NOTES. 211 
I have traced any authentic record being that by Mr. G. M. Fowler 
some ten or twelve years ago, but this, in common with other efforts 
since made by private individuals, came to nothing, chiefly for want 
of knowledge how to protect and propagate them and for lack of 
observation as to what actually happened after they were liberated 
in their new environment. 
As many readers will remember, the most recent attempt to add 
this species to our meagre show of palatable fresh-water fish was 
made in September, 1909, when Mr. Kelway Bamber, at the instance 
of Dr. A. Willey, brought up a consignment of about forty from 
Java, most of which were landed in excellent condition. Unfortu- 
nately lack of experience on the part of their custodians, or want of 
time to give them adequate attention, has resulted in yet another 
failure. The writer had several opportunities of observing a few 
of the above specimens which were kept for a time in the cement 
tank at the rear of the Museum, and in spite of their cramped 
situation they appeared to be doing well, and certainly gained 
considerably in size and weight. After a few months, however, they 
developed a fungoid growth immediately above the eye, and this, 
although apparently no inconvenience to the fish, was thought by 
Dr. Willey to be a misfortune of sufficient gravity for special 
investigation. Whether or not the learned Doctor ever determined 
the cause I have been unable to learn. Probably the restricted 
space, high temperature of the water, or other local condition was 
accountable ; anyway the appearance of fungoid growths on the 
eyes of fish is no new thing, particularly in the tropics, and need 
not be taken into account when considering the advisability or 
otherwise of introducing a new species. 
Dr. Willey’s successor at the Museum, Dr. Joseph Pearson, has 
recently looked into this question of introducing gourami into 
Ceylon waters, and at his suggestion the writer recently made 
an examination (or rather inspection) of the Kandy waterworks 
reservoir with a view to determine its suitability or otherwise as a 
permanent nursery for the propogation of Osphromenus olfax, and 
possibly other tropical fresh-water fishes which are not at present 
represented in our inland waters. 
For reasons set forth below, I am of opinion that the water in 
question is suitable in every way, and I strongly advocate the intro- 
duction of gourami therein. This fish thrives best in still or gently 
flowing water, a condition which is admirably filled in the above 
situation. It is also largely herbiverous, and the water indicated 
is well provided with subaquatic vegetation of a suitable nature. 
Marginal feeding grounds, which is an exceedingly important factor 
where breeding operations are to take place, could easily be pro- 
vided ; at present the banks are kept strictly bare and free from 
vegetation of any sort. Essentially a tropical species, the tempera- 
ture of this water is suitable in every way for the propagation of 
