41 
PLATE XX.) 
The botanical gardens of Peradenia near Kandy are among the most picturesque sights near 
that town. A group, containing among others nearly all the species of palms growing in the Island, 
stands within a few yards of the gate and may be regarded as the chief attraction of these beautiful 
gardens. 
The finest palm of this group is the majestic Talipat (C oryphaumbraculifera, Linn.), 
from the enormous leaves of which the writing material is prepared for the Singhalese manuscripts (the 
so-called Ola books). The rough pillar-like stem is nearly hidden by climbing plants and parasitic 
ferns. These and the huge dead leaves of the Talipat, which are allowed to remain hanging in their 
places, highly add to the picturesque effect of the whole. Immediately behind this giant palm a few 
slender Rotangs shoot forth their delicate leaves, while the Coco-nut, Kitool, Areca, and a few 
other palms, form a thick mass of foliage close by. 
It is to be regretted that the principal ornament of this group, the Talipat, after having 
attained maturity, which it will in a few years, should decay within a very brief period, leaving’ no 
trace of its former grandeur. 
#) This sketch, by mistake not having been drawn reversed on the stone, the plate shows the group of palms on the wrong side of the gate. 
