INTRODUCTION. ix 
Dr. Ketaart! and Mr. Epcar L. Layarp, as well as 
from officers of the Ceylon Civil Service; the Hon. 
GeRraLtp C. Tarzot, Mr. C. R. Butter, Mr. Mercer, 
Mr. Morris, Mr. Wuitixc, Major Skinner, and Mr. 
Mirrorp. 
“ 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 Huxiey, Mr. Moore, 
of the East India House Museum; Mr. R. Patrerson, 
F.R.S., author of the Introduction to Zoology; and by 
Mr. Apawe Waite, 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 kindness of Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S., for valuable 
additions and corrections in the list of the Ceylon Rep- 
tilia; and to Professor Farapay for some notes on the 
nature and-qualities of the “ Serpent Stone,”* submitted 
to him. 
“The extent to which my observations on the Ele- 
phant have been carried, requires some explanation. 
The existing notices of this noble creature are chiefly 
devoted 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, 
are abundant in Ceylon; and from the moment of my 
1 Jt is with deep regret that I accomplished gentleman, which oc- 
have to record the death of this curred in 1860. ? See p. 312. 
