27 
-PEATE L 
The coast- currents occasioned by the monsoon, deposit the sand and mud, conveyed to the 
sea by the rivers, along the flat coasts of Ceylon. Between the land and the extensive sandbanks, 
which are being gradually formed, open channels or lakes are left, the salt water of which is gra- 
dually, in the course of time, replaced by fresh water. 
Plate X. exhibits a tank near Colombo, which evidently owes its existance to a similar formation. 
Nothing can surpass the graceful groups of palms, reflected. on the mirror-like surface of the water, 
which is no longer disturbed by the restless waves of the sea. The large leaves of the Nelumbium 
float on these quiet waters, and sometimes stretch over them to such an. extent, as not to leave the 
least part of the water uncovered. 
