GUIDE TO THE COLOMBO MUSEUM. 175 



Products of the Palmyra Palm (Case 24), 



The model of the palmyra palm and other articles in Case 24 were 

 presented by Sir W. C, Twynam, K.C.M.G. The palmyra is another 

 invaluable palm and a most beautiful one. It grows in great 

 profusion in the north of Ceylon and especially in the Peninsula of 

 Jaffna . The timber is used chiefly for rafters of houses , as its strength 

 and durability and the quality of resisting the attack of white ants 

 eminently fit it for this purpose. To the inhabitants of the northern 

 provinces this invaluable tree ranks the same in importance as the 

 coconut palm to the natives of the south. Its fruits yield them 

 food and oil ; its Juice palm wine and sugar ; its stem is the chief 

 material of then' buildings ; and its leaves, besides serving as roofs 

 to their dwellings and fences to their farms, supply them with 

 matting and baskets, with head-dresses and fans, and serve as a 

 substitute for paper for theh deeds and writings, and for the sacred 

 books which contain the traditions of their faith. It has been 

 said with truth that a native of Jaffna, if he be contented with 

 ordinary doors and mud walls, may build an entire house (as he 

 wants neither nails nor ironwork), with walls, roof, and covering, 

 from the palmyra palm. From this same tree he may draw his 

 wine, make his oil, kindle his fire, carry his water, store his food, 

 cook his repast, and sweeten it, if he pleases ; in fact, live from day 

 to day dependent on his palmyra alone. Multitudes so live, and it 

 may be safely asserted that this tree alone furnishes one-fourth the 

 means of sustenance for the population of the northern provinces. 



So multifarious are the uses of the palmyra and its products to 

 the natives of the countries favoured by its growth that the Hindus 

 dedicated it to Ganesa, and celebrate it as the " Kalpa tree," or 

 "Tree of life," of their paradise. Thej^ say that there are " eight 

 hundred and one " uses to which the tree is applied. 



In the model of a palmyra tree will be noticed the toddy climber. 

 He climbs by the assistance of a loop of flexible Jungle vine, suffi- 

 ciently wide to admit both his ankles and leave a space between 

 them, thus enabling him to grasp the trunk of the tree with his feet 

 and support himself as he ascends. 



SOUTH VERANDAH (Room D). 



Here will be found several carved figures in stone from Polon- 

 naruwa. 



ROOM E. 



This room contains a miscellaneous series of exhibits ranguig from 

 domestic appliances to charms and horoscopes. As we enter from 

 Room D the wall cases on each side (Cases 34 and 35) are devoted 

 mainly to domestic appliances, games, and wooden boxes. The 

 two large central cases (46 and 47) display brass tobacco boxes, 

 kettles, and drmking vessels ; the ritualistic accessories of the 

 temple ; and the horoscope and yantra which play such an important 

 part in the superstitions of the villager. The table cases contain 

 Jewellery and coins, and the four smaller wall cases are given up to 

 betel boxes and life-sized models of the Veddas, Buddhist Priest, 

 Kandyan Chief, Mudaliyar, and his Wife. This medley is un- 

 avoidable owing to lack of room, and the visitor is warned not to 



