XXXIV INTRODUCTION. 



In the labour of collecting and verifying the facts 

 embodied in these sections, I cannot too warmly express 

 my thanks for the aid I have received from gentlemen 

 interested in similar studies in Ceylon : from Dr. 

 KELAAKT and Mr. EDGAK L. LAYARD, as well as from 

 officers of the Ceylon Civil Service ; the HON. GERALD 

 C. TALBOT, Mr. C. R. BULLER, Mr. MERCER, Mr. MORRIS, 

 Mr. WHITING, Major SKINNER, and Mr. MITFORD. 



Before venturing to commit these chapters of my work 

 to the press, I have had the advantage of having portions 

 of them read by Professor HUXLEY, Mr. MOORE, of the 

 East India House Museum; Mr. R. PATTERSON, F.R.S., 

 author of the Introduction to Zoology, and by Mr. ADAM 

 WHITE, of the British Museum ; to each of whom I am 

 exceedingly indebted for the care they have bestowed. 

 In an especial degree I have to acknowledge the kind- 

 ness of Dr. J. E. GRAY, F.R.S., for valuable additions 

 and corrections in the list of the Ceylon Reptilia ; and 

 to Professor FARADAY for some notes on the nature and 

 qualities of the "Serpent Stone," 1 submitted to him. 

 I have recorded in its proper place my obligations to 

 Admiral FITZROY, for his most ingenious theory in elu- 

 cidation of the phenomena of the Tides around Ceylon. 2 



The extent to which my observations on the Elephant 

 have been carried, requires some explanation. The 

 existing notices of this noble creature are chiefly de- 

 voted to its habits and capabilities in captivity ; and 

 very few works, with which I am acquainted, contain 

 illustrations of its instincts and functions when wild in 

 its native woods. Opportunities for observing the 

 latter, and for collecting facts in connection with them, 



See Vol. I. Part u. ch. iii. p. 199. 2 See Vol. II. Part vn. ch. i. p. 116. 



