44 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
jungles with which it was covered ; and also drained several of 
the swamps and marshes. The good effects of these improve- 
ments have already been experienced, and the European garrison 
has since suffered very little from the climate. It is to be hoped 
that remedies may, in the same manner, be applied to the other 
defects under which Trincomalee at present labours: its trade is 
nothing, as there are no valuable natural productions to nourish 
it; but, from its situation, it is capable of becoming the richest 
emporium of the East. The want of commerce, and the uncul- 
tivated state of the surrounding country, are defects which flow 
mutually from each other ; and the removal of one would soon, 
in a great measure, do away the other. 
As we advance along the coast to the north-west from Trin- 
comalee, little presents itself to the ej^e but a bold shore, and 
large tracts of wood stretching into the interior. The country 
here, as well as in other parts of the island, at first view appears 
desolate and without inhabitants; but this is more appearance 
than reality ; for the natives are very numerous, although from 
building their huts in the woods, and avoiding the approach of 
strangers, they are seen only by those who explore their recesses. 
The next post to Trincomalee on this side is Malativoe, which 
lies about half way to Jafnapatam. Here the Dutch had a 
small factory with a fort, and a house for the commanding 
officer. It was a subaltern’s command, depending upon the 
garrison of Trincomalee ; and was employed chiefly as a post 
of communication, and to collect provisions for that garrison. 
For these purposes, and to keep the natives in awe, a few 
