chap. ii. NEIVERA ELL/A. 27 



The adjacent country, of comparatively table land, 

 occupies an extent of some thirty miles in length, vary- 

 ing in altitude from 6,200 to 7,000 feet, forming a base 

 for the highest peaks in Ceylon, which rise to nearly 

 9,000 feet. 



Alternate large plains, separated by belts of forest, 

 rapid rivers, waterfalls, precipices, and panoramic views 

 of boundless extent, form the features of this country, 

 which, combined with the sports of the place, render a 

 residence at Newera Ellia a life of health, luxury, and 

 independence. 



The high road from Colombo passes over the moun- 

 tains through Newera Ellia to Badulla, from which lat- 

 ter place there is a bridle road, through the best shoot- 

 ing districts in Ceylon, to the seaport town of Battica- 

 loa, and from thence to Trincomalee. The relative 

 distances of Newera Ellia are, from Galle, 185 miles ; 

 from Colombo, 1 1 5 miles ; from Kandy, 47 miles ; 

 from Badulla, 36 miles ; from Batticaloa, 148 miles. 

 Were it not for the poverty of the soil, Newera Ellia 

 would long ago have become a place of great import- 

 ance, as the climate is favourable to the cultivation of 

 all English produce ; but an absence of lime in the 

 soil, and the cost of applying it artificially, prohibit 

 the cultivation of all grain, and restrict the produce of 

 the land to potatoes and other vegetables. Neverthe- 

 less, many small settlers earn a good subsistence, 



D 



