59 
of Ceylon. 
^jiid the bills winch crowd upon each other, the heat is many 
deorees treater than on the sea-coast, and the climate often 
extremely sultry and unhealthy^ This inconvenience, lioAvever, 
micflit be in a great degree obviated by cutting down the woods 
and clearing the jungles, as has been proved by a tract in tlie 
neighbourhood of Trincoraalee, cleared by colonel Champagne 
since it came into our possession, and thus I’endered much less 
noxious to Europeans. The exertions of this officer during the 
time he commanded at Trincomalee, in rendering the climate 
more healthy, encouraging the natives to industry, and regulat- 
ing the internal economy of this northern part of the island, 
were very great, and demand much applause. In the short 
period of three or four years, the district round Trincomalee 
attained a higher degree of improvement tlian during the whole 
time it was in the possession of the Dutch. 
The principal harbours in the island for large ships are Trin- 
eomalee and Point de Galle ; they also come to anchor, and from 
the beginning of December to tlie latter end of March moor 
securely, in the roads of Columbo. There are several other in- 
ferior ports around the island whieh aftbrd shelter to the smaller 
coasting vessels. These are Batacolo, Matura, Barbereen, and 
Caltura on the south-east ; and on the north and west, are Ni- 
gumbo, Chilou, Calpenteen, Manaar, and Point Pedro. At all 
of those places are rivers of greater or less magnitude empty- 
ing themselves into the sea. These rivers, which are for the most \ 
part broad, deep, and navigable for some distance by small 
craft, are of essential benefit to the inhabitants of the parts 
adjacent to the coast, as they aftbrd a cheap and easy method 
of conveying their produce and merchandise to those places 
where European vessels wait to receive them. 
I 2 
