io EVERYDAY LIFE ON A 



I found that, with the uncertainty appertaining 

 to everything in Ceylon, he had been transferred 

 to an estate lately bought by the Company (his 

 employers) ; an estate so isolated that there 

 were no neighbours within visitable distance ; 

 where he had to send sixteen miles for pro- 

 visions, and, worst of all, where the bungalow 

 only contained sufficient accommodation for a 

 bachelor. There was nothing to be done but 

 to make the best of an awkward situation. I 

 obtained permission to add a room to the house, 

 and made up my mind to face a certain amount 

 of roughing with a cheerful countenance. I 

 have since found out, that what I missed in 

 civilization and comfort, I gained in novelty 

 and interest. 



To beguile the longlong hours when I wasalone 

 I began to write my impressions. I don't think 

 they will be of any general interest, for I am 

 neither a botanist, entomologist, or geologist, 

 and must necessarily take a very superficial view 

 of my surroundings ; but I think there are many 

 mothers who will like to have some idea of the 

 sort of life their dear ones lead in Ceylon ; and 

 perhaps some young English girls whose love- 

 dreams include a possible home in this delightful 

 island, may be interested in reading a few 

 details of our daily routine. It must, however, 

 be well understood that I do not write of the 

 older estates, which are as comfortable as a 



