No. 40.— 1890.] 



KURUNEGALA ROCKS. 



421 



After several stoppages to admit of a little rest, and a most 

 toilsome, fatiguing, and wearisome climb, extending over a 

 couple of hours, what is known as Kudd Yakdessa-gala is 

 reached. Another irksome scramble over this acclivity and 

 Mahd Yakdessd-gala, the highest point, is attained. But the 

 visitor is amply rewarded for his labours when the summit 

 is gained, A scene of extraordinary grandeur opens upon 

 him. An extensive view of the district can be had from 

 here, with its villages (which look like mere specks) and 

 plantations from recently cleared chenas to groves of cocoa- 

 nut and other products. The whole of the range from 

 Eta-gala can be distinguished, and beyond the wooded hills 

 and rocky points of the district the mountains of Kandy and 

 Matale rise in the distance from the morning mist. 



On the highest point in the rock there is a trigonometrical 

 station. About fifteen years ago there was a poya ceremony 

 on this eminence, and a large number of tom-tom beaters 

 were engaged to supply the music on the occasion, while the 

 hill resounded with the hum of human voices from sunset 

 till break of day. 



Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell speaks of the trip up to the 

 summit of Yakdessa-gala as — 



A somewhat dangerous pursuit of beautiful and delusive scenery, 

 for the range of wooded rocks is much frequented by elephants and 

 wild hogs, but particularly tigers [sic]. 



With the cultivation of the land at the base of the hill, 

 these formidable animals have long since removed their 

 haunts to places more distant from human habitation, and 

 they have been superseded by families of playful monkeys. 

 A solitary deer or elk may occasionally be met with on the 

 rock, beyond which and the winged tribe Yakdessa-gala 

 affords no field for the sportsman. 



* From gal-lietim a, " stone inscription," and gama, " village." This village 

 is about two miles from Pubbowa, which is about ten miles from Kurune- 

 gala on the Kalugalla road. 



