The Pearl Fishery. 99 
revenue which Government derives from it is still however con- 
siderable, and may by good management be increased. Pearls 
are considered as the next staple of the island to cinnamon; 
the concourse of people which it attracts affords a facility for 
disposing of the other produce ; and by proper management, 
advantage might be taken of the opportunity here offered to 
introduce our manufactures into various parts of India. 
Before we leave the bay of Condatchy, it may be amusing to 
take a view of the various objects which most attract the attention 
of a stranger during the pearl fishery. The remarkable display 
of Indian manners, which are here seen in all their varieties, is 
perhaps the most striking of these. Every cast has its re- 
presentatives ; the arts practised by some, the ceremonies per- 
formed by others, and the appearance of all, present the 
richest repast to the curiosity of an European. In one place 
he may see jugglers and vagabonds of every description prac- 
tising their tricks with a degree of suppleness and skill, which 
appears supernatural to the inhabitant of a cold climate ; in 
another he may observe Fakeers, Brahmins, Priests, Pandarams, 
and devotees of every sect, either in order to extort charity, 
or in consequence of some vow, going through the most pain- 
ful operations with a degree of obstinate resolution, which 1 
could scarcely have believed or even conceived, had I not been 
an eye-witness. I hope it will not be thought an improper di- 
gression from my narrative, if I mention a few of those circum- 
stances which most attracted my notice: they are not particu- 
larly connected with a description of Ceylon, but they will 
certainly afford one source of amusement to the traveller who 
visits it. 
The most painful acts of penance which the Indians undergo 
O 
