No. 39.-1889.] a visit to ritigala. 



5 



down the bed of the stream at the bottom of the pokuna, 

 many of which, extremely rare elsewhere, appeared quite 

 common in this spot. Especially were we delighted to see 

 the lovely Killima philarchus joining in this gay crowd, 

 at times spreading wings to the sun on a stone or large leaf — 

 a blaze of glorious blue — and anon alighting with closed 

 wings on some twig in the position so closely resembling a 

 dead leaf as almost certain to deceive the eye even when 

 gazing full upon it. 



It is a weird and melancholy spot to pass a night in. The 

 lofty forest trees overspreading the ruins make the place 

 dark and gloomy, and the night, though hot, was very rough, 

 with high and gusty winds, which treated our frail hut of 

 sticks and dry leaves with scant respect. 



The little pool remaining at one corner of the pokuna was 

 visited by elephants during the night. 



A good dinner somewhat relieved the feeling of oppression 

 in the place, but we slept but little, and were glad to leave 

 early the next morning and make our way back to Galapita- 

 gala and Kekirawa. 



