250 
Dominions of Candy, 
the Candians are obliged to retreat within these barriers, thejr 
cut the ropes, and then it is impossible to force a passage 
except by burning down the gates, which from their green state,,, 
and the constant annoyance of the enemy sheltered behind 
tliem, would prove an enterprize of time and difficulty. These 
hedge-rows form the chief fortifications of Candy. The Mali- 
vagonga also nearly surrounds the hill on which it stands : 
the river is here broad, rocky, and rapid ; a very strict guard 
is kept on it, and every one who passes or repasses is closely 
watched and examined. 
The city itself is a poor miserable looking place, surrounded; 
by a mud wall of no strength whatever. It has been several 
times burnt by Europeans, and was once deserted by the King, 
who retired to a more inaccessible part of his dominions. It 
is upon occasion of the embassy of general Macdowal, an ac- 
count of which forms part of this volume, that any informa- 
tion concerning the present state of Candy has been obtained ; 
and even then it could be little more than guessed at, as the 
embassador and his suite were admitted only by torch-light, 
and always retired before break of day. From what could 
tiien be observed, the city consists of a long straggling street 
built on the declivity of a hill ; the houses mean and low, but 
with their foundations raised in such a manner above the level 
of the street that they appear quite lofty to passengers. The 
reason of this extraordinary taste is to enable the Kiiig to hold 
his assemblies of the people and to have his elephant and 
buffalo fights in the street, without interfering with the houses. 
When the King passes along the street none of the inhabi- 
tants are allow^ed to appear before their houses, or the paths 
oil a level with them, as that would be attended vith the hei- 
