THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
93 
dering it nearly impregnable. There is no hill or rising ground 
in the neighbourhood, sufficiently elevated to command it ; and 
but few places near it where boats can land with safety. On 
the south side the surf runs so high, and the shore is so 
rocky, that it would be dangerous to approach it. On the 
west side of the bay where the sea is smoother, and near the 
wharf or landing place, which at all seasons of the year is 
safe for boats,, the only attempt could be made ; but these 
quarters are so well defended by the batteries which command 
the harbour, that there is hardly any probability of its suc- 
ceeding. 
On the west side of the fort, and facing the sea, are t\*o 
very fine batteries, en barbet , intended for the security of the 
harbour. They stand on a part that projects a considerable 
way from the main body of the fort, from which they are 
separated by a high wall and ditch flanked with bastions, and 
having gates that communicate with the interior of the fort. 
It is here, that the wharf or landing place is formed : it con- 
sists of large piles of timber, extended several yards into the 
sea, and affording a very commodious station for loading and 
unloading sloops, and large boats, which can be brought close 
alongside. At this end of the fort several store-houses and 
barracks, for half a regiment, are erected. 
The ramparts of the fort are very strong, having eight prin- 
cipal bastions, including the two already described. They are 
distinguished by the names of the towns in Holland, the 
Leyden, Amsterdam, Ilarlem, &e. There are also a number 
