CHAP. II.] SWALLOWS. \fi5 



park-like openings on the verge of the low country, 

 quantities of pea-fowl are to be found either feeding 

 on the seeds and fallen nuts among the long grass or sun- 

 ning themselves on the branches of the surrounding 

 trees. Nothing to be met with in English demesnes 

 can give an adequate idea of the size and magni- 

 ficence of this matchless bird when seen in his native 

 solitudes. Here he generally selects some projecting 

 branch, from which his plumage may hang free of the 

 foliage, and, if there be a dead and leafless bough, he is 

 certain to choose it for his resting-place, whence he 

 droops his wings and suspends his gorgeous train, or 

 spreads it in the morning sun to drive off the damps 

 and dews of the night. 



In some of the unfrequented portions of the eastern 

 province, to which Europeans rarely resort, and where 

 the pea-fowl are unmolested by the natives, their 

 number is so extraordinary that, regarded as game, it 

 ceases to be " sport " to destroy them ; and their cries 

 at early dawn are so tumultuous and incessant as to 

 banish sleep, and amount to an actual inconvenience. 

 Their flesh is excellent when served up hot, though it is 

 said to be indigestible ; but, when cold, it contracts 

 a reddish and disagreeable tinge. 



But of all, the most astonishing in point of multitude, 

 as well as the most interesting from their endless va- 

 riety, are the myriads of aquatic birds and waders 

 which frequent the lakes and watercourses; especially 

 those along the coast near Batticaloa, between the 

 mainland and the sand formations of the shore, and 

 the innumerable salt marshes and lagoons to the south of 

 Trincomalie. These, and the profusion of perching birds, 

 fly-catchers, finches, and thrushes, that appear in the 

 open country, afford sufficient quariy for the raptorial and 

 predatory species eagles, hawks, and falcons whose 

 daring sweeps and effortless undulations are striking 

 objects in the cloudless sky. 



M 3 



