48 



MAMMALIA. 



[Chap. L 



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 OF PENGOLIN. 



