js9j.95489 
 
 X27p 
 
Ju6i Pullislit d in one Vol. Svo. clmli ; price, IO 5 . 6t/. 
 
 PRODROMUS 
 FAUX . E Z E Y L A X I C .E ; 
 
 BEING 
 
 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ZOOLOGY OF CEYLON. 
 
 BY 
 
 E. F. KELAAET, D., F. L. S. &c. 
 
 AKMY MEDICAL STAFF. 
 
 Sold by Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co. and J. Van Voorst; London. 
 Messrs. Clarke, Romer and Co. and Messrs. Dodswortli and Co.; Co- 
 lombo and Kandy. And by Booksellers in Calcutta, Bombay and Madras. 
 
 A iso hy the same Author. 
 
 FLORA CALPEXSIS; 
 
 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BOTANY OF GIBRALTAR. 
 
 “ Your very useful Book has given me a better idea of the physical features 
 aud Botany of Gibraltar than I have beeu able to collect from any other work.” 
 — Sir William Hooker. 
 
 “ In his ‘ Voyage Botanique dans le Midi de 1’ Espagne’ it is observed by Bois- 
 pier, when wiiting about Gibraltar, that he is ‘ astonished that such a work, 
 (a Flora) has not already been undertaken by some of the Officers of the Gar- 
 rison.’ Such astonishment cannot in future be expressed by Botanists, visiting 
 this singular place, for we have now before us a woik of very high character 
 by one of the officers of the Garrison.” — Annals ^ Mag. of Nat. History. 
 
 “ Dr. Kelaart’s work comes opportunely. It is full of information for the la- 
 bourers in Geographical Botany.’’ — Vhytologist. 
 
 “ Whether to the general reader, or to the scientific man, this Flora Cal- 
 pensis, will be alike intei\ sting, from the pleasant style of description, the absence 
 of all erudite assumption, and the candour and simplicity of the arguments and. 
 observations. Would that eveiy one of our colonies had its Dr. Kelaart to observe 
 and chronicle its beauties, natural and artificial.” — SimmomVs Colonial Magazine. 
 
 “ Our botanizing friends at Gibraltar will hail as a treasure Dr. Kelaart’s in- 
 telligent and handsomely produced volume.” — Unit d Service Magazine. 
 
 London : — J. Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. 
 

 
OF THL 
 
 U N 1VER.5 ITY 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 591.95489 
 
 K27p 
 
 Biology 
 

 
 
 
 PEODROMUS 
 
 FAUN^ ZEYLANICiE. 
 
N . 
 
 S' 
 
 •V 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 
 COLOMBO : 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN HIELER AT THE OBSER\^R PRESS 
 NO. 19, BAILLIE STREET, FORT. 
 
PEODEOMIJS 
 
 FAUN^ ZEYLAKIC^I 
 
 BEING 
 
 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ZOOLOGY 
 
 OF 
 
 CEYLON. 
 
 BY 
 
 E. F. KELAART, M. D. Edin., F. L. S., F. G. S. 
 
 STAFF SURGEON TO THE FORCES. 
 
 MEMBER OP THE ROYAL COLLEGE OP SURGEONS, LONDON. 
 FELLOW OP THE ROYAL BOTANICAL AND PHYSICAL SOCIETIES OP 
 EDINBURGH, CORRESPONDING MEMBER OP THE ZOOLO- 
 GICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, ETC. ETC. 
 
 “ Nihil est aliud magnum quam multa miimta.” 
 
 CEYLON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 
 
 SOLD BY MESSRS. CLARKE, ROMER AND CO.; MESSRS. DODSWORTH AND CO., 
 KANDY AND COLOMBO. MESSRS. SMITH, ELDER AND CO, AND 
 J. VAN VOORST, LONDON; AND BY BOOKSELLERS 
 IN CALCUTTA, BOMBAY AND MADRAS. 
 
 1852 
 
J t rdiC^*s 'r 'HM t '[J^ 
 
 ov"' 1/ ■>‘ ■>■.;■ . '^' 
 
 L-’S i- 
 
 Sfi *r?^ ► A - 
 
 ^ V'.'i 
 
 ■ ••• • 
 
 .T^.f f"’- 
 
 ^ I * 
 
 
 
 
 . li * " r 1 ^ 
 
 ■ *'• . A ’-?5 
 
 k Act- 
 
 fer - ^ 
 
 ■im •:, 
 
 V.‘.»/ia’vV 
 
 ML. ;.. ' !ft^#>v.j 
 
 :* ‘K L. S-'ii:> ' ^ • 
 

 ^7/. Try/ 7 
 
 7 p 
 
 TO 
 
 ANDEEW SMITH, ESQ. M. D., F. Z. S. &c. 
 
 INSPECTOR GENERAL OF HOSPITALS ; 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT : 
 
 IN. WARM ADMIRATION 
 
 OF HIS UNCEASING AND SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS 
 TO SUPPORT AND IMPROVE 
 
 THE BEST INTERESTS 
 OF THE 
 
 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE BRITISH ARMY; 
 
 AND 
 
 TO ENCOURAGE AND DIFFUSE ZOOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE : 
 
 THIS VOLUME 
 
 c/e<Aca^ec// 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 https://archive.org/details/prodromusfaunaezOOkela 
 
BiULQGjL 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 -0 
 
 In presenting to my friends and to the public this work 
 on the Fauna of Ceylon^ I feel it scarcely necessary to make 
 any apology for the imperfect form in which it is produced, 
 since the work does not profess to be any more than a PRO- 
 DROMUS, or BEGINNING. A Fauna so extensive and 
 so little known as that of this Island, requires more time 
 and greater facilities for -working it out, than can be said to 
 be at the command of any Army Medical Officer serving in 
 the Colony. 
 
 Perhaps it may be urged by some, that the publication of a 
 work of this kind might have been delayed with advantage 
 for some years. This course I should myself have preferred, 
 had not the probabilities of a removal to another station daily 
 increased. Therefore, at the request of many kind friends, 
 and from my own desire of putting them in possession of 
 the materials collected during two years, in various parts of 
 
 1 
 
11 
 
 preface. 
 
 the Island, 1 now venture to lay before an enquiring, and 
 it is to be hoped a generous public, the labours of my lei- 
 sure hours. 
 
 At first, it was my intention to issue merely a text book 
 on Ceylon Mammals for the use of Ceylonese, but finding 
 that a more extensive work would be more generally useful, 
 I have embodied in this book all that I could with safety 
 put into the hands of the public, without much fear of giving 
 any other than a correct account of the Zoology of the Is- 
 land, as far as my own researches have extended. 
 
 Although I can date my knowledge of Ceylon animals 
 from a very early period of my life, still, it was not till 
 my return to the Island in August 1849, after an absence 
 of many years, that I began to collect the new materials 
 found in this work. Requested by Sir James M’Grigor, the 
 late worthy Head of the Army Medical Department, and 
 Dr. Andrew Smith, the present Superintendent, to pay some 
 attention to the Natural History of Ceylon, I felt that I 
 could not employ my leisure hours on a worthier object, or 
 in a more interesting pursuit, than the study of the Fauna 
 of my native country. Doctors, like men of every other pro- 
 fession, require some relaxation or recreation ; and in the pur- 
 suit of Natural History, even under difficulties, they have one 
 equal, if not superior, to any other mode of relieving their 
 minds from the contemplation of the miseries to which flesh 
 is heir. At all events, no occupation, save the one of giv- 
 ino" relief to human suffering, have I found more congenial 
 to my own mind than the study of Natural History. Those 
 who are inclined to differ from me in this respect, T beg most 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Ill 
 
 earnestly to refer to the following favorable opinion of such 
 a study rather than to any founded on my own experience, 
 which can be conveyed but in poor language, compared with 
 that employed by the author of “ A Naturalist’s sojourn in 
 Jamaica.” 
 
 “ I can echo ” says Mr. Gosse “ with fullest truth the 
 experience of Bishop Heber. ^ In every ride I have taken, 
 and in every wilderness in which my tent has been pitched, 
 I have found enough to keep my mind from sinking into 
 the langour and the apathy which have been regarded as na- 
 tural to a tropical climate.’ Nay, I may truly say, I found 
 no tendency to apathy or ennui ; every excursion presented 
 something to admire ; every day had its novelty ; the morn- 
 ing was always pregnant with eager expectation; the evening 
 invariably brought subjects of interest fresh and new ; and 
 the days were only too short for enjoyment. They were 
 not days of stirring adventure, of dangerous conflicts with 
 man or beast, of hair-breadth escapes in flood or field ; their 
 delights were calm and peaceful, I trust not unholy, nor un- 
 becoming the character of a Christian, who has his heart in 
 heaven, and who traces, even on earth’s loveliest scenes, the 
 mark of the spoiler. The sentiments expressed by my friend 
 and fellow labourer are those which I would ever associate 
 with the study of science. ^ If the sight of nature* observes 
 Mr. HiU, ^ were merely the looking at a painted pageantry, 
 or at a spectacle filling the carnal mind with wonder and 
 delight, the spirit would be overpowered and worked into 
 weariness, but it is the admiration at the wisdom, and re- 
 verence for the beneficence of Almighty power. He who 
 
IV 
 
 pbeface. 
 
 ; 
 
 dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto, whom 
 no man hath seen, or can see, is yet visible in his per- 
 fections through the works of his hand, and his designs are 
 made manifest in the purpose of his creatures. Wherever 
 our lot is cast, into whatever scenes our wayward impulses 
 lead us, the mind-illumined eye gazes on divine things, and 
 the spirit-stirred heart feels its pulses bounding with emotions 
 from the touch of an ever present Deity. The habit that 
 sees in every object the wisdom and the goodness as well 
 as the power of God, I may speak of, as Coleridge speaks 
 of the poetical spirit, ‘ It has been to me an exceeding great 
 reward ; it has soothed my afflictions ; it has multiplied and 
 refined my enjoyments ; it has endeared my solitude ; and 
 it has given me the habit of wishing to discover the good 
 and the beautiful in all that meets and surrounds me.” 
 
 Although, I may have reason to be satisfied with the fruits 
 of my labours, still there are so many parts of Ceylon 
 which I have not visited, and of which so little is known 
 to the Naturalist, that I would fain hope that at some fu- 
 ture period I may be permitted to extend my researches to 
 those parts, or that some competent person will sooner or 
 later explore the terra incognita. 
 
 To enable the Ceylon Student of Zoology to study at least 
 one department of the Natural History of the Island in a 
 complete form, I have added the generic characters of mam- 
 mals from the best authors. The specific characters are chiefly 
 drawn from fresh specimens obtained since my return to Cey- 
 lon. The remarks which follow each description of species 
 will bring the student down to the latest knowledge we have 
 
PREFACE, 
 
 V 
 
 of the characters of these animals, and also inform him of 
 the opinions of those Naturalists who are at this moment 
 engaged in similar researches on the Peninsula of India. 
 
 The second part of the Prodromus contains a summary 
 account of the chief features of the Ornithology of the Island, 
 and a catalogue of the Birds I have collected or observed, 
 to which are added from the authority of Mr Blyth names 
 of other birds known to exist in Ceylon. 
 
 I must not omit here acknowledging with filial gratitude, 
 the great interest taken by my late father in my Zoological 
 studies. The various collections of Ceylon birds, which he 
 from time to time forwarded to England, enabled me to be- 
 come scientifically acquainted with the feathered race of my 
 native country, long before my return to the Island. 
 
 From want of books of reference, I am unable to enu- 
 merate all the Ophidian Beptiles collected. Mr. Gray’s des- 
 criptive catalogue of the Saurian Beptiles has enabled me to 
 identify with very few exceptions this tribe of reptiles. Des- 
 criptions of them are given in the third part of this book. 
 To Dr. Cantor’s published account of the Beptiles of the Ma- 
 layan Peninsula, 1 had also frequent occasion to refer for 
 valuable information. The imperfections of this part of the 
 Prodromus will soon be removed by Dr. Andrew Smith, who 
 is extending his researches to the Erpetology of Ceylon. In 
 the Appendix will be found such additional matters on Cey- 
 lon Natural History as I doubt not will prove very accep- 
 table. 
 
 As an Introduction to the Zoology of Ceylon, I have given 
 in an introductory form an account of the Natural History 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 of perhaps the most important zoological station in the Is- 
 land^ viz. Newera-EUia. The physical history of the mari- 
 time provinces is so well known that I have only drawn a 
 general sketch of it. 
 
 Of late years the Zoology of India has engaged the at- 
 tention of very active naturalists. Among them we find fore- 
 most, Colonel Sykes, Mr. Hodgson of the H. E. I. C. Civil 
 Service, Mr. Walter Elliot of Madras, Mr. Edward Blyth, 
 Dr. Jerdon and Captain Tickell. In Ceylon, Dr. Templeton 
 has paid considerable attention to the Entomology of the Is- 
 land. The birds also which he collected have all been iden- 
 tified by Mr. Blyth, and many new species described from 
 that collection. Mr. Edgar Layard, brother of Mr. Layard 
 of Nineveh celebrity, has also for several years contributed 
 largely to the Zoology of the Island, particularly to its Orni- 
 thology and Conchology. Since my return to Ceylon I have 
 been in constant correspondence with Mr. Layard, but it was 
 not till very recently that I had the good fortune to meet 
 him. I doubt not that the arrangement we have mutually 
 entered into for future operations will, if allowed to be car- 
 ried out, enable us in time to be more useful to each other 
 than we have hitherto been. It is only by co-operation with 
 such industrious Zoologists as Mr. Layard, that we can ever 
 expect to work out the Fauna of Ceylon. 
 
 I cannot close these prefatory remarks without acknowledg- 
 ing the numerous obligations I am under to many friends, for 
 the cheerful and valuable assistance received from them in the 
 progress of my labours. With some a pleasing intimacy has 
 also been established entirely by correspondence. Soon after 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Vll 
 
 these researches were commenced I communicated with Mr. 
 Blyth and Mr. Walter Elliot, and latterly I have also had 
 the pleasure of corresponding with Dr. Jerdon and Dr. Cantor, 
 men distinguished for their researches in Indian Zoology. The 
 difficulties I had to encounter have been considerably les- 
 sened by their assistance, more particularly by the aid given 
 by Mr. Blyth, who has been very fortunate in obtaining spe- 
 cimens from Ceylon from several collectors. The encourage- 
 ment such men give me to prosecute the work I have begun, 
 is a further inducement to publish some connected account 
 of those parts of the Fauna of the Island to which I have 
 paid most attention. Their liberality, kindness and attention 
 were indeed a happy contrast to the coldness and indifference 
 of others, from whom one might have naturally expected at 
 least facilities for working. 
 
 I also take this opportunity of returning my best thanks 
 to Mr Edgar Layard, Messrs. Palliser of Dimboola, Mr. Si- 
 mon Casie Chitty of Chilaw and Mr. T. A. Pieres of Kandy, 
 for the numerous specimens they have from time to time 
 favoured me with. I have also received valuable specimens 
 and information from Mr. Pett, Ordnance Department, Trin- 
 comalie, and my brother Charles Kelaart of Kaduganava. My 
 sincere thanks are also due, for specimens received, to Lady 
 Torrington, Mrs. Warrington, Miss Tranchell, Mrs. Hall and 
 Miss Barbara Layard, and to Major Brunker, Bev.Mr. Glennie, 
 Rev. W. Wise, Captain De Montenach, The Honble Mr. Tem- 
 pler, Mr. W. H. Whiting, Mr. T. Tranchell, Mr. Kriekenbeek 
 of Batticaloa, Mr. Marcus of Kurnegalle, Mr. J. B. Raux, Mr. 
 G. F. Nell of Colombo, Mr. J. Bayly of Trincomalie, Messrs. 
 
Vlll 
 
 PSEFAC E. 
 
 Baker of Nevvera-Eliia, Lieut. Waters c. u. u., Drs. Dobson, 
 Cameron and Lamprey, the Wanniah of Tamblegam, the Chief 
 Modliar of Trincomalie, and to Messrs. Wambeck, Anthonisz, 
 Tap, Misso, Jansen, Ebert, and Gill, Members of the Colonial 
 Medical Department, as also to Joanis Appoo Hamy, the 
 Taxidermist of the Army Medical Officers’ Museum. 
 
 In conclusion I have to thank the Conductors of the Ob- 
 server Press, for bringing out in so creditable a shape this 
 first zoological work that has been issued from the Colonial 
 Press. The typographical errors are perhaps too numerous, 
 but when the reader learns that many miles separated the Au- 
 thor from the Printer, he will, I feel assured, readily excuse 
 this imperfection. 
 
 Fort Frederick, Trincomalie, 
 August, 1852. 
 
 E. F. K. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 O 
 
 Preface Page i. 
 
 Natural History of Newera Ellia ix. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Descriptive account of Ceylon Mammalia 1 
 
 PART II. 
 
 General features of the Ornithology of Ceylon 93 
 
 Catalogue of Birds found in Ceylon 114 
 
 PART III. 
 
 Descriptive account of the Saurian, Chelonian and Emydosau- 
 
 rian Reptiles of Ceylon 138 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 Descriptive account of Ceylon Amphibia 191 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Dr. Gardner’s account of the Flora of Ceylon 3 
 
 Mr. Walter Elliot’s description of Bos Gaurus and other Indian 
 
 Mammals which are likely to be found in Ceylon 15 
 
 Mr. Ed. Blyth’s notes and descriptions of Ceylon Birds 22 
 
 Notes by the Author 36 
 
 Mr. Blyth’s notes on Ceylon Mammals, Reptiles, (fee 37 
 

 
 ij mm "-11^ 
 
 i*--y * • . J.^ M luJ ~ *■• ' t.jr\ 
 
 i *'t • » »■» *i t\ .. • < 
 
 .. •- '* *'^-^ >»iy 
 
 ^ ’'■ 'V 
 
 ‘ .T 
 
 
 . '^11 
 
 
 ■% • . *«r : ‘ 1 •■ ^siiEri 
 
 , * 1 . ■*. -'^ 
 
 ' w, w 
 
 
 
 ^ •“' ill**- 
 
 [i\^ • -lr> ■*. .!> - ' i- 'i*-- ■»,®ii;.-‘H 
 
 -' ■> - 
 
 ’’St?* 'ftMflS»*3^’’ ^ >- 
 
 j j^r;-u§^)^fcj||^'v'^S^#yi,;^'.v»6> 
 
 c r.',,.^ »S^r .1 J iihff>¥ 
 
 \ 
 
 .-. ■ ','ii 
 
 
 l" 
 
THE NATUEAL HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 NEWERA-ELLTA. 
 
 (GEOLOGY, METEOROLOGY AND ZOOLOGY.) 
 
 The various geological accounts of the Island, with the 
 exception of the late Dr. Gardner’s, are evidently derived 
 from the writings of Dr. Davy, ("brother of Sir Humphrey 
 Davy), who, when employed in Ceylon, as an Assistant 
 Surgeon to the Forces, had peculiar opportunities afforded 
 him by General Brownrigg for investigating the Natural 
 History of the Island. 
 
 The only new feature added to the Geology of Ceylon 
 since Dr. Davy published his work in 1818, is the mention 
 of the gradual rise of the western coast of the Island, 
 which was first observed by the Eevd. Dr. McVicar at 
 Mount Lavinia, and since corroborated by Dr. Gardner from 
 observations in other parts of the Island. The cutting of 
 the new canal through the cinnamon gardens to the sea 
 gives a very favorable opportunity of observing how recently, 
 in a geological view, the whole of the Coast of Colombo 
 must have been the bed of the sea. At Trincomalie also 
 we have observed severail indications of ancient sea beaches. 
 
 The only other interesting addition to the physical history 
 of the Island is one which we think might safelv be al- 
 lowed, viz, the existence of limestones of the cretaceous 
 system in the northern parts of the Island. The fossi- 
 liferous limestone found near Jaffna has the closest resem- 
 blance to the limestone from Trichinopoly and Pondicherry. 
 
 2 
 
X 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 Many of the fossil shells found at Jaffna, appear to be 
 similar to some of the species found at Pondicherry, and 
 described by Professor Edward Forbes in the Transactions 
 of the Geological Society of London. 
 
 The limestone in which the Ceylon fossils are imbedded 
 is of a very compact and pure form. In one hand specimen 
 we observed a fossil phalange, about an inch in length, 
 apparently of a large saurian reptile. This unique specimen 
 is now in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of Ceylon. 
 We regret exceedingly that although only 100 miles from 
 Jaffna, we have not been able to visit that district where 
 there are so many interesting objects to attract the attention 
 of the Naturalist. To Mr. J. N. Mooyaart we are indebted 
 for some good specimens of this fossil limestone, which we 
 have forwarded to Dr. Hunter of Madras and Professor 
 Ed. Forbes, who will doubtless be able to throw more light 
 on the age of this formation. Our own impression is, that 
 it belongs to the Cretaceous system, though not, perhaps, 
 identical with the formations on the opposite Coast of Sou- 
 thern India. 
 
 Supposing that these fossiliferous beds of limestone are 
 of cretaceous, or of tertiary origin, it follows that they 
 were deposited long after the mountains of Ceylon were 
 elevated, for not a vestige of any such formation is found 
 in any mountain range. Of this, however, we cannot be 
 sure, since we have lately heard of Chalk from Adam’s 
 Peak.” 
 
 Dr. Davy crossed the plains of Newera Ellla in 1817 on 
 his way to Fort MacDonald; but these mountain heights 
 being then only traversed by jungle footpaths, it was not 
 possible for even this acute observer to describe the geolo- 
 cal features of this alpine district over-grown with thick 
 forest and inhabited only by wild animals. Therefore, we 
 have drawn up the following geological account of Newera 
 
 I 
 
OP NEWERA-ELLIA. 
 
 XI 
 
 Ellia, with a view of satisfying the curiosity of our geolo” 
 gical friends, and at the same time enabling them to make 
 comparisons between the Geology of the Neilgherries and 
 Newera Ellia. 
 
 Before the geology of Newera Ellia is considered, it is 
 necessary to bear in mind that Indian Geologists are inclined 
 to believe, that the mountains of Ceylon have been elevated 
 about the same period as the Eastern Ghauts on the Pe- 
 ninsula of India ; probably, too, by a contemporaneous effort 
 of nature; and although there is between these two ranges 
 of hills a wide break of continuity, they all appear to have 
 a southerly direction. 
 
 The position and elevation of the mountain chains of 
 Ceylon shew, that they were formed like the Western and 
 Eastern Ghauts, by a succession of upheavals; and at peri- 
 ods which may be considered the plutonic, or before more 
 recent formations covered the plutonic rocks and hypogene 
 schists which form the mountains of the Island. As yet, 
 with the exception of argillaceous, arenaceous, and si- 
 liceous schists, and occasionally Dolomite and fluviatile 
 deposits, no other formations have been observed to cover 
 the rocky heights: nor even are there any broken frag- 
 ments of such rocks to be seen any where in the mountain- 
 ous districts. The secondary or tertiary formations found 
 on the Coasts of Ceylon must have been deposited long 
 after the mountains of Ceylon were raised from the depths 
 of the Ocean. From the geological characters of Newera 
 Ellia and its neighbourhood^ we infer that the greatest and 
 most recent internal force employed in elevating the moun- 
 tains of the Island, was applied in raising those which rise 
 from the table lands in this district 
 
 Newera-Ellia is nearly 6,210 feet above the level of the sea. 
 
NATURAL history 
 
 • • 
 
 SU 
 
 It is difficult to say to which of the Kandlan provinces it 
 belongs, one portion lying on the side of Dimboola me 
 in the direction of Ouva, and the other in the district ^ 
 of Maturatta ; for our purpose, however, this uncertainty 
 is a matter of no importance, since the boundaries of the 
 various provinces are more frequently artificial than natural. 
 The steep ascent to Newera Ellia commences from the village 
 of Rambodde, which is about 3,500 feet below the plains; 
 the road Avinding round the sides of the mountains rises at 
 an average one foot in twenty. From the top of Pedro- 
 tallagaila, the loftiest mountain in Ceylon, and which rises 
 at the back of the plain to a height of 2,080 feet, the true 
 features of this table land may be seen to great advantage. 
 Three grassy plains are discovered extending around the 
 base of the hill, and beyond these are several others of 
 various dimensions. 
 
 Newera Ellia is generally considered to include within its 
 province three plains viz. The large plain, the smaller or 
 barrack plain, and the third or moon plain; from various, 
 parts of which rise detached hills and clusters of hills, some 
 of which are Avooded on the top up to their summit, whilst 
 others are wholly bare of trees. The Avooded hills rise from 
 100 to 300 feet above the plains, forming boundaries to 
 them. The bare hills, on the contrary, covered with coarse 
 grass, rise only to a height of from 15 to 60 feet, and 
 have rounded or domed tops, which present the appear- 
 ance of so many reversed tea cups on a tray. These run 
 in various directions, and not unfrequently converge towards 
 the plains. They appear to have been elevated subsequently 
 to the Avooded hills, which nearly all have their direction 
 from East to West. The large plain, at the northern 
 extremity of which is the bazaar, and on its side houses 
 inhabited by Europeans, is of an irregular elliptical shape, 
 its major diameter being about 2J miles, running from 
 N. N. W. to S. E:— the lower portion of this plain is 
 
OF newera-ellia. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 nearly level. The upper division is watered by a narrow, 
 stream, which after taking its rise on the heights of Pedro- 
 tallagala, and traversing two thirds of the plain, finds its 
 way through a gully in the western side, and pours down into 
 the valley of Dimboola and there forms one of the largest 
 tributaries of the Mahavilla-ganga. The second plain, on 
 which the military buildings are situated, has more the 
 character of a valley than that of a plateau, being walled 
 in as it w^ere, on either side by a high range of wooded 
 hills. Through its lower portion runs a narrow stream, (bounded 
 by the hills above), which ultimately finds its way into the 
 country near Fort MacDonald. The third or Moon plain, 
 so called from the quantity of moon stones found in the 
 gravelly deposits below the dark loam, is of an orbicular 
 form, and is about one third the size of the large plain. 
 The circuit including the three plains and hills, which sepa- 
 rate them, is about 8 miles; the circumference of the large 
 plain being about 5 miles, that of the Barrack plain being 
 about IJ mile, while, that of the Moon plain is probably 
 two miles. From the top of Pedrotallagala are seen other 
 plains similar in their nature to those of Newera Ellia, but 
 of higher and lower elevations, and of various superficial di- 
 mensions. It is not altogether imaginative to suppose that 
 all these plains, which are seen in succession in one coup 
 d’oeil, form with the intervening hills a large mountain pla- 
 teau, or table land, ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 feet in 
 height. In this view of the surrounding country the distant 
 patnas or plains look like so many bright green oases in a 
 dark, rocky, wild country. It was from the top of Pedro- 
 tallagala, that a small party of Officers first observed the 
 plateau of land called Horton plain. This plain is about 
 800 feet higher than Newera Ellia, and far more extensive. 
 In a direct line, Horton plain is probably not more than 
 10 or 12 miles distant from Newera Ellia, but the path 
 leading to it winding round hills, and following the courses 
 
XIV 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 of valleys, makes the journey some 20 miles long; and a 
 most fatiguing one it is. Four miles before the plain is 
 reached, the top of the mountain called Tottapella has to 
 be climbed by a rocky ascent of nearly 1,000 feet. After 
 descending this high hill for a few hundred feet, the im- 
 mense patna known as Horton plain is soon reached. The 
 labour and fatigue of the journey is amply compensated by 
 the magnificent scenery now displayed exceeding the most 
 ardent hopes of the tourist. Horton plain being the highest 
 table land in Ceylon, gives one the opportunity of seeing 
 the vast extent of the mountains and valleys of the inte- 
 rior of the Island, spreading from its heights, as it were 
 from a centre. From the eastern side are seen the barren 
 dome-shaped mountains of Ouva. From the south east 
 may be discovered on a clear day, Hambantotte and its Salt 
 Lakes. On the west of Horton plain lies the magnificent 
 country of Dimboola, on which some of the finest Coffee 
 Estates are situated, at elevations between 4 and 5,000 feet. 
 From the valley of Dimboola rises to the height of about 
 1,800 feet a peaked hill called the Great Western. Bet- 
 ween Dimboola and Horton plain is seen the Boopatalawa 
 plain or patna, which is nearly as large as Horton plain. 
 A pathway leads from Horton plain^ along a beautiful valley 
 and a wide running stream, into Saflfragam. Before this 
 country is reached the tourist looks down a precipice of 
 nearly two thousand feet deep, into the lower land of 
 Saflfragam with the heights of Adames peak towering over 
 it in majestic grandeur. At the foot of this precipitous 
 descent is a small village called Galla-gamma, through which 
 runs the river flowing from Horton plain. 
 
 Besides the mountain called Totta-pella, which the tourist 
 has to ascend before he can reach Horton plain, there is 
 also in its vicinity another high range of hills, the highest 
 peak of which is named Kereigal-potta ; — it is 7,810 feet 
 high. 
 
OF NEWERA-ELLIA. 
 
 XV 
 
 Having described the external characters of the table lands 
 of !N^ewera Ellia and its vicinity, I shall attempt a descrip- 
 tion of the geological characters of the rocks, earths and 
 clays forming them. 
 
 The softer meirbers of the hypogene schists found in 
 other parts of the Island, such as micose and talcose schists 
 appear to have been decomposed and washed away from the 
 harder rocks, their debris is occasionally met with at the base 
 of the hills, or mixed with the gravelly deposits on the 
 plains. 
 
 The hard rocks, whose inequalities have been softened 
 down in many parts by the erosive effects of decomposition, 
 consist of several forms of gneiss. Quartzite and pegmatite 
 also seem to have once abounded in this district. They are 
 now only occasionally met with capping gneissic hills.^ The 
 gneiss is chiefly of the felspatic kind, in which felspar and 
 quartz predominate, the former in greater proportion than 
 the latter. This gneiss is frequently garnetiferous : — whole 
 mountain masses are seen studded closely with minute crys- 
 tals of garnet. In some of the gneiss scales of graphite 
 are found. The other common form of gneiss is of a more 
 granitic variety in which hornblende completely replaces 
 mica; this variety may be called Syenitic-gneiss. Between 
 layers of this kind of gneiss are found intervening strata 
 of quartz and sometimes pure felspar. Felspar decompos- 
 ing very readily, forms the white or porcelain clay, called 
 Kaolin, used as a substitute for lime for whitewashing walls 
 of houses and for other purposes when lime cannot be 
 procured. Pure hornblende rock or schist is not found in 
 this locality. 
 
 Dip and Direction, The strata of gneiss are not seen here 
 to be so violently contorted; nor are there so many abrupt 
 breaks of continuity in the gneiss, as are to be seen in 
 other parts of the Kandian Provinces. The beds are some- 
 
XVI 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 times found lying horizontally. Usually the Dip is westerly 
 at angles of position from 15 ® to 80, ® generally about 
 30 ® . A few miles beyond Rambodde, near the village called 
 Bambregahar, is a conspicuous flat topped mountain peak 
 rising fully 500 feet above the road, in which, the strata 
 of gneiss lie perfectly horizontal ; the whole heap looking 
 as if it were raised from its ocean bed with the greatest care. 
 This horizontal position is more or less the same over the 
 mountains in that neighbourhood. The gneiss forming one 
 of these rocks appears to be of a more granitic character ; 
 the crystals are larger and not arranged so completely as 
 in the other varieties; hornblende is seen in distant layers or 
 loosely cohering to crystals of quartz and felspar. It is 
 also studded with small crystals of Garnet. Four miles 
 beyond Newera Ellia, on the road to Badulla, the gneiss 
 is covered with Magnesian limestone, — the Dolomite so well 
 described by Dr. Davy, who it appears was the first Euro- 
 pean that crossed the patnas of Newera Ellia. This lime- 
 stone is also found in Badulla on the borders of rivers, 
 and is also found in similar positions in Dim.boola. At Pu- 
 silawa on the road to Kandy, the Dolomite in one place 
 is covered over with decomposed micaceous schist. The 
 limestone found in the vicinity of Kewera Ellia is exposed 
 and its surface blackened. There are two varieties, a white 
 and grey ; both are crystalline : the white variety is prefered 
 as it contains less of the phosphate of lime ( Apatite ) and 
 carbonate of Magnesia. Hexagonal crystals and minute scales 
 of mica are also found in this Dolomite. 
 
 The minerals found in the beds of mountain streams are 
 chiefly rubies, garnets, and sapphires. Adularia and Ceylo- 
 nite are found in the gravelly beds on the plains, particu- 
 larly moonstones, in the moon plain, where the gravel is 
 composed of rounded and angular pieces of quartz. Iron 
 nvrites, magnetic and hematitic ores of iron are abundant 
 
OF NEWERA-ELLIA. 
 
 XVJl 
 
 in this district. Long before Europeans visited Kcwera- 
 Ellia, the natives used to come up to smelt iron from the 
 ferriferous rocks found here. Gold is also faid to have been 
 discovered here. Iron glance is found in some of the gneiss, 
 forming almost unmixed layers between the other strata, but 
 more frequently reen disseiiilnatcd tl r^ rgheut tl^e roc'k. 
 The cliief characteristic difference between the phitonic rooks 
 and hypogene schists of the Mala\an Pcmnsnla ami timse 
 of Ceylon and the Peninsula of Ijidia, is the t tranferoiis 
 and tliv* cnprlferons ch.aivieters of the forioer and the whollv 
 ferriferous nature of the litter. So deeply iirprcgrated are 
 the i\ cks of Ceylr-n with oxides of iron, th.at their decom- 
 positions take the colour wh’ch the oxides give, winch are 
 not ill the same proponlon in every part of the rock; lienee 
 arises that variegated appearam e of colours in tl^e decomposed 
 masvses of these rocks forming Laterltic and Lithomnrgic hills. 
 Even tlie crystals of garnet are so saturated with iron that 
 they, too, decompose Avith the matrix in Avhicli they are 
 embedded. 
 
 The clays found in Newera EHia and its neighbourhood, 
 have hitherto he!=*n c msidered and descrihed as deposits, but 
 after some months of ohseivation, we liaA^e come to the con- 
 ciiisicn tliat they are formed of decomposed masses of gneis- 
 sic rocks in situ. Kaliirc is Iiere detected in the very act 
 of decomposition; various stages of it ore seen in the same 
 mountain masses. 1 liere are also hills so conqdetely decom- 
 posed, t'ait they can be cut through with a knife. In tlicse 
 Lithomargic lulls are seen boulder-looking jiieces of nndecom- 
 posed gneiss, which from some cause or other have been left 
 untouched by th.e dccon posing agency employed in the neigh- 
 bouring parts of the rock. Some of tlic.-e solitary blocks 
 of ATirious sizes and dimensions are now undergoing tliat 
 process of spontaneous concentric exfoliation called Mala die 
 de Granite. In a paper read before the Asiatic Society of 
 Ceylon, Ave have described fully the nature of the disiategra- 
 
XVlll 
 
 
 i<TonY 
 
 tion and decomposition oi’ the hypogene rocks of the Island. 
 The gravel and black loam ot the patnas or plains of 
 Kewera Ellia are evidently deposits of either a lake or broad 
 slow winding river. The gravel consists of rolled and an- 
 gular pieces of gneiss and quartz. In the moon plain nearly 
 all the quarts pebbles found under the black soil are rounded 
 like marble, and in such beds are Moonstones found. The 
 black loam is always seen lying over these gravelly beds 
 of various thicknesses. This arrangement of gravel and loam 
 (or mud) is also seen in Horton plain and other, patnas in 
 this district. 
 
 Climate, METEOKOLOCrT, &c. 
 
 The climate of Xew-era Ellia, though delightful to the 
 feelings of Europeans after a long residence in warm parts 
 of the Island, where the mean temparature is 80® F , 
 has little pretension to be considered English. To borrow 
 the idea of an Englishman on this subject wm have to re- 
 mark that the dewy softness of morning and evening' in the 
 British Isles is scarely known here. AV en itdoe^ not rain, 
 or when the sky ie unclouded the rays of the sun are 
 hot and glaring, at the same time that a drv piercing 
 breeze blows. The mornings and evenings, at least in clear 
 weather, are intensely cold. At such times, a copious de- 
 position of dew takes place in the latter part of the day, 
 which long before mi Inight is converted into hoar frost. 
 Mr. Cavet, late Asst. Surgeon of H. M’s. 97th Eegt, 
 writing in 1835 of the climate of New’era Ellia, observes 
 “ that one is either parched with drought, deluged with rain, 
 or enveloped in clouds and mists.” This is precisely what w^e 
 too have remarked in 1850. 
 
 The year may be divided into two seasons, viz. the dry 
 and the wet: the former generally prevailing from January 
 
 to April, and the latter from May to Hecember. The 
 
OF XE W ER A-ELET A . 
 
 XIX 
 
 Maximum temperature observed by us irom January to 
 June was 76 ® F. and the Minimum oo ^ 1* . Ice half an 
 
 inch in thickness is occasionally found in very cold morn- 
 ings in shallow pools, and in basins of water left in the 
 open air during the night. 
 
 We have much pleasure in having this favourable oppor^ 
 tunity of recording here, the Meteorological researches of 
 our esteemed and valued friend Mr, Cavet, which originally 
 formed p irt of the Annual Report to the Director General 
 of the Army Medical Department, and which he someyeai;^ 
 since placed at our disposal. 
 
 Mr, Cavefs Meteorological Notes on Newer a-^EUia, 
 
 The residents of Newera-Ellia divide the year into the wet 
 and dry seasons, the former corresponding to the prevalence 
 of the S. W. the latter of the N. E. monsoon. The dis- 
 tinction is far from absolute, as much rain occasionally falls 
 during the dry season, and there are portions of fine dry 
 weather during the wet, but there is a sufficiently marked 
 difference of character in the two periods to justify its ge- 
 neral use. 
 
 The acquaintance of the writer with the station extend- 
 ing only over a period of ten months, his observations on its 
 climate are very limited, and do not allow liim to make any 
 attempt at a general description of, its peculiarities. 
 
 The !N. E. monsoon prevailed from the beginning of the 
 year till the end of April. The direction of this wind va- 
 ried in one direction to the East, or even to the southward 
 of East, and in the other to the North or a little to the 
 Westward. Sometimes, particularly after sun-set, a light breeze 
 blew directly from the West, in a direction almost exactly 
 opposite to that which had prevailed during the day. This 
 latter breeze i do not, however, look upon as arising from 
 any variation in the direction of the pievailing monsoon, and 
 1 would offer the followhig explanation of its occurrence. 
 
NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 S.7L 
 
 During the dry season the sky is for the most part cloud- 
 less, but at times cirri or cirri-cumuli are observed in the 
 mooi-Iight, floating along at a considerable elevation. Their 
 direction is fi-om west to east, and they would appear to be 
 borne along by the retrograde superior current of air, arising 
 from the accumulation resulting from the N. E. and inferior 
 current. The elevation of the station, more than 6000 feet, 
 may be supposed to be nearly that of the lower aerial cur- 
 rent, from the dii^ection of whi.di the monsoon derives its 
 name. Thi^ must vary in depth at different times, and hence 
 it vrill occasionally happen that when the sun has set, and 
 the lower v^trata are further reduced in thickness by the 
 condensation ])roduced by the coll of night, the upper sur- 
 face of the X. E. current will be depressed below the level 
 of the station, wlaicli, in consequence, will be then situated 
 in the superior and returning current. During the wet sea- 
 son and ijrevaleiu c of the S. W. mou'^oon a phenomenon ad- 
 mitLing of a similar exp anatlon is at times observed in the 
 occurrence after sunset of a gentle breeze coming from the 
 
 O O 
 
 east. 
 
 The greatest degree of cold and consequently the greatest 
 thermoinetrlc ranges, occurred during the dry season ; thus, 
 the range of February 37" F. is nearly double (T that of 
 September 19^ F., and the greatest cold of the former 34 ' F. 
 is much below the minimum of the latter 49 'F. The for- 
 mer vvMs the lowest teinparature observed by a self-/ egi.-tei ir-g 
 initrument during the period : and considering that ice is 
 
 formed at times during the dry season a lower temperature 
 would be expected. 
 
 The cold necessary for the freezing of water would appear, 
 however, to take place only on the ‘uiTace of the ground and 
 in exposed sitiutloiis, where it might be looked 'Or in clear 
 ni^'hts accor ling to the established laws of the radiation of 
 beat. Thus on tlic 14th February at 10 p. m. a thermometer 
 under a Vciandah 6-^ feet from the ground, steed at 52 " F., 
 
 V 
 
OF NEWEKA-ELLIA. 
 
 XXi 
 
 a second on the ground uncovered at 45 ° F. and a tliird 
 close by the side of the second but covered with a screen 
 at 51 ^ F.; the sky at the time was silghtly cloudy. The ob- 
 servation was repeated the following night at the same hour 
 when the sky was clear; the first thermometer stood 50 ®F., 
 the second at 40, b ^ F., the third at 49, 5 ® F. The maximum 
 efiect produced here by radiation was 9 ^ F. but it was ob- 
 served at the same hour on another occasion to amount to 
 15" F. in a perfect calm, while with a clouded sky and fresh 
 breeze it was not more than 2, 5 ® F. I cannot report any 
 observations made before sun-rise, when from accumulation the 
 efiect wOLdd, most probably, be greater; but I believe that 
 those stated will show, that the formation of ice in the la- 
 titude of 7 ^ North, may be accounted for on known prin- 
 ciples, vrlthout the necessity of supposing as one of my pre- 
 decessors had done, that veater freezes there at higher than 
 the usual temperature. 
 
 The visible effects of cold in n fine clear evening during 
 the dry season are eminently beautiful. The valley is a basin 
 with an uneven bottom surrounded by a mountain barrier, 
 varying in height from one to tveo thousand feet. One of the 
 most elevated portions of this hoiindaiy is to the west, so 
 that long before the sun sinks under the level of the actual 
 horizon bis rays liave ceased to Idummate the surface of the 
 valley. By^ tlie time they begin to fade fioni the summHs 
 of the opposite mountain range, a thin L»\er of vay)Our has 
 formed over the surface of every piece of ])ei fectly still-water. 
 These gradually elevate and expand themselves, becoming at 
 the same time den-er, till tl ey finally coalesce and fill the 
 basin to a variable height, with a stratum of thick white va- 
 pour. This attains its greatest depth soon after dark, and 
 shortly after begins to subside : I have seen it entirely gone 
 by 10 r. M. when the grass was covered with hoar-frost. 
 
 During May the win<l which at first blew from the North 
 and Westward, gradually veeied to the South, and by the 
 
XXll 
 
 N ATI * RA L HIS T OHT 
 
 end of the month was fixed at S. W. and blowing fresh. 
 In this month the complete change of direction between the 
 day and night was observed on several days^ and on each 
 of these occasions was accompanied with rain. In June this 
 monsoon blew wdth much force and a good deal of rain fell. In 
 July it was more moderate with much fine weather. During 
 August its strength was greatest, often rising to a gale and 
 continuing for days together with heavy and nearly uninter- 
 rupted rain, both g -neraliy increasing in violence after sun- 
 set, and abating tow’ards morning. During September its di- 
 rection was more unsteadv and its force less ; and in the 
 beginning of October it was again veering to the West and 
 Northward. 
 
 A very great difference of sensation is produced by the 
 atmosphere in the two monsoon's. In the N. E. the air al- 
 ways seems arid and parching ; but in the S. W. the fine 
 mornings have a softness that reminds one of the British Isles- 
 
 I have paid some attention to evaporation, and the few ob- 
 servations I made gave a difference of 7 ^ to 9 ^ as of ordi- 
 nary occurrence in the dry season, and one or even 5 ^ to 
 4 ^ as common in the wet. 
 
 The following table exhibits the principal meteorological cir- 
 cumstances of the first 9 months in the year. It is there 
 seen that only one month has attained the mean temperature 
 of 60" F., and that rain to the amount of 61,36 inches fell 
 on 169 days out of 273. 
 
METEOROLOGICAL TABLE. Newem-Ellia, Ceylon, N. L. 1. f> = . Long. 80-49° E. Eleva- 
 
 tion 6210 feet.^From 1st January to SOifi September 1835, 
 
 OF NEWEUA-EiJ.IA, 
 
 XXUi 
 
 CO 
 
 a 
 
 >5 
 
 fcO 
 
 c 
 
 cS 
 
 > 
 
 CD 
 
 ■Jr-i 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 p_H ^ O/ ^ 
 
 <D <D ^ <D 
 
 'v/J -4^ -t_J 
 
 C/> C/3 03 
 
 • . * CJ) <D ^ O 
 
 r£! ^ CS f.-_ 
 
 p£5 
 
 * ,-S^ 00 G0 00 <30 
 
 • -Q 
 
 ^ ^ bi> 
 
 H ^ 
 
 . • C3 
 
 ■C/5PP^>C/}C/2C/2C0C/2 
 
 W 5 
 
 CO 
 
 a 
 
 •t* 
 
 O 
 
 •eanoi] ui *XTi |\[ 
 
 OCOCtiCOvovocOGOfM 
 50 i;d 
 
 * * ox »— j * * ox r-^ 
 
 •&3L(onj 
 
 coooGooGTti'^Ooxc:> 
 
 OODCOCDOXCOOiOCi 
 
 O *COC5ad5dr-4cOCO 
 
 r— < 1—4 
 
 •siep JO *0^ ' 
 
 r-(G0X^(M-- Tf<aiCOX- 
 r-< f-H 0-1 OX CM — < OX OX 
 
 _. - 
 
 1 -unoj^ 3(|tj;aoj:^ 
 
 o O 0 O O 0 0 
 
 OiO f^o — ^OXCOi—i 
 
 ‘dooc^o:>Oc^a500i 
 VO VO »0 VO CO VO >0 VO VO 
 
 1 
 
 ; -satioq 
 
 1 UI oSu'Bj *ui|;^ 
 
 oooooo ooo 
 
 X^ !>• Tt* VO rfl lO CO CO 
 
 I 
 
 1 *?jnoq f^. 
 
 UT aSuuj ’XB];^ 
 
 1 
 
 0 0 0 
 0000 OiVOoO^ 
 VO ox Jt^ — ^ O CO ad 
 
 COCOCOOXOXOXOXOXi-H 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 o o 
 
 000 ooo^^'^o 
 VO X^ CO CO CJ3 ox ox* CO* Ci 
 COCOCOGMOXOXOXOXr-H 
 
 1 *«IW 
 
 oooo ooooo 
 
 co'^xvo'^x^oax^ca 
 
 COCOCO'^'^'^'^'^'^ 
 
 » 
 
 I -XBp^ 
 
 o o j 
 
 0 00 000^^0 
 r-(r— (T^F— icoci^cdx 
 
 x^x^x^x>.x^cox^x^co 
 
 a 
 
 p; 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 H 
 
 p; 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 H 
 
 K 
 
 H 
 
 O 
 
 *o 
 
 CO 
 
 QO 
 
 5-( 53 ^ 
 
 C3 3 
 
 !h 2 
 
 CD 
 
 pq 
 
 The thermometrical observations were made with a self-registering thermometer. 
 
XXIV 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 Playing given an account of the physical history of Newera 
 Ellia, it may he expected that we should give an opinion 
 respecting its climate as a Sanatarium. This we proceed to 
 do with some hesitation, as our short residence there, does 
 not entitle us to speak positively on a subject of such vital 
 importance. ♦ 
 
 As a tropical station, Xewera-Eilia is doubtless the healthi- 
 est part of the Island for Europeans. But the vicissitudes 
 of temperature and the daily range of the thermometer, fre- 
 quently as high as 35'' E., preclude a recommendation of 
 this climate for invalids suffering from serious organic lesions. 
 The class of invalids wlio are likely to benefit from a residence 
 on the liills, are tho'6 Vs’lio=e generrd health has been impaiied 
 from a long residence in other parts of the I-lnnd, or con- 
 valescents from diseases contracted in the low country. Per- 
 sons a.Tocted with pulmonnry and rheumatic complaints cann^ t 
 expect to derive any liencfit from a resi<lence In Xeyrerr-Ell’a. 
 On the contrary, their complaints are often aggravated firm 
 tho-e causes uoriced by Mr. Cavet in his iUeteorologicnl ac- 
 count of the station. We j"in Dr. Beatson, wlio resided there 
 for a longer period, in retnaiking that the chncf advantage of 
 a temporary residence in Xewera-Ellia is the prevention rather 
 than the cure of di eases. 
 
 There are not, strictly speaking, any endemic diseases in 
 Xewera-Ellia. Sliadit cases of diaiThrea and dv-'enterv sometimes 
 occur, but not more freopiently than in autumnal months of 
 X’orthern Europe. This station has recently been vhited by 
 an epidemic of a gastric or intestinal disease, closely allied 
 to painter’s colic, which has in several instances proved fatal. 
 It prevailed among the soldiers and permanent residents : 
 visitors were exempted from it. Small pox has only once 
 or twice been known to have visited the station since Euro- 
 peans have settled there. The vaccine pox comes to great 
 perfection in subjects vaccinated from lymph obtained from 
 the low country. 
 
OP NEWERA-ELLIA. 
 
 XXV 
 
 The climate agrees remarkably well with children. The 
 ruddy glow of healthy is as apparent among them in this sana- 
 tarium as in children brought up in the more favoured climes 
 of Europe. Adults too, who come up these hills with a pale 
 or jaundiced complexion, acquire a fresh tinge by even a • 
 short residence, provided they are not suffering from such 
 organic diseases as baffle all climes ^and medical treatment. 
 
 Zoology. 
 
 If the Botanist is struck with the different aspects of vege- 
 table nature in the low lands and highlands of Ceylon, the 
 Zoologist is not less so with the difference observed by him, 
 in the distribution of species in the alpine parts of the Island 
 and maritime provinces. 
 
 On approaching the plains of Newera-Ellia, the same degree of 
 variety and beauty in the birds is not observed as in the fea- 
 thered race of the low country. Many of them are species 
 confined to the highest parts of the Island. Among these 
 the Naturalist will remark the Ceylon representative of the 
 English Blackbird, a new species which we have designated 
 Merula Kinnisi. The tom-tit, Parus cinereus, the bulbul, 
 Pycnonotus penicillatus, n. h. and the black robin or meadow 
 chat, Pratincola atrata, n. b. are with the blackbirds, pipits 
 and finches the commonest birds in these alpine plains. Out 
 of fifty species of birds we collected during a residence of 
 eight months, only half the number are birds common to the 
 maritime provinces and the highlands. Very few are, however, 
 strictly confined to elevations above 3500 feet, and these are, 
 Merula Kinnisi, n. s.^ Merula Wardii, Pycnonotus penicil- 
 latus, n. s., Pratincola atrata, n. .9., Hypsipetes Neilgherries, 
 Amadina pectoralis, n. s., Spizaetus Nepalensis, Ephialtes sunia, 
 Cuculus micropterus, INIalacocercus rufescens, Garrulax cine- 
 reifrons, n. 5., Alcippe nigri irons, Brachypteryx Palliseri, n. s., 
 II irundo domicola, Acantliylis caudacuta, Caprimidgus Ke- 
 laarti, n. s. BJijIh. 
 
 4 
 
XXVI 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 Of species common at Newera-Ellia and on Kandian hills 
 (from 1200 to 2000 feet elevation) are the following, Pal- 
 seornis Calthropas, Cissa puella, Gracula ptilogenys, Pomator- 
 hinus melanurus, Cypselus melba, Palumbus Torringtonii w. 6., 
 Corydalla striolata, Cisticola omalura. 
 
 The Mammals do not present such striking differences as 
 the birds:— -out of 89 species of mammals observed by us in 
 the Island, only 29 are found in Newera-Ellia and its vici- 
 nity ; of these 29 but five species are, as far as our present 
 researches enable us to form an opinion, confined to the alpine 
 parts of the Island, viz., Sciuropterus Layardi n, b, Sclurus 
 trilineatus, Waterhouse, Sorex ferrugineus, 5., Feroculus ma- 
 cropus, n. h. (two new species of shrew), Golunda Newera n. h. 
 (soil rat). There are four other species of mammals which 
 have not been seen lower down than Kandy, viz., Presbytis 
 ursinus, n, s. Sciurus Tennantii, n. s,, Sorex montan us, n, s, 
 Mus Kandianus, w. s. 
 
 The most common mammals at Newera-Ellia are, Para- 
 doxurus Zeylanicus, Felis Leopardus, Herpestes vitticollis, Vi- 
 verricula Malaccensis, Canis aureus, Mus Kandianus and Le- 
 pus nigricollis. 
 
 The only Quadrumana seen in Newera-Ellia is Presbytis 
 Ursinus, a new species of monkey founded by Mr. Blyth from 
 a specimen we sent to the Museum of the Asiatic Society 
 of Bengal. Of Bats we have observed only two species, viz. 
 the common flying fox and the pigmy bat. The Chetah or 
 Leopard is very common: instances have been known of the 
 chetah coming into cultivated ground, and even into the vil- 
 lage, carrying off a goat or a calf. The only other species 
 ' of the genus Felis is the red-spotted cat (F. rubiginosa), size 
 of a domestic cat, with a very short tail. The Indian Ge- 
 nette, or Civet cat of European residents, is very common. 
 The streaked mongous, Herpestes vitticollis, (Badger of sol- 
 diers in Newera-Ellia) is found in great abundance. Her- 
 pestes fulvidens, n. b., a smaller species of yellow mongous, 
 
OF NEWERA-BLLIA. 
 
 sxvii 
 
 18 rare ; Paradoxurus Zeylanicus, a golden brown cat-like 
 animal is very numerous. They are here larger and darker 
 than those found in the maritime provinces. The Indian Otter, 
 Lutra nair, is very rarely seen. The Jackal is, as in every 
 other part of the Island, very common. It is generally larger 
 and of a darker colour than that of the low country. 
 
 Three new species of Sorices are found in the plains. 
 The little soil rats, Golunda Newera, are not very numerous ; 
 they are found in pairs in the black soil. Mus manei, the 
 common house mouse, is sometimes seen in godowns. Mus 
 E^andianus is the common house rat; it is the mountain 
 variety of M. fulvescens of Elliot. The common brown rat, 
 Mus decumanus, had not up to 1850 found its way up the 
 hills, but it will not be long before this cosmopolite rodent 
 becomes a denizen of the smoking cottages on the tropical 
 sanatarium. The Bandicoot is very common on the plain. 
 A species of Porcupine is also found. The other mammals 
 found are hares, squirrels, flying squirrels, saumer deer, 
 or Elk of Europeans in Ceylon, the Muntjac, or red deer 
 of Ceylon sportsmen, and the Indian Meminna, or moose deer. 
 Elephants and wild hogs are also very abundant. 
 
 Dr. Davy, the first naturalist who notices the plains of 
 Newera-Eliia, attaches some importance to the fact of Ele- 
 phants being found in the cold frosty climate of the alpine 
 heights of Ceylon. It tends” says Dr. Davy to diminish 
 the marvel of the occurrence of the bones of Elephants in the 
 alluvial deposits of temperate climates,” or in other words 
 he thinks, that it is not necessary in accounting for the 
 fossilized bones of Elephants and other animals of the 
 present torrid fauna, to presuppose that the temperature of 
 the colder parts of the world was higher when Elephants 
 roamed in their forests. Be this as it may. Elephants seem 
 to love the cold air of Newera-Ellia, as much as they do 
 the heated jungles of the low country. Elephant plain, near 
 
XXVlll 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 Newera-Ellia, obtains its name from the great abundance of 
 this Pachyderm found there, nearly at all times of the year. 
 
 Of fishes only two small species are found. 
 
 Of Reptiles there are only a few species. Ceratophora 
 Stoddartii is the common needle nosed lizard” of the plain; 
 there is also an allied new species. The green lizard, Calotes 
 viridis. Gray, is also numerous. Calotes ophiamachus is rarely 
 seen; a species of Goniodactylus (?) has also been observed. 
 
 The tree frog, Polypedates maculata, and two new species 
 of frogs are also common. There are only two species of 
 snakes, — both unidentified. 
 
 Of Insects, there are not many species, nor are they very 
 numerous; among the unknown ones is the yellow glowworm 
 which we have not met with elsewhere. 
 
 Of Land shells, we have observed only four species. 
 
 The following list of Animals, collected and observed by 
 us in Newera-Ellia, will best explain to the Geographical 
 Zoologist the characters of the Fauna of this locality. 
 
 Mammals. 
 
 Presbytis Ursinus, Blytli. 
 
 Pteropus Edwardsii, Geoff. 
 
 Scotophilus Coromandelicus, F. Cuv. 
 
 Leopardus varius, Gray. 
 
 Felis rubiginosa, J. Geoff. 
 
 Viverricula Malaccensis, Horsf. 
 
 Herpestes vitticollis, Elliot. 
 
 Herpestes fulvidens, Nohis. 
 
 Paradoxurus Zeylanicus, Schreb. 
 
 Lutra Nair Sykes. 
 
 Canis aureus, Linn. 
 
 Sorex montanus, Nobis. 
 
 Sorex fcrrugineus. Nobis. 
 
 Feroculus macropus, Nobis. 
 
OF NEWERA-LLLIA. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 Mus Bandicotta, BesclisL 
 Mus Kandianus^ Nobis. 
 
 Mus Manei, G?'a^. 
 
 Golunda Newera, Nobis. 
 Hystrix leucurus?;, Sykes. 
 Lepus nigricollis, F. Cuv. 
 Sciurus Tennantii, Layard, 
 Sciurus trilineatus, Waterhouse. 
 Pteromys Oral, Tickell. 
 Sciuropterus Layardi, Nobis. 
 Meminna Indica, Gray. 
 Muntjacus vaginalis. Gray. 
 Cervus hippelaphus, Cuv. 
 Elephas Indicus, Linn. 
 
 Sus Indicus ?, Gray, 
 
 Birds. 
 
 Spizaetus Nepalensis, Blyth. 
 Tinnunculus Alaudarius, Briss. 
 Athene castanotus, Blyth. 
 
 Ephialtes sunia, Hodgson. 
 Caprimulgus Kelaartii, Blyth. 
 Cypselus melba, Linn. 
 
 Collacalia brevirostris. Me Clelland. 
 Acanthylis caudacuta. Lath. 
 Hirundo domicola, Jerdon. 
 Harpactes fasciatus. Lath. 
 
 Halcyon Smyrnensis, Linn. 
 
 Merops Philippensis, Linn. 
 Dendrophila frontalis, Horsf. 
 Cisticola omalura, Blyth. 
 
 Parus cinereus, Vieil. 
 
 Zosterops annulosus, Swains ? 
 Motacilla boarula, Linn. 
 
 Corydalla striolata, Blyth. 
 
 
XXX 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 Brachypherix Palliseri, Nobis. 
 
 Alcippe nigrifrons, Blyth. 
 
 Merula Kinnisi, Nobis. 
 
 Merula Wardii, Jerdon. 
 
 Oreocincla spiloptera, Blyth. 
 
 Garrulax cinereifrons, Blyth. 
 
 Malacocercus striatus, Swains. 
 Malacocercus rufescens, Blyth. 
 
 Oriolus melanocephalus, Linn. 
 
 Pycnonotus penicillatus. Nobis. 
 
 Hemipus picatus, Horsf. 
 
 Hypsipetes Neilgheris, Jerdon. 
 Cryptolopha cinereocapilla. Blyth. 
 Stoporala melanops, Blyth. 
 
 Pericrocotus perigrinus, Linn. 
 
 Cissa puella, Blyth and Layard. 
 
 Corvus splendens, Vieil. 
 
 Gracula ptilogenys, Blyth and Templeton. 
 Acridotheris cristalloides, Hodgson, 
 Amadina pectoralis? Jerdon. 
 
 Palaeornis Calthropae, Layard. 
 
 Gecinus cholorophanes, Blyth. 
 Brachypternus Ceylonus, Forster. 
 Centropus Philippensis, Cuv. 
 
 Cuculus micropterus, Gould. 
 
 Palumbus Torringtonii, nobis. 
 
 Treron Malabarica, Jerdon. 
 
 Gallus Lafeyettei, Lesson^ 
 
 Galloperdix bicalcaratus, Blyth. 
 
 Scolopax rusticola, Linn. 
 
 Gallinago Scolopacinus, Bonap. 
 
 Gallinago heterura, Hodgson. 
 
 Reptiles. 
 
 Ceratopbora Stoddartii, Gray, 
 
OF NEWEKA-ELLIA. 
 
 XXXI 
 
 Calotes viridis. Gray, 
 
 Calotes Ophiamachus, Gray, 
 
 Salea Jerdonii?, Gray, 
 
 Rana Newera-Ellia, n. s. Nobis. 
 
 Polypedates maculata. Gray, 
 
 Polypedates stellata, n. s. Nobis, 
 
 Fishes. 
 
 Two unidentified Species. 
 
 Mollusc A. 
 
 ‘Four species, not identified. 
 
 While the late Dr. Gardner’s botanical researches in Newera 
 Ellia and the neighbouring heights and plains, apparently 
 confirm his view that the highest mountains of Ceylon form 
 a distinct centre of creation, we have not sufiicient mate- 
 rials from the Fauna of the same district, to justify us 
 in coming to any such conclusion with respect to the animal 
 creation. Although we are inclined to lean towards Dr. 
 Gardner’s opinion from the few facts already collected, we 
 should be premature in giving any decided opinion, till w^e 
 had ascertained the principal features of the Fauna of the 
 Neilgherries. In the mean time we may remark, that we 
 have been informed that there is a great similarity in the 
 two Fauna. However, there are a few animals in Newera 
 Ellia, which as yet have not been observed in the Neilg- 
 herries or any other part of Southern India, namely, Pres- 
 bytis Ursinus, Paradoxurus Zeylanicus, Sorex Montanus, 
 Sorex Ferrugineus, Feroculus Macropus, Golunda Newara. 
 The new species of Birds found in Newera Ellia may pos- 
 sibly be, after all, local varieties, such as Merula Kinnisi, 
 Pratincola atrata, Caprimulgus Kelaarti, Pycnonotus peni- 
 cillatus, &c. The two new species of frogs may be iden- 
 tical with the two new species found by Dr. Jerdon on 
 
XXXll 
 
 NATURAL HISTORY 
 
 the Neilgherries, viz. Hana Neilgherris^ Polypedates variabilis. 
 Till further researches are made in the distribution of spc- 
 cies, it would be better to defer an opinion on the identity 
 or non-identity of the Fauna of Neilgherries and New era 
 Ellia. But we regret exceedingly that since we left Newera 
 Ellia^ we have not been able to gain further information 
 on the subject. It is to be hoped that some Zoologist will 
 soon visit that interesting locality and complete the work 
 which we have only begun. 
 
 To the botanist, Xewera Ellia possesses a painful interest. 
 It is there that the much lamented Gardner finished his 
 earthly career. Science has lost in him one of her most 
 devoted and talented sons. Had he lived longer, the fruits 
 of his labour would have been ere now recorded in a work 
 worthy of his name and the Flora of Ceylon. The only 
 account we have seen on the general features of the Botany 
 of the Island, is a short one drawn up by Dr. Gardner and 
 published in Lee’s Translation of Bibeiro’s Ceylon; as this 
 work is out of print, and as the Botany of the Island is so 
 little known, we intend to reprint it in our Appendix, feel- 
 ing assured that some light will be thrown by Dr. Gard- 
 ner’s labours on the origin and connection of the Flora and 
 Fauna of Ceylon. 
 
 Dr. Andrew Smith, in his Beport of the Expedition for 
 exploring Central Africa, (^of which he was the Superinten- 
 dent and Naturalist J, makes the following observation which 
 we deem worthy of the attention of all field naturalists. 
 
 There is, doubtless, a something besides either food or 
 temperature which influences, nay, regulates, the distinction 
 of animal forms ; but what that may be, will appear more 
 and more evident only as we get divested of the opinion, 
 that we already know sufficient of the scheme of the 
 Creator, to enable us to explain the manifold difficulties which 
 it offers to our enquiry, by the assured aid of certain exter- 
 nal agencies, which, in all probability, will eventually be 
 
OF XEWEIiA-ELLlA 
 
 xxxni 
 
 found to luivc not even the' most remoto duu’o in the oc- 
 currences.” 
 
 ^^When countries .-ba.11 liavc been curofully (ijnersed, aiui 
 the animal productions inhabiting them exclusively, or in 
 common with other countries, minuteiv exannned, both as 
 relates to their physical characters and their liabits, then 
 the naturalist may be able to indicate principles which the 
 great book of nature, and not simply the books of men 
 will maintain and extend.” 
 
 While wc join Dr. Smitli in appreciating the importance 
 ot the labours of Field Naturalists, wc cannot affect with 
 Mr. Go.sse to depreciate the value of the laborious re- 
 searches of the Cabinet Zoologists. In the Zoology of 
 Southern Afrioa and the Birds of Jamaica we hare 
 noble instances of what great service can be rendered to 
 Science by a due combination of the two modes of opera- 
 tion, — the field and the closet. Our own labours would, like 
 those of too many collectors, have been a ' chaotic mass, but 
 for the assistance rf the cabinet investigations of such emi- 
 nent men as the Grays and Blyths. Would that we had 
 more opportunities of consulting their works and extending 
 under such auspices, our researches In the natural historj^ of 
 our native land. 
 
 o 
 
, '*^1 
 
 ' V :S' 
 
 R"— •■ • • jl* 
 
 1 ^- - ■" ' 
 
 ■ ' ^’- '^'^■Wi'm 
 
 *? • ffj ■":« ■ t; 
 
 « *• c'^ I d9c9 
 
 1“ • 
 
 ' *!. 
 
