District of Chilaw and Path m. 27 



The first of these is subdivided into six Pattoos (Putlani, 

 Kalpentyn, Akkerei, Poinparippoo, Koomarewanny, and Ra- 

 ja wan ny Pattoos). 



The second into twelve (Ahnewoolenden and Moonisseram 

 Pattoos of Demele Pattoo, Chilaw, Demele, Moonisseram and 

 Ahnawoolenden Pattoos of Chilaw Pattoo ; Koomarawanny, 

 Pdndithe, Periawille, Karembe, Rajawanny, and Kirimittiya 

 Pattoos). 



The last into four ; namely, Yagam, Meddhe Pellate, O there 

 Pellate, and Kaimel Pattoo. 



The entire population, as obtained from the official returns 

 of last year, is thirty-eight thousand three hundred and 

 seventy. 



It would appear from statements now before me, that the 

 number of males exceeds that of females by about eight per 

 cent.; that this difference really exists is improbable ; the 

 mistake is caused in part by those feelings which have hitherto 

 made it all but impossible to obtain correct statistical returns 

 in Ceylon, (namely, a dread that every census is the prelude to 

 increased taxation, and a superstitious dislike to any num- 

 bering of the people) ; and in part, because females are re- 

 garded in so degraded a light, that if care be not taken, they 

 are on such occasions altogether omitted. The excellent 

 Ordinance concerning statute labour, which is soon to come 

 into force, will, among other advantages, also have this, — 

 that it will much facilitate the drawing up of correct popu- 

 lation returns. 



Rivers. 



There are no navigable rivers in the District. The most 

 important are the Kala Oya, Dedroo Oya, and Kaddoopittee 

 Oya. Of these, the two latter are the only ones which are not 

 entirely dry during several months of each year; but even 

 this pre-eminence is, I think, due to their channels being so 

 horizontal and so low for some miles above their embouchures, 

 that the water of the sea penetrates far inland. During the 

 dry season there is consequently little or no current. 



