Rivers that
water the Countrey, tho none Navigable for the cause above said.

[Woody.] The Land is generally covered with Woods, excepting the
Kingdome of Ovuah, and the Counties of Oudipallet, and Dolusbaug,
which are naturally somewhat clear of them.

[Where most populous and healthful.] It is most populous about the
middle, least near about by the Sea; how it is with those Parts under
the Hollander, I know not. The Northern parts are somewhat sickly by
reason of bad water, the rest very healthful.

[The nature of the Valleys.] The Valleys between their Hills are many
of them quagmires, and most of them full of brave Springs of pure
water: Which watery Valleys are the best sort of Land for their Corn,
as requiring much moisture, as shall be told in its place.

[The great Hill Adams Peak, described.] On the South side of Conde
Uda is an Hill, supposed to be the highest on this Island, called
in the Chingulay Language, Hamalell; but by the Portuguez and the
Europaean Nations, Adams Peak. It is sharp like a Sugar-loaf, and on
the Top a flat Stone with the print of a foot like a mans on it, but
far bigger, being about two foot long. The people of this Land count
it meritorious to go and worship this impression; and generally about
their New Year, which is in March, they, Men, Women and Children,
go up this vast and high Mountain to worship. The manner of which I
shall write hereafter, when I come to describe their Religion. Out
of this Mountain arise many fine Rivers, which run thro the Land,
some to the Westward, some to the Southward, and the main River,
viz. Mavelagonga before mentioned, to the Northward.

[The natural Strength of this Kingdom] This Kingdom of Conde Uda is
strongly fortified by Nature. For which way soever you enter into
it, you must ascend vast and high mountains, and descend little or
nothing. The wayes are many, but are many, but very narrow, so that but
one can go abreast. The Hills are covered with Wood and great Rocks,
so that 'tis scarce possible to get up any where, but onely in the
paths, in all which there are gates made of Thorns; the one at the
bottom, the other at the top of the Hills, and two or three men always
set to watch, who are to examine all that come and go, and see what
they carry, that Letters may not be conveyed, nor Prisoners or other
Slaves run away. These Watches, in case of opposition, are to call
out to the Towns near, who are to assist them. They oftentimes have
no