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SECTION XVIII. 

 COAST FROM CAPE COMORIN TO MADRAS. 



The Coast of India from Cape Comorin to Point Ramen, which 

 forms the N. W. side of the Gulph of Manar, is called the Tinnevelly Coast. 

 It is only frequented by small coasting vessels. Point Ramen is in some 

 degree connected with the Island of Ceylon by a narrow ridge of sand and 

 rocks, called Adam's Bridge. 



TUTICORIN, the principal place on this part of the coast, is in lati- 

 tude 8° 47' N. longitude 76° 15' E. The town is large, open, and well- 

 built, adorned with several large buildings of stone, particularly some 

 churches erected by the Portuguese, Considerable quantities of piece-goods 

 are manufactured here and in Hie neighbouring villages. Between Tuticorin 

 and Ceylon are numerous sand-banks. A pearl fishery is carried on here, 

 though at present not very productive, and considerable quantities of chank 

 shells are exported from hence. 



Trade. — The commerce between this part of the coast and Madras in 

 piece-goods, grain, &c. is considerable. 



In this district are manufactured calamaganzies, aunnUketchies, and 

 putton-ketchies. These cloths are made of a hard long-grained cotton, are 

 of an even, regular texture, and resemble European linen more than any of 

 the Indian cloths. They are preferable to the long-cloths manufactured in 

 the Circars, and are cheaper by at least 30 per cent. 



The coast from Cape Ramen to Point Calymere comprehends the pro- 

 vinces of the Mara wars and Tondiman ; the principal towns on the coast 

 are Tondy and Cottapatam, frequented only by small coasters. On Point 

 Calymere, which is in latitude 10° 19 N., longitude 79° 58 E., are two 

 remarkable pagodas. About half a mile to the N. of them is a small river, 

 and on its banks stands a large village, where a considerable trade is carried 

 on in tobacco, rice, piece-goods, &c. ; the river has a bar, so that only small 

 vessels can enter. The kingdom of Tanjorc commences to the S. of Point 

 Calymere, and extends to the N. as far as the Coleroon River. 



