52 journal, r.a.s. (oeylon). [Vol. II., Part I. 



cut finger, every blow from the branch of a tree, was looked 

 upon as evidence of the Deity 's displeasure. To the effect 

 of this superstition I am inclined to ascribe the circumstance 

 that the upper part of Pettigala, though surrounded by 

 well populated valleys, was one of the few hills in the District 

 which was covered with an original growth of forest, until 

 purchased by Europeans for coffee cultivation. The super- 

 stitions respecting this mountain have doubtless been kept 

 in remembrance by the eremite priests who live in the caves 

 at its base. 



Perhaps there is no District in which the priesthood is 

 more numerous, or where their influence is more felt than in 

 Sabaragamuwa. It is not my intention to diverge into a con- 

 sideration of their religious observances ; but the various 

 superstitions which I have briefly glanced at, show that their 

 sentiments partake more of fear than of hope. Instead of 

 looking for the protection of a supreme and beneficent Being, 

 they seek to avert by propitiation the misfortunes which 

 they believe the spirits of evil have power to inflict, 



This Paper has far exceeded in length the few remarks I 

 intended to offer, the subject affording much greater scope 

 for description and remark than I supposed at the com- 

 mencement. Extended as these Notes appear to be, I feel 

 that they are greatly curtailed of the amplification the 

 subject would admit of ; and those who take a pleasure in 

 observing the manners and customs of a primitive people, 

 will look for many more particulars than I have given. 



