities
The
sures
now took
effective
mea-
to
inform
the
people,
that
the colonial
receive
secretary. Sir
Emerson Tennent, would
the chiefs and small deputations from the various

districts,
at
the Pavilion, on the 8th of July.
351
In the meantime every precautionary measure, which was practicable, was adopted to preserve the public peace. Special constables, both European and Malays, were sworn in, notices were posted at the various entrances to the town, and
at the ferries, intimating, that
no persons bearing
arms would be permitted

articles,
to enter.
As
list
evil-de-
signing persons had circulated a
of thirty
information, relative to the
new
taxes.
inhabitants of
Upper and Lower Doombera, he
sent for the Ratra-mahatmeers of those
St
had
the Esplanade, were principally composed of the
ud
nent in the early part of the day on the 8th of July, that the people, who were assembling in
io
It having been intimated to Sir
who
PD
stated that they
failed to counteract the
false reports, or
induce their people to remain
quiet.
of the government, and he accordingly suspended
them from
de
nent informed them, that as they had lost control over the people, they had forfeited the confidence
their respective offices.
In the afternoon of this day, the colonial secretary entered the Pavilion, which was crowded
sk
On
hearing this reply. Sir Emerson Ten-
with the chiefs and their followers.

dressed the meeting
Tr ia
on which they asserted the government were about to levy taxes, the government agent issued a notice contradicting it, and giving correct
Emerson Ten-
l
He
district,-,
ad-
at considerable length in
favour of the
new
ordinances, applauding the
^52
chiefs,
who had supported
the government, and
expressing the dissatisfaction which must inevitably follow an opposite course.
After the meet-
ing had broken up, the chiefs and their attendants
de
among the crowd, about two thousand number, which gr;;dually disappeared, and the town was restored to perfect quiet. When the people withdrew from Kandy, Gonegallegodde Banda retired for a day into a jungle called Danha Galla, where he received the homage of a large body of Kandians as their king. From thence he proceeded to the forest of Dambool, from which he was escorted by an armed body of men, sent by Golla-bella Ratra-mahatmeer, to a cave in the forest of Dahe Yatte Madda Gallinna, to await reinforcements. Here the pretender was joined by four hundred followers well armed and provisioned, and an ola was written by his order to Golla-bella Ratra-mahatmeer, desiring him to state why he had not forwarded clothing for his on the 26th of July an answer was sent, use
dispersed
in
;
sk
PD
St
ud
io
accompanied with various

tender's
articles for
My use, stating that they were Lord the King, until such time as you shall pass Ballacadua, where I shall join you with the Maha Nilime and clothes for five kings."
for "
The
armed
following day, the pretender

escort to
came with his Dambool Vehara, and at half-
past eleven o'clock a.m. he was invested with the
gword of
state,
and proclaimed King of Kandy.
Tr ia
the pre-
353
The morning of the 28th, the whole hody marched to Selleman Galla, where a palanqueen was brought, volleys were fired, and other rejoicings took place.
From
this place the pretender
palanqueen with an increased retinue to Pallaputwelle, where they halted for the night. On his arrival on the following day at Wariapulla, the pretender abandoned his paproceeded
in his
lanqueen, and proceeded during the night with

visit
Ettepulla Banda, leaving the
Tr ia
the 28th,
four of his attendants to
Doomborka Owelle, command
to
of
at
Dambooi
It
the preceding night at the fortunate
hour.
sk
PD
was further ascertained that the postoffice communication was stopped on the Trincomalee road, and crowds of armed people were
assembling in
all directions.
St
to his prime minister. It was not until the 27tlf, however, that a report reached the authorities at Kandy, that the people were assembled at Matele " with swords and fire-arms," and that a king had been crowned
his small
army
ud
io
On
Mr.
de
Buller proceeded in person to Matele to ascertain the true state of affairs,
and was met a short
distance from
Kandy by
the police magistrate of
ance.
Matele, who was hastening to Kandy for assistThis gentleman brought the intelligence
that four thousand armed men were in the neighbourhood of Matele, who had entered the town at noon on that day in a riotous manner, beating tom-toms and blowing horns, drove out the police
stationed there, destroyed the public buildings.
354
including the magistrate's residence, and burnt
down
the Bazaar.
rienced officer, well acquainted with the country,
ness, until their arrival at the Rest-house of Balla-
de
sk
PD
cadua,
when the day broke. After the detachment had marched nine miles and a half, a shot was fired within a few yards of them, which did not take Two shots were fired half a mile further efiect. on the road, close to the rear of the troops, which Another possibly were only intended as signals. shot was fired half way down the pass from a
gingal
mile
St
ud
and accompanied by the government agent, and deputy Queen's advocate. The progress of the troops was veiled in dark-
io
Tr ia
;
Mr. Buller hastened back to Kandy accompanied by Mr. Waring, and at ten o'clock the same night a detachment consisting of one captain, two subalterns, four sergeants, one bugler, and one hundred rank and file of her Majesty's 15th regiment and one captain, four subalterns, four sergeants, and one hundred rank and file of the Ceylon Rifles, under the command of Captain Lillie of the Ceylon Rifles, an old and expe;
gun with
the same object in view.
from Matele, some armed natives were observed on the side of the Matele road, and on that leading to Wariapoola. Those in front seemed disposed to parley, and some of the troops went up to them unmolested while some were ordered to move on their flank to get to their rear a few of the rebels escaped, but most of
;