 4 ^'-^ ' a 
 
CEYLON MAMMALIA. 
 

 , -ir: 
 
 'Ski 
 
 ■i 
 
 Cl ■.'■:■ .■ 
 
 
 -I. V .. ' 
 
 /te : ■•.■■■■ •' (>’irt»' 
 
 :Av M:' </■ 
 
 
 1 .' '' V ^ ^ ^vhmOBB ji*AiI , 
 
 ‘ /rV 
 
 j '• '■•..■ ' ‘i'k ;■ ^ I- -.t' 
 
 kr. 
 
 * : 
 
 CiJ 
 
CEYLON MAMMALIA. 
 
 o 
 
 ORDER. QUADRUMANA. 
 
 K3; $ [1 SSI i © /a . 
 
 GENUS. PRESBYTES. EschslolU. 
 
 Semnopithecus. F. Cuv. 
 
 An Asiatic genus of IMonkeys, nearly allied to tlie Gibbons 
 (Hylobates), NAotli an additional tubercle to the last molar of the 
 lower jaw. No cheek pouches. Callosities distinct. Tail long. Limbs 
 long and slender ; arms reaching to the knees ; anterior thumb very 
 short. Stomach sacculated and divided into three compartments, viz. 
 1st, Cardiac pouch vdth smooth and simple parietes, slightly bifid at 
 the extremity; 2nd, a middle very wide and sacculated portion; and 
 3rd, a narrow elongated canal, sacculated at tlie commencement, and 
 of simple structure towards its termination. The latter division from 
 its greater vascularity, and the more abundant distribution of the 
 nerves of the 8th pair upon it, is regarded, by Professor Owen, as the 
 true digestive stomach. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors i , canines » molars , “ 32. 
 
 4 ’ 1-1 ' 0-0 
 
 PRESBYTES CEPHALOPTERUS. Zwim. 
 
 The Nestor — Kalioo Wanderoo — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Cercopithecus latibarbatus — Geoff. 
 
 Cercopithecus leucoprymnus — Oito^ 
 
 Simia dentata — Shaw. 
 
 8. porphyrops — Link. 
 
 S. fulvogriseus — Desmoul. 
 
 S. Ne.stor — Bennct. 
 
 8. Johnii ? Fischer. 
 
 Purple faced Monkey — Pennant. 
 
 General colour of fur cinereous black, croup and inside of thighs 
 whitish. Head rufescent lu’own. Hairs on the crown short, semi- 
 erect. Occipital hairs long, aibescent. Whiskers white, thick and long; 
 terminating at tlie chin in a short beiird and laterally angularly pointed. 
 Upper lip thinly fringed with wliite hairs. Superciliary hairs black ; 
 
2 
 
 QUADRUMANA. 
 
 long, stiff, and standing erect. Tail long, albescent and terminating in 3 
 broad tuft, whicb becomes wo^rn out in a state of capti\dty. Face, 
 palms, soles, fingers, toes and callosities black. Irides brown. 
 
 Imngtli of head and body of a full growm male 20 inches ; of tail, 
 2 I 3 inches. 
 
 GeograpTiicdl Distribution. — Southern India and Ceylon. 
 
 This species is the common black monkey or “ Wander od' of the 
 Southern and Western Provinces. It is replaced in the highlands by 
 the next species, closely aliied to it, but considered C|uite distinct from 
 the long known P. Ceplialopterus, for which no doubt it has often 
 been taken by the cursory observer. We have not obseiwed P. CepJm- 
 lopterus in higher parts than 1300 feet. 
 
 PRESBYTES URSIXUS. Bhjtll. 
 
 The bear -like monliey — Malta Wanderoo — Sing. 
 
 Syn. P. Cephalopterus? tar monticolus. nobis. 
 
 Furlong, almost uniform gre\dsh black. Whiskers full, white. Occiput 
 and croup, in very old specimens only, are paler coloured but scarcely 
 albescent. Hands and feet nearly black. Tail long, less albescent at 
 the base than at the temiinal half, which is in most specimens grey. 
 The otlier characters as in P. Cephalopterus, from which it is distin- 
 guished by its larger size, stouter limbs, longer hairs and want of 
 grey on the occiput, croup and sides of thighs. The young and middle 
 aged have a decided rufous sliade throughoid, and ccncolorous ^^'ith 
 the rufous colour of tlie head. 
 
 A full grouTi specimen killed at Xewera-Ellia measured as follow : 
 
 Length 
 
 ; from apex of nose to root of tail. 
 
 ... 1 
 
 hi. 
 
 9 
 
 Ho. 
 
 of head from vertex to chin 
 
 
 H 
 
 Ho. 
 
 of tail 
 
 . 2 
 
 0 
 
 Ho. 
 
 from elbow to tip of longest finger. 
 
 • • 
 
 01 
 
 Ho. 
 
 of palm 
 
 
 
 Ho. 
 
 from knee to heel 
 
 
 7^ 
 
 Ho. 
 
 of foot (from heel to end of toes). 
 
 • 
 
 6 
 
 Ho. 
 
 of sole 
 
 
 4 : 
 
 Geograpdiical Distribution. — Mountains of (. eylon. 
 
 The first two specimens, from one of wliich Mr. Blyth described 
 his P. Ur sinus, were obtained from Xewera-Ellia, where this is the 
 only monkey seen and in great abundance. Since then, we have re-' 
 ceived specimens from various parts of the high Kandyan districU. 
 It iippears to represent in the highlands the ‘‘black Wanderoo ” (/hes-r* 
 bgtes Cephalopterus) of the maritime provinces of the south and estein 
 
QUADRUMANAi 
 
 3 
 
 portions of the Island. This highland monkey appears to attain a 
 larger size in the more alpine parts. Very large sized individuals 
 are seen about Rambodde pass. A young one, which we kept for 
 several months in Kandy in good health, pined and died soon after 
 its arrival at Trincomalie, where neither it nor the P. Ceplialopteru^ 
 are found, but are represented by the next species. 
 
 PRESBYTES PRiAMUS. ElUot and BlytTi. 
 
 The crested Monltey — Koonde Wanderoo — Sing. 
 
 % 
 
 Greyish Cliocolat au lait colour, with the lait predominating, and 
 often with a fulvous tinge. Hands and feet generally of a lighter grey. 
 Abdomen and inside of limbs, and sometimes the croup, of a dull 
 white colour. Hair moderately long, nearly straight. A thick com- 
 pressed high crest on the vertex of head, of a pale fulvous colour. 
 Whiskers greyish or buff, short and terminating on the chin in a short 
 projecting beard. Whiskers continuous with greyish hairs on the fore- 
 head radiating from a centre. Upper lip scantily covered with vdiite 
 hairs. Occiput albescent. Superciliary hairs long, black; projecting 
 horizontally over the brow and forming a kind of toothed peak to 
 the cap represented by the high vertical crest. Callosities white (in 
 most specimens) near the tail. Tail longer than the body; nearly of 
 the same colour as the darker parts of the back and terminating in 
 a long albescent tuft. Limbs long and look attenuated ; hairs straight 
 and greyish near the hands and feet. Toes covered with long grey 
 hairs, some of which project over the nails. Face, palms, and finge'rs f 
 Boles and toes black. A full grown male measured, 
 
 ft. In. 
 
 Head and body 1 9 
 
 Tail 2 d 
 
 Shoulder to the tips of fingers... 1 3 
 
 Leg (to heel) 1 5 
 
 Palm including fingers „ d 
 
 Sole including toes „ 6 
 
 Small intestines 15 feet and 2 inches. Large intestines 3 feet 8 
 inches. Coecum 4| inches. Stomach sacculated, and corresponded, ex- 
 cept ill size, with Professor Owen’s description of the stomach of the 
 allied species Presbjjtes Entellus, found in the peninsula of India. The 
 liver two lobed; right lobe with a deep central cleft having a small 
 lobule behind. Left lobe smaller Vvith one long an*l another shorter 
 posterior lobule. Gall bladder 1 \ inch long. Spleen large, of an irre- 
 gular quadrangular shape. This monkey is very common in the northern 
 and north-eastern parts of the Island, and its range extends even to 
 
4 
 
 QUADRUMANA. 
 
 the rocks of Dambool and it is occasionally also seen about Matelle, Ka- 
 duganava, Hewehette, and probably extends to Batticaloa and Ham- 
 bantotte on the south-eastern side of the Island. We have recently 
 seen a large monkey within seven miles of Trincomalie (near the hot 
 wells of Kanniai), which from a distance we took for the next species, 
 P. Thersites. as no crest was visible on any, and the animals were of 
 of a much darker colour than the generality of P. Priam ; but on ob- 
 taining a fine full grown individual, we discovered our mistake, as 
 the animal has a very small tuft of hair on the crest, scarcely an inch 
 high, the rest of the hairs of head shorter and the radiating centre 
 of white hairs on the fore -head, placed almost on the brow and very 
 indistinct. Colour of head fulvous dark grey or brown. Body very 
 dark grey, without any shade of fulvous ; some long grey hairs hang 
 down the back from the shoulders ; abdomen and limbs as in the 
 darkest forms of P. Priam. This monkey we take for the present to 
 be merely a variety of P. Priam, rerus. The only specimen we ex- 
 amined measured as follow's: 
 
 Head and body 
 
 Tail 
 
 Arm 
 
 Leg 
 
 Palm 
 
 Sole 
 
 A 
 
 1 
 
 . 2 
 . 1 
 . 1 
 
 • }} 
 • }> 
 
 In. 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 4i 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 Small intestines 19 feet 8 inches; large 4 feet 8 inches; coecum 
 inches. Stomach sacculated, and other viscera as in the above description 
 Geograjpliical Distrihution . — Southern India and Ceylon. 
 
 P. Priam is easily distinguished from all other kno^\m species of 
 monkeys in Ceylon, by its high compressed, vertical crest, its slender 
 limbs, and fulvous grey colour of the head and parts of back and sides. 
 Both sexes nearly aline, a few bright yellowish hairs on the posterior 
 part of the abdomen of full gronm females. In a very young live 
 specimen (scarcely a few" days old) the vertical crest w"as distinctly 
 visible. The body, head and limbs w’ere light grey and concdlorous, 
 without fulvous tinge in any part. This youthful “Priam” was 
 actually sustained at a w'oman’s breast, (wdio volunteered her services 
 for several days), till it w"as taught to lap up milk from a saucer. 
 We w"atched w'ith considerable interest the infantile and youthful pro- 
 'gross of this future Presbytes. It grew quite affectionate to its master 
 .and attendants. We had its miniature taken by the best artist at Co- 
 lombo, and wdiich we hope Avill grace the title page of this little w'ork 
 of our leisure hours. The climate of Colombo at last disagreed with 
 
QUADRUMANA. 
 
 5 
 
 its general health, and it died of a decline, which was indeed the fate 
 of all our pets, brought into the low country from the highlands, 
 though placed on our leaving Colombo in the care of several friends 
 who were acquiring a taste for Natural History. 
 
 PRESBYTES THERSiTEs. BlijtJi and Elliot. 
 
 The grey Monkey — Ellee Wanderoo — Sing. 
 
 Uniform dusky grey colour (devoid of fulvous tinge) on the upper 
 parts, darker on the crown and forelimbs, and passing into a dull 
 slaty brown on the wrists and hands ; the hairs upon the toes whitisii 
 or dull white; no crest upon the vertex (as in P. Priamiis) nor does 
 the hair there form a transverse ridge, as in the living P. EntelluSy 
 face surrounded with white ; narrow over the brows ; the whiskers and 
 beard more developed tlian in other entelloid Indian species, and very 
 conspicuously white, contrasting much with the crown and body, which 
 are darker than in P. Priamus. 
 
 Geographical Distr ih utio ii. — Ceylon . 
 
 The above description is Mr. Blyth’s, of a monkey sent by Dr. Tem- 
 pleton to the Bengal Asiatic Society. We are all but sure of having 
 seen this monkey (a tame one) in the neighbourhood of Badulla, in 
 the Ouvah district. Mr. Edgar Layard informs us that Dr. Tcm- 
 pleton obtained his specimen from Trincomalie, but where we have 
 not found any other monkey than P. Priam terns and the variety 
 above described, neither of which can we identify with P. Thersites. 
 The only monkey which we have lately obtained and which may be 
 identified with P. Thersites, is a young one from Doombera, but said 
 to have been originally brought from Bintenne ; it is still alive : it canie 
 into our possession at the same time as the young of P. Priam noticed 
 above. Though a little older animal it had no appearance of a crest, 
 the colour was even then darker, and the hair not so silky. We 
 brought this monkey with us to Trincomalie, and while writing this 
 account, we are enabled to compare it with a live specimen of a 
 youtliful Priam of about the same age, obtained from Nicholson’s 
 cove, near Fort Ostenburg ; the latter is decidedly of a paler colour with 
 a distinct fulvous tinge ; whereas, in the former there is not the slightest 
 trace of fulvous. The beard of F. Priam is of a dull white or buff 
 colour, straight, coarse, and laterally thrown rather backwards; in our 
 Doombera monkey, the whiskers are of a whiter colour, composed 
 of a finer description of hair, much more abundant, but not terminating 
 laterally as in Preshytes Cephalrypterns and P. Ursinns. From both 
 of these It is easily distinguished by its uniform dark grey, withojut 
 ®ny blackish shade; fore-arms and legs of a dull slaty colour. Fac«* 
 
6 
 
 QUADRUMAXA. 
 
 ears, soles and palms black. Tail albescent. It is a more lively ani- 
 mal than P. Priam. Its limbs are not so slender. Its Physiognomy is 
 not so melancholic, nor does it sit often in languid positions. Both 
 eat the same kinds of food ; fruits, pods, young leaves and shoots ; they 
 perform scarcely any mastication. 
 
 To that distinguished comparative anatomist, Professor Owen, are 
 we indebted, for a faithful description of the stomach of the entelloi d 
 groui) of monkeys, which all the species we have examined possessed 
 in common. In the arrangement too, of the other abdominal viscera 
 of F. Friam, it corresponds with that observed by Professor Owen in 
 P. EnteUus, viz : the liver instead of crossing the epigastre, occupies 
 the whole of the right hypochondrium, and extends downwards to the 
 lumbar region, and the spleen is attached to the omentum continued 
 from the left side of the stomach. 
 
 As in P. EnteUvs, the Ceylon species of Presbytes have also long 
 intestines, in nearly the same proportion, viz. 8 of intestines to one 
 of body. The contents of the stomach and intestines of all the indi- 
 viduals, brought dead from the jungle, were of the same vegetable 
 matter : the second portion of the stomach contained only half digested 
 leaves and fruits, the n]>per portion contained bits of leaves or pieces 
 of fruit scarcely masticated, the lower portion contained a thin greenish 
 matter semifluid in some instances. "We have watched frequently the 
 habits of these animals in the jungles: they are generally seen in 
 uroups of three or four, ho])ping from branch to branch of large 
 trees, and when they sit, they are seen to lop off yith their hands 
 tender branches, which they nearly deprive of leaves, by biting them 
 off rapidly. They will sometimes use their hands to remove the ten- 
 der leaves and shoots and introduce them into the mouth. When tamed, 
 they will eat almost any kind of vegetable food; boiled rice, bread 
 and plantains are their chief food in confinement. They are also fond 
 of peas and beans. We haye never observed them eat animal food 
 in any shape ; nor are they fond of sweets. It is curious to observe 
 how well they select the most juicy or wholesome leaves from a mass 
 of all kinds thown to them. Leaves and fruits of a balsamic odour 
 are disliked; they invariably smell the leaves before even breaking 
 them off the young branches. We have not observed them to ru- 
 minate. They sleep sitting on the callosities, knees bent, and head 
 bowed down between the arms, which are folded on the knees. In a 
 captive state they are subject to diarrhoea, and apparently to tubercular 
 disease of the lungs and mesentery. Tubercular deposits were found 
 in several which died in captivity. 
 
. QUADRUMANA. 
 
 •1 
 
 PRESBYTE3 ALBINOS. NoblS. 
 
 Pur dense, sinuous, nearly of a uniform white colour, with only a 
 slight dash of grey on the head. Pace and ears black. Palms and 
 soles, fingers and toes flesh coloured. Limbs and body, the sluipe of 
 P. Ursinus. Long white liaii's prolonged over the toes and claws, giving 
 the appearance of a white spaaiiel dog to this monkey. I'Hdcs Inown 
 Whiskers white, full and pointed laterally. 
 
 The -above description is taken from a live young i]idividuag sent 
 to us by Mr. Jansen from ^latelle, which has since died ; and the stuffed 
 specimen is now en route to Mr. Blyth. At first, we considered the 
 white monkeys, (the existence of which in the Island we have often 
 heard asserted), were merely albinos of P. Cepkalopferun or I*. Ursinus, 
 But the Hack colour of the naked pails of the face and ears, and the 
 dark brown of the^eyes, incline us to believe that tlicy are of a distinct 
 species. The Kandyans assured us they are seen (rarely liowc\'er) in 
 small parties of three and four, over the hills beyond Matelle, and 
 never in company with a dark kind. 
 
 Although we have now described five distinct species of Vreshufes, 
 we do not despair of still finding others, in part» of the Jslard d:at 
 liave not yet been explored. Our attention has often been directed 
 to a species of monkey in the Elephant park in Bintenne, which sports- 
 men, fre;|uenting -tiie park call, the “ spectacle monkey” ; we liave not 
 visited that part of the Island, and hitherto we have not sueccoded in 
 getting any specimens from that interesting locality. We are not ac- 
 quainted with the monkeys between this and Haml antotte, nor are wo 
 certain what species are found in Adam’s Pea’: and the fcaffragam 
 district. But from all accounts the P. Uminus is also there with ti^e 
 common Macacus Stntens. However, it is well woitli enquiring into, 
 by any one who may have an opportunity of doing so. 
 
 GENUS. MACACUS. Lace^). 
 
 Pithecus. Geoff: Cuv. 
 
 Canine teeth very strong, particularly in the males; the first and 
 second molars have two tubercles on their crown, tlie tlirce otliers 
 have four; with the exception of the last of the lower jaw, which 
 has five and whicli is terminated by a heel; facial angle to 45^; 
 superciliary ridges much developed; muzzle broad and projecting; eyes 
 approaching; nostrils oblique; ears naked, close to the bead, angular. 
 Cheek pouches. Lips thin and extensible. Callosities. 
 
 4 . 1-1 . 5-0 
 
 Peiital formula: Incisors 7 , canines rv , molars •r 7 ,= f>2. 
 
 ' - 4: ' i-i ' ■ 0-0 ' 
 
8 
 
 QUADRUMANA. 
 
 MACACUS SINICUS. Lim%. 
 
 The bonneted Macaque — Eilawa. — &vng. 
 
 Syn : Simla Sinica. — Limi. 
 
 Cyanoceph: Sinensis. — Latr. Buff on. 
 
 Fur yellovdsli broA\m, with a slight shade of green in old specimens- 
 In some the back is of a light chesnut brown colour. Abdomen and 
 inner parts of thighs of a dull white. Yellowish brown hairs on the 
 crown of the head, radiating from the centre to the circumference. 
 Face flesh-coloured, beardless. A few straggling black hairs on the 
 cheeks and lips. Iride& reddish brown. Ears, palms, soles, fingers and 
 toes of a blackish colour. Callosities flesh coloured. Tail rather long*, 
 terminating in a short tuft. 
 
 A lull sized specimen measured head and body 21 inches. Tail 18 
 inches. Larger ones are seldom seen. 
 
 Geogra^diical Distrihution . — Southern India, China, Ceylon. 
 
 This Monkey, the “Eilawa” of the Singhalese, is a lively spirited 
 animal, but easily tamed; particularly fond of making grimaces, with 
 which it invariably welcomes* its master and friends. It is truly aston- 
 ishing to see, the large quantity of food it will cram down the cheek 
 pouches for future mastication. The Rilawa is very abundant in all 
 parts of the Island, particularly common about Chilaw and Putlam, 
 where there is also a small variety of a paler colour, but which re- 
 quires further examination. They are longer lived when tamed than 
 the Wanderoos of Ceylon. They will sometimes eat boiled 
 
 meats, and they are very dexterous in catching flies and smaller in- 
 sects, which they are sometimes seen to eat. Domestication seems to 
 make them pure vegetarians. In a wild state, we doubt not, they are 
 qjartially carnivorous or at least slightly insectivorous. 
 
 We have seen several specimens of Macacus Sihmis,, L. the black 
 monkey (the wanderoo of authors), brought from the Malabar Coast, 
 and one is now alive in our little menagerie. 
 
 Dr. Templeton, we believe, was the first naturalist who pointed out 
 the error found in all books, that this species {3Iac. Siknus) is also a 
 native of Ceylon. None have hitherto been seen, in the wild state, in 
 any part of the Island explored by a naturalist; and probably, Dr, 
 Templeton is correct in saying, that it is not found in the Island. 
 How the native term “ Ooanderoo" or “ Wanderoo" , (which they in- 
 variably give only to species of the genus Vreshgfes), has been applied 
 by authors to the black Macacus, is easily explained — ^The Portuguese 
 population apply the term Oanderoo to fl, and no doubt the Dutch 
 borrowed it Irom them,. and probably fixed this appellation to labeks 
 
QUADEtJMAlfir^V. 
 
 9 
 
 on specimens (tliey sent to Buffon and others) which originally came 
 from the Malabar Coast. 
 
 Macacus Stlenus L. is of a black colour; has a short tail and an 
 ash coloured ruff round the face and head. The Ceylon ^‘'Rilawd' 
 resembles much the allied species found in Southern India Macacxis 
 radiatus (Desm) but is easily distinguished from it, by its less robust 
 make and smaller size. The latter is also of a deeper greenish shade 
 and has flesh coloured ears, palms and soles. Native Jugglers from 
 the coast exhibit both these monkeys at fares and shows. Our Ceylon 
 Eilawa appears on these occasions to less advantage, at gymnastics, than 
 its neighbour ; the latter is also somewhat more intelligent and less 
 mischievous. But both are capable of great improvement in social 
 manners ; they afford much amusement to children, (to whom however 
 they are not very partial), and even adults of ^^the sole germs and sde 
 species” cannot but wonder how intelligent a monkey may become by 
 tuition. ^ 
 
 GENUS. STENOPS. IlUg. 
 
 Loris. Geoff. Lacep. Lemur. Gmel. 
 
 A genus allied to the true Sloth or Lemur. Upper incisors very 
 small, separated in the middle, inferior inclined, contiguous, and very 
 small, molars with sharp pointed crowns ; head round; muzzle turned 
 up ; nose prolonged ; eyes very large, separated by a very thin bony 
 partition ; ears short and hairy ; four pectoral maminje ; no tail ; bones 
 of the arm and leg distinct, tibia larger than the femur ; tarsus and 
 metatarsus of equal length. 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors tt, canines rv , molars ►tt' ,=3G. 
 
 0 ’ l-i ’ 0-5 ’ 
 
 STENOrS GRACILIS. Gcoff. 
 
 The Indian Sloth — Oona happolava. — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Loris gracilis. — Geoff. 
 
 Lemur tardigradus. — Sclireh, 
 
 Lemur lor is. — Zimm. 
 
 Lemur Ceylonicus. — Fischer. 
 
 Fur short, dense, soft, of a velvetty feel; above, of a tawny snuff 
 
 * Since writing the above remarks, we liave purchased a live young M. radiatus ^ 
 said to have been brought from the jungle, between Trincomalie and Anarajapooia. 
 
 R 
 
vlO 
 
 QUADRUMANA. 
 
 'bro^vn colour, •uutli an inciifitinct darker line on the dorsal region. Beneath 
 and inner sides of limbs of a pale fulvous brown colour. A tri- 
 angular white spot on the fore-head carried dovm on the nose. 
 Ears small oval; Limbs long and slender; a hooked cl. nv on the 
 
 inner toes, nails of the other toes flat ; posterior third of soles ai^ 
 palms liairy. 
 
 All adult male measured, 
 
 From snout to vent 8 inches 
 
 Length of arm o 
 
 Do. of leg .og „ 
 
 I ,, 
 
 Bole 1| „ 
 
 Small intestines 1 ft, 10 in.; large intestines 1 ft. 1 in.; coecum 2 
 in.; stomach 1^ in. 
 
 GecjrapJiical Dutvihution . — India, Ceylon. 
 
 The Loris or Sloth of Ceylon is seen only in the lowlands. Tt ds 
 quite a noctm-nal and arboreal animal, of very slow movements. It 
 sleeps during the day and is active at night. Its hold or grasp ia 
 very tenacious. It is said to prey upon insects, lizards and eggs of 
 birds; and also to feed on small birds. In confinement it partakes 
 freely of sweet vegetable food, but rarely animal food. It is particu- 
 larly fond of honey and syrup. 
 
 Mr. Simon Casie Chitty informs us, of his having seen a blackish 
 Loris, distiiict from the one we have just described ; which is also 
 found in tlic (ihilaw district ; this may possibly be the Nycticehus tardi- 
 yradus ; but its existence requires confiimation : both are found in India. 
 
 Kycfwehus Ceylonicm, Desm, Geoff, is described in Stark’s Elements 
 of Natural history, to have blackish brown fur, “entirely black upon 
 the back.” \Ye have not seen a Loris corresponding to these eha- 
 racters. 
 
ORDER. CARNARIA. 
 
 ©[n] 10 
 
 a. Insectivora. 
 
 GSNUS. MEGADERMA. Geof. 
 
 The conch of the ears very large, and broiiglit togetlier on the top 
 of the head. The tragus large and most commonly bifurcated. Nasal 
 membranes complicated ; composed of three distir ct leailets or crests, 
 one vertical, one horizontal, and one inferior of a horse shoe shape. 
 
 Interfemoral membrane entire ; no tail. 
 
 0 . 1-1 4-4 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines py, molars ■^'^,=26. 
 
 MEGADERMA LYRA. Gcoff. 
 
 Syn. Meg. Schistacea. Hodgson. 
 
 Above, ashy blue ; liairs long and silky. Eeneath paler ; shorter 
 hairs. Ears, large naked, except on its upper edge, which is hairy j 
 joined together by its base above tlie forehead. Oreiiion loiig, cordate 
 anterior lobe nairow, long, and pointed; posterior lobe small, rounded. 
 Alar and interfemoral mend'ranes dark brown; the latter supported 
 by long tibial spurs. Two pairs of mammje. An ordinary sized one 
 measured, 
 
 Head and body 3 inches 
 
 Interfemoral membrane „ 
 
 Alar expanse 14^ „ 
 
 Radius 2. 2-10 „ 
 
 Tibia 1.1-10,, 
 
 Geogra^)]iical ListiiLution. — Indhi, C eyion. 
 
 None of the specimens examined by us, were of the dimen- 
 sions given by Mr. Hodgson. The Megaderme is found only in. 
 some parts of the lelanrb We have received specimens from Kadu- 
 ganava, Point Pedro, and from the neighbourliood of Anarajapoora. 
 P'or a minute description of the characters and habits of tills bat, see. 
 '-Mr. Hodgson’s excellent Monograph, in J. As. S. B. aoL for . 
 
12 
 
 CARNARIA. 
 
 GENUS. TAPHOZOUS, Geoff. 
 
 Chaffron with a sillon or rounded indenture on the forehead; upper 
 lip thick ; ears moderate and wide apart. Tail fine towards its point, 
 which is free above the prolonged and angular interfemoral membrane* 
 The males have a transverse cavity under the throat, which appears 
 in some species to be developed only at some seasons of the year, 
 (see appendix) 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors ^ , canines p-j" , molars ,= 26 . 
 
 TAPHOZOUS LONGiMANUs. Hardw. 
 
 Above, dusky or rufescent brovm ; tips of hair, darker. Beneath 
 paler ; darker on the neck and throat. About half-way down the inter- 
 femoral membrane the tail is free. Membranes dusky. 
 
 Total length about inches, of which the tail measured one inch; 
 alar expanse Id inches; radius 2| inches; tibia 10-12 inches. 
 
 Geographical I)istribvfio7i.- — India, Ceylon, Java. 
 
 This bat is rare in the Island ; the only specimen examined 
 was from Colombo, which Mr. Blyth has been so good as to .iden- 
 tify for us. We have obtained another Tajjhozovs at Trincemalie, 
 wiiich we are inclined to believe is the Taphozous hreticandm of 
 Blyth; but the tail and interfemoral membrane were so mutilated 
 that only an imperfect description of it can now be given; but this 
 no doubt, with the imperfect specimen sent to Mr Blyth, will enable 
 that eminent naturalist to inform us what species it is. 
 
 TAPHOZOUS BPEVICAUDUS. Bhjtll, 
 
 Face and ears as in former species; only of smaller dimensions. 
 Upper parts of a dark ashy bro’^Mi, nearly black ; base of hairs greyish. 
 Beneath paler. Membranes dusky. It measured as follows; ^ 
 
 Supposed total length about 84 in., of which the head and body 
 measured 2J in.; radius 2. 3-10 in.; tibia 8-10 in.; longest digit 3 
 4-10 in; alar expanse 12h in. 
 
 GeograjJiical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 GENUS. KHINOLOPHUS. Geoff. Cuv. 
 a. Bhinolophus. Gray. 
 
 Nose at the bottom of a cavity, bordered by a wide crest of a horse 
 shoe shape, and surmounted by a leaf or crest of a pointed or trian- 
 gular shape. Anti-helix distinct and sometimes considerably developed. 
 Females have frequently pubic warts simulating mamilla3, to which the 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 13 
 
 young ones are supposed to cling. Tail long, entirely enveloped by 
 
 the interfemoral membrane, which is very much developed. 
 
 2 . 1-1 , 5-0 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines -py, molars 
 
 RHINOLOPHUS RUBIDUS. liohis. 
 
 Above, of a bright red-ferruginous brown; tips of hairs darker. 
 Beneath paler. Ears pointed and external edge deeply emarginated; 
 internal edge and basal third of external surface hairy; anti -helix well 
 developed. Pubis hairy; inguinal warts in some. Females of a browner 
 red colour, and rather smaller. Nasal process apparently very similar 
 to that of R. mitratus. Blyth. The mesial or central cup above the 
 nostrils, appears to be a continuation of a depression or furrow in 
 the anterior part of the vertical leaf. Below the triangular peak is 
 a transverse leaf, connected to the lower surface of the peak by a 
 septum, which divides both, into two cup like depressions. The tip 
 of the peak emarginated and reaching above the base of ears. 
 
 Head and body 2. 3-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 9-10 „ 
 
 Fore-arm 1.9-10 „ 
 
 Tibia 9-10 „ 
 
 Longest digit 2. 8-10 „ 
 
 Ears, anteally (long) 7-10 „ 
 
 Tragus (broad) 3-10 „ 
 
 Alar expanse 12 „ 
 
 W eight, of a large one 4 dr. 20 grains. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 The first specimen, of tins beautiful llhinolophus, w^as obtained from 
 the Central Provinces, and since that, we have seen several from Trin- 
 comalie, and its neighbourhood. In colour it resembles more 
 the Ilipposideros fiilgens, Elliot, than Hip. aureus, nobis. Some spe- 
 cimens were of a brighter red than others, and a few liad a yel- 
 lovv'er tinge. Besides these varieties, another marlced variety, in great 
 nuifibers, of almost a uniform pale j'ellow brown colour, was obtained 
 from the same localities, which may either be only a variety or a dis- 
 tinct species ; — probably, R. mitratus of Blyih. Si^e equal to that of 
 the last species. 
 
 RHINOLOPHUS CINERASCRNS. llohis. 
 
 Syn. Phinolophus tragatus ? Hodgson, 
 
 Above, dusky or rshy brown, base of hairs paler than at the surface. 
 Below paler. Nasal process and antihelix as in the last species. 
 
14 
 
 CARNAEIA* 
 
 Total length 3 in., of which the tail 8-10 in.; fore-arm Iv 8-10 in.,* ' 
 tibia 7-10 in.; alar expanse 10| inches. 
 
 GeGgrojJiical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 IVe are indebted for specimens of this species to Mr. Pett, of the 
 Ordnance Department, who caught them in under ground passages 
 in Fort Fredrick, where bats of many kinds are frequently found. 
 
 RHIXOLOPHT'S RA5IMAXIKA. liohis. 
 
 Above rufescent brovui. Beneath ashy bro'^m. Face slightly fulvous 
 Bound the base of the ears and on the sides of the posterior half of 
 the body, bright fulvous. Tail enclosed in the interfemoral membrane. 
 
 Head and bodv 2 A inches. 
 
 Tail !! 1 
 
 Alar expanse 10 „ 
 
 Only one specimen was procured from Amanapoora hill at Ka- 
 duganava, and this we have forwarded with other specimens to the 
 Zoological Society of London. As the specimen reached us in a dried 
 condition, we are unable to say any thing more about its nasal pro- 
 cesses, than that in place of a transverse process, above the nostrils, 
 it had a small triangular peak over the usual horse shoe shaped 
 i process, surrounding the nasal opening. This triangular crest was 
 hrdry superiorly; there was no appearance of a sac above it, to the 
 best of our recollection. Doubtful as we were of its true characters, 
 we hesitated to give it any specific name, but now we have added 
 one, which will facilitate future reference to this bat, should our suc- 
 cessors, in the field we are about to quit, meet \\dth specimens of the 
 genus lihinolojjhvs of Gray, answering to the above characters. 
 
 If all the Rhino! opliine bats we have here described, are of distinct 
 species, tiie Fauna of Ceylon, will have four species of the restricted 
 genus Rhinolophus. 
 
 b. HIPPOSIDEROS. Gra^. 
 
 Differing from Rliinolophus in having no distinct antihelix, with the 
 surmoiUiting nasal leaf transver.se and recurved. Tail generally ex- 
 celled at the tip, from the interfemoral membrane ; but can be drawn 
 witjiin the sheatli by manual force ; whether this can be done volun- 
 tanly by the animal, remains to be ascertained. In most s|>ecics there 
 is a circular cavity or sac, behind the crest; which the animal can 
 turn out at pleasure, like the finger of a glove ; it is lined Awith a 
 
 pencil of stiff hairs. 
 
 When alarmed, the animal opens this cavity and 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 15 
 
 blows it out, during which it is protruded and withdrawn at each 
 
 breathing. 
 
 This cup or purse contains a waxy matter, of a green or yellow co- 
 lour ; apparently secreted by a follicular gland. Ears distinct and very 
 mobile or tremulous; striated transversely. 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors canines 
 
 1-1 4 or 5 
 
 W . molars -r- , 
 1-1 ’ o 
 
 4 or 5 
 6 
 
 =28 or 30. 
 
 Mr. Walter Elliot (from whose description of this genus we have 
 quoted) observes with regard to its dentition, that “ the upper incisors 
 are distant, placed near the canines and triangular, broad at the edge, 
 and sloping back to the root, the lower ones are close together ere- 
 nulate at the edge, each having three points.” In all other respects 
 the characters are the same as in Ilhinolophus. 
 
 HiPPOSiDEEos FULVus. Gra^. 
 
 Syn. Ilhinolophus fulgens. Elliot. 
 
 Head and body of a light orange browm colour. Membranes blackish., 
 Interfemoral meml»rane narrow. Tail excerted at the tip. 
 
 Length of head and body inch 
 
 Do. of tail I „ 
 
 Alar expanse 8 „ 
 
 Nasal processes (as Mr Elliot also observes) are more developed 
 in this species than in II. rrmrimis; and like it, this bat has not 
 the three dermal folds found in II. siieoris, &c. 
 
 Geograjphical Distrihution . — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 We have received specimens of this beautiful bat from only one 
 localit}’’, — Kaduganawa, a mountainous part of the Island, about 12 
 miles from Kandy, and about 1200 feet high. It is not even tliere 
 common: a more recent specimen re(*eivcd from thence, and which 
 we forwarded to Mr. Blyth, has enabled us to correct our 'mistake 
 in confounding this bat, with an undescribed species of Rhinolojjhus 
 of nearly tlie same colour — II. rubidus, nobis. 
 
 In the hurry of packing up specimens for the Zoological Society, 
 on the eve of our departure from Kandy, we have, if not liiuch 
 mistaken, sent also a bat, precisely of the same size and colouring 
 as II. fulvns, but without any nasal appendages, the face being hairy 
 to tlie muzzle. This bat, which was received with the other red bats from 
 Kaduganava, was thereby completely lost siglit of, and therefore, should tliia 
 notice meet tlie eve of the Sccretarv^ of the Zoological Society, we 
 hope he will fmd out, whether it is a distinct species of bat or abnormal' 
 form oi Hip j^osider os fulvus. Elliot. 
 
16 
 
 CAPtNARIA 
 
 HiPPOsiDEROs MURiNus. Gray. 
 
 Syn. Ehinoloplius Muriniis. Elliot 
 
 Muzzle Bliort. Body short and thick. Above dusky brown; this 
 colour is only confined to the extreme tips of the hairs, the rest being 
 silvery grey. Beneath uniform dusky grey. Nasal process simple; 
 no dermal folds on the sides of the horse shoe leaf. Sac behind the 
 transverse crest. Ears large, naked. jMembranes blackish. Interfe- 
 moral membrane investing the tail, with the exception of its extreme 
 tip. Two pectoral mammse and two inguinal warts. 
 
 Head and body 1. 8-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 1.2-10 „ 
 
 Badius 1. 5-10 „ 
 
 Tibia 7-10 „ 
 
 Alar expanse 10 „ 
 
 Geoyraphiccd Distribution. — India, Java, Ceylon. 
 
 This bat , which we take to be the true H. uwrinns of Elliot and Gray, 
 •we found at Colombo, Caltura, Negombo and Kandy; but never to- 
 gether with the following species, which we regard as distinct, if 
 colour is a good specific guide, as it seems to be, with respect 
 to many other of the Khiiiolophine bats. 
 
 HIPPOSIDEROS ATEATUS. Uohis. 
 
 S}Ti. Ehinolophus Ater. Templeton. 
 
 Hip. muriuus. tar, apud Blyih. 
 
 Eather smaller than the last. The surface colour of the back darker 
 nearly black. Ears large, cordate; 7-10 in. long, anteriorly; inner 
 edge hairy internally; external edge slightly waved; this character is 
 very conspicuous in sonie specimens. The difference in size, from II. 
 murinus, is in linear dimensions. In other respects alike. 
 
 Head and body 1.6-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 1.1-10 .. 
 
 ' Eadius 1.3-10 „ 
 
 Tibia 5-10 „ 
 
 Alar expanse „ 
 
 Geoyrapliical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 , Found at Colombo, but it is not so numerous as II. murinus. We 
 also procured a few’ at Kandy and Trincomalie. From the latter lo- 
 cality w^e have not obtained a single specimen of H. murinus. 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 17 
 
 HipposiDEROS 8PEORIS. Gray, Geoff, 
 
 Syn. Rhinolophus speoris. — Elliot. 
 
 Hipposideros apiculatus — male. ) -i t 
 
 TT. . ^ T i Grau,ar)ViaBlyth, 
 
 liip. penicillatus — female. 3 
 
 Above dusky black, or mouse brown ; base of hair paler. Beneath 
 uniform ashy brovMi. Membranes dusky brown. Interfemoral mem- 
 brane narrow; enclosing the tail, ex?ept about 2-10 in. of its extreme 
 point. Tail composed of 4 or b joints. Pubis naked, with two 
 inguinal v/arts in most specimens. Males have a frontal sac. bemales 
 none. Nasal process more complicated and more developed than in 
 H. mnrin vs ; there are three additional folds of skin on each side of 
 the horse shoe; the outer-most of these shorter and otherwise less 
 distinct. The following dimensions are about the average of a dozen 
 specimens. 
 
 Head and body 
 
 Tail 
 
 Radius 
 
 Tibia 
 
 2 
 
 1 . 
 
 1 . 
 
 inch 
 
 2-10 
 
 8-10 
 
 8-10 
 
 
 Alar expanse ll|t „ 
 
 W' eight 3 dr. 20 grains. 
 
 Females are of a lighter colour ; nearly of the same dimensions. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon, 
 
 We have some doubts of the identity of this species \\dth R. speoris 
 of Elliot’s catalogue, which appears to be a larger bat, weighing more 
 than 6 drachms. In proportion, the bat we have identified with H. speoris, 
 is nearly equal to Syke’s R. duketinensis, which Mr. Blyth identified, if 
 we are not mistaken, with Vesp* speoris, Desmarest. Between this 
 bat and the next species, there are others, which vary so little in 
 colour one from the other, that it is difficult to say to which they, 
 belong ; for the present we shall consider them intermediate varieties. 
 Hip. speoris is very common at Trincomalie, but appears later in 
 the year than the following, which is equally common there. 
 
 HIPPOSIDEROS TEMPLETONII. nobis. 
 
 Syn: Rhinolophus Voulha. — Templeton. 
 
 Hipposideros vulgaris. Horsf. var. apud Blyth. 
 Above dusky or rufescent brown, bases and extreme tips of hairs 
 greyish. Beneath uniform light browm. In dried specimens hoary 
 tips are here also observable. Membranes dusky, lighter colour than 
 
 0 
 
18 
 
 CARKAEIA. 
 
 / 
 
 in the last species. Tilial spurs longer than in S. speoris ; and cars 
 broader, but of the same pyriform shape, and acutely pointed, (in- 
 i.er edge slightly hairy in both.) Nasal process rather more de- 
 veloped. Pubis naked. Pectoral mammae two ; and two inguinal warts. 
 Frontal sac as in the last, well developed and secreting a greenish 
 matter. Females have no frontal sac, or have one only imperfectly 
 developed. 
 
 Head and body 2. 1-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 9-10 „ 
 
 Padius 2 „ 
 
 Tibia 9-10 „ 
 
 Alar expanse 11 „ 
 
 Weight 3 dr. to 3 dr. 20 grains. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 This bat is the one we formerly described, in the Journal of the 
 Asiatic Society of Ceylon, as Dr. Templeton’s Rhinolophus YouXka. 
 Our description of II. Templetonii, was not from a specimen of the 
 bat vchich is identified by Mr. Blyth with Hip. speoris. The grey 
 cf the extreme ti])S would have been noticed in our former des- 
 cription had it been more conspicuous; and now we only do so, as 
 our attention has been attracted to it by Mr. Blyth’s account of this 
 bat; which he thinks is only a variety of H. vulgaris of Gray; but, 
 as Dr. Templeton’s description was published in Ceylon, we believe 
 anteriorly to Mr. Gray’s, we have ventured to call it after a natu- 
 ralist who has not laboured unsuccessfully in Ceylon. Voulha, the 
 specific term applied by Dr. Templeton to this bat, is objectionable, 
 ns the Singhalese term “ Voulha' is a generic one, applied to all 
 bats indiscriminately. 
 
 This bat is common at Kandy, in churches and godowuis; and is 
 also found in the same situations at Colombo and Trincomalie, where 
 It is more abundant than any other species. We have seen males 
 without any frontal sac ; and we are inclined to believe that the sac is 
 only developed at certain seasons, which is a peculiarity observed also 
 by Mr. Blyth in other species of bats. In many specimens we have 
 examined there was a glandular body behind the well developed sac, 
 which, we should say, secreted the waxy matter: this gland was not 
 visible w’hen the sac w^as obsolete or undeveloped. 
 
 HIPPOSIDEROS AUREUS. Uobis. 
 
 Syn : Hipposideros larvatus. var ? — Horsf. 
 
 Face and chin bro>vn, nearly naked; ears email, ei’ect, apiculated 
 
CAB!fAEIA. 
 
 19 
 
 naked, with the exception of the inner edge and base of the external 
 surface. Head, neck and body of a bright golden yellow, with a slight 
 maronne shade on the tips of the hairs on the back. Fur dense, soit 
 and rather long. Membranes dusky brown. Tail short and excerted 
 for about 2-10 inch of its extreme point. Interfemoral membrane 
 narrow and squarish, supported by moderately sized tibial spurs. Nails 
 yellowish. Pubis naked. Females paler coloured, with less of yel- 
 lowish and more of a browner tinge; and may be mistaken for the 
 female of another species, but that they are sometimes found together 
 under the same roof of old temples. 
 
 Total leng*th 3-J inch, of which the tail 1. 2-10 inch. Radius 1. 8-10. 
 Tibia 8-10 inch. Ears 6-10 inch long anteally, and 5-10 inch broad, 
 at lower third. Head 8-10 inch long. Alar expanse 11 J inches to 
 121 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 This bat is found in some abundance at Trincomalie, in the months 
 of June, July and August. Fine specimens of it were received 
 from Sober Island in the harbour of Trincomalie. 
 
 Mr. Blyth has not yet seen this bat ; on comparing it with his des- 
 cription of H. larvatus Horsf. we cannot consider both as of the same 
 species. The bright golden colour in many, specimens strongly con- 
 ti*asts with the browner face ; and the membranes are not at all tinged 
 with the hue of the body. Frontal sac only in males. The waxy 
 matter in this species is of a yellow colour and quite transparent. 
 Mammae and inguinal warts as in last species. This bat is easily 
 distinguishable from H. fuhus by its larger size, and more compli- 
 cated nasal processes, which resemble those of II. speoris and II. 1 tm-- 
 pletonii, and are perhaps more developed than even in the latier. 
 II. ruhidus is a reddish bat, but there is no red in II. aureus nobis, 
 except in the slight maronne shade on the tips of the hairs on the 
 back. 
 
 HIPPOSIDEROS LANKADIVA. nohis. 
 
 Syn. Rhinolophus insignis. — Waterhouse‘S 
 
 Head long, muzzle short, but face prolongated. Nasal processes 
 as in II. speoris and proportionately more developed. No frontal sac, 
 but two separate tubercular points, (with a broad intervening space 
 between,) above the transverse nasal crest. On these tubercles a few 
 short stiffish hairs are seen in most specimens. Ears large, acumi- 
 nated ; naked, with the exception of the inner edge ; emarginated ex=* 
 
20 
 
 CABKAKIA 
 
 ternally, near the apex. Body long ; upper parts covered vidth rather 
 long, soft, dusky brown tipped greyish fur; extreme points again 
 shaded off with grey as in II. Tew'pletonii. The brown terminatiofls 
 being shorter, and of a lighter shade on the hairs of the neck and 
 part of the shoulders, show^ off the long greyish bases more conspi- 
 cuously on these parts ; and thus, too, forming a line of demarcation 
 on the shoulders, at the juncture of these two shades of surface colour. 
 Beneath of a uniformly light dusky colour. Membranes dark brown. 
 Interfemoral membrane acuminated, and investing the whole tail ; 
 which is not at all excerted. Pubis hairy. Both sexes nearly alike. 
 Females a little paler on the back. This is the largest of the Rhi- 
 noiphinae hitherto seen in Ceylon; a large male measured, 
 
 Head and body 4^ inch. 
 
 Tail 2 „ 
 
 Radius 3 ,, 
 
 Tibia „ 
 
 Longest digit 4^ 
 
 Alar expanse 21 „ 
 
 Ears anteally, 10-12 inch long, and nearly as much broad at the 
 middle ; betw'een the ears j inch. I'oot with claw's, 8-10 inch. Weight 
 2 cz. and 3J drams. 
 
 Geograyhical Distribution . — Ceyl on . 
 
 This large horse-shoe bat, is found in great abundance at Kandy 
 and its neighbourhood : Kurnegalle Tunnel (cut through a rocky hill) 
 sw'arms with them. They are also seen at Kaduganaw'a. Mr. Blyth 
 has not seen this bat ; but from our description of it he thinks it 
 identical with D. insignis of Waterhouse’s Catalogue. 
 
 HIPPCSIDEROS BLYTHII, nohlS 
 
 Above, surface colour a rich dark taw'ny brcw’n ; base of hairs much 
 lighter coloured, of a brighter yellow tinge. Beneath paler. Face par- 
 tially blackish. Ears black. Tip of tail excerted. No frontal sac. Mem- 
 branes blackish. Nasal processes as in Ilip\ s]:€oiis. 
 
 The only two specimens examined w'ere females ; the largest measured, 
 
 Head and body 
 
 
 Tail 
 
 1. 
 
 
 Fore arm 
 
 2. 
 
 » 
 
 Tibia 
 
 D-10 
 
 
 Alar expanse 
 
 12i 
 
 
 Weight 
 
 
 10 grains. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — C ey Ion. 
 
CARNARIA* 
 
 21 
 
 , This bat was also found in Fort Frederic, and is apparently new or- 
 undescribed;, certainly quite distinct from every other species of HipposU 
 dero$ seen in the Island. The rich tawny brown (when the specimen 
 was fresh ) resembled that of Nycticejiis Heathii^ but it has since faded 
 in drying. The greater length of the fore-arm, would also distinguish 
 this species from H. speoris and If. Templetonii. 
 
 GENUS. SCOTOPHILUS. Leach. 
 
 Four upper incisors, unequal, pointed; the intermediate ones being 
 largest and simple ; and the lateral ones bifid, with equal lobes. Six 
 lower incisors, indistinctly trifid. Two canines above and below% 
 The upper ones with a small point behind the base; and the lower 
 ones with a similar one in front. Four molars, crown armed with 
 points. 
 
 Mr. J. E. Gray confines this genus to the species which have the 
 wings attached to the ankle, as far as the base of the toes. 
 
 4 . 1-1 4-4 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines ► 7 ^ 7 ' , molars, ►tt' —20. 
 
 D i-1 4-4 
 
 SCOTOPHILUS CORAMANDELICUS. BlytJl. 
 
 The pigmy bat’ — Cossetta Voulha — Sing. 
 
 Syn: VespertiHo Coromandelicus— FI Cuv. 
 
 Vesp: irretitus. — Ca?i apud Blyth. 
 
 V esp ; pigmieus ? — Leach, apud Templeton. 
 
 Fur short; above dingy fulvous brown at the surface; below paler 
 and greyi'^h fulvous. Membranes dusky brown. 
 
 Not having a specimen of our own to describe from, we must quotie 
 further from Mr. Blyth’s description of it., tl. A. S. Bengal No. 2. 1851. 
 
 Expanse in:. Longest digit 2 to 2^ in:. Total length 2^ in:, of 
 which the tail measures Ig in;. Ears broad, exceeding \ inch in length. 
 Tragus J in:, appearing lanceolate in the dry specimens, but in the 
 fresh animal somewhat lunate, or a little curved forward and obtuse 
 at the tip. 
 
 Geographical Bistrihuiion.- — India, Ceylon, (Mr. Blyth.) 
 
 We have not seen in Ceylon a Scotophilus which quite answers to 
 to the above description ; but the very common Scotophilus we have 
 collected and seen in various parts of the Island, even at New'era^ 
 Ellia, may be described thus. 
 
 Above sooty black, the extreme tips of hairs on the back and 
 
22 
 
 CARNARIA. 
 
 filioulders of a dingy fulvous grey, sometimes hoary. Beneath paler, 
 with lighter grey or hoary tips. Membranes intensely black. Total 
 length 2J in:, of which the tail measures 1. 1-10 in:. Eadius 
 
 1 . 1-10 in:. Tibia 4-10 in:. Longest digit 1. 6-10 in:. Ears 3-10 in: 
 long. Tragus 3-12 in:, lunate, blunt. Head scarcely \ in: long. Ex- 
 panse inches. 
 
 Dr. Templeton mentions two varieties of Scotophilus, (Vesp: pig- 
 mteus, apud Templeton.) ^Ye think they correspond vdth the above 
 description of Mr. Blyth, and ours. Whether they are identical, 
 remains to be ascertained. Specimens of the last have been lately 
 forwarded to Mr. Blyth. We have since seen a much larger Scotoj)hilus, 
 which w’e shall provisionally name, — 
 
 SCOTOPHILUS CEYLONICUS. nohlS. 
 
 Above sooty black w ith a slight rufous shade ; extreme tips of some 
 of the hairs on the back hoary. Beneath white or hoary, confined to 
 the terminal half of hair, basal half dusky brown. The upper surface 
 of the basal third of the interfemoral membrane covered with similar 
 hairs as the back. Ears nearly as long as the head, narrow’’ and obtusely 
 pointed. Tragus short, narrow’; nearly straight, blunt. The only tw’o 
 specimens we have examined w'ere males, and both were nearly of the 
 same dimensions. 
 
 Total length 3. 8-10 in:, of w’hich the tail measured 1. 7-10 in:. 
 Alar expanse 11 inches. Head 7-10 in: long. Ears 6-10 in: long anteally. 
 Tragus 2-10 in:. Eadius 1.6-10 in:. Tibia 7-10 in:. Longest digit 
 
 2. 7-10 in:. Upper incisors 2 pairs, both indistinctly bilobed? or cer- 
 tainly the lateral ones are trifid. Weight 3 dr: 10 grains. 
 
 Both the specimens were procured by Mr. George Pett of the 
 Ordnance Department, Trincomalie; who caught them one night (in 
 his bed room) in the month of October. Probably this bat may be 
 Ko. 11 of Mr. Walter Elliot’s list of Bats. 
 
 GENUS. NYCTICEJUS. Eajin. 
 
 Like Scotophilus, except in having only tw'O incisors to the upper 
 jaw; which are widely separated and close to the canines. 
 
 2 1-1 4-4 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors , canines molars r- , = 28. 
 
 6 1-1 4:-i 
 
 NYCTICEJUS HEATHII. Horsf. 
 
 Muzzle and ears blackish. Upper parts of a rich dark tawny brown 
 with a greenhh shade. Beneath golden brown; yellowish hairs on 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 23 
 
 the under surface of alar membrane next the body and humerus, 
 A specimen from Negombo measured, 
 
 Head and body 
 
 
 
 i inch. 
 
 Tail 
 
 2J 
 
 
 Alar expanse 
 
 16 
 
 >> 
 
 Radius 
 
 2. 
 
 5-10 „ 
 
 Tibia 
 
 1. 
 
 1-10 „ 
 
 Head 
 
 1. 
 
 1-10 „ 
 
 Geographical Bhtrihution. — India, Java, Ceylon. 
 
 Mr. Edgar Layard forwarded us a specimen from Point Pedro, 
 where it is common. Negombo, Colombo and Kurnegalle are the 
 other localities from whence we obtained specimens. ■ 
 
 NYCTICEJUS BELANEGRI. Zimm. 
 
 Syn: Scotophilus castanea, — G'ray, apud Cantor, 
 
 Vesp. Belangeri— 6'eo^. 
 
 Vesp. Temminckii — Horsf. 
 
 Upper parts of a pale yellowish brown colour, with more or less 
 of a greenish shade in the majority of specimens. Beneath silvery 
 grey with a fulvous tinge ; darker on the sides ; grey hairs spread- 
 ing on the under surface of alar membrane next the body and hu- 
 merus. 
 
 Total length 4. 8-10 in: of which the tail measures 2. 3-10 in:. Ex- 
 panse 13 in:. Radius 2.1-10 in:. Tibia 8-10 in:. Head 8-10 in; 
 long. 
 
 Females are of a paler colour; and one male specimen also found at 
 Trincomalie, where this species is very common, had not the slightest 
 tinge of brown on its back, — all pale yellow above; and fulvous white 
 beneath. These bats sometimes skim along a little above the ground, 
 and frequently alight and rise with great facility on being surprised. 
 They seldom enter houses, but generally lodge on trees and bushes. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India, Ceylon, Borneo, Java, Timor, &c. 
 
 There is one circumstance worth mentioning regarding bats in 
 general, which has also not escaped the observation of Mr. Walter 
 Elliot and others, viz : that males and females are seldom found in the 
 same localities, at the same period of the year. For several weeks 
 running, every one of the Nycticeji we caught was a male ; and in the 
 same localities a few weeks afterwards, there were only females to be 
 found. The same may be said of other bats of the insectivorous 
 tribe, and probably the frugivoroua bats too, are not exempted from 
 
^4 
 
 CAKNARIA. 
 
 this peculiarity or mode of living. It would be intei-esting to ascer- 
 tain when, and how often the sexes come together. Upon this point 
 our observations are very limited. 
 
 NYCTICEJUS TICKELLI. Blytk. 
 
 Syn: Nycticejus Isabellinus. — M.S. {in Epistola) 
 
 Fur moderately long, soft, and straight or a little wavy ; of a pale 
 fulvescent or whitish fulvous colour, more or less tinged with maronne 
 or vinous on the back. The membranes dusky, marked along the 
 digits as in Keri-Toullm p\eM\ but the bris?hter colour spreading less 
 upon the membrane, though the interfemoral is wholly or chiefly of 
 this hue. There is a considerable growth of hair on the ba^al half 
 of the interfemoral membrane above; also along the tibia, and espe- 
 cially upon the toes. The face likewise is hairy around the eyes, and on 
 the muzzle. Ears triangular and obtusely pointed ; the tragus broad 
 and semicircular, and suddenly narrowing at tip; externally hairy for 
 the basal half ( J. A.S. B. No*! 2. 1851.) 
 
 As the only two specimens we have seen, happen to be young ones 
 obtained near Kandy and Trincomalie. we have transcribed the above 
 characters from Mr. Blyth’s description of this new species, which Captain 
 Tickel sent him from Central India, before our specimen reached 
 Calcutta. The following are the dimensions given by Mr. Blyth of 
 an adult. 
 
 " Length 4J in :, of which the tail measures 2|- in ;. Expanse 16 in :. 
 •Length of f(;rearm 2^ in:, of longest digit 4| in;. Tibia 15-16 in:, 
 Foot with claws 4 in:. Ears anteallv, from lowermost base, k in:. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Central India, C’eylon. 
 
 Mr. Blyth notes a peculiarity in the dentition of this species, which 
 he has not seen in any other; viz: it has a short flat obtusely tri- 
 ’ lobate or qradrilobate second pair of upper incisors, posteriorly to the 
 usual large pair, and immediately behind the contact of each of the 
 ■ latter and the canine of the same side. 
 
 GENUS. KEBIVOULHA. Gray. 
 
 Chaffron highly concave, muzzle narrow. Face hairy. Feet hairy 
 above, half attached; the wings arising from the base of the toes. 
 
 • The interfemoral membranes large, pointed, investing the tail, and 
 traversed with cross bands bearing a small tuft of hair beneath. 
 
 Dentition nearly similar to that of Scotophilus. There are two pairs 
 
 * of upper, incisors, of which the inner are longer, and so placed* that, on 
 
CABNARIA. 
 
 26 
 
 ft direct front view, they are alone visible; the second pair being 
 concealed behind them. There are two prsemolars of equal size 
 between the upper canine and the carnassier; two below, of scarcely 
 inferior size to the third or lower carnassier* £lyih» 
 
 KERivouLHA PicTA. Gray. 
 
 Syn: Vespertilio Kerivoulha — Boddaert. 
 
 Vesp : pictus — Pallas. 
 
 Vesp: ternatus — Seba? apud Cantor. 
 
 Muscardin volant — Dauhentonj apud Gray. 
 
 We have some doubts as to the identity of the first (dried) specimen, 
 which we took for Kerivoulha 'picta, and those subsequently met with 
 ftt Trincomalie. The latter, Mr. Edgar Layard informs us, are iden- 
 tical with specimens he sent Mr. Blyth, and which that naturalist 
 identifies with specimens of Kerivoulha 'picta from Java. We shall 
 therefore first quote Dr. Templeton’s description, which at the time 
 we examined the first dried specimen, (partly mutilated,) we thought 
 agreed with its characters. 
 
 VESPERTILIO PICTUS, apud Tenvpleton. 
 
 Back of a bright yellowish red colour; belly yellow; ear shorter 
 than the head, oval, broad at the base, tragus elongate; membrane brown- 
 ishred; along the fingers rayed with citron yellow; length about IJ 
 inch; expanse inches. 
 
 The above description is taken from Dr. Templeton’s published 
 account, which agrees in the colour of the alar membrane given 
 in books, viz: “chestnut brown!' In none of the fresh specimens 
 are the wings of a chestnut brown, but jet black in the interspaces 
 between the bright yellow coloured rays. To prevent further miscon- 
 ceptions, we shall give our own description of the bat, which appears 
 to be much larger than the one Dr. Templeton described from, and cer- 
 tainly larger than the dried specimen which first attracted our attention, 
 and which is now unfortunately lost. 
 
 KERIVOULHA PICTA. Gray. 
 
 The painted bat— Kehel-voulha, — Sing. 
 
 Body, above yellowish ferruginous brown, or as artists would call it 
 yellowish crimson brown. Below fulvous whitish, with a darker yellowish 
 tinge on the sides. Alar membrane black and bright yellow or citron 
 coloured. The former colour (black) confined to triangular spaces 
 between the citron rays along the digits; and on a large triangular 
 ^pace between the last digit and body; the alar membrane adjoining 
 
 D 
 
CAiJNAKiA. 
 
 
 the latter being also citron coloured. Interfemoral membrane wholly 
 citron coloured; above and below the arms also, the same yellow 
 colour prevails, as through the other parts of the membrane already 
 mentioned. Feet hairy; tips of toes brown> the rest yellow. Ears 
 yellow, naked, moderate sized, pointed and emarginated near the 
 apex. Tragus long, narrow, acutely pointed. Sexes alike in colour, 
 females rather smaller. 
 
 The largest sized male examined measured, Total length 2. 8-10 in 
 oi which the tail, composed of 7 or 8 bones, is 1. 4-10 in;. Alar ex- 
 panse 10 inches. Eadius 1. 3-10 in:. Tibia 6-10 in:. Ears G-10 in: long, 
 anteally. Tragus 4-10 in :. Head 7-10 in:. Foot with claws 3-10 in :. 
 i-entition as in true Kerixoulha. 
 
 Geographical Listrihntion of Kerivoulha picta Gray. Java';; 
 
 Sumatra, Borneo, Ceylon. 
 
 We should have preferred not deciding upon the above described 
 l)ats, till we had heard from Mr. Blyth, in return to our remarks on 
 the 8\ibject ; but as tiie delay would occasion some inconvenience, we 
 have ventured to lay before our friends such account of them as we 
 possess. A gentleman, long resident in the southern provii\ces, assured 
 ns on seeing this bat at Trincomalie, that it is very different from 
 the bat of Galle and its neighbourhood, which is recognised there as 
 tlie Vesp : pictiCs of Fallas. The wings of the bats be examined at 
 Galle had not the black marks ; the interspaces were of a dark red- 
 brown. Friends at Galle would indeed oblige us, by sending all bats 
 from thence in order to clear up the matter. We may add that the 
 black marks of the Kerivoulha of Trincomalie, even when dried, are 
 not turned into a chestnut brown colour. 
 
 VN by and wherefore i\ir. Gray adopted the term ‘‘ Kerivoulha” as 
 a generic name, we cannot possibly say, for there are no bats in 
 Ceylon called by the Singhalese Kerivoidlia, which means milky bat 
 Kehel-voulha'’ is the Singhalese name for the yellow bats found 
 on plantain trees: — Kehel,” in Singhalese meaning plaintain, and 
 "^Voidha" a bat. e have never obtained the Keidvoulha from any 
 other places, than plantain groves, where they are generally found 
 clinging to the fruit. We should think that, if there is any thing in 
 a name, Kerivoulha" bad better be changed into Kehel-voidha, or some 
 other more appropriate term used as a generic name for this tribe of bats. 
 
 b. Frugivora. 
 
 GENIbS. PTEBOFUS. Briss. Cuv. &c. 
 Vespertilio. JAnn: 
 
 long and ccnic^d. Kars short, without ov<?.iiion 
 
 
CAHNAKIA. 
 
 t 
 
 crest or nasal appendage. Tail short or none ; interieiaoral membrane 
 little developed, and deeply emarginated or shaved oft'. An additional 
 phalange and nail on the index finger of the v;ings. Molars with 
 the crown trimcated obliquely, and marked with a longitudinal furrow. 
 
 Dental formula. Incisors i-, canines , molars , ~ 34:. 
 
 4 ’ 1-1 ■ b-6 ' 
 
 PTKR0PU8 EDW'ARDSII. Geoff. 
 
 The flying-fox or Roussette— Loco-Voulha — 6tn^, 
 
 Syn: F. medius — Temm. 
 
 P. leucocephalus. — Hodgson. 
 
 1\ eduiis — Geof. i 
 P. Javanicus — Desrti. S 
 
 Muzzle black. Ears black, moderate size, naked. Head and nape 
 rufous black; neck and upper parts of shoulders golden yellowy 
 darker in the under parts and assimilating with the rufous browm of 
 the abdomen. In some, the back is slightly hoary. Dark brown 
 hairs spread on the interfemoral membrane, as also on the limbs and 
 membranes adjoining. Feet and claws black. Membranes black. 
 Females of a pale colour on the neck. 
 
 The largest male we have seen measured, — Head and body 12^ 
 inches. Alar expanse 4: feet, 4: inches. 
 
