THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
82 
lake is to be passed, which becomes impossible during the 
rainy season. There are besides in the way two or three broad 
rivers, as the Mosulee and Madragar, which issue from the 
mountains in the interior. 
The first post you come to is Calpenteen, opposite to a 
small island of the same name which lies a little way out at 
sea. A company or two of Malays is stationed here, and 
when I left the island, it was commanded by a Dutch officer 
who had entered into our service and received this appoint- 
ment from Governor North. This is one of the best places 
on the whole island for game. 
Putallom, which lies not far distant, is remarkable for its 
salt-pans. This place before the arrival of Europeans on the 
island, supplied the natives with salt ; and on account of its 
convenient situation, was pitched upon by the Dutch for 
manufacturing the salt with which they supplied the king of 
Candy’s dominions, according to the articles of their treaty 
with him. The salt-pans are formed by an arm of the sea 
which overflows part of the country between Putallom and 
Calpenteen. A very large quantity of salt was manufactured 
here by the Dutch; they looked upon it as of the highest 
importance to their interests in the island, and the most 
formidable weapon which it w r as in their power to employ 
against the native king, as it w T as impossible for him to pro- 
cure any but through their means. Since we have obtained 
possession of the island, this manufacture has been almost 
entirely neglected. It is capable however of being rendered 
