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CEYLON BRANCH ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 



be, by ascertaining the actual number of carts passing, and 

 repassing along the roads. This information, however, can- 

 not be obtained from those who are best able to give it ; the 

 Toll-renters, because it is their policy that others should not 

 know the extent and value of the traffic on any particular 

 line of road. On the Kandy and Negombo roads, this might 

 be accomplished by means of the Malay guard, stationed at 

 the Bridge of Boats ; the Corporal of the Guard could easily 

 keep a tally, which might be recorded in a book, and by this 

 means Government would better know the real value of the 

 Tolls on that line of road. 



The number of Dhonies registered in each year, would 

 give us some idea of the capital invested in, and the extent 

 of the coasting trade of the Island, though at the same time, 

 it must be borne in mind, that much of the country carrying 

 trade, is performed by Coast or Malabar Dhonies. 



Attempts have been made by private parties, as well as by 

 the Agricultural Society, to collect correct data, as to the 

 number of acres under Coffee cultivation throughout the 

 Island, but from a variety of causes, these have remained 

 only attempts, and our information on this subject must for 

 some time yet, be only approximations to the truth. It 

 would be highly desirable, could we form a correct idea of 

 the value of these properties, and this to a certain extent 

 may soon be accomplished, now that our Custom House 

 authorities have begun to publish returns of Coffee exported, 

 distinguishing the Plantation grown from the Native kinds. 



The extent of Cinnamon and Cocoanut land under culti- 

 vation, could not easily be arrived at, so much of these pro- 

 ducts are grown in a state bordering on jungle, where not a 

 pice is spent on them. 



As to the Sugar estates, from their limited number, a com- 

 parative centralization would be more easily registered. 



The Custom House returns will afford us the means of 

 watching, and recording the growing demand, for certain 



