300 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
are remarkable for the enormous length of their tails, 
■which gives them the appearance of arrows while they dart 
through the air. In the tail of one of them are two 
feathers, which exceed the others in length by at least 
nine inches. 
The swallows found here are of the same species as ours. 
They never quit the island. 
Two species of the peacock are produced in Ceylon : 
the one, which is kept in a tame state, is of the same 
kind with those known in Europe : the other, which roams 
at large in its native woods, is of a much larger size, 
and truly a magnificent bird. It is found all over India, 
which is its native climate ; and adds greatly by its splen- 
did plumage to the beauty of the forests. 
The jungle-fowl resembles our common fowl in size, but 
presents a much more beautiful plumage, and is distinguished 
by its double spurs. 
The reptiles and insects of Ceylon are exceedingly nu- 
merous, and several species are very little known. Serpents 
particularly abound, and are a great annoyance to the in- 
habitants. 
The covra capello or hooded snake is found here from 
six to fifteen feet long. Its bite is mortal ; the natives find 
the herb pointed out by the ichneumon a remedy, if 
timely applied. When enraged and preparing to attack, it 
raises its head and body to the height of three or four 
feet in a spiral manner, while at the same time the re- 
