1. Ob/er vat ions maJein the Ifland of Ceilan> by Mr 
Strachan on the wap of catching Fowl and Deer ^ 
of Serpnts^of the ant bear and of Cinamon. 
^*|^-^He way they catch Water-Fowls is this, in Loughs 
and Waters which are not very deep, the Fowler 
puts an Earthen Pot upon his Head, in which Pot are 
bored holes, through which he may fee, then he wadeth 
in the Water, nothing being fcen but the Pot which co- 
vereth his Head, and thus enters in the midft of all the 
Fowls, they thinking it to be a Block or the like driving, 
do not take notice of it, although it be upon their fide ^ 
then he takes hold of one by his Foot, and draws him un- 
der Water, and wrings his Neck about ^ the reft of the 
Fowls not perceiving this fit ftill, then he goes to the next 
Fowl and does the lame 5 and fo going forth he catches 
as many as he pleafes. 
Thofe that have Guns, makea Frame^ which they co^ 
ver with green Branches, which are fo broad as to cover 
their whole. Body. They ftand behind it; then carry- 
ing the Frame before him, the Bird or Deer feeing no- 
thing but the green Branciies is not affrighted, and thus 
the Hunter being advanced near enough, gives fire. 
It is wonderful to confider, bow fome Beafts are affright- 
ed by Fire, as Lyons, Tygers, WildSwine,and other Beafts^ 
and as the Ce/7^«e/?/ chafe the Elephants, Wild Swine 
and Tygers from their Plantations by Fire, and the Na - * 
lives at the Cape of Good Hope chafe the Lyons from their 
Cattel ^ fo alfo do the CeiUnefes catch Harts, Deers, Elks, 
and Hares, which they perform in this manner. In time 
of the night two Men go into the Wood, one of thefe 
takes an Earthen Velfel upon his Head, wherein is Fire 
burning, made of Sticks and a kind of Refine, and in one 
ha nd 
