332, 
PUTLAM. 
country, that it would be impossible for me to proceed hence by 
land to Aripo ; that the rivers had no boats on them ; that there 
was hardly an inhabitant the whole sixty miles, and the road was 
infested with elephants and tigers. Boys would also be difficult 
to procure, though the head Malabar undertook to do it, if I 
should determine to proceed. Instead of these inconveniences, I 
was assured that I could coast it in boats the whole way, and that I 
should also go in much less time. I was not long in deciding, and 
went comfortably to bed, without having a tedious journey before 
my eyes for the morrow, the whole of which was to be taken up in 
making the necessary preparations. 
January 18. — I discharged all my bearers, amounting tosixty, and 
on paying them, found that the whole expense of my journey to this 
place was under twenty pounds. We hired four boats and thirty-six 
men, at the rate of seven dollars eight anas per day. One of these 
was covered with white cloth, and floored. It was used for us to 
sit in, and for me to sleep in at night. In the other three, which 
were only covered with palmira leaves were the three palanquins, 
servants, and baggage. Our host provided us with bread, butter, 
and other food. The water is very bad here, which probably con- 
tributes to render the place unhealthy. Captain Purdon is prepar- 
ing for an expedition against three Cingalese villages, and for this 
he talks of taking a sufficient detachment from a garrison consisting 
of only sixty men ! He is in excellent spirits, though living in 
the seat of disease, and without a single companion : his nearest 
neighbour is Mr. Campbel at Chilaw. 
January 19. — I was up by five, but all my exertions did not get 
us on board before eight. I took with me a little protege of the 
