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



largely. The method of collecting the secretion is by 

 placing the animal in a small cage, against the sides of 

 which it is obliged to rub itself, thereby depositing the musk 

 on the woodwork, whence it is carefully scraped. 



Genus Genetta. 

 20.— G. Indica. 

 Syn. -Maranari, Mai, (literally "Tree-dog"). 

 We have one, if not more, species of this genus, but I have 

 not been able to identify them, never having procured a 

 full grown specimen; they infest the houses in Colombo, but 

 would seem to be quite unknown in the Jaffna peninsula. 



Genus Mangusta. 



21.— M. Vitticollis. 



Syn. — Herpestes vitlicollis, Bennet. 



Not uncommon in the interior of the Island, about 



Ambagamuwa and Pussellawa, from which places I have 

 received it. 



22.-— M. Griseus. 

 Syn.— Herpestes griseus, Sykes ; Kiri, Mai. ; 

 Bungoose, Port. ; Mukatiya, Sin. 

 Very common in the J affna peninsula. It appears identical 

 with the Indian race, except that the nose and paws are 

 much darker. There is another variety at Trincomalee 

 which accords exactly with the Indian animal. 



Genus Lutra. 

 23.— L. Nair, Cuv. 

 $YK.~Diy alalia, Sin, (literally " Water-dog"). 

 Not uncommon in the Bentota river. I kept one alive 

 for several weeks in a bath. It fed on fish and the heads and 

 entrails of fowls ; it was unfortunately neglected by the 

 native servants, and died during my temporary absence from 

 home. It uttered a low growl and a plaintive whine in 

 showing anger or fear. When feeding it was very savage, 

 and would snap furiously at anything held to it. 



