37 



MADRAS presents such a surf-beaten coast, 

 that no perfect specimens can be expected to 

 be found there. The Dutch, when in posses- 

 sion of Tranquebar, sent from thence many 

 fine shells, which now enrich the cabinets of 

 Europe. The Helix from Seringapatam, is a 

 most beautiful specimen. 



WE now come to the justly famed island of 

 Ceylon *, well known to Conchologists for the 

 fine and rare Volutes, Cones, Trochi, Venuses, 

 Mactras, &c. found on its coasts ; also for the 

 land and fresh-water species from the interior. 



* Soon after the capture of Ceylon, a gentleman in the Civil 

 service purchased for me the Dutch Governor's Collection, 

 which was many years in forming, and intended for the Mu- 

 seum at Harlem. This grand collection contained the finest 

 specimens peculiar to the island and neighbouring seas. 



