ANIMAL AND PLANT LIFE. 135 
(4) Leopard (Felis pardus)—Common. I constantly came 
upon the tracks of the leopard in all parts of the Vedda 
country, except very far away from water. 
(5) Indian Civet (Viverricula malaccensis).—Occasional. 
(6) Mungoose (Herpestes mungo)—Very common, usually 
pale’ coloured. 
(7) Jackal (Canis aureus)—Very common all through the 
Vedda country, and probably crosses with the domestic dog. 
It is commonly believed that the jackal conveys rinderpest, 
owing to its devouring cattle that have died of that disease. 
I secured a jackal pup out of a hollow scraped at the foot 
of a Mustard tree (Salvadora persica). The little creature at 
first showed considerable timidity, but rapidly got over this 
shyness. Finding a difficulty in providing it with food I had 
it put back at the place where it was captured. It soon ran 
off, apparently led by its mother, as I found the spot afterwards 
to b2 completely unoccupied. 
(8) Indian Otter (Lutra nair)—I found the marks ot this 
animal on the Kumbukkan river, but nowhere else. It is well 
known by the name of Diya-balla, so that I cannot suppose it 
is rare. 
(9) Bear (Melursinus ursinus)—Common. I found foot- 
prints of bear in the driest parts of the country that I explored, 
and in piaces where I could find but few other traces of animals. 
The fruits of the Palu (Mimusops luwandra) and Wira (Hemi- 
cyclia sepiaria) are readily devoured by bears, who in this way 
to some extent spread the growth of these plants. I am 
informed by the people that direct attacks upon human 
beings by bears are uncommon, and that when injuries 
have occurred the animal has invariably been startled. Thus, 
I was told that hollow trees should be approached with 
caution, as a bear roused suddenly from its sleep within 
might with equal likelihood spring upon, as away from, its 
disturber. 
Near Nahmaluwahela, on a rocky mass, I found a dead 
bear. He appeared to have fallen from the rock above on to 
a ledge below which there was a still larger drop, and being 
maimed was unable to get up or down from the spot where I 
found the body. 