 Geographical Distrihution. Mauritius, India, Ceylon, Maldives; 
 and, if Dr. Cantor is right in identifying the^ Javanese l\ Edidis 
 wdth the Indian species, its range extends to Java, Sumatra 
 Assam, Banda, &c. 
 
 This large frugivorous bat (the flying Fox of Europeans) is very 
 common throughout the lower parts of the Island; less so in the 
 Kandian provinces, and rarely seen at Newera-Eliia. The depth of 
 colouring varies in specimens from different parts of the Island. The 
 rufous brown variety is more frequently met with: that with a blackish 
 back is the only kind seen at Trincomalie. 
 
 PTERorus LEsciiENAULTii. DuTiuril. Var, (apud Bhjth.) 
 
 The small flying Fox. 
 
 Syn. P ter opus seminudus, nobis. 
 
 Head and upper parts of body covered with a short downy fur, of 
 a light dull or ash brown colour. Beneath, the fur denser and of a 
 paler brown colour. Tail very short, and its basal half enclosed in the 
 
38 
 
 CABHABXA. 
 
 scanty interfemoral membrane. Membranes dark brown. An appa' 
 rently young specimen measured, 
 
 Head and body 5J incl: 
 
 Head IJ „ 
 
 Ears, anteally j „ 
 
 TaU I „ 
 
 Alar expanse 20 „ 
 
 Radius 3 „ 
 
 Tibia IJ „ 
 
 Foot with claws 1 „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Southern India? Ceylon. 
 
 The above description is of a bat, presented to us by the Revd 
 Dr. MacVicar, from Mount Lavinia, (on the west coast of the Island.) 
 Since then we have obtained two specimens from Trincomalie, on the 
 North Eastern coast, which we are inclined to consider of identical 
 species; although, the back was in the latter more densely covered 
 with hair, and the alar membrane distinctly white spotted. The 
 largest one measured, — Head and body 4. 8-10 in :. Tail J in :. Head 
 1 in. Fore arm 3. 4-10 in:. Tibia 1. 6-10 in:. Foot with claws 9-10 
 in :. Ears anteally 8-10 in. The ears had a black margin. The lower 
 incisors bilobed. Dental formula as in genus Pteropus. 
 
 If we are not mistaken the same species is found in Kandy : two 
 specimens from thence, we have forwarded to Mr. Blyth, with a 
 number of Cynopteres. 
 
 GENUS. CYNOPTEUUS. F, Cuv. 
 
 Four incisors, and two rudimentary false molars in each jaw, like 
 the Pteropi, but they entirely want the last molars. The jaws are 
 abbreviated, and the heads much resemble those of Cephalotes. The 
 second or index finger is also, like Pteropus, furnished with a small 
 claw. 
 
 Dental formula. Incisors -4 i canines molars = 30 
 
 4 1-1 5-5 
 
 CYKOPTERUS MARGINATUS F. Cuv. 
 
 The margin eared Bat— Coteekan Voulha— 
 
 Syn: Pteropus pyrivorous — Hodg. 
 
 P. Titthaecheilus — Temm. 
 
 Veep: marginatus — Hamilton. 
 
 Head light greyish brown or ash coloured. Ears small, oval, witb 
 
CABNARIA. 
 
 29 
 
 ft distinct white margin. Neck and back light olive brown, with a red- 
 dish smear on the neck and shoulders of most specimens. Beneath 
 paler; darker on the sides, where also there is sometimes a rufous 
 shade. Membranes dusky brown. Basal half of the short tail invested 
 in the narrow interfemoral membrane, which is supported, as in Ptcro- 
 pus, by a short tarsal spur. Females paler. 
 
 The largest specimen we have examined measured, 
 
 Head and body inch. 
 
 Tail 5 
 
 Alar expanse 20 J „ 
 
 Radius 2| „ 
 
 Tibia 1 „ 
 
 Weight loz. and 6^ drams. 
 
 Most individuals are of smaller dimensions. 
 
 Geographical dutrihutiont India, Java, Sumatra, and Ceylon. 
 
 The Cynopterse, so common in the Island, vary much in colour 
 even in individuals found in the same locality. We met at Trincomalie 
 one which had nearly a uniform reddish brown colour. The ears and 
 membranes were also deeply tinged with a blood red colour. 
 
 Mr. Gray enumerates several species of Cynopterae in his catalogue 
 of Mammalia in the British museum; and it is quite possible, th» 
 Ceylon may yield more than one species. 
 
 Although our list of Ceylon bats is large, let not our successor* 
 despair of finding species new to the Fauna of the Island. No specie# 
 of Rhin&poma or Dgsopus have yet been discovered. 
 
 In the appendix will be given descriptions of the additional 
 genera of bats, several species of which have been found in the 
 Indian Peninsula. 
 
 7/^M: 
 
 GENUS. SOREX. Linn. 
 
 Body covered with soft velvetty fur. Muzzle elongated and At- 
 tenuated. Ears short, and rounded. Eyes small, but perceptible. Five 
 toes with moderately strong claws on each foot. Tail short, rounded 
 or angular. Sebaceous glands on the flanks and anal region. Teat^t 
 6 or 8. 
 
 .r. , ^ , -r . 2 . 0 , 7to8 7to8 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors canines molars ^,= 28 ordO. 
 
 Upper incisors curved and toothed, or notched at the base; lower 
 
CA14NAKI A. 
 
 
 > incisors nearly horizontal ; all much produced. From 3 to 4 prsemolars 
 in the. upper jaw, and two in the lower, with bristled molars on each, 
 and on the upper one a small tuberculous tooth. 
 
 soREX MURixus. Linn. 
 
 Tlie common musk shrew — Koone Meeyo. — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Sorex myosums. — Pallas. 
 
 S. Sonnerattii 
 S. giganteus 
 S. Indicus. — Geoff. 
 
 S. ccerulescens.^ — Shaw. 
 
 S. crassicaudatus. — Licht. 
 
 •Above light bluish grey. Beneath -paler. Fur short, with a slight 
 . pinkish shade in some. Ears naked, exposed. Legs and feet nakedish. 
 ' Tail thick, rounded and terminating in a point, nearly nude, of a light 
 flesh colour; and scantily covered with short and long grey hairs. 
 Sebaceous anal glands and pores ; from whence issue the strong disagree- 
 able musky odour, for which these shrews are remarkable. Length 
 ,of head and body, 6 inches and more.. Tail inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Java, Penang, iGeylon. 
 
 This is the very common “ musk shrew" or rat of Europeans. We 
 have not seen this species on the higher parts of the Island. The 
 musk shrew found in godowns at Kandy is a darker and rather smaller 
 animal ; and we are inclined to consider it a distinct species and there- 
 ; fore describe as, 
 
 SOREX KANDIANUS. nohis. 
 
 Fur short, ashy brown, with a ferruginous smear on the upper sur- 
 face. Beneath a little paler coloured. Tail short and not so broad at 
 the base, as in the last species. Ears partially concealed. 
 
 Head and body , inch 
 
 Tail 2 
 
 Skull 1. 2-10 „ 
 
 Lower jaw 7-10 „ 
 
 Dentition as in Sorex murinus. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 This shrew is easily distinguished from Sorex murinus, from its 
 smaller size and darker colour ; od<^ur from it equally offensive. 
 
CAKNAEIA'. 
 
 •H 1 
 
 From the following species of shrews it can be distinguished by its 
 larger size, shorter fur, and more powerful teeth. 
 
 This, we believe, is similar to one of the large shrews Mr. Thwaites 
 of the Botanical Garden at Peradenia had in his possession, and which 
 although intended for us, w^as sent by mistake to London. 
 
 SOREX MONTANUS. nohis. 
 
 Fur above sooty black without any ferruginous smear. Beneath lighter 
 coloured. Whiskers long, silvery grey. Some parts of legs and feet 
 greyish, clothed with adpressed hairs. Claws sh^rt, whitish. Ears 
 large, round, naked ; outer margin lying on a level with the fur of 
 the head and neck, the ears being thus concealed posteriorly. Tail 
 tetragonal, tapering, shorter than the head and body, covered with short 
 dusky -brown hairs, and among these are scattered longer silky hairs, 
 of which a few are also seen on the posterior and inferior parts of the 
 body. No sebaceous glands visible. 
 
 A specimen from Pedrotellagalla mountain (8000 feet) measured. 
 
 Head and body 3j inch. 
 
 Tail ,, ' 
 
 Hind feet with claws 8-12 ,, 
 
 This is the blackest shrew of the highest parts of the Island. It 
 is not identical with the following, as Mr. Blyth was led to suppose, 
 from an inadvertence of our own, in sending him two specimens of 
 the same kind, instead of one of each. 
 
 SOREX FERRUGIXEUS. nohlS. 
 
 Colour uniform dusky or dusky slate, with the tips of the fur ru- 
 fescent. Fur rather long. Large sebaceous anal glands ; smell very, 
 powerful. Nearly of the same size as the last. We omitted to take 
 the measurement from fresh specimens. 
 
 This species is found at Dimboola, 1(X)0 feet below Newera-Ellia. 
 
 SUBGENUS. FEKOCULUS. n. g. nohis. 
 
 This subdivision of Sorex is allied to Gray’s Crossopus, and is dis- 
 tinguished from it by the following characters, to which our atten- 
 tion has been drawn by Mr. Blyth’s description of our S. ferocidm. 
 
 Teeth small; the upper quasi-incisors shorter and less strongly 
 hooked than in the typical Sorices, with the posterior spur large ; the 
 lower quasi-incisors serrated, shewing two depressions, and therefore 
 a row of fkree coronal 'points. Behind the upper false inciiSors a se- 
 
32 
 
 CARNAKIA. 
 
 ries of four small prsemolars precedes the carnassiez, the two medial 
 being of equal size, the first rather large, and the fourth smaller ; and 
 below are the usual two, inclusive of the carnassiez as in the genus 
 generally. Fore feet with long, and slightly curved claws. Hind feet 
 with claws, 7-8 inch long. The species from which the new sub-divi- 
 sion we have ventured to form, may now be called, 
 
 FEROCULU8 MACROPUS. 
 
 Syn. Sorex feroculus. — nobit. 
 
 Sorex macropus.— 
 
 Fur somewhat long, soft, of a uniform bluish colour, with a slight 
 rufous smear on the upper surface. Beneath rather paler. Tail black 
 except the tip, rounded, tapering ; wdth scattered long hairs ; tip naked, 
 flesh coloured. Claws of fore-feet elongated, compressed, acute and 
 but slightly curved; that of the middle digit J inchin length. Ears 
 partially concealed as in Sorex montanus. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 This shrew is found on the plains of Newera Ellia. It is difficult 
 to say, whether it is a “water shrew” or not, as there are so many 
 rivulets crossing the plains ; but, we are more inclined to think, that it 
 is a “ water shrew,” as it was found in the very wet season, near a 
 stream of water. The only live specimen we succeeded in securing, 
 lived in a box for several days , feeding on earth worms, till one frosty 
 night it died. It was not at all a timid creature, and it afforded us 
 considerable amusement by its spirited behaviour on all occasions, 
 and particularly, when a string of worms was brought to it. 
 
 At the time we were collecting shrews and rats at Newera-Ellia a 
 few tiny shrews were brought to us, as young shrews ; which were put 
 into spirits for further examination, but not one of them was in a fit 
 state for examination on their arrival at Colombo. We are, however, 
 strongly inclined to believe, that they are allied species, or identical 
 with Hodgson’s Sorex pigmoeus found on the plains of Nepal ; they 
 were nearly of the same dimensions. The body well clad in fur, 
 colour uniform sooty black, with pale fulvous grey tips to some parts 
 of the fur above. Much paler beneath. 
 
 Shrews (Sorices) must be very rare in the North-Eastern pro- 
 vinces, for although we have resided at Trincomalie for 8 months, 
 not one of the genus have we seen as yet. The natives, however, 
 say, that they are to be found in the district.. At Colombo there is 
 no scarcity of S, murinut. Every house in the town and gravets is 
 
CAKNABYA. 
 
 33 
 
 infested with them. We think the notion perfectly ridicnlons, that 
 the musky odour of some wines is owing to the touch of tlie outer 
 surface of the bottles by these animals. We sliould rather say, that 
 the odoriferous particles were insinuated through bad corks; or, what is 
 just as likely, the bottles were unclean before the wine was pi5t into 
 them. Tn some species the sebaceous glands are probably only 
 developed at certain periods of the year. Both sexes are fmuiished with 
 them ; aud they may serve the purpose of bringing the sexes together. 
 
 Tiiere are two stuked specimens of Hedge-hogs in the Army Me- 
 dical Officers’ Museum at Colombo, supposed to be natives of tiie Is- 
 land ; one we remember seeing alive many years ago, bu.t cannot 
 positively affirm wliere tliat came from. Hr. Kinnis, of the Medical 
 
 IStaffi, in whose curatorsliip the specimens were collected, would doul.tless 
 be able to give us the information; for which we have applied to 
 him. 
 
 A species of Tupxla may also be expected to be found in the 
 Island, as a species of this genus has iately been found in Southern 
 India, by that indefatigable naturalist, Mr. Waiter Elliot. 
 
 GENUS. UKSUS. Linn. Cuv, Ceoj^. 
 
 The bears are large and stout bodied animrls with short limbs; 
 pentadactyie or hv^e toed feet, and a short tall. They exiiibit but 
 small carnivorous develo[)ement, and tliougli they are strictly s}>caking 
 omnivorous, the form of the crowns of their molars iiidicates a p.ro 
 pensity bordering on the frugivoroiis exclusively. Their claws too 
 are not retractile, and are more oalcnlated for digging and climhing, 
 than for tearing prey. Mammse six, four ventral and two pectoral. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines -rv » molar ,' 7 ^ — 32 co 44. 
 
 Illiger, has made a subgenus of Bears with only four Incisors in 
 the upper jaw. 
 
 SUBGENUS. PBOCHILUS. Illiger. 
 
 Dental formula, Incisors 4-G, the rest as in true Bears. Some of 
 the praemolars, as va the genus Ur ms, drop off even at an early age. 
 
 * An ingenious friend, atrihutes the musky flavour of wine, to the shrew smear- 
 ing over the neck of tlie bottle its unctuous sccrel ion when nibbling lhecoik:and 
 wine, when poured out of tlic bottle thus tainted, becomes impregnate d with the 
 nauseous taste and odour. 
 
 E 
 
34 
 
 CARKAKIA. 
 
 PROCHiLus LABiATUs. Blainville. 
 
 The labiated or Sloth bear — Oosa. — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Ursus labiatus. — Blainville. 
 
 U rsiis longirostris — Tied. 
 Bradypus nrsiniis — Shaw, 
 Melursiis Lybius — Meyer. 
 
 Ours Jangleur, of the French. 
 Blow bear — Hamilton. 
 
 Fur long, of a deep black colour, with some bro\\Ti spots on 
 the sides and head, panicularly in young animals; ears moderate, 
 with bro\\mish hairs. A triangular, or sometimes horse-shoe or semi- 
 circular fulvous-white mark on the neck and breast.’ IMuzzle pro- 
 longed and the nasal cartilage dilated and capable of extension. Lower 
 lip elongated. Both lips moveable and capable of protrusion. Limbs 
 short, claws yellowdsh, sometimes black. In adults, veiy long and shaggy 
 brovTiish hairs surround the head. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 This uncouth looking animal, is xevy rarely met with on the higher 
 parts of the Island ; but is very common in the maritime pro\dnces; 
 particularly in the Northern and Eastern parts of the Island. Between 
 Putlam and Aripo, we have seen them in great numbers. They ap- 
 pear to shim human habitations; they are seldom known to attack 
 man, but in self-defence. Their food consists of fruits and ants ; they 
 are also said to climb up trees in search of hone5% 
 
 Our own observation of several skulls of bears of Ceylon, confirms 
 the statement of Colonel Sykes, Mr Walter Elliot, and others, that 
 they have only four incisors in the upper jaw, and that this svstem 
 of dentition does not depend upon the age of the specimens, but that the 
 young too exhibit the same. Mr. Elliot mentions that the Indian 
 bears carry their cubs on their back. Native testimony assures us of 
 the same maternal regard in the Ceylon bear. 
 
 GENUS. LUTEA. Stoi'r. 
 
 Head compressed ; eyes rather large ; ears very short ; whiskers very 
 stiff. Tongue rather rough. Body very much lengthened. Legs short, 
 the feet with five toes and webbed. Tail long, flattened horizontally, 
 and covered with short hairs. 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors ^ , canines 
 
 1-1 
 1-1 ’ 
 
 molars 
 
 5-0 
 
CAIiNAlilA. 
 
 35 
 
 LUTRA NAIR. F. Cuv. 
 
 The Indian Otter — Deeya Balia-— 
 
 Syn. Lutra Indica. Gray. 
 
 Fur above, dark chesnut ; lighter on the sides. Beneath, dusky white. 
 Hair short with scattered longer ones. Lips and chin white. Muz- 
 zle bald. Soles of the fore feet bald, posterior half of the hind soles 
 hairy. 
 
 The largest specimen we have examined measured ; head and body 28 
 inches in length. Tail 20 inches, (specimen in the Colombo Museum.) 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, China, 
 Ceylon. 
 
 We are inclined to believe, that there are two varieties of the In- 
 dian Otter in Ceylon ; — a large and a small kind. In the Army Me- 
 dical Officers’ Museum, there are specimens of two distinct shades of 
 brown, one much lighter than the other. We have just been informed 
 by Mr. Palliser of Dimboola, that he has at last captured an otter 
 near Newera Ellia, which he has promised to send us. We have not 
 examined one from so high an elevation. Otters found in the lake 
 of Kandy are identical with those found in the Colombo lake. 
 
 GEl^j^US. CANIS. Linn. Cuv. Geoff. 
 
 Muzzle elongated ; tongue soft ; ears erect. Fore-feet pentadactylous, 
 hind feet tetradactylous ; Teats inguinal and ventral. 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors ^ , canines , molars 
 
 The three first molars in the upper jaw, and the four in the lower, 
 small, edged; the great carnivorous tooth above bicuspid, with a tu- 
 bercle on the inner side ; two tuberculous teeth behind each of the 
 large carnivorous ones. 
 
 CANIS AUREUS. Lilin. 
 
 The Jackal — Nareeah. — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Canis micrurus. Reichh. 
 
 Head greyish brown ; whiskers black ; under the chin and neck 
 grey. Back of the ears and legs reddish brown. Inner side of thighs 
 of a lighter reddish brown. Back mottled black, grey and brown; 
 under fur yellowdsh brown ; single hairs annulated black and grey or 
 
36 
 
 CAHKAKIA. 
 
 browTi and grey ; tips of most black. Lower parts yellowisb grey, 
 or brown. Tail reddish or yellowish brown, and terminating in a 
 black, bushy pointed tuft, reaching to within an inch of the knees. 
 
 A large s})ecinien, found at Newera Lilia, from which the above des- 
 cription is taken, measured, 
 
 ft. In. 
 
 Head and body 2 6 
 
 Tail 0 10| 
 
 Head 0 7| 
 
 Height at shoulders 1 4^ 
 
 l)o. at haunches 1 
 
 Small intestines, 9 feet, lOJ inches; large intestines, 1 foot, 1 inch; 
 coecum, 5 inches. 
 
 Gegropliical I){str{hiition.’-~\ndL\di,, Ceylon. 
 
 Jackals are very common througliout the Island; the low country 
 animal is of a smaller size, and of a more silvery grey colour on the 
 back than the highland Jackal. Even at Newera Elba there are indi- 
 vidual varieties of tliera, which incline one to think there are more 
 than one species in Ceylon. Sportsmen report tiiat they have seen 
 Jackals hunt the smaller quadrupeds, and some parties have informed 
 us that the Jacimls limit even deer. The hunter tinds Jackals not bad 
 substitutes for the Fox. 
 
 There are no wild dogs in Ceylon. Foxes afe said .to have been 
 seen in the Badulla District; and a species of Fox, we hear, was sent 
 to England by Dr. Tern j deton, but this requires confirmation. The 
 native hunti ig dog (not tlie common Pariah dog) is a strong robust 
 animal, and Europeans are known to mix a few of them in a pack 
 of higher bred dogs, when, frequeiitly, they will be seen following the 
 lead. Native hunters in the Trihcomalie district lia^e small jiacks of 
 these dogs which tinw use in limiting hare, deer, monitors, &c. It 
 would be worth while to imia-ove this breed of dogs, as hounds from 
 England do not thrive in the maritime provinces. 
 
 GENUS. VIVEPRA. linn : 
 
 Head long; muzzle pointed; feet pentadactyle; claws semi-retractile; 
 anal ])ouch more or less deep, situated between the anus and genitids, 
 divided into two bags, filled with an unctuous substance of a strong 
 musky odour. Pupil vertical, oblong. They are arboreal as well as 
 terrestrial animals. 
 
 6 IX C 6 
 
 Dental formula. Incisors -r. canines molars , = 40. 
 
 o i-1 0-0 
 
CARNAKIA. 
 
 37 
 
 vivERRicuLA. Hodgsou. 
 
 Size small, scansorial, habit vermiform ; nails more or less raptorial; 
 and thumb remote; pouch as in \iverTa. 
 
 VIVERRICULA MALACCENSIS. Gmel. 
 
 The Indian Genette — Ooralawa — Sing: 
 
 Syn : Viverra Malaccensis' — Gmel. 
 
 V. Indica — Geoff. 
 
 V. Benghalensis — Gray. 
 
 V. Basse — Horfs. 
 
 tr 
 
 Fur rather long, stiff; under fur soft. General colour greyish brovTO. 
 Up])cr part spotted black. Dorsal spots unite and form four to six. 
 or seven, irregular streaks on the crupper. Sides and limbs have also 
 short interrupted black lines or spots. Head darker brown, mixed 
 with grey. One long longitudinal black streak runs from ear to shoul- 
 der, and between these, there are two or three indistinct lines. Trans- 
 versal black bands on sides of neck. Abdomen .nearly spotless. Feet, 
 and part of legs, brown. Tail huig, pointed; with 8 or 9 perfect 
 black rings; tip of tail and spaces between the black rings, grey. The 
 largest specimen examined measured, 
 
 Head and body 23|- inches. 
 
 Tail 17 
 
 Geograffikal Distribution. Malayan Peninsula, Philippine Island, 
 India, China, Ceylon. 
 
 The Easse, or “ Civet cat” of Europeans in Ceylon, abounds in all 
 parts of the Island. Those of New era- Ellia are larger and of a lighter 
 grey colour. There is a variety in the Army Medical Officers’ Mu- 
 seum, in which the dorsal spots are not united on the crujtper. The 
 Pass.e has frequently been mistaken for the Viverra Zibeflia, from 
 wdiich it is distinguished chiefly by its longer head, pointed tail, 
 w’ith 'perfect black rings; no mane. It is not unlikely that the true 
 V. Zile'ha L., or the allied species, V. tangalunga, Gray, may also 
 exist ill Ceylon. Nc thing, however, w’e have yet seen in the Island 
 can be identified wdth either. Mr. Edgar Layard enumerates the 
 V. Zibellia as one of the Ceylon animals, and says it is common 
 at Jaffna; but as our friend does not mention the Vivcrricida ma- 
 laccensis as inhabiting the Jaffna Peninsula, w’e are strongly in- 
 clined to think that his V. Zileiha is the Basse, wdiich we know 
 from good authority is found in the Northern provinces, and is also 
 
38 
 
 CARXARIA. 
 
 very numerous in the North Eastern district. Natives keep it in 
 cages for the sake of the musky fluid its anal pouches secrete. \Mien 
 young they are docile. In a wild state they are great destroyers of 
 poultry, and will enter the poultry yard even during the day, and 
 carry off a fowl or duck. 
 
 GENUS. PAKADOXURUS. F. Cuv. 
 
 Generic character generally that of the Civets and Genets. Tail 
 capable of being rolled from above downwards to its base; but not 
 prehensile. Toes 5, nearly palmated; soles of the foot tuberculous 
 applied throughout its surface to the ground. Claws semi-retractile. 
 Pupil elliptical. No pouch. 
 
 The tail is very peculiar, as long as the body; and depressed, 
 not to say flattened above and below; the extreme or more distant 
 half, is when extended turned over, so that the lower side is upper- 
 most, and the animal can roll it up spirally from above downwards, 
 and from the extremity to the base. Hence the designation “Para- 
 doxurus.” 
 
 PAKADOXURUS TYPUS. F. CuV. 
 
 The Palm Cat — Oogoodova — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Viverra Nigra — Desm : 
 
 V. hermaphrodita — Pallas. 
 
 Platyschista Pallasi — Otto. 
 
 Viverra Indica? apud — Layard. 
 
 General colour fulvous grey, washed with black. Face darker co- 
 loured, with four white spots, one above and one below each eye; the 
 latter more conspicuous. From three to five, more or less interrupted, 
 black lines run from shoulder to root of tail. The central one 
 broader and more distinct that the lateral lines. Some indistinct 
 black spots on the sides and upper parts of limbs. Tail nearly all 
 black. Feet black. Soles bald to the heel, flesh coloured. 
 
 A full grown male measured. 
 
 Head and body 
 
 .20 inch. 
 
 Tail 
 
 .19 „ 
 
 Greatest circum: of body 
 
 .13 „ 
 
 Circumference, at the shoulders , 
 
 .11 „ 
 
 Height, at the shoulder 
 
 .10 „ 
 
 Palma 
 
 . li „ 
 
 Planta 
 
 . n 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 3D 
 
 Liver deeply cleft into 7 lobules. Gall bladder, 1 inch, long. Heart 
 1| inch, long. Spleen narrow, 3 inch long. Kidney, inch, long; and 
 I inch, broad. .^Esophagus, 11 inch. Stomach 4 inch. Small intestines 
 o feet, 4 inch. Large intestines 9 inch. Ccccum, pointed, | in. long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India, Ceylon, &c. 
 
 Specimens vary in the depth of colouring; some are of a very black 
 colour, others have less of the tawny or fulvous tinge. In captivity 
 ail become paler, and those kept long in a cage lose almost all the 
 black hairs. Young animals are generally nearly all black. Muzzle 
 flesh coloured. The white spot behind the ear is developed at a later 
 period ; a black line from the vertex of the head to the nose is almost 
 always present in adults. 
 
 This Paradoxure is very common in the highlands, and in the 
 \Yestern and Southern Provinces. It would appear to be rare in the 
 Northern parts of the Island. We have not seen a single specimen of 
 it from Jaffna * or Trincomalie. This Paradoxure is more arboreal 
 than terrestrial. At Colombo it frequents roofs of houses, and lodges 
 during the day on trees; particularly on Cocoanut trees. Its habits 
 are nocturnal ; during the day it sleeps rolled up in a ball. It can 
 live for months in confinement solely on vegetable food, and will also 
 feed ravenously on flesh of all kinds, but birds seem to be more relished 
 by those not long from the jungle. 
 
 PARADOXURUS ZEYLANicus. Sclweber. 
 
 The golden Paradoxure — Coolla-Weddah — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Martes Philippensis — Camel. 
 
 Viverra Ceylonica — Pallas. 
 
 V. Ceylonensis — Bodd. 
 
 Paradox: aureus — F. Cuv. 
 
 P. Philippensis? — Temm. 
 
 Head elongated, muzzle rather short, blackish. Lips black externally. 
 Ears small, dark brown, hairy externally, and almost naked on the 
 inner surface. Whiskers white, long and rigid. A few long rigid grey 
 hairs on the superciliary region. Colour of head and legs dark brown. 
 Upper parts of the rest of a golden brown colour. Beneath paler. 
 Fur dense, short, moderately long, glossy. 
 
 * Since writing the above, Mr, Layard has sent us for identification a “ Genettei' 
 from Jaffna, which turns out to be tlie Paradoxums typus. This then must be 
 the cat which Mr. W. Ferguson, in his valuable monograph on the Ceylon Palmira, 
 speaks of, as the consumer of Palm Toddy, — a. fact w'cll established. 
 
40 
 
 CAPwNAKlA. 
 
 Three incmippicuons brown dorsal streaks, divergini[>' and terminat- 
 ing on the crupper. Some very indistinct brown s[)ots ; seen only in 
 some lights. Tail long, cylindrical, tip rounded; lighter colonr*^d than 
 the body. Limbs darker brown, soles blackish, nearly bald to the 
 heel. In females an orbicular flat glandular naked surface surrounds 
 the vaginal entrance. Two pairs of mammee, the fur rouinl the 
 posterior pair of a reddish hue. 
 
 A full grown female measured, 
 
 ft. - In. 
 
 Head and bodv 1 — 7 
 
 Tail 1 — 3i 
 
 Head 0 — 5'' 
 
 Lreadth of head, at vertex .... 0 — 3 
 Height, at the shoulder 0 — 8 
 
 O * 
 
 Stomach, 5|- inch, long; small intestines, 10 feet; large, G inches; 
 coejuni 1^ inch, abruptly terminating in an acute point. Kidney, 1| in. 
 long, and f inch broad at its inferior ])art, and ^ inch broad at its 
 superior termination. Stomach with a distinct pyloric portion. 
 
 Geographical Disfrihution. Philipjrine Islands? ( e\ Ion. 
 
 Specimens have hitherto been received from the highland district^, 
 and from the South and West Coasts. Those from the mountains, are 
 fre'iuently larger, and of a darker golden brown colour. A blackish 
 brown variety has also been seen at Newera-Ellia which we shall dis- 
 tinguish as 
 
 VAR. — fiiscus. ( Paradoxuriis montanus, n, h.) 
 
 Smaller than the generality of the above ordinary variety. The fur of a 
 darker fulvous brown, with terminal third of hairs of a dark beetle brown 
 colour, giving a uniform rich dark brown surface colour to the animal, 
 which seen in some lights, throws off a few still darker sh.ades, or 
 very inconspicuous spots; no trace of dorsal streaks. The tail paler, 
 with a rich golden-yellow' subterminal ring, which in the dried spe- 
 cimen has become partly albescent. 
 
 ft — In. 
 
 Head and body 1 — 7^ 
 
 Tail 1 — 5 
 
 Head 0 — 
 
 Height at the shoulder 0 — 7 
 
 Stomach 4^ inch. Small intestines 7 feet 4-J- inch. Large intestines 
 6^ inch. Coecum 1;|, pointed. 
 
 If our recollection of the golden Paradoxure in the British museum 
 
CARNAKIA, 
 
 41 
 
 is correct, we do not think our Ceylon animal identical with it. 
 The latter is a darker animal, and the dorsal streaks are more evident 
 on it. Mr. Gray will soon have an opportuntiy of deciding, as we 
 have sent to the British Museum our best specimens. 
 
 The golden Paradoxure appears to be a more frugivorous animal 
 than the Palm cat i Patadoxurns trpvs. ) Their habits are alike, 
 nocturnal and arboreal. In all the individuals of the former species, 
 examined at Newera-Ellia, the stomach contained Cape gooseberries; 
 { Phy sails Peruviana) which grow there now, in great abundance; 
 and only one, had the remains of animal matter in the stomach. Wh« n 
 young they are tolerably docile, but as they grow up their natural 
 ferocity returns. 
 
 GENUS. HERPESTES. IlUger. 
 
 Mungusta. Olivier. Ichneumon. Geoff. 
 
 Feet «hort, with five demipalmated toes, armed with claws, which 
 are slightly retractile. Tongue furnished with horny papillae. Ears 
 small. A voluminous simple pouch, which does not contain odoriferous 
 matter, and at the bottom of which the vent is pierced. Body very 
 much elongated. Tail long, broad at the base. Hairs of the fur an- 
 nulated. 
 
 6 1-1 5-5 
 
 Dental formula; Incisors canines v'Tj molars t-'r,=36. 
 
 b ’ 1-1 ’ 0-5 ’ 
 
 HERPESTES GRISEUS. SyheS. 
 
 The grey Mungous Moogatea. — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Ichneumon griseus — Geoff. 
 
 Herpestes pallidus — Schinz. 
 
 H. Edwardsii — Fischer. 
 
 Viverra mungos — Linn. 
 
 Colour greyish brown, grizzled. Single hairs long, annulated with 
 brown and white, or grey. Muzzle brown. Feet brown. The largest 
 specimen examined measured in length, 2 feet 8 inches, of which the 
 tail was 11 inches. 
 
 ft. — In.. 
 
 Small intestines 3 — 5 
 
 Large do 0 — 6 
 
 Coecum 0 — 1| 
 
 Stomach 4-| inch, with a distinct pylorus. 
 Geographical Distribution. Malayan Peninsula, India, Ceyloa 
 
42 
 
 CARNABIA. 
 
 This is the most common species of Mungous found in the Island. 
 We have not seen it from higher parts than Kandy and places of 
 similar height. Tts habit of attacking with impunity snakes and 
 other reptiles, in common with other species, is too well known to 
 require description. 
 
 HER?ESTES viTTicoLLis. Bennett. 
 
 The streaked Mungous, or Elliot’s IMungoi s Loco Moogatea — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Mungous vitticollis — Bennett. 
 
 Head elongated; muzzle flesh coloured; long, extending to nearly an 
 inch beyond the lower Up. Colour of the head brown, grizzled. Ears 
 small, concealed partially by hairs of the head. Under surface of the 
 head, greyish brown, grizzled. Upper surface, partly brown and partly 
 reddish yellow : a broad black streak runs from the ear on the side 
 of the neck. The general colour of upper part of the body, is of a 
 bright reddish yellow. Lower parts greyish brown, and slightly fer- 
 ruginous near the hind legs. Under fur yellowish brown. Long 
 hairs, annulated black and grey, and terminating in long yellowish red 
 points, which give the prevailing hue to the body. Tail bushy at its 
 base, of a reddish colour, and terminating in a black point, three or 
 four inches long. Legs blackish. Feet black. Soles nearly bald to the 
 heel ; one large pad in front, and one posterior to its inner side. 
 
 Mr. Bennett, has made a distinct genus (Mungous ) of this species, as 
 in the specimens he examined, there was an additional molar ; but which 
 we have not observed in all specimens. 
 
 A female captured at Newera-Ellia measured, 
 
 ft. — In. 
 
 Head and body 
 
 . 1 
 
 — 9 
 
 Tail 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 
 Head 
 
 0 
 
 ~ 5 
 
 Length from apex of muzzle 
 
 to anterior angle of the 
 
 > 0 
 
 -n 
 
 eye 1 
 
 Do. from posterior angle of the 
 
 I ' 
 
 
 eye to ear 
 
 — ^ i 
 
 
 /(■ ■ 
 
 — In. 
 
 Breadth between the anterior angles of eyes . .0 — 1 
 
 do. do. the posterior do 0 — 1 j 
 
 do. do. the ears ,.0 — 2 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 A rw 
 
 Height, about 6 inches. — Small intestines, 6 feet 10 inch ; large intes- 
 tines, 10 inch. Coecum, 2 inch; narrow, tapering to an acute point. 
 Stomach with a distinct pylorus, 5 inches. Spleen, 4 inches. The rest 
 as in Herpesfes griseus. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 This large, handsome species of Mungous is found in the higher 
 Kandian provinces; and rarely in some of the maritime provinces. 
 
 One was lately shot at Kandelay, about 25 miles from Trincomalie. 
 This individual was of a paler colour; and though dentition showed 
 full growth, it was considerably smaller than the specimens obtained 
 at Newera-Ellia, where it is known as the Ceylon Badger ; its long 
 bushy fur giving it the shape of that genus. We have not thought 
 it necessary to separate this species from Herpestes, till we have 
 ascertained whether the following one has equal right to it, in the 
 opinion of Mr. Gray and others. 
 
 HERPESTES RUBIGINOSUS. nohis. 
 
 Reddish Mungous — Deeto — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Herpestes Ellioti ? — Blgtli. 
 
 Herpestes Smithii? var— Gray. 
 
 Reddish ferruginous brown. More of the red on head and outer 
 sides of legs. Hairs aimulated black and white, and terminate in 
 long reddish points, jMuzzle long, flesh coloured. Sides of nose and 
 circle round the eyes of a light rusty colour. Feet black. Tip of 
 tail black. 
 
 A male specimen measured. 
 
 ft. In. 
 
 Head and body 1 3 
 
 Tail 1 I 
 
 Stomach, 4| inches; small intestines, 4 feet, 10 inches; large intes- 
 tine, inches; coecum, 1| inch. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 We are indebted for the first specimen of this species to Mr. 
 Cassie Chitty, District Judge of Chilaw. Since then, we have seen 
 others from Galle in the Southern province ; they were larger than 
 the one from Chilaw; and, we believe, they were sent by Mr. Grace to 
 the Zoological Society of London. We kept the former alive for 
 several months; the reddish colour of its hairs became in time paler; 
 Some parts nearly lost it. This specimen we have since forwarded 
 
44 
 
 CARNAKIA. 
 
 to Mr. Blyth, who publishes a description of a species f subsequent 
 to our description read before the local Asiatic Society ) which he 
 thinks is identical with this. If Mr. Blyth’s opinion, advanced 
 before he saw our specimen, is confirmed, we shall gladly sub- 
 stitute the specific name given to it by ]\Ir. Blyth in honour of 
 Mr. alter Elliot; although, we think it may lead to subsequent 
 error, as H. YitticoUis is already kno’VMi as Elliot’s Mimgous. Mr. 
 Elliot in his interleaved Catalogue, which he so obligingly sent us, 
 enumerates 'Hwo addiiionaV' new species, viz. “7/. JSlonticolns and 
 IT. iorquatus.” If either of these is identical with IT. ridngonosm^ 
 nobis, or II. EUioti, Blyth, it would be preferable to retain the name 
 given to it by Mr. Elliot. 
 
 The next spehes too, may be one of Mr. Elliot’s; but as there 
 is no description, we shall give our own. 
 
 HEUrESTES FLAVIDENS. nohlS. 
 
 Yellow Mungous — Bam-Moogatea — Sing. 
 Syn: H. Auropunctata ? var — Hodgson. 
 
 Yellow browui. Hairs annulated with brown and yellow; tips 
 yellow. Tip of tail of a reddish colour. Muzzle blackish, chin flesh 
 coloured. Face brown, slightly ferruginous. Ears fulvous, thickly 
 clothed wuth hair. Feet blackish. 
 
 A full grown male measured. 
 
 ft. — In. 
 
 Head and body 1 — 
 
 Tail 1 — 0| 
 
 Planta 0 — ^ 
 
 Palma 0 — 
 
 Small intestines, 4 feet, 5 inch ; large, inch ; coecum, 2 inch, ter- 
 minating in an acute point. Stomach and pylorus, 4J inch. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon, Southern India? 
 
 This species resembles in shape and size, the more common II. Gri- 
 seus. It appears to be also of much larger size than Hodgson’s H. 
 Auropunctata (J. A. S. B.,) found in Nepal. It is easily distinguished 
 from all other species in Ceylon, by its almost uniform yellow, 
 grizzled coat. We obtained from Newera-Ellia a much darker variety 
 of this species or a distinct species of nearly an olive brown colour. 
 This too, we have either sent to Mr. Blyth or to the Zoological 
 Society of London. 
 
CARNARIA. 
 
 45 
 
 The habits of all these species are alike, feeding on reptiles and 
 smaller quadrupeds; and they will not object even to a bird; but 
 snakes seem to be their favorite food. 
 
 GENUS. FELIS. Linn. Cvv. 
 
 Five toes on the fore feet, hind feet tetradactyle ; nails retractile- 
 Head short; four molars on each side of the upper jaw, the last 
 tuberculous very small ; three in the lower jaw. Ears large pointed ; 
 claws retractile. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines pi, molars i-^,=30. 
 
 FELIS LEOPARDUS. ScTlveh. 
 
 The Leopard — Cooteah — Sing. 
 
 Syn; Felis Panthera — Exel. 
 
 F. antiquorum — Fischer. 
 
 F. chalybeata — Uerm. 
 
 F. Pardus — Lhin. 
 
 F. varia — Schi eh. 
 
 Leopardis \arius — Gray. 
 
 Ground colour, above fulvous or tawny brown. Chin, neck, breast, 
 abdomen and inside of limbs, white. Up.per paits marked with row^s 
 of imperfect rings composed of two, three, or four black spots; 
 these spots are arranged in varvjus shapes on the dorsal region and 
 sides. On the head and part of medial line of the back and limbs, 
 there are full black spots of various shapes, from circular to cblong. 
 Tail spotted black, and terminating in a black point. Irides yellow. 
 Female smaller, but similar in colour and spots. 
 
 The largest specimen examined measured. 
 
 
 A 
 
 — In. 
 
 Head and body 
 
 3 
 
 — 4 
 
 Tail 
 
 
 — 2 
 
 Height at shoulders 
 
 2 
 
 — 4 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, South of 
 Africa, Ceylon. 
 
 This Leopard (the Chetah of Ceylon) varies much in colour in dif- 
 ferent specimens; some have very little of the fulvous tinge, others 
 are dark tawny. In size too, they differ. The natives distinguish 
 
46 
 
 CARNAKTA. 
 
 two varieties ; — a large and a smaller kind. We have not seen many 
 fresh specimens, nor many stuffed ones to judge from. Certainly, there 
 are vast differences in the size of flat skins of recognised adult spe- 
 cimens ; and, therefore, we may reasonably conclude, that the two dis - 
 tinct varieties of Felis Leopardiis, which Mr Walter Elliot describes, 
 exist also in Ceylon. The larger, he says, “is a taller, slighter, more 
 active animal, exceedingly strong and fierce. The other is smaller 
 and stouter; and varies much in size, some being not bigger than a 
 large tiger-cat.” There is also another variety, which cannot be con- 
 sidered as permanent or extensive ; as dams have been seen, vdth cubs 
 of both kinds ; and, therefore, this variety, the F. meJas of Peron, must 
 be considered only an individual variety of F. leopardus. The ground 
 colour is a dark brown, almost black ; the blacker spots are only vi- 
 sible in some lights. They are very rare in the Island. We have 
 seen only the flat skin of one, which Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie, As- 
 sistant ('olonial Secretary, shot at Badulla. So rare is this black leo- 
 pard, that the oldest Kandian in the district, remembered having seen only 
 one other before ; and that one was presented alive to the Kandian 
 monarch, as one of the greatest curiosities in his dominions. The ex- 
 istence of Felis Jubata, (the true hunting leopard of India) in Ceylon, 
 has not yet been confirmed. See appendix. 
 
 FELIS VIVERRICEPS. HodgSOU. 
 
 The tiger cat — Handoon deeva — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Felis viverrinus. — Bennett. 
 
 Leopardus viverrinus. — Gray. 
 
 Leop: celidogaster. Temm. apud. Gray. 
 
 Face subviverine ; small ears ; short tapering tail reaching one inch 
 below os calcis. Above fulvous grey brown. Beneath, aiM inside of 
 limbs, hoary. From the eyes to the root of the tail, four subcon ti- 
 nuous black lines, tw’o more parallel to and without them, from the 
 eyes to the shoulders; two perfect bands around the jaws from the 
 eyes; and three round the front of the neck and breast. Ears black 
 outside, wdth a large grey central spot, and rufous hoary on the in- 
 side. Body and limbs wholly covered with roundish full black spots, 
 having a sublinear disposition from the head towards the tail; the 
 feet only, from the os calcis and top of the carpi, being immaculate. 
 The tail exhibits above and below the ground colour of the body, 
 on the upper surface, six or seven transverse bands ; the tw'o or three 
 next the body, composed of dots, arranged linearly, and the ter- 
 
CAfiNARIA. 
 
 47 
 
 minal one being large, forming a blackish tip to the tail on that sur- 
 face (Hodgson J. A. S. B. 1836.) 
 
 The largest specimen examined measured, 
 
 Head and body 34J inches 
 
 Tail 11| „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — India, Ceylon. 
 
 This tiger cat is common, except on the highest parts of the Is- 
 land. As it is often taken for a “young chetah^' we have given 
 Mr. Hodgson’s full description, instead of a short one we took from 
 a specimen obtained at Kandy, which Mr. Blyth identified with F, 
 viverriceps. 
 
 As there is so very little of the viverrine character in the shape 
 of the animal, another specific designation must sooner or later be 
 adopted, and none perhaps will be more appropriate than the name 
 of the industrious naturalist Mr. Hodgson, who first described or named 
 the animal as Felis viverriceps ; if Indian Zoologists do not in the mean 
 time adopt the name given to it by Temminck. 
 
 FELIS RUBIGINOSA? I. Geoff. 
 
 The Red-spotted cat — Coolla deeva — Sing. 
 
 Fur short, soft; above, ferruginous greyish brown; under fur, lead 
 colour. Beneath, and inside of limbs, white. Head rounded like that of 
 a domestic cat. Sides of nose and under the eyelids whitish. Whiskers 
 long, white, with a few shorter black bristles ; a few short, stiff, grey 
 superciliary hairs. Ears moderate, hairy outside, and a short pencil 
 of hair from the inner edge. On the forehead, nape and between the 
 shoulders, four or five irregular dark ferruginous brown, or blackish 
 longitudinal streaks. A dark brown streak from the posterior angle 
 of the eye to cheek, and another below this. Short, longitudinal, dark 
 ferruginous brown streaks and spots on the crupper, sides of body 
 and outer part of limbs; some of the streaks on the latter nearly 
 black. On the inner part of limbs, two or three broad transverse 
 black streaks, with brownish reflections. Large brownish black spots 
 on the white abdomen. Under surface of neck with transverse fer- 
 ruginous brown streaks. Tail short, ferruginous brown, and indis- 
 tinctly spotted or ringed, with darker brown. Feet yellowish brown 
 superiorly, and posteally black; claws retractile. 
 
 ft. In. 
 
 Head and body 1 4 
 
 Tail „ ^ 
 
 Small intestines, 3 feet. Large intestine, 5 inches. Coecum, § inch. 
 
48 
 
 CARNAEIA. 
 
 Stomach, 5 inches. The remains of a rat in the stomach of the spe- 
 cimen examined. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 This cat is not very common in the Island ; we have not seen one 
 from the Northern provinces. The specimens from Newera Ellia are 
 darker coloured, and the body and limbs more maculated. Females 
 paler, and less maculated. 
 
 FELis CHAUS. Guldeust. 
 
 The chaus, or Lynx-like cat. 
 
 Syn. 
 
 Chaus Lybius 
 Felis affinis 
 
 Gray. 
 
 Lynchus erythrotus. — Hodgson. 
 
 Mr. Layard has recently sent us an imperfect flat skin of a cat, 
 which must be closely allied to Felis chaus, if not identical with 
 Lynchus erythrotus. '^fhe geu-eral colour of Mr. Layard’s specimen is 
 bright fulvous. Ears large and slightly pencilled at the tip with black 
 hairs; back of ear of a reddish colour. Feet yellowish red, soles 
 black. Transversal brown stripes on the r.p[)er part of limbs. Ba<k 
 mottled with black; Icn;- hairs annulated black and bright yellow; these 
 of the sides black with fulvous tips. Beneath, uniform pale fulvous. Tail 
 at the base covei’cd with hairs of nearly the same characters as these 
 of the back; lower two-thirds with three black rings, and tip black. 
 Length of tail about ‘J inches ; of head and holy ap{)arently 22 inches. 
 Found at Jaftha. Mr. Biytii also speaks of an imperfect skin oiF. chaus 
 sent to him by Mr. Layard. 
 
 [Supposing our identification to be correct, we shall still have three 
 feline animals wanting, viz. Felis tigris, Felis lengalensis and Felis ju- 
 hata, to complete the identity of the Ceylon Feline Fauna with that 
 of Southern India. 
 
ORDER. RODENTIA. 
 
 GENUS. SCIURUS. Linn. Cuv. 
 
 Profile of the face nearly straight, a slight depression on the frontal 
 bones, and a very slight posterior projection on the same. Cranial 
 cavity as long as two-thirds of the head. Four toes to the fore-feet, 
 and a tubercle or rudimentary thumb. Hind feet pentadactyle. Tail 
 distichous; i. e., the hairs grow laterally so as to resemble a feather. 
 Two pectoral and six ventral mamm^. 
 
 2 0 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors -r, canines , molars U.- =22. 
 
 The cranial formation of the Palm squirrel, approaches more to 
 that of the Genus Tamias, (ground squirrel) than to any other. 
 The central cavity but little extended, and advancing to only one-halt 
 of the skull. The skull presents a uniform curved line on its upper 
 part, when viewed in profile; and offering, when seen from below, 
 a very slender condition of all the anterior parts. The late Mr. Ben- 
 nett, was of opinion, that a new genus ought to be formed of the 
 palm squirrels ; of which, there are so many species in India and 
 Ceylon, whose habits are both arboreal and terrestrial. If we were 
 prepared to make a new genus, “Zeyrm,” the Singhalese word for 
 these little rodents, would not be an inappropriate term for adoption. 
 
 SCIURUS MACROURus. Forstcr. 
 
 The common Rock Squirrel — Rookeeah, or Dandoleyna — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Sciurus Ceylonensis. — Boddaert. 
 
 Fur of the upper parts, coarse and slightly waved ; above, the co- 
 lour varies from maronne black to rufous brown; hairs sometimes 
 grizzled and tipped white, or pale yellow ; particularly on the croup, 
 sides and upper parts of limbs. Crown of the head darker iu most 
 
50 
 
 RODENTIA. 
 
 ppecimens than othef parts. Cheeks, under parts and Tower two»thIrd 
 of limbs of a fulvous white. Occiput of a deeper fulvous ; sometimes 
 yellow or ferruginous brown. An indistinct dark spot on the cheek; 
 which is sometimes absent Two -thirds or more of the basal por- 
 tion of the tail black or browm; the rest grizzled grey or fulvous. 
 In some the hairs of the whole tail are tipped white ; and in others 
 grizzled white throughout. In the young, there is ver\^ little of brown 
 or black ; the whole tail is more or less formed of grey hairs ; and 
 the terminal third is nearly white. Grey is also the prevailing co- 
 lour on the posterior half of the body. Toes in all, black or blackish 
 brown. Ears hairy, only slightly tufted in adults. 
 
 Head and body 13 i inches 
 
 Tail 11 „ 
 
 Large intestines, 3 feet, 2 inches; small intestines, 7 feet, 7 inches. 
 Coecum, i) inches. Stomach, oj inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 Few animals vary so much in colour, as this squirrel ; and this, no 
 doubt, has led the older naturalists to include this Indian species, 
 among some of the Malayan forms. Mr. Blyth, who has seen a num- 
 ber of specimens from Ceylon and India, separates this species from S. 
 hicolor and 5. javensis. Schreb.; and reserves S. macrourus of Forster, 
 for the above described Ceylon squirrel, which according to Mr. CC alter 
 Elliot exists also in Southern India. In India too, the same indi- 
 vidual varieties are observed. It is not, perhaps, generally known, 
 that this squirrel changes its coat. We have seen it, in its transition 
 state, from dark brown to grizzled grey. In one live specimen, in 
 the possession of Mr. Casie Chitty, one-half of tne upper part of the 
 body, was nearly black, and the other half was light brovm ; the latter 
 part was, as that gentleman assured us, also black a few months 
 before. This peculiarity made us formerly suppose, that the next 
 species was only a black variety of S. mocrourus. This we have now 
 reason to believe is not so; and, therefore, we describe it as a dis- 
 tinct species, confined to the higher parts of the Island and rarely 
 seen at Kandy, where the other species is found in great abundance. 
 
 sciuaus TSiTXAKTii. Lagard. 
 
 The large black squirrel — Kalloo Dandoleyna — Sing. 
 
 Sciurus bicolor? var? apud Blyth. 
 
 S. macrourus. var, montanus. nobis. 
 
 Muzzle and chin, flesh coloured. Cheeks fulvous grey : with a large 
 
RODElsTIA. 
 
 5 1 
 
 triangular black patch behind the eye, reaching upwards to the ear. 
 Between the ears a rusty-red spot. Upper parts of the head, neck, and 
 body entirely black. Fur less wavy than in the former species, and 
 more glossy. Beneath, and round the limbs fulvous white. Tail, gene- 
 rally, all black with a rusty tip ; in some, slightly grizzled with white ; 
 more frequently two -thirds of the tail is grizzled. A narrow grey line, 
 composed of short grey hairs, is seen in the medial line of the un- 
 der surface of the tail; which is less conspicuous in S. macrourus. 
 Forster. 
 
 Head and body 15 inches. 
 
 Tail 13 „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon, Southern India, (Mr. W. Elliot.) 
 
 This is a larger squirrel than S. macrorus, and readily distinguished 
 from it, by the prominent black colour of the whole upper surface 
 of the body, with the exception of the rusty spot at the base of the 
 ears. Mr. Edgar Layard, was the first naturalist to *have observed 
 this species, which he called after the late Colonial Secretary Sir 
 James Emerson Tennant, who paid some attention to the natural 
 productions of the Island. This squirrel is found in great abundance 
 at Newera Ellia. S. tennantii and S. trilineatus are the only species 
 of squirrels seen at that elevation. 
 
 Mr. Blyth, in noticing this squirrel, observes, that it is distin- 
 guished from S. hicolor, by the white surrounding all the limbs. In 
 S. bicolory the posterior limbs are wholly black externally, and the 
 anterior are wholly black behind, and more or less so externally. 
 
 sciuRUS TRI8TRIATU8. Woterhouse, 
 
 The Palm squirrel — Leyna — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Sciurus penicillatus. Leach 
 
 The general tint of the upper parts of this squirrel is usually rusty 
 red on the head ; greyish over the shoulders ; black on the middle of 
 the back; and of a rust colour over the haunches. The sides of the 
 face are yellowish- rust colour ; the sides of the body, the feet and the 
 outside of the fore-legs are grey ; the outer portion of the hind legs 
 is grey with a yellowish and sometimes rusty tint: the chin, throat, 
 under part of body, and the inner sides of the limbs are white. The 
 rump is of a deep rust colour, and so likewise is the under side of the 
 tail at the base. A longitudinal white or yellowish line extends from 
 the occiput along the middle of the back, nearly u> the root of the 
 
RODENTIA. 
 
 52 
 
 tail; over the shoulders and haunches this line, however, is scarcely 
 to be traced, and sometimes is quite obliterated ; parallel to, and on 
 each side of this pale line, is another, which commences a little behind 
 the ear, and extends to the root of the tail ; over the shoulders, it as- 
 sumes a grey cast, and is very indistinct ; and on the hinder part of 
 the body it is frequently of a deep yellow tint; the intermediate 
 portion is generally white ; the distance between this and the central 
 line is about five lines, and the intermediate space is occupied, in some 
 specimens, almost entirely with black hairs; and, in others, the hairs 
 in the same part consist of a mixture of yellow or rust colour, and 
 black. These last pale lines are bordered externally by a dark stripe, 
 which is in most cases totally black, and extends only along the 
 middle portion of the body or flanks. 
 
 The hairs on the upper side of the tail are most of them white at 
 the apex, of a deep. rust colour at their base, then, annulated with 
 black, rust colour and l)lack. The greater portion of the hairs on 
 the under side of the tail have their basal half rusty -red; the apical 
 portion white, with an intermediate black space. The ears are covered 
 externally and internally with minute yellow and black hairs. 
 
 In. Lines. 
 
 Length from the nose to the root of the tail 7 5 
 
 I)o. - to the ear 1 7 
 
 Do. of tail, to end of hair 7 5 
 
 Do. of naked part of forefoot beneath, to end of claws 1 „ 
 
 Do. of tarsus, to end of claws 1 7| 
 
 Geograjphical Distribution . — India, Ceylon. 
 
 It so happens, that at the time we are writing on the Sciuridoe, 
 we have no fresh specimen of the S. tristriatus of Colombo, from 
 which to give a correct description; and, therefore, we have given 
 Mr. Waterhouse’s elaborate description instead of our own short one, 
 taken down when we did not contemplate bringing out a book on 
 Ceylon Mammals. This we do the m.ore gladly, as to Mr. Waterhouse 
 is due the credit of having separated this species from S. palmarum 
 of Buffon, with which it was before confounded ; and, we think, that 
 having given this full description, our friends will be the better able 
 to appreciate the difference, if any really exists, between the S. irisfri- 
 atiis of Colombo and the other varieties or species found in the Island, 
 We are strongly inclined to believe, that all the following species, 
 with the exception of the last (S. trilineatus.) are only local varieties 
 of S. tristriatus of Waterhouse. See appendix, for a description of 
 S. palmarum, verus; which, although co-existing in Southern India 
 with S. tristriatus, has not yet been observed in Ceylon. 
 
RODENTIA. 
 
 53 
 
 8CIURU8 BRODiEi. BlytJi aiid Layard. 
 
 Very similar to the last, but distinguished by its considerably paler 
 colour ; and, especially by having a very long pencil tuft (3-J inch,) 
 at the extremity of the ta,il ; quite different from what is ever seen 
 in S. tristriatiis. Beneath the tail, to near its tip, ferruginous as in 
 the other species. Blytli. 
 
 The only specimen we have seen of this squirrel, was one Mr. 
 Edgar Layard sent from Point Pedro. The dorsal lines in th^'s, 
 stopped on the shoulders, and were not continued over the neck. The 
 long pencil tuft was absent. This Squirrel, according to Mr. Layard, 
 extends from Putlam to Jaffna. It is called after Mr. Brodie, of the 
 Ceylon Civil service, who has contributed specimens from Ceylon to the 
 Bengal Asiatic Society’s Museum.. 
 
 SCIURUS LAYARDI. Blytli. 
 
 Size of the tv-’o last, but the colour much darker, nearly as in 
 Sc. trilineatiis {xe\ Delesserti,) but inclining more to ashy than to ful- 
 vous, except on the head and flanks; lower parts ferruginous, paler 
 on the breast, middle of the back nigrescent, with a strongly contrast- 
 ing narrow bright fulvous streak in the middle, reaching from between 
 the shoulders to near the tail ; and an obscure stripe on either side 
 barely reaching to the croup. Tail ferruginous along its centre, the 
 hairs broadly margined with black, and finally wdth whitish; besides 
 w’hich there is another narrower black band on each hair, towards its base; 
 chiefly seen as the tail is view^ed from above; tip black, forming a 
 pencil tuft 3 inches long. Blyih. 
 
 We have not as yet had an opportunity of seeing this species. 
 Mr. E. Layard obtained it at Ambegammua (a highland district.) 
 Mr. Blyth has described and called it after the discoverer. 
 
 SCIURUS KELAARTi. Layard.. 
 
 May be described as very like Sc. Palmarum of India, but the 
 head is much redder, the halves of the back and belly more blended ; 
 and the animal is altogether smaller. J^ayard. 
 
 Mr. Layard says, “ that this squirrel replaces all the small Sciuri 
 from Tangalle to Hambantotte, and I should fancy extends far on 
 towards Trincomalie.” We therefore sent Mr. Layard two specimens 
 of the Trincomalie squirrel, which he identified with the one he calls 
 after us. However honoured we^, feel, by the compliment paid, we 
 cannot but admit that this squirrel like S. hrodiei is very little re- 
 moved from S. tristriatus, as described by Mr. V aterhouse. That 
 both are merely varieties of S. tristriatus is further made probable, 
 
5i 
 
 RODEN TI A. 
 
 by observing in a series of Squirrels found at Trincomalie, nearly 
 all the different shades of colour indicated by Waterhouse; and, among 
 them are specimens, which could be identified even with S. Brodiei. 
 The rufous cap is not present in all. With regard to the specimens 
 we sent Mr. Blyth and Mr. Layard, the streaks on their backs were 
 white throughout; but, in some other specimens subsequently obtained 
 from the same locality, the posterior third of these streaks was of 
 of a rusty -yellow colour, as is observed in some recognized varieties 
 of S. tristriatus. The rump, however, in none of the Trincomalie 
 specimens, was of so deep a rusty-colour as is observed in most speci- 
 mens of S. tristriatus of Colombo and its neighbourhood; nor, is 
 the vent so rusty, nor are the sides of the face at all rusty in any of 
 the Trincomalie specimens. If S. Kelaarti is a distinct species, the 
 latter negative characters may distinguish it, but not the rufous cap, 
 which we have seen as deep in S. tristriatus ; besides, it is not always 
 present in squirrels of Colombo or Trincomalie. 
 
 With respect to the long tuft of the tail of S. Brodiei, we are not 
 able to form an opinion, not having seen one with a long tuft. But, 
 we may add, our conviction, that some of the specimens of Trinco- 
 malie squirrels have equally long tufts, and in them, the bony tips of 
 the tails bore evident marks of having been broken o&, at some former 
 period of the animal’s life; and nature appeared to have exerted 
 its power in compensating for the diminution of the length of the 
 tail, by elongating the terminal hairs of the broken off part into a 
 long pencil tuft. That this may be the origin also of the pencil 
 tuft in S. brodiei is very probable ; for, according to Mr. Bayard’s 
 own account, few of the specimens of S. Brodiei he saw% had the long 
 tufts. Out of eight S. Kelaarti (apud Layard) two had the long 
 tufts ; and in both the long end of the tail had been broken off*. 
 However, it may have been otherwise with S. brodiei, which had 
 long tufts to their tails, as seen by Mr. Layard. 
 
 8CIURUS TRiLiNEATUs. Watcrhouse. 
 
 The Newera-Ellia “ground” Squirrel. 
 
 Syn : Sciurus Dellesserti — Geurin. 
 
 Sc : sublineatus. — Waterhouse. 
 
 Fur dense, soft; of a dark olive colour at the surface and minutely 
 grizzled with tawny; base of hairs dusky black; under surface lighter 
 coloured and more tawmy. Some longer thin black hairs on the black 
 and rump. Three indistinct pale lines, alternating with four dark ones 
 on the back and croup. The tail grizzled, dusky olive brown and 
 
KODENTIA. 
 
 55 
 
 ferruginous; hairs annulated with two black and three ta^^uiy rings, 
 the latter also terminal, the superior black one broadest. 
 
 Head and body 6i inch. 
 
 Tail 6 „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Neilgherries, (India,) Newera-Ellia, 
 (Ceylon. ) 
 
 This remarkable squirrel is common about Newera-Ellia and Dim- 
 boola ; we have not seen it from lower parts than Pusilawa (3,000 feet.) 
 This is the only quadruped, hitherto seen in Ceylon, which is iden- 
 tical with species in India restricted to the Neilgherry hills. Of birds we 
 have several which are common to both the highland districts among 
 them, Hirundo domicola, Zoster ops anmdosus, Acanthyeis caudacata, 
 Hypsipetes Neilgheris ; and many allied species such as the black 
 bird, Merula Kinnisi, and Palumbus Torringtonii, nobis. A com- 
 parative account of the Fauna of the Neilgherries and Newera-Ellia 
 would be very interesting. For this we are now collecting materials. 
 
 GENUS. PTEROMYS. Cuv. 
 
 This class of squirrels has its limbs invested in the skin of the 
 sides, which is prolonged laterally, so as to form broad expansions, 
 supported by the limbs and bony processes from each foot. These 
 expansions are not naked as in the bats, but are covered above and 
 beneath by short dense fur. They act like parachutes, in giving 
 additional buoyancy to the animal in its leap from tree to tree. The 
 name of flying squirrel is a metaphorical expression of their most 
 distinguishing peculiarity.” There is also a peculiarity in the skulls of 
 these squirrels which serves to distinguish them from the other genera 
 of Sciuridse. The posterior part of the nasal bones a little convex ; the 
 frontal bones strongly depressed in their middle and rising slightly 
 afterwards ; the posterior parts of the head do not begin sensibly to 
 curve downwards before the middle of the parietal bones; cerebral 
 cavity small, only half the length of the head. Tail not distichous. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors -I, canines molars :j;.4==22 
 
 PTEROMYS ORAL. Ticket. 
 
 The large flying Squirrel — Egala Dandoleyna — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Pteromys petaurista, male — Pallas. 
 
 P. Philippensis, — Gray, apud — Elliot. 
 
 Taguan — Buffon. 
 
 Head greyish brown, darker round the eyes and muzzle. Body above, 
 
RODENTIA. 
 
 C>G 
 
 rufous black or brown; grizzled more or less with white. Membranes 
 lighter coloured. Limbs of a bright maronne. Under parts dusky 
 grey; in some slightly fulvescent. I'eet black. Tail long, rounded; 
 black, or maronne brown, with whitish extreme points to the hairs 
 on the terminal half. 
 
 An adult male measured ; 
 
 ft. in. 
 
 Head and body 1. — 9 
 
 Tail ^ 1. — 9i 
 
 Expanse 1. — 6 
 
 Small intestines, 8 feet, 8 inch ; large intestines, 6 feet, 6 inch 
 coecum, 2 feet, 6 inch; stomach, 5 inches. 
 
 Geographical Listrihution. — India, Philippine Isles? (’eylon. 
 
 This flying squirrel, varies so much in colour in different speci- 
 mens, that at first sight, one is apt to suppose that the specimens are 
 of more than one species. Mr. Blyth, has made his variety cine- 
 rascens, of P. Oral, in which the whitish tips of the fur are more 
 predominating, thereby imparting a hoary grey appearance to the 
 whole upper surface, and continued along the tail; the extreme tip 
 only of which is blackish. This variety we have identified vith P. 
 Oral from Dimboola; in which, hoary splashes on the back and tail 
 are very conspicuous. In another, obtained from Mr. Marcus, Sur- 
 geon, Kornegalle, there was scarcely any grey on the body; a dark 
 maronne colour prevailed through the whole upper surface. Tail atten- 
 uated. Between these two varieties there are several intermediate, 
 
 individual varieties. 
 
