Xo. 12. — 1860-1.] BADULLA AND ITS PRODUCTS. 



389 



As may be expected when there is a deficiency of the 

 pluvial supply, the high temperature thus caused generates 

 malaria, — the surrounding jungle giving rise to this, and sick- 

 ness thus prevails ; whereas showers of rain refresh the air, 

 absorb the malaria rising from the ground, and thus remove 

 morbific influences. 



The people who inhabit the highlands of the District are 

 remarkably healthy and vigorous, being supplied with 

 abundance of water and food. 



With regard to the health of the European settlers, an 

 experience of seven years in medical charge of the station, 

 has convinced me that the climate of the Badulla hills is 

 not inimical to their constitution : for I have had no case 

 of Dysentery or other disease depending on climate, occurr- 

 ing among them : and I think the climate of Badulla is 

 certainly more favourable to the health of the Planters 

 than that of the Kandyan Districts. More healthy, active, 

 energetic men are seldom to be met with anywhere else. 



Population. 



According to the Census of 1859, this amounted to 44,642 

 males and 38.619 females ; total, 83,261. The decrease of 

 the population, especially of the low lands, is evident, and 

 is proved by the remains of former Architectural Buildings, 

 which shew that this part of the district of Badulla teemed 

 with a numerous and industrious race of men, whose exist- 

 ence is thus mournfully attested by the traces of a departed 

 greatness. 



The subjoined extract from a Report on the present 

 condition of Bintenna, by J. Bailey, Esq., Assistant 

 Government Agent of Badulla, well describes the condition 

 of the country and the character of the scanty population 

 still surviving amid their ancient ruins. 



Now everything is ruinous, and daily becoming more ruined, except 

 the Dagoba, which, during the last three years, there has been a violent 



