valleys below, watered by some rapid stream, and
forest-clad peaks of various shapes overhead. As far
as the first station the ascent had been but slight,
whilst passing through forests and past endless
terraces of bright green paddy fields, set off most
effectually by the muddy colour of a rapid stream,
much swollen by that day’s heavy rain. As the train
stopped I had the satisfaction of seeing a large bridal
party, a very noisy lot, who had occupied the next
compartment, take their departure ; they were accompanied
by a wretched band, and dressed up in all
the colours of the rainbow, as half-castes generally are.
Here I also had the opportunity of watching a
crowd of Singhalese on their way to some fair ; they
did not seem a very energetic people, which I afterwards
heard confirmed, with the additional information
that they are notorious liars. This air of languor
and apathy, especially amongst the men, may, however,
be deceptive; and those who wish to form a
correct judgment of these people had better visit the
northern districts, where enorrrious earth-works have
been thrown up, and upwards of a hundred tanks
repaired by their voluntary labour, aided by official
supervision.
The Singhalese are mostly agriculturists, and leave
trade to the Moors, who originally were probabfy
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