56 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
and the little attention they paid to the customs or prejudices 
of the natives, seems to have excited this spirit of discontent 
and insurrection among them: but a different mode of treat- 
ment; a mild, but at the same time steady enforcement of the 
laws, will, it is to be hoped, speedily put an end to all such 
commotions. 
As we proceed along the coast of Ceylon frojn Manaar, 
we find the country sandy, wild, and barren ; equally destitute 
of accommodation and provisions. The woods are so infested 
with wild animals, that it is extremely dangerous to travel 
along the roads here without a proper guard. About six miles 
onward we meet with the village of Arippo, where the civil 
and military officers, who attend the pearl fishery, reside during 
the season when it is carried on. They have here built for 
their accommodation a choultry , or stone barracks, which also 
serves for the reception of occasional travellers. During the 
pearl fishery, a detachment, usually of Sepoys, from the gar- 
rison of Manaar or Columbo, are stationed here to protect 
the pearl merchants, and prevent depredations or riots. They 
are also found necessary to enforce the orders of the gentle- 
man appointed by government to superintend this department. 
A flag-staff and a field-piece, are attached to the party to 
make signals to the boats, and to give notice of their going 
out or return. 
Arippo is the only place hereabouts where good water can 
be procured. This necessary of life, at that part of the coast. 
