xiv 
INTRODUCTION. 
polypi, echini, asterias, and other radiata of the coast, 
as well as the acalephce of the deeper waters, have 
shared the same neglect ; and literally nothing has been 
done to collect and classify the infusorise and minuter 
zoophytes, the labours of Dr. Kelaart amongst the Dia- 
tomaceae being the solitary exception. 
Nothing is so likely to act as a stimulant to future 
research as an accurate conception of what has already 
been achieved. With equal terseness and truth Dr. 
Johnson has observed that the traveller who would bring 
back knowledge from any country must carry know- 
ledge with him at setting out ; and I am not without 
hope that the demonstration I now venture to offer, of 
the little that has already been done for zoology in 
Ceylon, may serve to inspire others with a desire to 
resume and complete the inquiry. 
J. EMEESON TENNENT. 
London: November 1st, 1861. 
