THE ISLAND OF CEYLON, 
97 
CHAPTER V. 
Description of Col-umbo — The fort — Pettah — Harbour — Inhabi- 
tants — Trade — Expence of living. 
CoLUMBO, the capital of Ceyl on, and the seat of Govern- 
ment, is a place of very considerable extent. Although Trin- 
comalee, on account of its situation and harbour, be of more 
consequence to this nation to retain, yet Columbo in every 
other respect is greatly superior. The number of its inhabi- 
tants is much greater ; its fort and black town are much 
larger; the country where it is situated far more fertile, and 
the rich district depending upon it much wider, being not less 
than twenty leagues in length, and ten in breadth. It is 
situated in the west, or rather towards the south-west part 
of the island, in about 7® north latitude, and 78° east longitude 
from London. 
The fort is placed on a peninsula projecting into the sea. 
From this situation it derives many advantages, as it is exposed 
on all sides to the sea breezes, by which means the air is 
rendered temperate and healthy, though so very near the equa- 
tor. The fort is upwards of a mile in circumference, and is 
in a great measure indebted to nature for its strength ; though 
it is also tolerably well fortified by art. The Dutch were very 
careless in improving its natural advantages ; and neglected 
many obvious opportunities both without and within of ren- 
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