those in front were taken prisoners.
356
insur-
The
by
gents
side
who were
the
hill,
concealed in the jungle on the
of*
now commenced
firing,
whom
one man of the 15th wounded.
regiment was
the jungle
slightly
The
Rifles
now entered
on the
flank of the rebels; a conflict ensued, in which
the latter were completely routed, with the loss of six killed and several wounded, and eight of
the latter were taken prisoners.
Tr ia
;
:
ment remained on the high road
in reserve.
jungle was cleared by the Rifles, after which
The
15th regi-
The
it
was ascertained that the insurgents had possessed themselves of a bungalow on the Wariapoola estate, about half a mile from the high Captain Lillie marched with the Rifles to road. attack them, under the guidance of Mr, Adams,
a volunteer civilian.
sook the house as soon as the party came in sight; the latter ]>ursued them, and were fired
upon by a party of rebels stationed in the jungle on their flanks, most happily without effect. Here the palanqueen of the pretender was found, and broken in pieces by the Malays, before Captain Lillie could save it. Some thirty pounds of gunpowder were also discovered and in the verandah of the bungalow, Mr. Baker, the superintendent of the estate, was found tied by his legs and arms to the railing, suffering great
agony from the tightness of the ligatures and the position he was kept in by the ropes on being
de
sk
PD
St
The
ud
natives, however, for-
io
356

to
released his skin was found
be quite discoto
loured
he was then removed

aid.
Matele
for
medical
Captain Lillie returned the next day to

ing that of the Ceylon Rifles under the
of Captain
Kandy
with the detachment of the 15th regiment, leav-
command
Watson,
to protect
Matele.
On
the 29th of July, a proclamation was issued
offering a reward of
of the pretender,
tricts
150
for the
apprehension
able to accede to
when
men and two ofllicers of the Ceylon were dispatched on their arrival after a forced march, they found Kurnegalle already in possession of the insurgents. The Cutcherry had been entered and plundered, all the records and papers were being burnt or torn, and the mob were in the act of breaking open the treasurechest, when the troops advanced upon them. The Court House had been plundered and its records destroyed, the gaol had been broken
thirty
de
open and the prisoners liberated, while the bazaar was burnt down, and nearly every building more or less damaged.
sk
Rifles
PD
magistrates came in person to seek assistance,
On
the following day, however, one of the
St
it.
;
ud
and placing the Kandian disunder martial law. On the 28th, an urgent application was made for military assistance from Kurnegalle, which is about twenty-five miles from Kandy, but owing to the troops which had been dispatched to Matele, Colonel Drought was un-
io
Tr ia
357
The Rifles opened a fire upon the armed mob, who attacked them in return as they approached,
twenty prisoners were taken, and six-and-twenty bodies of the insurgents were afterwards buried. Notwithbut soon after took to flight
:
standing this
loss,
the rebels, amounting to four
thousand strong, made a second attack upon the town two days later, aud after suffering loss were again driven out by the Rifles; and on the same
tempt, with some further
sions from
he remained until he received an ola and proviDulledewe Maha Nileme, when he
immediately started
attack.
for
place he arrived in time to lead on the second
PD
After
the
St
Kurnegalle, at which
he turned
towards
defeat,
being closely
de
Dambool, but for some unknown cause he altered his course and entered the forest of Madaoelputta, where he reuiaiued for some time in concealment,
pursued
sk
by various detachments
sent out in search for him.
We must here break the narrative of events in Kandy, as they occurred in ciironological ordei", aud request our readers to accompany us to Colombo, to enable them clearly to understand
the causes of the late I'ebellion.
ud
aff'ray at Wariapoola, the Prete.der proceeded to Eleadua with a few followers, where
After the
io
Malay
ti-ooi)S.
Tr ia
day they made another equally unsuccessful atloss, but no casualty on occurred either of these occasions to the
358

newspaper, called the " Observer,"
is
pub-
editor;
we
subjoin a literal translation of both.
PD
"
We
have pleasure in publishing a
St
ud
Cingalese language, purporting to be translated from the English, and signed " an Englishman," which was prefaced by certain observations of the
io
Tr ia
all
Colombo, whose editor for several years has endeavoured to excite a spirit of opposition, amongst the Burgher and Cingalese community, against all the measures of the local government, and of jealousy against the European inhabitants. This newspaper has a large circulation therefore amongst that portion of the community to whom it is particularly addressed, and especially the Burghers, to which class, almost all the proctors and notaries belong. On the 3rd of July, 1848, a letter was published in the " Observer," in the
lished in
l
to
letter
written by an English gentleman,
who
is
kindly
race,
de
lately
sk
disposed to men, without distinction of colour or
concerning the injustice of the new taxes imposed by government. The Cingalese
persons, subis
people should consider, that to
ject to the English
government, there
a legal
making known their pleasure, before they expend money in paying taxes. Therefore, those persons who say, that to Cingalese men
right of
there
is
not understanding enough to establish in

represent
Ceylon a council including natives

8
the inhabitants, should consider the present con-
CEYLON AND THE CfNGALESE.

