48 
MAMMALIA. 
[Chap. I. 
were a cream-coloured white, with a tinge of red in 
that which came from Chilaw, probably acquired by the 
insinuation of the Cabook dust which abounds along 
the western coast of the island. 
Of the habits of the pengolin I found that very little 
^ was known by the natives, 
who regard it with aversion, 
one name given to it being 
the "Negombo Devil." Those 
kept by me were, generally 
speaking, quiet during the 
day, and grew restless and 
active as evening and night 
approached. Both had been 
taken near rocks, in the hol- 
lows of which they had their 
dwelling, but owing to their 
slow power of motion, they 
were unable to reach their 
hiding place when overtaken. 
When frightened, they rolled 
themselves instantly into a 
rounded ball; and such was 
the powerful force of muscle, 
that the strength of a man 
was insufficient to uncoil it. 
In reconnoitring they made 
important use of the tail, rest- 
ing upon it and their hind 
legs, and holding themselves 
nearly erect, to command a 
view of their object. The 
strength of this powerful limb 
will be perceived from the accompanying drawing of 
SKELETON OK PENGOLIN. 
