him; and he—by reason of his quality and descent—is fit to be a king." And they have this peculiar privilege; that none may be their Governor, but one born in their own country.
These that follow, lie to the westward. Ooddaboolat— Dollosbage—Hotterakorle, containing four counties—Portaloon —Tunkorle, containing three counties—Kottiaar. Which last, together with Batticalloe and a part of Tunkorle; the Hollander took from the king, during my being there.
There are about ten or twelve more unnamed; next bordering on the coast; which are under the Hollander.
All these Provinces and Counties, excepting six—Tammankadua, Vellas, Panowa, Hotterakorle, Hotkorle, and Nuwerakalawe—lie upon hills, fruitful and well watered: and therefore are they called in one word, Conde Uda; which signifies, "On top of the hills;" and the king is styled, the King of Conde Uda.
All these counties are divided, each from other, by great woods; which none may fell, being preserved for fortifications. In most of them are Watches kept constantly; but in troublesome times, in all.
The land is full of hills, but exceedingly well watered; there being many pure and clear rivers running through them: which falling down about their lands is a very great benefit for the country; in respect to their rice, their chief substance. These rivers are generally very rocky, and so unnavigable. In them are great quantities of fish; and the greater, for want of skill in the people to catch them.
The main river of all is called Mahavilla Ganga; which proceeds out of the mountain called Adam's Peak (of which afterwards). It runs through the whole land northward, and falls into the sea at Trincomalee. It may be an arrow's flight over in breadth; but not navigable, by reason of the many rocks and great falls in it. Towards the sea, it is full of alligators; but among the mountains there are none at all. It is so deep that, except it be mighty dry weather, a man cannot wade over it; unless towards the head of it. They use little canoes to pass over it: but there are no bridges built over it, it being so broad, and the stream in the time of rains—which in this country are very great—runs so high; that they cannot make them; neither if they could,
