CHAP. I.] 



POPULATION. 



53 



rise and fall is from 18 to 24 inches, with an increase of 

 about a third at spring tides. High water is later on the 

 eastern than on the western coast ; occurring, at full and 

 new moon, a little after 11 o'clock at Adam's Bridge, 

 about 1 o'clock at Colombo, and 1.25 at Galle, whilst it 

 attains its greatest elevation between 5 and 6 o'clock in 

 the harbour of Trincomalie. 



Red infusoria. On both sides of the island (but 

 most frequently at Colombo), during the south-west 

 monsoon, a broad expanse of the sea assumes a red 

 tinge, considerably brighter than brick-dust ; and this 

 is confined to a space so distinct that a line seems to 

 separate it from the green water which flows on either 

 side. Observing that the whole area changed its position 

 without parting with any portion of its colouring, I had 

 some of the water brought on shore, and, on examination 

 with the microscope, found it to be filled with infusoria, 

 probably similar to those which have been noticed near 

 the shores of South America, and whose abundance has 

 imparted a name to the " Vermilion Sea" off the coast of 

 California. 



THE POPULATION OF CEYLON, of all races, was, in 1857, 

 1,697,975 ; but this was exclusive of the military and 

 their families, both Europeans and Malays, which together 

 amounted to 5,430 ; and also of aliens and other casual 

 strangers, forming about 25,000 more. 



The particulars are as follow : 



