JOURNAL, R.A.B. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVIII. 
(c) Fresco Pockets, — Preliminary work was started in 1901 having for 
its ultimate object the permanent protection of the unique "frescoes "in 
the Rock " pocket " caves against the ravages of birds and bees. Suitable 
wire netting when fixed in position, whilst warding off these destruc- 
tive pests, will not mar the view of the paintings. 
The carrying out of this eminently desirable work involved very 
great difficulty, owing to the dangerous position of the " pockets."|in 
the Rock cliff above the "gallery" and the irregularity of their 
confirmation. 
In 1903 all difficulties were at length overcome in the case of the 
larger (" B ") of the two united fresco" pockets." In this cave a 
concrete bed has been laid with a iron hand rail at the edge, iron 
standards let into the rock floor and roof, and wire netting stretched 
across. 
The smaller " pocket " ("A") is far less accessible. It is being some- 
what similarly protected ; but the fixing of the ironwork and netting 
is attended with even greater difficulty and danger than already 
experienced. 
This last season (1904) half of the bridge gangway and framing 
for the wire-netting were fixed outside the ledge between the two 
" pockets " and along the front of " pocket " "A." This essential work 
should be finally completed next year. 
PolonnaruvM. 
(a) " Thupdrdma'^ Vihdre. — Last year (1903) the Archaeological Com- 
missioner reported to the G-overnment the dangerous condition of this 
fine ruin, recommending that a special report in detail should be 
called for from the Public Works Department without delay. 
This ancient vihare, built massively of brick and mortar, is one of 
the most striking structures remaining above ground at this old capital 
of Ceylon. 
It is unique in being (as far as known) the only ancient monument 
left with the roof almost intact. 
The vihare roof inside is in design an irregular stilted dome falsely 
arched. On the top of the structure the rodf is flattish with a very 
heavy square-shaped tower rising at the centio. 
The ruin is now in a very critical state. There are three vertical 
cracks in the back wall, and a part of this wall and of the roof it held 
up have fallen inwards. Two other vertical cracks run down the front 
wall of the inner shrine, one on either side of the doorway, of which 
the stone lintal are both cracked through. There are further cracks in 
the vestibule. 
The most ominous crack exists along the whole of the shrine roof at 
the apex of the dome. Owing to the wonderful strength of the ancient 
mortar this crack would not, perhaps in itself, give cause for immediate 
alarm. But the weight of the solid tower superstructure is so great 
that a sudden and total collapse of the entire roof over the shrine may 
occur at any moment. In any case it cannot be long before the roof 
falls in bodily, unless prompt and effective action is taken to support, 
and otherwise strengthen, the roof and walls of the building. 
Mr. Acland, Provincial Engineer, North-Central Province, visited 
Polonnaruwa and furnished the G-overnment with a full report on the 
structure, accompanied by a set of large and carefully executed archi- 
tectural drawings made by Mr. W. M. Fernando, Draughtsman of the 
