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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XL 



We left heathenish Dondery, retraced our steps, and 

 returned on board at the Galyettis. Here we found ourselves 

 in want of fresh water, as no streams were found in the 

 neighbourhood. Hunger and thirst, however, can make 

 raw beans sweet and putrid water agreeable. 



Our sailors found in the jungle, not far from the beach, 

 a nauseous pool of water, out of which we were constrained 

 to fill some casks, and take them on board. The water was 

 muddy, dark looking, and injurious to health ; but we 

 managed to put up with it for a few days until we 

 received orders from Puncto gale to load our ship here with 

 areecka, and then make a short trip to the Choromandet 

 coast. The yacht Sluys received instructions to proceed to 

 the bay of Puncto gale as quickly as possible. 



* * * * * 



Of this areeck whole shiploads are sent from the Island 

 of Ceylon to other countries and kingdoms of Asia, but 

 especially to the coast of Choromandel, and this makes 

 some places populous and wealthy. 



We therefore took our cargo in without delay to proceed 

 to Choromandel. 



Our party went once more to Dondery, and thence three miles 

 further to the townlet of Matera. We walked over rough 

 roads, rocky hills, through narrow valleys, dense jungles, and 

 dangerous wildernesses, until we arrived at the Dutch fortress 

 in the centre of delightful Matera. Here we saw some 

 Ceylon elephants of unusual height, which, as we were 

 credibly informed, surpass the elephants of all other- 

 countries and kingdoms in intelligence, quickness, and good 

 behaviour, and to whom elephants of all other countries 

 show their reverence by kneeling and doing reverence. 



We visited our countrymen, especially the principal sur- 

 geon of Matera, who had invited us, when he had bid us wel- 

 come on board at the Galyettis. He was married to a Cingalese, 

 or Ceylonese woman, who was comparatively fair in colour 

 and a convert to the Christian faith. As far as we could see 

 they lived quietly and peaceably together. They entertained 



