114 



CEYLON BRANCH 



these out, and should the results prove interesting, I shall have 

 much pleasure in communicating them to the Society. 



In conclusion, I would only state, that although many 

 persons may consider it as an altogether superfluous task to 

 describe so simple a process as that of evaporating sea-water, 

 it must yet be borne in mind, that it is chiefly by the collec* 

 tion of what may appear trifling and familiar facts, that great 

 theories and great improvements can be safely framed ; and 

 that in Nature and in Science no fact can well be called little 

 or trifling. Its real importance may at present be hid, but 

 may yet at some future period exhibit itself, and in any case 

 circumstantial details of any process may act as a warning, if 

 not as an example, to those who are engaged in similar pursuits. 



A. The Marawei Lmr&Dsu or wooden mamottie, employed 



in raising the dams, &c. 



B. The Ooppoopalagai ^uquususo^ a board employed 



in levelling the beds, splashing the water from pan 

 to pan, &c. The spikes are made use of to break 

 up and collect the salt when very thick, and are 

 frequently omitted. 



C. The Ehttu srggi a kind of scoop suspended from a 



rude triangle, which, by means of a swinging 

 motion, throws water out of the small canal into the 

 reservoir. 



D. The Tattucootti i5iL®&@<§$ a stamper used in beat- 



ing and levelling the beds. 



E. A palmyra leaf basket running down to a ridge at 



bottom, and furnished with two short ropes at each 

 side. This implement is held by two persons stand- 

 ing at some distance from each other, who com- 

 municate to it a swinging and dipping motion, and so 

 raise water from the small canal into the reservoir. 



F. Cross section of the same. 



