There is an endless supply of fine timber in the forests, and powerful sawmills are already erected; but the island is, like its soil, 'poor.' Its main staple, 'coffee,' does not pay sufficiently to enable the proprietors of estates to indulge in the luxury of a house at Newera Ellia.

Like many watering-places in England, it is overcrowded at one season and deserted at another, the only permanent residents being comprised in the commandant, the officer in command of the detachment of troops, the government agent, the doctor, the clergyman, and our own family.
Dull enough! some persons may exclaim; and so it would be to any but a sportsman; but the jungles teem with large game, and Newera Ellia is in a central position, as the best sporting country is only three days' journey, or one hundred miles, distant.

Thus, at any time, the guns may be packed up, and, with tents and baggage sent on some days in advance, a fortnight's or a month's war may be carried on against the elephants without much trouble.
The turn-out for elk-hunting during the fashionable season at Newera Ellia is sometimes peculiarly exciting.

The air is keen and frosty, the plains snow-white with the crisp hoar frost, and even at the early hour of 6 A.M.parties of ladies may be seen urging their horses round the plain on their way to the appointed meet.

Here we are waiting with the anxious pack, perhaps blessing some of our more sleepy friends for not turning out a little earlier.