151 
Toivn and Harbour of Point de Galle. 
A few miles farther lies Bentot, only remarkable for produc- 
ing the best oysters on the island. They are of a different 
Species from the pearl oysters of Manaar; the latter are not 
used as food ; the Bentot oysters are almost the only species 
made use of on the island for this purpose. 
Point de Galle, which is considered in point of importance as 
the third town on the island, lies about sixty miles due south of 
Co! umbo, in 6° north latitude. The fort is pretty strong, and 
has several works attached to it. The garrison generally consists 
of two or three companies of Europeans, half a company of 
artillery, and a battalion of native troops. It is commanded by 
the next senior held officer after the governors of Columbo and 
Trincomalee. It was taken by the Dutch from the Portuguese 
in 1639? and remained in the same state in which it then stood 
till l66‘3-4, when it was greatly enlarged, having three additional 
bastions erected, and a wall carried round the city. 
The harbour is spacious, particularly the outer road. The 
inner harbour is secure during a great part of the year, and 
always, except in a soutli-west wind ; but it has this disadvan- 
tage, that winds from a particular quarter are requisite to carry 
vessels out. At the entrance, which is narrow, lies a large rock 
with a small work on it. The surrounding shore is rocky and 
full of shoals dangerous to strangers. Ships outward bound from 
Europe generally come in sight of the first land at Dondre- 
Head, the southern promontory of Ceylon, and make Point de 
Galle the first harbour. 
The pattah is extensive, and the houses, both there and in the 
fort, are superior to those of Trincomalee. The whole town is po- 
pulous, and in point of trade ranks next to Columbo. The coast 
and country about Galle is very mountainous. From the neigh- 
