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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [Vol. IX. 



limbs, and with regular features of the like form with the 

 Europeans ; their colour, although varying in shade, not so 

 dark as that of the Indians on the continent ; the eyes black, 

 but the whites of them strikingly clear ; the hair long, 

 smooth, and black. Among the higher classes the complexion 

 is so light that it seems lighter than that of brunettes in 

 England. In all classes the inner surface of the hands and 

 feet is uniformly white. Of the Kandyans Cordiner* says that 

 they differ no more from the Sinhalese than the moun- 

 taineers of other lands from the dwellers on the coast. They 

 are of a stouter make and fairer complexion, but not taller. 

 Their manners are less polished, and the custom of wearing 

 a beard increases the natural wildness of their appearance. 



If we compare these descriptions with those already given 

 of the Veddas we find in reality but few points of differ- 

 ence. The complexion of the last may be on the average 

 somewhat darker, but it varies apparently within the same 

 limits. In regard to this the testimony of Dr. Davy 

 especially is of the highest importance. The swarthiness 

 which Mr. Bailey emphasises of the Veddas is to be ascribed 

 at least in part to their lack of cleanliness. It is equally 

 doubtful if the hair differs ; put the well-dressed, carefully- 

 combed, smooth hair of the Sinhalese, which is only curly 

 at the ends, beside the neglected, dishevelled, entangled, 

 but not curly hair of the Veddas, which hangs down so 

 far and sticks out all round, making the head appear very 

 large, and one is inclined to conjecture that the difference 

 here is owing to culture rather than to original peculiarity. 

 The average height of the Sinhalese seems to correspond 

 to about the height of the tallest Vedda : they are somewhat 

 shorter than Europeans. 



Among the characteristics cited there is in reality only one 

 which seems to have made a very decided impression on every 

 observer, namely, the form of the nose, about which even the 

 old Chinese furnish reports. "Whilst with the Sinhalese it is 



* Cordiner, I, c, p. 131. 



