In such light and moist alluvial soil the latter will grow to a great size, and will yield a large quantity of juice in which the saccharometer may stand well; but the degree of strength indicated will proceed from an immense proportion of mucilage, which will give much trouble in the cleansing during boiling; and the sugar produced must be wanting in dryness and fine color.
There are several rivers in Ceylon whose banks would produce good cotton and tobacco, especially those in the districts of Hambantotte and Batticaloa; such as the "Wallawe," the "Yalle river," the "Koombookanaar," etc.; but even here the good soil is very limited, lying on either bank for only a quarter of a mile in width.

In addition to this, the unhealthiness of the climate is so great that I am convinced no European constitution could withstand it.

Even the natives are decimated at certain seasons by the most virulent fevers and dysentery.
These diseases generally prevail to the greatest extent during the dry season.

This district is particularly subject to severe droughts; months pass away without a drop of rain or a cloud upon the sky.

Every pool and tank is dried up; the rivers forsake their banks, and a trifling stream trickles over the sandy bed.