THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
223 
The Moodeliers as well as the inferior class of police of- 
ficers, are under the immediate orders of the commanding officer 
of the military post to which their district or corle is attached, 
with the exception of a few corles on the borders of the 
Candian territory, where it has not been found expedient to 
hold any military station. It is through these commanding 
officers that all reports, intelligence and complaints are car- 
ried to the Governor. The Moodeliers at the same time 
make a report of what passes in their respective districts to 
the Maha or Ala Ala Aloodelier, the chief of the whole 
order, who resides in the Black Town of Columbo ; and 
he on his part lays these reports before the Governor. 
There are particular Afoodeliers appointed to superintend 
the barking of the cinnamon, who interfere in nothing else, 
and are responsible to the European officer who is intrusted 
with the management of that department. 
The nobles or Mahondrews, from among whom the 
Afoodeliers are chosen, form a particular cast completely 
distinct from the others, and both their appearance, dress, and 
manners denote superiority to the rest of the natives. 
The Aiahondrews are fairer than the other Cinglese, 
probably owing to their being less exposed to the sun. 
When they go abroad, their rank and wealth entitles them 
to be carried in coolies or palankeens ; or if they prefer 
going on foot, their attendants hold the leaf of the talipot 
over their heads. When they appear in public, or wait on 
Europeans, a numerous body either of their own servants 
