MRS COL. WALKER'S TOUR IN CEYLON. 231 
the cinnamon plantations about Colombo, grows here to a 
great size ; I remarked it climbing over the tops of high trees, 
its leaves and pitchers greatly dxeooding in dimensions any 
I had seen elsewhere. Many of the trees were clothed to the 
summit by Pandanus scandens, and P. humilis also abounds; 
of the leaves of this plant, which are upwards of three yards 
in length, the natives make mats ; the perfume of its blossoms 
is even stronger than that of the flower of P. odoratissimus, in 
à room, it is overpowering, though fragrant in the open air. 
Of the Palm tribe we saw several, particularly the thorny 
Caryota, and C. mitis, the flower of which is exceedingly 
beautiful when it first bursts through its green spathulate 
~ bracts and calyx of deep rose-colour, shading off to a pale 
pink, adhering closely, though at irregular intervals, to the 
pure white ivory-liké pedicels which form the large drooping 
panicle. I attempted to draw it, but could not at all please 
myself, and gave it up in despair. 
** It was twelve o'clock when we got to the summit of the 
mountain, and the wood having been recently cut down by 
the deputy-quarter-master-general's party, we had a most 
extensive view although the day was not very clear, and 
we were perhaps too late in getting to the top to see as - 
much as may be descried under more favourable circum- 
stances. To those who have no object in ascending this hill — 
— but to admire the beauty of the scenery, I should say their 
trouble and fatigue would not be recompensed ; and advise 
their being satisfied with the view from the level ridge, at the - 
top of the first ascent before entering the wood, from whence __ 
_ in my opinion the scenery looks much more beautiful, though — - 
Of course, not so extensive. Precipitous and rugged as the — 
path is, my Coolies contrived to carry me in my little Ma- 
. dura palankeen, nearly to the top, not without my frequently - 
. feeling under considerable apprehension of being tumbled 
. Out: however, no accident happened. The latter part of — — 
the way I was obliged to walk, or rather scramble, as I also. ed 
did all the way down to the top of the first. ies affording — 
bod for an:sbunáhnet of leeches as I went along. vie so 
