This principle might be extended to the repair of some of the tanks, by requiring them to aid the Colonial Government, either by contributing individually towards the expense for the common benefit, or by each giving a proportionate share of labour.

A system analogous to this was introduced by Lord Torrington, while Governor of Ceylon, for the construction and repair of roads, for which he was much abused at the time; but the late Governor, Sir G. Anderson, reported that the road ordinance had worked admirably as a whole, and had been a very beneficial law for the practical and general good of the people. In the province of Galle it had been so successful that in nine months the country could hardly be recognised, and the people were entirely pleased with the result.

The labour, and the money payments commuted for labour, as provided for in the ordinance, amounted in the year 1850 to 20,6167., and it has since that date averaged from 17,000l. to 20,000l. a year.

Sir W. Colebrooke had, several years before, expressed his opinion that the natives were prepared to engage in any undertaking, the success of which had been sufficiently assured by the example of others.

If it was impressed on the natives that their lands are more than capable of producing the quantity of grain now annually imported, and that they would receive in return for their labour the moneys now expended in the purchase of foreign grain, and in the payment of duty levied on its importation,

amounting to 70,000l. per annum, a tank ordinance would probably meet with as good success as the road ordinance, especially if the Colonial Government assumed the initiative, and showed the natives what could be effected by the repair of a single tank.

Sir G. Anderson stated his belief that great benefit to the people and to the revenue would result if a more liberal expenditure could be afforded in the repair of tanks and in works of irrigation. Where parties in communities came forward, proposing to assist in works of this nature, which really seemed to promise advantage, he was always disposed to encourage it and to propose it to his council; but he was often stopped by the fear of want of means, and obliged to deny what he often felt satisfied would bring about good in the end. The necessity for encouraging works of irrigation had lately become more apparent and more pressing from the high price of the imported rice in 1854; and endeavours therefore should be made to render the colony more independent of this importation, and to free itself from the objectionable taxation to which it gives rise.

The present Governor, Sir H. Ward, is giving his attention to this subject. He has visited a large portion of the island, and especially the "tank districts," and states that within a space of 60 miles there are distributed no fewer than nine tanks, constructed with great labour, considerable engineering skill, and of such solidity that their embankments

seem to defy the hand of time; most of these tanks were connected by the ancient canal of Ellehara, and they formed what was termed "the sea of Prakrama: "* that, north of these, about forty miles, is Padiwel Colum, the most gigantic work of all; for the bund† (which is in perfect repair, except in one spot, where, in the course of ages, the waters have forced a passage between it and the natural hills, which it united), is 11 miles long, 30 feet broad at the summit, 180 feet at the base, and 70 feet high and that, to the westward of Padiwel Colum lie the tank of Anaradapoora and the Giant's Tank, the dimensions of which cannot be given, as the work was never completed according to the original design.

:

Sir H. Ward states that the tanks themselves are perfect in all their essential parts; but he asks, Where shall we find a population to replace that which has disappeared? "For five consecutive days I rode through the most lovely country in the world; but in that country one thing was wanting— man!"

The remedy is to colonize, if possible; and this might be done to some extent by removing the superabundant population from one province to another; and it is proposed to commence the experiment at the Lake of Kandelly, by apportioning allotments of land, on certain conditions, and making

* Prakrama Bahoo I., who reigned A.D. 1153.
† Embankment of earth faced with stone.

advances to assist them, to be repaid in four years. Sir H. Ward states that he had seen most gratifying proofs of the powers of the natives for steady and persevering exertions wherever the representatives of the Government sympathised with their wants, and directed their efforts.

If a population could be collected in the immediate vicinity of the tanks, we still think that a "Tank" Ordinance would be very desirable and practicable. It would be the means of fulfilling one of the conditions required by Earl Grey in 1849, in making grants in aid of the repair of tanks and other irrigation works, viz., that a considerable amount of native labour should be engaged in such works.

CHAPTER III.

Knox's account of the Natural History of the Island-Tallipot TreeCocoa-nut, and the several purposes to which it may be appliedFragrant Flowers and medicinal Herbs - Animals, &c. : large spider, "democulo;" gems and precious stones - Natives, "Wild and Tame"-The Veddahs Appearance and character of Singhalese men and women- - Indolence of the Natives-Importation of Cotton manufactures - Caste of "Beggars" resembling Gipsies→ Other castes Small amount of learning amongst the natives Funeral Piles.

WE have not space to follow Knox in a review of the natural history of the island, but we are tempted to give specimens of his style in this department.

With respect to their fruits, he says they have all that grow in India, but take little pains to cultivate them. This may be accounted for, in a great measure, by the following statement of the oppression to which they are subjected:

carried to the governor of

"Whenever there is any fruit better than ordinary, the King's officers will tie a string about the tree in the King's name, with three knots at the end of it; and then not even the owner presumes, under pain of some great punishment, if not death, to touch them. When they are ripe they are wrapped in white cloth and the country; and if without defect or blemish, they are wrapped up again in white cloth and carried to the King, without any payment being made to the owner, who is sometimes compelled to carry them himself to the King, though the distance may be great."