 GENUS. SCIUROPTEBUS. F. Cw. 
 
 In this genus, are included the flying Squirrels with distichous 
 flat tails. They are further distinguished from Vteromys, by the ante- 
 rior part of the profile of the head being straight to the middle of 
 the frontal bones; where it takes a curved direction very much 
 arched, without any intermediate depression. Occiput projecting ; 
 frontal bones elongated ; and the capacity of the cranium comprising 
 three fifths of the length of the head. The rest as in Pteromys. 
 Several species have lately been added to the fauna of India. In 
 Ceylon, to the present time, only one is knovm, which we call after 
 after our industrious fellow labourer at Point Pedro. 
 
 SCIUROPTERUS LAYARDI Nobis. 
 
 Face grey, mixed with black ; forehead rufous bro^^'Tl ; a duskv spot 
 
KODENTIA. 
 
 57 
 
 on the nose; whiskers long and black; a tuft of long soft hairs 
 below the ears, and a smaller tuft before them. The ear conch is 
 J inch long, posteriorly ovate and somewhat narrow. Fur dense, 
 soft, moderately long, and very glossy on the surface. Upper surface 
 of a rufous chestnut colour. Fur of the upper parts, of a dusky 
 blackish colour for three fourths of its length; the tips coarser and 
 coloured rufous chestnut. Beneath whitish grey. Under parts of neck 
 and cheeks slightly ferruginous. Feet greyish, with a faint rufous tinge 
 on the hind ones only. Membranes brown above and whitish beneath ; 
 the anterior part of the superior surface black, velvetty; with a soft 
 dense, wdiite fringe on the margin. Tail flat and broad, of a lighter 
 <diestnut above, washed wnth black; and under surface of a deeper 
 black, except at tip. The only specimen we obtained measured; 
 
 ft. — - in. 
 
 Head and body 1. — 4 
 
 Tail 0. — 11| 
 
 Hind foot, from heel to tip of claws 0. — 2| 
 
 Fore foot, to membrane 0. — 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 Mr. Blyth, in noticing this species, remarks that it may possibly 
 be a fine adult of S. fuscocapillns of Jerdon ; but he is inclined 
 to consider it distinct ; and says, that it is nearly affined to S. caniceps, 
 Gray, (from the Himalayas,) from which it differs, in having the fur of 
 its under parts of a dull non-fulvescent wFite ; the parachute membrane 
 being margined with pure white fur, lengthened and conspicuous at the 
 angle. Mr. Palliser ( who shot this specimen at Dimboola ) says, that 
 this flyiug squirrel is rare on those heights, (4,500 feet); the Pteromys 
 oral is often seen, of which he has also sent a fine specimen. 
 
 GENUS. MUS. Limi. 
 
 Small quadrupeds, with long and scaly tail; short adpressed stiff 
 hairs on the scaly whorls. Three molars to each jaw, the anterior of 
 wdiich is the largest, and the posterior the smallest. The grinders, 
 when perfect, have a high and convex crown with ridges. The ridges 
 on the upper ones are slightly three lobed, the central lobes larget* 
 These tubercles or lobes are in adults worn down by attrition; they 
 then present flat surfaces with transverse lines, which is the character 
 of the molars generally foimd in specimens. 
 
 2 0 3-3 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors ly , canines , molars ww,~16 
 
 ^ () 0-0 
 
 If 
 
o8 
 
 RODENTIA. 
 
 MUS GIGANTEL'S. HavdlC. 
 
 The Bandicoot, or pig rat — Oora Islo-eyo—Sing. 
 
 Syn. Mus bandicota. — Bechst. 
 
 AT. iMalabariciLs. — Shnic. 
 
 M. Perchal . — Buff on. 
 
 M. riemori vagus. — Hodgson. 
 
 Above, dark ashy brown, mixed with black. Beneath, lead coloured 
 mixed wdth grey. On the back the short fur is mixed with long black 
 bristly hairs. Limbs darker. Tail long, scaly, with short adpressed 
 bristles. A large sized bandicoot measured. 
 
 Head and body 14: inches. 
 
 Tail 13 „ 
 
 Small intestines, 6 feet; large intestines, 2 feet; ccecum, 4:| inches; 
 stomach, inches. Weight 2 lbs. 10 ounces. Barely are larger spe- 
 cimens found. 
 
 Geogro^phical Bistribution . — ^Malayan peninsula, India, Ceylon. 
 
 The bandicoot is found in all parts of the Island. Bandicoots from 
 New^era Ellia are particularly large, and of a darker colour, than 
 those of the Maritime provinces. A specimen found in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Kandy, had a rufous tinge on the posterior half of the 
 back. It w’as kept alive for several days in a cage, till one night it 
 got away by cutting up the wooden bars. It fed on rice, potatoes, 
 and yams. These animals are very destructive to grain crops. At 
 Kewera Ellia, they are the farmers’ pest; fields of potatoes and beds 
 of peas are much injured by these rapacious creatures; the dove-cot 
 and poultry yard are not exempted from their attacks. Some classes 
 of malabars are very partial to the flesh of these rats, and they 
 are much sought after by the coolies on coffee estates, wdio eat them 
 roasted. 
 
 Mcs RATTUs ? Linn. 
 
 The black rat — Kalloo Meeyo — Sing. 
 
 Above blafckish brown, along the dorsal line nearlv black ; sides 
 paler, some of the hairs with pale fulvous tips. Beneath and inside 
 of limbs, fur very short, of a uniform sooty ash colour, separated 
 from the colour above by a distinct line of demarcation. Whiskers 
 black, long. Ears large, ixunded, slightly villous externally. Tail 
 
RODENTU. 
 
 59 
 
 black, scaly and covered with very short stiff hairs. F eet nearly naked. 
 Female, 8 teats. 
 
 Head and body 6| inches. 
 
 Tail „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — C osmopolitan. 
 
 This rat, from which the above description is taken, was killed in 
 a house at Trincomalie. We have not seen the black rat, or any rat 
 approaching the above characters, from any other part of the Island. 
 Mr. Layard enumerates it in his list of Ceylon Mammals. No doubt, 
 the black rat has been introduced by ships, which frequent the various 
 ports of the Island. 
 
 Mus DEcuMANus. Pallas 
 
 The common brown house-rat — Gaval-Meeyo — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Mus Javanus. — apud Schinz. 
 
 Mus N or vegic us. — Brisson. 
 
 Fur above, greyish brown mixed with tawny; and longer slender 
 black hairs. Beneath, greyish ash. Tail longer than the head and 
 body, scaly; the whorls covered with very short adpressed bristles. 
 A large brown rat found at Colombo measured. 
 
 Head and body 10 inches. 
 
 Tail 11 „ 
 
 The generality of these rats are of smaller dimensions. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Cosmopolitan. 
 
 This rat, knowm in England as the Norway rat, (from its being sup- 
 posed to have come over to Great Britain with the Norwegians), is 
 ascertained to be of Asiatic origin, and to have been introduced into 
 all parts of the world. 
 
 The black rat has nearly been worried out of England by tlie 
 “ stranger rat,” Mus decumanus ; and now, it is a rare thing to see 
 a black rat in any part of Great Britain. It is still found in great 
 abundance in France and other parts of the continent of Europe. 
 Mr. Waterton, who wrote an account of the ‘‘History and habits of 
 the brown or grey rat,” says, that in all his life, he has seen but one 
 single solitary specimen. We cannot help quoting, for the benefit 
 of our Ceylon “ rat grubbers" a piece of Mr. Waterton’s sentimental 
 soliloquy on seeing this unique representative of the old English 
 black rat. 
 
 “Whilst I was looking at the little native prisoner in its cage, 
 I could not help exclaiming, Poor injured Briton! hard indeed has 
 
60 
 
 EODENTIA. 
 
 been the fate of thy family! in another generation, at farthest, it 
 will probably sink down to the dust for ever. Vain would be the 
 attempt to trace the progress of the stranger rat through England’s 
 w'ide domains, as the old people, now alive, can tell nothing of its 
 coming amongst them. Ko ])art of the country is free from its baneful 
 presence ; the fold and the field, the street and the stable, the ground 
 and the garret, all bear undoubted testimony to its ubiquity and to 
 its forbidding habits. After dining on the carrion in the filthiest 
 sink, it will often manage to sup on the choicest dainties of the larder, 
 where like Celceno of old, vestigia fceda relinquit. We may consider 
 it saddled upon us for ever. Hercules himself, could he return to 
 earth, w'ould have his hands full, were he to attempt to drive this 
 harpy back again to Stymphalus ! It were loss of time to dwell on 
 its peculiarities. Let any body trace its movements in the cellar, the 
 dairy, the barn, and the outhouse, and he will be able to form some 
 
 notion of the hungry mouths which we have to fill. Nine or ten 
 
 young ones at a time, twice or thrice during the year, are an 
 
 enormous increase, and must naturally recall to our minds one of the 
 many plagues which formerly desolated the fertile lands of Egypt.” 
 The inhabitants of this fair Island, can speak as feelingly on the des- 
 tructive propensities of the liouse rat, though not, perhaps, so elo- 
 quently. In time, they may also have to deplore the importation of 
 the black rat. 
 
 Although our hunt, or grubbing, as some friends facetiously call our 
 pursuit after rats in f'eylon, has not produced any such lamen- 
 
 tations over the old Britain race, still we hope to describe faithfully 
 the characters of all the species of Muridm found in the Island; a 
 labour not quite so unproductive or uninteresting as some may sup- 
 pose, for our list contains 12 well identified species and I or 5 of 
 doubtful characters. Perhaps next to bats, rats are the most difficult 
 creatures to be properly identified, and in dried specimens it is next to 
 an impossibility to define some species. Our descriptions are from 
 fresh specimens, and when they do not correspond with the cha- 
 racters of a stuffed specimen, it is owing to the effects of drying 
 and preparing. To return from this digression : we shall call the at- 
 tention of observers, to a yellow reddish-brown variety of the com- 
 mon house rat found at Trincomalie and Batticaloa, which may pro- 
 bably be the Mus decumanoides of Hodgson : — this rat may be thus 
 described ; 
 
 Above, dark yellow browm, with long thin black hairs. Beneath 
 dingy or yellovish ash, with a few long grey hairs, b'horter fur of the 
 hack, very similar to that of Mus davescens. Ellicl : but much darker 
 
RODENTIA. 
 
 61 
 
 and of slight rufous or reddish shade on the rump and posterior limbs. 
 Base of hairs ash. Feet brown; soles purplish. 
 
 Head and body 7-| inch. 
 
 Tail si 
 
 Palma d-10 „ 
 
 Planta 1. 1-1 0„ 
 
 Head 1. 8-10 „ 
 
 This is the common house rat of Trincomalie, smaller than the 
 Mus decnmanus, of which we have seen only a few specimens in 
 Trincomalie, where it is rare in houses in the town; but abundant 
 in the dockyard. Mus decumanus is not very common in the hilly 
 parts of the Island, other rats seem to replace it altogether on still 
 higher parts. At Newera Ellia, w^here w^e resided for seven months, 
 not one w'as observed. But it will not be long, ere the brown rat 
 will find there also, a “ habitation and a name.” 
 
 MUS CEYLONUS. tlohlS. 
 
 Fur soft, lead colour; hair of upper parts tipped with dark fawn and 
 black. Ears large, naked. Whiskers long, black. Tail longer than 
 
 the head and body, scaly. 
 
 Head and body 4| inch 
 
 Tail 6 „ 
 
 This small rat, is found in outhouses in the cinnamon gardens at 
 Colombo. I have no reason to think it to be the young of the 
 former species. The teeth were well developed. The darker colour 
 and long tail, will easily distinguish the species from other Colombo rats. 
 
 MUS FLAVESCENS. Elliot. 
 
 The white bellied tree Kat — Ghas-Meeyo — SiTfift. 
 
 Syn : Mus rufescens — Gray. 
 
 M. rufus — Elliot. 
 
 Above, pale yellowish brown; under fur light lead colour. Beneath 
 and inside of limbs, milky wFite. Fur above, composed of short lead 
 coloured hairs, tipped yellow and black; intermixed with longer stiff, 
 broad, grey bristly hairs, tipped black; many of the latter are chan- 
 nelled; bristles on the sides and shoulders are broader and stiffer in 
 some specimens, and terminate in yellowish hair points. In addition 
 to these, there are on the back, much longer, thin, black hairs, 
 more or less numerous ; a few'’ of which on tlie posterior parts have 
 grey tips. Head long, muzzle narrow^cd, w'hiskcrs long black. Ears 
 
62 
 
 RODEKTIA. 
 
 large, subovate, slightly villous. Feet, brown on the medial line, sides 
 and toes whitish, claws white and covered with grey hairs; soles pur- 
 plish. Tail longer than the head and body. 
 
 Head and body 6J inches. 
 
 Tail 7 „ 
 
 The molars in this species are more distinctly trilobed. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Malayan Peninsula, India, Ceylon. 
 
 We have received specimens of this rat from Badulla, Kandy, 
 Kaduganava, Kornegalle and Trincomalie; and we presume, it is 
 found in many other parts of the Island. It lives on trees and in houses. 
 Whenever a house is ceiled, it inhabits the ceiling in preference to 
 the lower parts of the house : the common brown rat, on the 
 contrary, rarely takes its abode on roofs of houses. There are 
 several marked varieties of Mus-jiavescens on the Island, which we 
 have formerly regarded as distinct species. 
 
 VAR. RUFO-FLAVESCENS. 
 
 Syn : Mus. tetragonurus — nobis. 
 
 This is a reddish variety, — the prevailing hue of the head and back 
 being of a reddish or cinnamon brown colour, with fewer black pointed 
 bristles and hairs than in the last. Beneath, milky white. Basal third 
 of the tail remarkably thick, and nearly tetragonal. 
 
 Dentition as in Mus jlavescens. 
 
 Mr. Gill, the Medical Attendant of the Leper Hospital, procured us a 
 specimen of this fine rat from Handelle, near Colombo, where it is rare. 
 
 VAR. KANDIANUS. 
 
 Syn ; Mus Kandianus — nobis. 
 
 This rat, is the mountain variety of Mus jlavescens ; perhaps iden- 
 tical Mus fulvescens, of Gray’s catalogue of Mr. Hodgson’s Nepal 
 collection of animals in the British Museum. 
 
 The fur is longer, softer, and darker coloured. The under fur, too, 
 of a deeper lead colour than in the two other varieties. Whiskers 
 also much longer. Dentition nearly similar; the upper molars are 
 broader and the lobes more distinct. Tail longer than the head and 
 
 body. Soles dark purplish. 
 
 Head and body 6^ inch. 
 
 Tail 7| „ 
 
 Palma 5-12 
 
 Planta 1.2-12 
 
KODENTIA. 
 
 6.3 
 
 This is the common house rat of Newera-Ellia, Rambodde, and 
 Pusilava ; and it may probably be found a little lower. There is another 
 rat in Newera-Ellia,) of which we do not now possess any specimens, of 
 more slender make, of still longer and denser fur; of a dark olive 
 brown surface colour on the upper parts. Beneath white, but not so 
 defined as in Mns flavescens. The only specimen we had was sent 
 to the Zoological Society of London. After seeing a description of 
 M. nitidus of Hodgson, we suspect this is allied to it, if not identical. 
 
 MUS NEMORALIS. Blyth. 
 
 Syn : Mus arboreus ? — nos. 
 
 Very similar to Jlavescens, or rather to our second variety of it. 
 The colour of the abdomen is fulvous white, confined only to the tips 
 of the hair; their bases being light lead colour. The stiff hairs on 
 the back are more flattened and fusiform, and more deeply grooved- 
 Size the same as Mus Jlavescens. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon, 
 
 The first specimens of this tree rat were procured at Colombo. 
 We have since seen it at Trincomalie. They were caught in out- 
 houses and gardens; a nest of one was seen on a mango tree. The 
 only differences in the dentition of this species from that observed 
 in Mus Jlavescens and its several varieties are, that the lobes are less 
 distinct, and the ridges run rather obliquely; the former character 
 may, however, be the effects of attrition. 
 
 At Trincomalie, this rat is found in gardens more frequently than 
 Mus Jlavescens, from which it is easily distinguished, by the dingy 
 or fulvous white of loAver parts. We hope to see the Jaffna rats, 
 before this account of Ceylon Mammals is published; and, perhaps, 
 we shall be able from our own examination to add Mus (Nesokia) Kok 
 to our list of Ceylon Muridce. 
 
 MUS AsiATicus? Gray. 
 
 Fur soft; above, pale brown mixed with black; sides, ashy grey. 
 Beneath pure white, but not so defined as in the foregoing species. 
 Tail rather thin, shorter than the head and body, Ears large, slightly 
 villous. Limbs slender. 
 
 Head and body 6 inch. 
 
 Tail 
 
 The specimen, from which the above description is given, was a 
 full grown enceinte female. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — India, Ceylon. 
 
64 
 
 EODEN TfA. 
 
 If our identification is correct, this rat may stand midway between 
 Mus decumanoides and Mus fiavescens, var a. This species is not 
 numerous. We found a few in native huts at Colombo and Trinco- 
 malie. It cannot he confounded with Mus nemoralis from the pure 
 white of the lower parts ; from Mus Jlavescens, it may be distinguished 
 by its smaller size, darker back, and proportionately shorter tail. 
 It has not the dentition of Nesohia, of Gray. 
 
 MUS MANEi. Gray. 
 
 The common Indian mouse — Coosetta Meeyo — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Mus muscnlus — Elliot — and — Kelaart. 
 
 Fur short, dense; above, dark fawn brown, very glossy. Beneath, ash 
 coloured, shaded mth tawny. Hairs of the upper parts of a lead colour 
 with tavmy browm tips, mixed with some black hairs. Ears large, 
 rounded, slightly villous. Tail greyish brown; a little longer than 
 the head and body. Toes white. 
 
 Head and body 2. G-IO inch. 
 
 Tail 3 
 
 Geogra'pMcal Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, Ceylon. 
 
 This house mouse, found in most parts of the Island, resembles the 
 house mouse of Europe. Its longer tail, darker colour and white feet 
 are we believe the characters which made Mr. Gray separate this 
 species from 31us musculus L. Another small mouse of a lighter 
 colour, is found in houses at Trincomalie, which we consider distinct 
 from this. 
 
 MUS cERVicoLOR? Hodgsoii. 
 
 Fur rather long, soft, glossy. Above, fulvous fawn brown. Beneath 
 paler. Hairs dark lead colour, with yellowish tips. Tail rather 
 shorter than the head and body, scaly and pubescent ; of a dark brown 
 above, paler on the lower surface. Feet dingy grey. Teeth pale. 
 Whiskers long, black; a few shorter, grey. 
 
 Head and body 2. 9-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 2. 5-10 „ 
 
 Head 9-10 „ 
 
 Hind foot, with claws 6-10 „ 
 
 The female from which the above measures were taken, had two 
 young ones in utero. Teats ten, pectoral 3 pairs and 2 ventral. 
 
 This mouse is distinguished from Mus Maiwi. by Jts much lighter 
 
RODEKTIA- 
 
 65 
 
 colour, longer hairs and shorter tail. We have seen it only in houses 
 af Trincomalie. 
 
 GENUS. NESOKIA. Gra^, 
 
 Cutting teeth very large, flat in front and smooth; grinders 3-3, 
 front upper large with three cross ridges ; the middle oblong, and the 
 hinder much narrowed behind, each with two cross ridges; the front 
 lower grinder larger, narrowed in front with three cross ridges ; hinder 
 each with two ridges, the hindermost smallest, rather narrowed behind; 
 tail short, thick, with whoids of scales and scattered bristles ; toes 4-5 
 moderate, the three middle subequal, long, the outer moderate; claws 
 small, compressed; front thumb tubercular, with a rudimentary claw; 
 ears moderate, naked. Gray. 
 
 This genus is easily known from the true Rats ( Mu ?,, ) by the large 
 size of the cutting teeth and the shortness of the tail ; it appears to 
 be intermediate between Mu? and Rhizoiny?. 
 
 NESOKIA KAEDWiCKii. Gray. 
 
 The short tailed rat. 
 
 Syn: Mus Hardvdckii — Gray. 
 
 Mus dubius — Nohi?. 
 
 Fur rather soft; above, rufous brown. Hairs lead colour, tipped with 
 rufous-yellow brown, and mixed on the back with longer and rather 
 rigid blackish hairs. Sides paler. Eeneath hoary, ash coloured ; ha‘rs, 
 on the abdomen, short, lead or ash coloured with shining white 
 or hoary tips. Whiskers few, thin, moderately long, some with grey 
 points. Ears moderate, slightly villous. Tail shorter than the head 
 
 and body; scaly, nearly naked. 
 
 Head and body inch. 
 
 Tail 5J „ 
 
 Head „ 
 
 Length of small intestines, 3 ft. 4 in.; large intestines, 11 in. ; ccecum, 
 2 in. ; stomach 3 in.. 
 
 Geogapliical Duirihufion . — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 This rat is found in great abundance in grass lands near Kandy, 
 and also in out houses and stable yards in the town of Kandy. Since 
 we have compared the dentition of this rat, with Gray’s description 
 of the characters of the teeth of his genus N€?ohia, we are quite sure 
 
 I 
 
RODENT f A. 
 
 (i<5 
 
 ot iLa oeing a species of this genus, and we have very little doubt 
 of its identity with I^’eso^Hci HcirdvHchii. 
 
 n'Esokia kok. Gray. 
 
 The Kok. 
 
 Syn ; Mus Kok — Gray. 
 
 Keotoma providens— ' 
 
 Arvicola Indica, — Gray, 
 
 Fur above, pale brown mixed with long black hairs. Under fur, 
 lead coloured. Sides paler. Beneath whitish grey, extreme base of 
 hairs slightly lead coloured. Most of the rigid browui or black tipped 
 hairs on the back are flattened and slightly grooved. "Whiskers mo- 
 derately long, black; a few grey. Ears rounded, villous. Tail shorter 
 than the body, scaly and partially covered with very short greyish 
 hairs. Uentition as in the last species. 
 
 Head and body (about)... 8 inch. 
 
 Tail d „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Southern India, Xepal, Ceylon. 
 
 The only specimen, from which the above description was taken, 
 is a stuffed one, lately received from Mr. Edgar Layard. It is dis- 
 tinguished from Kesokia Hardwickii, by its larger size, more robust 
 make and paler colour of the back; as also by the more uniform white 
 e.olour of the abdomen and lower parts of the head and neck. The 
 Mm Kok {^Neotoma Providens) of Mr. Elliot's Catalogue would 
 appear, from hi.s description of the animal, to have a longer tail, 
 and the abdomen to be less white than the specimen from Point 
 Pedro. Pice cultivators of this district (North Eastern), inform us, 
 that the Kok is also found here; and we are anxiously looking out, 
 for specimens. We cannot identify the Kok sent ns by Mr. Layard, 
 w’th the Kesokia from Kandy; and v/e trust our decision, that 
 they are of distinct species, is correct, even if our identification is 
 doubtful. 
 
 GENUS. GOLUNDA. Gray. 
 
 The grinder.s when perfect, low, with a broad flat crown; the 
 cross ridges of the crown of the upper grinders divided into three 
 distinct slightly raised tubercles. Upper incisors grooved. Rest like 
 Mm. 
 
EOBENTIA. 
 
 67 
 
 GOLUNDA ELLioTi. Gray. 
 
 The Coffee rat — -Cofee-watte meeyo — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Mus hirsiitiis — Elliot. 
 
 Ivlus Coffasus — nohis. 
 
 Fur thick, stiff; above, fulvous brown, mixed with black. Beneath, 
 tawny grey. Hairs of upper parts, flattened, ashy grey ; tipped yellow 
 with some thinner and longer ones, also tipped yellow, with subter- 
 minal black band. Under fur, soft, and of a light lead colour. Face 
 and cheeks rough. Es^rs moderate, subovate, villous ; yellow ferrugi- 
 nous. Tail round, tapering, scaly and villous; its upper surface, dark 
 brown; lower surface, yellowish. Cutting teeth, yellow. Upper ones 
 grooved as in Gerbillus. 
 
 Head and body dj inch. 
 
 Tail......... ^ 4 
 
 Geographical Distrihuhon. — Southern India, Ceylon. 
 
 This is the rat which is so destructive to coffee trees. Whole planta- 
 tions, are sometimes deprived of buds and blossoms by these rats. 
 They are found in all the higher parts of the Kandian provinces. 
 The attention of Europeans, has only been drawn to them since coffee 
 planting commenced in the Island. They appear to be migrator v ; 
 and are not always seen in Coffee estates : when they do visit the ci Id- 
 vated parts, their numbers are so great, that in one day more than 
 1,000 have been known to be killed on one estate alone. In clear- 
 ing forests, the nests of these rats are met with under the roots of 
 trees, ^^e have not been so fortunate as to see many fresli speci- 
 mens; only one was broug'ht to us from Kaduganava: a premium is 
 f et by some coffee planters on the heads of these rodents. The Mala- 
 bar coolies are very fond of eating them roasted, or fried in oil. 
 
 W e doubted for a long time, the identity of this Gohmaa with 
 Mu& hirsutus of Elliot, till Mr. Blyth compared it with specimens from 
 Southern India, and pronounced it to be of the same species. 
 
 GOLIJXDA NEWERA. nobu. 
 
 The Newera-Ellia soil rat. 
 
 Syn : 
 
 Golunda meitada — Gray. 
 Mus lanuginosus — Elliot. 
 Mus Newera— 
 
 s 
 
 apud Blyth. 
 
 Fur very soft: above, of a deep yellow — olive brown colour. Beneath 
 
68 
 
 KODENTIA, 
 
 yellowish grey, or tawTiy. Hairs of the upper parts, lead colour at the 
 base, and golden at the extreme tips, mixed with longer silly black 
 hairs, also tipped yellow. Hairs of the lower parts, of a lighter lead 
 colour with tawny grey tips. Tail shorter than the body, tapering, 
 scaly, and covered with very short stiff hairs ; superior surface, dark 
 brown; and inferior surface, light yellow. Feet tawny brown; soles 
 blackish, nearly bald; claws purplish. Incisors yellow', upper ones 
 grooved. Ears rounded, covered with short yellow hairs. 
 
 Head and body 3J inch. 
 
 Tail............. 2i „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Southern India,? Ceylon. 
 
 This rat is found in pairs in the black soil of Newera-Ellia. We 
 have not seen it from any other part of the Island. The two speci- 
 mens examined were both of the above dimensions and appeared to 
 be adults. If Mr. Blyth is correct in identifying this GoJunda with 
 Mus lanuginosus of Elliot, he must have done so from his remem- 
 brance of the specimens from India; for the descriptions of Elliot 
 and Gray do not quite correspond wdth the characters of our Newera 
 Ellia Golunda. The adult of Mus lanuginosus is 5. 6-10 inch long 
 in body, and the tail is 4. 3-10 in:. Total length 9. 9-10 inch:. Where- 
 as, the total length of G. Neicera is only 5^ inch. Nor does Mr. 
 Gray mention any grooved upper incisors in G. meltada: ( Annals of 
 Nat: Histy: 1836.) Probably this may be only an omission on his 
 part. 
 
 In the Ouva district, w^e found another soil rat, smaller than the 
 above ; of a pale ashy colour, wdiich at the time we referred to Zeggada 
 Booduga of Gray, but having since lost the specimen preserved in 
 spirits, w'e are not able to give a description of it. That it was 
 very different, from every other rat here described, we have no 
 doubt. Probably before the conclusion of our labours in Ceylon, w'e 
 may succeed in procuring a specimen from Badulla, and likewise add 
 other rats, which are common to Southern India, and w'hich may be 
 expected to exist also in this Island. 
 
 GENUS. GERBILLUS. Desm: F. Cuv. 
 
 Molars tuberculous, soon vrorn down to four transverse ridges. 
 Upper incisors grooved. Eyes large and prominent. Ears large. Pos- 
 terior extremities very long, with five toes. Fore feet as in rats. Tail 
 long, without scales, covered with hair ; the rest as in Mus. 
 
RODEJJTIA. 
 
 69 
 
 GERBILLUS INDICES. Dcsm: 
 
 The Indian Jerboa, or Kangaroo rat. 
 
 Syn: Dipns IvAicus— Hardwick. 
 
 Fnr above, light fulvous brown ; sides, paler. Lower surface, white. 
 Hairs above, light lead colour or ashy grey, with long fulvous or ful- 
 vous-brown tips; intermixed with thinner black hairs, which are more 
 conspicuous on the pale coloured sides and cheeks. Ears large, nearly 
 naked. Eye brows wdiitish. Nose elongated. Upper jaw fully half an 
 inch beyond the lower. Whiskers, long, black, and a few grey. Tail 
 longer than the body, blackish above and below; laterally, pale grey; 
 tip terminates in a tuft of black hairs. Feet grey; soles flesh coloured. 
 
 Head and body 7 inch. 
 
 Tail 8 J „ 
 
 Hind feet.... 1| „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 It would appear that the Ceylon Jerboa,!^ identical with t^e species 
 found in Southern India. Mr. Gray gives two species of Gerbils from 
 India. The Ceylon specimens are all alike, whether found in the 
 highlands or in the maritime provinces. We had an opportunity of 
 comparing live specimens found in Kandy, with a dozen live ones sent 
 us by Mr. O’Holloran from the cinnamon gardens, Colombo; no dif- 
 ference was observed. There are individual varieties, some are paler, 
 and others have fewer of the black hairs on the back and sides; but, 
 in the formation of the head and dentition we have not observed any * 
 difference. 
 
 These jumping rats, are found in great abundance on open plains 
 in the low country. The efplanades of t'olpetty (Colombo) and Trin- 
 comalie are swarming with them ; they dig deep holes and trenches 
 under the ground to such an extent, that the esplanades are in some 
 parts completely cut up by their subterranean abodes. They feed 
 on grain, grass and roots. In confinement, they freely partake of 
 nearly all kinds of grain and vegetables. They are doubtless carni- 
 vorous also, for one night several of them nearly devoured an albino 
 of the comnon Mus decumanus, placed in the same cage with them. 
 
 GENUS. HYSTRIX. Cuv. 
 
 Body, covered with stiff and pointed quills. Tail short. Four toes 
 before' and five behind, furnished with stout claw-. The -kull very 
 
70 
 
 IJODENTIA. 
 
 ^vide, swollen, convex ab«r\e: tbe nasal and intermaxillaries very 
 large, broad, oblong, as wide behind as before, and truncated behind ; 
 the palate wide between the grinders; the grinders oblong, longer than 
 broad. The developement of the face is produced by the dilation of 
 the hinder part of the intemiaxillary bones. Gray. 
 
 o 0 -t-4 
 
 Dental formula; Incisors — , canines — . molars 7-., = 20. 
 
 U 0 ' ■*'4 
 
 HYSTRIX LEUCURUS. Sykcs. 
 
 The Indian crested Porcupine — Heetava — Sing. 
 
 : Hystrix hirsutirostris. — Brandt. 
 
 H. cristata. Linn', apud — Bennet. 
 
 Blackish brown. Muzzle clothed with short, stiff, bristly hairs. Whisk- 
 ers long, black ; a few, tipped white. Spines of the thi'oat short, grooved; 
 some with white setaceous points forming a half collar, also a few 
 white tipped spines on the face. Crest of head and neck full, long, 
 formed of black bristles, a few •^dth long white points. Spines of 
 the sides, short, fiat, grooved or striated ; many of them terminating 
 in white points. The larger thick quills on the back are either en- 
 tirely black, or annulated at the base and middle with white ; and a 
 few terminate in white points. The longer and thinner quills on the 
 back and sides, covering the thicker ones, have long white termina- 
 tions ; and many of these again ( particularly the longest) have a basal 
 and one or two central white rings. Short quills on the mesial line 
 of the lumbar region, are nearly all white; and the longer striated 
 quills of this region are mostly white. Quills of the tail white, or yel- 
 lowish ; a few black ones at the root. Pedunculated quills are long, broad : 
 and much flattened in old animals. 
 
 A middle size male measured. 
 
 Head and body 32 inches. 
 
 Tail ‘ 8 
 
 Palma ,, 
 
 Planta 3| ,, 
 
 Height at the shoulders... 8J 
 Geographical Jjistrihution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 The crested Porcupine is found in nearly all parts of the Island : 
 there is also a porcupine at Newera Ellia, which is said to be different 
 from this ; but we have not been so fortunate as to have procured 
 a specimen of any porcupine from that mountain heicrht. All the 
 
RODENTIA. 
 
 71 
 
 porcupines we have seen in Kandy, Colombo, and Trincomaiie, are 
 
 of one species, which we have referred to Sykes’ II, leucuTvs. 
 
 Mr. Blytli’s young Ceylon porcupine, which lie thought was the 
 
 young of a new species is the young of the species which we take 
 for H. leucurus, Sykes. Mr. Blyth has since informed us, that his 
 opinion has changed regarding the young porcupine Mr. Layard sent 
 him, of which he has made his new species II. Zeylormisis. e 
 
 have to hear further from him if he agrees to our identification of 
 the Ceylon Porcupine with H. leucurus. All the young ones of this 
 species we have examined, correspond with Mr. Blyth’s descri})tion of 
 II. Zeijlonensis. The characters of the quills alter as the animal grows, 
 and in adults, the white annulations are very difierent. Part of the crest 
 bristles of males only have white points. In females, fewer have white 
 terminations. The latter character agrees Vvith the distinction drawn by 
 Mr. Waterhouse, between the crest bristles of H. Cristata and U. 
 hirsutirostris (vel II. leucurus). Mr. Waterhouse, in his excellent account 
 of porcupines, draws the following principal distinctions between the 
 Indian and European porcupine. “The quills in the lumbar region” says 
 Mr. Waterhouse “are entirely white in H. leucurus and chiefly dusky 
 in U. Cristata, and the bristles in the crest of the latter have all long 
 white points ; whereas, in II. leucurus, only some have white points 
 the rest are entirely brown. The long quills on the back have the 
 white more extended in H. leucurus! 
 
 The identification of species from single characters, is at all times 
 difficult and unsatisfactory. In the genus Hystrix particularly so, as 
 regards the conformation of the skull. Mr. Gray, in his interesting 
 memoir on H^stricidoi, observes, “ that though the skulls of H. leucurus 
 preserve a very distinct character, yet they vary so much among 
 themselves as to show, that skulls afford no better cliaracter, for the 
 distinction of species than any other single character, such as colour, 
 but can only be depended on, when taken in connexion with the rest 
 of the organization.” 
 
 The number of molars, varies also in different specimens. In twv 
 adults, obtained at Trincomaiie, there were only three molars on each 
 side of the jaw; — four being the number of the dental formula of 
 genus Ihjstrix. 
 
 Mr. Blyth, has lately described other species of Indian porcupines ; 
 and Ceylon may yield more than the one species we have described. 
 
 In the Army Medical Officers’ Museum at Colombo, is a stuffed 
 specimen of porcupine, marked II. Cristata, wlnVh is similar to our spe- 
 cimens identified with Sykes’ H- leucurus. 
 
72 
 
 BODENTIA, 
 
 GENUS. LEPUS. Cuv. 
 
 Hares are distinguislied by their long ears, short tail, imperfect 
 clavicles, and antorbital space in the cranium widely pierced and reti- 
 culated. Fore legs short, ^^dth five toes; the hind feet long, with only 
 four toes, covered with hair. Teats from six to ten. Ccecum very large. 
 
 Centre upper incisors large, wedge-shaped, with a longitudinal fur- 
 row in front ; lower incisors square; molars crowned with transverse 
 laminae of enamel. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors 4 , canines molars , = 23. 
 
 :: u 0-0 
 
 LEPUS XIGPJCOLLIS. F. Cuv. 
 
 The black necked Indian Hare — Hava — Sing.. 
 
 Syn. Lepus Kurgosa. — Buchanan. 
 
 L. raelanauchen. — Temm. 
 
 Upper parts, rufescent yellow, mottled with black; single hairs, an- 
 nillated yellow and black. Chin, abdomen, and inside of hind limbs, 
 downy, white; a black velvetty spot on the occiput and upper part 
 of neck extending to near the shoulders. The spot under the neck, 
 is in some specimens of a bright yellow colour. Ears long, greyish 
 brown internally, with white fringes at the apical part; dusky pos- 
 teriorly; black at the base. Feet yellowish. Tail above, grizzled with 
 black and yellow; beneath white. 
 
 Head and body 19 inch. 
 
 Tail „ 
 
 Ears 4J „ 
 
 Geog'rphicdl Distribution . — Southern India, * Ceylon, South America? 
 
 This is the common hare of the Island, and probably the only 
 species in it. The Newera Ellia hare, is larger than the low country 
 animal. Pabbits {Lepus cuniculus. L) and guinea pigs {Cavia cohapa) 
 have been introduced, and are domesticated in various parts of the 
 Island. 
 
 An animal called a ‘‘ small hare;’ was described to us by a gen- 
 tleman in Newera Ellia, which makes us think that a Lagomys also exists 
 
 The hare of Bengal and all upper India Le.pxn; 'mficaudatus. I, Geoff. 
 
aODENTIA. 
 
 73 
 
 in tTie Tsiand. This hare ■pnrsned by doers took refnQre in the hollow 
 of a felle ] tmiik of a tree, which it was made to quit only hv smokiusf 
 the hollow; the animal was eventually devoui’ed Iw doys. 'Phis notice 
 will, we trust, attract the attention of some s]ku tsnien in the alpine 
 parts of the Island, who may probably be ablo add another qua- 
 druped neiv to the Fauna of Ceylon* 
 
ORDER. EDENTATA. 
 
 GENUS. MAXIS. lAnn, 
 
 Bofly and tail, entirely covered above with large triangular trenchant 
 scales, disposed qiiincuncially, and overlapping each other like tiles. 
 Lower jaw small. Tongue long and extensile. Toes five, armed with 
 robust claws. Body endowed with the faculty of rolling itself up 
 more or less like a ball. No teeth. 
 
 MAXIS CRASSICAUDATA. Geoff. 
 
 The Pangolin, or Scaly Ant Eater— Cabal I aya — Sing, 
 
 Syn. Manis pentadactyla. — Linn. 
 
 M. brachyura. — Erxl. 
 
 M. aurita. — Ilodg&on. 
 
 Pangolin. — Bv Jffon, 
 
 Head small, conical and pointed; muzzle narrow and elongated 
 Body stout, rounded above, and flattened beneath. Tail rather shorter, 
 than the head and body; thick, broad at the base and terminating in 
 a narrow point; its .superior surface, convex; inferior, nearly flat or 
 slightly arched. Upper parts of the head, neck, body and tail covered 
 with imbricate triangular scales, of a pale yellow bro\Mi colour. Limbs 
 also covered externally with scales. Scales on the head and limbs, 
 small ; those of the back and tail large. On the back, from 10 to 11 
 longitudinal series of scales; from 16 to 17 marginal scales to the tail. 
 On the medial line, the number of scales in a very large specimen, 
 vras 16 on the body and 17 on the tail. From 4 to 5, diagonally 
 across the lower surface of the basal third of tail. Lower surface of 
 the neck and body, and inner parts of limbs naked. — c>f a flehy white 
 cfdour. A few grey hairs project from under the scales of some spe- 
 cimens; in the very young animal, these hairs are nearly always present. 
 Ears small, naked. Legs short, stout. Three middle claws of the fore 
 feet elongated, — the centre one, nearly an inch beyond the others- 
 
EDENTATA* 
 
 /5 
 
 Claws of the hind toes, short; directed downwards. Soles bald, cori- 
 aceous and tuberculated. 
 
 The largest specimen examined, measured. 
 
 Small intost’nes, IH feet in.; large intestines, 1 foot, I in.; no coecum. 
 Inferior arch of the stomach, 9 in., superior arch in ; on the inner 
 surface of the great curvature of the stomach, there was (in the only 
 specimen whose internal organs we have examined) a peculiarly shaped 
 glanditlar boily, very like, if not similar, to the glandular body found 
 by Dr. Cantor in the stomach of Manis Javanica ; the external ap- 
 pearance of wh’ch he compares to that of a crest of ostrich feathers. 
 Pylorus, thickened and gizzard like. Spleen in. long, and \ \ in. broad 
 in the central part. Kidneys 2^ in. long. Liver 3 lobed ; gall blad- 
 der in. long. 
 
 Geographical dis^rihuHon, — India, Ceylon. 
 
 Not having witli ns the voh.me of the d A. S. B. containing Capt. 
 Tickell’b elabniate accorii.t of the anatrmiical ci;aracters <»f iManis eras- 
 gicaudata of India, we are r<nab!e to form a c.oniparison hetween his 
 description and ti>e above, nia<le tVoni a careri ] dissecthn >f a Manis, 
 which lived for .‘•everal weeks in our coni] toned at ''Pii! •• n.ilie. Tiie 
 only <loubt we have of onr identification of t'.is aiiiirn'' ih the In- 
 dian Manis crassicaudata, is the jrreseiice o. the ch j ' r body in 
 the stomach. It was absent in spocimens dissected by iVL. id\th; and 
 we cannot remember whether 'Ihckell describes it or not. 
 
 The only spec’es we have seen in the Lland, is t’iO one above de- 
 scribed ; though, from Mr Layard’s li^r, one might might infer there 
 are more than one species. The lar. e rmien, from which the above 
 descri])tion was taken, had its tail lr»nyer tlian wo have seen 
 
 it htfore in other specimens ; hut H)e Mind er of scales and other cha- 
 racter.-^ corre.'^})Oiided with s{)c( i!uci;s exaniined j)revi< nsly. 
 
 The Manis or I'angniin^ is vni ar*y calU- { ii, ^ eyi >ii Armadiflo, or 
 l\ejomho devdr 'I'iie fo’-niei iirn e was ii terprered into Dasjpus, 
 and We actuaily saw a .stofted sj>ee!nien ticketed Das s De.rcinctvs, an 
 anin:al j>eeuliar to t^onth Aiisejiia; ai.d whuii (;< iild i,ot l*v any pos- 
 
 Head and body 
 Tail 
 
 23 J inch. 
 .22J „ 
 
 Total length, 3 feet, 10 inches. 
 
 Weight 
 
ZUENTATA. 
 
 7fl 
 
 with the tongue. At first it is very timid, the slightest touch or 
 noise will make it roll up into a hall ; but after a time, it becomes 
 iinlifierent even to the presence of man. The one last examined, 
 use 1 to come into the house at nij:ht in searcli of ants, which 
 abound in all houses in Trincomalie. It was quite ten est rial and 
 nocturnal in its habits. During the day it slept rolled up in a 
 ball under some shady corner. Nothing but the force of tvo or three 
 men could make the Pangolin unroll itself, when once it to(»k th.e 
 form of a ball, with the head between the fore-legs and the tail 
 round the whole. 
 
 Kandy is the highest part of the Island from whence we obtained 
 specimens; they are seen in the neighbourhood of Colombo, Trinco- 
 niitlie, Kurnegalle, and no doubt in many other parts of the Island, 
 
ORDER. PACK YDERMATA. 
 
 P. Probosc<ndea. 
 
 GENUS. ELEPHAS. Linn, 
 
 Animals with the nose elongated into a cylindrical proboscis, move- 
 able ill all directions, with a moveable aj>pendix at the termination, 
 serving the purpose of a finger. Head very large; neck short, eyes 
 small, lateral. Ears extreiiif'ly flat, and very large and massive. TaU 
 short, tufted at the end. Two manini^. Five toes. 
 
 2 0 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines molars =10. 
 
 Incisors in form of elongated tusks, slightly arched towards their 
 txtremity ; composed of ivory, cased in a crust of enamel; iiioiarg 
 composed of vertical and transverse lamina) covered by enamel. 
 
 ELEPHAS INDICU8. Z 17111. 
 
 The Asiatic Elephant — Alliah — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Eleplias Asiaticus — Blumenh. 
 
 E. maximusi — Linn. S. X. 
 
 This 'well known lord of the forest, and the largest of living qua- 
 drupeds, is found in great abundance all over Southern Asia and 
 Ceylon. 
 
 The generic characters are sufficient to distinguish the elephant 
 from all other animals in Ceylon. The only other species is the 
 African elej)harit (Ele[)has Africaiius, Cwi;.) from which the Asiatic 
 elephant is distinguished hy its oblong heail, rather convex forehead, 
 emaller ears, and above all by the different arrangement of the enamel 
 in the molars. In the Asiatic ele])hai!t, the enamel is disposed in 
 transverse undulating lines ; in the African, the molars are marked by 
 lozenge shaped lines of enamel. 
 
 ' Geogra'phical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, Burmi^ 
 Siam, Borneo, Sumatra, Ceylon. 
 
PACHTDERMATA. 
 
 78 
 
 The largest Ceylon elephant we have seen was nearly 12 feet high 
 at the shoulder. Some of the elephants attaclied to the Bndhist temple 
 at Kandy, may lie ranhed among the finest in the world. They are 
 of a uniform blackish colour, with very long tusks. A w'hite elephant 
 has not been seen in the Island within the memory of the present 
 generation, but partially albescent elephants are not uncommon; gene- 
 rally, the ears and neck are spotted white. 
 
 Elephant shootmg ” is still a great sport of Europeans. Catching 
 them alive in Kraals is not row so often practised, as in former years. 
 
 The elephant is found in most parts of the Island, where there is 
 a dense jungle. They are very abundant in Newera Ellia : their ex- 
 istence in O c 'ne ’'e -ion, 1->as ma/’e Pr. obv<erve, tliat 
 
 fosfil renu-.ios of •i'erihant'^ in Eur. ’>e <lo not necessarily show that 
 Europe was warmer, when elephants formed a part of its Fauna. 
 
 P. Ordinaria. 
 
 GENUS. SUS. Ztnn, 
 
 Body covered wdth bristles. Four toes to each foot, the two middle 
 ones only touching the ground, armed with strong hoofs. Nose elon- 
 gated, cartilaginous. Twelve teats. 
 
 .46, j-p 7-7 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors -r , or - , canines -1 , molars — ,= 42or 44. 
 
 6 6 ]-l 7-7' 
 
 Canines bent upwards and laterally, molars tuberculous ; lower incison 
 bent forw’ard. 
 
 SUS iNDicus. Gray. 
 
 The Indian wdld Boar — Waloora — /Smy. 
 
 Syn. Sds Scrofa — Var — Hodyson and Elliot. 
 
 following description was taken from a large boar killed 
 Nawera-Ellia. 
 
 Ears scai.i y ''ovcreu with Hack hairs in the upper half of the 
 external surface; ii.tcriially ‘lac!:, hairy ; a few hkick and white hairs 
 in the lateral parts of the head, below tl e eais. On the face and head 
 black briitlcs. On the occiput and reck, rather longer bristly hairs, 
 forming a short rrane or somi-erect crest. Inside uf limbs, nakedish; 
 externally, covered vrith Idack bristly hairs. Bristles on back and 
 sides black, those of tiie throat and chest reversed (or gr-t wing forwards)* 
 tips white ; a few long bristly hairs on the anterior part of pubis, and 
 
PACHTDERMATA. 
 
 79 
 
 41 few white hairs posterior to it. Tail short, slightly hairy; tip 
 arrow-shaped. 
 
 Head and body, 4 ft:, 10 in: long. Tail, 10 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution,’ — India, Malayan Peninsula, Ceylon. 
 
 We have not been able to procure a whole wild boar from the 
 Maritime provinces, since we undertook writing this work; aid 
 therefore, we have given above, the description of a Newera Ellia 
 M’ild boar; which, to the best of our recollection, differs in external 
 characters little from the boar of the low cr^untry. When stationed 
 at Newera Ellia, we had not then contemplated writing an acco.uitof 
 all the Ceylon JM animals; or, we should have paid more attention to 
 the cranial formation of this animal; but it struck us at the time we 
 saw in our neighbour < aptain Montenach’s possession several skulls 
 of wild boars, that tiie head was flatter and narrower in the forehead, 
 and the vertex more contracted, than in the skull of the low c(»antry 
 boar. 
 
 The following are the measurements of two skulls iirocured at 
 Triucomalie. 
 
 No. 1 No. 2 
 
 Inch, Inch. 
 
 Total length of head from vertex to tip J 
 
 of nasal bones 5 
 
 Breadth of vertex at narrowest part 
 
 Do. of narrowest part of palate 1. 1-10 1. o-lO 
 
 Length of last upper molar 1. 4-10 1. 8-10 
 
 Breadth of do. anteriorly.. | I 
 
 No. 2, is the skull of a full grown male; the sex of No. 1 we could 
 not ascertain. lu another skull of a smaller animal also found near 
 Trincomalie, the skull measured in length only 1 foot ; the narrowest part 
 of the vertex 1. 3-10 in. broad ; and the palate at the narrowest part, 
 between the last molars, 9-10 in : ; and the last molar only 9-10 in. long, 
 and 7-10 in; broad. W"e hope to be able to give in the Appendix 
 the craniological character of the wild Boar of Newera Ellia, as we 
 are promised a collection of skulls by Mr. Palliser. 
 
 Mr. Blyth, makes a distinct species {Sus Zeylonenm)y from a single 
 specimen of a boar’s skull received from Mr. Edgar Layard. That 
 skull, Mr. Blyth remarks, approximates closely in contour to the 
 figures of the skull of 8us harhatui by Dr. S. Muller and M. Tem- 
 minck. Mr. Blyth gives the following description cf the skull from 
 Ceylon, which he believes to differ from the skull of the wild boars 
 of India. 
 

 80 
 
 ?ACHTt)Er.MATA. 
 
 Sv.i Ze^Jor^ensis: Blyth. Skull longer than that of the Indian Boar, 
 nearly straight in ]>roiile; very much contracted at the vei’tex. Palate 
 contracting posteriorly to less than 1 in from the magnitude of the 
 last molar; which is considerably larger in both jaws than in the 
 wild Boar of India, the upper measuring 1| in: h>ng, by 15-16 in: 
 bmad, anteriorly. Vertex narrowing to 1 in : in breatli. Total length 
 of the skull, from vertex to tips of nasals. 16| in:; J. A. B. 
 
 TW;2. 1851.) 
 
 Taking into consideration mf'rely the difference in the proportionate 
 breadth of this skull and of the two others given by us, we are inclin- 
 ed to think, that I\lr. Blyth will net claim cur two skulls as be- 
 longing to his new species Sas Zejlonensis. This we shall know, 
 as No. 1 is now en route to Calcutta, and the other will follow. In 
 the meantime it strikes us forcildy that skulls when taken singly, 
 may not afford good characters to distinguish species. It is a cpies- 
 tion, whether skulls of boars do not vary among themselves as much 
 as the skulls of porcn})ines. 
 
 hVhat Mr. hValter Eiliot points out, as the difference between the 
 Indian and German wild boar, is equall}* applicable to the Newera 
 Elba boar, viz., that “it differs considerably from the German. The 
 “ head of the former is larger and more pointed, and the plane of 
 “ the forehead straight, while it is concave in the European. The 
 “ears of the former, are small and pointed; in the latter, larger and 
 “not so erect. Tbe Indian is altogether a more active looking animal; 
 “ the German has a stronger, heavier appearance.’’ The same dih’er- 
 enceis says Mr. Elliot, are perceptible in the domesticated imllviduala 
 of the two countries. 
 
 The young wild bear is more hairy, of a taugi}- or fulvous brown^ 
 marked with longitudinal lighter fulvous stripes on the sides. The 
 oung of a cross breed between the wild species and the domesticated 
 log, has also the fulvou3 streika. Such breeds are ffei^ueutly met 
 with in native villages. 
 
ORDER. RUMINANTIA. 
 
 FAIKD; 5Sfil®§@Klll©^. 
 
 GENUS. MOSCHUS. Linn. 
 
 Ruminants without horns; false hoofs; upper canine teeth, long, 
 not excerted. 
 
 Mr. Gray remarks, that the latter is not a good generic character, 
 as most of the Indian species of deer have canine teeth ; but that the 
 hairiness or nakedness of the metatarsus, and tlie presence or absence 
 of the musk bag, are better characters for generic distinctions. 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors ^ canines ►-'r » molars , = 34:. 
 
 8 , 0 0 ^ 6-6 ^ 
 
 SUBGENUS. MEMINNA. Grai/. 
 
 Hinder edge of the metatarsus, covered with hair; no musk bag 
 in either sex; false hoofs; no lachrymal sinus. No canines in female. 
 
 MEMININA INDICA. Gmy. 
 
 The Meminna — Walmooha — Sin^. 
 
 Syn : Moschus Meminna. — Erxl. 
 
 Indian Musk. — Pennant, 
 
 Above, olive brown mixed with yellowish grey. Beneath white; 
 one or two prolongations of the brown from the upper parts on the 
 lower part of the neck. Ears short, pubescent, externally of a reddish 
 brown. Sides and haunches, spotted in such a manner as to form 
 longitudinal interrupted lines; the two superior ones of these spotted 
 streaks, are united by transverse bands on the croup, to the two 
 corresponding streaks on the opposite side. Tail very short. The 
 largest one examined was 23 inches in length; of which, the tail 
 was in:. Height at the shoulder, 10 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distrihntion. India, Ceylon. 
 
 L 
 
82 
 
 RUMINANTIA, 
 
 The Meminna is better known in Ceylon, by the name of the 
 ‘‘Moose deer.” It is very common throughout the Island. New’^era 
 Ellia specimens are of a darker olive browm colour. 
 
 The flesh of this deer is not very palatable: the Muntjac is of a 
 more delicious flavour The Rusa and Axis are not much esteemed 
 by Europeans: it is only in the mountains that the former can be 
 
 rendered tender enough for the European palate. 
 
 GENUS. CERVUS. Linn. 
 
 Head long, terminating by a muzzle ; eyes large, pupils elongated 
 transversely; laclirymal sinus in most. Ears large and pointed. Tongue 
 soft. P.ndy slender; four inguinal mainmas. Horns solid, deciduous, 
 pa-mate.d, In’am’be.d, or simple in the male; females, with one ex- 
 ception, v/itlnouf Irms. ^ a ; .s v^ en they exist, compressed and bent back^ 
 
 , . 0 . 0 1-1 , 6-6 
 jjental lormcia : Incisors g-, canines molars , ==32 or. 34:, 
 
 SUBGENUS. AXIS.' H, Smith. 
 
 Horns sessile, branched, with a solitary basilary antler, without 
 median antlers; and the upper antler, ordinarily simple. Horns in 
 males only. Canines in 'both sexes. 
 
 ■ - j 
 
 AXIS MAcuLATA. H. Smith. 
 
 The Spotted deer. — Tic Mooha — Sin^. 
 
 Syn: Cervus axis — RrxI. 
 
 C. nudipalpebra — Ogilhy. 
 
 Axis major et mmov ^ Hodg soil . 
 
 Head brown; blackish on the nose, forehead and vertex. Ears long, 
 brown outside, and whitish on the inner surface. Body yellow-fawn 
 browTi with a blackish dorsal streak extending from the nape to the 
 tail. Beneath and inside of limbs, white. Back, sides and upper 
 parts of limbs, spotted white. In some, there is a narrow w^hite streak 
 (formed by the union of white spots), just above the separation of the 
 brown colour from the white of the abdomen. Tail rather long, white 
 beneath. Horns slender, bifurcated w'ith one basal and one subtermi- 
 nal snag. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India. Ceylon, Malayan Peninsula. 
 
IILMINANTIA. 
 
 83 
 
 • The spotted Axis, is very like the fallow deer in size and general 
 appearance. The Axis, however, does not change its spotted coat like 
 the fallow deer; nor does it even when domesticated in England. 
 
 This deer is found all over the Island, except on the very highest 
 parts. Albinos of this species are not unfrequently seen. The spotted 
 deer is a favorite object with sportsmen, both European and Native, 
 They are generally seen in open pastures after sunset ; t]\e thick 
 jungle is their resort during the heat of the day. Feinaie gestatcs 
 for 6 months. Their habits are gregarious ; generally observed in 
 parties of six or eight. 
 
 AXIS ORYZUS. nobis. 
 
 Paddy field deer — ^^^^eel-mooha. Sing. 
 
 Light fawn brown, with two parallel lines of small white spots on 
 the medial line of the back; white hairs interpersed on the sides and up- 
 per parts of limbs. Beneath whitish. Tail short, fawn brown above, 
 and white beneath. Horns small, trifurcated? 
 
 Geographical Distribution, Ceylon. 
 
 About two thirds the size of the Axis maculata. It is a more 
 active animal; found generally in paddy fields, or other cultivated 
 grounds in the Southern parts of the Island. It is allied to the Por- 
 cine deer of India. 
 
 The true “Porcine deer” is said to exist in Ceylon; but, we have 
 not seen one. W hether the small deer of Safiragam, is different from 
 the species here described, remains to be ascertained. 
 
 SUB-GENUS. EUSA. H, Smith, 
 
 The Rusa differs from the Axis in the horns being thicker and 
 more pearly. Both sexes have canines. Heavily maned. Horns in 
 males only. 
 
 RUSA HIRPELAPHUS. CuV. 
 
 The Ceylon “Elk” — Gona liusa^ — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Cervus unicolor — H. Smith. 
 
 C. equinus — Cuv. 
 
 C. Busa — Ra^es. 
 
 C. Aristotelis (?) 
 
 Great axis — Auct. 
 
 Dnrk brown; hairs rougli<*r and stiffer than in the^ spotted 
 
84 
 
 RUMINANTIA- 
 
 Females lighter colonred. Head, of a darker brown colour than the 
 rest of the body ; particularly, the margin of the lips, the facial ridge 
 and fore-head. Neck and sides of face, covered with long bristly hairs, 
 of an ashy brown colour. Chin whitish, and posteriorly a little ta^Miy. 
 Round the eye and lachrjTnal sinus, a continuous pale margin. The 
 haire of the upper parts of the face and head have a subterminal 
 yellowish or grey band, which is more conspicuous in young animals; 
 in whom also the subterminal band is found on hairs of other parts 
 of the body. Ears, long and broad; of a dark brown externally, 
 lighter coloured interaally ; with long bristly white hairs on the inferior 
 edares. Inner side of thighs, scantilv covered wdth white hairs. On the 
 posterior part of the belly and round the genitals, the hairs are also 
 white. Round the vent and edges of thighs the hairs are in some spe- 
 cimens, of a bright tan colour. Tail shoii;, dark brown above and ter- 
 
 minating in a black tuft; lower surface, wliite and margins tawny* 
 Horns long, rather thick and pearly. Basal aiitler on the burr; directed 
 outwards and then inwards. The long antler is directed upwards, out- 
 wards and then a little inwards at the apex. The third or terminal 
 snag is directed backwards, inwards and upwards. No two horns are 
 alike in size or even direction and lengRi of the antlers. Tlie greatest 
 distance lK?tween a pair of horns observed was, 2 feet, 2 inches at the 
 terminal third. Females gestate 8 months and bring forth one young 
 at a time. 
 
 A full srrown male killed at Newera Ellia measured. 
 
 Head and body 
 
 . .4. feet 
 
 10 inch. 
 
 Tail 
 
 . 1. 
 
 }} 
 
 1 „ 
 
 Ears (length) 
 
 . 0. 
 
 
 
 Head from apex of muzzle to 
 
 \ 1. 
 
 
 4: „ 
 
 occipital protuberance 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 Muzzle to ant : angle of the eye 
 
 ...0 
 
 » 
 
 
 Posterior angle of eye to base ) q 
 
 
 ^ 7, 
 
 of ear 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 Diameter of head, between the ears. 0 
 
 yy 
 
 ^ ^ 77 
 
 Circumferance of neck (with hairs) 
 
 ...2. 
 
 » 
 
 5 77 
 
 Do. of body at its greatest breadth o. 
 
 yy 
 
 8 JJ 
 
 Height, at shoulder 
 
 ... 4. 
 
 yy 
 
 2 „ 
 
 Do. at liaimch 
 
 .. 4. 
 
 yy 
 
 4 ,, 
 
 is about the largest sized animal. 
 
 The 
 
 intestmes ot 
 
 measured as follows, oo i. 
 
 Small Intestines 88 feet 
 
 38 „ 
 
 Large 
 
 do. 
 
 11 
 
 Ccecum * ^ 
 
KUMINANTIl. 
 
 85 
 
 The termination of the small intestines into the coecum, considera- 
 bly widened, for about 4 feet of its length. Liver moderate sized. No 
 gall bladder. Kidney 6 inches, long, and 3 in : broad. 
 
 Geogra'pJiical Distribution. India, Malayan Peninsula, Ceylon. 
 
 This species was long considered distinct from the Indian Rusa; it 
 has since been ascertained that it is only a variety of the great Indian 
 Saumer deer; the absence of the whitish disk on the rump, probably^ 
 made H. Smith call it ^^Cervus Unicolor ; by which name it was so 
 long known. 
 
 The Gona Rusa, the Elk of Europeans in Ceylon, gives some sport 
 to those who keep a good pack of hounds. Vi'hen fast pressed upon 
 by dogs, it generally takes to water, where the huntsman’s knife soon 
 despatches it; but the hunt is after all a very tame affair. A lady from 
 Bengal who had seen sports in India compared the “Newera Ellia Elk 
 hunt” to hunting a cow. The animal seldom stands at bay, but when 
 it does, its bristly mane gives it a formidable appearance. 
 
 The Rusa is very common in most parts of the Island. It is found 
 in great abundance on the Horton, Newera Elba and Boopatalawa plains. 
 We visited once the hunting quarters of Capt. IMontenacli of H. M. 
 15th Regt: (the Gordon Cumming of Ceylon) on Horton plain; 
 
 scarcely a morning passed without fi ruling two or three Elks. The 
 venison was excellent, and the hospitality of our friends fully compen- 
 sated for the disagreeable journey from Newera Ellia on a cold and 
 stormy day, and knee deep in mud and water. • 
 
 SUB-GENUS. STYLOCEHUS. IL Smith, 
 
 Horns in male only, small, with one basal snag, supported on long 
 osseous pedicles covered with hair, rising fi'om the os frontis, and con- 
 tinuous with long projections or ribs on the face. JMales have large 
 canines in the upper jaw, trenchant and exerted as in the Musks. 
 
 STYLOCERUS MUNTJACUS. U. Smith. 
 
 The Muntjac — Welly or Hoola Mooha — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Muntjacus vaginalis, — Gray. 
 
 Cervus vaginalis — Boddaert. 
 
 C. Muntjac — Schreb. 
 
 C. moschus. — Desmarest. 
 
 Above reddish brown. Beneath and inside of thighs white. Head 
 
86 
 
 RUAIINANTIA. 
 
 pointed. Two black folds of skin, corresponding with the ribs on the 
 face. Tail short and flattened. Horns very short, bifurcated. Females 
 no horns, with bristly black tufts instead. 
 
 About ft. long, and 2 ft. 4 inches high at the shoulder. 
 
 The small intestines of a male, killed at Newera Ellia, measured 
 19 ft. 8 inch.; large intestines 12 ft.; coecum 1 ft. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, Ceylon. 
 
 This is the red hog deer of Ceylon Sportsmen, found nearly on all 
 parts of the Island; very common about Newefa Ellia and Horton 
 plains. The low country animal is not so red as the mountain 
 variety. 
 
 GENUS. BOS. Linn. 
 
 Cranium moderate, proportional, or without excess in the cerebral or 
 facial regions ; frontals shorter than the face, flat and not broader than 
 long. Occipital plane of the skull quadrangular, never arched along 
 the culminal line, nor indented by the terminal fossae, smaller much 
 than the frontal plane and forming an acute angle therewith. Horns 
 attached to the highest line of the fore-head, rounded, moderate, curved 
 up or down or forward ; 13 pairs of ribs. No true dorsal ridge, but 
 sometimes a fleshy lump ; dewlap and muzzle large and square. Hodgson. 
 
 0 0 6 6 
 
 Dental formula: Incisors canines^, molars '^'^,==32. 
 
 BOS TAURUS. VAR. iNDicus. Linn. 
 
 The Indian Ox — Harakah — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Bos domesticus. — Linn. 
 
 Several varieties of the Indian ox are seen in the Island, but all 
 have evidently been introduced. What is commonly known as the 
 “ Tavelan bullock'' is better adapted, from its more compact make to 
 travel on mountainous paths, with a load on its back, than the coast 
 bullock, which is more serviceable in carts. The high cast brahmin 
 bull, is very rare in Ceylon. Although there are in many parts of 
 the Island good pasture lands, no attempt to improve the breed of 
 cattle, on an extensive scale, has been made. The markets are gene- 
 rally supplied with inferior beef ; even at Newera Ellia, where one natu- 
 rally expects better beef than at Colombo, we were very much disap- 
 pointed at finding the toughest beef in the Island. The inferior quality 
 
KUMINANTIA. 
 
 87 
 
 of the Newera Ellia grass prevents improvement in the cattle, but as 
 there is abundance of good grass in Dimboola, some endeavour will 
 doubtless soon be made in that direction, for the improvement of so 
 generally useful an animal as the ox. 
 
