PONAKA. 
235 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
The palace of Ponaka is an extensive and spacious 
building, having a citadel nearly in the centre, sur- 
mounted by a gilt canopy. It is composed almost 
entirely of wood. It lies in the bottom of a beautiful 
glen, surrounded by gigantic eminences, and is built 
on a small level peninsula, the promontory upon 
which it stands being washed by the waters of two 
rivers, the Matchieu and Patchieu, immediately be- 
fore their junction. The united streams of these rivers, 
after they have passed the peninsula, flow forwards 
with a rapid though undisturbed current until they 
take a more precipitous course towards the plains. 
A covered wooden bridge of ingenious construction is 
thrown over the Patchieu before its junction with the 
other river, leading directly to a doorway in a wall 
which separates the court-yard from the Rajah’s gar- 
den. Beyond this, at a short distance from the pa- 
lace, is a small but commodious pavilion, erected by 
the Rajah for the entertainment of strangers. It 
stands upon the bank of the Matchieu, under a large 
spreading tree. 
The whole valley is remarkably fertile, being to a 
considerable extent a perfect level, and at all times 
covered with the most beautiful verdure. During the 
hottest season of the year the temperature is generally 
