214 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. XIV. 



For the second year, I rejoice to state that no casualty 

 whatever occurred. 



Those only who know Sigiri-gala, have climbed (not with- 

 out some misgiving) to the summit, and uttered involun- 

 tarily a sigh of relief on reaching the ground again safely, 

 can fully realize the mental "tenter-hooks" on which the 

 officer is stretched, who for nearly four months has to be 

 responsible for the safety of a hundred lives, daily risked — 

 not in the ascent and descent of the Rock merely, but upon 

 the summit itself. For, despite every precaution to ensure 

 against ordinary accident, as well as fool-hardy rashness, 

 hair-breadth escapes must inevitably occur. 



Summary of Work Done. 



Of the work accomplished this year, it is pleasant to record 

 that both in quantity and quality that of 1895 has been 

 surpassed. This satisfactory result was brought about by 

 the more favourable conditions which governed generally — ■ 

 the distinct advantage of a large labour force — and, not least, 

 by the valuable experience gained in 1895 of the nature of the 

 work to be grappled with. 



Last year we were groping our way, with little or nothing 

 to guide us as to the extent and position of the many stone- 

 banked terraces, rock $ites,pokunu (ponds), &c, lying within 

 the confines of the ancient city, then completely buried in 

 forest ; nor regarding the plan and description of ruins to be 

 excavated. The majority of the hands were raw, unaccus- 

 tomed to the wild surroundings, and ill-satisfied : food was 

 bad and dear ; water scarce and forbidding. 



This season the outlook bore a rosier hue. Almost to a 

 man the same coolies re-accompanied me to Sigiriya — some 

 even brought their wives, and induced relatives and friends 

 to join in the venture. As regards the work, we had with a 

 year's experience fairly got — to use an expressive col- 

 loquialism — " the hang of the thing," and started afresh 

 without the uncertainty which hampered us in 1895. The 

 food supply was both ample and good ; Sigiriya tank was 



