THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
125 
One of the chief beauties in the neighbourhood of Columbo, 
is the immense number of cinnamon trees, which produce the 
riches of the island. In the woods they grow wild in abund- 
ance; and in the gardens they are now regularly cultivated 
with the greatest success. 
On proceeding southward from Columbo, the large groves 
of cocoa-trees, which are equally refreshing from their fruit 
and their shade, still continue to skirt and shelter the road. 
It is therefore, upon the whole, pleasant to the traveller, al- 
though indeed the sand is somewhat fatiguing. The road lies 
quite by the sea-side for six miles, till we arrive at the small 
village of Galkiest, where there is a church for the accom- 
modation of both the Dutch and Cinglese ; many of the na- 
tives having been converted to the Christian religion. 
From Galkiest to Pantura, a distance of twelve miles, the 
road is well shaded and pleasantly diversified by a part of the 
cinnamon gardens, which stretches across this tract. Pantura 
is a village with a church ; and barracks have been erected 
here for the troops to rest in occasionally, in their route from 
Columbo to Point de Galle. On our way hither, it is neces- 
sary to pass a river of considerable breadth, which runs into 
the sea close by. 
From Pantura to Caltura, a distance of ten miles, the whole 
country may be considered as one delightful grove ; and the 
road has entirely the appearance of a broad walk through a 
shady garden. Few spaces of it are so much exposed, as to 
allow even the hottest sun at noon-day to penetrate it. The 
