PREFATORY NOTE. 
^ 
It is perhaps as well to say that the following 
letters, which appeared from time to time during the 
last four years in the columns of the Ceylon Observer, 
were reprinted at intervals in book-form without the 
author having the opportunity of revision, or the 
printer the advantage of securing a systematic arrange- 
ment of his pages. This must be our apology for the 
shortcomings noticeable in a little volume, which, 
nevertheless, will, we trust, be received with favour 
in the circle of readers for whom it is intended. 
THE PUBLISHERS. 
Colombo, 27th March, 1878. 
