MRS COL. WALKER’S TOUR IN CEYLON. 251 
power between the sun and wind at Maha Ellia, in which, I 
think, the wind conquered; at least I could never feel warm, 
even in Sol’s brightest rays, if exposed at the same time to the 
chill blast. But when it is calm the climate is most delight- 
ful, and the place every way superior to the plain of Newera 
Ellia. The extent of level ground is much greater; but 
itis not one uninterrupted plain, low hills intersect it in many 
parts, between which lies a succession of extensive plains 
branching off in every direction. "The heights are all wooded, 
the levels covered with grass of a better description than at 
Newera Ellia, and free from swamp. A pretty stream (the 
Billooloya, in its infant state) runs through this most exten- 
sive plain, and the wooded hills afford, at their bases, delight- 
ful sheltered sites for houses. I fixed on one, should I ever. 
build at Maha Ellia, at the extremity of the great plain, com- 
manding the most beautiful view of Adam's Peak and all the 
varied scenery around, that I have ever beheld; altogether it is 
a pity I think that this place had not been selected as the con- 
valescent station, in place of Newera Ellia; but I believe it 
was not known to the English. Newera Ellia was discovered 
by chance, and was fixed on at once, without any survey - 
being made of the neighbouring country; to the natives 
it must have been well known from the name they had 
given it, Maha Ellia, meaning, I am told, the Great Plain. 
We walked in the evening, but could not venture far from 
the house for fear of elephants, which are very numerous; 
indeed their traces are to be seen every where, and recent — 
foot-marks close to the Bungalow ; but, although I have now : 
travelled a good deal in Ceylon, I have never yet encounter- — 
ed these giants of the forest in their wild state. | | 
* 8th.—By additional clothing, and greater attention to. — 
fixing up our doors and windows, we contrived to make our- - 
selves more comfortable last night. Our messenger returned 
from Newera Ellia, with some supplies, but without ahopeof — 
.. Our getting Coolies fromthence. We had, however, another — 
. chance, Col. W. having written to the government agent in. 
. Owva, begging of him to use his influence in our behalf. n 
