CONTENTS.
 

                         CHAPTER I.

                                                             PAGE

                         PAST HISTORY.



The Ophirand Tarshishof Solomon—Northern and Southern Indian

    dynasties—Chinese Invasion and connection with the Island

    in ancient and modern times—Portuguese and Dutch rule —

    British annexation.........1
 

                         CHAPTER  II.



 THE ISLAND IN 1796, 1815, AND SEVENTY-EIGHT-YEARS LATER.



Extent  and Topographical  Features—Condition  of  the Island

    previous to, andjafter seventy-eight years of British Rule con¬

    trasted    ...........7
 

                        CHAPTER  III.



              SOCIAL PROGRESS  IN THE CENTURY.



Population—Buildings—Postal and Telegraphic services—Savings

    Banks—Banking and Currency—Police and Military Defence

    —Medical and Educational achievements—Laws and Crime  .   24
 

                        CHAPTER IV.



                    GENERAL  IMPROVEMENTS.



Legislative and General Improvements under the rule of successive

    British Governors—The need  of promoting Co-operation and

    Good Feeling between diverse classes and races    ...   35
 

                        CHAPTER  V.



    NATIVE AGRICULTURAL  AND MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.



Paddy (rice) Cultivation—Cinnamon—Coconut,  Palmyra, Kitul,

    Areca-nut, and other Palms—Essential Oils—Tobacco—Cotton

    —Sugar-cane—Other  Fruit-trees  and  Vegetables—Natural

    Pasture—Local Manufactures  .......    45