$ 
236 MRS COL. WALKER'S TOUR IN CEYLON. 
respectable appearance of several temples dedicated to him, 
which we remarked in this stage. Doors do not seem to be 
considered necessary at Wellihené, at least there were none: 
to the hut which we occupied, and our night's rest was dis- 
turbed by the visits of two Pariah dogs, which annoyed us 
greatly. From Wellihené to Mura Wakka there is less 
cultivation, more jungle, the distant hills are higher, and our 
road not so level as it has hitherto been. Reached Mura 
Wakka at nine.. Here we found most comfortable quarters 
in a house belonging to the Modlear of the district, who was 
waiting our arrival at this place. We remarked on our 
route two large Boodist temples, but of more fragile mate- 
rials than those seen yesterday, which were solid brick build- 
ings. We again crossed the river by a ferry-boat, which » 
found gaily decorated with cocoa-nut leaves, &c., in compli- 
ment to us.. This used to be done formerly at all the rest- 
houses, ferries, &c., whenever Europeans, of any rank in the 
service of government, travelled. The washermen of the 
village were obliged to find clothes to cover the walls and 
roof, and even to spread on the floor, for which they ve 
entitled to no remuneration. Now, this is all dispensed e 
or if ever done, the people do not fail to claim something 
for their trouble, which it is but fair they should receive. 
In front of the Modlear’s house at Mura Wakka, there is the 
largest Bombax (pentandra, I believe,) I ever saw. During 
the day I generally amuse myself by drawing any thing We 
may have picked up by the way, either pretty or uncommon 
and take a walk in the evening. This place is remarkable 
for the quantity of rain which falls about it, and the weather 
. did look so threatening, that we were afraid to venture ang : 
distance from the house. » Some loud claps of thunder, hour 
ever, cleared the air, and a little rain fell—just enough to — 
spoil our stroll, and to make the leeches very active; ^t. 
are a great nuisance, and destroy the pleasure of walking 1". 
the country, if-the soil be in the least damp: when pe 
fectly dry, the leech is never seen, but after the slightest 
shower, the ground seems: alive with them. _ Left our com- 
