No. 34. — 1887.J JOTTINGS FKOM a jungle diary. 



13 



and secular buildings and into the several pokuna, and 

 ultimately discharging themselves into the Halpan-ela or 

 Malwatte-oya. 



In conclusion, I would venture respectfully to urge upon 

 this Society the advisability of encouraging in every possible 

 way excavations similar to those I have detailed in so 

 disjointed a fashion this evening. I only speak from a year's 

 experience, but I am quite sure that an immense quantity of 

 interesting discoveries remain to be made by a careful and 

 intelligent use of the mamotie and pickaxe, and I can 

 conceive no better archaeological investment than the gradual 

 acquisition of details concerning the two magnificent cities 

 which have been so long and shamefully neglected. The 

 first great want is an accurate and complete survey of all that 

 has been discovered up to date; and with that foundation to 

 work upon, with a regular supply of convict labour under 

 intelligent overseers, and an annual monetary grant, I feel 

 confident that these ruins would rank among the most 

 interesting and instructive to be found in the East. 