stitution of the council of
359
France, and
its results.
Certainly the Cingalese people are not more unlearned or foolish than the greater part of the
individuals,
council.
who
elected
members
for the
French
men are not more unlearned or foolish than the Tamul men of Pondicherry belonging to France. It is now appointed that a Tamul man of that country
Certainly the Cingalese
freed
from paying improper taxes and other wrongs, let them request a council, where they
they should receive, (Signed)
we
Cingalese, and publish
PD
"
We
sk
"
To
de
the
Gentlemen publishing
Observer.'
St
it.
'
be able to discuss their affairs, not nominally, but in a right manner. " In order to show the wrongs inflicted on the inhabitants of this country, and the justice which
translate this letter into
the Persons
who publish the paper called the

Colombo Observer.'"
the
*
ud
io
may
out-station, and constantly conversing with the natives by privilege, I have an opportunity of knowing the great displeasure
is stirred up among the inhabitants concerning the new taxes lately imposed upon them, and
"
" Gentlemen, By residing in an
that
Tr ia
should represent the inhabitants in the French council. If the men of this country wish to be
Colombo
360
also

their
if
thoughts and words on the subject.

the government dare by forcible means
that the diswill
Further,
pleasure
to collect these taxes, I can think
among
the inhabitants
be
much
more increased, and from this many serious consequences will follow. Although there are many
reasons on account of which the people should
resist
the government appointed from time

still
to
time,
up
to this time they, without manifest-
if
they should pay the money required for these

so unjust, and impossible to be borne, imposed by government, obediently, and quiet without imposing their whole power,
taxes,
lately
sit
the Cingalese people will not only be considered

a race of slaves, obedient to everything, just or
PD
done by government, but the world will not regard them as a race of men of good mind, and submitting to justice, and not to injustice
unjust,
St
ud
not right for government to collect taxes for the
de
sk
(i.
e.
to justice only).
io
No
Tr ia
?
;
ing an opposition, have been obedient.
However,
person says that
it
is
protection of the people,
but should
not this
collection of taxes be according to the ability of
the rich and the poor inhabitants

"
Many persons are

it is
displeased on account of the
taxes * collected
from the people of England,

however, we canincome of
and
not proper to impose such taxes unless
the government be very poor

*
By
this tax
we mean
a portion of the annual
the English people paid to government.

not say that
rich
it is
361
altogether unjust, since they are
collected accordino; to the circumstances of the
collected
and the poor. In England they are not from hundreds of thousands (lacs) of workmen and poor. They collect 7d. on each 1 of the yearly income of the rich only, but,
according to the taxes lately appointed
the poorest
Ss. in in
Ceylon,
men
will
have
to
pay the new tax of
persons
know
that there are thousands of inha-
bitants in this Island,
who do not possess
four cocoa-nut trees, or the fourth or
io
A
is
10*. in
the year.
However, according
ud
a field, and
who do not
receive into their hands

to
Tr ia
?
the 1. " Is there a greater injustice than this
fifth
new
8s.
taxes, such
people are bound to pay
St
l
7.v.
All
three or
part of
the
or
By some
able
poor people the gun

possessed.
PD
necessary thing for the protection of their crops.

the only valua
yearly
to
government.
gun
is
very
sk
article
;
To
rear
dog
is
also
necessary
and
for these 45.
must be
paid, toge-
ther with the
de
(5d.
paid for writing the certificate;
the gun-tax
3,s*.
is 3.9.,
and
for the
dog
Is
and again
person for
are collected
roads.
yearly
from each
making
If there be
more than one dog,
there is another charjê. " In this manner, a jioor person will have to pay
7s.
or 8s. to government.
This
sum
is
sufficient
for
maintenance of one person for two months. If other persons were to pay in tliis VOL. I. R
the
362
ally
manner, a European who receives 300 annumust pay 50, or two months' pay, for new taxes; he who receives 600 must pay lOO.
An
English padre (clergyman) receiving .700 a year, must pay 1 16, and a little more ; an agent
receiving lOOO,
must pay 166, and a
little
more.
The gentleman, Emerson Tennent, Great
Secretary, must pay about 500, and the Gover-
nor 1.000.
one month, yet, according to this, what a great and unbearable sum goes to the government
PD
yearly " What European

!
St
ud
two months, but I know very well that to the poor people in the Galle and Jaffna districts this sum is quite suffilet us say Very well cient for two months. that Is. or 8s, are sufficient for the expense of
to
maintain a single
man
for
Tr ia
"
Some may
say that
7s.
or 8*. are not sufficient
io
there
is
is
there
who submits
is
to this
sk
payment
or
Even when
a war-rumour,
when
the government
heavily
poor, no
de
European will submit to such an unjust payment. But these taxes are imposed, not only at a time
not only
is
when
from
there
peace, but
when
the
people should be relieved as

other heavy
taxes
much
to
as possible
government. What, then, is the intention of the Governor, since he lays such a heavy burthen upon the poor, and delivers the rich from it?
paid
"The
saying that the collection of this tax
is
363
imposed by the unanimous vote of the legislative and executive councils of this island, is not a true saying. The government is trying to make even
those gentlemen of the Legislative Council, not
belonging to government, to agree to any thing that is done those gentlemen of that Council
;
under government cannot oppose government on account of this. Though there is a saying that this matter is sanctioned (apare
who
ud
it
government of Russia. I see no difference between those two governments except in name. It is now understood and acted upon by
like the
io
many
countries in the world, that
de
pay taxes to a government, they must consider whether it is a tax that can be borne by the people, and that they must have the privilege of expressing their opinion to government, and also whether the money raised by the tax is vainly spent, or whether it is spent to the advantage of Not long ago millions of the people the people. received this right some Cingalese people who
sk
understood things right to be done, expected that

they would receive a part of this
right
;
PD
St
Tr ia
is
pointed) by the Council, it is not a true saying. " The government of Ceylon is doing injustice,
when people
according
in
injustice,
to circumstances,
now appears
proportion as other races are delivered from
more and more injustice upon the inhabitants of this country.

