Former and Present State of Ceylon. 369 
On the introduction of new improvements into the cultivation 
of the island, the establishment of manufactures, and the con- 
sequent influx of wealth, it is not to be doubted, that the re- 
venues levied in the island itself will soon exceed its expendi- 
ture. Considerable advantage is also to be expected from an 
improved mode of taxation and collection: and in fact several 
additions have already been made to the revenue since the ar- 
rival of governor North. 
It must however be observed, that these advantages to the 
revenue cannot be expected without a considerable previous ex- 
pence on the part of government. An example of cultivation 
must be set to the natives. Such advantages must also be held out 
to foreign manufacturers as will induce them to quit their own 
country for this island. By a well-timed liberality on the part 
of government, much may speedily be effected ; and improvement 
once begun goes on of its own accord with accelerated rapidity. 
The districts of Trincomalee and Jafnapatam doubled their re 
venues and receipts to government under the superintendance of 
colonel Champagne and colonel Barbu t, while at the same time 
every justice was done to the natives by those valuable oflicers. 
The natural strength of the island of Ceylon, and the few 
points at which it can be safely approached, seem to promise 
it a great degree of security ; yet repeated experience has shewn 
that they are insufficient, without a considerable military esta- 
blishment, to protect it completely against a- powerful or an 
enterprising enemy. The force formerly maintained by the 
Dutch on the island consisted of about three thousand Euro- 
peans and about two thousand Malays, Topasses, and native Cin- 
glese. These were dispersed in the various strong posts around 
the island, in such a manner that no great number could readilv 
3 B 
