Ceyhn.] 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



183 



during the period of the fishery, it branches out into a populous town, several 

 streets of which extend upwards of a mile in length. The scene altogether 

 resembles a crowded fair on the grandest scale. The Bay of Condatchy is 

 the principal rendezvous for the boats employed in the fishery. The banks 

 where the fishery is carried on, extend several miles along the coast from 

 Manor southward, ofl'Aripo and Condatchy. The principal bank is oppo- 

 site to the latter place, about 20 miles from the shore, and is 10 miles in 

 length and two in breadth. 



The vessels employed in the fishery come from different ports of the 

 continent, particularly Tuticorin, Karical, and Negapatam on the Coronian- 

 del Coast, and QuiJon on the Malabar Coast. The fishing season commences 

 in February, and ends about the beginning of April. 



CALPENTEEN.— The Fort ofCalpenteen is situated upon the N. 

 end of a neck of land, which extends about GO miles along the coast, and 

 during the N. E. monsoon becomes an island. The fort is about 300 feet 

 square, and has four bastions, one at each angle. A large native village and 

 many detached cottages jut interspersed amongst, tin- teem, l\cw niv an 

 excellent wharf and landing place. The land extends from latitude 7° 5G' 

 to 8° 18 N. 



Tjiade. — A small export trade is carried on by the natives in salt fish, 

 and dried fish roes to Columbo; they bring rice in return; and much wood 

 is sent from this part to the Coast of Coromandel. At this place are raised 

 excellent mangoes and pomegranates, and wild honey may be purchased of a 

 very superior quality. It is in a liquid state, of the consistence of oil, and 

 preserved in pots or botlJes, with a few grains of rice in the husk Uoating 

 on the top, 



NEGOMBO is situated near a small river, in latitude about 7 15 N.,and 

 is about (i leagues from Columbo. The anchorage is abreast the fort in 5 or 6 

 fathoms. The fort is an irregular pentagon, having four bastions, on each 

 of which is erected a round turret. The village is beautiful, the houses are 

 clean and neatiy built, separated from each other by rows of trees connected 

 together by lofty hedges. A considerable number of Dutch families have 

 fixed their residence at this place. 



In the neighbourhood of Negombo the cinnamon plantations commence, 

 and spread over a wide space of the country, reaching, with only a few inter- 

 ruptions, far beyond Columbo. 



Fish is caught here in great abundance and variety, and large quantities 

 are exported in a dried state. 



COLUMBO, on COLOMBO, is in latitude 6° 57 N. and longitude 

 8CTE. The anchorage for large ships is about two miles from the town, the 