"
Now
1 say,
is it
proper that the Cingalese
R 2
but,
that
coming
364
people should submit to such severe injustice ? Will they do so ? It is altogether improper to submit. I hope they will not act so. 1 think the Cingalese people will show they are not a race of slaves, without doing (not doing) such severe things as Europeans lately did in order to be delivered from injustice. Justice will be done to them if the reasons against injustice are rightly
expressed by petitions to the great Legislative
Council, called the Parliament of England.
l
this,
Tr ia
know
think the Cingalese people
and
have
de
the people of high
sk
ment of taxes like a burthen, that the government is doing injustice, and that you will inform
office,
PD
no doubt they will believe it. Petitions should be written, and sent to the different districts of the Island, and signed by all collectively. Let all the inhabitants of Ceylon demand of the English government to be delivered from injustice, and to have justice done. " Gentlemen, who print newspapers, I request you will publish to the Cingalese under the pay-
St
(or
demon
of injustice) driven from
ud
io
that injustice, as a devil
the
place
where he formerly wass will not be permitted to come and live in this Island, If you do so, Cingalese people are not an ungrateful race.
"
I
am,
"An
of the "
Englishman."
Theforeooing: wasnotconfined to the circulation
Colombo Observer," but they were struck

off
365
on
slips
tributed
of paper, which were extensively disamongst the people even in the most
remote parts of the country, by political agitators and in Kandy they were known to have been explained, and enlarged upon, to the natives by
dissatisfied or disappointed
Europeans, connected
bear in
with the coffee estates.
We must
mind
that the publication of the letter took place three
de
penned by an Englishman, An oi'dinance had been passed about the same time with those already complained of, which was intended to provide for the registration and license of certain traders," to resist which an attempt was made by the wealthier shopkeepers, by whom a combination was formed to intimidate their more necessitous brethren, to force them to close their shops, and to prevent the sale
''
sk
PD
of the necessaries of
rapid sale of
St
life.
enabled these wealthy conspirators to

all
their
own
Eventually the poorer class of shopprices. keepers were suffered to continue their trade uninterruptedly, while the conspirators, to whom
annum could not be an object, contented themselves with present-
the payment of one pound per
ud
The
effect a stock at exorbitant
io
injurious
effect
from their
Tr ia
it
days before the disturbances broke out in Kandy, and such a document, with its notes and comments, must have been calculated to excite the minds of the people, upon whom it had a more
belief that
fear of this event
was
366
ing a petition
to the Governor, jjraying the suspension of the law, which of course could not be acceded to.
At the same time,

a petition
a large
number
of copies of
to
purporting to be addressed
to
the
House
facts,
of
Commons, mis-stating and exaggerating

inflame
the
calculated
minds of the
people,
were
secretly
circulated
among
the
natives in the vicinity of Colombo, as well as in
obtain
signatures.
The
substance,
and misrepresentations, contained
Tr ia
in
viz.
:
more remote
districts,
by agents employed to
expressions,
it,
so very
many
de
sk
of a document, copies of which were circulated with great activity throngliout the villages for
miles round Colombo.

"
PD
circulation.
The following
quently appeared in the " Colombo Observer," bearing the signature of Mr. Elliott, the editor, that he has been generally considered as the author of the document, and the instigator of its
St
ud
Notice.
" His Excellency the Governor has, for the present, enacted several taxes to be levied from
the inhabitants of this island,

"
Upon
fire-arms, dogs,
;
io
is
closely corresponded with a letter,
which subse-
also the translation
men,
boats,
and bou-
tiques (shops)
and, in addition to
this, it is also
enacted to levy, in a few months more, a tax
upon
trees, lands,
cattle,
and
all useful
quadru-

peds.
367
We,
the inhabitants of several viHages,
have consulted and agreed upon a petition about

the matter.
" It
is
therefore kindly requested, that the in-
habitants (both great and small) of all the villages

