84 



Description of Neiv and Little known Species of Ceylon Nudi- 

 branchiate Molluscs, and Zoophytes. By E. F. Kelaart, 

 M. D., Staff Surgeon; F. L. S., Honorary Member of the 

 Royal Dublin Society, 8fc. 8fc. , 



Having, in the course of my Military service, been now for 

 the third time stationed in Trincomalie, in Medical charge 

 of the European Troops in that Garrison, and still finding that 

 there is nothing like the careful study of God's works, to divert 

 the mind from the contemplation of diseased organic bodies, 

 especially in this unhealthy and monotonous station, I have 

 again resumed the researches of my leisure hours 5 which never 

 fail to draw from me an earnest prayer that my health may be 

 spared long enough to conclude these labours in this and other 

 parts of the Island. 



A recent visit to England made me acquainted with the 

 value of the aquarium, and with the interesting researches of 

 Messrs. Alder and Handcock, of Gosse, Johnson, and others, 

 among the soft, gelatinous, marine animals found in European 

 seas, which have been so much neglected by Indian Na- 

 turalists, owing to the difficulty either of observing their 

 natural habits, or of preserving their forms. The curiosity thus 

 excited was immediately increased, when, after several years 

 absence, I was again in sight of the magnificent harbour and 

 bays of Trincomalie. While some of my Ceylon friends 

 contemplated my return to Trincomalie as a great evil, I 

 became reconciled to my destination from an inward feeling, 

 and I hope not an unworthy one, that I was again sent here, 

 for a good and useful purpose. It is now nearly two years 



1858] 



