THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
131 
inner harbour is secure during a great part of the year ; but 
it has this disadvantage, that winds from a particular quarter 
are requisite to carry vessels out. Ships outward bound from 
Europe, generally come in sight of the first land at Dondre- 
Ilead, the southern promontory of Ceylon, and make Point 
dc Galle the first harbour. 
The pettah is extensive, and the houses both there and in 
the fort, are superior to those of Trincomalee. The whole 
town is populous, and in point of trade ranks next to Co- 
lumbo. Fisheries to a very considerable extent are carried 
on here, and indeed form the chief branch of its traffick. 
A vast number of Malays and natives, are employed in catch- 
ing, curing, and drying the fish to prepare it for exportation 
to different parts of the continent of India. Arrack, oil, 
pepper, cotton, and cardamoms, also form a part of its ex- 
ports. Cinnamon is also grown here, but not in such quan- 
tity as about Columbo : in quality, it is much the same. One 
of the India ships touches here annually, either before or after 
she has taken in part of her cargo at Columbo, to carry off 
what cinnamon is prepared for exportation. 
Thirty miles onward from Point de Galle lies Matura, a 
captain’s command. The fort and village are both small; the 
country round is exceedingly wild, but well supplied with pro- 
visions of all sorts ; and game, in particular, is here found in 
great abundance. The house for the commandant is tolerably 
good, conveniently and agreeably situated near the river which 
is broad here, and runs into the sea at a small distance. Al- 
