32 Statistical Account of the 



All along the sea-coast there are a series of horizontal beds 

 of sandstone^ belonging in all probability to the present 

 formation, and never elevated more than a very few feet 

 above the present water level. The rock itself varies in 

 structure, and contains numerous enclosed shells and coral- 

 lines, apparently identical with species existing in the neigh- 

 bouring Ocean. The shells in many cases retain the enamel, 

 and are in all respects as perfect as if they had just been 

 washed into the beach. 



At Kahrative, fourteen miles to the North of Putlam, there 

 are various strata of calcareous rock, some friable as marl, 

 some highly indurated. These also undoubtedly belong to 

 the present formation. 



The soil of the maritime parts is in general sandy, but 

 interspersed with rich alluvial earth, potters' clay and fresh 

 water marl of recent origin. Towards the interior, where 

 the isolated granite rocks previously mentioned appear, large 

 deposits of cabook gravel are met with. 



That changes in the relative positions of sea and land 

 have occurred here within the historic period, seems to be 

 proved by the existence of a tradition to the effect, that in 

 the time of the famed Queen Alliar Sahni, the Gulf of Kal- 

 pentyn had no opening to the Northward, but communicated 

 with the sea by a channel running in the line of the present 

 Chilaw Canal, and that the Queen above named used to 

 proceed from Koodirei mallie to the Akkereipatto by land ; 

 that a great flood came, buried her palace under the waves, 

 and bursting through a neck of land, converted the lake into 

 a gulf, which form it still retains. 



Mineralogy. 



No gems have been found in this District; and the only ore 

 which I have heard of is the bog iron ore, procured in 

 considerable quantities a few miles to the south of Chilaw, 

 and smelted by the natives, who have, it appears, observed its 



reproduction. 



