አች ር... ሚኢ ሥሥ መ ween 
PLATE 1. 
Every traveller, who has made the journey from Point de Galle to Colombo, so famous for 
the beauty of its scenery, cannot fail to recollect several Banyan trees, close to the road, of which 
the one situated in Colpetty near Colombo, is the largest. Enormous roots are coming down from 
its upper branches on both sides of the road, forming a kind of gateway overhead. The colour 
of the bark of this tree is a light grey, which contrasts in a picturesque way with the dark foliage 
around. In spite of its size the huge tree produces only diminutive figs, upon which nimble 
little squirrels are feeding. ; 
In the rear of the picture a bullock-cart is seen slowly proceeding on its way. This primitive 
vehicle is still much in use by travellers in the’ less frequented parts of the island, although tolerable | 
stage-coaches now run along the principal routs. ን | 
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