112 
FUlage of NigumBo, 
I have given a representation of this manner of foiling in fgu 
1 of the annexed plate. 
Besides the produce of the hsheries, other sorts of traffic 
are carried on at Nigiimbo to a considerable amount. It is to 
this place that the adjacent countiy sends such articles as are 
destined for exportation ; the vessels which are to receive them 
come to anchor olf the harbour, when the goods are carried on 
board and conveyed to the different parts of India. 
The inhabitants contain a number of Moors, Malabars, and 
Indian Portuguese ; and it is remarked that the women of 
these casts, as well as of the native Cinglese, are prettier here 
than at Columbo and other more noted places* For its cool, 
healthy, and pleasant situation, Nigiimbo is usually ranked next 
to Jafnapatam; though some give the preference to Caltura,, 
another delightful village about thirty miles south of Colombo,.. 
The English landed at Nigunibo in February 179Q, when* 
they made themselves masters of it without opposition* 
From Nigumbo southward the road is extremely pleasant; 
it is shaded the whole way, and there are a number of resting 
places provided for travellers. About half way to Columbo is 
a very large choultry or barrack, to which the officers of the 
garrisons frequently go on shooting parties. It is situated in a 
most agreeable spot in the midst of a picturesque country ; and 
snipe and several species of game abound in this quarter. 
After the taking of Nigumbo, general Stewart with the 52d, 
73d, and 77th regiments, three battalions of Sepoys, and a de- 
tachment of Bengal artillery, marched to attack Columbo. The 
road through which he had to pass presented apparently the 
most formidable obstacles. Those rivers which add so much to, 
the beauty and riclmess of the country, and those woods which. 
5 
