On the second shelf there are more models of carts and 

 hackeries, a mud house, and a large native sailing craft called a 

 "dhoney." 



On the third shelf there are models of " kattumarams," a Negombo 

 canal " padda" boat, and a boat used in the Pearl Fishery with 

 representations of the crew and divers. The white man in the 

 stern holding a suspicious looking bottle in a compromising attitude 

 is the doctor preparing a dose of medicine. 



On the last shelf there are models of outrigger boats, fishing and 

 passenger boats, a double canoe, and a river raft. There is also a 

 set of chank shells {TurMnella pyruin) and several rings cut 

 from this shell. The chank fishery at JafEna has been an 

 important source of revenue. During some years as many as 

 three millions of these shells have been exported annually to 

 Calcutta, where they are used for the manufacture of temple 

 conches and of cliauk jewellery which is destroyed at funerals. 



Other noteworthy exhibits on this shelf are a pearl diver's coir 

 basket which has been actually in use, presented by J. Hornell, 

 Esq., Marine Biologist, and a pearl diver's sinking stone from 

 the Pearl Fishery of 1904, presented by the Hon. Mr. E. F. im 

 Thurn, C.B., C.M.G., then Lieutenant-Governor. 



The chank shells and rings were presented by Sir William 

 Twynam. 



Objects troiii the Maldive Islands.— The Maldive Islands are 

 an archipelago of coral atolls inhabited by a Mohammedan popu- 

 lation ruled by a Sultan of ancient lineage, who pays annual tribute 

 to the Ceylon Government. The Maldivians are an artistic 

 people, the commonest articles in daily use being elegantly shaped, 

 carved, and lacquered. They make use of European glassware and 

 earthenware, but protect their dishes and plates and glasses "in 

 boxes or cupholders of the most elegant designs and elaborate 

 carving and colouring. Their boats are also elaborately decorated 

 when new. On State festivals the capital, Male, presents a most 

 gay appearance, the roofs of the houses being covered with richly 

 coloured cloths, and all the streets profusely decorated with 

 bunting and curious models of modern steam vessels and little 

 kiosks furnished with chess tables, the whole being brilliantly 

 illuminated at night, when the Sultan, amidst a profusion of fire- 

 works, and preceded by his band, visits the numerous mosques " 

 [A. Haly]. 



The Maldivian sea-going sailing vessels, called buggalows, are 

 often to be seen in Colombo Harbour, and the view from the end 

 of the breakwater of one of these boats entering the harbour during 

 the north-east monsoon is highly picturesque. 



