THE SPORTS AND GAMES OF THE SINGHALESE. 17 



The Sports and Games of the Singhalese, by Leopold 

 Ludovici. 



(Read Feb,, 3d. 1873.) 

 If the Sports and Games of a people like their popu- 

 lar Songs and Ballads, may be supposed to serve as an 

 index of character, the favorite pastimes of the Singha- 

 lese but too faithfully reflect the tame and undemonstra- 

 tive nature of the national temperament. Inhabiting 

 a climate which renders exertion of any kind distasteful, 

 the Singhalese in common with all inter-tropical races, in- 

 dulge in exercise for exercise's sake, but to a very small 

 extent. Hence it is hardly matter for surprise that their 

 games and sports should be cast after the tamest and 

 soberest of patterns. In venturing on this remark the 

 writer does not mean to convey the impression that the 

 Singhalese as a race, are incapable of much sustained 

 physical exertion ; on the contrary, any one who has seen 

 a Singhalese peasant at work in his Paddy field or Chena, 

 under a burning hot sun, will allow that, provide him 

 with the motive for labour, he can rise superior to the 

 disadvantages of climate. But this motive, it will be con- 

 ceded cannot operate where amusement or pastime is the 

 only object. His- work done, the inducement for further 

 exertion ceases, and rest and repose under the cool and 

 refreshing shade of a tree, are his highest enjoyment. To 

 expect therefore, a people so circumstanced to take delight 

 in violent out-door sports, would be to look for an exhibi- 

 tion of physical energy alike incompatible with their 

 natural instincts, and inconsistent with those climatic con- 

 ditions which forbid superfluous exertion. Nevertheless* 



