PEEFACE. 



|HE first Guide to the Colombo Museum for the use 

 of visitors was compiled by Mr. Amy raid Haly in 

 1886 ; a second, abridged edition of it was printed in 

 1895. 



The present issue may be regarded as an enlarged third edition 

 having the additional advantage of illustrations. 



Most of the principal objects will be found mentioned in the 

 text. One rather important omission may be noted here. Among 

 the examples of Tamil jewellery referred to on page 17, attention 

 should have been directed to the " Thali," the marriage emblem of 

 the Tamil race, which is worn round the neck mounted upon a 

 more or less elaborate necklace. 



The collection of rocks and minerals has been entirely re- 

 arranged and greatly augmented by the Director of the Mineral 

 Survey, Mr. A. K. Coomaraswamy, B.Sc, who has kindly written 

 the account of the rocks and minerals of Ceylon for this Guide 

 (see page 50). 



In the compilation of the rest of the Guide I have had the 

 assistance of the Museum staff, more particularly Mr. Gerard A. 

 Joseph, Secretary and Librarian ; Mr. H. M. Gunasekara, Assistant 

 Librarian ; and Mr. H. F. Fernando, Taxidermist. 



ARTHUR WILLEY, 



February 9, 1905. Director, Colombo Museum. 



