"They are growing up as ignorant as our young buffaloes," was a remark made by one of the headmen of the villages, and this within twelve miles of Newera Ellia.
Now, leaving out the question of policy in endeavoring to make the language of our own country the common tongue of a conquered colony, it must be admitted that, simply as a question of duty, it is incumbent upon the government to do all in its power for the moral advancement of the native population.

It is known that the knowledge of our language is the first step necessary to this advancement, and nevertheless it is left undone; the population is therefore neglected.
I have already adverted to the useless system in the government schools of forcing a superabundant amount of knowledge into the children's brains, and thereby raising them above their position.

A contrasting example of good common-sense education has recently been given by the Rev.Mr.Thurston (who is indefatigable in his profession) in the formulation of an industrial school at Colombo.
This is precisely the kind of education which is required; and it has already been attended with results most beneficial on its limited scale.
This school is conducted on the principle that the time of every boy shall not only be of service to himself, but shall likewise tend to the support of the establishment.

The children are accordingly instructed in such pursuits as shall be the means of earning a livelihood in future years: some are taught a trade, others are employed in the cultivation of gardens, and subsequently in the preparation of a variety of produce.

Among others, the preparation of tapioca from the root of the manioc has recently been attended with great success.