THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
26 i 
same policy 1 as the dread of his rapacious officers produces 
among his subjects. He pretends on all occasions to be very 
poor, although it is well known that his treasury is well 
stored with various articles of great value. The presents 
which he made our government in return for some very 
valuable ones he received from us, were extremely poor 
indeed. 
The lower classes of the people, however, are not the only 
persons who feel the burden of supplying the royal treasury. 
Upon certain festivals, which he observes in great state, all 
the Mahondrews and principal people are obliged to appear 
before him, and none must come empty-handed. Before they 
are admitted to the royal presence, they deposit their gifts 
at the paiace gate, and are then received by the monarch 
according to the value of their offering. It is dangerous for 
them to keep back on these occasions, and the expected 
present is necessary for the security both of their persons and 
property. The dackeme , or gift, is always wrapt up in a 
white cloth, and carried on the head of him who presents it, 
even were it no bigger than the size of a nut. A white 
cloth is particularly chosen, as this is the royal colour, and 
except on business belonging to the king, is never allowed to 
be employed. 
These stated periods of contribution, however, are not 
the only extortions practised on the Candian subjects. The 
moment in which the king's officers understand that any one 
is possessed of valuables, is the signal for demanding a share 
6 
