Former History.--Importance of the Situation of St. Paul.-- Present Inhabitants.--Preliminary Observations.--To whom do the Islands belong?--Fisheries.--Hot springs.--Singular Experiment.--Penguins.--Disembarkation.--Inclement Weather.-- Remarks on the Climate of the Island.--Cultivation of European Vegetables.--Animal Life.--Library in a Fisherman's Hut.-- Narrative of old Viot.--Re-embarkation.--An official Document left behind.--Some Results obtained during the Stay of the Expedition.--Visit to the Island of Amsterdam.--Whalers.-- Search for a Landing-place.--Remarks on the Natural History of the Islands.--A Conflagration.--Comparison of the Two Islands.--A _Rencontre_ at Sea.--Trade-wind.--Christmas at Sea.--"A man overboard!"--Cingalese Canoe.--Arrival at Point de Galle, in Ceylon. 267 CHAPTER VIII. 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