12 



MAMMALIA. 



[Chap. I. 



The only other quadrumanous animal found in Cey- 

 lon is the little loris 3 , which, from its sluggish move- 

 ments, nocturnal habits, and consequent inaction during 

 the day, has acquired the name of the " Ceylon Sloth." 



THE LORIS. 



There are two varieties in the island ; one of the ordi- 

 nary fulvous brown, and another larger, whose fur is 

 entirely black. A specimen of the former was sent to 

 me from Chilaw, on the western coast, and lived for 

 some time at Colombo, feeding on rice, fruit, and vege- 

 tables. It was partial to ants and other insects, and 

 was always eager for milk or the bone of a fowl. The 

 naturally slow motion of its limbs enables the loris to 



1 Loris gracilis, Geof. 



