-96 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. II., PART I. 



&c, page 127, It is as follows, and I quote it at 

 length that the subject may be freely canvassed : — " It is 

 believed that all the species comprised in the Linnean 

 genus Hlrundo, scattered as they are in almost every corner 

 of the earth, are impressed with a migratory character, and 

 that their nests are generally formed in some cooler tempe- 

 rature than that which receives them at the opposite season 

 of the year. And though it is known that in the Island of 

 Madeira, in Ceylon, Surinam, Egypt, and probably in 

 some other parts of Africa, swallows are found throughout 

 the year, yet it seems that in all these the numbers vary 

 with the season, which implies a migration of part of them ; 

 and it does not appear that any of those which remain 

 produce a brood." Now, assuredly this means that the 

 Hir undines build their nests in a cooler climate than that 

 in which they generally reside ; and that, though in Ceylon 

 and elsewhere swallows are found throughout the year, yet 

 that the bulk migrate to cooler latitudes, and the moiety 

 which remain do not produce nests. This I have shown to 

 be incorrect in this paper, which was written before I saw 

 the passage referred to. As to //. hyperytkra, B., it is 

 confined to the Island as far as we know, never having been 

 received from any other part of the world ; and from what I 

 have seen, I suspect it is limited to theKandyorhill country.* 

 I notice this to show how little is known of the Fauna of 

 Ceylon, Surely there are some of our Members who could 

 find time to notice a few of the common traits of nature, 

 which are occurring under their eyes almost every day of 

 their lives ; and I do hope this Society will be the means of 

 diffusing, through its Journal, a spirit of inquiry and research 

 among the native population, of whom many may be found 

 having abundant time and opportunity. 



* Mr. Brodie's specimen was procured near Kurunegala. 