 GENUS. BUBALUS. H. Smith. 
 
 Cranium large, elongated, compressed or narrow, disproportional, ex- 
 hibiting great excess (a 3rd) in the facial over the frontal or cerebral 
 portion; frontals short, narrow, convex, usually forming an obtuse 
 angle with the occipital plane, which is large and circular in pro- 
 portion to the obtuseness of that angle, and to the consequent rounding 
 off of the culminal line of separation, parietals merged, not ridged as in 
 the last, nor culminal. Horns attached to the ends of the highest 
 line of the skull, always exceeding in length that of the cranium, and 
 usually greatly so depressed, strictly trigonal, and neither ascending 
 nor descending, but directed horizontally backwards. Thirteen pairs 
 of ribs. No true dorsal ridge, nor fleshy haunch. Muzzle large and 
 square; dewlap medial. Hodgson. 
 
 Dental formula : Incisors ^ , canines molars ,=32. 
 
 BUBALUS BUFFELus. Gray. 
 
 The buffalo — Mee Harak. — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Bubalus ferus Indicus. — Hodgson. 
 
 Bos arnee. — Shaw. 
 
 Eos bubalus. — Brisson. 
 
 The wild buffalo is of a darker colour, and more hairy than the 
 domesticated variety. The former is sometimes seen of a black colour. 
 
 Geographical Distrihution. — India, Southern China, Malayan Pe- 
 ninsula, Ceylon, 
 
 The wild buffalo is very common in the Northern and Eastern 
 Provinces, rare in the mountainous parts of the Island. The Bos 
 Ganrns, so abundant in the Indian Peninsula, from Cape Comorin to 
 the Himalayas, was doubtless also found in former years in Ceylon. 
 The description Knox gives of the Goura in Ceylon can only apply 
 to this species of Puminants. The Kandians also say, that the Goura 
 once roamed through those forests, which to the present day are called 
 after the Goura, — Goura-Ellia, Goura-Koodie, &c. That the Goura 
 has bpcome extiiK-t in Ceylon, is ah but probable: however, we do 
 
88 
 
 RUMINANTIA. 
 
 not despair of hearing: of the Goura being yet found in the unexplored 
 forest tracts of the Island. It is even quite possible, that such an 
 animal may have been killed by Ceylon sportsmen, and left to decay 
 in the woods, as a specimen of the wild buffalo. Mr. Walter Elliot, 
 writing of the Bos Gaurus in 1840, says, that “ it is somewhat re- 
 markable that one of the largest animals of the Indian Fauna, should 
 only have been indicated distinctly within the last two years.” And 
 therefore we may expect that Bos Gaurus will one day be added 
 to the living Fauna of Ceylon. See appendix for a description of 
 the Indian Bos Gaurus by Mr. Walter Elliot. 
 
ORDER. CETACEA. 
 
 a. Herbivora. 
 
 GENUS. HALICORE. Illiger. 
 
 Body pisciform, terminated by a horizontal fin with two lohes ; head 
 not distinct from the body ; muzzle truncated and moveable, with thick 
 spiny hairs on the edges of the lips ; tongue soft ; fins short, 
 w’ithout distinct fingers or nails ; seven cervical vertebrae. Eighteen 
 pairs of ribs. Ccecum undivided. Pelvis bones distinct. 
 
 Dental formula in adults : Incisors , canines molars ,=14:. 
 
 Do. early age: Incisors^, do. do. ^_'g,=32. 
 
 Two of the upper incisors cylindrical and straight, forming tusks ; 
 molars cylindrical. 
 
 HALICORE iNDicus. Desm. 
 
 The Dugong, or Sea Hog — Mooda OoYd^—Sing. 
 
 Syn. Trichechus Dugong — Erxl. 
 
 Halicore Cetacea — Illiger. 
 
 Halicor e Dugong — Cuvie r. 
 
 Halicore tabernacularum — Ruppell. 
 
 Dugongus marinus — Tiedem. 
 
 Dugong — Buff on. 
 
 Colour bluish grey. From 5 to 7 feet long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — The Indian Ocean. 
 
 We have not seen a fresh specimen of the Dugong of late years, 
 but we remember w^ell having seen shoals of them on the coast of 
 Aripo, during the pearl fishery of 1835 and 3G. 
 
 ?vTr. Layard says tliat it is common in the bay of Calpentyn. 
 
 The specimen in the Army i'.ledical Officers’ Museum was obtained 
 near Colombo. The flesh of this animal is hir from being disagreable; 
 it is not unlike y)ork. 
 
90 
 
 CETACEA. 
 
 b. Ordinaria. 
 
 GENUS. DELPHINUS. Linn. 
 
 Teeth in both jaws. Forehead convex, and the muzzle forming a 
 kind of bill in front of the head, more slender than the rest. 
 
 Three species of Dolphin are said to be found in the seas sur- 
 rounding the Island ; viz., D. 'plumheus, Dussum ; Z>. longirostris, Dus- 
 sum ; and D. nelox, Dussum. We have not been so fortunate, since 
 our return to Ceylon, as to have seen a single fresh specimen. In 
 the Army Medical Officers’ Museum is the skeleton of one which we 
 are inclined to believe is that of DelpTiinus velox. The dry fish used 
 by the natives called Cqmhlemas, is the flesh of a species of Dolphin^ 
 brought from the Maldives. 
 
 The Editor of the Colombo Observer, gives the following interesting 
 account of the dying appearances of two Dolphins recently caught on 
 the Colombo coast: 
 
 “ With reference to what is said of the sensitiveness to sound dis- 
 played by these creatures, we may mention that the aural orifices tho’ 
 small were easily distinguishable, a fluid even exuding on pressure It 
 was painfully interesting to notice the humanlike eye with the eye- 
 lids instantly closing over them as a finger or any other substance was 
 brought into close contact with them, and tears moistening them, secreted 
 by a true lachrymal gland. Still more melancholy was it to listen to the 
 plaintive sounds they sent forth as they lay panting and dying. As the 
 beautifully fitting valve of the “ blow hole” opened for inspiration tlie sound 
 emitted resembled the cry of a kitten or young bird, while the groans 
 which occasionally accompanied a strong expiration, bore a painful resem- 
 blance to those which proceed from a strong man in mortal pain. In 
 dying, the colour of the lower parts of the body gradually changed from 
 a yellowish white to a beautiful irridescent pink. The native fishermen 
 did not seem much elated by the capture. They said that when cut 
 up and sold for food the creatures would only realize about 6s. each.” 
 
 C RNUR. PHOCAilNA. Cnv. 
 
 No beak or rostrum ; snout short and convex. Teeth numerous in 
 both jaws ; a dorsal fm. 
 
 We have identified the species of Porpoise seen occasionally in our 
 seas, with Phoccena communis, Lesson. It is of a blackish colour 
 above, and whitish beneath. 
 
 Whales (BALiENiE) are very rarely seen ; a dead one is occasion- 
 ally stranded. The skeleton of one cast ashore, some 20 ye.ars since 
 at Mount Lat inia. is still in the INTuseiim at Colombo. 
 
Nr 
 
 r 
 
 
 % 
 
 
 % 
 
 * 
 
 % 
 
 a 
 
 PART II. 
 
 BIRDS OF CEYLON. 
 
 
: •<V:« 'V - 
 
 
 
 
BIEDS OF CEYl.ON. 
 
 - — ♦ 
 
 The Ornithology of Ceylon, has of late years been so 
 well worked out by Mr. Blyth, from specimens sent to him 
 by Dr. Templeton and Mr. Layard, that our labours in this 
 department of the Zoology of the Island have been compa- 
 ratively easy ; particularly, as we have been able to submit 
 to Mr. Blyth all species of doubtful identification. While 
 in England, too, we took every opportunity of comparing 
 specimens sent to us from Ceylon with those in the British 
 museum, in doing which, we received the valuable assistance 
 of Mr. G. B. Gray. The Catalogue of Ceylon birds, may 
 therefore be depended on for general accuracy ; a few mis- 
 takes may have crept into the nomenclature, as we have been 
 long away from a Library of reference. The works which 
 have been our guide in the formation of this catalogue, are 
 Mr. Gray’s Genera of Birds, the catalogues of the British 
 museum, and the various papers of Mr. Blyth found in the 
 Journals of the Bengal Asiatic Society. We have not 
 availed ourselves of Mr. Layard’s list of birds published in 
 a late No. of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 
 as no reference is therein made to the authorities from 
 which the names given are derived. To Mr. Layard much 
 credit is due for discovering so large a number of birds 
 new to the Fauna of Ceylon, all of which fell by his own 
 gun. He has also had the great advantage of having all 
 his specimens identified by Mr. Blyth; and therefore, al- 
 though our lists do not always agree in the nomenclature 
 used, we doubt not that a joint list of synonyma would 
 remove much of the apparent discrepancy. 
 
94 
 
 Bl 1M)> 
 
 It would have given us great pleasure, to have described 
 each bird in the same manner as we have the Mammals of 
 Ceylon, had we at the outset of our researches had this 
 object in view, and reserved duplicates of all specimens, we 
 have from to time distributed among friends in India and 
 England. It is our intention to do so at some future pe- 
 riod, should we remain long enough in the Island. For the 
 present, we shall enumerate the birds of the Island which 
 have come under our own notice and those found by other 
 collectors and by them submitted for Mr. Blyth’s identifica- 
 tion, notices of the same being already published in the 
 Journals of the Bengal Asiatic Society. 
 
 As an introduction to the catalogue, a few remarks on 
 the general features of the Ornithology of the Island will 
 doubtless be desirable. With this object the following obser- 
 vations are made. 
 
 Europeans arriving in the Island for the first time, are 
 frequently disappointed in not finding as many birds with 
 gorgeous plumage as they had been led to expect from 
 accounts of travellers. But after a more lengthened stay 
 and a more intimate acquaintance with the feathered race, 
 they cannot but conclude with us, that although the Ceylon 
 birds are not in general - as beautiful as those of South 
 America or Africa, there are many which can equally claim 
 our admiration, not only for their handsome plumage and 
 elegant forms, but likewise for their song. 
 
 It is not uncommon to hear it said “that in tropical 
 countries, where brilliant and varied colours have been 
 granted to the birds and flowers, song has been denied to 
 the one and fragrance to the other” Would that we had 
 the pen of a Gosse* to show that this is as regards Ceylon 
 birds and flowers, “one of those flippant generalisations 
 which people are fond of repeating, originally made without 
 investigation and perpetuated without enquiry.” 
 
 * The author of ‘‘Birds of Jamaica.” 
 
or ('EY LON. 
 
 95 
 
 The music of our Ceylon birds is endeared to us from 
 early associations; and when after the lapse of many years 
 we again hear the thousand well known little notes, with 
 which our ears were regaled in childhood, it is like listen- 
 ing to the songs of other days. Night after night, in tem- 
 perate climes, we anxiously waited for the Nightingale’s 
 evening song ; but here, in this land of the sunny east, we 
 are charmed with as melodious sounds at any hour of the 
 day Ave choose to ramble in the country, but more particu- 
 larly in the morning. The long continued rich and joyous 
 notes of the Copsychus saularis, (Magpie or Dial bird of 
 Europeans) and of its forest representative Copsychus (Kitta- 
 cincla) macrourus, (the long tailed thrush), can almost rival 
 the song of any other known musical bird. 
 
 There are several other songsters besides these, among 
 which are found, meadow chats, and grass warblers. The 
 Eobin of Newera Ellia, Patriiicola atrata) is a new species; 
 the sweet mellow notes of this bird remind the European 
 of his home; and the black bird, Merida Kinnisiy so like the 
 English bird, has a song too, which gladdens the heart of 
 tl'.e invalid 'while breathing the cold morning air of this 
 Eastern KSanatarium. The tailor bird also, and the various 
 forms of honey birds, contribute to make the mountains of 
 Ceylon doubly agreeable to the European long absent 
 Ifom his native land. In the forests of the low country, the 
 cooing of numerous doves and pigeons, and the short little 
 notes from a host of finches, flycatchers and bulbuls, mixed 
 with the harsh tones of the various kinds of barbets {.Koo- 
 tooroo. Sing); crows, woodpeckers, peacocks and parakeets, 
 combine to make at times these forest recesses anything 
 but silent or monotonous. At night are heard sounds of a 
 discordant nature. The shriek of the Owl, particularly of the 
 devil bird, ( Syrnium Indrani ) is truly appalling. The super- 
 stitious natives listen to these dismal cries with great horror ; 
 some death or less misfortune is a])prehended when an Ow l 
 sings nightly over a hut, or on a tree overshadowing it. 
 
90 
 
 inui)> 
 
 The principal feature in the Ornithology of Ceylon, is the 
 vast number of bir^^s of prey, parakeets, wagtails, flycatchers, 
 thrushes, finches, and water birds, found in nearly all parts of 
 the Island. 
 
 Of ACCIPITRES, or Birds of Prey, our list contains 
 20 diurnal, and 8 nocturnal species. Hitherto no species of 
 Vulture has been observed. The reported existence of a 
 species of Gyps requires confirmation. The Sea Eagle, Pon- 
 todetus ( Blagrus ) leucogaster, is the largest known bird of 
 prey in the Island ; and next to it in size is the beautiful 
 crested Eagle, Spizaetus Nipalensis, which is, however, the 
 most handsome species of this class of birds. This elegant 
 crested Eagle, is occasionally seen in the highest mountains. 
 The only specimen we succeeded in procuring was shot on 
 a mountain, 4,000 feet high, near Badulla. The Peregrine 
 Falcon, is found at Point Pedro. The Kestrel is verv 
 common all over the Island; — even found at Newera Ellia. 
 This bird is very numerous at Trincomalie, wFere it is 
 seen on the esplanade in search of lizards, insects and small 
 birds. The habitats of most of the other species also are in the 
 maritime provinces. The most frequently seen species are 
 the Sparrow Hawks, Hen Harriers, and the red and black 
 Kites. Accipiter nisiis is very rare, we have seen only one 
 live specimen. 
 
 The Owls, or nocturnal birds of prey, are not quife so 
 numerous. The new species, Athene Castanotus, was first 
 brought to Mr. Blyth’s notice by Dr. Templeton; it is strictly 
 a mountain race. Scops sunia, a very small reddish-yellow 
 Eared Owl, is occasionally seen in the very highest parts 
 of the Island ; the allied species. Scops pennata^ is a low 
 country bird. Ephialtes lempigii and the large Ketupa Ceylo- 
 nensis are very common even in the low Kandian hills. 
 Strix Javanica^ an owl closely allied to the English barn owl, 
 is found in the JatFna district. 
 
 01 C APRIMULGTD^E, or Goat suckers, there are spe- 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 97 
 
 cies of two ffenera. Batrachostomos moniliger, is a new species 
 discovered by Mr. Layard in the Kandian country. It is 
 easily distinguished from species of Caprimulgus by the late- 
 ral edges of its upper mandibles being rounded and over- 
 lapping the lower ones. The Goat-suckers, better known 
 in Ceylon as the night jars or hawks, are very numerous. 
 They are generally seen immediately after sunset, on open 
 plains or over lakes and pools, catching flies and other in- 
 sects . with their enormous gapes ; their flight is low but 
 very rapid. A new species ( C. Kelaarti^ Blyth,^ found at 
 Kewera Elba, appears to be identified with a species on the 
 Neilgherry hills. The marshy plains of Newera Ellia swarm 
 with them at dusk of the evening. 
 
 HIIiUNDIN^, or Swallows. Two species are confined to 
 the highlands, Hirundo domicola and H, hyperythra ; the 
 former is. known in Newera Ellia as the House swallow, and 
 at the Neilgherries as the Bungalow swallow, from its build- 
 ing its nest of mud, sticks and feathers under the roofs of 
 houses. We have observed this swallow as an occasional 
 visitant of Kandy. H, hyperythra is the red-breasted swallow 
 of Kandy and its neighbourhood. We have never seen it 
 on higher parts than Pusilawa, certainly not at Newera Ellia 
 during our residence there of eight months. H, gutturaliSf 
 is the common swallow of all the maritime provinces; they 
 are usually seen in large flocks over pools of water or muddy 
 land; and they very often perch on small bushes. Large 
 flocks of them are also seen on the ground. In the morn- 
 ing they are generally on the wing, catching the insects which 
 are so abundant just after sunrise. 
 
 Of CYPSELIN^, or Swifts, the species which produces the 
 edible nest claims our first attention. It is the Collocalia 
 hrevirostris of McClelland, vel C. nidijicans, Gray. These birds 
 fly generally very high ; a few only are seen at a time. 
 They have been known for yearns to build their glutinous nests 
 in a cave near Caltura. At Newera Ellia also, this swift 
 
 N 
 
98 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 is a visitant in the months of March and April. We liave 
 heard from very good authority, that some years ago baskets 
 of the edible nests were obtained from a cave on the Pe- 
 drotallagalla hill. Very nutritious soup was made of them 
 for the invalids who at that time resided at Xewera Elba. 
 The very common palm swift of the Island is the Cypsehis 
 Balisiensis ; most frequently found in the maritime provinces. 
 The gigantic spiny tailed swift, Acanthylis Caudacuta, is very 
 rarely seen, and only on the Alpine plains. The crested 
 swift Macropteryx coronatus, is very numerous in the Central 
 province, and is frequently seen in the town of Kandy flying 
 over the houses. 
 
 Of CORACIN^, or Hollers, only one species, (Coracias 
 Indica ) is known to us, but we believe there is also a 
 species of Eurystomus. The Indian Roller is more frequently 
 found in the jungles of the low country; rarely more than 
 one or two at a time, usually perched on a tree and watch- 
 ing the movements of insects. It also feeds on fruits. 
 
 Of TKOGONIN^, only one species is known to us, 
 Ilarpactes fasciatus, the fasciated Trogon, {Ratiuon Iwndea of 
 the Singhalese), seen in pairs in dense forests ; they feed on 
 insects. At Xewera Ellia they are sometimes very numerous; 
 rare in the Korthern parts of the Island. 
 
 Of HALCYONIN^E, or Crabhunters .( Kingfisher ) the 
 most numerous species is the Halcyon Symrnensis, Halcyon 
 capensis is very seldom seen. The beautiful dwarf King 
 fisher, Ceyx tridactyla, is a very rare bird; the only speci- 
 men we have seen is one which the late Mr. H. Templer 
 (Police Magistrate of Matelle) caught, when it flew into his 
 house through a window. 
 
 Of ALCEDIN-ZE, or (true) Kingfishers, the small blue 
 one, Alcedo Bcnglialensis^ is most numerous in the maritime 
 provinces, and not very uncommon even on the Kandian 
 hills. Seldom are more than two seen at a time; generally, 
 onlv one. TJiov usuallv dv over fresh water stream? or 
 
01\ CEYLON. 
 
 99 
 
 , pools, and rest occasionally on small shrubs growing on the 
 .water side, and on sticks that may be floating on the water* 
 Ceryle rudis, is less numerous, we have only seen it in the 
 South western province. Both build their nests in holes on 
 the muddy or sandy banks. 
 
 Of MEBOPINJE, or Bee-eaters, there are three beautiful 
 species, not easily distinguished at a distance one from the 
 other, owing to the prevailing colour in all being light green. 
 The largest species and one more generally distributed 
 is the Merops jjhilippinus. The other two species are 
 more conflned to the low country. M. quinticolor, so like 
 M. vii'idris, is found in the North and North Eastern 
 provinces, where the latter is the species most frequently 
 seen. It is very amusing to see these birds perched on branches 
 of trees, watching for small insects. They are sometimes 
 seen in small flocks of six or eight searching for food, which 
 chiefly consists of Coleopterous insects. 
 
 Of UPUPIN^, or Hoopoes, only one species is known, 
 and that only seen in some parts of the Island. In the park, 
 at Bintenne, they are very numerous. We have also spe- 
 cimens of the Hoopoe from Dimboola and Point Pedro. 
 
 Of PKOMEBOPIN^, or Sun-Birds, there are three well- 
 known species ; and another, of the identification of which we 
 have some doubt. Sun birds are very numerous, and are 
 seen in nearly all parts of thq Island at different periods of 
 the year. Nectariva Zeylomca and N. Maharrattensis are the 
 most common species. The latter is better known as the 
 honeybird, though all the species feed not only on the 
 nectar of flowers, but also on insects. Dicanum Tickelli is. a 
 very numerous species in the Kandian country. It is a po- 
 pular error in Ceylon, to call this class of birds “ humming 
 birds,’’ a term a})})lled to a very different class of lovely 
 birds of the New AV orld, with far richer j)lum3ge than our 
 sun birds, Avhich depend for much of their beauty on the eva- 
 nescent effects of the sun’s rays. 
 
100 
 
 BIEDS 
 
 Of MELIPHAGIN^, or Honey eaters, we have only one, 
 a green species, peculiar to the hills. They are said to live 
 on honey, insects and fruits. 
 
 Of SITTING, or Nuthatches, we only know one species, 
 called in Ceylon the blue creeper. It is very abundant 
 at Newera-Ellia and the neighbouring forests. It is very like 
 the true creeper in its habit of running up and down the 
 trunks of trees in search of insects. It also feeds on small 
 nuts. 
 
 MALURIN^, or Soft-tailed Warblers. The tailor bird, 
 Orthotomous longicauda, is one of the most widely distributed 
 birds of Ceylon, its nest, made of leaves sewn together with 
 fibrous thread, is a very familiar object with the collector. This 
 bird feeds on the small insects and their larv^, which are found 
 on trees. It hops about, from branch to branch, with the 
 tail turned up; and frequently its motions are accompanied 
 with short little notes. The grass warblers are also very nu- 
 meroUvS, particularly Cisticola cursitans which frequents the grass 
 plains : very common at Trincomalie. In walking across the 
 esplanade at dusk of the evening, these birds are often dis- 
 turbed, and in their flight a few pleasant notes are warbled. 
 The other species, C. omalura, is found in great abundance 
 on Horton plains and Newera-Ellia, where they build their 
 nests among the long patna grasses and reeds. Drymoica va- 
 lida is a new species described by Mr. Ely th, and hitherto 
 seen only in Ceylon. 
 
 OfLUSCININ^, or True Warblers, our catalogue presents 
 only one species, Acrocephalus dumetorum. The only place where 
 we met with it was Newera-Ellia. It is a very shy bird and 
 not often seen; its song is not the sweetest heard on those 
 plains. 
 
 or ERYTHACIN^, or Robins, there are species of se- 
 veral genera. Copsychus Saularis, the white and black, or mag- 
 pie robin of the low country, JiavS a very sweet song. Even 
 at njid-day, a solitary bird will perch on a tree in a garden 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 101 
 
 or by the roadside and sing for several minutes together. 
 Its song is best heard in the morning, and can be easily 
 distinguished from the less musical voices of other birds. They 
 feed on moths, grasshoppers, and ground insects. The still 
 sweeter notes of its jungle cousin, the long tailed thrush, 
 Kittacincla macrourus, is almost unrivalled. No bird’s sono- 
 in Ceylon is so rich ; it consists of several notes, several times 
 repeated. This songster is, we believe, only seen in the 
 Northern parts of the Island. It is not uncommon about 
 Trincomalie; one flew even into a house in Fort Fredrick. 
 The densest forest is however its home, where its song is 
 more frequently heard in the evenings. The meadow chats, 
 Pratincola caprata, and our new species P, atrata, are also 
 sweet singers. The latter .specie^ is confined to the highlands ; 
 we have not met with it on lower hills than Fambodde. It 
 is very numerous on the plains of Newera-Ellia; sometimes 
 seen in pairs, and often singly. The male bird perches on 
 a twig of a small plant, or on a reed, and the female on 
 the ground not far off ; but rarely are more than two or three 
 pairs seen in the same locality. They frequent gardens and 
 flower beds in search of insects. P. caprata is found in the 
 lower parts of the Kandian country. The sooty warbler, 
 Thamnohia fulicata, is known in Ceylon as the black robin ; 
 it is very numerous in the maritime provinces, and even in the 
 Kandian country it is very frequently met with, generally in 
 gardens and on roofs of houses. It is easily known from 
 other robins by its red vent and the peculiar jerk it gives 
 the tall ; the female is of a dusky brown colour. The note 
 of this bird is not so rich as that of the other robins we 
 have noticed. 
 
 PARING, or Titmice. The ashy titmouse. Par us cinereus^ 
 is the only species we know of in the Island. It is very nu* 
 merous on the highlands, particularly at Newera-Ellia and 
 Dimboola. Its habits are very like those of the English bird, 
 which it also so much resembles in appearance. 
 
102 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 MNIOTILTINJE^ or Bush Creepers, are common. Zos- 
 ter ops palpebrosa and lora typhia are found in most parts of 
 the Island. We fear that the Newera-Ellia is wrongly 
 
 identified. It is of a darker green than the common Z. pal- 
 pebrosa ; both have very distinct white rims round the eyes. 
 lora Zeylonica is one of the birds we identified, when in En- 
 gland, from stuffed specimens. 
 
 MOTAGILLINiE, or Wagtails, are very numerous in all 
 parts of the Island we have visited. Motacilla boarula is ge- 
 nerally seen on the highland patnas. M, Indica and Budytes 
 viridris are found in great abundance on the meadows and 
 banks of lakes and streams in the low country. The pipits 
 are also abundant in meadows and open pastures, particularly 
 Corydalla Bichardi. This species and C. rufula are not seen 
 in very high lands. At Newera-Ellia, ( 7 . striolata is very 
 common. These pipits are called in the Island sky larks. 
 They rise on the wing like larks and they sing also as they 
 mount in the air. In search of larv80 and worms they foUow 
 the tracks of cattle when grazing in the field. 
 
 Of TUEDIDA^, or Thrushes, there are several genera. 
 Of ant thrushes, FOEMICABIN^, the new species which we 
 have called after Mr. Palliser of Dimboola, Brachypterix Pal- 
 liseri, is a rare bird, found at Newera Ellia and Dimboola. 
 Alcippe nigrifrons is another mountain species. The short 
 tailed Pitta is a beautiful bird known as the tailless thrush 
 It is found in great abundance in the maritime provinces, 
 and not unfrequently even in the highlands. They are seen 
 either singly or in pairs on the ground searching for worms; 
 they are very quick runners; seldom seen flying when dis- 
 turbed. 
 
 Of TUEDINiE, or True Thrushes, the only species which 
 can be said to be very numerous in the Island, is a new 
 species of blackbird found at ISTewera Ellia, Avhich we have 
 named after our valued friend Dr. Kinnis, who gave us our 
 first lesson in Zoology, and to whom Ceylon is indebted for 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 103 
 
 the once rich and well arranged Museum at Colombo, which 
 at one time created a general taste for Natural History in the 
 Island. Ward’s Thrush is another mountain species found 
 at Dimboola. 
 
 TIMALIN^, or Babblers. There are several species of 
 Garrulax, although only a new one appears in our list; the 
 others we have not identified. Pomatorhinus melanura is a 
 mountain species. The Dung Thrush, sometimes called the 
 seven brothers ” from seven being the number of these birds 
 generally seen together, are very common, especially Mala- 
 cocercus striatus. Small flocks of these birds are seen in 
 all maritime provinces; their song is very peculiar and can- 
 not be mistaken for that of any other thrush, it consists of 
 repeated whistling notes, which coming from several birds at 
 a time make a strange clattering noise. They are generally 
 found on the ground and low bushes, and very frequently 
 on dung hills. They live upon fruits and insects. JSL rufes- 
 cens, is found at Newera Elba. 
 
 OBIOLINtE, or Orioles. The mango bird, Kacooralla of 
 of the Singhalese, is the black headed Oriole, ( Oriolus melano- 
 cephalus). It is widely distributed, but more numerous in 
 the low country. They are generally seen in pairs flying 
 from tree to tree in search of fruits ; they also feed on insects. 
 The natives keep them in cages where they become quite 
 tame. The. other species is known to us only by specimens 
 in the Colombo Museum. 
 
 PYCNONOTIN^, or Bulbuls, are very numerous, parti- 
 cularly Pycnonotus hemorrhous, the Kondatchee of the Portu- 
 guese and Konde cooralla of the Singhalese. Criniger Icfericus 
 is also a common species in the lov/ country. Our green 
 yellow eared species, P. penicillatus, is found in great abun- 
 dance at Newera Ellia, where also Hypsipetes Neilgheriensis 
 is occasionally seen. The smgs of these birds are of a whist- 
 ling kind. Fruits are their chief food. 
 
 MUSCICAPIDyE, or Fly catclicrs, are seen in great abun- 
 
104 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 dance. Cryptolop ha cinereocapilla, is a small green flycatcher 
 found at Newera Ellia. The so called Ceylon Bird of Para- 
 dise, with a long flowing tail, sometimes of a brown colour and 
 at other seasons white with a blackish head, is the Tchitrea 
 paradisi. It is more numerous in the South western provinces 
 than in any other ; rare in higher parts than Kandy. Stopo- 
 rala melanops, a blue flycatcher, is more frequently seen in 
 the highlands. 
 
 CAMPEPHAGIN-ZE, or Caterpillar-catchers, are also fly- 
 catchers. The flame coloured species, Pericrocotus fiammeua, 
 is the most numerous ; they are even common on Horton 
 plain. 
 
 Of DICRUBIN^, or Drongo Shrikes, several species are 
 found. Edolius Malaharicus, or King Crow, is seen in all 
 parts, generally in pairs; in the open fields they perch on 
 the backs of cattle. Mr. Blyth has added two new species 
 of Dicrurus from Ceylon. We have also seen a mutilated 
 bird in Kandy, of a dark blue body and black head, which 
 we have added to the List of Birds as a species of Irena. 
 It was shown to us as a very rare bird. 
 
 LANIN-®, or Butcher Birds, are not common, they are 
 said to fix their prey on a thorn while engaged in feeding 
 on it; they are often seen in the Northern provinces. We 
 are indebted for specimens of the grey backed shrikes to 
 Mr. Layard. 
 
 Of GABRULIN^, or Jays, the beautiful mountain Jay 
 Cissa puella, which Mr. Blyth described from a specimen sent 
 to him by Mr. Layard, is very common at Newera Ellia, 
 They frequent the fields there generally in small flocks, in 
 search of worms. They are also seen in pairs perched on 
 trees. They make a loud harsh noise in flying. There are, 
 we believe, one or two species of Garrulus in the Island. 
 
 CORVINE, or Crows. Two species are found in the Is- 
 land Corvus splendens and the common carrion Crow, C. culmi- 
 natus ; their characters and habits are well known. Their 
 
OF OEYLOX. 
 
 1 0;) 
 
 numbers are far from being diminished in towns. They are 
 very useful scavengers, though at times the noise they make 
 is very disagreeable. In open plains hundreds will be seen 
 congregated together in solemn conclave, as if discussing 
 some important matter. 
 
 Of STURNID^, or Starlings, (in which are included 
 the grakles), there are several genera. Gracula religiosa^ the 
 Brahmin Maynah, or grakle, is a very common bird in the 
 low country of the Southern provinces, less numerous in the 
 Kandian country, and still more rare in the alpine parts, where 
 a new species with only two yellow lappets on the head, 
 G. ptilogenys^ is very abundant. Both species are prized by 
 the natives for the facility with which they can be taught 
 to chatter a few of the native words. They are generally 
 found in pairs on trees; sometimes as many as a dozen are 
 seen together flying across the jungles. Their song consists 
 of a whistle, but they more frequently make a harsh noise. 
 They live chiefly on fruits, but in a domesticated state will 
 partake of boiled rice and bread. Pastor roseus, the rose co- 
 loured starling, we only know of from specimens sent by 
 Mr. Layard from Point Pedro. Hetcsrornis ( Sturnia ) pago- 
 darum, Pagoda starling, is common in the Northern provin- 
 ces; a few are occasionally seen even in Fort Frederick, 
 Trincomalie: they feed on insects and grain. The sub-crested 
 Maynah and Paradise Maynah, Goon Cowdea, of the Singhalese, 
 are very abundant on fields and open plains, which they 
 frequent in search of insects and worms. Small flocks of six 
 or eight are often seen, but generally a smaller number. They 
 are not timid birds; one or two will perch on the back of 
 a bullock, while others will be feeding below on the insects 
 which the bullock’s feet have disturbed. 
 
 FBINGILLID^, or Finches, are very numerous. The wea- 
 ver bird ( Ploceus ) belongs to this family : their long pendant 
 woven nests are objects of great curiosity. Besides the two 
 species we have enurneraterl, there ore others found by Mr. 
 
106 
 
 BIKDS 
 
 Layard. The finclies, (Fring ill Inge), are very abundant in all 
 parts of the Island; the most common are Amadina undulata 
 and A. Malaharicn., A species of Amadina (found at Newera 
 Ellia) is supposed by Mr. Blyth to be identical with A. 
 pectoralis, a new species of Dr. Jerdon. The common Indian 
 sparrow is as numerous in Ceylon as sparrows are in other 
 parts of the world. We have not however met with it in 
 the Alpine districts. A species of bunting and crossbill 
 are also found in the Island. 
 
 ALADIN^, or Larks, are not very common. Two 
 species have heen identified: their song is not so rich as that 
 oi the English lark. Pyrrhulauda grisea is very abundant in 
 the Northern provinces; large numbers of them are seen on 
 the esplanade at Trincomalie; and on the roads too, wJiere 
 they seek for food. 
 
 BUCETORIN-^, or Horn bills, are known in the island 
 as Toucans ” ( Malakandetta. Sing ). The large species, with 
 
 the double casques, are found in great abundance in the 
 Northern provinces. P. pica is common about Kandelle and 
 Minery lakes. They feed on fruits and insects. 
 
 Of the family PSITTACIDiE, or Parrots, there are only 
 Parakeets in the Island. Large flocks of them are seen flying 
 together from one part of the jungle to the other. Near 
 towns also they are very numerous, particularly the larger 
 species. The beautiful purple headed species, Palceornis Cal- 
 thropcCf called by Mr. Layard after the accomplished and 
 faithful companion of his labours, is a species found by him 
 on the Kandian hills. It is the only parrot on the Newera 
 Ellia range. Pridharn, among all his other great mistakes, 
 enumerates the Grand Lory among the birds of the Island. 
 The specimen of the Lory in the Colombo Museum is from 
 Australia. This makes us believe, that he must have had a 
 Catalogue of that Museum, which includes species from many 
 vparts of the world, before him when he framed his list of 
 Ceylon animals. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 lor 
 
 CAPITONIN^;, or Barbets, (Kootooroo, Slug), are found 
 in most parts of the Island^ especially the smaller species. 
 The peculiar interrupted notes of these birds have not been 
 unaptly compared to the reverberating sounds made by a 
 stone thrown on ice, or to distant hammering of metal. 
 
 Of PICIN^, or Woodpeckers, there are many; among them 
 one new species, Picus gymno'pthalmus^ Blyth, found by Mr. 
 Layard. The orange coloured Woodpecker and the large 
 red one are very common. The latter, Brachypternus Ceylo- 
 nusj is found also in great abundance at Newera Ellia, 
 where Picus chlorophanes, is very frequently seen. The 
 ground Woodpecker, Micropternus gularis, was found by Mr. 
 Layard. 
 
 CUCULID^, or Cuckoos, abound in the Island. Eudynamys 
 Orientalis is very common in all the maritime districts and 
 lower Kandian provinces, where also is found C. tenuirostris. 
 The ashy mountain species (7. micropterus is rare; found 
 at Dimboola. The Philippine Cuckoo, Centropus philippensis, 
 (Jungle Crow of Ceylon sportsmen, Atty kokoola Sing) is 
 more abundant in the low country than in the highland. 
 Mr. Layard has discovered a new species of Centropus with 
 a yellow bill, which Mr. Blyth names C. chlororhynchos. The 
 cresttd Cuckoo is also common in the low country, parti- 
 cularly in the Northern provinces. The Malakohas (Sing), 
 are also of the Cuckoo tribe. Phenicophaus Pyrrhocephalas 
 is not very numerous, it is confined to the higher parts of 
 the Southern provinces; Zanclostomus viridirostris to the 
 Northern. 
 
 COLUMBID^, or Pigeons. The Trerons (Battagoya, 
 Sing.) are found in large flocks. T. chlorig aster is one of 
 the birds Mr. Layard has collected at Point Pedro. The 
 Mahavillagoya, ( Carpopliaga Sylvatica\ is a very large handsome 
 species and much sought after for its flavour. We have not 
 seen it in very high lands. Palumhus Torrwgtonii, is the 
 Newera Ellia Mokavellagoya , nearly allied to, if not a vari- 
 
108 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 ety of P, Elphinstonii of the Neilgherries. It is an arbo- 
 real species, seen only in pairs ; flies high and in long sweeps. 
 Their nests are found on lofty trees. We have seen this 
 pigeon as low down as Gampola, (about 2,000 feet); hand- 
 some specimens from thence were sent to us by Mr. Chris- 
 tofielsz de Saram. The flavour of this species is far superior 
 to that of any other in the Island. 
 
 The Rock pigeon, Columba intermedia, the origin of the 
 common Indian domestic pigeon, is very like C. lima. This 
 pigeon is found in great abundance on the rocks at Trin- 
 comalie : the well known Pigeon Island in this Coast, derives 
 its name from large flocks of this bird being found there: 
 they build their nests in rocky crevices. They are frequently 
 seen to come into the dove cote and remain for days with 
 the domesticated variety. Calcophaps Indica, the handsome 
 ground pigeon, is also very numerous, even on the highlands 
 as far as Pusilawa; they are seldom seen in large numbers, 
 generally only a pair; they fly very low but very swiftly. 
 They will live in confinement for months. The turtle doves 
 are very abundant, particularly Turtur Suratensis. 
 
 The first in Order GALLIN-<®^, stands the splendid Pea- 
 cock, Pavo cristatus. These birds, so much admired in England 
 in a domestic state, are seen in all their native magnificence in 
 many parts of the Island. They are found in greatest abundance 
 in the Northwestern provinces. They are also sometimes 
 seen in the neighbourhood of NeweraEllia. Seldom are more 
 than a few pairs seen together, but more frequently only a 
 couple are seen feeding on the road side. We have also 
 seen flocks of some twenty or thirty on open plains. 
 
 The Ceylon representative of the sub-family, GALLING, 
 or jungle Fowls, is Gallus Lafeyetti, Lesson. This handsome 
 fowl is peculiar to Ceylon. It is not, as is generally sup- 
 posed in Ceylon, of the same species as the jungle fowls 
 of India. The dark purple spot under the chin and neck 
 readily distinguishes it from other species. Although this 
 
OF CEYLOX. 
 
 109 
 
 bird is so common in the Island, there was in England a 
 few years ago only a pair in the British Museum; and as 
 much as three giuneas were offered for another. The fe- 
 male of it is considered by Mr. Blyth to be Gallus Stanleyi 
 of Gray, figured in Gray’s Illustrations of Indian Zoology. 
 Mr. Gray makes it, we believe, to be the hen of G, Son- 
 nerattii. The jungle fowl is found in all parts of the Is- 
 land : very abundant at Newera Ellla and Trincomalie. 
 They are often seen on the high roads; when disturbed they 
 run quickly into the jungle, but seldom fly. They soon die 
 in confinement. Hybrids of this fowl and the domestic spe- 
 cies are occasionally met with in the native villages. At- 
 tempts have been made to domesticate the indigenous bird, 
 by having its eggs hatched by domestic fowls, but the chickens 
 thus obtained rarely reached maturity. A live pair of this 
 fowl we believe has not yet reached England. 
 
 The double spurred Partridge Gallo perdix Zeylonensis, the 
 Hahan Kookoola of the Singhalese, is also another gallina- 
 ceous bird confined to Ceylon. These birds are very numerous 
 at Newera Ellia and Dimboola. They are also found in the 
 Southern maritime provinces. Those found in the highlands 
 are larger birds and of a darker plumage. There is a good 
 figure of the cock in Pennant’s work. The Indian Partridge 
 is abundant in the Jaffna district, they are scarce elsewhere. 
 Quails are very numerous in most parts of the Island. A 
 species of Bush Quail is also found in the ^Northern pro- 
 vinces. 
 
 Order GRALL^, has many genera and species in the Is- 
 land. Among CHARADRIDA^, are found the Marbled Plo- 
 ver and Goa Sand Piper : they are abundant in the maritime 
 districts. Cinclus interpres and Esacus recurvirostris are the 
 least common species. The small plovers and sand pipers are 
 very abundant. 
 
 ARDEIN^, or Herons are also birds met with through- 
 out the low country, and also in some of the highland dis- 
 
110 
 
 B1KD> 
 
 tricts. At Kewera-Ellia we have not seen any. The most 
 common species is the Cannakoka Sing, or white paddy 
 bird, Ardeola leucoptera. The great white Heron, Herodias 
 alba, is less frequently seen. Ardea Cinerea is rare. The 
 large purple Heron is found in the Northern parts of the 
 Island. The spoon-bill, Plaialea. leucorida, is very abundant 
 in the North Eastern provinces : they are brought for sale at 
 the Trincomalie market. Natives consider it a great dainty ; 
 it is of too fishy a flavour to the European palate. 
 
 CICONIN^, or Storks. The Adjutant we saw many 
 vears ago brought alive to Colombo from the North of the 
 Island ; — a specimen is we believe still in the Museum. 
 Mr. Layard informs us that he has heard of their existence 
 some 40 miles from Point Pedro. The large Violet Stork, 
 Ciconia leucocephalus, is found at the large lakes in the North- 
 ern provinces: very abundant at the Minery lake. There is 
 also another species of a black colour. 
 
 Of TANTALIN^, or Ibises, there are three species 
 equally numerous in the Northern parts of the Island; they 
 are scarce in the Southern provinces. 
 
 SCOLOPACID^, or Snipes. The Whimbrel and Cur- 
 lew are found in the Northern parts of the Island. Several 
 species of long shanks are found in all the maritime pro- 
 vinces. The painted snipe, RhynchcBa Benghalensis, and the 
 common Indian snipe, Gallinago stenura, are very abundant. 
 
 Gollinago Scolopacinus “ the English snipe” is found only 
 m some of the highland districts. We have seen a few at 
 Newera-Eilia. The Jack snipe is reported by sportsmen to 
 exist also in the Island. The woodcock, Scolopax rusticola, 
 the same as the European species, is found on Horton plain 
 and occasionally at New era Ellia. We have not seen the 
 bird in its feathers, but we have seen a couple of birds 
 called “woodcocks” at a dinner table which tasted uncom- 
 monly like the birds of that name. We have no doubt of 
 its existence in the Island, as several English sportsmen 
 
OF OEYLOX. 
 
 Ill 
 
 assured us of their having shot it. The woodcock is well 
 known in India. 
 
 Rails and Gallinules {Corawaka Sing.) are common in most 
 parts of the Island. The latter, very scarce in the North 
 Eastern provinces. Of PARKING, or Screamers, the only 
 species in the] Island is Hydrophosianus Sinensis. It is very 
 rarely seen. 
 
 Order. ANSERES. The reddish Flamingo is found in 
 the Northern parts of the Island, and common iii the 
 JaiFna district. The Royal duck, Sarkidornis Regia, is found 
 on the large Northern lakes. The other species of ducks, 
 teals, &c. are more numerous in the Northern provinces 
 than in the Southern parts of the Island, where the lakes 
 are not so numerous nor so very large. 
 
 LARIDA5. Gulls, Terns and other sea birds are very abun- 
 dant on the coasts of Ceylon. 
 
 PELICAN ID AE. The Darter or snake bird, is found on 
 large lakes. The Pelican is most common on salt water lakes 
 and estuaries. Three or four pairs are seen at a time, load- 
 ing their membranous bags with fish, and then retiring to 
 some quiet place on the banks and leisurely consuming their 
 prey. 
 
 In presenting the following list of Birds of Ceylon, we 
 are enabled to supply descriptions of the new species which 
 have lately been added to the Fauna of Ceylon, from the 
 notes of Mr. Blyth, which will be found in the Appendix 
 to this work. 
 
 Our list of Birds found in the Island contains nearly 250 
 species, out of which according to Mr. Blyth the following 
 species only are peculiar, so far as at present known, to this 
 Island. 
 
 PALit:0RNis Calthrop.e Lapard, d. A. S. B. xviii, 800 
 xix, 334. 
 
 Loriculus Asiaticus, {Latham). J. A. S. B. xviii, 801. 
 HrCEROS Ytolaceus, Jfdg/er. d. A. S. B. xviii, «03. 
 
112 
 
 BiRr» 
 
 Picus Gymnophthalmos, BJyth. J. A. S. B. xviii, 804. 
 Brachypteknus cetlonus^ Forster. 
 
 B. ? RUBESCENS^ Vieillot. 
 jVIegalaima flayifrons, Cuvier. 
 
 M. eubricapilla, Gmelin. 
 
 Cextropus Chloeorhy^nchos, Blyth. J. A. S. B. xviii, 805. 
 Phcenicophaus pyrrhocephaeus, Forster. 
 Batrachostomus 3IOXILIGER, Layard, Blyth, J. A. S. B. 
 xviii, 806. 
 
 CISSA PUELLA, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, 810. 
 
 Gracula ptilogenys, Blyth, J. A. S. B. XV, 285. 
 Gareulax cixereifrons, Blyth, J. A. S. B. vol. 1851. 
 Malacocercus striatus Sw', if really distinct from M. 
 Benghalensis, Brisson. 
 
 M. EUFESCEXS, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, 453. 
 
 Brymoica valida, D. rohusta, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii. 
 CiSTicoLA oyialura Blyth, J. A. S. B. vol. 1851. 
 POMATORHIXUS MELAXURUS, Blyth, J. A. S. B. Xvi, 451. 
 Alcippe xigrifroxs, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii, 815. 
 Drymocataphus fuscocapillus, Blyth, Ibid. 
 
 Oreocixcla spiloptera, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, 142. 
 Merula Kixxisi, Blyth J. A. S. B. vol. 1851. 
 
 Pratixcola atrata, Kelaart, Blyth, Ibid. 
 
 Brachypteryx (?) Pallisebi, Kelaart, Blyth, Ibid. 
 Hiruxdo Hyperythra, Layard, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xviii. 
 Tephrodorxis affixis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. x\i, 473. 
 Dicrurus edoliformis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. xvi, 297. 
 
 D. Leucopitgialis, Blyth, J. A. S. B. XV, 298. 
 Pycxoxotus pexicillatus, Kelaart, Blyth, J. A. S. B. vol. 
 1851. 
 
 P. XIGRICAPILLUS, {Drapiez). 
 
 Trerox pompadora, ( Latham ). In need of identification, 
 and supposed by Mr. Strickland to be the same as Treron 
 Mnlabarica, Jprdmt. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 113 
 
 Gtallus Stanley!, (}. Lafayettei, Les?o]i ; G. Ime- 
 
 atiis Blyth, 
 
 Galloperdix Zeylonexsis, Gmd; Tetrao bicalcaratus. 
 Pennant, 
 
 ‘^Others” observes Mr. Blyth are doubtfully distinct, as 
 Megalaima Zeylanica from M. caniceps of S. India ; Leuco- 
 cerca compressirostris ( J. A. S. B. xviii, 815), from L. al- 
 bofrontata; and we might here have placed Malacocercus 
 striatus as doubtfully distinct from M. Benghalensis ; Di- 
 crurus leucopygialis from D. Ccssulescens, and Pomatorhinus 
 melanura from P. Horsfieldi. Corvus splendens and Acri- 
 dotheres tristis are of a much darker hue in Ceylon than 
 in N. India; so is Micropternus gularis of Ceylon as com- 
 pared with the bird of S. India. Hypsipetes Nilgiriensis is, 
 on the contrary, paler in Ceylon, and more like the Hi- 
 malayan H. psaroides. Acrocephalus dumetorum (xviii, 815) 
 has, in Ceylon, a distinguishing greenish shade. The differ- 
 ence of Palumbus Elphinstonii of Ceylon from that of the 
 iNilgiris has already been indicated ; and, lastly, Oriolus 
 melanocephalus of Malabar and Ceylon may be constantly 
 distinguished from that of Bengal, Nepal, Assam &c. by 
 tlie markings of the wings, as especially the quantity of 
 yellow at the tips of the tertiaries; this being much more 
 developed in the Bengal race, in which it occupies the 
 whole outer Aveb of the first and second tertiaries, and 
 about f in of the outer webs of the two next ; Avhereas in the 
 Ceylon and Malabar race it forms merely a series of small 
 terminal spots to the tertiaries ; the ycllo \v tips of the coverts 
 of the primaries are also constantly reduced in size in O. 
 Melonocephalus of Malabar and Ceylon.” 
 
 V 
 
BIRDS 
 
 OAl'ALOGUE 
 
 OF 
 
 0 E Y 1. 0 N B I B 1) S. 
 
 0 
 
 ORDER. ACC I PITRES. 
 SUB-ORDER. ACCIPITRES DIURNI. 
 I-’AM : falcoxid.t:. 
 
 a. AOUTUNJ-:. 
 
 A(|uila Bonelli. Temin. 
 
 Aquila pemiata, Gmel. 
 !^])izaetus Aipaleusis. Blyth. 
 Spizaetus limiioetiis, Horsf. 
 Ictinaetiis Malaiensis, Temm. 
 Haematornis Cheela, Latham. 
 Haematornis spilogaster, Blyth. 
 BoD-toautus i6i*coua3i,Grj (jmtl. 
 
 Haliastur Indu.'^. Bodd. 
 
 'Hie Genoese Eagle, 
 ddie Peimated Eagle. 
 
 The Beautiful Crested Eagle. 
 The Crested Eagle. 
 
 The Black Eagle. 
 
 The Cheela Eagle, 
 
 The Ceylon Eagle. 
 White-hellied Sea Eagle. 
 Shiva’s Kite. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 b. FALCONlNyL. 
 
 Falco Peregriniis, Linn. The Peregrine Faleoii. 
 
 Tinnimculus alaiidarius, Briss. The Kestrel Falcon. 
 Hypotriorchis chicquera, Skuic. The rufous lieaded Falcon. 
 
 c. 
 
 Baza lophotes, Tenwi. 
 
 Milvus Govinda, S^kes. 
 Elanus nielanopterus, Baud. ■ 
 
 MILVIN^. 
 
 The Cohy Falcon. 
 
 The Cheela or Govinda Kite. 
 The Black Winged Falcon. 
 
 d. ACCIPITRIN^. 
 
 Astur trivirgatus, Temm. 
 Accipiter badius, GmeL 
 Accipiter nisus, Linn. 
 
 e. 
 
 Circus Swainsonii, A. Smith. 
 Circus cinerascens, Montague. 
 Circus melanoleucus, Venn. 
 
 The three streaked Kestrel. 
 Brown’s Sparrow Hawk. 
 The Sparrow Flawk. 
 
 CiRCINiE. 
 
 The pale Harrier. 
 
 The ashy Falcon. 
 
 The black and white Falcon. 
 
116 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 SUB-ORDER. ACCIPITRES NOCTURNL 
 
 FAM : STRIGID^. 
 a. SURNIN^. 
 
 xAthene castanotus, Blyth. 
 
 The Ceylon chestnut- winged Owl. 
 
 Athene ?cutellata, Ch'ay. 
 
 % 
 
 The hairy Owl. 
 
 b. 
 
 nUBONIN.E. 
 
 Ephialtes Seops, Linn. 
 
 The scops-eared Owl- 
 
 Ephialtes sunia, Hodgson. 
 
 The reddish Owl. 
 
 Ephialtes lempigii, Horsf. 
 
 The lempigi Owl. 
 
 Ketnpa Ceylonensis, Gmel. 
 
 The Ceylon eared Owl. 
 
 c. 
 
 Syrnium Indrani, Gray. 
 
 The Oulaiua Owl. 
 
 d. tsTKIGINit. 
 
 Strix Javanica. Gmd. 
 
 The Indian Barn Owl. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 117 
 
 ORDER PASSERES 
 
 SUB-ORDEK. I. FISSIROSTRES. 
 
 A. F. NOCTURNI. 
 
 FAM: CAPHIMULGIDiE. 
 a. steatoenina:. 
 
 * Batracbostomus nioniliger, Laijard. Ceylon Oil bird. 
 
 b. caprimulgtna:. 
 
 Capriinulgus Maharatteiisis, Sykes. The Maharatta Goatsucker. 
 Caprimulgus Kelaarti, Blytli. The Newera-Ellia Goatsucker. 
 Caprimulgus Asiaticus, Latham. The Indian Goatsucker. 
 
 B. F. DfLKNI. 
 
 FAM: HIRUNDINIDvF:. 
 
 a. CYPSILINAi. 
 
 Cypselus Balisiensis, Gray. Mdie common Palm 8wilt. 
 Cypselus melba, Liuu. The common large Swift. 
 
 Cypselus aftinis, Gray. dTe blackish Swift. 
 
 Macropteryx coronatus, Tidcdl. The crested Swift. 
 
118 
 
 BIRDS' 
 
 Collacalia brevirostris, McClelland. The edible-nest Swallow. 
 Acanthylis Caudacuta, Lath. The spiny-tailed Swift. 
 
 b. HIRUKDININ^. 
 
 Hirundo gutturalis, Scop. The common Indian Swallow. 
 
 Hirundo hyperythra, Layard. The red-bellied Swallow. 
 
 Hirundo domicola, Jerdon. 
 
 The Bungalow Swallow. 
 
 FAM : 
 
 CORACIAD^. 
 
 a. 
 
 Coracias Indica, Linn. 
 
 CORACIAN^E. 
 
 The Indian Roller. 
 
 FAM : 
 
 TROGONID^. 
 
 Harpactes fasciatus, Lath‘d 
 
 The fasciated Trogon. 
 
 FAM ; 
 
 alcediniDxF:. 
 
 a. 
 
 HALCYOSINiE. 
 
 Halcyon Capensis, Linn. 
 
 The Cape King-fisher. 
 
 Halcyon Smyrnensis, Linn. The Smyrna King-fisher. 
 
 Cyex tridactyla, Linn. The ^pretty dwarf King-fisher, 
 
OF cp:ylon 
 
 119 
 
 1). 
 
 ALCEDINTX.T,, 
 
 Alcedo Bengalensis, Gmrl. 
 
 The Indian King-fisher. 
 
 Ceryle rudis, Linn. 
 
 The black and white King-fisher. 
 
 FAM: MEKOPID^^: 
 
 a. 
 
 MEROPTNyE. 
 
 Merops Philippiims, Linn. 
 
 The Philippine Bee Eater. 
 
 Alerops viridis, Linn. 
 
 The Indian Bee Eater. 
 
 iMerops quinticolor, KeiJI. 
 
 The five coloured Bee Eater. 
 
 SUB-OEDEK. II. TENUIROSTEES. 
 
 FAM : UPUPIDiE. 
 a. rPUPiN^. 
 
 Upiipa Senegalensis, Swain. The Hoopoo. 
 
 FAM : PROMEROPIDyE. 
 a. PROMEROPlNii:. 
 
 Nectarina Zeylonica, Linn. 
 
 The Ceylon Sunbird. 
 
 Nectarina minuta? Syhes. 
 
 The smaller Sunbird. 
 
 Nectarina Maharattensis, Lath. The short-billed purple Honeybird. 
 Nectariiia letouia, apud, Layard. Tlie long billed Honeybird. 
 Die.pum Tickclli, Blijth. Tickcl’s Honeybird. 
 
120 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 FAM : MELIPH AGT DiT': . 
 
 a. :\iELiPHAGiNai. 
 
 Phyllornis malabarica, Lath. Malabar Hoiiev Eater. 
 Phyllornis anrifrons, Temm ? Green Honey Eater, 
 
 FAM: CERTHID^. 
 
 a. CITTIN.5'.. 
 
 Hendrophila frontalis, Horsf. Blue rmthatcli, or Creeper. 
 
 SUB ORDEK III. DENTIROSTEES. 
 
 FAM : LUSCINIDiE. 
 a. MALURINA3. 
 
 Ortliotomus longicauda, Gmel. 
 Cisticola cursitans, Bli/th. 
 Cistieola omalnra, Blijth. 
 Hrynioica valida, Bh/th. 
 
 The rufous headed Tailorbird. 
 The Grass Warbler. 
 
 The mountain Grass Warbler. 
 Layard’s Grass Warblei'. 
 
 b. LUSCININ-'E- 
 
 Acrocephalus dumetorum, Bhjth. The mountain marsh Warbler. 
 
 c. pkvthacina:. 
 
 Copsyoims sau laris. Afw??. 
 
 The Bialbird. 
 
OF CEYLOK. 
 
 121 
 
 Copsychus macrourub', GraeL 
 Pratincola caprata, Blyth, 
 Pratincola atrata, Kelaart. 
 Thamnobia fnlicata, Linn, 
 
 The long tailed Thrush. 
 
 The Meadowchat. 
 
 The black do., or Newera Ellia Pobin, 
 The sooty Warbler. 
 
 • d. 
 
 Parus cinereus, VieilL 
 
 PARINiE. 
 
 The ashy Tomtit, or Titmouse. 
 
 e, 
 
 Zosterops palpebrosa, Temm. 
 Zosterops annulosus, Swain. 
 lora Zeylanica, Gmel. 
 lora typhia, hi a a. 
 
 MNIOTILTIN^. 
 
 The white-eyed Bushcreeper. 
 The mountain Bushcreeper. 
 Ceylon Bushcreeper. 
 
 The green Bushcreeper. 
 
 1‘, motacillin**;. 
 
 Motacilla boarula, Linn. 
 
 Motacilla Indica Gmcl. 
 
 Budytes (Enicurus) viridis, Blyth. 
 Corydalla {Anthus) Eichardi, Blyth. 
 Oorydalla rufula, Vieill. 
 
 Corydalla striolafa, Blyth. 
 
 The grey Wagtail. 
 The Indian Wagtail, 
 The green Wagtail. 
 Eichard’s Pipit. 
 
 The rufous Pipit. 
 The mountain Pipit. 
 
12 
 
 TURDS 
 
 T’AM : I'f'RDlD.K' 
 
 a. For>>ji‘'AR!NM;, 
 
 l>r.‘Kiiyptei‘vx Pallisei‘1, Kdaorf. PaiKser’H Ani -thrush, 
 
 fh’vmocataplnis fuscocapilliis. Bh/th. 
 
 Alcippe nigrifrons, Bl^tk. .The mountain Tiirnsh, 
 Pitta brachyura, Jerdon. The short tailed Pitta. 
 
 T.. 
 
 Oreoeincla spiloptera, Bh/tfi. 
 Afernla Wardii. Jerdon. 
 Alerhla Kinnisi, Kdaart, 
 
 TrnDiN.f;. 
 
 Tlu’iish, 
 
 "Ward’s Thrush. 
 
 The Newera Eilia Blackbird, 
 
 C. TIMALINiE. 
 
 »>arrulax cinereifrons, Bh/th. Ashyheaded Garrulax. 
 
 « 
 
 -Pomatorhinus ruelanura^ Blyth. The Ceylon Pomatorrhinus. 
 Alalaiy'.ceivns griseua, Gmel. The ‘‘Seven Brothers” or dungthrush, 
 Tvlalacoeercus rufescens, Blyth. The Reddish — Do. 
 
 .IMulaeocercas cvtriatus, Su-aim. The Mountlan — Do, 
 
 d. onioLiN®. 
 
 Oriohis melanoeephaliis, Linn, The black -headed Oriole. 
 
 ‘ b'iolui: IvuTid.oOr ■? Thc goPPn Oriole. 
 
e. 
 
 Criniger Ictericns, Strickland. 
 Pycnonotiis penicillatus, Kelaart. 
 Pycnonotus flavirictas, Strickland. 
 Pycnonotiis hemorrhous, Gwd'l 
 Pycnonotui nigricapillus, Drapicz. 
 Ilemipus picatus, Hor^f. 
 
 Eubigula gularis, Gould'} 
 Hypsipetes iiilgherriensis, Jerdon. 
 
 PYCNONOTlKiE. 
 
 The ashy Bulbul, 
 
 Yellow eared BuihuL 
 Bulbul. 
 
 The Condatclice Bulbul. 
 
 The black -headed Buibul. 
 The black & white Hemipu 
 
 Neilgherry Hy } >si petes. 
 
 FAM: MUSCICAPIDil^. 
 
 t‘. MUSCICAPINiE. 
 
 Cn ptolopha cinereo-capilla. Bli/tk, The grey-headed Flycatcher. 
 Leu<*oeerca compressirostris. Blyth^ 
 
 'rehitrea paradisi, Lum. The paradise Fiycatche]-, 
 
 Butalis latirostris, hrie. The Flycatcher. 
 
 Sto))Oi'yla melanops, Blyth. ^J’he blueish Flvcalchcr 
 
 PA.^i: A3iJ’ELiD.F. 
 
 a. CAAIPEiHAGINiE. 
 
 lYricrocotus flammeus, Forster. The elegant red Flycatcher. 
 Pericrocotus peregrin ns, Linn. The smaller .Do. 
 
124 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 b. DICRURiy^. 
 
 Artamus leucnorrh\ncus, ? Qind. The Shrike. 
 
 Artamus fuscus, Vieil. 
 
 Rufous bellied shrike. 
 
 Edolius Malabaricus. Scop. 
 
 King-crow. 
 
 Edolius retifer, Tcmm. 
 
 The crested King-crow. 
 
 * Dicrurus edoliformis, Blyth. New species of King-crow 
 
 * Dicrurus leucopygialis, Blyth. — Ditto. 
 
 Irena? — sp. The blue Shrike. 
 
 FAM: 
 
 LANIID^. 
 
 a. 
 
 LANIIN.E : 
 
 Lanius tephronotus, Vigors. 
 
 Grey backed Shrike. 
 
 Tephrodornis afifinis, Bhith 
 
 Butcher-bird. 
 
 SUB-OEDER IV. CONIKOSTRES. 
 
 FAM: CORVIDS, 
 
 a. GARRULIN^. 
 
 Cissa puella, Blyth, Layard. The mountain Jay, 
 
 b. CORVIK^. 
 
 Corvus splendens, Viedl. 
 Corvus culminatuS; SyJc€2- 
 
 The Indian hooded Crow. 
 The common carrioa Crow, 
 
OF CEYLON''. 125 
 
 FAM; STVIiiNir)^. 
 
 a. 
 
 GRACULIN^.. 
 
 Gracula religiosa, Linn. 
 
 The Brahmin Maynah. 
 
 Gracula ptilogenys, Blyth. 
 
 Pr, Templeton’s Maynah. 
 
 b. STUKNIN.E, 
 
 Pastor roseus, Limn, The rose c*.oloured Starling, 
 
 Hctasrornis pagodoriim, Qmelf The pagoda Starling. 
 Heterornis Malabarica, GmeUi The malabar Starling. 
 Hetaerornis cristatella, Linn, The sub crested Maynah. 
 
 Acridotheres tristis Linn. 
 
 Paradise Grakle, Maynah, 
 
 FAM. 
 
 FRINGILLID^. 
 
 a, ploceinue. 
 
 Ploceus Benghalensis, Linn. The Indian Weaverbird. 
 Ploceus Philippensis, Linn. The Phillippine Weaverbird. 
 
 b. FRINGILLINiE. 
 
 Amadina undulata, Lath. 
 
 The reddish Indian Finch. 
 
 Amadina malabarica, Linn. 
 
 The Malabar Finch. 
 
 Amadina malacca, Linn. 
 
 The Malacca Finch, 
 
 The Malacca Finch, 
 
12H 
 
 B T BDS! 
 
 Aiiiadina striatus? Linn. 
 AmadiDa p?ctr)ralis? Jef'drm. 
 Passer Jndicus, Jard & 
 
 The striated Finch. 
 
 The Xewera-Ellia Finch. 
 The Indian Sparrow. 
 
 Fmheriza? Scop. 
 
 C. EMBERIZIN-I;:. 
 
 Bunting. 
 
 d. 
 
 Alauda Malabar ica, Scop. 
 Alauda gulgnla? Scop. 
 Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scov. 
 
 alai:din.e. 
 
 The Indian Lark. 
 
 The crested Lark. 
 
 Tlie Indian Pvrrhulauda. 
 
 Loxia? Sp. 
 
 e. LOXI.X.E. 
 
 Crossbill. 
 
 I'AM : rd'CERirriDT-:. 
 
 a. HUCF.BoTlN-E. 
 
 Buceros gingaiensis, Shaw. The small HornbiU. 
 
 Buceros violacens, Waghr. apud i 
 
 ■ The large HornbiU. vidg: Toucan. 
 
 s 
 
 Buceros pica Sc'^jk'^ d’hc black A white HornbiU. 
 
ORDER. SC A X SOI; ES. 
 
 TAU: PSITTACIDJ::. 
 
 a. RSTTTACiX.^:. 
 
 TiOrlculus Afiiatlcus. Eduar(h. 
 
 I'lie SRK'ili rcylon Parakeet. 
 
 1 /. rezofofiK.k, 
 
 Palseornis AleAatidrl, Linn. Tlic Alexandrine I'arakeet. 
 
