68 Town and Harbour of THncomalee. 
large tracts of rrobd stretching into the interior. The country 
here, as well as in other parts of the island, at first view appears 
desolate and without inhabitants ; but this is more appearance 
than reality ; for the natives are very numerous, although from 
building their huts in the woods, and avoiding the approach of 
strangers, they are seen only by those who explore their recesses. 
The next post to Triiicomalee on this side is Malativoe, which 
lies about two thirds of the way to Jafnapatam. Here the 
Hutch had a small factory, with a fort, and a house for the 
commanding officer. It was a subaltern’s command, depending 
upon the garrison of Trincomalee ; and was employed chiefly as 
a post of communication, and to collect provisions for, that 
garrison. For these purposes, and to keep the natives in awe, a 
few Malay, or Sepoy soldiers, were stationed here ; but it was 
never considered as capable of any defence. 
Malativoe lies in a very romantic and delightful situation. 
Close by the fort is a small village ; and a river, which here 
falls into the sea, forms a harbour sufficient to admit small 
craft. The principal employment of the inhabitants is fishing; 
and with this article they supply the fort of Trincomalee. 
Cattle and poultry are here in great abundance, and sell asto- 
nishingly cheap. Game is exceedingly plentiful, and the woods 
abound with wild hogs and deer. The manner of procuring 
these animals is attended with as little expense or difficulty to 
an European as can well be imagined ; for the native peasants 
are so much at his beck, that he has only to supply them 
with a little powder and shot, and send them into the woods, 
and they will be sure to bring him back as much game as he 
can use, without expecting any return for their services. 
As we proceed northward from Malativoe, we find the northern 
