NOTE-BOOK OF A NATURALIST. 211 



harm to man. The cobra which bit the hen in Dr. Davy's 

 presence, as above naiTated, was found in a bag floating 

 down the Kalancf-orano^a. 



With these sentiments towards those serpents, it will 

 be no matter of sin-prise to find them, or snakes nearly- 

 allied to them in form and appearance, playing a dis- 

 tingTiished part in the Cingalese theology and system of 

 the universe. 



The Naga-bhawen^ is described as lying under Asoora- 

 bhawene, and as ten thousand leagues in circumference. 

 This region is a hollow sphere. Mountains, hills, lakes, 

 or rivers, there are none. Vegetation there is none, with 

 one exception, the tree called Parasattoo : but this single 

 tree amply supplies the defect ; for it not only prodigally 

 bears an immense variety of flowers and fruits, but, in 

 addition, everything that is desirable. This wondrous 

 country is the abode of a numerous race of serpents, 

 similar in kind to the hooded snakes, but of great beauty, 

 size, and power, capable of passing from one part of the 

 world to the other, and shining like gods. No light have 

 they but that transcendant brilliancy which emanates 

 from their own bodies, and thus they enjoy a perpetual 

 day, infinitely exceeding ours in brightness. These beings, 

 illuminating all around them like so many Radiant 

 Boys,* were during their former lives on earth pei'sons of 

 great purity and goodness, and almost deserving of be- 

 coming gods. But, alas for poor human nature ! their 

 high virtues were sullied by some vice, that of malice 

 having been predominant, and they were doomed to their 

 splendid but reptile forms. But, snakes though they be, 

 they are Bhoodists, are possessed of a relic, and worship 

 in temples. They lead an apolaustic life, residing in 

 well-furnished houses, enjoying society, eating and drink- 



* The Irish story of the apparition of the Radiant Boy is 

 alluded to. 



