89^ 
RECOLLECTIONS OF A JOtjRNEY 
March ; whereas the Hinettee is sown in September and 
October, and reaped in January and February. When 
the paddy is reaped, it is immediately carried to the Ko- 
mutah, or thrashing-floor, which is an elevated spot, of a 
circular form, made perfectly smooth and even, and is ge- 
nerally at the edge or very near to the border of the paddy- 
field. The grain is trodden from the straw by means of 
buffaloes, and occasionally by men. 
At the limits of each district Mr Sawers was met by 
the disauve, or native chief, of the province, who, for the 
most part, accompanied him through his disauvony. On 
occasions of this kind, the chiefs bring along with them a 
number of flags, together with tom-toms, wind-instruments, 
and a large retinue of followers. The flags of each province 
have particular devices painted upon them, generally the 
figures of some animals. Mr Sawers was always accom- 
panied by the musical train of one district until he reached 
the confines of another. The chiefs sent great quantities 
of ready dressed rice for Mr Sawers' followers. When 
the disauves, and native chiefs of less note, travel through 
the country, the inhabitants of the different villages must 
furnish them with whatever food they require, both for 
themselves and their followers ; the former with uncooked, 
the latter with ready-dressed victuals. 
Gampoola is a royal village. It was formerly the capital 
of the kings of the Udda Rata (upper country). It is said 
that the last king, who resided at Gampoola, one day pur- 
sued a hare, and that she ran to the place where the king's 
bed-room was afterwards built, in Kandy (the present Trea- 
sury). This being considered a favourable omen, the king 
immediately fixed upon Kandy for his future residence. 
All religious processions proceed from this spot, or from 
the Nata Dewala, they being considered very holy. 
