46 
from Eyrope. Tiie parts assigned to them were the best fitted 
for cultivation in the island; and they immediately set about 
turning tiieiii to the best account. By means of these prudent 
measures, and persevering industry, the colony was soon brought 
into a tlourisliing state, and was able, to depend upon its own 
internal resources. 
While the Dutch w^re thus strengthening themselves, they 
kept up the most friendl}^ intercourse with the natives ; and 
this conduct, besides enabling them to pursue their plans of 
improvement without interruption, was also of very considerable 
benefit to their commerce. The Ceylonese looked upon them 
without jealousy, and were eager by their good offices to shew 
their gratitude to the guardians of their coasts. The Dutch 
trafficked with them for the natural productions of the island 
to great advantage: and had they persisted in the same wise 
and moderate policy, it is probable that Ceylon would in 
process of time have become as profitable to them from their 
intercourse with the natives, as if it had been wholly possessed 
by Dutch settlers. 
The ruling passion of the Dutch however, their avarice, soon 
began to over-reach itself; and by rapaciously seizing upon 
every opportunity of gain, they quickly disgusted and alienated 
the nati\'es. They began not only to push their posts farther 
and farther into the interior, and to seize upon every spot which 
appeared w^ell adapted to cultivation ; they also increased their 
demands on the King for the protection they afforded him ; and 
he soon found that all the cinnamon wdiich grew in his domi- 
nions w^as insufficient to gratify the guardians of his coasts. 
Enraged at their repeated extortions, he at last fell suddenly 
upon their settlements, wdiere lie committed the greatest devas- 
4 
