166 TITE SINGHALESE. 



valleys below, watered by some rapid stream, and 

 forest-clad peaks of various shapes overhead. As far 

 as the first station the ascent had been but slight, 

 whilst passing through forests and past endless 

 terraces of bright green paddy fields, set off most 

 effectually by the muddy colour of a rapid stream, 

 much swollen by that day's heavy rain. As the train 

 stopped I had the satisfaction of seeing a large bridal 

 party, a very noisy lot, who had occupied the next 

 compartment, take their departure ; they were accom- 

 panied by a wretched band, and dressed up in all 

 the colours of the rainbow, as half-castes generally are. 



Here I also had the opportunity of watching a 

 crowd of Singhalese on their way to some fair ; they 

 did not seem a very energetic people, which I after- 

 wards heard confirmed, with the additional informa- 

 tion that they are notorious liars. This air of languor 

 and apathy, especially amongst the men, may, how- 

 ever, be deceptive ; and those who wish to form a 

 correct judgment of these people had better visit tlie 

 northern districts, where enormous earth-works have 

 been thrown up, and uj^wards of a hundred tanks 

 repaired by their voluntary labour, aided by official 

 supervision. 



The Singhalese are mostly agiiculturists, and leave 

 ti'ade to the Moors, who originally were probably 



