Chapter 16

Point de Galle.--An Ancient Port, now mostly deserted.--Dangerous Harbor.--Environs of the City a Tropical Garden.--Paradise of Ferns and Orchids.--Neptune's Gardens.--Tides of the Ocean.--Severe Penalties.--Floating Islands of Seaweed.--Fable, like History, repeats itself.--Chewing the Betelnut.--An Asiatic Habit.--All Nations seek Some Stimulant.--Soil near Galle.--Cinnamon Stones.--Diamonds.--Workers in Tortoise-Shell.--Millions of Fruitful Palms.--Sanitary Conditions of Galle 292