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 Btjller during many years' residence in 

 Kandy, and recently submitted by him to Dr. Grunther, 

 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 



