220 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
means inelegantly, and neither their appearance nor manner 
are disagreeable. They are frequently met at the parties of 
the Dutch, who are much more partial to their company 
than the English. From the naturally distant and haughty 
temper of our countrymen, and their unacquaintance with 
the native language, they never dream of associating with the 
Cinglese, or receiving them into their parties. 
The Cinglese are ingenious and expert artificers, and dis- 
play particular dexterity in gold, silver, and carpenters’ work. 
In this last branch, they have already made great proficiency 
since the arrival of the English. Their implements are very 
few, and simple in the construction ; the mode of using them 
is readily acquired, and the toes are occasionally employed as 
well as the hands. They have none of that ponderous ma- 
chinery which is employed to facilitate the vast manufactures 
of the Europeans ; their implements are easily transported, 
and as easily set to work. When a smith is called for, he 
carries along with him his bellows, anvil, hammer, files, and 
all his other apparatus, and sets himself to work on the spot 
in a few minutes. The number of persons who are employed 
in all sorts of handicraft work, renders furniture, and other 
articles of that description, both good and cheap. 
The Cinglese supply our garrisons plentifully with beef, 
fowls, eggs, and other articles of the same sort, at a very 
moderate rate, as they seldom make use of them for their 
own consumption : beef in particular they never taste, as the 
cow is an object of their worship. A few of them, particu- 
