2 42 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
haughtiness and gravity; they are at the same time mare 
courteous and polite, as well as more crafty and treacherous 
than their countrymen of the lowlands. They are also ac- 
counted more athletic, and superior both in shape and coun- 
tenance. As they are accustomed from their infancy to bear 
arms and watch at the different posts where any danger is 
apprehended, they early acquire a military air which is of 
itself sufficient to distinguish them from the Cinglese. Their 
houses are also neater and better constructed, though of the 
same materials and furnished quite alike. 
The dress of the higher orders of the Candians consists 
of several folds of cotton cloth, or calico drawn close round 
their waists; while another piece of the same, after being 
wrapped round the body, has the one end tucked up at the 
back, while the other is drawn together between the legs, or 
hangs straight down to the ancles. Their arms, shoulders, 
and chest, are bare. On their heads they wear a sort of 
cap, or turban, of a shape peculiar to themselves : it has no 
resemblance to that worn by the natives of the continent or 
the Cinglese ; it is broad and flat at top and narrow towards 
the lower part, and is stiffened with conjee , a species of 
starch made of rice. Over their shoulders, or round their 
waists, they wear a belt, to which a dagger or short hanger 
is suspended. A purse, like that in the dress of the Scots 
Highlanders, is worn before them, and is employed to hold 
betel-leaf, arcka-nuts, and tobacco. They have, however, 
commonly a boy to attend them with a box of ivory or 