will
Wednesday,
same."
assemble at seven o'clock in the morning of the 26th instant, prepared for the
of this
The authors
movement most
cautiously
the people.
On
in
the morning of the 26th, the people poured
sk
several roads met, close to the Wellicadde gaol,
PD
numbers towards the town from the neighbourhood and from distant villages, and assembled at a place called Borellse, a spot where
large
St
ud
they would be held responsible for the conduct of
about a mile from the town.
io
taken by the government, and, amongst the rest, a circular was addressed to the headmen, reminding them, that
Tr ia
The mob
kept themselves out of view. were precautionary measures
In the meantime,
de
collected,
marched upon the
police,
who were
to
drawn
across the road to prevent their approach
to the
town.
Their intention was evidently
force a passage through the civil force, the super-
intendent was struck down, and several of his men more or less injured. In the midst of the
contest,
Mr. Elliott arrived, and holding up hands was recognised by the mob, many of
havino-
368
were intoxicated, and his influence became immediately apparent, as they were soon tranquillized, and listened with great attention and satisfaction to his harangue.
whom
In the midst of this pro-
ceeding, the Governor, accompanied by the major-
general and some troops, arrived, but finding the excitement of the people quelled, the Governor
and military soon
after returned to
Colombo.
The
ostensible object of this meeting was to
ud
in Cingalese previously prepared
io
and before the crowd dispersed a great number of signatures were obtained on separate sheets of paper, which were undertaken to be presented by Mr. Elliott, along with a document
Tr ia
;
petiiion,
l
all
:
indeed
it
has
been stated that these signatures were

to the petition
at
attached
St
" the office of the " Observer
previously
to the
meeting.
This gentleman
is
PD
leported to have demeaned himself upon the occasion, in such a
manner
as to induce a belief,
;
to
de
have shown that he had such influence over those who guided the mob, that little doubt was
of his
sk
that he was accidentally present
but
lie is
stated
entertained
being the
instigator
of the
movement.
Some
of the paragraphs of this petition, to the
was afterwards presented
which governor by Mr.
Elliott, recapitulate much of the substance contained in the letter of the " Englisliman," and " But if concludes with the following sentence

your Excellency
favourable reply,
of these
will
369
a
not mercifully give us

certainly will not obey
we
any
new
laws."
states, that
Lord Torrington
clined to receive
had he been aware
of the concluding paragraph, he would have deit,
and would have held Mr.
Elliott responsible for the presentation of such a document. The editor of the " Observer " ex-
cuses himself on the grounds that the petition
whom
he volunteered
The government having been informed
St
he had only an imperfect and its contents, and his own name was not appended to it. This defence must be admitted, by the most prejudiced mind, to be a criminal admission by Mr. Elliott that he had omitted a public duty, by neglecting to inform himself fully of the opinions and wishes of those
general knowledge of
to support.
ud
io
Tr ia
ft
other meetings would be attempted, under the

plea of petitioning the Governor, the followingnotice
was issued
sk
having been received that the inhabitants of the interior, and of some of the Korlls in the neighborhood of Colombo, are, under the advice and encouragement of evil-disposed persons, assembling in large numbers, under pretence of presenting petitions to the Governor. Notice is hereby given, that his Excellency the Governor, although willing at all
5
" Information
de
PD
being
in Cingalese,
that
370
times to receive and consider petitions from any

of the
inhabitants,
if
presented
in
proper
manner,
will not allow large assemblasres of the
people for this purpose, and he will take strong
measures to prevent meetings of this nature, which can tend only to cause breaches of the
peace.
"
By
His Excellency's command, (Sio-ned) " W. Morris,
" Colonial Secretary's Office, Colombo,
July 28, 1848."
active measures, by and military in the vicinity of those places where meetings were proposed to be held, and by this means the peace of the western province was preserved. But, to return to Kandy. Reinforcements marched to the proclaimed districts from Colombo the military pensioners, of whom there are about three hundred in the Island, were called out two divisions of road-pioneers were brought in to assist the troops and escort the baggage, while the " Lady Mary AVood " steamer was despatched to Madras, and returned with tliree companies of her Majesty's o7th regiment and a large supply of ammunition. It must have been also gratifying to the
posting
police
government
de
sk
PD
to
find, that all the respectable in-
St
ud
The government took
io
Tr ia
'*
Acting- assistant Colonial Secretary.
371
habitantsof the town and neighbourhood of Kandy

placed
themselves at the disposal of the comofficer, for
manding
the protection of the town
by which means he was enabled to send out detachments to various localities, vrhere their presence was urgently required, both as a protection
to the
Europeans and peaceably disposed amongst
the natives, against rebels and plunderers, and as
Knowing the great importance that is placed by the Kandians in the possession of Buddha's tooth, and fearing that it might be made use of
de
sk
injured.
PD
were recklessly injured and plundered, in all other districts, wherever the proprietors or superintendents remained at their posts and encouraged their coolees, the properties have remained un-
as a great stimulant to,

in, the
rebels, the
commandant demanded
St
if
ud
an encouragement to the Malabar coolees, who, it was feared, through terror might be driven from the coffee-estates. Ammunition was distributed amongst the planters, and most fortunately, wherever the coolees received moderate encouragement, they were found to resist all intimidation on the part of the Kandians. Thus, although nearly all the estates about Matele
not inspire confidence

the
keys of the temple from the priests, and examined the shrine in the presence of the governixient The object of superstitious worship had agent.
io
Tr ia
372
not been removed, but the commandant, deeming

it
the priests, kept possession of the keys.