 Pajapornis torqnatns, BrU^. I'bo rose collared Parakeet. 
 
 iVIjBornis cyanocephalns, GmEt. The asliy headed Parakeet. 
 Pulaeornls Calthropa;^ iMyord. Lit} ard’* purple needed I’aiake-et. 
 
 KAM: VlCIDdG. 
 a. capitonin.'T:, 
 
 Megalaima Pliilippensis. Z?rVss. The large redheaded Barbek 
 Aregahiima. Zeylanica, apud Blyth. The large Barbet, 
 
 -Megalaima flavifroTis. Cuvs. The yellow headed Barbet. 
 
 Megalaima riibrioapilla. Gmel. The small redheaded Barbet. 
 
128 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 b. 
 
 Picus gyumoptlialirios, Blijih. 
 Pious Macei, Yieill, 
 
 PlCINyE. 
 
 Layard’s Wood-pecker. 
 Small spotted Wood-pecker, 
 
 c. oecininje. 
 
 Gecinus chlorophanes, Bbjtlu The green red headed Wood-pecker 
 Brachypternus aurantius, Bhjth. The orange coloured Wood-pecker. 
 Brachypternus Ceylonus, Forster. Ceylon Wood- pecker. 
 Brachypternus rubescens, Yieill. The reddish Wood-pecker. 
 
 d. COLAPTIN-®. 
 
 * Micropternus gularis, Bhjth. Ground Woodpecker. 
 
 FAM. CUCTTLID.^. 
 a. coccYzus.®. 
 
 Centropus Philippensis, Cuv. The Philippine Ground Cuckoo. 
 * Centropus chlororhynchos, Bljth. The Yellow -billed Cuckow. 
 
 b. CUCULIN^. 
 
 Oxylophus serratus, Sparsm. The Crested Black Cuckow. 
 
 Oxylophus Oorromandus, Linn. The Collared Crested do. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 129 
 
 Endyiiamys Orientalis, Linn. 
 Cuculus micropterus, Gould. 
 Cuculus tenuirostris, Blyth. 
 Cuculus Sonnerattii, Lath. 
 
 The Eastern Black Cuckow. 
 The Ashy Mountain Cuckow. 
 The narrow billed Cuckow. 
 Sonnerat’s Cuckow. 
 
 C. CROTOPHAGIN^. 
 
 Phoenicophaus pyrrhocephalus, Forster. The Malkoha. 
 
 Zanclostomus viridirostris, Jerd. The Green-billed Malkoha. 
 
130 
 
 BIKDS 
 
 OEDER. COLUMBiE. 
 
 FAM. COLUMBID^. 
 a. TRERONINiE. 
 
 Treron bicincta, Blytli. The Parrot Pigeon 
 
 Treron Malabarica, Jerdon. The Common Green Pigeon. 
 ^ Treron chlorogaster, Blyth. The Large Green Pigeon. 
 
 b. COLUMBlNiE. 
 
 Carpophaga sylvatica, Ticket. The Wood Pigeon, [geon. 
 
 CarpophagafPa?itm6t^GTorringtonii, Lady Torrington’s Pi- 
 
 C. ELPHiNSTONEi, var, apud 
 Columba intermedia Strickland. 
 Turtur risorius, Selby. 
 
 Turtur Suratensis, Gmel. 
 
 ^ Turtur humilis, Temm. 
 
 Blyth. 
 
 The Indian Pock Pigeon. 
 The Collared Turtle Dove. 
 The Speckled Turtle Dove. 
 The Dwarf Turtle Dove. 
 
 C. GOURIN.E. 
 
 Chalcophaps Indica, Linn. 
 
 The Ground Pigeon. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 131 
 
 ORDER. GALLING. 
 
 FAM. PHASIANIDJ^. 
 
 a. PAVONINiE. 
 
 Pavo cristatns, Linn. The Peacock. 
 
 b. GALLINA5. 
 
 Gallus Lafeyettei, Lesson, 
 
 G. Stanhyi, Gray, female, apud BlytTi 
 
 The Ceylon Jungle Fowl. 
 
 FAM. TETRAONIDiE. 
 
 a. PERDICINA^. 
 
 [tridge of Ceylon. 
 
 Gallo-perdix bicalcaratus, Linn, apud Blyth. The Double Spurred Par- 
 Francolinus Ponticerrinus, Gmel. The Pondicherry Partridge. 
 
 Coturnix Coromandelica. Gmel. The Indian Quail. 
 
 Coturnix, sj). A smaller Quail. 
 
132 
 
 BTRDgi 
 
 ORDER. ORALLY 
 
 FAM. CHARADRID^. 
 a. iEDICNENIN^. 
 
 Esaous reciirviroetris, Vuv. The Curved-bill Bustard. 
 
 b. CURSOR1NJ3. 
 
 Ciu'sorius coromandelicus, Gmel. The Coromandel Com’ser. 
 
 C. GLAREOLIN^. 
 
 Glareola Orientalis, Leach. The Indian Pratincole. 
 
 d. CHARADRIN^. 
 
 Charadrius virginicus, Bresht. The Marbled Plover. 
 Lobivanellus Goensis, Strickland. The Goa Sand Piper. 
 Hiaticula Philippensis, Latham . Small Plover. 
 Hiaticula Leschenaultei, Lesson. Do. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 13 
 
 e. CINCLINiE. 
 
 CincluB interpres, Linn. 
 
 The Turnstone. 
 
 V 
 
 
 FAM. ARDEID^; 
 a. ARDEIN^aE. 
 
 Ardea cinerea, Linn. 
 
 The Common Heron, 
 
 Ardea purpurea, Linn. 
 
 The Purple Heron. 
 
 Ardeola leucoptera, Bodd. 
 
 The Paddy-field Heron. 
 
 Ardeola bubulcus, Savig. 
 
 The Caboga Heron. 
 
 Herodias alba, Linn. 
 
 The Great \^'hite Heron. 
 
 Ardetta cinnamomea, Gmel. 
 Ardetta thalassina? Sioains. 
 
 The Cinnamon Heron. 
 
 Platalea leucorodia, Linn. 
 
 The White Spoon-bill, 
 
 b. ciconinag. 
 
 Leptoptilus argala, Jjatli. 
 
 The Adjutant. 
 
 Ciconia leucocephala, Temm. 
 
 The large Stork. 
 
 Dromas ardeola, Payh. 
 
 The smaller Stork. 
 
 Anastomus, sp. 
 
 The Anastomus. 
 
 C. TANTALIN/E. 
 
 Tantalus lencocephalus, Forster. The White-headed Ibis. 
 
134 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 Geronticus melanocephalus, Lath, The Black -headed Ibis. 
 Ibis Falcinellus, Linn. The Glossy Ibis. 
 
 FAM. SCOLOPACID^. 
 a. LIMOSNI^. 
 
 Numenius phoeops, Lath. The Whimbrel. 
 
 Numenius arquatus, Lath. The Curlew. 
 
 b. TOTANIN^ 
 
 Totanus ochropus, Linn. 
 Totanus hypoleucus, Linn, 
 Totanus glottoides, Vigors. 
 
 The Green Shank. 
 
 The common Long Shank. 
 The Indian Green Shank. 
 
 C. TRINGIN.®. 
 
 Tringa minuta? Temm. The dwarf Sand-piper. 
 
 Limicola platyrhinca, Temm. The Broad-billed Limicola. 
 
 d. RECURVmOSTRlNJE. 
 
 Himantopus candidiis, Bonn. The long-legged Avocet. 
 
OF CEYLOK 
 
 135 
 
 e. scolapacina:. 
 
 Rhynclioea Benghalensis, Gmel. The painted Snipe. 
 Scolopax rusticola? Linn. The Wood-cock 
 
 Gallinago stenura, Temm. Horsfield’s Indian Snipe. 
 
 ^ Gallinago scolopacinus, Bonaparte. The Common Snipe. 
 Gallinago gallinula, Linn. The Jack Snipe. 
 
 FAM. PALMEDEID.E. 
 
 PARKING, 
 
 Hydrophasianus Sinensis, Wayler. The Screamer, or Jacana. 
 
 FAM. RALLID^, 
 a. RALLINAC. 
 
 Ortygometra rubiginosa, Temm. The red or brown Rail. 
 
 ^ Corethrura Zeylanica, Brown. The Ceylon Rail. 
 
 b. GALLINULIN.®. 
 
 Gallinula Phoenicura, Pennant The red-tailed Gallinule. 
 
 Gallinula cristata, Lath. The crested Gallinule. 
 
 N. B. — We have only sportsmens’ authority for the Species of Snipes 
 marked with an asterisk. 
 
136 
 
 
 ORDER- ANSERES. 
 
 FAM. ANATID.E. 
 a. PHCENICOPTERINiE. 
 
 Phoenicopterus ruber,? Linn. The Flamingo. 
 
 b. PLECTROPTERIN-®. 
 
 Sarkidiornis Regia, Eyton. The lioyal Duck. 
 
 C. ANSERIK.^:. 
 
 Xettapus Coromandelianus, 6^eZ? The Coromandel Teal. 
 
 d. 
 
 Mareca Penelope, Linn ? 
 Anas pcEciloryhnca, Lath. 
 Deudrocygna arciiata, Swains. 
 Dafila acuta ? Bonap. 
 Querquedula crecca, Steph. 
 
 ANATIN^. 
 
 The Widgeon. 
 
 The spotted Duck. 
 The whistling Duck. 
 The pin-tailed Duck. 
 The common Teal. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 137 
 
 FAM. COLYMBID^. 
 PODICEPIN^. 
 
 ^ Podiceps minor, Latham. The little Grebe. 
 
 FA1\1. LARID^. 
 a. LARINJE. 
 
 Xema bruneicephalus, Jerdon. The Indian-hooded Gull. 
 
 b. STERI^lNiE. 
 
 Sylochelidon Caspia, Pall. The- Caspian Tern. 
 
 Hylochelidon seena, apud Layard. The orange-billed Tern, 
 Gelichelidon Anglica, Brovm. The gull-billed Tern. 
 Sterna inelanogaster, Temm. d'he black-bellied Tern. 
 
 FAM, ITLICANID/E. 
 
 a. plotin.e. 
 
 Plotus melanogastei', Gmcl The black-l)ellied Darter. 
 
 b. PKLlOOAxNIN/E. 
 
 relecanus Phili))pcri8is, Gmcl. The Indian L’ellcau. 
 
 Species marked ave added from Mr, Blytlis Notes, 
 
 b 
 

% 
 
 CEYLON REPTILES. 
 
fr.T,S- J / Ul-V 'V.'’ .' • ’ - ‘ ^ 
 
 -•/' 
 
 Cf'- 
 
 :" -' V '1 "i, W • .'..^■^*? " . - ■■ 
 
 
 
 - >V.- 7 ‘.V' 
 
 
 itjSilfc .' 7 < : . *.. ;w •' "■ ~ is • 6 ^ c * « 
 
 Lu ‘ 
 
 
 • /5 -^:^r4' 
 
 ,■) 
 
CEYLON REPTILES. 
 
 To induce the Ceylon Student of Zoology to investigate the 
 characters of the Keptiles described in this part of the work, 
 we have added the excellent description of Families and Ge- 
 nera from Mr. Gray’s catalogue of specimens in the British 
 Museum. Our descriptions of species are nearly all taken from 
 living specimens. 
 
 The Ophidian Eeptiles, of which there are about 30 species 
 in the Island^ could not be included in the descriptive account, 
 as we have not been able, from the want of Books, to iden- 
 tify more than a few species. Among those found are. Py- 
 thon molurus. Gray, (Rock snake or Indian Boa, Vulg.), Pen* 
 drophis picta, Sclileg, Pendrophis ornatus, Schley. Pipsas mul- 
 timaculata, Schley. Coluber Naja, Linn. ( Cobra de Capello). 
 Bungarus candidus, Linn. Cerberus cinereus, Gimy. Tropi- 
 dophis schistozus, Gray. Cylindrophis maculata, Wayler, Ce- 
 reaspis carinatus, Wayler. Paboia elegans. Gray, ( Tic-Polony a). 
 Trigonocephalus Hypnale, Wayler, ( Caravilla. Siny.) Tri- 
 mesurus viridis, Lacep. (Whip snake). Trimesurus Ceylon- 
 ensis. Gray. Megeera Trigonocephalus, Wayler. 
 
GRAY’S SYNOPSIS OF REPTILES. 
 
 CLASS. REPTILIA. 
 
 Animal furnished with a distinct bony skeleton. The skin 
 clothed with horny imbedded plates or imbricated scales, which 
 are covered with a thin and often deciduous epidermis. They 
 respire by cellular lungs. The heart has a single ventricle 
 divided into two or more cells, giving origin to two artcnes 
 and receiving the cold red blood by two veins from two 
 auricles. Penis distinct. Oviparous, but the egg sometimes 
 hatched in the body of the mother, often covered with a 
 thick more or less calcareous shell. The young like the pa- 
 rent, and not undergoing any transformation. 
 
 SECT. I. SQUAMATA— SCALY REPTILES. 
 
 Body covered with overlapping scales. Skull formed of se- 
 parate bones; the ear-bone external and only articulated to 'the 
 rest. Vent a cross slit. The generative organs bifid. Tongue 
 free. 
 
 1. Lizards. (Sauka.) Mouth not dilatable ; lower jaw-bones 
 united by a bony suture in front. Limbs 4 , distinct, rarely 
 in such a rudimentary state as to be hidden under the skin. 
 
 2. Serpents. (Opiiidia). Mouth very dilatable; bones 
 of the lower jaws separate from each other, only united by 
 ligaments. Limbs none, or only in the form of short spurs 
 on the sides of the vent. 
 
144 
 
 SYNOPSIS or REPTILES. 
 
 SECT. II. CATAPHRACTA— SHIELDED REPTILES. 
 
 Body covered witli square imbedded shields. Bones of the 
 skull ad^lutinated together, hard, with the ear-bone sunk into 
 its substance, daws united into a solid mass; mouth not di- 
 latable. Yent roundish or linear, plaited. The generative 
 organs simple. 
 
 3. Tortoises. (Chelonians). Body short, depressed. The 
 bones of the thorax external, surrounding the muscles of the 
 body like a case, out of which the head, limbs and tail are 
 protruded. Jaws toothless, covered with a horny coat. 
 
 4. Emybosaurians. Bony fusiform, covered with square 
 bony plates placed in longitudinal lines. Limbs 4, free, Yent 
 linear, longitudinal. Jatvs vrith teeth. 
 
 5. Amphisbenians. Body elongate, cylindrical, covered" 
 
 % 
 
 with square imbedded plates, placed in cross rows. Limbs 
 none or very short, weak. Yent transverse, plaited. Jaws 
 with teeth. 
 
CEYLON REPTILES. 
 
 SQUAMATA. SCALY REPTILES. 
 
 Body covered with overlapping or granular scales. Skull formed 
 of separate bones. The ear-bone external, and only articulated to the 
 skull. Tongue free, elongate, nicked at the tip, often extensile. The 
 lungs free in the cavity of the thorax. Vent a linear cross slit. 
 The male organ and vagina forked. Ov’parous; the eggs when depo- 
 sited covered with a more or less coriaceous shell. 
 
 ORDER I. SAXJRA— 
 
 Mouth not dilatable, jaws toothed, the lower jaw bones being united 
 by a bony suture in front. Eye generally with distinct eyelids. Drum 
 of the ear generally distinct; exposed. Limbs 4, distinct, rarely in such 
 a rudimentary state as to be hidden under the skin. Toes clawed. 
 Bc.dy elongate, rounded, covered with imbricated or granular scales. 
 Ribs distinct, mobile, and with a distinct sternum. Tail elongate, 
 tapering, rarely pre-hensile, generally covered with whorls of scales. 
 Egg with hard skin. The young not undergoing any metamorphosis. 
 
 SUB-ORDER. LEPTOGLOSS^. 
 
 Slender Tongued Lizards. 
 
 TRIBE. CYCLOSAUEA. 
 
 Scales of the belly square (very rarely rhombic, keeled), in cross 
 bands; of the back and tail rhombic, imbricate, or circular and sub- 
 granular, placed in cross rings ; of the sides generally granular, rarely 
 
 T 
 
146 
 
 REP'J Il.rs 
 
 like the back. Tor.gue elongate, flattened, base sometimes sheathed, 
 generally free, only attached to tlie gullet by a long frsenum, and 
 with two elongate cylindrical, horny tips. Tail elongate, with whorls 
 of scales, generally conical, tapering, sometimes compressed, with two 
 elevated crests above. 
 
 Head with minute polygonal shields. Teetk adnate to the inner 
 side of tlie jaw^s. Tongue elongate, slender, retractile into a sheath 
 at its base. Beales small, roundish, placed in cross rings; those of 
 the sides like those of tlie back. Legs 4, strong. Toes 5-5 com- 
 pressed, uhecxual. Thighs poreless. Super-orbital plate bony. Old 
 world, near water, 
 
 a. Scales over the eyes equal. Nape coloured like the hack. 
 
 Nostrils small, round, in the middle between the apex of the muz- 
 zle and the front angle af the eye; tail elongate, compressed witha 
 double-edged keel above ; toes elongate, unequal, strong, teeth rounded. 
 
 The Indian Monitor. Talia-Goya — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Lacerta Dracsena — Linn, 
 
 Stellio Salveguardia — Laur, 
 Tupinambis Eengalensis — Baud. 
 T. Indicus — Baud. 
 
 Uaranus 
 
 Brown, black spotted above. Scales of the head, small, subequal ; 
 Seales of the neck, body and limbs oval, flat, with a central spot in 
 ’ most, surrounded with a granular ring. Scales of the tail foursided, 
 
 r\U. MONOTORIDiE. {Monitors.) 
 
 GEJ^US. MONITOR. Ch^aij. 
 
 POLYDJEDALUS. WaglcT. UARANUS. Fitz, 
 
 MONITOR DRAC.ENA, Gray. 
 
 Monitor gemmatus — Guerin. 
 Indian Iguana — Vulg. 
 
OF CEYLOX. 
 
 147 
 
 keeled, and also with a gramilar margin. Lbwer parts paler, di* whitish 
 in middle aged with purplish streak. Scales foursided, with a gra- 
 nular rim. A fold of skin on sides of belly. Toes uneq[ual, [spotted 
 yellow, of hind feet longer. Claws acute, long. Iride$ golden. 
 
 A large sized one measured — 
 
 ft. in. 
 
 Head „ 3 J 
 
 Body 1 5 
 
 Tail 2 8 
 
 Total length ...... 4 4| 
 
 Anterior limbs 7 inches. Posterior limbs 10 inches. 
 
 Geogrojphical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 This monitor, (or as it is better known in Ceylon, the Goana) is found 
 
 in great abundance in all the maritime provinces, rarely in the higher 
 
 Kandian districts. The natives are partial to its flesh ; we have once 
 tasted some excellent soup made from a tender Goana, it tasted not 
 unlike hare soup. 
 
 The Monitors live in holes, and in mid-day they steal out of their 
 cells in search of food, which consists of smaller reptiles and insects. 
 Ant-hills furnish them with a dainty repast. At Trincomalie they 
 are hunted down by dogs, and sold in the market for 6 pence each. 
 
 The young of this species is very unlike the adult individual, and, 
 inay be mistaken for another species. One measuring inches long, 
 with tail, had the following characters. 
 
 Light brown above, with longitudinal series of pale yellow eyed 
 black spots, and the interspaces between the spots, also pale yellow, 
 forming nearly squares, which give a net work appearance to the 
 back. Head brown, indistinctly spotted white ; a narrow black streak 
 runs on the sides of the neck from the posterior angle of the eye 
 to shoulder. Beneath silvery white, with narrow transverse blackish 
 bands ; 'chin banded. Tail angular, posterior half of tail black, with 
 a broad light brown band; the other half of the tail ringed and 
 spotted with black. 
 
 Nothing almost could exceed the delicacy of the silvery scales on 
 the lower parts, and the beautiful enamalled appearance of the back. 
 The spots gradually disappear as the animal grows to maturity ; the 
 black streak on the neck is lost in about the middle aged. 
 
EEPTILES 
 
 5, Scales over the eye with a larger Central serie*. 
 
 GENUS. HYDROSAURUS, Wagler, 
 
 Nostrils oblong, longitudinal, near the apex of the muzzle, tail 
 elongated, with a double edged keel above ; toes unequal, elongate ; 
 teeth compressed, sharp edged denticulated, scales small. 
 
 HYDROSAURUS SALVATOR, WagUr, 
 
 The Streaked Lace Lizard. Cabara-Goya — Sing, 
 
 Syn. Hydrosaurus bivittatus— TTa^r^cr. 
 
 Uaranus vittatus, — Lesson. 
 
 Monitor elegans — Gray. 
 
 M. marmoratus — Weigmann. 
 
 T upinambis bi vittatus — Kohl. 
 
 ■ Above dark olive brown, nearly black. Beneath yellow, blackish 
 dentilations in some. Four or five irregular transverse yellow bands 
 on the back, composed of small interrupted circles ("or parts of circles) 
 of yellow spots. Head brown above ; eyelids sp(»tted yellow. Lips, 
 cheeks and lateral parts of neck yellowish, chin and throat with black- 
 ish transverse bands, the posterior ones slightly undulating; a few 
 yellow spots on the upper part of neck. Limbs spotted yellow. Toes 
 long, unequal ; claws blackish. Tail wfth a double edged upper keel, 
 speckled yellow throughout, and interrupted yellow streaks on the 
 thicker or basal portion. Irides yellow. 
 
 Scales of the head irregular, unequal, smooth ; a set of larger scales 
 in the upper part of brow. Scales on the body, oval, keeled, and ea<*h 
 surrounded with a granular ring. Scales on the upper parts of limbs 
 and part of tail strongly keeled. Scales of the neck and shoulders 
 almost conical. Those of the under parts of the body and tail, large, 
 flat four sided. A fold of skin on the sides of abdomen. 
 
 Nostrils near the muzzle, large, oblique, nearly longitudinal in the 
 young and in preserved specimens. 
 
 The only specimen examined, when describing species for this work, 
 
OF CETI.OX. 
 
 149 
 
 had not the teeth dentilated, but they were long, compressed and 
 sharpedged, it was a very old individual and measured — 
 
 ft. in. 
 
 Head „ 4^ 
 
 Body 2 4 
 
 Tail 3 8 
 
 Total length 6 4| 
 
 Anterior limbs 9 inches long. Posterior limbs 13 inches long. Cir- 
 cumference of the middle of the body 2 feet 8 inches, of basal portion 
 of tail 13 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, Pinang, 
 South Africa, Philippine and Molucca Islands, Amboina. 
 Ceylon. 
 
 The only doubt we have of the identification of this monitor with 
 Hydrosojurus, is in the absence of dentilations in the teeth. We have 
 not been able to procure a middle aged individual. A very young 
 specimen was lately caught in the neighbourhood of Trincomalie, 
 which measured head and body GJ inches, tail 9i inches. Dr. Cantor, 
 to w'hom we sent the specimen preserved in spirits, is inclined to con- 
 sider it the young of a distinct species, but we are all but sure of 
 its being the young of the species above described; the following is 
 a description taken of it when alive. 
 
 General colour of upper surface black with an olive shade. Beneath 
 yellow with blackish dentilations or projections from the sides. Head 
 with pale yellow spots. I'pper part of neck spotted with brighter 
 yellow ; a black streak from the posterior angle of the eye to the 
 shoulder. Cheeks and lower surface of neck transversely banded with 
 black. Upper part of body with five transverse rows of yellow cir- 
 cular spots, with a palish centre on each spot. Between these ringed 
 bands transverse rows of smaller and paler full yellow spots. Tail 
 banded black alternately with yellow; five or six of the anterior black 
 bands have on each a single row of very minute yellow spots; and 
 in the inferior a large central yellow spot diffused. Broad black pointed 
 projections transversely on the belly from the sides. Superior sur- 
 face of limbs black with cross rows of yellow spots; and black den- 
 
150 
 
 BEPTILES 
 
 tilations on the inferior or inner yellow surface. Toos black, yellow 
 spotted. 
 
 The Cahara-goya is found in most parts of the lowlands and also 
 in some of the highland districts, near marshes and rivers. When pur- 
 sued on land, they take refuge in the nearest water. * 
 
 TRIBE. GEISSOSAURA. 
 
 Scales of the belly and (almost always) of the back and sides 
 rounded, quincuncial, imbricate, formed of a more or less thick, vas- 
 cular bony plate, covered with a thin epidermis, often showing the 
 vessels through it. Sides rounded, covered with scales like those of 
 the back. Tongue narrow, short, flat, slightlj’- nicked at the end. 
 Head covered with regular many sided shields (rather scale-like Lia~ 
 Us{d<je); neck not contracted. Body fusiform or sub -cylindrical. Pre- 
 anal pores none, (except in Pygopus and Lialis) 
 
 FAM. SCINCID^. 
 
 The Seines. 
 
 Head sub-quadrangular, regularly shielded. Rostral plate moderate, 
 erect, sometimes rather produced and transversely keeled. Nostrils lateral 
 in a more or less large nasal shield, with sometimes a supra-nasal over 
 it, between the nasal and internasal. Body fusiform or sub-cylindrical. 
 Tail cylindrical or tapering. Scales smooth, or keeled, or striated. 
 Limbs 4, more or less strong, sometimes wanting, or rather hidden 
 under the skin. Femoral pores none. 
 
 GENUS. RIOPA, Gray. 
 
 ECMECEs, B. Weigmann. 
 
 EUMECES, part, Dum et Bib. 
 
 Head pyramidical. I\Iuzzle rounded in front. Rostral erect. Fronto- 
 
 - ■* Since writing the above we have secured a female individual, in which the 
 seiTatui'es on the edges of teeth are visible. So that, we have every reason to be 
 satisfied whh the correctness of this identification. 
 
OF CEYLOJJ. 
 
 \51 
 
 parietal shields double, interparietal distinct. Nostrils lateral, near the 
 hinder edge of the nasal plate ; supra-nasals 2, contiguous. The lower 
 eyelid wdth a transparent disk. Palate not toothed, with a triangular 
 notch behind. Ears small circular, drum sunken. Body elongate, cy- 
 lindrical. Scales smooth. Limbs very short, weak. Toes 5-5, short, 
 unequal, with a series of compressed tubercles beneath ; palm and soles 
 equalfy granular. Tail elongate, cylindrical. 
 
 RiOPA PUNCTATA, Gray, var. 
 
 The Dotted Rock Seine. 
 
 Syn. Lacerta punctata, Linn. 
 
 Lacerta interpunctata, Gmelin 
 
 Seps sciucoides, Cuv. 
 
 Lygosoma punctata, Griffith. 
 
 Scincus bilineatus. Laud. 
 
 Le Double Raie, Lacep. 
 
 Above fulvous olive brown. Beneath silvery white. Back with G 
 longitudinal rows of black dots, w^hich coalesce and form only 4: rows 
 in the neck. Two pale narrow streaks on sides from the head to the 
 tail ; below the pale streaks there are six lines of lighter black dote, 
 the three inferior ones being more indistinct. Head, cheeks, legs and 
 toes minutely dotted with black. Lail reddish, black dotted on the 
 upper surface, and with pale spots beneath. Eyes central, with 4 equal 
 supra-orbital plates. Toes small, unequal ; soles and toes granular. Ears 
 circular. Tympanum sunken. 
 
 Head and body 2. 5-10 inch 
 
 Tail 2. 3-10 „ 
 
 Total length 4. 8-10 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 This variety of Riopa punctata we obtained at Tiincomalie, where 
 it is very rare ; other varieties are found in the W estern and Cen- 
 tral provinces. They are known in the Island as the small Brahmin 
 
 lizard. 
 
152 
 
 iiLts 
 
 GENUS. TILIQUA, Graj/. 
 
 EUPREPE9, part. WagleTy Dum et Bih. 
 
 Head squarish. Nasal plates small, oblong, lateral. Nostril rather 
 large, sub-central or posterior fronto-nasal distinct, triangular conti- 
 guous in front; fronto-parietal shields 2, contiguous; interparietal tri- 
 angular. Lower eyelid with a central longitudinal band of 4 or 5 
 square scales. Ears moderate, open, lobed in front. Fusiform, stout. 
 Scales 3 or 5 keeled. Limbs 4, stout, rather far apart. Toes 5-5. 
 Palms slightly granular. Scales under the toes smooth. Tail round 
 tapering, ^vith 3 or 5 series of rather wider scales beneath. 
 
 TiLiQCA RUFESCENS, Gray, 
 
 The Indian Tiliqua, or Brahmin Lizard. 
 
 Syn. Tiliqua carinata, Gray. 
 
 Tiliqua affiuis (young), Gray. 
 
 Lacerta rufesceus, Shaw, Cuv. 
 
 Scincus multifasciatus, Kahl. 
 
 Euprepes Sebse, Dum et Bib. 
 
 Above olive brown, bronzed. Beneath sulphurous yellow or whitish. 
 Scales in the back 3 keeled. A silvery white streak from the upper 
 part of orbit to root of tail, below this white streak a redd’sh brcwn 
 broad one; some of the scales dotted white and the still lower jarts 
 of sides sprinkled red. Head olive green, margin of scales black. 
 Chin and lips white. Tail with large scales ; for three fourth of its 
 length of a reddish colour. Black irregular spots on the limbs, and 
 in some specimens four or five zig-zig black lines on the back. Ptere- 
 goid teeth few, indistinct, felt under the palatal membrane. Ears \v*ith 
 minute lobules in front. Limbs stout, feet rather large. 
 
 A large one measured. 
 
 Head 0. 5-8 inch 
 
 Body 3. 2-8 „ 
 
 Taif 3.4-8 „ 
 
 Total length 7. 3-8 inches. 
 
 Some are larger. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Sandwich Islands, Philippines, Ti- 
 mor, Celebes, Borneo, Java, India, Ceylon. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 15.3 
 
 Several varieties of this Seine are found in various parts of the 
 Island. The above described variety is common at Trincomalie. In 
 the variety found about Colombo, the red spots are not seen on the 
 sides. Some of the Badulla specimens have bluish spots on the sides, 
 The Tiliqua is generally known as the Brahmin Lizard (Poeehee Bra- 
 mina, Portg.); it frequents the hedges and walls of gardens. In the 
 Kandian provinces they are generally seen on rocks. They feed on 
 insects; their movements are very rapid. 
 
 *. > - 'i 
 
 FAM ; TYPIILOPSID.B. 
 
 Typhlops. 
 
 Head depressed, broad, rounded in front, with a large oblong erect 
 nostral pate. Nostrils lateral, in a distinct nasal shield behind 
 the edge of the muzzle, and with a slit to the hinder lower and 
 sometimes to the front upper edge of the plate. Mouth small, 
 lunate, inferior, above edged by the shields on the side of the 
 head, upper labial shields none. Crown covered with 3 series of 6 
 sided scale "like shields, the middle ones representing the internasal, 
 frontal and interparietal shields. Eyes lateral, covered by and only 
 to be seen through the ocular shields, sometimes wanting. Tongue 
 elongated, flat, forked at the tip. Body cylindrical suddenly contrac- 
 ted and obliquely convex and scaly above at the end, tip covered 
 with a conical or spinous shield. 
 
 They move with considerable swiftness, sometimes found three or 
 four feet under ground, where they bury themselves in the rainy 
 season, they are also found under stones. They are quite innocent, and 
 not inclined to bite; they live sometime after they are immersed ill 
 spirits of wine. 
 
 GENUS. ARGYROPinS,— 
 
 S.tenostoma, part. Fitz. 
 
 Typhlops, part, Waglor. 
 
 Rostral oblong erect, regularly arched in front and slighlly convex 
 above and below, narrow below. Nostrils inferior, with a slit ex- 
 tending to the upper as well as the lower edge of the nasal. Nasal, 
 
 u 
 
154 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 froiito-nasal and eye shields flat, ohlong, subangiflar, well developed. 
 Eyes distinct. Crown with 3 series of 6 sided shields. Body snb- 
 cylindrical. Scales smooth, equal sized. Pre-anal scales many, like 
 the others. Tail very short, suddenly tapering, convex above, tip-« 
 acute, conical incurved. 
 
 # 
 
 ARGYRorms BRAMicus,— Gray. 
 
 The Crenulated Silver Snake. Dapat Naya. — Eing. 
 
 » 
 
 Black or greyish black, rather paler beneath ; head regularly rounded 
 and pale in front; nostral and nasal shields with a pale crenulated 
 submarginal edge, nostral oblong, scarcely que fourth the width of 
 the head, rounded above, contracted beneath ; the crown shields equal, 
 rather broad, rounded behind, the fourth shield imther wider, the 
 fifth longer than the other threq, Gray. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Canton Provinces, Manilla, Java, India, 
 Ceylon. , 
 
 As we have not a* specimen of this Silver Snake to describe from, 
 we have given above*Mr. Gray’s description of the species, wliich has 
 long been known to exist in Ceylon in paddy fields and other marshy 
 grounds where it is mistaken for earth worms. 
 
 Dr. Cantor gives the following description of the species. 
 
 Shining copper coloured, or brown of various shades above, paler 
 beneath. Some, indmduals of a uniformly bluish white. All the 
 scales with a dark Jbrown spot at the anterior-part. The shields of 
 the head have a whitish line close to their margins. In the young 
 the latter is crenulated, and the sides of the head, lips, throat, the 
 anal region, and the point of .the tail are yellowish or whitish, and 
 the body is semi-transparent. 
 
 Length of the head g inch. 
 
 do. of trunk 7§ „ 
 
 do. of tail i 
 
 Total length 7. 6-8 inches. 
 
 Circumference of the neck J inch; of the. tail g inch. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 155 
 
 FAM: UKOPELTIDiE. 
 
 Rough Tails. 
 
 Head conical compressed, shelving and acute in front, flat above 
 and behind. Crown covered with regular shields. Rostral produced, 
 moderate convex, horny subtriangular, erect produced and acute behind. 
 Nostrils roundish, lateral smiple, in the middle of the front of an 
 erect subtriangular band-like nasal. Internasal none, fronto-nasal sub- 
 triangular, truncated below, contiguous above, frontal and fronto-parie- 
 tal distinct. Nape scaly. Labial shields 4-4, distinct. Eyes distinct, 
 lateral, in the middle of the front of an erect eye-shield, and covered by 
 the shield without any eyelids. Eyebrow shields none. Tongue, elongate, 
 flat, forked at the tip. , Body cylindrical, obliquely truncated above- 
 
 This family is intermediate between the lizards and snakes; follow^- 
 ing Cuvier and '^others, I was induced to refer it to the latter order? 
 and therefore did not insert it in the synopsis of the families; but 
 on re-examination, and comparison with the various modifications 
 presented by the genera of Typhlopsidse, I have been induced to place 
 it in this order. Cuvier seems to have been in doubt, for though he 
 placed the genus with the snakes, he also regarded the species as a 
 section of ths Typhlopsidse. Schlegel names the group Pseudo- 
 Typhlops. — Grojj. 
 
 GENUS. UROPELTIS. 
 
 Tail obliquely truncated, flattish and coverd with a flat roundish 
 radiating granular shield, lower edge rounded, the under side of the 
 tail with 6 series of small scales. 
 
 UROPELTIS Sp. (?) 
 
 Above dark brown, beneath paler. Scales with pale whitish mar- 
 gin, giving a reticulated appearance throughout. Head yellowish 
 in some. Rostral yellow. Tail truncated, thick, convex, shelving 
 superiorly granular. Vent shields three,— 2 — 1; a yellow spot ante- 
 rior to the vent shields. 
 
 Lengtli from 1 to 2 feet; 
 
 The young is of a dark olive colour. 
 
 Geographical Distrihation. Ceylon. 
 
156 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 This rough tail has not we believe been described; and it does 
 not appear to us quite clear that it belongs to any of the three genera 
 of Uropeltidae described by Mr. Gray in his Catalogue. As Dr. 
 Andrew Smith has specimens of it he may yet form a new genus 
 for this species. It is found in great abundance in Trincomalie, ge- 
 nerally within hillocks of sand in open plains. \Ye have also received 
 specimens from the Kandian provinces. 
 
 ' GENUS. SILUBOURA.— Gray. 
 
 Uropeltis, ^art, Cav. Typhlops, part, Schn. ^ - 
 
 Tail obliquely truncated, upper part of end rather convex, covered 
 with 2 keeled scales, the lower edge acute, vith ' depressed sharp 
 edged 2 tubercled scales, lower surface with 3 series of broad 
 larger scales. Vent shields one before an^ 2 behind*. 
 
 sii^uBouRA CEVLONicus, — Gi'ay. 
 
 I 
 
 ^The Ceylon Bough Tail. 
 
 Syn. Ujopeltis Ceylonicus, Cuv. Cocteau. 
 
 « > 
 
 Brown, minutely and indistinctly yellow spotted, with a yellow band 
 in front of the vent, continued in a band on each si^e of the tail. 
 {Gray.) 
 
 j. 
 
 Geographical Distrihution. ' India, Ceyl(fti. 
 
 ^ Not ha\dng a specimen to describe from, we have substituted the 
 above description . from Mr. Grays’ Catalogue. Specimens are in the 
 Army Medical Officers’ Museum-,' Colombo. 
 
 SUBORDER II. PACHYGLOSS.E. 
 
 I 
 
 Thick-tongued Lizards. 
 
 TRIBE. NrCTISAURA. 
 
 Scales of the belly small, rhombic imbricated, of the head, .back 
 and sides granular. Tongue thick, short, convex, slightly » nicked 
 at the end. Eyes nocturnal. Eyelids circular, not connivent. Pupil 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 157 
 
 linear, rarely round, erect. Body depressed, sometimes fringed on 
 the sides. Feet for walking. Toes subequal, lamellar beneath, and 
 generally dilated. . ' 
 
 FAM. GECKOTID^; 
 
 ' The Geckoes. 
 
 The only family of the tribe. 
 
 They live on insects and worms, which they swallow whole, the 
 sesophagus being very large. They produce a sound by the movement 
 of their tongue against their palate, which has given rise to their 
 naine, similar to the double click often used in riding, which has 
 been attempted to be imitated by the word Gecko, Fockaie and Geitge 
 and also led to their being called postilions, claquers and spitters. Noc- 
 turnal, avoiding the heat of the sun, and catch their food in cracks in 
 rocks, houses,^&c. Their movements are very brusque, without sound, 
 and e'bcceedingly rapid. "They hybernate, and are provided with one or 
 two fatty masses in front of the pubis, which are saj.d to be a provision 
 for |heir Nourishment during that period. The males are smaller, and 
 often have femoral pores,- ^which are wanting in the female. The egg 
 is 'spherical with a hard calcareous shell. — Graii. 
 
 ' ‘ ' * GENUS. HEMIDACTYLUS.— Cwy. 
 
 % 
 
 Toes free; pear shaped, dilated towards the end, with two series 
 of diverging scales beneath ; the last joint compressed, free, exserted, 
 clawed; thumb elongated, like the toes clawed. Back granular, gene- 
 rally with cylindrical series of large tubercles. Body with a very 
 sli<^ht ridge upon the lower part of th^ side.’ "'Tail rather depressed, 
 hexaugular above, with cross rings of spines, convex beneath, rounded 
 on the side beneath. The chm scales are very variable in specimens 
 
 t 
 
 of the same species. 
 
 ^ a. Tuhercles of hade large] heeled. 
 
 HEMTDACTYLUS TRIIIEDRUS, LeSSOIl. 
 
 Above, pale olive brown. Beneath whitish. A dark brown 
 streak from the nostril to the eye, and in a line with this there is 
 a brown streak on the temple, which is also bordered above and 
 below with white tubercles. Upper surface of head immaculate, 
 
158 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 covered with minute granular and small three sided tubercles. Neck, 
 back and upper surface of tail with dark brown transverse bands, 
 some of which are transitorily white spotted, — these white spots are 
 confined to the keeled tubercles. Back and neck covered with large 
 triangular keeled tubercles. Outside of limbs studded with small and 
 large three tubercles, — a few of which become white at times. The 
 limbs also are occasionally maculated with dark brown transverse 
 bands. Tail banded above with brown half rings of sharp pointed, 
 keeled tubercles, or spines. Beneath rounded, and covered with large 
 six sided scutse. Ears large, oblique. Irides golden brown; pupils 
 vertical. Chin shields 9 central, large, pentagonal; the lateral ones 
 smaller. Pre-anal pores 8. 8. or 8. 7. Toes moderate. 
 
 A large male measured. 
 
 Head 9-10 inch. 
 
 Body 2 
 
 Tail 3 
 
 Total length. , . .5. 9-10 inches. 
 
 Females larger by 2-10. or 3-10. inch only. 
 
 Geographical Distribution, South of Europe, India, Ceylon. 
 
 Bare in Ceylon. The few specimens we obtained at Trincomalie 
 were found in Ant-hills. This species *is easily distinguished from 
 others found in the Island, from its large size, pale olive-brown 
 colour, often presenting pure opaque white spots. In spirits the 
 transverse bands and white spots become nearly obsolete. We have 
 never seen this Gecko in houses or on trees. It lays from three to 
 six eggs very little larger than those of the house Gecko, Hemi- 
 dactylus frenatus. 
 
 HEMIDACTYLUS MACULATUS.? Dum. et Bib. 
 
 The spotted Hemidactyle. 
 
 Syn: Haemidactylus Sykesii, — Gray. 
 
 Colour variable ; generally of a greyish brown on the back ; upper parts 
 of head and tail with longitudinal series of rusty brown spots; out side 
 of limbs also spotted rusty. Beneath pale or yellowish white. Head, 
 neck, back and outside of limbs granular, mixed with larger triangular 
 
159 
 
 OF CEYLON. 
 
 keeled scales, the latter on the back running in longitudinal series, — 
 granules in alternate order. Tail rounded, with a longitudinal groove on 
 the upper surface, and six series of divergent keeled’ spines. Under 
 surface more rounded and covered with hexagonal scutse. Pores — 
 16 — 16 in males only. Thumb long, its claw also long. Size, a 
 little larger than H. frenatus. An ordinary sized specimen measured : 
 
 Head and Body 2 J inch. 
 
 Tail 2 
 
 Total length 4 | inches. 
 
 • Geographical distrihution. China, Bengal, Ceylon, ( widely 
 distributed). 
 
 This species is sometimes seen of a pale white colour, or brown 
 with white spots. It is found in houses in all the Maritime provin- 
 ces. In the Northern provinces, this Gecko is more abundant than 
 II. frenatus,— ‘the other common house Gecko. We have not received 
 a single^ specimen of this species from higher parts than Kandy, 
 where a larger species, closely allied to this, is also abundant, and which 
 wo shall name after a friend, to whom we are indebted for several 
 Zoological specimens, and to whom wjis aw^arded one of the prizes 
 of the Boyal industrial Exhibtion, for specimens of natural productioir 
 of Ceylon. 
 
 HEMIDACTYLUS PIERESII. N. S. JSfohlS. 
 
 % 
 
 The Kandian Gecko. 
 
 Pale grey, marbled with black, a black streak on the temples. 
 Back wuth longitudinal series of rather large semiconical keeled tuber- 
 cles, a fe^v smaller tubercles oh the head and outer-side of limbs. 
 Tail flattened ; upper surface with 6 series of sharply pointed keeled 
 spines. Femoral pores in males only, in two almost continuous 
 lines. — 16 — 17,=32, or 34. 
 
 Head 9-10 inch. 
 
 Body 2. 2-10 „ 
 
 Tail '....3. 6-10 „ 
 
 Total length... 6. 7-10 inches. 
 Gfogrcpliical distrihution. Ceylon. 
 
IGO 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 This Gecko we believe is an nndescribed species, although it has 
 been by some identified with H. Leschenaultii. Its tolerably large, 
 almost three sided, tubercles in regular longitudinal series, and the more 
 numerous femoral pores clearly point out this species as distinct 
 from H. Leschenaultii (apud Gray), w^hich has only “ small scattered 
 conical tubercles in the middle of the back,” and only 26 femoral 
 pores, in 2 lines. We have not as yet seen a lizard in Ceylon which 
 answers to the abovementioned characters of H. Leschenaultii. This 
 new species II. Pieresii cannot be mistaken for II. trihedrus, from 
 its colour and smaller tubercles. But, it is quite possible, that it is 
 one of the new species Dr. Jerdon informs us he has discovered in 
 Southern India. This naturalist also says that II. Leschenaultii of 
 India has only 12 or 13 femoral pores, in which opinion Mr. Blyth 
 agrees. 
 
 ‘b. Tubercles moderate, roundish. 
 
 HEMIDACTYLUS COCT^I. Dum. Ct Bib. 
 
 The tree Gecko. 
 
 Above ashy grey, silvery, marbled with black. Beneath wdiite. 
 Upper parts covered with minute granular tubercles. In some indi- 
 viduals, there are a few larger, roundish tubercles scatterred on the back 
 and outside of limbs. Tail broad and flattened at the base with more or 
 less deep longitudinal medial furrow on the upper surface which 
 as in the other species is armed with series of divergent spines on 
 half rings. The two central chin shields very large, pentagonal. 
 Femoral pores 15 to 16=30 or=32, in^ two distinct lines, widely se- 
 parated from each other. Thumb with a distinct claw. 
 
 The average size of males is as follows, 
 
 Head 0. 8-10 inch 
 
 Body 2. 8-10 „ 
 
 Tail 3. 4-10 „ 
 
 Total length 7. 2-10 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Penang, Ceylon. 
 
 This Gecko is very variable in colour, sometimes it is entirely of 
 a frosted silvery grey, with scarcely a trace of the black markings. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 161 
 
 At other times, the black spots are very conspicuous, often by coal- 
 escing they give a blackish hue to the upper parts of the head, 
 body and tail. It frequently casts off its cuticular covering. It lives 
 for months in confinement apparently without food. Earely seen 
 in houses, more frequently on trees, in hollows of which they are 
 found in the day time. The female is a little larger, it lays 5 
 to 6 eggs. The only parts of the Island from whence we have 
 obtained specimens of this species are Batticaloa, Jaffna, Point Pe- 
 dro; at Trincomalie, also, it is very abundant. There is one pe- 
 culiar character which is occasionally observed in the Gecko, viz., 
 the corrugation of the skin over the face so as to make a cir- 
 cular- ridge with the orbits over the muzzle, which some speci- 
 mens retain even in spirits. Tliis feature leads us to think that the 
 “edge of the orbit prominent and prolonged on the muzzle” of 
 II. Leschenaulttii may be only a temporary character of that spe- 
 cies too. 
 
 Dr. Cantor has separated Boltalia mhlctvis, of Gray’s catalogue from 
 H. Coded, the former species is said to have the thumb clawless, 
 whereas H. Codeei of Ceylon, as well as that from Penang, have 
 clawed thumbs. Dr. Cantor, who has seen specimens of the Cey- 
 lon species, informs us that they are identical with 'the species 
 found by him at Penang, only, that in all the indivi<luals we have 
 ’examined, the femoral pores of each side amount to 15 or 16, never 
 less. 
 
 HEMIDACTYLUS FUENATUS, SvlllcgcJ. 
 
 The rheecha, or the streaked Hemidnctyle. 
 
 Syn. Hemidactylus lateralis. ^ 
 
 Ilemidactylus quinquelineatus. ] 
 
 Colour of back variable, generally pale grey or yellowish, often 
 streaked with 5 or 6 longitudinal series of brown spots, more or 
 less coalescing. Beneath whitish or yellowish. Back granular, with 
 a few larger granules scattered on the sides. Tail rounded above, 
 rather flattened beneath ; ujiper surface armed with large divergent 
 spines in six longitudinal series. Thumb short, claw very srnalk 
 
162 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 Irides golden, pupils vertical. Femoral and pre-anal pores In a con- 
 tinuous line, from 13 to 14 on each side. 
 
 Average size. 
 
 Plead and body 2. 4-10 inches. 
 
 Tail 2. 3-10 
 
 Total length 4 7. 10 „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — ^Malayan Peninsula, Penang, Sin- 
 gapore, Amhoyna, Timor, Java, Marianne Islands, Ceylon, 
 India, South Africa, Madagascar. 
 
 This widely distributed species is found in all parts of the Island, 
 except in the Newera-Ellia range, where it is replaced by a species 
 of Goniodactylus ? This Gecko is known in the Island as the Cheecha, 
 the peculiar smirking noise it makes, does not however resemble the 
 sound conveyed by this word, it is more similar to the double click 
 made by horsemen, which when imitated, by the human voice, will in- 
 duce the Gecko frequently to return the call. 
 
 The natives consider the clicking of the cheecha ominoiis of evil, and 
 some are so foolish as to give up a journey, or refrain from quitting the 
 house for any purpose at night, if the cheecha’s voice is henrd at the 
 time. An amusing story is told of a Police Magistrate of Point Pedro, 
 taking advantage of the superstitious notion of the Hindoos on this 
 head, and applying it to the discovery of truth. The learned gen- 
 tleman once surprised a native witness in the' act of lying, by telling 
 him that he would summon a Gecko to speak the truth on the matter, 
 and forthvdth he chirped like one of these saurians, and lo I the sound 
 was repeated by a Gecko above the prisoner’s head, (which of course 
 the Magistrate did not see); the effect was magical, as the judge had 
 the enviable reputation of being conversant not only with the language 
 of birds, but also with that of lizards, the astounded witness from 
 that moment spoke the truth, fearing the judge would detect (with 
 the assistance of his friend the Gecko) any departure from the truth 
 and nothing hut the truth.” 
 
 The cheechas being, like others of the same family, nocturnal in 
 their habits, are seen in all houses soon after sunset in search of prey, 
 which consists of flies, cockroaches, Ac. Children sometimes amuse 
 themselves by feeding the cheechas with boiled rice fixed at the end 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 163 
 
 of the midrib of a palm leaflet. The individual so gently treated will 
 return night after night to the same spot on the wall, in expectation 
 of its evening repast. 
 
 All the species we have described have the faculty of reproducing 
 the tail when broken off by accident. Fear or the slightest touch 
 will make some shake off their tails, with the view, as is supposed, 
 of their escaping the spoiler. When the tail is reproduced (which 
 is comparatively a quick process^ the divergent spines are absent, and 
 the scutae below are seldom as distinctly developed as in the original 
 member. This species, too, sheds the cuticular covering. The female 
 lays her eggs from 3 to ^ in number, in crevices of old walls and 
 in the hollows of trees. In the forests, this species is very frequently 
 seen running up the trunks of trees, and also on rocks. 
 
 TRIBE. STOBILOSAURA. 
 
 Scales of the. belly small, rhombic, imbricate, of the back and sides 
 imbricate. Tongue thick, short, convex and slightly nicked. Eyes 
 diurnal, with valvular eyelids. Pupils round. Feet for walking. Toes 
 unequal. Tail with more or less distinct whorls of scales. 
 
 FAM. AGAMID^. 
 
 The Agamas. 
 
 Teeth implanted on the edge of the jaws. Tongue short depressed, 
 apex entire or slightly nicked. Eyelids connivent, valvular. Feet 
 for walking. Toes all free, unequal, the thumb of the hind feet on 
 the same plane as the other toes, the little toes lower down on the 
 ankle than the thumb. 
 
 The thumb is anterior and internal, and the great toe of the hind 
 feet occupies the same position, the thigh and foot being bent forwards. 
 
 GENUS. SIT ANA. Cuv. 
 
 SEMiopHORUs, Wagler and Weigm. 
 
 Head pyramidical, quadrangular, short, covered with small nearly 
 equal, keeled scales. Ear-drum, small round superficial. Tongue thick, 
 fungous, entire. Throat without any cross fold in front or plaits 
 
164 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 upon the sides; the males with a large compressed throat pouch. 
 Nape with a rudimentary crest. Body sub-quadrangular. Back rounded. 
 Scales rhombic, keeled, imbricate generally equal ; of the sides rather 
 smaller. Tail long, conical, not keeled. Toes 5 in front, 4 behind; 
 femoral pores, none. 
 
 SITAKA PONTICEREANA, CllV. 
 
 Above fulvous brown with two pale streaks on each side of back, 
 the interspace occupied by 5 or 6 dark brown rhombic spots, having, 
 in general, a central longitudinal streak in each, or sometimes spotted. 
 Beneath white, lustrous at times. Sides speckled indistinctly with 
 brown. Head spotted and barred with dark browm; a pale wdiitish 
 streak runs along the upper lip. Limb also barred; a few rhombic 
 spots on the anterior third of tail, the rest ringed. Throat pouch with 
 ■a medial purplish streak which often becomes obsolete. 
 
 Length of head and body 2J- inch. 
 
 Do. of Tail 4 J ,, 
 
 Total length 6| „ inches. 
 
 Females are smaller. No throat pouch. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 The Sitana has great facility of changing colour ; when alarmed, the 
 whole upper part of the body becomes of a dark brown, with scarcely 
 a trace of spots or streaks, at other times the spots become invi- 
 sible and the whole surface puts on a yellowish colour. The pur- 
 ple streak on throat pouch is also occasionally obliterated. 
 
 This appendage is only inflated at times. No trace of nuchal crest in 
 any of the numerous specimens we have examined. In a few there 
 are scattered small tubercles on the occiput. 
 
 This lizard is very common in Trincomalie and the neighbouring 
 parts; we have not seen it from any other district of the Island. 
 It is generally found on the ground and on small trees and plants ; 
 Its motion is very rapid, and when pursued it will take refuge in holes 
 or among roots of grass, where the female lays her eggs. They 
 feed on small insects and their larvse. 
 
 The Draco (flying lizard) has not to our knowledge been seen in 
 Ceylon, except as specimens brought from Southern India. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 165 
 
 Ears hidden under the skin. 
 
 GENUS. CERATOPHORA, Gray. 
 
 Head quadrangular, with small rather convex scales. Eyebrows 
 rather produced horizontally. Muzzle prolonged into a conical horn- 
 like process. Nostril lateral, anterior. Throat with oblique series of 
 slightly dilated rhombic shield-like scales on the sides, and two rows 
 of smaller scales in the middle. Ear-drum, hidden under the skin. 
 Occiput and temples rather tubercular. Nape with a crest of conical 
 scales. Back slightly keeled. Scales of the back rhomboidal, unequal, 
 placed in oblique bands; of the belly smaller, equal, smooth. Fe- 
 moral pores none. Tail elongated, tapering, with 2 rows of narrow 
 keeled scales beneath. 
 
 CERATOPHORA STODDARTII, Gray. 
 
 Stoddart’s Ceratophora. 
 
 Dark green with transverse dark brown or blackish bands. Limbs 
 and tail also banded. Lips, chin and lower parts white. Behind the 
 ears some whitish or yellow streaks. The generic characters above 
 given is sufficient to distinguish this lizard from all others in the Is- 
 land. The largest specimen examined measured, 
 
 Head 0 | inch. 
 
 Body 3. i „ 
 
 Tail 5 ,, inches. 
 
 Total length 9. § „ 
 
 Nasal process from 3-10 to 6-10 inch, narrow and sharp pointed. 
 Geographical Distribution. — Ceylon. 
 
 This lizard when alarmed changes its green colour into a dark 
 brown. The nasal appendage and white throat and lips also become 
 then of a purplish colour. In some individuals the sharp pointed 
 corneous process is absent, and in its place a small white tubercle is 
 seen. Before we transmitted to Dr. Smith several specimens from 
 Newera-Ellia, there were only two in Museums in Europe, — one 
 in the British hluseum marked from Ceylon” was presented by the 
 
166 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 late Colonel Stoddart, R. Staff C., and the other in the Leyden Mu- 
 seum, habitat not marked. From the scarcity of specimens, it was 
 long thought doubtful, whether it was a native of Ceylon. It was, 
 therefore, with great pleasure that we found on our return to Ceylon 
 a specimen of it in the Army Medical Officers’ Museum at Colombo, 
 and subsequently living ones at Newera-Ellia, where it is the most 
 numerous species. We have also received specimens from Hewa- 
 hetta and Dimboola, but not from lower parts of the Island. We are, 
 therefore, inclined to consider the Ceratophora as an inhabitant of only 
 the alpine parts of the Island. 
 
 The Ceratophora is seen generally on old trees in search of larvse, 
 but we never could detect the animal applying the nasal process to 
 any purpose. It is presumed that its use is to facilitate the dis- 
 covery of food among decayed wood. In confinement it sheds the 
 cuticular covering very frequently. 
 
 A 
 
 GENUS. LYRIOCEPHALUS. Merrem. 
 
 Head short, triangular. Eyebrow ridges high, prolonged behind. 
 End of the muzzle with a large scaly prominence. Tongue thick 
 broad, entire. Ear-drum hidden under the skin. Throat pouch small’ 
 compressed with an angular fold in front of the chest. Body, neck 
 and tail compressed, with a small toothed crest. Scales small, sub- 
 imbricate, with cross bands of larger ones. Femoral and pre-anal 
 pores none. 
 
 LYRIOCEPHALUS SCUTATUS, WagUr, 
 
 The Lyriocephale, or L}Te Headed Lizard. 
 
 Syn. Lyr : MacGrigorii, Gray. 
 
 Lyr : marginatus, Merrem. 
 
 Lacerta scutata, Linn. 
 
 Nearly uniform dark green above, paler beneath or yellowish. Neck, 
 back and part of tail with a dentated crest; two or three longitudinal 
 lines of larger scales on each side of the back, vdth still larger scales 
 intermixed with smaller ones on the sides; some of the larger scales 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 167 
 
 keeled, scales of the belly, small, imbricate, slightly keeled. Those of 
 the tail and limbs sharply keeled. 
 
 • The largest specimen measured. 
 
 Head inch. 
 
 Body 5J „ 
 
 Tail 8 „ 
 
 Total length „ inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Southern India, Ceylon, 
 
 The Lyriocephale is, as its name shews, easily distinguished from 
 all other species of lizards in the Island, from its lyre- shaped head. 
 \Ye have not seen it in any other parts of the Island, but in the 
 Kandian provinces; very abundant at Kaduganawa and other neigh- 
 bouring parts of Kandy. It feeds chiefly on leaves and on coleop- 
 terous insects. In confinement boiled rice is freely taken. This 
 lizard, too, changes its usual dark green colour into lighter or darker 
 shades of green, and even into yellow and blue. It casts off its 
 cuticular covering when long kept in confinement. The female lays 
 from 3 to 4: hard shelled eggs, of about the size of sparrow’s eggs. 
 
 Ears exposed, superficial, 
 
 GENUS. SALEA.-Gmy. 
 
 Head quadrangular, covered with flat keeled, not imbricate scales. 
 Occiput and sides of nape with a few scattered rather tubercular 
 scales. Drum of ear exposed, superficial. Nape with a crest of two 
 diverging series of rather compressed scales. Scales of the back rhom- 
 bic, keeled, placed in longitudinal series, those of the lower part of 
 the sides tending downwards of the back and belly elongated, rhom- 
 bic, keeled, of tail rhombic, imbricate. Back keeled not crested. 
 Tail elongate, tapering, with imbricate keeled scales, rather large 
 beneath, rather keeled above. Femoral and pre-anal none. Toes 5-5 
 unequal. 
 
 SAUEA JEnnoNii ? — Gray. 
 
 Dark purplish with blackish transverse bands, and occasionally with 
 white sti’caks. Lips, cheeks and beneath white. Neck with a lax 
 
168 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 crest extending only half way down to the hack, composed of elon- 
 gated compressed scales some of them lying flat at times. Tail with 
 an indistinct keeled crest. Length about G inches, of which the tail 
 forms nearly half. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India ? Ceylon. 
 
 The only specimen of lizard which we doubtfully identify with 
 a species of Salea, was procured at Newera Ellia. We had not then 
 ]\Ir. Gray’s description of Salea Jerdonii to compare it with, and 
 the specimen is now with Dr. Andrew Smith. We are strongly in- 
 clined to believe it is a species of Salea, as many of its characters 
 correspond with Gray’s description, but we are very doubtful of its 
 identity with the species named after Dr. Jerdon. This lizard was 
 kept alive for several weeks under a glass, in very cold days it was 
 observed to be very dormant even when removed from confinement ^ 
 but the heat of the fire side would restore it to animation; it did not 
 however, exhibit the lively and brisk activity of Calotes. When 
 dormant it w^as nearly of a black colour, even the white of the lips 
 then disappeared. 
 
 Mr. Gray, observes ( Annals and Mag: of Natural History Vol. 
 xvni page 429 ) that the genus Salea “ is best distinguished from 
 Calotes by the length and acuteness of the keeled scales of the back, 
 ^ sides, and under part of body, and their being all placed in longi- 
 tudinal series.” 
 
 GENUS. CALOTES— 
 
 GAL BOXES. — Schlegel. 
 
 Head pyramidal, quadrangular, covered wdtli small equal sized an- 
 gular scales, interparietal scales very small. The tongue thick, fur> 
 gous, slightly nicked. Nostrils lateral, near the end of the muzzle in a 
 small shield. Throat more or less lax, wdthout any cross fold in 
 front of the chest, sometimes with a longitudinal fold on each side 
 Scales of the body directed towards the back, uniform, imbricate, in 
 oblique cross rovrs ; of the back large ; of the crown smooth. Paro- 
 tids spine bearing. Nape back and tail (?) with a crest of com- 
 pressed scales. Femoral pores none. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 169 
 
 CALOTES oPHiOMACHus, — Gray. 
 
 The Galeote, or Red headed Lizard. 
 
 Syn : Agarna Ophiomachus, — Merrem. 
 
 Agama lineata, — Kulil. 
 
 Agama acanthocephala,— 
 
 Above green with a bluish shade. Head generally lighter coloured 
 often dark red. Nape also sometimes red. Beneath of a pale sea 
 green. From four to five transverse white streaks on the body ex- 
 tending on the dorsal crest, a few also on the basal third of the tail. 
 White streaks and spots on the limbs. Scales of belly and tail mu- 
 cronate. Two small clusters of erect spines on each side of head 
 above the ears. 
 
 Head and Body 
 Tail 
 
 Some are larger. 
 
 Geographical Disirib ution. 
 
 inch. 
 
 8 „ 
 
 Total 13| inches. 
 
 India, Ceylon. 
 
 This handsome Calotes is wddely distributed in the Island, but not, 
 so numerous as the common Calotes, Versicolor. It is rarely seen in 
 cultivated grounds; more frequently found in the jungle. When irri- 
 tated, or alarmed at the sight of an enemy, the head and part of 
 neck and its crest become of a blood red colour. When lying in a 
 passive state the head is of a light yellow colour. Sometimes, parts 
 of the head and neck put on a black colour. The white streaks are 
 never obliterated, but the white spots on the limbs are often absent 
 The lower two thirds of tail brown, with darker brown rings. This 
 Calotes is in habits similar to the otlier species; they feed on insects 
 and tender leaves. 
 
 In the young the white streaks are lined on each side 'with broym ; 
 the head is never observed in them to change into red. 
 
170 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 CALOTES VERSICOLOR,-— Ct Bih. 
 
 Tile Ghirget, or Blood-sucker. Canibelean ( Port. ). Kattoosa (Sing). 
 
 Syn: Agama versicolor,— 
 
 Agama Tiedmanni, — Kulil. 
 
 Agama vult iiosa, — Harlan . 
 
 Agama flavigularis„— 
 
 Agama Indica, — Gva'j. 
 
 VariaLle. Generali}^ of dusky brown with blackish interrupted trans- 
 verse bands. Sometimes of a bright yellow^ body and reddish brown 
 head and throat. Beneath pale. Two isolated clusters of spines be- 
 hind the ears, the central one of each group higher than tbe lateral 
 ones. Tail crested for about an inch of the basal portion, and gene- 
 rally marked with brown rings. Scales of belly and tail very 
 prickly. 
 
 Head 1. 2-10 inch. 
 
 Body 4. i 
 
 Total length. . . .13. 7-10 inches. 
 
 Some specimens are larger, but the above dimensions are about the 
 average. Females smaller. 
 
 Geogrophiced Disirilntion. Inaia, Nepai, Affgbanistan, China, 
 Ceyloii. 
 
 This Calotes is very generally distributed in Ceylon. It is found 
 nearly in all parts of the Island in hedges and on trees. The great 
 rapidity with which it changes its usual brown colour into a varie- 
 gate! yellow, green and red has led the European residents to call 
 this lizard the chameleon. The origin of the designation “ Blood- 
 sucker ” ( by which name it is still better known ) cannot be sa- 
 
 tisfactorllv traced; probably, this appellation w^as given to it from 
 the occasional reddish hue of the throat and neck. 'VYhen irritated, 
 or dinin'^ and for sometime after copulation, this reptile puts on 
 its most gorgeous attire, — bright red, and yellov tbioughout, with 
 scarcely a trace oi brov.’ii spots and lines. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 m 
 
 The young has not the whole of the dorsal crest developed, the 
 head has two or more dark brown transverse bars, and two pale or 
 yellow lines on each side of the hack, and transverse spots more per- 
 manent than in the adult. It may be mistaken for a distinct spe- 
 cies. 
 
 The female lays from 5 to 8 soft oval eggs about | in: in length in 
 hollows of trees. The food of this Calotes also consists of insects, 
 larvae and worms, and likewise leaves and small berries. In a hot 
 sunny day a solitary Calotes is seen on a twig or on a wall, basking 
 in the sun with mouth wide open. After a shower of rain, numbers 
 of them are seen to come down on the ground, and pick up the larvae 
 and small insects which fall from the trees during the showers. 
 
