134 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
these defects may in a great measure be remedied ; and many 
beneficial plans have already begun to be executed by the 
intelligent officers, who at present command in the island. It 
is probable also, that in time the poorer lands in the north 
and east parts may be employed to raise the necessaries of 
life, while the rich plains around Columbo, are entirely devoted 
to its valuable spices. 
The parts of the island which remain to be described are 
under a different sovereign, and inhabited by people of dif- 
ferent appearance and customs from those on the sea coast. 
Before describing them therefore, it will be proper to give 
some account of the several races of people who are found on 
the sea coasts, as the description of the inland country must 
necessarily be interspersed with observations on the manners 
of its inhabitants. 