step was soon
prudent to secure integrity on the part of This
followed by an order prohibiting the beating of tom-toms, and the collecting

of crowds in the temples.
Several prisoners,
shot
who had been captured
since
the ])roclamation of martial law, were tried and

rate robbers in the island,
offered.
agent
ketty,
who
pretender,
taken prisoner by a party of the Ceylon
sk
PD
called himself the elder brother of the
was,
most active and an attendant upon, the pretender; he died exclaiming, " If the king had had three men about him as bold and determined as myself he would have been master of Kandy."' On the 4th of August, Dingeralle HanguranThis individual was the
of,
with several of his followers,

rifles, in
St
ud
an
io
de
the neighbourhood of Kurnegalle.
Tr ia
and amongst them one of the most despewho had, on more than one occasion, broken prison, and for whose apprehension a reward had long previously been
;
Amongst
these
was one Calle Banda,
ex ratramahatmeer,
who
acted as adio-ar to Dini;eralle, who had assumed the title of king in the district of the Seven Korles. This aspirant to royalty was shot on the following day, under the sentence of a It is said to have been the intencourt-martial. tion of the two brothers, who were playing the
373
parts of kings, to have united their followers at
Kurnegalle, which
was frustrated by the un-
expected arrest of Dingeralle.
We
first
find
that happily the disturbances were
entirely confined to those districts
broke out, and that the

to
loss of life
where they was also

Several
limited
the
unfortunate
rebels.
hundred prisoners were taken, of whom one hundred and twenty were tried by courts-martial eighteen of these were shot, twenty eight tran;
with hard labour; twenty-nine suffered corporal
acquitted.
The Governor having excluded
ud
io
punishment with imprisonment; thirty-three suffered corporal punishment alone, and eight were
in
mation of martial law that portion of the town of Kandy wherein the Court House is situate, a
special sitting of the
Supreme Court was opened on the 28th of August, by the Chief Justice, Sir A. Oliphant. Of eighteen prisoners who were arraigned for high treason, eight were convicted, and the Queen's advocate abandoned the trials of a similar number of prisoners on the same charge, holding them over for minor offences to be tried
de
sk
PD
St
Tr ia
the procla-
sported for various terms
four were imprisoned
at the regular sessions, or gaol delivery.
We
have much pleasure in giving the followinoextracts from the Chief Justice's address in discharging the jury at the close of the special sittings, breathing as it does that humane spirit
374
which ought to be predominant in the breast of every British judge. His Lordship having observed that the crown prosecutor had informed him that
there were no more prisoners to be tried on that occasion, said, " It is now my duty, and I must say it is a pleasant one, to thank yon in the name of the
country, and of the court, for the unwearied and patient attention with which you have listened to
investigation of these trials.
invariably been thoseofmen of sound sense and discretion and, while you have thought it your duty
;
to
proper quarter.
I
sk
"
am
PD
you have considered it also incumbent upon you to make recommendations to mercy, which will be backed by me, and I hope they will be allowed to have their due weight in the
myself determined to recommend
St
functions,
ud
support the laws and uphold the government of this country in the proper discharge of your
io
Tr ia
Your
verdicts have
l
it
the court, the bar, and the witnesses, during the
all
government, and thus go a step even further than the jury have done. I have attended to all the cases brought for trial, which perhaps some of you may not have been in a position to do, from not having sat upon the trial of all the cases and I think I can perceive with tolerable clearness the cause of this rebellion, and I venture to
de
the prisoners to the merciful consideration of the
express
my
belief,
that the origin of
is
the

feeling remaining in the
376
minds of the people that

It
may not be the immediate cause, and the feeling may principally exist amongst the local and petty headmen, who
they are a conquered nation.
are discontented because they have not a govern-
ment of their own the They have not arrived at

feelings,
original
government.
a participation of our
" It
is
quite possible that the imposition of
taxes fanned the flame, and precipitated
headmen
been
again
availed themselves of this opportunity,

;
to revive old feelings

lost sight of,
;
which
ud
io
'
into the commission
of this crime.
in fact
indeed, I
may
sk
PD
no more rebellions of this sort. " The people must see that any attempt against the British government is now a hopeless one,
will be
St
but
I trust this will
say I feel confident there
and, as a witness said yesterday,
by Lieutenant Annesly, only eleven men marched out of Kurnegalle, and of these only two had shewed themselves, when the three or four thousand Kandians assembled in their front ran away there can therefore be little fear for future occurBut we must not teach our subjects to rences. fight, war is an art too easily learnt.
de
they will only lose their
lives."*
For, as deposed to
Tr ia
The
had never
never occur
that thereby
and do not see the superiority of our government, nor the benefit of our free institutions but, on the contrary, would restore their old laws and institutions.
;
new them
petty
376
"
The
legislature,
am
confident, will only
and regulaand I trust they will send the schoolmaster amongst the peojile, who will educate them in the arts of peace, and teach them the sin and folly of taking up arms against lawful authorities. The duty of the governing and governed is mutual, the one paternal, and the other allegiant.
enact, in a paternal spirit, such laws
tions as will prove beneficial to the subject
;
"There is a largo portion of this country, whose wants and circumstances are quite unknown, where no European has been seen for thirty years, except upon some liunting expedition. It
is
not only expedient but necessary for
io
Tr ia
us to
teach the inhabitants of these districts, that the
and
"
collect taxes,
PD
;
The duty
intellectual character of the people.
St
is
it
white
man
has been sent here, not only to impose
but to elevate the moral and

a most important one
of a juror
sk
community. It and liberty and upon

to the
upon the jury for the acand the counsel for the crown will, on the other hand, urge them for a conviction, while the judge may very often take an improper view of the case, for he is not exempt from human infirmity. " It is then to the sound sense of the jury alone that the country must look for discrimination.
sometimes press hard
quittal of his client,
de
nistration of justice.
ud
is
the bulwark of justice
depends the due admiprisoner's counsel will
The

