300 
Quadrupeds of Ceylon. 
woody nature of the country, these ferocious animals would 
have every opportunity to commit their ravages with impunity 
on the human species. 
The ti«‘er-cat found here is about the size of a lao-dog and 
presents both in shape and colour exactly the appearance in- 
dicated by its name. It is very wild, and extremely difficult 
to tame, though from its size it is not a dangerous animal. 
The leopard is a native of the island, though rarely met 
with. 
There are no foxes in Ceylon, but their place is amply sup- 
plied by an immense number of jackals. These animals very 
much resemble the fox, but are far bolder and fiercer. It is 
always by night that they approach the villages in large packs, 
making a loud and horrible noise like the screaming of children 
which they increase as soon as they have found carrion, or any 
other sort of prey. It is a striking trait of their savage cha- 
racter, that they continue to keep up this frightful noise, even 
while they are devouring their food. As soon as the uproar of 
the jackals is heard, all the dogs of the village, as if by one 
consent, instinctively sally out to attack them and drive them 
back into the woods. 
The hyena and the bear, though natives of Ceylon, are 
very rarely met with ; a few only being found on the north- 
east side. 
A great variety of monkies are found in swarms over the 
island ; and some of the species are uncommon. The wanderoiu 
is remarkable for its great white beard, which stretches quite 
from ear to ear across its black face, while the body is of a 
dark grey. Another species, of a very large size, is distinguished 
by a black body, and a white triangular beard with a purple 
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