17. The importation of slaves from the opposite coast seems to be most profitable to the inhabitants of Jaffnapatam, as no less a number than 3,584 were brought across in two years' time, for which they paid 9,856 guilders as duty. It would be better if they imported a larger quantity of rice or nely, because there is so often a scarcity of food supplies here. It is also true that the importation of so many slaves increases the number of people to be fed, and that the Wannias could make themselves more formidable with the help of these men, so that there is some reason for the question whether the Company does not run the risk of being put to inconvenience with regard to this Commandement. Considering also that the inhabitants have suffered from chicken-pox since the importation of slaves, which may endanger whole Provinces, I think it will be well to prevent the importation of slaves. As to the larger importation on account of the famine on the opposite coast, where these creatures were to be had for a handful of rice, this will most likely cease now, after the better harvest. The danger with regard to the Wannias I do not consider so very great, as the rule of the Company is such that the inhabitants prefer it to the extreme hardships they had to undergo under the Wannia chiefs, and they would kill them if not for fear of the power of the Company. Therefore I think it unnecessary to have any apprehension on this score. 18. Rice and nely are the two articles which are always wanting, not only in Jaffnapatam, but throughout Ceylon all over the Company's territory, and therefore the officers of the Government must constantly guard against a monopoly being made of this grain. This opportunity is taken to recommend the matter to Your Honours as regards this Commandement. 19. I do not consider any remarks necessary with regard to the native trade. I agree, however, with the method practised by Mr. Zwaardecroon in order to prevent the monopoly of grain, viz., that all vessels returning with grain, which the owners take to Point Pedro, Tellemanaar, and Wallewitteture, often under false pretexts, in order to hide it there, should be ordered to sail to Kayts. This matter is recommended to Your Honours' attention.