 CALOTES vmiDis. ? — Grajj . 
 
 The Green Calotes. 
 
 Above of a uniform bright green colour. Beneath yellowish green. 
 Sometimes the head is streaked longitudinally with black. Two small 
 clusters of compressed erect spines above the ears as in C. versicolor. 
 Nape and back crested with sharp pointed flattened scales, those on 
 the nape erect, the dorsal portions depressed. Scales on the belly 
 sharply keeled and very prickly. Tail brown with rings. 
 
 Head 1 . inch. 
 
 ^ody d. „ 
 
 Tail 7. „ 
 
 Total length.. 12 inches. 
 
 Generally smaller. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Southern India? Ceylon. 
 
 This lizard we have only seen at Newera Ellia and its neighhour- 
 hood, where it is very numerous. In habits and manners like other 
 species of Calotes. Having no specimen with us at present we are 
 not able to compare it with Gray’s description of. C. viridis ( Annals 
 and Mag. of Nat. Hist, vol xviii). But the above description, taken 
 at the time from fresh specimens, appears to correspond nearly with 
 the characters of this species, described by Mr. Gray, and we re- 
 member seeing a collection ol it at the British Sluscum, soon after 
 
172 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 its arrival from India, which Mr. Gray referred to his C. viridis. 
 We have not observed this lizard change its bright green colour into 
 any other but darker shades of green, with the exception of the few 
 occasional black streaks on the head, cheeks and neck. 
 
 TRIBE. DENDROSAURA. 
 
 Scales of the belly, sides and back granular, in circular bands. 
 Tongue elongate, subcylindrical, worm-like, very extensile, rather en- 
 larged at the end. Eyes globular, very mobile, covered with a cir- 
 cular lid, pierced with a central hole. Body compressed. Toes 5-5, 
 formed into 2 grasping op'posahle groups. Ears hidden under the skin. 
 Old World. 
 
 FAM. CHAMELEONID^. 
 
 The True Chameleons. 
 
 Living on trees, supporting themselves by their feet and prehen- 
 sile tail; moving slowly, with regularity and affected gravity. Eating 
 living insects and larvae which they procure by the very rapid ejec- 
 tion of their elongated tongue, which is viscid at the top, and as 
 quickly withdrawn. The Eggs, which are placed on the ground, under 
 leaves, are round, the shell calcareous, white, spotless, very porous. 
 The males are distinguished by the thickness of the base of the tail. 
 
 They inhabit Africa and Asia, and are naturalized in Southern 
 Europe. 
 
 GENUS. OHAMELEO—Zawr. 
 
 The only genus of the above described family. 
 
 CHAMELEO VULGARIS. Daild. 
 
 The Indian Chameleon 
 
 Syn ; Chameleo Zeylanicus. — Laur. 
 
 Chameleo Africanus. — Laur. 
 
 Chameleo calcaratus. — Merrcm . 
 
 Cham eleo mutabilis. — Meyer. 
 
 Chameleo Zebra. — Bory. 
 
 Lacerta Chameleon. — Lhm. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 173 
 
 “ Occiput with, a central curvilinear keel, high, and pointed behind, 
 with a more or less distinct flap on each side behind, edged and 
 covered with large scales like the cheeks ; scales small, close, rounded; 
 dorsal and vertebral line toothed.” Gray. 
 
 Geographical Distribution, Africa, India, Ceylon, 
 
 Not having seen a live Chameleon, and the only one we have seen 
 from Ceylon being one sent by Mr. Edgar Layard for Dr. Andrew 
 Smith in a bottle with other specimens, we have substituted Mr. Gray’s 
 description of this species for one of our own. 
 
 The Chameleon has hitherto only been seen in the Jaffna or Nor- 
 thern district of the Island. It is a size larger than the Lyriocephale. 
 It is very easily distinguished from the latter by the want of the 
 knob on the nose, and the two grasping opposable groups of toes pe- 
 culiar to the chameleon. 
 
 Whether the Chameleon changes its usual dark green colour more 
 frequently, into various other colours than the Calotes versicolor, re- 
 mains to be ascertained. 
 
 The habits and manners of the Chameleon are thus described by 
 Authors. It is a creature of a harmless nature, feeding on insects, and 
 is capable of enduring a long abstinence ; hence arose the popular idea 
 of the chameleon being nourished by air alone. 
 
 They are very slow, dull and torpid; often remaining in the same 
 position for many hours together, or traversing the branches of trees 
 in a slow and tortuous manner, with the aid of the grasping power 
 of the feet and tail. The skin is composed of small granular scales; 
 the lungs are large, and are connected ( as in birds ) with air cells 
 that lie among the muscles and beneath the skin; hence the appear- 
 ance of the animal varies greatly; for, according as these cavities are 
 full and empty, it appears either full or bloated, or lean and 
 shrunken. 
 
 The cause of the different changes of colour is accounted for in the 
 following manner. “ The re^e-?nwcosi(m or coloured layer of the skin, 
 contains two kinds of pigment, situated in different layers ; the deep 
 seated pigment is contained in l)ranclied cavities, and is movable^ 
 producing by its partial accumulation and varying proportions with 
 the superficial layer, the changes of colour for wliich the chameleon 
 
174 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 has in all' ages been remarkable.” ^Yllether this view of the cause 
 of the chameleon’s versatile colour, be correct or not, it is not appli- 
 cable to the same peculiarity observed in other genera, such as' 
 Sitojia, Calotes, or even Hemidactyhis. There is something in this 
 power of changing colour, so dependent on the will of the reptile, 
 which is almost inexplicable; the nearest approach to correctness 
 may perhaps be Mr. Hill’s physiological reason recorded by Mr. 
 Gosse, with which our owm observations correspond. The change- 
 ability of colour is thus accounted for by Mr. Hill of Jamaica. 
 
 “It is now pretty satisfactorily determined, that the direct or more 
 immediate cause of this peculiarity is physiological, and dependent 
 on the action of the lungs upon the circulatory system. Their lungs 
 are large, dilatable and prolonged, and the phenomenon itself most 
 remarkable among Lizards, whose general cutaneous covering does not 
 adhere closely or miiformlv to the muscular layer beneath. A laroje 
 portion of air enters below the skin; and as it is variously distri- 
 buted, according to the state of the reptile, in respect to tranquillity 
 or disquietude, it gives the many coloured lines we see so instan- 
 taneously accruing in them. Cuvier says, that in effect their lungs 
 rendering more or less transparent, urge the blood to rush more on 
 the skin, and according as the fluid fills itself or empties itself of 
 air, its colour becomes more or less lively.’ By the investigation of 
 Mr. Houston (Tran ; of Boy: Irish Acad: xv, 177.) the proximate 
 cause of changeability is connected with the circulatory system. The 
 skin of the changeable Saurians is not only very thin, but highly 
 vascular ; and he thinks that the colour of the blood appearing through 
 the semitransparent covering, and being variously modified by its 
 more permanent hues, is of itself sufficient to account for every diver- 
 sity of tint which the creatures can assume. He maintains the opi- 
 nion that these effects are produced by vascular turgescence, just as 
 the increased redness in blushing is caused by a rush of blood to the 
 cheeks.’ I would seek in addition an illustration from the changeable 
 hues in the caruncles of the Turkey. There, too, aeration produces 
 a diversity of influences on the circulatory system. The red blood 
 distributed through these parts increases and diminishes its intensity 
 of tint, by the different aerations at the caprice of the bird, and 
 being sometimes wholly deprived of its red particles flows colourless, as 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 1 / O 
 
 the fluids circulate in the white of the eye.” An exactly similar phe- 
 nomenon as in the Turkey is very distinctly observed in Calotes 
 Ophiomaclius when changing its usual green colour of head into a 
 bright red. At first, a few^ red spots appear, wliich gradually enlarge 
 and coalesce till the w’hole head and part of neck and nuchal crest 
 assume a red colour. Gradually, too, the red colour disappears and the 
 ordinary green is reinstated. 
 
 SECTION II. CATAPHRACTA. 
 
 Shielded Reptiles. 
 
 Body covered with square imbedded plates, generally forming a 
 dorsal and ventral shield. The bones of the skull thick, united to- 
 gether into a hard mass, and including the quadrate bones and pteri 
 goid processes. The tongue is short, affixed to the mouth, scarcely 
 exsertible. The lungs are enveloped by a thick peritoneum which 
 performs the part and has the appearance of a diaphragm. The 
 vent is round or linear, plaited. The male organ and vagina are 
 simple, the former having only a groove along its upper edge. Ovi- 
 parous ; the egg covered with a hard shell ; the young, when hatched 
 having a large umbilical slit whicli soon disappears. 
 
 ORDER. CHELONIA. 
 
 Tortoises, 
 
 The body enclosed in a case, formed of two shields united by their 
 margins, and leaving only the head, neck, limbs, and tail free, which 
 are covered with a scaly skin ; the upper shield or thorax formed 
 of the ribs more or less dilated on the sides, united together and 
 adherent to the dorsal vertebrae by a toothed suture, preventing any 
 motion, they are surrounded by a series of bones forming the edge o^ 
 the shields, the lower shield or sternum is formmd of four pairs, and 
 a central anterior bone. The jaws are toothless, covered with a 
 horny bill, rarely hid by fleshy lips; the upper bill covers the lower 
 like a box. Eyes with distinct eyelids. The drum of the ear is vi- 
 sible, nearly superficial. The legs short, thick. Tail conical. The 
 vent is a circular hole. 
 
176 
 
 llErXlLES 
 
 FAM. TESTUDINIDiE. 
 
 Head ovate, shielded; jaws naked, nostril apical. Neck retractile 
 into the cavity of the skull. Feet short, club shaped, armed with 
 blunt claws. Shell very solid, thick, ovate; the ribs united together 
 to the margin, in the adult state covered with horny concentrically 
 grooved shields, marked with a permanent areola; marginal plates 
 24 to 26, the caudal pair always united together into one broad gene- 
 rally incurved plate. Sternum broad and solid, closed in the centre 
 of the adult, and firmly attached to the thorax by a bony suture, 
 covered by the end of the pectoral and abdominal plates. Tail short 
 and thick. They are slow in their motions, eating vegetables and 
 roots. In the colder climate they burrow and sleep during winter. 
 
 GENUS. TESTUDO.— iwn. 
 
 Thorax convex, subglobose, solid. Sternum solid, covered with 12 
 sternal shields ; the gular pair separate, inguinal shields moderate. 
 Head scaly, with 2 frontal shields above, and 1 vertical shield be- 
 tween the eyes. Claws 5 — 4, blunt. 
 
 TESTUDO sTELLATA, — Scliiceigev. 
 
 The Starred Land Tortoise. 
 
 Syn: T. Actinoides, — Bell. 
 
 T. elegans, — Schoeff. 
 
 Le Geometrique, — Lacep. 
 
 Black with yellow rays. Shell ovate, convex; shields grooved; 
 dorsal shields convex with a central yellow nucleus and five or six 
 yellow rays, the medial shields hexagonal. Nuchal shield none. Head 
 and feet black, yellow spotted. Sternum black, with yellow rays. The 
 shell of largest specimen examined measured. 
 
 Length 11 inches. 
 
 Breadth 7 „ 
 
 Height. 5 „ 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India? Ceylon, Philiiipine Isles. 
 
 This handsome tortoise is very numerous in the Northern and 
 
OP CEYLON. 
 
 I hm ^ 
 
 t t 
 
 Eastern parts of the Island. The yellow rays vary in different spe- 
 cimens ; in some the lines are very narrow and zig-zag. It lives for 
 a long time in confinement feeding on grass. 
 
 FAM. EMYDID^. 
 
 Terrapens. 
 
 Head rather depressed, covered with a hard or soft skin; jaws 
 naked; nostril small, apical. Neck retractile into the cavity of the 
 thorax. Feet depressed, expanded; toes— 5 — 5, or 5 — d, almost always 
 wehhed to the claws ; claw’s sharp. Tail conical, shielded beneath- 
 Thorax generally depressed, solid, with a distinct bony margin covered 
 with horny plates. Discal plates 13, marginal 2d — 26, caudal always 
 separate; sternal shields 11 or 12, gular pair sometimes united. The 
 vertebrae of the neck bent in a perpendicular bow. Pelvis only 
 united to the vertebra3. Rapid; living in fresh water ponds. Carnivo- 
 rous, only taking their food while in the water. Egg oblong, white. 
 
 GENUS. EMYS, — Bronig. 
 
 Head moderate, covered with a thin hard skin; chin not bearded. 
 Feet short, covered with scales; toes 5 — d, strong, shielded above, 
 webbed to the claw’s. Tail moderate. Shell depressed. Sternum solid, 
 broad, truncated before, nicked behind, affixed to the thorax by a 
 bony symphisis covered by the ends of the pectoral and abdominal 
 plates, axillary and inguinal plates moderate, distinct. 
 
 EMYS TRIJUGA, ? VAR. ScllWCig, 
 
 The Marsh tortoise. Ibba, — Sing. 
 
 Syn: Emys Belangeri, — Lesson. 
 
 Testudo scabra, — Shaw. 
 
 Shell dark brownish black; oblong, ovate, depressed, rather flat- 
 tened in the median line; three keeled, plates grooved. Sternum flat, 
 slightly keeled on the sides, of a dark brown colour with yellowish 
 lateral margins. Feet blackish. Head dark brown, with orange red 
 spots and streaks. 
 
 In the very young animal, the colour is ligliter and of an olive 
 green shade. The central I;ecl more elevated and the head and neck 
 more minutely spotted red. 
 
 z 
 
178 
 
 KEPTILES 
 
 The largest specimen examined measured 13 inches in length, and 
 broad in the middle; an ordinary sized one generally met with 
 measures 8 or 9 inches by or 7 inches. 
 
 Geogra'phicdl Distribution. India, Ceylon. 
 
 This fresh water tortoise is found in great abundance in all parts 
 of the Island in pools and marshes ; they will live for many months 
 in dry grounds feeding on vegetable matter, so that they are not 
 purely carnivorous. They have a very offensive odour; their move- 
 ments on land and in water are quick. The natives prize this spe- 
 cies as a cleaner of wells, where one or two are usually put in for 
 the purpose. 
 
 We have not seen any Tortoise in Ceylon exactly corresponding 
 with Gray’s description of Emys Seha. Some of the larger speci- 
 mens of Emys trijuga^. have the grooves on the shields indistinctly 
 marked, and in some the grooves are divergent instead of being 
 areolar, or both combined. 
 
 FAM. TRIONYCIDtE. 
 
 Soft Turtles. 
 
 Head flattened, ovate; eyes small; superior jaws horny, covered 
 with dependant fleshy lips; chin not bearded; nostrils elongated into 
 a thin cylindrical trunk. Neck long, contractile. Feet short, strong. 
 Toes 5 — 5, short, expanded, strongly webbed; two outer clawless; 
 claws 3. 3. Tail short, conical simple. Shell covered with a hard 
 catilaginous skin, usually expanded and flexible on the edge, the 
 ribs only united together and to the vertebrae above, separate 
 below. Sternum formed of a ring of bones, covered with a continuous 
 skin, and in the adults furnished with rough callosities on the pro- 
 minent part. Pelvis only attached to the vertebrae. Living in rivers 
 and lakes in warm climates, eating flesh, and rarely vegetables. Eggs 
 spherical . 
 
 The ribs become united together for a greater length, and the 
 sternal callosities appear and increase in size as the animal increases 
 in age, hence they do not afford specific much less generic cliarac- 
 
 ters. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 179 
 
 GENUS. EMYDA,— Gra?/. 
 
 Head moderate, ovate, narrow in front. Lips thin. Margin of the 
 shell supported with a series of bones. Sternum broad, rounded 
 before and behind, with a moveable valve over each foot. Sternal 
 callosities ( of adults) 5. 
 
 EMYDA PUNCTATA. — Gra^, 
 
 The fresh water Tortoise. Kiri-Ibba, — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Testudo punctata, — Lacep, 
 
 Test, granosa. — Schoepf. 
 
 Test, scabra, — Latr. 
 
 Test, dura, — B. Hamilton. 
 
 Test, granulata,-— 
 
 Trionyx Coromandelicus,— 
 
 Shell oval, convex, dark olive green, with indistinct transverse 
 brown stripes and minutely punctulated. Beneath white or fleshy 
 white. Sternum with 6 callosities. Head green, hlaclc striped. Lips 
 yellow. Feet with 5 or 6 corneous scales. The largest specimen 
 examined measured. 
 
 Head 
 
 
 
 inch. 
 
 Neck 
 
 7 
 
 
 Shell, long 
 
 13 ^ 
 
 if 
 
 do., broad 
 
 9 
 
 
 Tail 
 
 li 
 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India, Ceylon. 
 
 This water tortoise is generally distributed in the lower parts of 
 the Island, found in lakes and tanks. Several we kept alive for 
 months in a tub filled with fresh water, fed freely on animal food, 
 and also on bread and boiled rice. A large female laid three eggs, 
 globular, about 1 inch in diameter, with a hard calcareous shell. This 
 tortoise, too, is put into wells to act the part of Scavenger. 
 
 The shell is in fresh specimens smooth, and it is only in drying 
 that the granular surface of the bony shell is apparent. 
 
180 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 FAM. CHELONIAD^. 
 
 Turtles. 
 
 Head globose, shielded; nostrils rather tubular; jaws horny, naked. 
 Neck short, subretractile. Feet very long, not retractile, compressed, 
 fin shaped; toes depressed, expanded at the end, and often armed 
 with flat claws ; front feet 1 ongest. Tail short, thick. Shell low, cor- 
 date, with a defined bony margin, covered with horny shields or a 
 leathery skin. Ribs free at the end. Sternum ring like, cartilage 
 none in the centre, and only united to the thorax by a cartilagi- 
 nous suture. Seas of torrid and temperate Zones, some eating Algae, 
 as Ch. 3Iidas, which are used for food, and imported as a luxury ; 
 others, Mollusca and radiated animals, as Ch. Caretta, only collected 
 for their oil. The horny shields are used for ornamental purposes. 
 
 GENUS. CARETTA.— 
 
 Thorax dVate, cordate, covered with 13 thick, horny plates, which 
 are produced and imbricate on their hinder edge. Muzzle elongate 
 compressed. Jaws with the edge straight, toothless, and the tip 
 slightly recurved, side of lower jaw with a single elongated shield. 
 Sternum keeled on each side. 
 
 CARETTA IMBBICATA. Gray, 
 
 The Caret, or Hawks bill Turtle. Kookoeloo — Koossomboo, — Sing. 
 
 Syn : Chelonia imbricata, — Sclieiv. 
 
 Testudo imbricata, — Linn. 
 
 Chelonia multiscutata, — Kuhl. 
 
 Ch. pseudo Caretta, — Lesson. 
 
 The Scaled Tortoise, — Gren. 
 
 Rich chestnut brown, marked or yellow rayed; back keeled. Ster- 
 num yellowish white. From 18 inches to 2 feet long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Atlantic and Indian Ocean. 
 
 The dorsal shields of this turtle are used for making combs and 
 other ornaments. It is caught on the Southern Coast of the Island, 
 very abundant at Point de Galle and Matura, from whence we saw 
 
I 
 
 OF CEYLON. 
 
 181 
 
 several live individuals. It is rare in the Northern parts of the 
 Coast of Ceylon. Some specimens are sold for as much as £4. — 
 the price depends on the quality of the shell. It is said that the 
 natives remove some of the shields while the animal is alive and 
 return it to the sea. The shields are said to be reproduced, but for 
 the truth of this we cannot vouch. The Natives eat the flesh of this 
 turtle, but it is unpalatable to the European. 
 
 GENUS. CHELONIA. 
 
 Discal shields 13, not imbricate, truncated behind. Muzzle short, 
 rounded. Jaws moderate, upper slightly notched in front and feebly 
 toothed on the side; lower denticulated, with a single elongate plate 
 on each side. The front toe of each fin clawed. Feeding on Algse. 
 
 The last vertebral bone transverse, broad in front, with the last rib 
 parallel, and arising from the sides of its base, the front edge of the 
 second finger with four scales. 
 
 CHELONIA VIRGATA, ScllWCig. 
 
 The Carey, or Indian Green Turtle. Gal-Koossombo,— 
 
 Syn: Chelonia fasciata, — Cuvier. 
 
 Chelonia Midas, var. D. — Gray. 
 
 Turtle of the Red Sea, — Bruce. 
 
 Shell rayed with chestnut brovm and yellow. Sternum yellow, in 
 the young whitish. Fin wdth a single nail. 
 
 From 2 to 3-| feet long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. Indian, and Atlantic Ocean. 
 
 This turtle is found all round the Island, — very numerous in the 
 Trincomalie harbour for several months of the year. A good sized 
 one can be bought for 6c?., a very large one from Is. 6cZ. to 2s. 
 The flesh of this turtle is not far behind in flavour that of the well 
 knovm green turtle Chelonia Midas, so famous for making the ^‘Turtle 
 Soup.” The female lays from 100 to 200 eggs of a globular shape, 
 with a soft semi-transparent calcareous shell, which are much prized as 
 articles of food both by Natives and Europeans. A Native will con- 
 sume as many as 20 or 30 eggs at one meal, and we have seen 
 Europeans eat a dozen for breakfast. 
 
% 
 
 ORDER. EMYDOSAURI. 
 
 Emydosaurians. 
 
 Head large, covered with a thin skin; ears linear, closed with 2 
 valves; gape vdde; tongue short; jaws with a single series of co- 
 nical teeth, inserted in sockets and replaced by teeth formed between 
 them; hinder part of the lower jaw produced behind the condyle; 
 nostrils small, anterior : eyes small. Throat with 2 glands. Neck and 
 sides of the body with a wrinkled skin, covered with small tubercular 
 scales. Back with a hard disk, formed by longitudinal series of square, 
 keeled, bony plates, imbedded in the skin, under surface covered with 
 smooth, thin square plates ; back of the neck with 2 groups of bony 
 plates, — the first called nuchal and the other the cervical plates. 
 Tail compressed, with 2 series of compressed plates above. Vent lon- 
 gitudinal. Legs short, feet webbed; toes 4-5; but only the inner 
 three of each foot clawed. Living in fresh and brackish water in tro- 
 pical climates. Eating animals which they have killed by drowning. 
 ( 
 
 Synopsis of the Families. 
 
 1. Ceocodilid^. — The lower canines fitting into a notch in the 
 edge of the upper jaw. Old World. 
 
 2. Alligatorid-s:. — The lower canines fitting into a in the 
 upper jaw. New World. 
 
 FAM. CROCODILIDiE. 
 
 GENUS. CROCODILUS. 
 
 Crocodiles. 
 
 Jaws oblong, depressed, tapering, rather dilated at the end. Teeth 
 unequal, lower canines fitting into a notch in the side of the upper 
 jaws. Feet fringed. Toes webbed to the tip. Nuchal and cervical 
 plates forming a disk separated from the dorsal one by small granular 
 scales. The head of the newly hatched specimens is short, but it 
 gradually elongates and after a short time attains the form proper to 
 the species, and through the bones becoming more solid by increasing 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 183 
 
 age, they only slightly alter the relative proportions of the different 
 parts ; so the form of the head, taken with the shielding of the hack, 
 affords good characters for the determination of the species. ^ 
 
 CROCODILUS POROSUS, ScJlW. 
 
 The Indian Crocodile. Allie-Kimhoola, Sing. 
 
 Syn. Crocodilus Ceylonicns ex ovo prodiens. Seha. 
 
 Crocodilus biporcatus. Cuvier. 
 
 0. biporcatus raninus, Muller. 
 
 Head elongate, narrow, (in the half grown and adult specimens twice 
 as long as the width of the hinder part of the skull); upper jaw with 
 long continued ridge from the front of each eye ; nuchal plates small 
 or wanting; forehead square, with nearly parallel sides, half as wide 
 again as the muzzle at the anterior notch; muzzle at the 9th tooth 
 nearly as wide as the space between the nose and eyes ; scales of the 
 back oblong, longitudinal equal in 8 rows. Gray. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Malayan Peninsula, Pinang 
 Singapore, Tenasserim, Sumatra, Java, Timor and Seychelle 
 Islands. 
 
 This Crocodile is common in the large rivers of the Island, and 
 we believe it is the species found in the Mutwal river near Colombo, 
 and also in the Southern provinces. Crocodiles have not been seen 
 in the highlands. This species is easily distinguished from the next 
 by its more robust make, darker colour, the upper parts are of a 
 dark green, and covered with large black spots ; beneath yellowish or 
 greenish white. The largest specimen we have seen measured 16 feet 
 
 CROCODILUS PALUSTRIS, ZiCSSOU. 
 
 The Goa or Marsh Crocodile. Halle-Kimboola, — Sing. 
 
 Syn. Crocodilus vulgaris, Var. E. Gray. 
 
 Crocodilus biporcatus raninus, Muller. 
 
 Head elongate-oblong, triangular, convex and rugose above, with 2 
 short irregular nochdose, sinuous ridges, in front of the orbit, sides 
 rather swollen behind the notch, rather more then half as long again 
 
 * Not having any skulls of Ceylon Crocodiles (Alligators, Vvlg.) to describe 
 from, we quote from Mr. Gray’s valuable descriptions. 
 
184 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 as two thirds the width of the head behind ; muzzle at the first notch 
 nearly two thirds the wddth of the forehead ; at the 9th tooth as wide 
 as two thirds the space betw^een the eyes and nostrils ; forehead con- 
 cave, wdtli the sides nearly parallel in the young and converging to- 
 wards the front in the adult. Gray. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Malayan Peninsula and Islands, 
 Java, Sumatra, Tenasserim, India, Ceylon. 
 
 This species is very numerous in the Northern parts of the Island. 
 Found at Trincomalie in salt marshes, and in large tanks. It is of 
 a pale greenish olive colour and spotted irregularly with black. Be- 
 neath yellowish white. The largest specimen w^e have seen measured 
 13 feet; some are said to be much larger. The following species, 
 we only know of from seeing a single skull which answ'ered to the 
 characters of the species drawn by Mr. Gray. 
 
 CROCODILUS BoMBiFRONs, Atty-Kimboola,— Gray. 
 
 Face short, oblong, convex, rugose, pitted, without any ribs in front ; 
 sides only slightly converging, much sw^ollen behind the notch; half 
 as long again as the head behind, and at the 9th upper tooth as wide 
 as from the back of the nose-hole to the orbit; forehead flat, with 
 nearly parallel sides, nasal hole orbicular ; suture of the intermaxil- 
 lary straight, transverse, nasal hole round, back edge rather behind 
 the middle of the notch of the canines. Gray. 
 
 Geographical Distribution .' — India, Ceylon. 
 
 The skull, apparently of a middle aged individual, was sent to us 
 from Colombo by Mr. Anthonisz of the Colonial ^Medical Department. 
 Friends at Putlam and Chilaw will be able to ascertain, wFether this is 
 the species so numerous there, or is it Crocodilus trigonops of wFich 
 Mr. Gray gives the following description. 
 
 Nuchal plates 4; cervical 6; large, strongly keeled; head oblong, 
 triangular, convex, rugose above wuth 2 short, irregular, sinuous ridges 
 in front of the orbit; and an oblong convexity upon each side above 
 the 9th tooth, sides of the face rather swollen behind the notch, rather 
 more then half as large again, as the width of the head behind ; 
 muzzle at the first notch nearly two thirds the width of the fore-head, 
 at the 9th tooth nearly as wide as the space betw’een the eye snd 
 nostrils; forehead nearly square. Found in India. Gray. 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 185 
 
 Since writing the above, we have had another opportunity of 
 examining the specimens of Crocodiles and their Skulls in the Army 
 Medical Officers’ Museum at Colombo. There is one stuffed specimen 
 with a head corresponding with Gray’s C. Bomhifrons, colour like that of 
 C. palustris, nuchal shields 4, in 2 pairs, cervical shields 6, arranged 
 in 2 pairs, one before the other, and one shield on each side, so as 
 to make the outline of this arrangement almost lozenge-shaped. 
 Between the nuchal and cervical shields there is only one row of 
 smaller shields. In the specimens of C. porosus the 4 nuchal 
 
 shields are continuous, and 6 cervical plates in two rows, the lateral 
 ones rather smaller. Between the nuchal and cervical shields there 
 are four or more rows of smaller keeled shields. In C. homhifrons 
 there is only one such row. In C. palustris the arrangement of the 
 nuchal and cervical shields are very like that found in the specimen 
 which we identify with Gray’s C, homhifrons. Taking this similarity 
 and that of colour into consideration, we are strongly disposed to think 
 with Mr. Blyth that C. homhifrons is only the male of C. palustris. 
 There is also a stuffed specimen of a large Crocodile measuring 15 J 
 feet long, with a head answering in a great measure to Gray’s C. 
 trigonops, — and there is also a skull corresponding to it. Nuchal and 
 cervical shields as in C. homhifrons of Gray above noticed. The skull 
 is 2 feet long. Greatest breadth 1 foot. Length from orbit to end 
 of muzzle — 1 ft.— 2, 2-10 inch. Breadth at the notch 4 in., breadth at the 
 9 tooth 7^ in., at the orbits. 10 in., breath of temporal bone 6 in. 
 
 If (J. homhifrons of Gray is the male of C. palustris, it is quite 
 possible that C. trigonops is the male of C. porosus, as the nuchal 
 and cervical shields may also vary in the sexes. One circumstance 
 in favor of the supposition that C. homhifrons is a distinct species, is, 
 that the specimen in the Museum was obtained from tlie neighbourhood 
 of Colombo, where C. palustris is not known. 
 
18G 
 
 REPTILES 
 
 ADDENDA. 
 
 GENUS. GYMNODACTYLUS,— Gray. 
 
 Toes not widened into a disk, nor dentilated with margins; all 
 five with non-retractile claws; fifth hind toe versatile or capable of 
 turning from the others under a right angle. 
 
 GYMNODACTYLUS KAXDIANUS, 71. S. nohlS. 
 
 Fulvous, or ochry brovm, marbled and spotted wdth dark browui. 
 Beneath dark grey, or whitish. Back granular, sides with two lon- 
 gitudinal distant series of minute spine-like tubercles. Tail rather 
 depressed, angular on the sides, flattened beneath, with cross series of 
 minute spines on the upper surface and a central series of broad 
 scutse on the under surface. Toes slender, compressed, moderately 
 long, base slightly thickened, distinct transverse plates throughout 
 the under surface; claw^s small, much curved. Low'er rostral shield 
 large; chin shields 2, large, four-sided, the rest granular. Pupil 
 round. Irides golden. No femoral or preanal pore? 
 
 Head and body 1. 8-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 1.6-10 „ 
 
 Total length 3. 4-10 inches. 
 
 Geograpliicol Distribution. Kandian hills, Ceylon. 
 
 This Gecko is, we believe, identical with the species found at Ne- 
 w’era Ellia, of which we have not now a specimen. It is of a size 
 smaller than Hemidactglus frenaiiis, and easily distinguished from 
 that species by its slender, compressed and versatile toes, and the 
 single series of plates on their under surface. The minute spine- 
 like tubercles on the sides and tail retain a fulvous colour, even 
 wlieii the creature at tunes puts on a blackish or greenish hue in 
 other parts. These spines are not very distinctly visible in speci- 
 
OF CEYLON. 
 
 187 
 
 mens preserved in apirits. Mr, Gray’s Gonyodactijlas Indicus would 
 seem to be closely allied to this species, but that it is not described 
 as spine-bearing on the back or tail. 
 
 The Gymnodactyle is found in the higher Kandiaii hills, in native 
 huts and out-houses on Cotfee Estates, where rarely is any other 
 species seen. 
 
 GENUS. PERIPIA,— Gmy. 
 
 Toes free, dilated for their whole length, with 2 series of diver- 
 ging plates beneath, last joint compressed, exserted, clawed. Thumb 
 short, truncated, dilated, and with plates beneath, without any com- 
 pressed last joint or claw. Male with femoral pores, female poreless. 
 Tail roundish. Back with equal granular scales. 
 
 FERIPIA PERONII ? Gvciy. 
 
 Peron’s Peripia. 
 
 Syn. Hemidactylus Peronii, Dum. et Bib, H. leiurus, — Gray. 
 
 Above chocolate brown, spotted with darker brown whitish eyed 
 spots. Beneath grey or whitish. Tail broad at the base, tapering, 
 rounded above, under surface rather flattened, with a central series of 
 broad 6 -sided scutas. Pupil vertical. Irides golden. Chin shields, 2 
 pairs elongated, central larger, and several smaller ones. Labial 
 shields brown, white spotted. Femoral and preanal pores in one 
 continuous line, 18 = 3G. 
 
 Head and trunk 2. 2-10 inch. 
 
 Tail 2. 3-10 „ 
 
 Total length .... inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution . — Isle of France, Pinang, Ceylon. 
 
 Found on trees at Kaduganava. Dr. Cantor describes this Gecko 
 as of an ash colour. The only live specimen we examined was of 
 the colour above described: on immersing it in spirits it became of 
 a pale ashy colour with inconspicuous whitish spots. This Gecko is 
 easily distinguished from others known in the Island by its clawless 
 thumbs and unarmed tail. 
 
- 
 
 ^ r A^rti eLeS-' ■ 
 
 r 
 
 
 
 ^ P-lT^^^ / 5 ^ 5 * 
 
 J Ti V ^ 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 iS%. 
 
 
 ^ ^ '^T I 
 
 >v. -t ^ t , /s:^ <i2^ 
 
 CrJ‘^^^ - 
 
 
 O-, 
 
 A 
 
 
PART IV. 
 
 CEYLON AMPHIBIA. 
 
CEYLON AMPHIBIA 
 
 ORDER. BATRACHIA. 
 
 Skull formed of separate bones. Nostrils enclosed in a bony case, 
 the internal nostrils opening on the sides of the middle of the palate, 
 (jrills of the young (and rarely of the adult animals) well developed 
 and exposed, vanishing in old age. Skin naked, smooth. Body of 
 young elongate. Tail often deciduous. Legs four, rarely only two. 
 
 SUB-ORDER I. SALIENTIA, 
 
 Body short, depressed, without any tail. 
 
 FAM. RANID^, Bonaparte. 
 
 GENUS. BANA. Linn. 
 
 Skin smooth, hinder extremities very long, formed for leaping; toes 
 palmated; teeth in the upper jaw, and in the palate. 
 
 RANA CUTIPORA ? Dnni et Bih. 
 
 Above grass green, immaculate, with or without a dorsal line. Be- 
 neath white. 
 
 From 0 to G inches long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 Found in the wet season in great abundance in stagnant pools at 
 Colombo and Trincomalie. 
 
 rana mai.arahica. Aucf. 
 
 The IMalabar Bull Frog. 
 
 Above light olive green, brf»wn sjiotted. Beneath yellowish. The 
 
192 
 
 CEYLON 
 
 skin of the hack becomes at times corrugated into longitudinal ridges. 
 Limbs spotted brown. Some have a white medial line on the back. 
 
 Larger than the last species. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 Found at Trincomalie in paddy fields and other marshy grounds. 
 
 RANA BENGHALENSIS. Gray, 
 
 The small spotted frog. 
 
 Yellowish brown above, spotted with small brown or dark green 
 spots. No dorsal streak. Limbs spotted and vermiculated. Beneath 
 white ; throat marbled, more or less distinctly. About 3 inches long. 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Ceylon. 
 
 Among several specimens of frogs sent to Mr. Blyth from Trinco- 
 malie, he found a specimen of this species, which is the first he had 
 seen out of Lower Bengal. 
 
 RANA TiGRiNA. Daudin. 
 
 The Golden Frog. 
 
 Syn. Rana cancrivora, Gravenhorst. 
 
 Rana Brama, Lesson. 
 
 Rana regulosa, Weigmann. 
 
 Light yellow or olive brown, spotted black; pale yellow dorsal line, 
 another on each side from the muzzle to the loins. Beneath white. 
 From 5 to 7 inches long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — India, Tenasserim, Java, Sumatra, 
 Ceylon. 
 
 This frog, known in Ceylon as the bull frog, is found in the Southern 
 provinces, but it is not so numerous as the other species. From 
 Colombo we have only seen two very large specimens. 
 
 RANA NEWERA-ELLIA. fiobis. 
 
 Dark brown, nearly black ; indistinctly spotted at times. A pale 
 medial line on the back. Beneath pale brown or yellowish. 
 
 About 4 inches long. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Neilgherries? Ceylon. 
 
A Mr ill BT A. 
 
 193 
 
 This species, found at Newera-Ellia, has not we believe been des- 
 cribed. There is another species at Badidla of a pale brown colour, 
 spotted, of about the same size as the above described species, which 
 we think may be Rctna LescTienaultii, but not having a specimen of 
 it when we met with a description of this species, we are only able 
 to indicate the existence of a sixth species in the Island, specimens 
 of which we have long ago forwarded to Dr. Andrew Smith. 
 
 FAM. HYLID^. 
 
 GENUS. POLYPEDATES. Tschudi, apud Dimi et Bib. 
 
 Terminal joints of the fingers and toes widened into a large disk ; 
 fingers slightly webbed at the^ base ; Eustachian tubes large ; in other 
 particulars resembling Limnodytes. 
 
 POLYPEDATES LEUCOMYSTAX, Gravenhorst. 
 
 The common Tree Frog. 
 
 Syn. Hyla maculata, Gray. 
 
 Hyla leucomystax, Graven. 
 
 Polypedates leucomystax, Tschudi. 
 
 Variable. Upper parts generally of a dark buff, spotted brown or 
 black. Sometimes seen of a chocolate brown, spotted or immaculate. 
 At other times of a greenish brown or pale prey. From the muzzle to 
 neck runs a black streak, which is always present. Beneath whitish. 
 Limbs vermiculated with brown. Sometimes the limbs alone are spotted 
 and the body spotless, or with a black diagonally crossed mark on 
 the back. 
 
 A large individual measured — 
 
 Head j inch. 
 
 Trunk „ 
 
 Total length, 3 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Pinang, Malayan Peninsula, India, 
 Ceylon. 
 
 This tree frog is found in all parts of the Island, but more nu- 
 merous in the Northern and ^Yestern provinces. It is not only 
 
 n 15 
 
194 
 
 CEYLON 
 
 found on trees, but in houses, and from its being frequently seen on 
 white washed walls, it is better known in the Island as the “ Chunam 
 Frog.” 
 
 Some specimens (which we take for this species) have a crucial 
 mark on the neck, extending on the back, formed by a transverse 
 and longitudinal fold of the skin ; this mark is not permanent. Whe- 
 ther this variety includes the individuals from which Mr. Blyth makes 
 his species P. cruciger rtmains to be ascertained. 
 
 POLYPEDATES STELLATA. U S. Tiobis. 
 
 Above bright green, with transverse darker bands, and irregularly 
 spotted white. Limbs barred brown and spotted white. Beneath pink- 
 ish white. Body oval. 
 
 Total length about 2J inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. — Newera-Ellia, Ceylon. 
 
 We are indebted to Miss Barbara Layard for the only specimen of 
 this beautiful frog found at Newera-Ellia. This frog, too, changes its 
 green colour into a purplish brown, the transverse bands become brown, 
 but the white spots are always present. 
 
 FAM. BUFONIDjE. Fiizinger. 
 
 GENUS. BUFO, Laurenti. 
 
 Body inflated; skin warty, parotids porous; toes united by a rudi- 
 mentary membrane; no teeth. 
 
 BUFO MELANOSTicus, Schneider. 
 
 The Indian Toad. 
 
 Syn Bufo scaber. Baud. 
 
 Bufo Bengalensis, Baud. 
 
 Bufo carinatus. Gray. 
 
 Above brown, or yellowish red, spotted black. Beneath pale yellow. 
 Crest of the head, lips and points of fingers and toes black. 
 
 From 3 to 5 inches long. 
 
 Geographical Bistribution. India, Ceylon. 3Ialayan Peninsula, 
 Java, Tenasserim. 
 
AMPHIBIA. 
 
 195 
 
 This toad is very numerous in all the lower parts of the Island; 
 frequently found in drains and even in houses. It changes its colour 
 when alarmed, from a yellow brown into a red or dark brown with 
 black spots. 
 
 GENUS. ENGYSTOMA.— Gray. 
 
 No tympanum nor parotid visible externally, an oval body, the 
 head and mouth very small, and feet but slightly palmated. 
 
 Above pale green, brown spotted, with a pale yellow medial line 
 on the back. Beneath fleshy white. Length from 2 to 3 inches. 
 
 Geographical Distribution. India, Ceylon. 
 
 Rare in Ceylon. A few small specimens founed at Trincomalie 
 on grassy lands, and one was caught in a bath room. 
 
 SUB-OKDEK II. GRADIENTIA. 
 
 Body elongate, tailed in all ages. Limbs four, weak, small, equal 
 Gills well developed in the young, decaying as the animal arrives 
 at full age, very rarely retained through life. Teeth in both jaws, 
 and often in the palate. Ears hidden. Internal nostrils in middle of 
 palate, surrounded by bone. Vent longitudinal. Skin naked, smooth, 
 or w^arty. Sternum and clavicle none. Ribs distinct or rudimentary. 
 
 No Salamanders or any other species of this Sub-Order of Batra- 
 chians found in Ceylon. 
 
ORDER. PSEUDOPHIDIA. 
 
 Body elongate, sub-cylindrical. Limbs none. Skin smooth, wrinkled, 
 with minute embedded scales. Tail extremely short. Vent open at 
 the extremity of the body. Gill opening on the side of the neck, 
 closed in the adults. Bones of skull united into a solid mass, Internal 
 nostrils on the hinder part of the palate, surrounded by bone. Jaws 
 with a series of teeth. Palate with an arched series of teeth in the 
 centre, parallel to the maxillary one, and before the internal nostrils. 
 
 FAM, CCECILIID^. 
 
 Character and Synonyma of Order. 
 
 GENUS. ICHTHYOPHIS. 
 
 Head depressed, elongate. iMuzzle obtuse. Maxillary and palatine 
 teeth slender, acute, hooked. Tongue entire, velvet-like. Eyes dis- 
 tinct. A pit (or tentacle) below the eye, near the edge of the 
 upper lip. Body fusiform, with numerous crowded circular folds. 
 
 ICHTHYOPHIS GLHTixosus, — Gray. 
 
 Syn : Ichthyophis Hasselti, — Fitz. 
 
 Epicrium glutinosum, — Bum. et Bib. 
 
 Csecilia glutinosa, — Linn. 
 
 C. viscosa, — Latr. 
 
 C. hypocyanea, — Hasselt. 
 
 Brown, with a pale streak on each side. Mr. Gray gives 325 ring 
 like plaits to a specimen from Ceylon presented to the British Mu- 
 seum by Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. The only specimens we have seen 
 of this pseudophidian reptile are one in the Museum at Colombo, 
 and one Mr. Fairholme sent to us from Dimboola, and which is now 
 
AMPHIBIA. 
 
 197 
 
 witli Dr. Andrew Smith. We regret' exceedingly that we have not 
 had any opportunity of studying the live animal in any of its stages. 
 Mr. Pieres of Kandy has sent us a mutilated specimen of an IclitTiy- 
 opliis of a brown colour above, and of a pale yellow brown beneath, 
 without the side streak of IchtJiyophis glutinosus. We are inclined to 
 believe it to be identical with the variety Dr. Cantor describes, if 
 not a distinct species. The tail and head are so destroyed that we 
 cannot determine. Dr. Templeton, we understand, found a new species 
 in the Island. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
% 
 
APPENDIX A. 
 
 SOME GENERAL REMARKS 
 
 ON 
 
 the flora of CEYLON ; 
 
 BY GEORGE GARDNER, F. L. 8. 
 
 Although Ceylon is celebrated for the luxuriant vegetation by which 
 it is covered, the plants which compose it are less known to Botanists 
 than those perhaps of any other portion of India of equal extent. 
 While the history and uses of the vegetable productions of the pos- 
 sessions of the East India Company, and most of the Islands of the 
 Indian Archipelago have been given to the world by modern Botanists, 
 those of Ceylon are at the present day nearly as little understood in 
 Europe as they were one hundred years ago, when Linnaius pub- 
 lished his “ Flora Zeylanica,” founded on collections which had been 
 made in the Island by Hermann, a Dutch Botanist, about seventy years 
 before. It is true that during the last few years the descriptions of 
 several Ceylon plants have been published in different scientific pe- 
 riodical publications both by Indian and European Botanists, but al- 
 though a botanical institution has been maintained in the colony at the 
 expense of Government for upwards of the last thirty years, those 
 who have superintended it have done nothing almost either for their 
 own credit or the honour of the establishment. Since the publication 
 of the little book of Linngeus, the only work which has been pro- 
 duced on Botany is the “ Catalogue of Plants growing in Ceylon,” 
 published, in 1824, by Mr. Moon, who was then Superintendent of the 
 Botanical Gardens, — a work which never was of much use, and which 
 
4 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 is now quite obsolete, as being merely a cfitaloome, there are no cha- 
 racters by wiiicli to recoghize the .-peeier; !j 0 has ei'miierated. As 
 connected with these observations, I may remari; that 1 am at jraes^ent 
 engaged in preparing a wt>rk which will Contain de.'Cri])tions ot all 
 the vegetable productions indigenons to (’eylun, at least so far as I 
 can obtain them, illustrated with coloured figures of some of the more 
 rare, beautiful, or useful spec'es. Tliis, however, will be a laliou.r of 
 several years to come, as I have still to exjdore ditferent parts of the 
 Island, the productions of which are totally unknown. 
 
 Toe vegetation of all countries has its general character determined 
 by two great principal causes — physical aspect and climate. The for- 
 mer having already been detailed in the preceding geological sketch 
 01 the Island, I shall here offer a few remarks on the latter. The 
 two monsoons which occupy the greater part of the year materially 
 influence the climate. That from the south -v:est lasts generally from 
 April to September, while tiie north-east prevails from Xovemher to 
 lehru-iry, the intervening periods being subject to variable winds 
 and calms. The western side of the Island, whicli is exposed to the 
 soutli west monsoon, has a humid and temperate climate similar to 
 that ol the Malahar coast, while the eastern, which is open to the 
 north-east n:oi;soon, has a hot and dry climate similar to that of tl e 
 C roinai.del coa.-t. The seasons and climates of the south-w’est and 
 ncitl.-ea.'t j orticiis of the Island are t’nerefore very different. While 
 on one side of the Island the rains are falling in torrents, the otlur 
 is suhering from drought ; and it not nnfrequently hap})ens that the 
 opposite sides of a single mountain exhibit at the same time these 
 opposite stales of cTmate. 
 
 Tlie great variety of surface and of climate, then, which the Is- 
 land possesses, are favorable not only to a varied, but to a lux- 
 uriant vegetation, especially in its Central and Southern districts. 
 Fi *om the study of plants taken* in coiUiection with these circum- 
 stances and their various other physical conditions, has originated the 
 science of Botanical Geography, one of the most interesting branches 
 of Botany, and one whicli some day will no donht tlirow much 
 light on the laws which have legniated the production and dispersion 
 of species, it is only of late years that attention has been given to 
 this subject, for. till the n.atural productions of different parts of the 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 5 
 
 surface of tlie globe came to be investigated with the attention and 
 aecnraey whicli are ]^ecnliar to the present age, naturalists rested sa- 
 t’stied with the vague idea that all animals and vegetables had ori- 
 nally radiated ii\ ni a coiunion centre, and that in the same parallels 
 of latitude the same species would be found. This we now’ know not 
 to be the case, and it can be as safely asserted that every large 
 tract i>l country has had its own peculiar creation of botli ]ih>nts 
 and animals, as that tw’o and two make four, the exceptions to this 
 general rule being accounted for by disseiiiiiiating causes ucav in ope- 
 ratiojn In no other wav can we account for Euro]^ having a totally 
 diflerent class of j)lants from that part of North America which lies 
 immediately o])posite to it ; or for the Botany of Southern Africa 
 having little or no resemblance to that of tlie parallels in South Ame- 
 rica, or to that of Australia; or for many small Islands, such as that 
 ol St. lielena, possessing a vegetation totally diffei-ent even from that 
 ol the nearest continent. Islands, however, in general approach nearest 
 in die nature of their productions to that of the countries to which 
 they most nearly range in a geograjihical point of view’, and this we 
 shall liiid to be the case with Ceylon. 
 
 But the climate and the soil of the maritime parts of tlie western 
 side of Ceylon being very similar to that of the Malabar coast, we 
 find tiiat a large pro}>oition of the jJants of both places are identical; 
 and the same liolds good with reference to the northern and north- 
 east coasts of Ceylon and that of the opposite Coromandel coast, al- 
 though each district in both countries is found to possess species which 
 are peculiar to each. A vegetation more or less similar to that of the 
 coast extends iiihaid to the foot of the great mountain cliain ; but from 
 thence upwaids a very great change is found to take place in it, and 
 almost every thousand feet of ole\ation show’s a \egetation which, 
 though merging into tliose immediately above and beneatli it, olTers 
 species which do not range beyond it. It is at an elevation of from 
 2,uU0 to 8,000 feet that the greater },ait of the species of plants pe- 
 culiar to Ceylon are to be found ; but most of these belong to forms, 
 that is to natural orders or genera, w’hich form i)art of the vegetation 
 of neighbouring countries, such as the Ncclglierry mountains in the 
 peninsula of India, the Himalaya niouiitaiiis, the hi^h lands of Ma- 
 lacca, and of the Eastern Islands, hut more particularly Java, and I 
 
6 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 have lately met with a few species which indicate an affinity with 
 the continent of Africa. 
 
 I shall now offer a few remarks on the nature of the vegetation 
 which characterizes the different botanical regions of the Island. The 
 truly littoral plants of all countries offer a greater number of iden- 
 tical species in widely separated localities of the same parallels, than 
 those of any other, and this, indeed, w'as to be expected from the fact 
 that the ocean forms a readj^ medium for their transmission from one 
 country to another by means of tides, winds, and currents, while at 
 the same time their seeds, unlike those of most other plants, are not 
 injured by immersion in salt wnter. Most of the shrubs which inhabit 
 the muddy shores of the sea and of the salt lagoons which are so 
 numerous townrds the north of the Island, and which are known by 
 the name of Mangroves, belong to that natural order of plants w^hich 
 Botanists call Rliizo^horece, a tribe which is strictly intertropical. My 
 researches have already yielded me about half a dozen species, all 
 of which I find are common to Ceylon, the shores of the continent 
 of India, and those of the Eastern islands ; and the same I find to 
 be the case with a few other shrubs belonging to other tribes, such 
 as jEgiceras fragrans, which extends even to the shores of Australia, 
 Ejnthima Malagana, Pemphis acidula^ DiKvaria ilicifolia, Lvmnitzera 
 racemosa, Thespesia popuJnea (the Tulip tree of Ceylon), and Pari- 
 tium tiliaceiim, the last having a far more extensive geographical 
 range than any of the others, as I possess specimens in my herba- 
 rium from the shores of the West Indies, Brazil, and the Sandwdch 
 Islands, besides from various parts of India. The Cocoa-nut tree which 
 gives so marked a feature to the West coast of Ceylon, and which is 
 now so generally cultivated along the shores of all intertropical coun- 
 tries, is essentially a seaside plant, and has as good claims to be con- 
 sidered indigenous to Ceylon as to any part of the world. The same 
 observations that apply to the shrubs of our shores, apply also to the 
 herbaceous vegetation. 
 
 The great flat tract w'hich extends between the sea-shore and the 
 central mountain range, is possessed of a very extensive Flora, but 
 as its general character is stamped by a few species which are very 
 numerous in individuals, it is to them chiefly that my remarks will 
 extend. In this tract a very great proportion of the species are iden- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 •n 
 
 k 
 
 tical with those of similar ones on the coasts of Coromandel and 
 Malabar. The generally acid nature of its soil, together wdth its much 
 drier climate than that of the interior is well shown in the North- 
 ern Province especially by the more wiry and stunted nature of the 
 trees and bushes, their prickly stems and branches, and the smaller 
 size of their leaves, together with a much greater proportion of fleshy 
 shrubs, such as Euphorbias &c. The species which preponderate in 
 individuals in the Northern province are difierent kinds of Acacia. 
 mostly very thorny, the wood apple( Feronia Elepliantum^ Limonia 
 alata, Salvadora Persica (the true Mustard tree of Scripture, a tree 
 which extends northward and westward to the Holy Land, and which 
 I was the first to point out as a native of Ceylon), (Jarissa sjnnarnm, 
 Gmelina Asiatica, Pleurostylia Wigltii, Eugenia hracteata, Elceodendron 
 RoxlmrgTiii, Oclma squarrosa, Cassia fistula, Cassia Roxhiirgliii, and 
 Memycelon tinctoria. These are chiefly shrubs and small trees. The 
 large trees, which are mostly of no great size, are two or three spe- 
 cies of Terminalia, Bassia longifiolia, the Margosa {Azadiraclita Indica), 
 the Satin w^ood {Cloroxyloii Swietenia), the Ceylon Oak {Sclileiclieia tri- 
 the Tamarind {Tamarindus Indica), and the Palmyra (Borassus 
 fiahelliformis), which is particularly abundant on the peninsula of 
 Jaffna. * The mass of the herbaceous vegetations belongs to the na- 
 tural orders Scropliularinece, Leguminosce, Rubiacice and Compositor. 
 
 Proceeding southw’ards through this flat country, a considerable dif- 
 ference in the general appearance of the vegetation is observed, ari- 
 sing no doubt from the greater amount of rain which falls during 
 the course of the year. The trees are not only larger, but their fo- 
 liage is heavier and of a darker hue ; and the numerous acacias which 
 give so striking a feature to the north almost disappear. Between 
 Colombo and Galle, shrubs belonging to the natural order Euphor- 
 hiaxece are very numerous both in species and individuals, as well as 
 
 * Since the above was written I have made a most important addition to the 
 trees of this region, and, indeed, to the Flora of the Island, in the shape of 
 the far-famed Upas-tree of Java and the Moluccas [Antiaris toxicaria), having 
 discovered some fine large trees of it a few miles to the eastward of Korne- 
 galle, early in August of the present year (1847). This discovery proves how 
 little the investigation of the vegetable productions of Ceylon has hitheito been 
 attended to. (G. G.) 
 
8 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 a variety of Ruhiacece, of whicli the beantiful Ixora coccmia is not 
 th? least common. It is only in this range that the pitcher plant 
 {Xepeiithes distiUatorta), which is not, however, peculiar to Ceylon, is 
 met with, growing in moist places and supporting itself among the 
 bushes. About Galle, and from thence inland to the base of Adam’s 
 Peak, one of tlie most common shrubs is that which has been named, 
 in honour of the great Humboldt — Hiimholdtia laurifoUa; and on 
 the low hills near Galle a few trees are met with which farther north 
 do not exist under one thousand feet of elev^ation, but this is easily 
 accounted for by the greater atmospheric moisture in that district. 
 One of these trees is a new and remarkable species of durian (Durio 
 C^jlanicns, Mdii.) It is in this district that the greater number of 
 the Sugar plantations of C’eylon exist. 
 
 I’he east side of the Island being much drier than that of the west, 
 the consequence is that its vegetation has more of the character of 
 that of the Nortlieni province than of the opposite coast. It must, 
 however, be remarked that, with the exception of the immediate neigh- 
 bourhood of Trincomalie and of Batticaloa, the eastern side of the Is- 
 land is a terra incognita to the Botanist. 
 
 Generally speaking, the first two thousand feet of the mountain 
 range is covered with a dense forest of large trees, which are charac- 
 terized by fiiiiage of a much larger size than that of the low-country 
 forests, and nearly of a uniform dark green colour, except, indeed, 
 when the large Iron-wood tree {Mesua Ceglanica) is putting forth its 
 young leaves, which are of a blood-red colour, and at that season 
 give a remarkable aspect to the forest. To the general observer the 
 trees of the next two thousand feet appear but little different from 
 those of the first, but the eye of the Botanist can at once detect many 
 species in both that are peculiar to each. The mass of the herba- 
 ceous \egetation of both is made uj) of Ferns, Scitamineoi, JJrticacece, 
 Cji tandi ece Comjjositce. One of the most marked features of the 
 second two thousand feet is the existence of large open grassy tracts 
 on the sides of the hills to which the natives give the name of Pat- 
 tanas. Such tracts extend to the highest parts of the island, differing 
 more or less at different elevations in the nature of their vegetation. 
 Scattered through the lower ones, and giving them an orchard-like ap- 
 pearance, are two trees which are almost peculiar to them. These are 
 
APPENDIX, - 
 
 the Careya. arborea, and Emhlica ojicmalis. The herbaceous vege- 
 tation consists chiefly of immeroas tall coarse grasses, growinor for 
 the m )st part in tufts, the most common of which is tlie Lemon G»'ass- 
 {^And ojioyoii Schoenanthus), intermingled with which are several Com- 
 positdn, principally consisting of several species of Blumea, Knoxia Co- 
 rjmbosa, the representative of the old and accurate historian of C’ey- 
 lon, the broom-like Atylosia CandoUii, and Impatiens Balsarmna, the 
 origin of the common garden balsam. It is on the forest land of 
 this tract that the principal Coffee estates have been established. 
 
 The next two thousand feet, which brings ns to an elevation of 
 fljOOO feet above the level of the sea, and into a region which has a 
 much lower temperature than any of the preceding, is still covered 
 with forest having occasional patches of Pattana, but both give sup- 
 port to a very different vegetation. Tlie trees are much smaller, grow 
 closer together, have their stenjs and branches covered with pendulous 
 m isses of lichens and mosses, and many kinds of small Orchidece. Their 
 leaves are mostly small, and their varied tints remind one of the 
 autumnal forests of more temperate climes. I’he under-vegetation 
 consists of numerous species of beautiful herbaceous and sulfruticose 
 Balsams (Jmpatieus), a great variety of suffruticose Acanthacice (Niln), 
 beaut ful and delicate Ferns of all sizes, from those scarcely a few in- 
 ches in height, to tree ones which throw up their stems surmounted 
 by large masses of verdant fronds to an elevati<*n often of twenty feet, 
 and rivalling in gracefulness the Palms of the low country. It is in 
 this range that the lovely Tree-Bliododendron, which is so common 
 in more elevated tracts, first makes it apjiearance. The Pattanas at 
 this elevati' n are more spongy in their nature than those below, the 
 gras-es which are peculiar to them grow more closely together, and 
 are smaller and more wirv in their texture: while the shrubs which 
 are acattered through them are principally species of Iledyotis, and Os- 
 leckia, the latter producing beautiful large rose-coloured flowers. 
 
 The two thousand feet which succeed to these include the most ele- 
 vated portions of the island, and embrace chiefly the mountain-tops, 
 and the vallies or plahis which divide them from each other. The 
 vegetation of this region has still a more alpine aspect than the pre- 
 ceding one, and of all the others is that which is possessed of the 
 greatest interest to the Botanist, from the great number of European 
 
,4jpi»EKl>IX.'' 
 
 itt 
 
 forms- that are mixed up with those whose range does not extend be- 
 yond the tropics. The tree that first claims our attention in this range 
 is the KLododen Iron, not only from its great beauty, but from its 
 vast abundance espei^i illy in the open plains, which during the months 
 of Jure and July are clouded with red from the great profusion of 
 its blossoms. I have met with two well-marked varieties, if they are 
 not, indeed, distinct species of this tree. One of them is principally 
 met with in the plains or in their wooded margins, and is easily re- 
 cognized by the rusty-coloured under side of its leaves. This is the 
 varie(y which is so common on the open plains of the Neelgherry range 
 of mountains in the peninsula of India. The other variety, so far ps 
 I am aware, is peculiar to Ceylon, and is always found in the forest 
 and at a greater elevation than the other. It is distinguished by its 
 greater size, and the silvery under side of its leaves, whiih are be- 
 sides narrow and rounded at the base, not broad and cordate as in the 
 other. Several fine trees of this variety occur on the ascent of Pedro- 
 talagalle from Newera-Ellia, and close to the temple on the si ramit 
 of Adam’s Peak; but the finest I have met with in my excursions 
 among the mountains of the interior, w’as in crossing over Totapella, 
 where there is a large forest of them, many of which are from 50 
 to 70 feet in height, and with stems more than three feet in diameter. 
 In these forests are also to be met with some four or five species of 
 Michelia, the representative of the Magnolias of North America, se- 
 veral arboreous Mjrtacece, and not a few Terustromiaceoe, the most 
 common of which is the Camelia-like Gordonia Ceylanica. 
 
 There is much here to remind the European of his native country 
 Different species of Rubus and a Barberry abourd along the wooded 
 margins of the plains, as well as two species of Viburnum or Guelder 
 Pose, and a shrubby St. John’s wort (Hypericum jMysoreme), bearing 
 large yellow flowers. The dry open banks are covered with violets and 
 LysimacJiecwe, while in the open plains are to be found two species 
 .of l otentilla, an Anemone^ a Geramum. two kinds of Rai vncidus or 
 butter-cup, a Ladies’ mantle not unlike the AlchemiUa vulgaris of Eng- 
 rland, a little blue star-blossomed Gentian, tw^o species of sun-dew or 
 Drosera, a campanula, a Valeriana, and in the bogs several kinds of 
 .Juncus and Cnrex. 
 
 At the health station on the plain of Newem-Ellia, which is about 
 
.APPENDIX 
 
 a I 
 
 6,200 feet above the level of the §ea, there are ee^' eral gardeiip in 
 ^ which most of the vegetables of Europe grow freely. Eiurpem fruit 
 trees have also been tried, but no success has attended the experiment : 
 nor was such a thing to be expected, for although during the cold 
 season the thermometer falls occasionally in the morning to nearly the 
 freezing point — the annual range being 35 to 80®, with a mean 
 daily variation of 11® — , the cold is not sufficiently intense n* r of 
 long enough continuation to give those trees the ] eriod of rest vl ich 
 . they require. In place of losing their leaves for nearly six nr ontiis of 
 the year, the Peach and the Cherry are here evergreens, and are hence 
 kept in such a continued state of excitement as to prevent their bear- 
 ing. -The Peach does, indeed, give a poor crop of fruit of a very 
 inferior quality, but although the Cherry blossoms annually its fruit 
 never comes to perfection. 
 
 Although the Neelgherry range, from its near geographical y osition, 
 has more species in common with the tracts of a similar elevation in 
 Ceylon than any other part of India, yet these from their fma’l 
 numbers are evidently only stragglers northward, the very great 
 number of species peculiar to the mountains of Ceylon, and to them 
 alone, proves that these mountains form a distinct centre of creation. 
 This I shall illustrate by a few examples from some of the 1 etter 
 known natural orders and genera of plants. Beginning with Rmiun~ 
 culacem 'we find three species of Ranunculus belonging to the Flora 
 -of the Neelgherries, and two to that of the mountains of Ceylon, 
 ■one species only being common to both countries. Of Mognoliacex 
 Ceylon, possesses four or five species of Michelia, all of which are 
 different from the solitary one which is found on the Neelgherries. 
 Each country has a violet peculiar to itself, with another that is com- 
 mon to them both. Both places possess about half a dozen species 
 of Elceocarpece each, but only oue is held in common; and the same 
 is the case with the order to which the Tea belongs — Ternstromiaceoe. 
 The genus Impatiens, that to which the garden Balsam belongs, affords 
 one of the strongest arguments which can be offered in favour of the 
 fact I am now illustrating, for while each country possesses upwards 
 of twenty species, certainly not more than three are common to 
 both, and none of the other Ceylon species are known to exist else- 
 where. Of Rosacece we find that the Neelgherry range has only thre# 
 
..22 
 
 APPENDIX* 
 
 species of Hvlus, wliile there are no less than eight fornd on the 
 mountains of Ceylon, three of which are peculiar to them. Both coun- 
 tries have an Alcheiiiilla in common, while the Agrimony of Ce>hn 
 does not exist on the Neelgherries, but is found abmulantly on the 
 Himalaya range; and I have lately describeil a new specie.-^ of Vokriim 
 from Adam’s Peak, the only one which has hitherto been met with 
 in India. Two species of f*otent.illa grow in Ceylon, and three on the 
 Keelgherries, one only of which is common to both countries. A 
 comparison of this kind might be run on with to a great length, hi t 
 enough has already been shown to prove that while the Flora of the 
 .central part of the Island lias more affinity with that of the Ncelgher- 
 ries than with any other part of the world, yet it must have had a 
 creation of its own, nearly allied, indeed, to the other in forms, but 
 very distinct in individuals. 
 
