164 COLOMBO. 



Buddhism gradually crept in, and became the domi- 

 nant religion in B.C. 307. In those early days corrupt 

 government had its full sway in Ceylon, as elsewliere, 

 and eventually, by misadministration, there were no 

 less than seven kings governing the island, when in 

 1505 the Portuguese landed ; who, after having held 

 part of the coast foi- nearly 150 years, were expelled 

 by the Dutch in the 17th century. The lattei- had made 

 their first appearance in 1601, and in 1643 they forti- 

 fied the coast, but in 1796 they, in their turn, were 

 defeated by the British, who took possession of all the 

 maritime provinces, whilst in 1814 they made an end 

 to the misrule and cruelty of the native king at Kandy 

 by taking full possession of the whole island. 



After these few words, by way of introduction, we 

 will proceed along the pretty esplanade to the Galle- 

 Face Hotel, lying almost hidden amongst the tall 

 cocoanut palms by which it is suri'ounded. It consists 

 of several detached bungalows, bai-ely a hundred yards 

 from the sea, opening out a very picturesque vista. 

 Here every comfort is provided, and, moreover, the 

 hotel is noted for its very superior curry. Bandhies, 

 a kind of four-wheeled dog-cart, with an awning, are 

 always in attendance to take one to the different 

 points of attraction. 



Colombo lies at the month of the river Kalaniganga, 



