37 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
the largest of these, called the Mutwal River, empties itself 
about three miles from the fort of Col umbo, after having 
nearly surrounded a large tract of the level country, of which 
it forms a very beautiful peninsula. The country along the 
banks of the Mutwal for many miles is extremely picturesque 
and delightful ; and I had an opportunity of experiencing its 
utility in accompanying an escort from Columbo to Sittivacca 
in the interior, a distance of thirty-five miles ; for while we 
marched along the beautiful banks, our ammunition and stores 
were commodiously transported on the river in boats. 
Besides the rivers with which Ceylon abounds, there are 
many lakes and canals communicating with them, particularly 
in the neighbourhood of Columbo and Nigumbo. They are 
often of considerable extent, and of very great utility to the 
inhabitants in their neighbourhood, who have thus an oppor- 
tunity of readily transporting their several articles of trade ; 
and it is by this means also that the towns on the coast 
are supplied with the greatest abundance of fresh-water fish. 
The internal communications by land through the island have 
scarcely passed the first stage of improvement. Along the 
sea-coasts indeed there are roads and stations for travellers; 
but these roads are in many places rugged and steep, and are 
not only difficult but dangerous from the numbers of wild 
hogs, buffaloes, and elephants, which infest them. These 
animals are met particularly from Chilou to Manaar on the 
west side of the island, and from Matura to Batacolo on the 
east; in these roads they sometimes occasion accidents. 
