7$ 



JOURNAL E. A. S. (CEYLON.) 



[Vol. III. 



of Mollusca inhabiting these seas, which though not productive 

 of pearly gems, or affording specimens for cabinet collections 

 of Conchologists, or of amateur collectors, have attracted 

 considerable attention in Europe, more especially since the 

 publication of the splendid work of Alder and Handcock 

 on the British Nudibranchiata. 



The marine shells of Ceylon have long been known to the 

 Naturalist, and they are also familiar to many in Ceylon, but. 

 the soft sea nymphs, or slugs, whose perishable charms often 

 rival the more lasting beauties of the finest shell, had scarcely 

 ever been noticed by any Naturalist or friend in the Island, till 

 I had placed these creatures in the Vivarium. They have not 

 only afforded amusement and instruction to myself, but, I hope, 

 to others also, who have frequently seen these interesting 

 creatures in their new homes. I must confess that some of my 

 visitors were disappointed at the slimy nature of these animals, 

 and failed to appreciate the beauty of many of my pet speci- 

 mens. Others, however, more alive to the beautiful and to the 

 wonderful works of God, did not despise the sea-born slugs, 

 because they w r ere so snail-like in appearance, and, like the land 

 slugs, destitute of shells. Even the native shell divers, who 

 procured me most of the living specimens, expressed their 

 astonishment at the newly unfolded beauties of these "Acldai"* or 

 slugs, which they found crawling on rocks and sea-weeds ; but 

 it was not till the full formed Doris, or the sweet little Eolis, 

 expanded their tentacles and plumose gills in the glass Vivarium, 

 that these ' men who go down to the deep' became aware, that 

 the creatures which they so much despise are among the most 

 elegant objects of the sea, and that, although a shell will pre- 

 serve its colour for an almost indefinite period, the rich and 

 variegated colours of these semi-gelatinous creatures, though 

 shorter lived, are not less charming, or less worthy of admira- 

 tion. It may, therefore, be hoped, that the interest recently 

 created will continue to be attached to the naked Mollusca of 

 Ceylon, and, that, in a few years, they will be as well known to 



* T ^'lstol 'sea-slug.' 



