THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
24 \ 
obtain accurate information concerning them almost com- 
pletely abortive. It might be naturally imagined that this 
information could have been obtained by means of the Cin- 
glese in the European dominions ; but the intercourse between 
the two branches of the nation is more completely cut oft' 
than that between any of the most savage and hostile tribes 
in North America. Even during the intervals of peace no 
communication ’is opened, nor is there any attempt on either 
side to carry on a secret traffic or correspondence with the 
other. The policy of the Dutch therefore succeeded so far 
as to render the Candians completely isolated, and to make 
them look with apprehension and hostile jealousy on the 
approach of a stranger. 
As I have already observed, the state of constant hostility 
in which the Candians have so long continued with the 
Europeans, and the independence which their mountains 
enable them to maintain, have rendered the lines of their 
character more bold and prominent, while the subjection and 
tranquillity of the lowlanders have greatly softened the more 
rugged traits of their natural disposition. Although the Can- 
dians are governed with the most complete despotism, yet 
as their prejudices and customs are shared and respected by 
their monarchs, they are proud of being free from a foreign 
yoke, and slaves only to a master of their own race. They 
look upon the Cinglese in our service as a mean, despicable 
race, who barter their natural rights for peace and pro- 
tection. The Candians in their appearance retain an air of 
I I 
