FROM KANDY TO CALT0RA. 
407 
tion, preparatory to the delivery of their poqjah^ or offering 
at the shrine of the Sripade, or impression of the holy foot. 
The offerings were of various kinds ; in general, they con- 
sisted of a few small copper-coins. These the devotees 
wrapped in a piece of cloth, which they put into a hand- 
kerchief that encircled their head ; it being requisite that 
the offering should be borne on the head. After leaving 
the river, the pathway led up a deep narrow rugged ravine, 
which, in wet weather, must be the bed of a mountain- 
torrent, and consequently then impassable. Thick jungle 
and large trees grew close to the edge of the ravine, by 
which means the view was greatly intercepted. As we ap- 
proached the top of the mountain, the altitude of the trees 
diminished, the shade was less dense, and the prospect 
more open. When we had reached about two-thirds of the 
ascent, our followers informed us that they had arrived at 
the place where needles and threads are usually offered to 
Buddhoo. The offering is laid upon a small rock, which 
stands on the right of the road. The Buddhists, among 
our followers, had been very improvident in regard to an 
oblation of needles, &c. ; only one needle and thread were 
found among the whole party. As soon, however, as one 
Buddhist deposited the needle and thread upon the rock, 
they were seized and replaced in the same manner by an- 
other. 
During the course of the journey, when our followers 
saw the Mallua Sri Fade (the Hill of the Holy Foot, or 
Holy Impression), they raised their joined hands over the 
head, and, in a kind of holy fervour, called out Sad-Sad. 
Their zeal in tbis respect increased greatly as we approached 
the end of our journey. The superior portion of the Peak 
consists of an immense cone of granitic rock, which is in 
general but very partially covered with vegetation. Tlie 
-track over several places of this cone is abrupt ; and 
