inconsiderable portion of emigrants from other nations. The fruits and other productions of this soil do not differ from those of Columbo. Coiar ropes are manufactured here in great plenty from the stringy rind of the cocoa-nut; and a trade of some consequence is carried on in small craft. The principal articles exported are cocoa-nuts, cocoa-nut oil, areca-nuts, salt fish, pumplemoses, oranges, and cables.

The houses in the fort are large, commodious, and comfortably furnished. That of the commandant is a building of extensive dimensions, containing a suite of rooms, on the ground floor, both spacious and well proportioned; likewise a variety of apartments in an upper story with boarded floors; amongst which is a hall used for dancing, sixty feet in length, thirty broad, and eighteen high.

During the governor's residence in this garrison, he entertained the settlement with several public dinners, and one splendid ball and supper.

Upwards of one hundred poor and afflicted persons, amongst whom were many widows and orphans, received a temporary relief through the medium of a committee appointed for the purpose of superintending all the charitable establishments in the island: and several cases of private distress obtained a well-timed succour by the excellence of this praise-worthy institution. An extensive field is here opened to the watchful eye of benevolence; and great merit is due to the man who carries succour to those starving

families, whose feelings do not permit them to solicit charity.

The fort of Point de Galle, one mile and a quarter in circumference, is situate near the southern extremity of the island, on a low rocky promontory, from which its name is derived. Some of the bastions command the passage which leads into a tolerable harbour, the second in rank on the coasts of Ceylon. It is not large, but commodious and secure: except that the entrance is so choked up with rocks, that the channel, through which a ship must be steered, is very narrow, and cannot be attempted safely in the dark, unless by an experienced pilot. On the side opposite to the fort stand a reservoir of excellent water, and a wooden quay provided with every convenience for lowering casks easily into boats. The harbour is, however, susceptible of many improvements; and were it to become a place of much resort, these would, no doubt, be attended to.

It was here that, during the government of the United States, the cinnamon and other productions of the island were shipped for Europe; and it is still partly used for that purpose. Ships sometimes call there on their way to Columbo, and take in what cinnamon is raised in the districts of Galle and Matura: afterwards complete their cargo at the presidency, and, on some occasions, sail direct for England; on others, return to Madras, land the cinnamon. there to be divided amongst different ships, and take in a

new lading. This latter method is only practised in the time of war, when it is not found convenient to allow the regular ships of the East-India company to touch at Columbo.

The works of Point de Galle are substantial and extensive: and it would be a place of great strength were it not overlooked by some adjacent eminences. One hill, at only the distance of musket shot, completely commands part of the fort: this might have been fortified, but it also is commanded by another. For these reasons a design was once formed to destroy all the fortifications of this place, except those batteries which immediately guard the entrance into the harbour. The fortress, however, as it now stands, is a sufficient protection against the inroads of the undisciplined Candians, who are not acquainted with the use of cannon, and understand but little of the European art of war.

All the country round is extremely hilly. At one view four ranges of mountains appear behind one another, richly clothed with wood. On every hand are large forests of cocoa-nut trees, and extensive tracts of thick jungle, frequently intersected by romantic foot-paths, winding both amongst the higher and the lower grounds.

The garrison consists of one hundred and twenty sepoys, and one hundred and twenty Malays, each commanded by one European officer, a small detachment of Bengal artillery, a commandant, fort adjutant, and garrison surgeon; to which may be added the master-attendant, or overseer of