All rests with the jury.
It
is
377
to
;
for
them
the guilt and innocence of the prisoner
weigh and I
can only express in conclusion

all
my own
hope, that
future juries in this country will weigh the
cases which
may
be brought before them, with
the
same care and attention, as you have bestowed upon those which have been tried during the
In conformity with the opinion expressed by lordship, the Chief Justice addressed the folto the
present sessions."
lowing despatch
Governor
''
Colombo, September
" Also notes of the evidence, sentence of the

court,
and recommendation
PD
mercy by the jury, and cerQueen v. Penelebodde Kuralle and others, and marked No. 2.
tain petitions, in the case of the
sk
in the case of the
" Also
court,
to mercy by the jury, and certain petitions, in the case of the Queen V. Kandapulle Banda and others, and marked No. 4.
" Also notes of the evidence, sentence of the

court,
de
Tunamalua Kekooa Banda Karale, and another, marked No. 3.

v.
Queen
notes of the evidence, sentence of the
recommendation
and recommendation
in the case of the
Queen
St
to
v.
recommendation
to
ud
" My Lord, I have the honour to transmit herewith notes of evidence, sentence of the court,
mercy by the jury,
to mercy by the jury, Wijayasoondere Mu-
io
Tr ia
23, 1848.
his
378
dianselay
Appoohamy and
others,
and marked
No.
5.
All cases of high-treason tried by
me
at
the sessions lately

the late rebellion.
holden at Kandy,
for
the
special purpose of trying persons implicated in
" I have to report to your excellency that the
several convictions in the said cases respectively
were obtained
to
state
in
I
due
coui'se of law.
that
recommend
as
fit
I have also and proper
regards the punishment of death, not only
Tr ia
objects for your excellency's clemency, as far as

all
the
persons recommended by the jury for the reasons
given by them, but also
selay
Appoohamy, and Kolambulamulle Mo-
sk
hattelay
PD
dianselagey Punchiralle, Wijaysoondere Mudian-
Appohamy and under

;
Banda, Kandapulle Banda, Wannenayeke Mu-
St
have been found guilt}^ " The most culpable of these appear to me to be Penelebodde Keerale, Warapitia Ettapolla
ud
io
all
the prisoners
who
different circum-
stances, I should have
recommended your
excel-
lency to have executed such three or four of

those last mentioned as should, after minute investigation
de
most
into their respective cases by the law-
officers of the
crown, have appeared to have been
guilty.
"To have
carried out the last penalty against
these would have been necessary for the vindication of justice, order,
for an
and good government, and
example
to others.
But
I find that that
379
example has been already made. I learn that some twenty persons have been already shot for
their share in this rebellion by the courts-martial
;
therefore think,
when
it
is
considered
that no one
European has been put to death, that one soldier only has been wounded by the
rebels,
that
no persons have appeared
in
war-
like array against the troops since the outbreaks

at Matele and Kurnegalle, that the blood which has been already spilt is sufficient for all purposes, whether of vindication of the law, or for example. " I advise that the prisoners last above men-
tioned be transported for
life,
that the others, not
recommended
mercy by the jury, be transported for fourteen years and that those who have been recommended be imprisoned and kept
to
to hard labour for such
PD
St
;
ud
"
short periods as, after
io
we
consideration with the crown-lawyers,
Tr ia
it
may
deemed due
"
to
them
respectively.
I have, &c.,
J.
sk
(Signed)
Oliphant, C.
de
The Right Honourable Viscount Torrington."

It
is
with deep regret that
feel ourselves
called upon to supply the render with the answer of the Governor to the foregoing recommenda-
tion of the Chief Justice

so
conceiving
as
much
at variance with
that spirit of justice
tempered with mercy, which should be the characteristic attribute of the crown, or the crown's
representative.
be
we do
380

"The Queen's House, Colombo, September
25, 1848.
have the lionoiir to acknowledge 23rd instant, transmitting the notes of evidence, and sentences of death passed on the prisoners convicted of high treason at the
I
" Sir,
your
letter of the
last session of the
Supreme Court held
at
Kandy
for the special
purpose of trying persons impli-
cated in the late rebellion,
the respectful
attention
becoming
Tr ia
l
it is
" I have given to this communication, not only
your
high
authority, but that painful and anxious consideration inseparable from the solemn question of life and death, suggested by your recommendation of all the prisoners for a commutation of punishments. But, after soliciting the advice and
opinions of the Executive Council,
St
ud
io
with re-
PD
F
to
luctance, that
1 feel
myself unable to concur with

course towards some
you
in the propriety of that
of those men, convicted in due course of law, and
whose
considerations, would have led you, as you state,

to
de
the strict line of your duty, uninfiuenccd by other
sk
guilt has been so clearly established, that
recommend
me
to inflict
on them the
last
penalty of the law, in vindication of justice, order,

