xii 
INTRODUCTION. 
how much remains to do by exhibiting the little that 
has as yet been done* 
The departments of Mammalia and Birds are the 
only two which can be said to have as yet under- 
gone tolerably close investigation; although even in 
these it is probable that large additions still remain to 
be made to the ascertained species. But, independently 
of forms and specific characteristics, the more interesting- 
inquiry into habits and instincts is still open for obser- 
vation and remark ; and for the investigation of these 
no country can possibly afford more inviting oppor- 
tunities than Ceylon. 
Concerning the Reptilia a considerable amount of 
information has been amassed. The Batrachians and 
smaller Lizards have, I apprehend, been imperfectly in- 
vestigated ; but the Tortoises are well known, and the 
Serpents, from the fearful interest attaching to the race, 
and stimulating their destruction, have been so vigilantly 
pursued, that there is reason to believe that few, if any, 
varieties exist which have not been carefully examined. 
In a very large collection, made by Mr. Charles 
Keginald Buller during many years' residence in 
Kandy, and recently submitted by him to Dr. Griinther, 
only one single specimen proved to be new or previously 
unknown to belong to the island. 
Of the Ichthyology of Ceylon I am obliged to 
speak in very different terms ; for although the mate- 
rials are abundant almost to profusion, little has yet 
been done to bring them under thoroughly scientific 
scrutiny. In the following pages I have alluded to the 
