THE ISLAND OE CEYLON. 
193 
for the support of their existence, enables them throughout 
the greater part of the year literally to live without doing 
any thing. Small as is the labour required for th^. cultiva- 
tion of their rice fields, many of them let their grounds to 
their neighbours, who are not altogether so lazy, for a cer- 
tain proportion of grain, generally about one-third of its 
produce. There are a number of deductions which prevent 
them from receiving a larger proportion: a considerable 
quantity is carried off by the priests for the service of their 
temples, or is offered up for protection and thanksgiving, 
both on account of the blessings they have received, and in 
the hope of farther assistance. 
♦ 
C c 
