210 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
estimation among the followers of Buddou, as the Banyan 
tree among the Brahmins. 
Notwithstanding the many religious ceremonies and super- 
stitions which prevail among the Ceylonese, they are far from 
being such devotees and zealots as any of the sects on the 
continent. Indeed, they seem to be more actuated by appre- 
hension than by any real sentiment of zeal ; and they seldom 
think themselves called upon to take much concern in reli- 
gious matters till they fall into sickness, or verge towards the 
close of life. The injustice of the Portuguese in forcing reli- 
gious tenets upon them, must have shocked them the more 
as they have not the smallest idea of intolerant zeal. So far 
are they from being displeased at Europeans, or people of 
other persuasions entering their temples and observing their 
ceremonies, that they are rather gratified by such marks of 
attention, and account the presence of visitors as an honour 
done themselves. On being questioned about their supersti- 
tions, they do not hesitate to confess the absurdity of their 
apprehensions, but still they look upon themselves as unable 
to escape from them; and dread even to attempt vindicating 
their freedom, from a fear that they may be instantly delivered 
over to the vengeance of those malignant spirits who infest 
their country. The Christian priests and missionaries, though 
often successful in propagating their doctrines, have never yet 
been able totally to eradicate superstitions which have been 
imbibed from the cradle. 
I was very much surprised to observe the Ceylonese wear 
