150 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



In conclusion I would express the hope that some one possess- 

 ing a good knowledge of ornithology could spare a visit to the 

 camp when a pearl fishery is in progress. My observations were 

 made at odd iutervuls during two very busy months ; my know- 

 ledge of birds is limited, and if it had not been for Mr. Ferguson, 

 who knows the Natural History of the district well, and in whose 

 comj)any I saw practically all the species mentioned, I should 

 have been, in many cases, uncertain of my identification. 



The circumstances are particularly favourable for observation. 

 Most of the birds have paired before their quiet is invaded. They 

 are unwilling to leave the breeding-places they have chosen, and 

 soon become accustomed to the busy crowd, which passes them 

 by unheeded. For the species that feed on insects and carrion 

 there is the attraction of a food supply, the like of which they 

 can find nowhere else. 



An official at the camp, however good his knowledge of the 

 subject might be, has but little leisure. To the ornithologist an 

 interesting but out-of-the-way district is rendered easily accessible 

 by the steamers which during the fishery run from Colombo to 

 the camp. His visit could not fail to be of interest to himself, 

 and would, I feel sure, add considerably to the knowledge of the 

 avi-fauna of Ceylon. 



