A far more enticing name gives an interest to the first swampy portion of the plain, some three hundred paces beyond, viz., "the Valley of Rubies." Now, having plainly discovered that Newera Ellia was of some great importance to the natives, let us consider in what that value consisted.

There are no buildings remaining, no ruins, as in other parts of Ceylon, but a liquid mine of wealth poured from these lofty regions.

The importance of Newera Ellia lay first in its supply of water, and, secondly, in its gems.
In all tropical countries the first principle of cultivation is the supply of water, without which the land would remain barren.

In a rice-growing country like Ceylon, the periodical rains are insufficient, and the whole system of native agriculture depends upon irrigation.

Accordingly, the mountains being the reservoirs from which the rivers spring, become of vital importance to the country.
The principal mountains in Ceylon are Pedrotallagalla, eight thousand two hundred and eighty feet; Kirigallapotta, seven thousand nine hundred; Totapella, eight thousand feet; and Adam's Peak, seven thousand seven hundred; but although their altitude is so considerable, they do not give the idea of grandeur which such an altitude would convey.