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 infusoriae 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. 



