Scientific Travellers. 443 



be appreciated by other than the natives, with whom its durability- 

 has given rise to the proverb that ' a Cemoe of Thew-gaan lasts 99 

 years.' 



Of the productions of the animal kingdom, the island exhibits but 

 a limited variety. 



Of wild animals, the deer is the largest and most plentiful ; they 

 are very numerous throughout the island, though I never either 

 heard or saw but one species, that which is generally known as the 

 ' barking deer.' The natives run them down with dogs ; they have 

 no means of shooting them. The flesh was found less dry and un- 

 flavoured than was expected. 



Next in size and number to the deer is the wild hog, the only 

 species on the island. They are not large, but numerous, especially 

 in the jungles which lie closest to the rice lands, on which they 

 commit heavy depredations, and our assistance was frequently in- 

 voked to destroy at least some of the enemy. But in general the 

 labour of the day was deemed enough for our party without trench- 

 ing on the hours of rest, which was necessary in order to comply 

 with the request. 



Jungle cats are found, but are not numerous ; but one was ever 

 seen by any of our party. 



Squirrels are plentiful, and of large size, though of but one 

 species ; a dark brown in colour throughout, with exception of the 

 throat, and a narrow stripe along the belly of yellowish white. One 

 was shot of the size of a full-grown rabbit ; it was a male ; his lady 

 in company was of more delicate size. 



Monkeys we heard of, but I much doubt their existence on the 

 island ; at least it is strange, that in so long and extensive a traverse 

 of it such an animal was neither seen nor heard. 



The freedom from any formidable wild beast is a circumstance of 

 advantage in these countries, which may not be passed over without 

 remarks ; it contributed largely to the comfort and freedom with 

 which we were enabled to penetrate through the Chedooba, forming 

 a source of congratulation when obliged to take up a night's lodging 

 or a day's journey in the jungle. 



The natives state that a tiger did once attempt a landing on the 

 island, but fortunately being seen while yet swimming towards the 

 shore, time was afforded to the inhabitants of the nearest village to 

 prepare for his welcome ; and before he could gain footing, either for 

 attack or escape, he was cut in pieces with their dahs, since which 

 his example has never been followed. 



I know not how far the swimming qualities of a tiger may bear 

 witness to the truth of this story, but the feat in an opposite direc- 

 tion was safely performed by one of the elephants which were placed 

 at our service, which, after breaking from his ropes, swam the straits, 

 and landed safely on the opposite coast of Ramree, a distance of 

 seven miles at the least, where he was recaptured and sent back. 



Of reptiles, one snake was seen, and a few lizards and insects ; the 

 most numerous and beautiful are the butterflies, which were found 

 even on the highest peaks. Bees are plentiful, but the jungles alone 



