At Dimbulwitiya, about six and a half miles from Batna-
pura, we met, while hulling on our first journey, Wellane-
watte Anundyaka Uniinse, the second in rank of the priest-
hood of the Peak. He was on his way to the Sri-pdda, tra-
velling in state,— banner-bearers and musicians before him,
himself borne in a palanquin by four tall coolies, two attend-
ant priests on foot behind, and a retinue of servants and
followers in the rear. Shrewd and intelligent in look, and
in the full prime and vigour of manhood, he eyed us keenly,
and on learning that we were returning from the pilgrimage,
became greatly interested, questioning us as to the state of
the roads, &c. When we that day regained our starting-point
atHatnapura, we were glad enptigh that our march of fifteen
miles was done. D.'s bungilow, the creature comforts he
there provided, and the delicious beds we that night slept
on, arc things to be remembered a:^ those productive of a
heartfelt, satisfaction, such as one meets with only on very
rare occasions in the course of a busy but withal somewhat
monotonous life. The next day we visited the gem pits and



* MoBRis's "Life luid Dciuh of Jason."



1)

J



ADAM'S PEAK. 245



gold diggings of Ratnapura ; but as there were neither gem-
mers nor gold washers at work, wo had to draw upon our
imaginations for pictures of the treasures that possibly lay
hidden beneath our feet. Wo saw however some tine speci-
mens of the Talipot palm,* that

.... "HuUaa of the stately tribe,
Who once a century displays
His flow'rs to man's aclmiriiig gaze ;
For none of womnn born behold
His buds a second time unfold.
