290 THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
cult to tame, though from its size it is not a dangerous 
animal. 
The leopard is a native of the island. 
There are no foxes in Ceylon, but their place is amply 
supplied by an immense number of jackals. These animals 
very much resemble the fox, but are much bolder and 
fiercer. It is always by night that they approach the vil- 
lages 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 character, that they continue to 
keep up this frightful noise, even while they arc 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 wande- 
roiu 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 is distinguished by a 
black body, and a white triangular beard with a purple face. 
There is also a large greenish monkey which inhabits the 
woods here. The rilloiv is a very large species, not less 
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