MANAAR. 
337 
tinued to wind, and was equally marked out by stakes. Could it 
be made straighter, and deepened, it would be a most valuable ac- 
quisition to the coasting trade: as it is, none but small vessels 
attempt to pass. By twelve o'clock we were in the open sea, and 
hoisting sail, attempted to run along the shore due west ; but our 
boat made so much leeway, that by three we were fast aground. 
The other boats sailed much better, and stood on without minding 
us, in consequence of which we were separated. Mr. Scdt was oblig- 
ed at night to walk on some miles to seek his boat ; and I retired 
to mine, where I could procure but little rest from the elFects of a 
heavy swell. The boatmen attempted several times to proceed, but 
without much success till towards morning, when the wind fortu- 
nately lulled a little. 
January 24. — At eight Talmanaar was in sight, whither I went, 
and joined the rest of the party. I changed my old boat for one 
that used to carry |he tappal, and added to the number of my men. 
This, however, kept me at Talmanaar the whole day. We took up 
our residence under a very fine Hibiscus populneus ; procured excel- 
lent fowls, eggs, and milk ; and to add to our comforts, purchas- 
ed a cocoa-nut tree, which we cut down for the cabbage at top. 
A little child was the owner of the spot, and was brought to me to 
receive the price. A more singular contrast cannot exist than be- 
tween this extremity of Ceylon, and the southern, where we landed. 
It is a dreary barren spot, and the habitation of only a few fisher- 
men. The tappal sails from hence for Ramiseram, which lies 
nearly west, distant about thirty miles, Adam's bridge being on 
the left hand the whole way. We all went on board at night, as 
we were to sail with the earliest dawn. 
