Narrative of the Circumnavigation of the Globe by the Austrian Frigate Novara, Volume I (Commodore B. Von Wullerstorf-Urbair,) Undertaken by Order of the Imperial Government in the Years 1857, 1858, & 1859, Under the Immediate Auspices of His I. and R. Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, Commander-In-Chief of the Austrian Navy.

CHAPTER VIII.

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CEYLON.

Neglect of the Island hitherto by the English Government.-- Better Prospects for the Future.--The Cingalese, their Language and Customs.--Buddhism and its Ordinances.--Visit to a Buddhist Temple in the Vicinity of Galle.--The sacred Bo-tree.--Other Aborigines of Ceylon.--The Weddàhs.-- Traditions as to their Origin.--Galle as a City and Harbour.-- Snake-charmers.--Departure for Colombo.--Cultivation of the Cocoa-nut Palm a benevolent, Buddha-pleasing work.-- Polyandria; or, Community of Husbands--Supposed Origin.-- Annual Exportation of Cocoa-nuts.--Rest-houses for Travellers.--Curry the national Dish.--A Misfortune and its Consequences.--The Catholic Mission of St. Sebastian de Makùn, and Father Miliani.--Annoying Delays with restive Horses.-- Colombo.--A Stroll through the "_Pettah_," or Black Town.--Ice Trade of the Americans with Tropical Countries.--Cinnamon Gardens and Cinnamon Cultivation.--Consequences of the Monopoly of Cinnamon.--Rise and Expansion of the Coffee Culture in Ceylon.--Pearl-fishery.--Latest Examination of the Ceylon Banks of Pearl Oysters, by Dr. Kelaart, and its Results.--Aripo at the Season of Pearl-fishing.--The Divers.-- Pearl-lime, a chewing Substance of wealthy Malays.--Annual Profit of the Pearl-fishery.--Origin of the Pearl.--Poetry and Natural Science.--Artificial Production of the Pearl.--The Chank-shell.--The Wealth of Ceylon in Precious Stones.--Visit to a Cocoa-nut Oil Manufactory.--The Cowry-shell, a Promoter of the Slave Trade.--Discovery of valuable Cingalese MSS. on Palm-leaves.--The heroic Poem of "Mahawanso," and Turnour's English Translation of it.--Hospitality of English Officials in Colombo.--A second Visit to Father Miliani.--Agreeable Reception.--The Antidote-oil against Bites of Poisonous Snakes.--Adventures on the Journey back to Galle.--Ascent of Adam's Peak by two Members of the Expedition.--The Sacred Footprint.--Descent.--The "Bullock-bandy," or Native Waggon.-- Departure from Galle for Madras.--The Bassos (Shallows).--A Berlin Rope-dancer among the Passengers.--Nyctalopia; or, Night Blindness.--Fire on Board.--Arrival in Madras Roads. 345