84 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
rice, from the constant supply of water ; as the whole is very 
easily inundated during the rainy season. The number of 
rivers which intersect, and shady hedges which surround these 
rich fields, joined to the beautiful topes or groves every where 
interspersed among them, at once contribute to their fertility, 
and give them the most luxurious appearance. 
Nigumbo is situated on the sea coast in a most picturesque 
spot, accounted one of the healthiest in the island. Many 
Dutch families on this account reside here, and have houses 
and gardens scattered up and down in delightful groves of 
cocoa-nut and other trees. Nigumbo is the largest village 
in Ceylon, and for its size contains the greatest number of 
inhabitants. The Dutch built a fort here for the protection 
of the cinnamon-cutters, as a considerable quantity of that 
spice grows in the adjacent district. Store-houses are also 
erected in the fort, where the cinnamon, after being dried, 
is lodged, till an opportunity oilers to convey it to Columbo. 
This cinnamon is reckoned equal in quality to any in the 
island. 
The fort is not strong, being only defended by a steep 
square embankment of sand encompassed with a thick hedge 
of the miik-tree : the front alone is constructed of stone work, 
and has a regular gate and draw-bridge at its entrance. At 
each angle of the square is a bastion with a few old guns 
planted on them ; and in the gateway are guard-houses with 
an arched cupola for a bell. Within the fort are three long 
ranges of buildings, which serve for barracks to the troops 
