The Pearl of India

The narrative recounts a voyage to and exploration of Ceylon, blending seafaring adventure with close observation of landscape, climate, and daily life. Chapters describe coastal approaches, hill stations and Adam's Peak, ancient ruins and dagobas, irrigation works and the vanished cities, and colonial towns such as Colombo and Kandy. The author surveys botanical and zoological riches, plantation agriculture (coffee, tea, cinnamon, cinchona), native customs, religious practices and Buddhist temples, social types and superstitions, and encounters with wildlife and insect life. Practical travel details, personal episodes, and reflections on archaeology and commerce round out the descriptive travelogue.