a fortified seaport-town of Ceylon, stands on a peninsula on the S. coast of the island, 70 miles S.S.E. of Colombo. Its appearance from the sea is very striking and picturesque. At the eastern extremity the solid old fortifications rise from the edge of the surf-beaten rock. At the other end is the quay, with numerous canoes always about it; and not far off are the white houses of the natives, overshadowed with trees. Most of the Europeans live in the fort. Behind the town, at the distance of 700 yards, rises a chain of hills covered with verdure and trees to their summits. Point de Galle has a mosque, several churches and schools, a lighthouse, and a large cinnamon garden. The inner harbour gives shelter to large vessels quite close to the town; and it is commanded by the fort. There is also a large roadstead in the bay. An active trade is carried on in cotton, coffee, cinnamon, ivory, &c. The mail steamers from Aden to Calcutta and China call at Point de Galle.