Chapter VIII: Ceylon

Neglect of the Island hitherto by the English Government.--
Better Prospects for the Future.--The Cingalese, their
Language and Customs.--Buddhism and its Ordinances.--Visit to
a Buddhist Temple in the Vicinity of Galle.--The sacred
Bo-tree.--Other Aborigines of Ceylon.--The Weddàhs.--
Traditions as to their Origin.--Galle as a City and Harbour.--
Snake-charmers.--Departure for Colombo.--Cultivation of the
Cocoa-nut Palm a benevolent, Buddha-pleasing work.--
Polyandria; or, Community of Husbands--Supposed Origin.--
Annual Exportation of Cocoa-nuts.--Rest-houses for
Travellers.--Curry the national Dish.--A Misfortune and its
Consequences.--The Catholic Mission of St. Sebastian de Makùn,
and Father Miliani.--Annoying Delays with restive Horses.--
Colombo.--A Stroll through the "_Pettah_," or Black Town.--Ice
Trade of the Americans with Tropical Countries.--Cinnamon
Gardens and Cinnamon Cultivation.--Consequences of the
Monopoly of Cinnamon.--Rise and Expansion of the Coffee
Culture in Ceylon.--Pearl-fishery.--Latest Examination of the
Ceylon Banks of Pearl Oysters, by Dr. Kelaart, and its
Results.--Aripo at the Season of Pearl-fishing.--The Divers.--
Pearl-lime, a chewing Substance of wealthy Malays.--Annual
Profit of the Pearl-fishery.--Origin of the Pearl.--Poetry and
Natural Science.--Artificial Production of the Pearl.--The
Chank-shell.--The Wealth of Ceylon in Precious Stones.--Visit
to a Cocoa-nut Oil Manufactory.--The Cowry-shell, a Promoter
of the Slave Trade.--Discovery of valuable Cingalese MSS. on
Palm-leaves.--The heroic Poem of "Mahawanso," and Turnour's
English Translation of it.--Hospitality of English Officials
in Colombo.--A second Visit to Father Miliani.--Agreeable
Reception.--The Antidote-oil against Bites of Poisonous
Snakes.--Adventures on the Journey back to Galle.--Ascent of
Adam's Peak by two Members of the Expedition.--The Sacred
Footprint.--Descent.--The "Bullock-bandy," or Native Waggon.--
Departure from Galle for Madras.--The Bassos (Shallows).--A
Berlin Rope-dancer among the Passengers.--Nyctalopia; or,
Night Blindness.--Fire on Board.--Arrival in Madras Roads. 345