THE ISLAND OF CEYLON, 
85 
and for store-houses to the cinnamon. The command was 
formerly given to a subaltern; but according to the new 
arrangements made by Governor North, it is given to a 
field officer, who also acts as president of the Landraed, or 
civil court appointed to hear and determine differences 
among the natives, and take cognizance of the crimes com- 
mitted within this district. 
These civil courts existed under the government of the 
Dutch, and are now established by Mr. North at all the 
military posts and commands round the island. The com- 
manding officer, who is always the president, after investi- 
gating any affair brought before him, if he finds it of a 
trivial nature, has the power to decide the dispute, or punish 
the offence on the spot, of his own authority. If the affair 
appears to be intricate or of sufficient magnitude, lie remits 
it to the head court at Columbo, with his own opinion and 
remarks on the evidence. This institution saves an infinity 
of trouble that would otherwise arise from the captious and 
litigious disposition of the natives. It also greatly promotes 
the distribution of justice, as the president by taking the evi- 
dence on the spot has an opportunity of acquiring information 
which the distance might otherwise prevent from reaching the 
court at Columbo. 
Nigumbo is very advantageously situated for carrying on 
inland trade, particularly with Columbo and its neighbour- 
hood, as a branch of the MuTivaddy here runs into the sea. 