I must observe, are unconnected with the judicial question on which it was properly within your province to assist me
and good goveinment. " These considerations,
with your advice; but, irrespective of
this, I
am
compelled
to say, that neither they
nor the rea-
381
soning founded on them, wliich has induced you to adopt u different line in recommending- these
parties to mercy, has j)roduccd the
my mind
whilst at the
same result in same time such publicity
has unfortunately been given to your opinions on this subject, as would involve the government in
embarrassment were 1 to set aside your recommendation to mercy, and leave these individuals
for execution.
"
inconvenience likely to result from this

review of
all tlie })roceeding-s
of the highest civil
tribunal in the Island, followed by a sweeping
moditication of
its
judgment upon men convicted
of the gravest offences
known
the comparative evils of either course, and feeling
St
life
"Upon
a deliberate calculation, however, of
ud
to
I
io
our laws.
de
commutation of
those convicts,
to
sk
PD
in acting on
have deemed it best to lean to the side of mercy, and to adopt so much of your recommendation as regards the
my own
strongly the disadvantage at which I
judgment,
all capital
punishments, substiin
tuting transportation for
the instance of
who have
juries,
all
not been
recommended
for
mercy by the
(Signed)
"
and transportation
fourteen years in
the other cases. I have, &c., " Torrington.
The Hon.
Sir A. Oliphant, Kt., C. J."
END OF VOL.
I.
Tr ia
am
summary
placed
l
^
On
the other hand,
foresee
much
practical
LONDON
G.
J.
ud
de
sk
PD
St
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By JAMES
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(With a Portrait of ike Right Ron. Charles Shaw Lefevre.)
world.
The work
reign of
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King Edward III., and the memoirs of his successors in the Chair of St. Stephens, f )r a period of nearly five hundred years, will be regular! V continued down to the Right Hon. Charles Shaw Lefevre, who now so ably and impartially presides over the deliberations of the third estate of the realm. In its principal features it will be historical, biographical, and genealogical, 'i'he historical portion will narrate concisely, but accurately, the chief events of the biographical sketches will be based Parliamentary- interest upon the authority of general history, the old chronicles, topographical accounts, and family muniments: while the genealogical matter will consist in tracing the origin of the Speakers, and deducing the descents of the various families springing from them to the present time, shewing who are the actual representatives, as well as theprincipal descendants of the illustrious men whose faded memories this work is intended to revive. To both Houses of Parliament "The Lives of the Speakers" must possess sufficient interest to justify the author in his anticipation of their patronage and support.
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will
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of the noblest families of England derive their descent now represent in the male or female line the eminent and illustrious men whose memoirs will be contained in this work, to whom, in a great measure, Britain owes its liberty, and consequent greatness ; for in the days of darkness and des[;otism, their bold and fearless conduct in supporting the constitution, and upholding the privileges of Parliament, mainly contributed to the establishment and preservation of individual rights and liberties, and the maintenance of the public peace, order, and security. Thus the author scarcely' imagines he is liable to the imputation of vanity in flattering himself with the hope of that patronage which will best encourage him to the completion of an undertaking, important in a public point of view, if only regarded in the light of a work of reference; but doubly so to those who must naturally feel the deepest interest in the narration of the eminent actions of their
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ud
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sk
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Ceylon and The Cingalese

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Ceylon and The Cingalese

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CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE

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THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES

a goodly sight to see

hath done for this delicious land

goodly prospects o'er the

CEYLON AND THE CINGALESE;

ANTIQUITIES, INSTITUTIONS, PEODUCE,

REVENUE, AND CAPABILITIES

Lincoln's inn, b arrister- at-law,

LATE DEPUTY QUEEN's ADVOCATE

WILLIAM SHOBERL, PUBLISHER,

GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET.

THE ISLAND OF CEYLON.

PALMER, SAVOY 8TREKT, STHAND.

THE MOST NOBLE AND RIGHT HONORABLE

C!)uS E23ork t^, fin pcrmtji^ton, rcspcctfulln Uctliratclr,

LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX,

MARQUIS OF SALISBURY, K.G

JAMES BROWNLOW WILLIAM GASCOIGNE CECIL,

recent events in Ceylon, and the desire for infor-

the late Rebellion, we have been induced to prepare

after our return

of this beautifid island,

Our object has been

from the Colony.

the following pages for the press,

leading periodical shortly

extraordinary interest created by

upon the subject of some portion of

amongst the former may

be classed the proposed emigration

and amongst the

the restoration of the

whole credit of which

proposition, a recent writer,

who has never

visited the Colony, has

most unjustly claimed

himself, although the greater

who have sojourned

Isle" have referred to the subject.

In the performance of our task,

voured to notice, and believe

we have endeathat we have condescribed

general features of the countiy,

illustrated the cha-

mixed population. we have essayed

render these pages useful, by the classification

ancient history of Lanka-diva has been

fully entered into, and,

connected with European rule, has been

OF THE LATE KaNDL^N REBELLION, ITS ORIGIN,

the supposed grievances of our fellow-suhjects,

(ind the critical position of the colonial govern))ieni.

AND CONSEQUENCES, together with an expose of

have also ventured, from personal obsei'vafacts, to

as a punishment, or example, amongst a population professing the tenets of

Square, Lincoln's Inn.

or that portion tliereof

OF THE FIEST VOLUME.