Religion of the Ceylonese, 213 
dispense blessings among them. They indeed think that their 
country is in a particular manner delivered over to the domi- 
nion of evil spirits ; nor is this idea confined to themselves 
alone ; the Malabars and other Indians are also possessed with it, 
probably from the uncommon frequency of thunder storms 
there ; and the same cause has made this idea current even 
among the Dutcli inhabitants. 
There is a curious proof of superstitious opinions in the nar- 
rative of our countryman, Mr. Knox, who himself believed that 
he had heard in Ceylon the devil crying aloud in the night- 
time with a voice something resembling the barking of a dog. 
The progress of civilization, and the removal of superstitious 
fears among the Ceylonese, are greatly opposed by the interested 
arts of their priests ; and they well know how to make the 
devils forage for them. To prevent fruit being stolen, the peo- 
ple hang up certain grotesque figures around, the orchard and 
dedicate it to the devils, after which none of the native Cey- 
lonese will dare even to touch the fruit on any account. Even 
the owner will not venture to use it, till it be first liberated 
from the dedication. For this purpose, they carry some of it 
to the pagoda, where the priests, after first receiving a certain 
proportion for themselves, remove the incantations with which 
it was dedicated. If any part of the fruit, after its dedication, 
has been stolen by some of their less scrupulous neighbours, 
they break out into the most extravagant execrations against the 
devils who have been base enough to betray the pledge entrusted 
to their charge. 
Superstition appears to pervade all classes of the Ceylonese 
equally ; nor are the highest less swayed by it than the most 
abject of the people. A curious instance of the credulity of the 
