become as clearly understood and as well practised in Ceylon as in any part of the king's dominions.

Early in the year 1803, instructions, in his majesty's name, were received at Columbo, directing that the expence of all the schools in the island should be limited to the amount of fifteen hundred pounds sterling per annum. This sum was not more than sufficient to support the different asylums for European orphans, and the academies for instructing the natives in the English language. The salaries, therefore, of all the country schoolmasters and catechists were once more suppressed: and the sum thus saved to government hardly amounts to one thousand eight hundred pounds sterling per annum. The virtue of public economy, however, is now directed towards a more productive channel; and it is to be hoped that the indigent teachers of Ceylon have again the prospect of being restored to their humble employments.

Early in the year 1805, three missionaries arrived at Columbo, having been sent from England under the protection of the British government.

They are now studying

the languages of the country; and, if they possess virtuous dispositions and persevering industry, they must be greatly delighted with the appearance of so rich a harvest, and cannot fail to become an invaluable blessing to the natives of the island.

The most effectual means of disseminating the blessings

of the gospel throughout the east would be for the Christians who go to those parts to live in a manner worthy of their .profession. Had all the Europeans who have visited India been sincere and enlightened Christians, more numerous converts would have been made, without force or solicitation. The native servants never fail warmly to love a master who leads a christian life. They receive every lesson of religious instruction, which is offered to them by such a person, with delight and gratitude: and they naturally feel a desire to embrace a system of faith and practice, of the beneficial tendency of which they enjoy so comfortable and impressive an example.

Drawn by J. Continer

Flag Staff at Point de Galle

Published 4 June 1307. by Mg, maman, Hurst, Bees & Orme, Paternoster Row, London

Engraved by T.Medland

TOUR ROUND CEYLON.

CHAPTER VI.

167

JOURNEY FROM COLUMBO TO CALTURA, POINT DE GALLE, COGEL, BELLIGAM, MATURA, MULGEERELENNA, BADOOL, HEETARIVER BOATSELEPHAN

TEEAH,

AND

TENGALLE-BUNGALOES·

SCHOOL-HOUSE-JEWEL TAX-CORAL-SHELLS

TIASIS-CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS-WOODY SCENERY-CINGALESE

TEMPLES.

AT six o'clock A. M. on the 21st of June, 1800, the writer of this narrative left Columbo, to make the tour of Ceylon, in company with his excellency the honourable Frederic North, governor of the British settlements in the island; who was likewise attended by a party of gentlemen, consisting of James Dunkin, esq. one of the judges of the supreme court of judicature; James Sutherland, esq. registrar of that court; captain Robert Moubray, of his majesty's Soth regiment of foot, aide de camp; Thomas Farrell, esq. one of the judges of the fiscals' court; Mr. George Lusignan,