396 
RECOLLECTIONS OF A JOURNEY 
XXX. — Recollections of a Journey from Kandy 
to Caltura, by the way of Adam's Peak, made 
in the Year 1819, 
By Simon Sawers, Esq. 
Commissioner of Revenue in the Kandyan Provinces, 
AND 
Mr Henry Marshall, Surgeon to the Forces, 
and Author of a Work on the Medical Topography and 
Diseases of the Interior of Ceylon. 
(Conwiunieated by Mr Marshall, and read ^Stli De^ 
cernber 1822.) 
From Kandy to Gampoola^ 15 miles 
1819, March 29.— AbOUT 6 a. m., Mr Sawers wag 
waited upon by an astrologer, for the purpose of announ- 
cing to him that the lucky period for beginning his journey 
had arrived. The astrologers in the Kandyan country are 
generally weavers, or tom-tom beaters (drummers). They 
calculate eclipses, and profess to predict " good days and 
good seasons." The King of Kandy never commenced a 
journey, or any work of importance, without previously 
consulting an astrologer. Lands were held by the King's 
astrologer as a remuneration for the performance of his 
duties. 