 Although many of the genera found in the upland regions of Ceylon 
 are such as are common in Europe, yet none of the < evlon species aie 
 identical with European ones. Indeed, there is not to be found grow- 
 ing really wild in the Island, a single species exactly the same as 
 any European one. There are, however, a few which have become 
 more or less naturalized, having been introduced along with garden 
 and other seeds. These are the common sow thistle (Sonchus 0 eracevs)^ 
 the common ('hick-weed (Stellaria Me<Ha), the Mouse-ear ( hick -weed 
 {Cerastm vulgatum), the Corn ^purry (Spergnla arrensis), and the annual 
 meadow-grass (Poa Annua). All these with the exception of the first, 
 which is much more general, are mostly confined to the plain of 
 Kewera-Ellia. In all countries plants which are introduced from 
 others and find a congenial soil and climate, and which produce their 
 seeds in profusion, and of a nature to be easily blown or carried about 
 from place to place, are sure to naturalize themselves, and often in 
 the course of a few years are not to be distinguished from those which 
 are really original denizens of the clime. Besides those fr< m Europe 
 just enumerated, there are many others natives of distant tropical 
 countries which are now rapidly spreading themselves cn the Island; 
 and as it is of the utmost importance to distinguish them fr(m those 
 which are truly natives, I shall here enumerate all those species of 
 which I possess sufficient evidence to establish their exotic origin, and 
 mention the countries from which they have been brought 
 
APPENDIXc 
 
 13 
 
 The two species of Prickly Pear ( Opwntia ) which are now so com- 
 mon in dry sandy localities in the low country, are natives of the 
 tropical parts of the Continent of America, as, indeed, the whole of 
 the (\ictm tri!)e is. The beautiful rose (joloured Periwinkle {Vinca 
 rosea) which has so completely overrun the innamon gardens at 
 Colombo, and other similar localities, is a native of the island of 
 Mada^-a^car, though it has now j)erfectly established itself in nearly 
 *all tropical countries. The climbing Alamandn cafhartica, with its dark 
 green leaves, and golden bell-shaped blossoms, is a native of the Guia- 
 nas, and was no doubt introduced by the Dutch. The Lantanas, 
 whii-h are to be met with almost every where in bushy places and 
 in hedges, aie natives of the West Indies; and such also is the 
 case with the yellow tl^ wered Turnera nlmifolia which is common by 
 road-sides about Colombo. The Cape Goosberry ( Vhysalis Peruviana) 
 now so Common about liambodde and Newera-Ellia, is a native of the 
 mountains of Peru. The four o’clock plant {Mirahilis Jalapa) common 
 abjut Kandy, is a native of Mexico and the West Indies; and the 
 Ipecachuana plant, as it is erroneously called, {Asclepias Curassavica) 
 with its orange blossoms, and seeds with long silky tails, is a South 
 American. Most of these must have been long established before the 
 English took poj- session of the country; but the following are well 
 known to have escaped from the Botanical gardens at Colombo or 
 Peradenia during the last five-and-twenty years. The small white 
 flowered Passijlora foetida^ now so common a weed everywhere, is a 
 native of the West Indies and Brazil, and was only introduced to the 
 Island, by Mr. Moon, so short a time ago as 1824. Two species of 
 Crotalaria — C. Brownei, a native of Jamaica, and C. incanna, a native 
 of the < ape of Good Hope; the Mexican Coreopsis-like Cosma caudata; 
 the Peruvian blue-flowered Nicandra physaloides; add the South -American 
 sensitive plant {Mimosa pudica), are now not only common weeds about 
 Peradenia and Kandy, but are fast extending themselves in all direc- 
 tions, the first mentioned species having now nearly reached as far 
 as Bambodde on the Newera-Ellia road. Brucea Sumatrana, a shrubby 
 native of the Eastern islands, and an escape from the Peradenia 
 gardens, now forms part of the low jungle on the neighbouring Han- 
 tane range : and Baddleia Madagascariensis, a native of Madagascar, 
 and two small kinds of Passion flower ( P, Suberosa et glauca) both 
 
•14 
 
 appendix. 
 
 natives of the West Indies, are fast following. Ageratum conyzoideSf 
 everywhere a common weed, and one of the great pests of the Cofiee 
 Planter, is of American origin, though now thoroughly naturalized in 
 all tropical countries. 
 
 The above, though only a rapid sketch of the more prominent 
 features of the vegetation of the Island of Ceylon, is sufficient to shew 
 the great interest and variety of the materials of which it is composed, 
 and of the relation which it holds to that of other parts of the globe. 
 IMuch, however, still remains to be done before a detailed exposition 
 of it can be offered to the world. 
 
APPENDIX B. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF BOS GAURUS; 
 
 BY 
 
 WALTER ELLIOT Esq. Madras Civil Service. 
 
 BOS (Bihos) CAViFRONs, Hodgson, 
 
 Syn. Bos Gaiirus — Griffiths. 
 
 Gour — Geoffroy. 
 
 Karkona — Canarese. 
 
 Jungli khoolga — 
 
 Gaviga. . .Mahratta. 
 
 It differs very remarkably from the common ox. and though it ap- 
 proaches considerably more to the descriptions of the bison, the name 
 generally applied to it by English sportsmen, it exhibits marked 
 structural differences excluding it from the Bisontine group as de- 
 fined by Cuvier. These consist in the plane of the forehead being 
 flat and even slightly concave, and in the possession of only l3 pairs 
 of ribs. It is not improbable that it will be found to constitute a 
 connecting link between the Bisontine and Taurine groups. The most 
 remarkable characters in the animal are an arched coronal or convex 
 bony ridge, surmounting the frontal bone, and projecting beyond it so 
 as to make the line from the vertex to the orbit a concave sweep ; 
 the continuation of which from the orbit to the muzzle is slightly 
 convex. The other distinctive mark is the prolongation of the spinous 
 processes of the vertebrae of the back, from the withers to the loins 
 where they cease abruptly. These processes are 12 in number, and 
 their prolongation gives the animal a very extraordinary appearance. 
 
 The head is very square and shorter than in the common ox; the 
 forehead ample, the body ridge rising about five inches in height from 
 the plane of the frontal bone over which it inclines. When viewed 
 
APPENDXX. 
 
 behind it rises suddenly and abruptly from the nape of the neck, from 
 whence it measures seven inches; the horns make a wide sweep in 
 continuation of the arclied bmy rhlge, and turn slightly backwards 
 and upwards forming an angle of about 35 ’ with the frontal bone ; 
 the whole head in front, ‘above the eyes, is covered with a coat of 
 close short hair of a light greyish brown colour, which below the eyes 
 is darker, approaching almost to black. The muzzle is large and full, 
 and of a greyish colour ; the eyes are smaller than in the ox. with a 
 fuller pupil of a pale blue colour ; the ears are smaller in proportion 
 than in the ox ; the tongue is very rough and covered with prickles ; 
 the neck is short, thick and heavy ; the chest broad ; the shoulders 
 very deep and muscular ; the forelegs short, the joints very short and 
 strong ; the arm exceedingly large and muscular. Behind the neck and 
 immediately above the shoulder rises a fleshy gibbosity or hump, the 
 same height as the dorsal ridge, which is thinner and firmer, rising 
 gradually as it goes backwards and terminates suddenly about the mid- 
 dle of the back. The hind quarters are lighter and lower than the 
 fore, falling suddenly from the termination of the ridge, the tail very 
 short, the tuft only reaching down to the hocks. 
 
 The skin on the neck and shoulders and on the thighs is very thick 
 being about two inches in this one, which has already shrunk from 
 lying in the sun. Ribs, 13 pairs. 
 
 The cow differs from the male in having a slighter and more grace- 
 ful head, a slender neck, no hump, a less defined dew-lap, and the 
 points of the horns do not turn towards each other, but bend slightly 
 backwards ; the horns are smaller too, and the frontal bone nar- 
 rower, but the coronal or ridge is distinctly marked. The bulls ha'' e 
 the forehead broader in proportion to their age. In the young bidl 
 it is narrower than in the cow and the bony ridge scarcely percep- 
 tible. The horns too in the young specimen turn more upwards. 
 
 The general colour is dark brown, the hair thick and short, but 
 in old individuals the upper parts are often bare. That on the neck 
 and breast and beneath is longer, the skin of the throat is somewhat 
 loose giving the appearance of a slight dew-lap. The legs are white 
 with a rufous tint on the back and side of the forelegs. The skin of 
 the under parts when uncovered is a deep ochry yellow. The cow 
 has the legs of a purer white. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 17 
 
 The breeding season is said to be early in the year and the calves 
 are born after the rains. The bulls are often found separate from 
 the herd which consists generally of from ten to fifteen cows and a 
 bull. They generally feed during the night browsing on the young 
 grass and tender shoots of the bamboos of which they are very fond. 
 In the morning they retire to some thicket of long grass, or young 
 bamboos where they lie down to ruminate. When disturbed the first 
 that perceives the intruder stamps loudly with its foot to alarm the 
 rest, and the whole rush through the forest breaking down every ob- 
 stacle and forcing their way with a terrific crash, 
 
 dat euntibus ingens 
 
 Silva locum, et magno cedunt virgulta fragore 
 
 .dEn. vii, 676. 
 
 For the following particulars derived from the observation of the 
 animal in the Shervaroyah hills, I am indebted to Mr. Fischer, of 
 Salem. “The Bison ordinarily frequents the hills, seeking the highest 
 and coolest parts, but during the hottest weather, and when the hills 
 are parched by the heat, or the grass consumed by fire, the single 
 families, in which they commonly range the hills, congregate into 
 large herds, and strike deep into the great woods and valleys; but 
 after the first showers, and when verdure begins to re-api3ear, they 
 again disperse, and range about freely. In wet and wfindy weather, 
 they again resort to the valleys, to escape its inclemency, and also to 
 avoid a species of fly or gnat which harrasses them greatly. In the 
 months of July and August, they regularly descend to the plains, 
 for the purpose of licking the earth impregnated with natron or soda, 
 which seems as essential to their well-doing as common salt is to the 
 domestic animal wdien kept in hilly tracts.” 
 
 I may add, that the persevering ferocity of the Bison of the sub- 
 Himalayan range, described by Mr Hodgson, is quite foreign to the 
 character of the animal in the Southern forests. When wounded, it 
 is true, it charges its assailants with determined courage, and many 
 instances have come to my knowledge of its doing so with fatal effect, 
 among wdiicli T may cite those of two otficers within the last few 
 years, both of whom were hilled at the diahabaleshwar hills; hut in 
 general it will always seek its safely by flight, if permitted, 
 
 Madras Journal of Lilcralurc and Science, 
 
18 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 FELis JUBATA. Limn. 
 
 The Hunting Leopard, or Chetah of India. 
 
 Size of both sexes about that of a greyhound ; body slender ; legs 
 very long ; claws semiretractile. Belly and inside of thighs of extre- 
 mities white, the rest pale yellow, studded with small round black spots, 
 larger on the back and outside of thighs. Hair of the upper part of 
 the neck and withers rather long, forming a small mane. A black sti'ipe 
 on the ears, and another from the corners of the eyes to the angle of 
 the mouth. Tail annul ated with black and white bars, and tipped with 
 white 
 
 FEUS BENGHALENSTS. Penn. 
 
 The Wagati of the Mahratta of the Ghats. 
 
 The Wagati (an adult male) is 26 inches long, from the muzzle to the 
 insertion of the tail, which is nearly 11 more — in all nearly 37 inches. 
 The colour is pale-yellowish grey ; darker on the back ; yellowish 
 white or pale yellow on the sides; white on the under parts of the 
 body. The forehead has 4 longitudinal spots. In a line with these, 
 from the vertex, four lines run to the shoulders, the outer broader, 
 the centre ones narrower, and these two last are continued almost un- 
 interruptedly to the tail ; the others break diagonally into large lon- 
 gitudinal spots, which are continued in rows of smaller round spots 
 to the centre of the belly. There are about six rows on each, side, 
 exclusive of the two dorsal lines. Two smaller bands run from the 
 eye, and along the upper lip, to a throat band running transversely 
 below the ears. Two other similar transverse bands cross the breast 
 with a row of spots between. The inside of the arm has two broad 
 bands, and the soles are dark brown or nearly black. The tail is spotted 
 on the upper half and indistinctly annulated towards the tip. It is very 
 fierce — living in trees in the thick forests; and preying on birds and 
 small quadrupeds. A shikaree declared that it drops on larger ani- 
 mals, and even on deer, and eats its way into the neck ; that the ani- 
 
 * There is a drawing of such’ an animal in the Army Medical Officem’ Mu- 
 seum at Colombo, said to have been taken from a live specimen, but whert^ the 
 animal was brought from cannot be ascertained. — E. F. K. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 19 
 
 mal in vain endeavours to roll or shake it oft, and at last is des 
 troyed. * Walter Elliot. 
 
 Observations on the Palm Squirrel (Sciurus palniarmu ot authors) 
 
 By G. R. Waterhouse, Esq. 
 
 In the description given by Buftbn of the Palm Squirrel (Histoire 
 Naturelle, tom. x.), two animals are referred to that species which are 
 there stated to differ in their colouring. I have reason to consider 
 these two animals specifically distinct, although I believe they have al- 
 ways been confounded ; and my object in the following observations 
 is, to show that, besides the distinctions mentioned by Buftbn, well 
 marked points of difference may be observed, upon a careful exami- 
 nation, which appear to have escaped the notice of that distinguished 
 naturalist 
 
 The animal which that author describes in detail (that is the first 
 specimen mentioned) I imagine is the young of a species of which 
 I have examined some hundreds of skins. It may be described as, 
 follows : 
 
 Above brown, with three (or five) longitudinal white lines ; external 
 surface of the limbs greyish; sides of face (below the eye), the chin, 
 throat, under parts of the body, and inner side of limbs, white ; tail 
 having the hairs variegated vdth black, white and cream colour. 
 
 The hairs on the head are black at the base, then ochreous, and at 
 the point black; the ochreous tint, however, is more prevalent, espe- 
 cially on the muzzle, if we except a little longitudinal ridge of black 
 hairs which runs from the tip of the nose backwards. The 1 airs on 
 the upper parts of the body (except those which constitute the white 
 lines) have their basal half black, and their apical half rusty -yellow ; 
 the extreme points, however, are generally blackish, and some of the 
 hairs are totally black. The general tint produced by this mixture of 
 of colour is deep-brown. A slender line, which is generally of a deep 
 cream colour, runs along the middle of the back, and extends from 
 
 * When at Kandy in 1850, a large tiger cat was brought to us in a very 
 decayed state, which we took for a large specimen of F. Vivtfrinus., but we have 
 since some reason to think that it was a specimen of the above described animal. 
 The skin of it we have sent to Fort Pitt IMiirfcum. — F. F. K. 
 
20 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the occiput to' the root of the tail : parallel to this (leaving an interstice 
 of about four lines in width) is another line, which is almost always 
 white ; this line commences at the root of the tail, and is continued, 
 along the body, as it were through the ear, and over the top of the 
 eye. On the outer side this line is bounded by a band which is al- 
 most black, and which commences on the shoulders, (where it is very 
 narrow), and extends almost to the root of the tail : in the middle 
 it is about four lines in -width, but towards the haunches, as well as 
 at the shoulders, it blends into the general line, which covers those 
 parts, and likewise the external side of the limbs. The sides of the 
 body (between the fore and hind legs) are of a pale greyish-yellow 
 hue ; this tint, however, is separated from the dark band just described 
 by a yellowish white line. The sides of the muzzle, and that part of 
 the face which is below the eyes, as well as all the under parts, are 
 white or approaching more or less to cream colour. The hair which 
 covers the upper surface of the feet is white, cream-colour or some- 
 times grey-white. The hairs of the tail are of a dirty pale-yellow at 
 the base : this is followed in succession by black, pale-yellow, then 
 again black ; and ultimately white ; the two latter colours being more 
 conspicuous. The ears are covered internally with short yellowish white 
 hairs, and externally with minute hairs of the same colours as those 
 on the top of the head. * 
 
 GENUS. KHINOPOMA. Geoff. 
 
 Two incisors in the upper jaw, four in the lower. Nose long, co- 
 nical, cut square as it were at the end, and surmounted with a small 
 leaf. Nostrils straight, transversal and operculated. Ears large, earlet 
 (oreillon) external. Tail long, enveloped at its base in the interfe- 
 moral membrane which is cut, as it were, square, and free at its ex- 
 tremity. 
 
 Dental formula ; Incisors -j, canine 
 
 1-1 
 
 T-T 
 
 molars 
 
 GENUS. DYSOPES. Illiger. 
 
 Two incisors above and four below, two canine each jaw, four molars 
 
 The above description is of Sciurus pcdmarum, verus, Biiffon, which lias not 
 yet been observed in Ceylon. — E. F. K. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 21 
 
 on each side of the upper jaw, that is to say, two false molars, and 
 
 two normal ; ten molars in the lower jaw, viz., four false and six true. 
 
 GENUS. ERINACEUS Linn. 
 
 Hedgehog or Urchin. 
 
 Have the body covered with prickles instead of hairs. The skin of 
 the back is furnished with such muscles that the animal by inclining 
 its head and feet towards the belly, is enabled to inclose itself as in 
 a purse, presenting only its spines towards an enemy. The tail is 
 very short, and their feet have each five toes. They possess in each 
 
 jaw six incisors, of which the middle are tbe longest ; and on 
 
 either side three false molars, three bristled molars, and a small tu- 
 berculous tooth. — Cuv. 
 
 Several species are found in India. 
 
 GENUS. TUPAIA. Raff. 
 
 Banxring. 
 
 A genus allied to the Hedgehogs, only that their middle superior 
 incisors are proportionately shorter, and there are four to the lower 
 jaw, more elongated, (and projecting as in the Lemurs) ; they also 
 (do not) want the tuberculous tooth behind. These animals are covered 
 with hair (soft and glistening, but not fine in texture), and have a 
 long bushy tail ; and contrary to the habits of the other Insectivora, 
 they ascend trees with the agility of a squirrel, but their pointed muz- 
 zle renders them easily distinguishable, even at a distance. Cuv. 
 
 One species {Tupaia Ellioti, Waterhouse) is found in India. (Mag. 
 Nat. History.) 
 
APPENDIX C. 
 
 NOTES and Description of some new or little known species of 
 Ceylon birds: by Ed. Blyih^ Esq. Curator of the Bengal 
 Asiatic Society's Museum. From the Journals of the Asiatic 
 Society. * 
 
 ATHENE CASTANOTUS. Blyth. 
 
 Entire mantle and wings uniform deep chestnut ; rufous more or less 
 obscurely barred with subdued dusky ; primaries weak, dusky, faintly 
 banded with rufous on the inner web, and with a series of spots of 
 bright rufous on the outer web; tail dusky with eight or nine narrow 
 white or whitish bars, the last of them terminal ; head and neck 
 closely barred with a light rufescent on a dusky ground, and con- 
 trasting stongly with the rufous of the back, breast nearly similar, but 
 the colours deeper ; the abdomen white with longitudinal dusky streaks, 
 and the vent and tail coverts pure white ; bill pale yellow. Length 
 of wing about five inches. 
 
 Eemarks, — Dr. Templeton was the first to have noticed this owl 
 in Ceylon. We have obtained specimens from Newera-Ellia. It ap- 
 pears to be confined to the highland districts of the Island, from 
 whence also we have obtained Scops sunia, Hodgson, which Mr. Blyth 
 now considers to be only a variety of S. aldrovandi, of Kay. 
 
 GRACULA PTILOGENYS. Blyth. 
 
 No bare skin on the cheek, but the occipital lappets are well de- 
 veloped, and the basal half of the lower mandible is black, bill mode- 
 rately strong. Length of wings six inches. Colouring as in the others. 
 
 * The '‘remark!?” arc mine. — E, F, K. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 28 
 
 Remarks. — This Ma^nali or Saeyrooh is confined to the moim- 
 tainons parts of the Island ; particularly common about Newera-Ellia 
 where the well known Gracula Reh’giosa is not seen. The speci- 
 men from which Mr. Blyth describes this new species was sent to him 
 by Dr. Templeton. The natives prize this species more than the 
 other for the greater facility it has of acquiring a few words of 
 their language. 
 
 RUBiGuLA GULARis. Jerdon. Female. 
 
 Length about six inches and a half; wing two inches and seven- 
 eighths ; tail two and three quarters of an inch, and tarse five eighths. 
 Colour olive green above, below yellow throughout, sullied with greenish 
 on the breasts and flanks ; cap and ear coverts black, but no black 
 chin spots; the tail dusky or blackish laterally, edged with green 
 towards its base, its four outer feathers having a largish white spot 
 at tip, and the two central pairs being successively more narrowly 
 tipped with the same. Bill and feet black. If new, r. aberrans, nohis ; 
 but I repeat my suspicion of its being the female of R. gularis. 
 
 DICRURUS EDOLIFORMIS, Blyth. 
 
 This well marked species would seem to be a common bird in Cey- 
 lon. It much resembles the ordinary subcrested bird of the Malayan 
 Peninsula, except that its tail is found as in I), macrocercus, the caudal 
 feathers being however somewhat broader, Three species are quite 
 similar. Length of wing five inches and three eights, of middle tail 
 feathers five inches, the outermost an inch and a half, to an inch and 
 three quarters more ; bill to gape an inch and three eighth ; and tarse 
 an inch. The form of bill and plumage is as in E. maldbaricus, the 
 frontal crest being rather more developed than in the next species. 
 
 DICRURUS LEL’COrVGIALIS, Blyth. 
 
 Similar to D. ccerulescens. Linn, but smaller ; the tip of the upper 
 mandible (it would seem constantly) more produced and the white con- 
 fined to the lower tail coverts, the abdominal region being merely some- 
 what paler than the breast. Length of wing five inches and three eighths. 
 
 Remarks. — Both these species were sent to Mr. Blyth by Dr. Tem- 
 pleton. We have only seen the former. 
 
24 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 GALLUS LAFAYETTEI, LesSOli. 
 
 Ilemarks. — Mr. Blyth makes Gallus Stanleyii of Gray the female 
 of the Ceylon Jungle Cock which has been described, if we mistake 
 not, by Lesson under the name of G. Lafayettei. Mr. Gray, on the 
 contrary, makes G. Stanleyii to be the female of G. Sonneratlii. The 
 former was long known in Europe by Gray’s published figure of 
 the hen. We remem^ber well Mr. Gray Junior showing us the 
 Ceylon bird ( a male specimen ) in the British Museum labelled 
 Gallus Lafayettei, and its characters corresponded with Lesson’s descrip- 
 tion. Since then we have supplied both the British Museum and 
 Zoological Society of London with male and female of the jungle 
 fowl, and ere this no doubt Mr. Gray and others would have formed 
 their opinion on Mr. Blyth’s observations. 
 
 GALLO-PERDIX BICALCARATUS. Blyth. 
 
 Eemarks. — Mr. Blyth places the long known Tetrao-hicalcaratus 
 ( figured in Pennant’s work ) under his new genus Galloperdix, and 
 says that it is cpiite distinct from the Cumia Partridge Perdix henulosa, 
 vel, P. HardwicJcii Gray. 
 
 This double spurred partridge ( The Haban Kookoola, of the Sin- 
 ghalese) is a common bird on the Western Coast of the Island, and we 
 have also obtained fine specimens of it at Newera-Ellia, where also 
 Gallus Lafayettei is common. 
 
 Seldom are the sexes of G. Lafayettei seen together. In travelling 
 along the less frequented high roads the Jungle Cock is frequently 
 seen, but rarely does the hen venture out oiJ such exposed situations; 
 and therefore, are female specimens so rarely obtained. At Trinco- 
 malie, a very handsome cock can be bought for six pence, but a hen 
 is rarely seen in the market. Hybrid breeds of the jungle fowl 
 and the domesticated Indian bird (the origin of which is supposed to 
 be Gallus BanJcimis) are sometimes seen in the villages, but all attempts 
 we have made to domesticate our jungle fowl have failed. The na- 
 tives are said to succeed, only, when the Birds are liatched by a do- 
 mestic fowl from eggs procured in the jungles. 
 
 PAL.EORXIS CALTHROPiE, Lai/avd. 
 
 A beautiful species, the representative in the mountainous parts of 
 
AITENDIX. 
 
 25 
 
 Ceylon of P. Columboides of the Nilgiris, to which species it manifests 
 the nearest affinity. Crown and back plumbeous-grey, passing to 
 bluish on the rump, and rich dark indigo -blue on the middle tail- 
 feathers and outer webs of the rest retail yellow beneath and at the 
 tijDs, sullied along the inner webs of the rectrices above; forehead 
 and cheeks (passing beyond the eye), broad nuchal ring, and entire 
 under parts, brilliant green ; wings deeper green paler, and yellowish 
 towards the Scapularis: throat intense black and contrasting with a 
 tendency to form a ring round the neck, but which dees not so much 
 as half surround the neck. Upper mandible bright coral, with a 
 white tip, the lower reddish. Wing 5| in.: tail probably of its 
 usual length, but its medial feathers in the specimen described ap- 
 pear but half grown. A female or young male is wholly green, 
 more yellowish below; except the rump which is 1)rigliter blue than 
 in the adult male, and the tail is mingled green and indigo-blue; the 
 more vived green ring of the neck but obscurely indicated. Both the 
 mandibles are dull coral with white tips; and the wing measures 
 in., the tail but in. 
 
 Inhabits the Kandyan country in Ceylon. Nothing can exceed the 
 harmony and delicate beauty of its colouring. 
 
 Loriculus Asiaticus; Psittacus Asiaticus, Latham, and Ps\ indicus, 
 Gmelin, — ^both founded on Edwards pi: 6, which is a good represen- 
 tation. The names, however, are bad, as the race would seem to be 
 wholly confined to Ceylon, while L. vernalis inhabits all India, and 
 the countries bordering the Eastern shores of the Bay of Bengal, as 
 far as the Tenasserim provinces where it abounds, and also Java; 
 whereas in the Malayan peninsula there appears only to be L, galguhs. 
 L. Asiaticus differs from L. vernalis in having the crown deep red, 
 passing to a saffron hue on the nape, and in some specimens over 
 much of the back; while the fore part of the neck is tinged, more 
 or less deeply with verditer. The nearest affinity of these Loricules 
 is with the genus Eclectus; and there are other species in the Philip- 
 pines and probably the South of China. 
 
 lUX'EROS I’M A. 
 
 Distinguished by its cornpai’atively large size, highly comju’essed 
 
 h 1 
 
APPENDIX- 
 
 casque with great black patch not descending upon the upper man- 
 dible, and fourf white tail feathers on each side. Inhabits all the 
 peninsula from Central India Southward and Ceylon? * At least 
 a head from the latter country is. undistinguishable ; but the Singha- 
 lese race {B. violaceus, Auct.), is described to have constantly only 
 three of its outer tail feathers on each side white. 
 
 Bccebos violaceus, Shaw and Wagler ? (Non vidimus ) from Ceylon. 
 B. Malayanus as also nearly affined, but too different to be confounded 
 with either of the others; and B. nigrirostris (No. 182) is certainly 
 distinct, and is referred to by Dr. S. Muller as a permanent variety 
 of B. Malayanus. 
 
 Picus gymnopthalmos, — Blyth. 
 
 This little Woodpecker so nearly resembles P. Moluecemds (No. 301), 
 that the same description of the upper parts would nearly serve for 
 both ; but the under parts are streakless rufescent white, except the 
 lower tail coverts "which have blackish centres. The crowm also 
 differs in being of an uniform sooty black, a little brownish towards 
 the lores only; the outer webs of the primaries are wholly dusky- 
 black without markings; and all the tail feathers have series of two 
 or three white spots along the border of each web, not developed into 
 hands. The black generally is also more intense than in P. Moluc- 
 censis; and there is a small naked orbital space, less developed in P 
 variegatus. We have only seen the female, but Mr. Layard informs 
 LB that the male has “a slender brilliant crimson ear stripe.” 
 
 Inhabits Ceylon; where generally observed singly upon dead trees 
 ( Lavard. ) 
 
 CUCULUS TEXUIROSTRIS,— 
 
 In Lower Bengal, the majority of adults of this species have the 
 lower parts bright ferruginous; on the Eastern side of the Bay of 
 Bengal, all appear to be of this colour, and we have reason to 
 infer that they grade insensibly into the smaller Malayan race ( C, 
 Jiavus) as "we proceed Southward, and the adults of that race we have 
 
 * We have ascertained that the true B. pica, inhabit'; Ceylon — found in 
 great abundance near Trinconaalie. E. F. K. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 27 
 
 never seen otherwise coloured. On the other hand, throughout 
 the peninsula of India and in Ceylon, also in the Deyra Boon, the 
 rufous bellied specimens appear never to occur, and many are wholly 
 dark ashy in Lower Bengal, while others from this vicinity exhibit 
 every intermediate grade having reference neither to age nor sex. 
 
 CENTROPUS chloroehynchos, Blyth. 
 
 Distinguished from C. Eufipennis, Illiger. ( vel philippensis, Cuvier 
 No. 385^ by its much shorter wings, and larger bill of an uniform 
 greenish-yellow colour; by the darker shade bordering on marronne 
 of the back, and wings; and by the peculiar hue of the dark head, 
 neck, and under parts, which have a somewhat ruddy tinge, and are 
 glossed wich amethystine purple ; a redder shine of which is seen 
 likewise to gloss the upper parts: tail purple black. Length about 
 18 in., of which the tail measures half, its outermost feathers in. 
 less; wing 6|.; bill to gape 1| in.; and its vertical depth fully j in.; 
 tarse 2 in., and long hind-claw about 1 in. Inhabits Ceylon. 
 
 BATRACHOSTOMOS MONiLiGER, Layard: 
 
 A little smaller than B. Javansis ( Horsfield No. 401), which it 
 greatly resembles at the first glance, but differs considerably in the 
 details of its marking. Colour of the upper parts, throat and breast, 
 bright bay or rufous-brown ; the latter without spots, except a torque 
 of whitp spots margined above with black above the breast, and another 
 separating the hue of the breast from that of the abdomen; belly 
 and lower tail coverts contrasting pale isabelline, with similar but 
 smaller spots, and a slight dusky mottling over the flanks : coronal 
 feathers long, the occipital tipped with white, bordered above with 
 black, forming a white nuchal ring almost or quite continuous with 
 the torque below; over the eye a pale rufescent supercilium; and 
 the lengthened and erect loral plumes are tipped with black and 
 whitish at the extreme tip; most of the wing coverts are tipped with 
 a large ovoid pure w^hite spot bordered above with black ; the terti- 
 aries are pale and delicately mottled with dusky, each having also a 
 minute terminal black and white spot; and the primaries are black 
 
28 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 having their outer webs broadly margined with the colour of the 
 back; the scapularies also have small terminal black and white spots, 
 and the uppermost are pale like the tertiaries; tail mottled and ob- 
 scurely banded, the bands terminating externally in series of whitish 
 spots, successively more developed and distinct on the outer feathers. 
 In form the tail is somewhat peculiar, its lateral halves separating 
 into distinct lobes, whence the closed tail appears furcate. Length 
 about 10 in., of wing 4| in. and tail 4|in. ; its outermost feathers 
 2| in., less, penultimate 1 in. less, and ante-penultimate but \ in., less. 
 The uniform rufous brown of the throat and breast crossed by the 
 white torque and bordered below by another, well distinguishes ihivS 
 species from B. Javanensis: and the bright white spots on the wings 
 ( corresponding but not similar to those of the large B. auritus) dis- 
 tinguish it as readily from B. affinis. It remains to ascertain wLether 
 either B. moniliger B. affinis, or B. auritus, presents the state of 
 plumage corresponding to that named Podargus cornutus by M. Tem- 
 minck, who considers this to be identical with B. Javanensis, while 
 Mr. G. R. Gray regards them as separate species. The dark young 
 sped mens of presumed B. affinis from Darjiling would seem to in- 
 dicate, from its considerable resemblance to Cornutus, that it w^ould 
 afterw^ards have assumed that dress, in wLich case it would seem to 
 follow^ that the tw'o are different phases of the same bird, irrespective 
 of age and perhaps sex. B. Moniliger inhabits Ceylon, wdiere Mr. 
 Layard is informed that it is not uncommon at a particular altitude 
 in the Kandyan country; and it is most probably the Coorg species 
 seen by Mr. Jerdon. as noticed in XIV. 209. 
 
 • The anatomy of this genus differs remarkably from that of Capei- 
 MijLGUs. The stomach is a highly muscular -gizzard like that of 
 Nyctibius; and there is a large gall bladder; sternum small, subqua- 
 drate with but a slight keel, and four deep emarginations behind; 
 the coracoids long and slender, and furcula like that of Caprimulgus 
 but more slender. According to Mr. Gould the outer front claw* of 
 Podargus is capable of reversion; but on macerating and completely 
 relaxing the foot of P. Strigoides, we found that it can be only half 
 reversed as in Conjthaix, Tamatia. and some other genera. Save in 
 the proportional size of the feet, which are much larger in Podargus 
 there seems to be nought else to separate Batrachosfomos from it; 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 29 
 
 and it is probable that even in this respect a gradation occurs in 
 the different species. 
 
 CISSA PDELLA. BlytU. 
 
 Size and structure of c. venatorius ; the outermost and penultimate 
 tail feathers shorter than in that species. Entire head, neck, and 
 breast, with the outer w'ebs of the primaries, secondaries and terti- 
 aries, bright bay or ferruginous brown; rest of the plumage beautiful 
 deep blue of different shades, except the tips of all the tail-feathers 
 which are white bordered about with black, the middle pair with only 
 a trace of this ; inner webs of the primaries and secondaries black, 
 empurpled except on the primaries, anterior half of the wing deep 
 indigo-blue ; the back tail, except the tips and a band across the breast, 
 smalt blue ; low’er parts dull bluish grey. Such are the colours of 
 what is evidently a bird in its first plumage. The beak looks as if 
 it would probably have become deep coral-red; and the feet are pale 
 with dusky claws. Bill to gape 1. 9-16 inches, wing 6^ inches, 
 middle tail feathers 8 inches, the outermost inches, and the rest 
 evenly graduating. 
 
 This beautiful species inhabits Ceylon. 
 
 DRYMOicA valida, (Rohusto) BlytTi. 
 
 Differs from D. Sylvatica of the Nilgiris in its darker shade of 
 colour above, and larger and stronger bill and legs, which last appear 
 to have been of a deep reddish brown colour; the flanks and sides 
 of the breast are duskyish. 
 
 HIRUNDO HYPERYTIIRA, Lmjavd 
 
 Resembles //. daurica, but has the entire under parts (inclusive of 
 err coverts) of the same deep ferruginous hue as the rump, which is 
 deeper than that of H. daurica ; the mesial streaks of the feathers of 
 the lower parts being less developed. Accordingly, this species bears 
 exactly the same relationship to H. daurica, which II. caliirica does 
 to H. rustica, Qjrdi has the same claim for separation. 
 
 It appears to be peculiar to the Island of Ceylon, where Mr. Layard 
 informs us that “ it builds in the houses of Newera-Ellia and does not 
 migrate.” A remarkable contrast to the habits (jf II daurica ; while 
 it curiously resembles in its stationary al»ode the II. cakirica. 
 
30 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Remarks. — We have never seen this Swallow at Newera-EUia. The 
 swallow which builds its nest in roofs of houses on that station, is 
 Hirundo domicola, of Jerdon. H. Hyperythra is found in great abun- 
 dance at Kandy and Kaduganava Pass. 
 
 ALCiPPE nigrifrons, Blyth. 
 
 Closely affined to A. atriceps (Jerdon), from which it differs in not 
 having the whole crown black, but only the forehead continued as a 
 line backward over each eye, and the ear coverts. The tail is also 
 darker and distinctly rayed with dusky black. General hue fulvous- 
 brown above, and on the flanks and lower tail coverts: rest of the 
 under parts pure white, the axillaries tinged with rufescent. Wing 
 inches. ' 
 
 Inhabits Ceylon. 
 
 DRYMOCATAPHUS FUSCOCAPILLUS, Blyth. 
 
 Like Dr. nigrocapitatus, but the supercilia uniform with the lores, 
 ear-coverts, sides of neck, throat and entire under parts, pale ferru- 
 ginous brown, a little deeper on the breast : coronal feathers dark-brown 
 margined with dusky black, and pale shafted : rest of the upper parts 
 uniform greyish olive brown, the primaries margined paler, and the 
 extreme tips of the tail feathers rufescent. Bill pale, the upper man- 
 dible dusky : and feet pale. Length about 6J- inches, the wing 2| 
 inches; and tail 2J inches; bill to gape 13-16th inches; and tarse 1 inch. 
 
 Inhabits Ceylon. 
 
 AcRocEpmiLus Dumetorpm, nobis: S}ti: Acr. montana of India, 
 auctorum. ‘\CaIamoherpe montana of India,” writes Mr. Strickland, 
 “ is not Horsfield’s montana, in which the wing is 2 inches long, gra- 
 duated; the fifth quill longest.” 
 
 LEUCOCERCA COMPRESSIBOSTRIS, Blyth. 
 
 Like L. alhofrontata, but with the bill much more compressed. 
 Perhaps a variety only. From Ceylon. * 
 
 C. DICRURUS MACEOCERCUS. V&T. 
 
 The Singhalese representative of this species appears to' be inva- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 31 
 
 riably much smaller than the race of all India, adults having the 
 wing but 5 to inches (instead of 6 inches), and the rest in pro- 
 portion. D. longicaudatns of Ceylon differs in no respect from the 
 common Indian bird ; but D. ccerulescens of India is replaced in Cey- 
 lon by the nearly affined D. leucopygiqlis ; and a very distinct species 
 exists in the Island, the D, edolifoxmis which is in fact without the 
 racket tail, its tail quite resembling that of D. macrocercu$. 
 
 RALLUS INDICUS, Blyth. 
 
 Resembles R, aquaticus, but averages a rather larger size, having 
 the wing 5 to 5^ inches, and the bill is constantly more robust. Of 
 many dozens of specimens, we have never once seen the pure ashy 
 hue of the under parts so common in R. aquaticuSy there being always 
 an intermixture of brown, common in L. Bengal and in India generally. 
 
 Pelicanus Javanicus (?) Sorsfield. No. 1742 P. Philippensis, Gme- 
 lin, described Ann: Mag. N. H. xiv, 122. These two species of Pe- 
 lican are common throughout S. E. Asia and its islands, and we be- 
 lieve are here correctly identified. The first closely resembles P, ono- 
 cratalns, but has never the full and copious pendent occipital crest 
 of slender feathers, about 5 inches long, which distinguishes P. ono- 
 cratalus at least in the breeding season ; the head and neck plumage 
 being of quite a different character, not silky and fur like and the 
 feathers undistinguishable apart as in P. onocratalus, but open, flimsy 
 and downy, and curving round towards the occiput, — characters which 
 are more strikingly developed in P. Philippensis. 
 
 CAPRIMULGUS KELAARTI, Blythy n. S. 
 
 Both sexes of a species much resembling C. Indicvs; Latham, 
 but smaller, and identical with the Nilgiri bird described in a note to 
 J. A. S. xiv, 208 : and the large specimen referred to on the same 
 occasion, which we have now much reason to believe was either from 
 the Philippines or China, * is doubtless also of a distinct race ; the 
 three differing much as C. AlhonotatuSy C. Macrourus and C. Atri- 
 pennis, or C. RuJicoUis and C. Indicus, C. Monticolus and C. Affinis. 
 
 * Tt formed part of the dispersed Macoa Museum. 
 
APPENITIX. 
 
 o o 
 
 oJ 
 
 These three species or races much resemble C. Europcens in their 
 general aspect, but have plumed tarsi, and the males are marked 'wuth 
 white on four of the outer tail-feathers on each side, and on the same 
 number of the wing-primaries. The white on the tail-feathers is not 
 quite terminal, as in C. Europceus, but has a narrow dark margin 
 in C. Indicus and C. Kelaarti, and a much broader dark margin in 
 the other, reducing the space occupied by the white in the first two 
 races : and the ensemble of the markings of C. Kelaarti presents a certain 
 difference from that of C. Indicus, readily enough appreciable by the 
 eye, but which can scarcely be expressed adequately in language ; 
 further than that the pale jxu'tion of the plumage generally is more 
 albescent and less tinged with rufous in C. Kelaarti, and thus con- 
 trasts more strongly with the black. The size, however, affords the 
 readiest distinction, the length of wing in three specimens of C. Kelaarti 
 ranging from 6 | to 7^ inches, in five of C. Indicus from Tg to in- 
 ches, and in one of the Chinese (?) race 8 ^ inches.! 
 
 cissA FUELLA, Ely til, J. A. S. XVIII, 810 : 
 
 C. pyrrhocyanea, (Wagler,) Gould’s Birds of Asia, pt. 1 . “ This” 
 writes Dr. Kelaart, “is perhaps the handsomest bird in Ceylon. It 
 is rather numerous about Newera-Ellia, but I have not seen it in the 
 low country.” 
 
 GARULAX cixEREiFROxs, Kelaart. n. s. 
 
 Afhned to G. Delesserti, (Jerdon, III. Ind. Orn. pi. 13), of the Nil- 
 giris, but differing much in its colouring. General hue a rich brown 
 above, much paler below" ; forehead and cheeks pure ashy ; chin and 
 borders of the outer primaries, albescent. Bill blackish. Legs dusky 
 corneous. Length 8 ^ inches; of w'ing 4i inches; and tail 4 inches; 
 its outermost feathers 1 |- inch less : bill to gape 1 | inch ; tarse I 5 inch. 
 
 ALciPPE xiGRiFRONS, Blyth, J. A. S. xviii. 815. 
 
 Young, similar in plumage to the adult. 
 
 t Among numerous examples of C. Indicus procured in Bengal and vaiious 
 other parts of India, the Malayan Peninsula &c.. we have observed no dif- 
 ference worthy of notice here. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 33 
 
 CISTICOLA OMALIJRA, Blyth. 
 
 Differs from C. Cnrsifans, (Franklin) in having a stouter bill, tha 
 whole upper parts much darker, and tlie tail sub-even, except that its 
 outermost feathers are | inch shorter than the next. ^Jdie prevailing 
 hue of the upper j)arts is dusky-black, with much narrower rufescent 
 lateral margins to the feathers than in C. Ciirsitans, the rump how- 
 ever being unmixed rufescent as in that species, and the neck much 
 tinged with the same. One s})ecimcn has some dark markings on the 
 breast; and another in first plumage greatly resembles the adults, 
 and is conspicuously different from the young of C. Cursitans. This 
 species was long ago procured by Mr. I.ayard, and therefore is pro- 
 bably not p'eculiar to the mountains or their vicinity. From the 
 whole of India we have only seen C. Cu sifans, which likewise in- 
 habits Ceylon. Is iimerous African s]^ecies of this genus have however 
 been figured and dcscrihed by Dr. Kup]iel and Dr. Andrew Smith, 
 and five Australian Species by Mr. Gould (whose C. Euficeps we take 
 to be merely the young of his O. Is>/ro.) From Lrymoica they differ 
 structurally in having twelve tail-feathers instead of ten only. 
 
 - f 
 
 WERULA WARDIT, Jivdon. 
 
 Both sexes of this species arc sent, the female being the Oreocincla 
 micropus of Mr. Hodgson. 
 
 MERULA KiNNisii, liclaart, n. s. 
 
 The blackbird of Newera-Edia. Female, above ashy-black, below 
 rather paler; bill and feet bright yellow. Length abont 9 inches; 
 of wing 4|- indies and tail 4 inches; bill to gape inch; and tarse 
 
 the same. lst_ short [)rimaryl| shorter and 2d, J inch shorter than 
 the fourth. The last character distinguishes this species readily from 
 M. Simil ima and M. Nigropileus of S. India; as also from il/. Brach' 
 ypvs, nobis (J. A. S. xvi. 14b), likewise of S. India, hnt which appears 
 to, he Lathfun’s ‘Black crowned Thrusli,’ from Ceylon. The wings are 
 even more rounded than in il/. ViiJriaris', and the species would seem 
 to lie closely aftined to M. Xantliosceb's, (dardine, Contrih. Orn.,) from 
 Tobago. “The ma'e,” writes Dr. Kelaart, “ is blacker and more glossy. 
 In notes and habits resembling M. Vulgaris.” 
 
Ai»rt*N Dli. 
 
 PRATINCOLA ATRATA, Kelaart. n. a. 
 
 > - tv 
 
 The ‘ Robin ’ of Newera-Ellia. Both sexes similar to those of Pr. 
 Caprata, except that they are^ much larger, with a proportionally rather 
 stouter bill ; and the female is much less rufescent. Wing 3 J inches 
 in the male; 3 inches in the female* Pr. Caprata inhabits the less 
 elevated parts of the Island. 
 
 HIRUNDO DOMICOLA, JevdoU . 
 
 H, javanica apud Latham and Shaw. ‘ Bungalow Swallow’ of resi- 
 dents in the Nilgiris. 
 
 MUNiA PECTORALis, Jerdon), adult. 
 
 This species was once only obtained by. Mr. Jerdon in S. India, 
 and his specimen (which is in the Society’s Museum) would now seem 
 to be a young bird. What appears to be the adult is brown above, 
 with pale stems to the feathers, nearly obsolete in the back ; and 
 passing to blackish on the forehead, wings rump and tail : throat and 
 foreneck, with the cheeks, deep brown black : the smaller upper tail- 
 coverts are variegated with white, and the longer are largely tipped 
 with fulvous ; under parts variegated ; the breast browm, and belly and 
 lower tail coverts black, the last having white medial streaks, and the 
 rest of the under-part white subterminal bands, and the flank -feathers 
 a second and some of them a third white cross -band additionally. 
 Beak livid bluish ; and feet dark plumbeous. Length of wing 2.3-16 
 inches; tail If in.; beak from frontal angle 9-16 inch. 
 
 PYcNONOTus PENICILLATUS, Kelaart, n. s. 
 
 Yellow-eared Bulbul )?) Jerdon, Madras Jour, xiii, 168. Bright olive 
 green above, yellow below: crown and cheeks black, passing to pure 
 ashy on the ear-coverts ; the chin, feathers at the angle of the lower 
 mandible and somewhat elongated loral tuft pointing upwards, white . 
 above the eye, also, a white spot, and below it a yellow one,— and 
 proceeding backward from the eye, above, is a lengthened tuft of bright 
 yellow, silky, pointed feathers ; no white marks on the tail. Bill black ; 
 and feet blackish. Length about 7 inches; of wing 3J inches, and 
 tail 3 inches; bill to gape 13*16 inch; and taree | inch. Peculiar to 
 ?lie mountain region. 
 
Ai’rE.\D}X. 
 
 35 
 
 BRACK ypTERYX (?) PALLisERi, Kelaavty ri. 8. 
 
 Female? A rich dark olive or somewhat tawny brown above, paler 
 below, and whitish along the middle of the abdomen ; flanks and lower 
 tail-coverts dark; and a strong rufous tinge on the chin and throat. 
 Bill dusky above, whitish beneath. Feet brown. Length about H iii- 
 ches, of wing 2| inches, and tail 2| inches, bill to gape 13-16 in- 
 ches ; tarse 1 inch. The 5th, 6th and 7th primaries equal and longest 
 the 1st one inch shorter; and the outermost tail feather 1§ inch shorter 
 than the middle ones. 
 
 PALUMBUS ELPHINSTONEI (?, S^kes), Vai’ ? 
 
 This bird is so closely affined to the Nilgiri race, that we do not 
 venture to separate it, however strongly distinguished in its colouring ; 
 quite as much so, for instance, as Turtur Risorius (vervs), T. vinaceus, 
 and T. hitorquatus, or T. Orientals and T. auritus. It differs from 
 the Nilgiri race in having the back and wings plain dark slaty, without 
 a trace of ruddy margining to the feathers ; the head neck and under 
 parts are also tinged with vinaceous more than with green, and the 
 reddish- purple gloss — especially about the lower part of the neck behind, 
 where it contrasts ahrujptly with the ashy of the back, — is considerably 
 more brilliant It is altogether a handsomer bird than that of the 
 Nilgiris. “ The habits of this Pigeon,” writes Dr. Kelaart, “ are strictly 
 arboreal ; it flies high and swiftly. It comes to Newera-Ellia to breed ^ 
 and I have seen a nest with only one egg, as large as that of, the do- 
 mestic pigeon. The stomach contained fruits of the Nelonr (?) “ Sexes 
 nearly alike.” 
 
 Remarks. — This beautiful pigeon we have named after LadyTor- 
 rington — P. Torringtmii. It is easily distinguished from all others 
 in the Island, from its large size and black crescentic shaped collar, 
 edged and spotted with white. 
 
36 
 
 AIT'EXDIX. 
 
 KOTES. 
 
 While this work is going through the press IMr. Blyth informs ua 
 that the Bat which we have named Scrofophilvs Ceylonicus has the 
 dentition of VespertiUo adversus. He also makes Bhinolo]div.s ruhidm 
 to be a variety of Zik ajinis? Horsf. I^Ir. Blyth is inclined to make 
 Hipposideros fahjens of Elliot only a variety of H. murinus. If co- 
 lours so strongly contrasting as dark brown and bright yellow are 
 not found sufficient to make snecies, we shall have to reduce consi- 
 derably the number of Indian bats. 
 
 It appears that we have sent Mr. Blyth Megaderma sj)asma, (verus) 
 Geoff, which must now be added to the List of Mammals of Ceylon. 
 It is thus described, “Leaf heart-shaped; follicle large and similar; 
 auricle of a half heart shape.” 
 
 Mr. Blyth forms a new species of the small mouse which we have 
 cited doubtfully as a variety of Mus cervicolor. Mr. Blyth names it 
 Mus fidvidiventris. We have also recently procured specimens of 
 Mns muscvlus (verus) from Kandy and Trinconialie. 
 
 Mr. J. E. Gray in his latest Synopsis of tlie Deer tribe (Annals 
 and iMag. of Xat. Hist. I\lay 1652.) makes the Rusa of C'eylon and 
 India a distinct species from those of Java and Sumatra, and calls it 
 Rusa Aristotelis, restricting the specific name of Equinus to the Busa 
 of Sumatra and Borneo, and lUppeJaiJius to the Busa of Java. 
 
 As we are so far from a iNInseum of Cevlon IMamraals, and it is 
 not easy to procure fresh spec-mens, we must reserve some other 
 notes on recent researches of M. Blyth and Mr, Gray for another 
 opportunity. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 37 
 
 Mr. DLYTirS EEPORT 
 ox 
 
 CEYLON MAMMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES AND FISHES; 
 
 March 1852. 
 
 From Dr. Kelaart of the Ceylon Medical Service, several packages 
 Lave been received, which have greatly enriched our collections. 
 
 Of mammalia, we are indebted to him for skins, skulls, &c. of Prfs- 
 BYTis Priamus, and skins of Pn. urstnus {J. A. S. XX, 155), young, 
 and skin of Pr. cephalopterus, almost white (Pr. alhinus Kelaart, 
 J. A. S. XX, 182); Lemur catta, L,; and numerous specimens of 
 Bats, as follows : — 
 
 PxBROPUs EDULis, V. EdwardsU, &c. 
 
 Pt. Lescuenaultii, Desm., v. Pt. seminudus, Kelaart. A fine pair 
 in spirit, a skin, and specimen now prepared as a skeleton. 
 
 Cynopterus MARG1NATU9, (B. Ham.) Some ordinary brown exam- 
 ples in spirit, and a skin with the neck and sides of a very deep 
 ferruginous hue, in which phase this species is the C. Horsfieldii of 
 Mr. Gray. In old Bengal specimens, the same parts become deeply 
 tinged with bright tawny or rufo- fulvous, but are never dark ferru- 
 ginous, so far as we have seen. Malayan examples are of a paler 
 and more uniform brown, and constitute the C. titthoscheilus, (Tern.), 
 <fec. &c.; t exhibiting no further difference whatever that we can per- 
 
 * Since wriiing the above, we iiave obtained a fresh Calcutta specimen, which 
 at first was \ cry nearly as deeply tinged with ferruginous as the example from 
 Ceylon; but, in drying, the clour has faded very conbidcrably. 
 
 t Vide /, A: S. XY, lc7. Lemur Catta from Madagascar. E. F. K. 
 
 F 1 
 
38 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ceive, notwithstanding the remarks of Dr. Horsfield in his recently 
 published catalogue of the specimens of mammalia in the Hon’ble Com- 
 pany’s Museum in London. 
 
 Nycticejus Temminckii. (Horsfield, nec Ruppell, Atlasi), v. Belan- 
 ytri, castanea, et noctulinia, auct. Two specimens, one paler than the 
 other on the upper parts. By exposure to the light, the fur of this 
 species fades and becomes much more rufous or rufo -fulvous ; and 
 in all Indian specimens that we have seen, the under -parts are con- 
 stantly much paler than the upper ; but in one Javanese example in 
 the Society’s collection, the upper parts are of a much more vivid 
 tawny-rufous or ferruginous colour than we have seen in any Indian 
 specimen, and the under-parts are scarcely fainter in hue, We con- 
 sider this to be a casual variety only, analogous to those of certain 
 Horse-shoe and various other Bats mentioned in the sequel. * K. B. 
 Although in the recent state, this very common Indian species is most 
 easy to distinguish from N. luteus, nobis {J. A. S. XX, 157), from 
 the considerable difference of colour, however either may vary, they 
 both fade and alter so much in colour by exposure to light that they 
 then appear like larger and smaller races of the same species, — the 
 under parts of M. luteus, however, becoming generally of a more 
 rufescent hue than those of ordinary N. Temminckii. The length of 
 fore-arm in X. Temminckii is very regularly 2 in., in X. lutet s 
 2§ in., and in X. Heathii 2£ in. Examples of X. Heathii from Cey- 
 lon appear to be constantly a good deal darker than those from S, 
 India, unless perhaps from the more proximate districts of the con- 
 tinent. 
 
 SCOTOPHILUS COEOMANDELIANUS, (F. CuV.) 
 
 Vespertilio adverse s (?), Horsf. Bather darker than a Calcutta 
 specimen referred to the same, which latter entirely resembles an ex- 
 ample procured at Penang. 
 
 Kerivoula piCTA. (Pallas). 
 
 -Megaderma spasma, Geoffrey. A skin and entire specimen in 
 spirit. Identical in species with examples from Malacca and Java. 
 
 Bhinolophus apfinis (?), Horsfield : Bh. riihidus et fuliidns, Ke- 
 
 * A similar '.Javanese specimen is noted in ]Mr. Gray’s Catalogue of the spe- 
 cimens of mammalia in the Ihitisli ^luceum. 
 
APPENT>IX. 
 
 39 
 
 laart, as also another supposed species referred to by the same gen- 
 tleman in J. A. S. XX, 182-3 ; perhaps, too, the doubtfully cited 
 Rh. pusillus from Ceylon of Mr. Waterhouse’s catalogue of the mam- 
 malia in the Zoological Society’s museum: but, it would seem, not 
 Rh. affinis of Dr. Cantor’s Catalogue of the mammalia inhabiting the 
 Malayan peninsula {J. A. S. XV, 181). An extensive series of speci- 
 mens, both in spirit and skins ; and varying in hue from the most 
 vivid rufo- ferruginous in both sexes, to dusky-brown paler below and 
 without a shade of ferruginous or fulvous in either sex, — others 
 again being intermediate, — and the'^adolescent example is dingy cin- 
 ereous above, with here and there a slight admixture of rufous, and 
 below chiefly of the latter hue. In structure there is no diversity 
 whatever, and those of various colours were taken in company. The 
 admeasurements of a full grown male are as follow. Length of head 
 and body 2| in.; of tail (additional) 1 in.; alar expanse lOJin. ; fore- 
 arm 1 ^ in. ; tibia g in. ; ear-conch (posteriorly) barely | in. Facial 
 appendages typical. Fur of mean length, somewhat dense, porrect, 
 sinuous. A minute pair of upper incisors, liable to be overlooked in 
 the fresh specimen. 
 
 Hippostderos nobilis (?), Horsfield : Rhinolophus armiger. Hodg- 
 son ; H. lanhadiva, Kelaart, vide J. A. S. XX, 103. Male and female 
 in spirit ; another specimen now set up as a skeleton ; and a skin. 
 Decidedly identical in species with Mr. Hodgson’s armiger, and so far 
 as can be judged from the figures and descriptions, also with the 
 Malayan H. nobilis. 
 
 H. spEORis, (Schneider). Vide. J. A. S. XIII, 489. Numerous 
 specimens in spirit and also skins. It is remarkable that some exam- 
 ples of this species, also, are very bright rufo-ferruginous or golden- 
 fulvous, others fulvous brown more or less dark, and others again 
 brown or slaty without a tinge of fulvous, — the ordinary colour (that 
 heretofore described) however predominating, and, in general it would 
 seem that the brown Ceylon specimens run darker than those of S. 
 India. Moreover, it would seem that the vivid rufous examples both 
 of this and other species are comparatively rare, though from being 
 particularly selected out of multitudes they may accumulate in col- 
 lections. 
 
 M. MCRixus, (Elliot) : of which there now can be no further doubt 
 
40 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 that Rhinohphus falgens, Elliot, v. H. fulvus, Gray is merely the 
 corresponding vivid rufous phase to those noticed of H. speoris and 
 of the Rhinolophus. Four specimens, all of a blackish tint, thus 
 illustrating the H. ater of Dr. Templeton, and indicating that in the 
 present species (as in the preceding) Ceylon examples rim darker than 
 those of S. India. * 
 
 * The observation of these varieties of colour in different Horse-shoe as well 
 as in other genera of Bats shews that colour has been too much regarded in 
 the attempt to discriminate the species of these animals. It is a variation that 
 has long been known in some of the Rbinolophi, and M. Geoffroy St. Hilaire 
 was of opinion that the rufous hue becomes more intense in proportion as these 
 animals inhabit nearer the equator. Indeed, this would seem generally to be 
 the case, though the Australian Rh. atirantiacus of Mr. Gray is stated to rival 
 in the vivid intensity of its colouring the ‘ Cocks of the rock’ (Rupicola). Nu- 
 merous examples of the variation in question may here be conveniently adduced. 
 
 Rhinolophus luctus. Tern. (Apparently identical with Rh. perniger, Hodgson, 
 inhabiting the S. E. Himalaya and the Khaspa hills.) Rufous variety, from 
 Manilla, described by MM. Eydoux and Gervais in the Zoology of the voyage 
 of ‘ la Favorite.’ Perhaps also Mr. Gray’s Rh. morio from Singapore, the fur 
 described as “ reddish brown yet in Mr. Gray’s catalogue of the specimens 
 of mammalia in the British Museum, he terms this “ the Black Hors6-shoe Bat,” 
 a name suitable enough for ordinary Rh. luctus. 
 
 Rh. minor (?), Horsfield. The Rh. lepidus, nobis, from Bengal, Masuri, &c.» 
 would appear to exemplify the ordinary phase of what we now take to be this 
 species, and Rh. suhhadim, Hodgson, to repre^pt the mfous phase. At least Rh. 
 lepidus and Rh, suhhetdius prove to differ only in colour, and both seem to be 
 referable to Rh. minor. (Since WTiting the above, we have observed that Mr. Hodg- 
 son assigns his surbadius to Hipposideros in J. A. S, XVI, 896 ; but the speci- 
 mens which he sent to the Society by that specific name are genuine Rhinolophi.) 
 
 Rh. maceotis, Hodgson. Of this sub-Himalayan species we have both brown 
 and light rufous examples. 
 
 Rh, aubantiaous, Gray. The description of this Australian species is not at 
 hand ; but we may suggest that it probably is merely a rufous variety of Rh. 
 
 MEGAPHYLLUS. 
 
 Hipposideros diadema, (Geoff.) Vide Cantor, in J. A. S. XV, 182. 
 
 H. LARVATUs, (Horsfield), the rufour phase,— and Rhinolophus vulgaris, Horsf., 
 the dark phase. The Arakan species described under these names in J. A. S. 
 XIII, 488, appears on present evidence to be correctly a’ssigned. 
 
 Taphozous fvlvidus, nobis, J. A. S. X, 275, is merely a fulvescent phase of T. 
 LONGiMANus. ( T. brevicuudus, nobis, also, was founded on a specimen of T. lon- 
 GiMANus distorted by the stuffer ; and as T. crassus, nobis, proves to be identical 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 41 
 
 Of Carnivora, three species of Mnngouste are sent, viz. Mungos 
 viTTicoLLis, (Bennet), injured; — Herpestes rubiginosus, Kelaart, v. 
 Ellioti, nobis, vide J. A. S. XX, 162, 184; — and H. fulvescens et 
 flavidens, loc. cit. Of the two latter, H. rubiginosus is affined to 
 H. NYULA, Hodgson, in size and the character of its fur, but the 
 rufous ground-tint predominates, the tail-tip is black and the four 
 paws are blackish ; and H. fulvescens is similarly affined to H. griseus, 
 but is of a much deeper colour, a deep fulvous or tawny predomi- 
 nating, and the coat is more dense, though by no means so full 
 and so developed upon the tail as in H. fuscus, Waterhouse, of the 
 Nilgiris. The name flavidens is objectionable as being quite unfounded, 
 and we therefore substitute for it the other appellation by which it 
 has also been described. * 
 
 Lutra nair, F. Cuv. Specimen procured at an elevation of 4,500 
 ft., near Newera Ellia. 
 
 Ursus labiatus. Skull of an old female. 
 
 SoREX. Two species of typical Shrew, one the S. ferrugineus, 
 
 with T. SAccoLAiMus Tem, v. pvlcuer, Elliot, aud as we fuither are not now 
 satisfied of the distinctness of T. Cantori, nobis, from T. longimanus, the Indian 
 Taphozoi would accordingly be reduced to T. saccolaimus, Tern., T. melano- 
 roGON, Tern., and T. longimanus, (Hardwicke), — all three inhabiting the 
 peninsula of India as well as the countries to the E, and S. E. 
 
 Nycticejus Temminckii, (Horfs.), exhibits occasionally an unifonn bright 
 tawney-rufous phase of colouring (in the Malay countries only, so far as observed), 
 which has already been remarked in the text. 
 
 Nycticejus (small undetermined species, common about Calcutta). The writer 
 once shot a specimen, now in the Society’s museum, with patches of bright 
 goldenfulvous on the lower-parts.' 
 
 Cynopterus margin atus, (B. Ham). Vide text. 
 
 Analogous variations occur in sundry birds, which exhibit an occasional rufous 
 or tawney phase of colouring; e. g. various Cuculi. — certain Owls (especially 
 the small Indian Scops, of which the grey phase w^as named Sc pennata and the 
 rufous phase Sc. sunia by Mr. Hodgson), — some of the Asiatic Podagri ( v. 
 Batrachosiorni) J. A. S. XVIII, 806, &c. 
 
 * The determination of the above species of Mungouste necessitated a more 
 elaborate study of the various Indian species of the group than we had pre- 
 viously the opportunity of bestowing; and the follownng are the results arrived 
 at, from the series of specimens now in the Society’s museum, among which 
 we discriminate the followung: — 
 
 G 1 
 
42 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Kelaart, J. A. S. XX, 185,* (perhaps S. niger, Elliot, of Horsfield’s 
 Catalogue?): the other sent as the “large godown Shrew of Kandy,” 
 and according pretty well with Schinz’s description of S. serpenta- 
 Rius, Belanger. Length of head and body about 4| in.; tail 2| in.; 
 tarse to end of claws 13-16 in.; skull 1 3-16 in. Colour dusky slate, 
 with rufescent tips to the fur of the upper-parts; beneath the fur is 
 
 1. Ueva cancrivora, Hodgson. Hab. Nepal; Arakan; Afghanistan (Grif- 
 fith). 
 
 2. Mungos viTTicoLLis, (Bennet). Hab. Malabar; Ceylon. [N. B. Barely 
 separable, geuerically, from the last, although the bony orbital rings are 
 complete in adults — as in the following species, with the exception of H. 
 BRACHYUEus which is about equally worthy of separation. The black lateral 
 neck-band in the present species is represented by a white one in the pre- 
 ceding) 
 
 3. Herpestes eubigixosus, Kelaart ; H. Ellioti, nobis. Hab. S. India ; 
 Ceylon. 
 
 4. M. MALACcExsis ( ? ), Fisher : H. nyu^a, Hodgson: H. griseus apud nos, 
 passim. Hab. Bengal; Nepal; Arakan? Malayan peninsula? We possess a fine 
 mounted albino of this species, referred to H. griseus" in J. A. S. XV, 250. 
 
 o. H. griseus, ( Geoffroy ). Viverra mungo, L., et H. pallidus, Schinz, apud 
 Horsfield- Hab. Hindustan ; S. India ; Ceylon ? N. B. Resembles the last in 
 size and form, and H. xipalensis in the character of its fur. 
 
 6. H. Ftm'EscExs, flavidens, Kelaart. Hab. Ceylon; S. India? 
 
 7. H. NiPALEXsis et auropunctatus, Hodgson. Hab. Bengal; Upper India 
 generally; Sindh; Afghanistan; Malayan peninsula (Cantor). N, B. Varies 
 much in general cast of colour, ashy or fulvous prevailing, some also being 
 very pale, others dark. 
 
 8. H. JAVAXicus, (Geoff.) Hab. Malayan peninsula and archipelago, ascend- 
 ing northward to Chittagong. N. E. Does not seem to differ from the last 
 except in colour. 
 
 9. H. Fuscus, Waterhouse. Hab. Nilgiris. 
 
 10. H. (?) BRACHYUEUS, Gray. Hab. Malayan peninsula. Remark. The only 
 two species of Mungouste inhabiting Bengal are H. malaccexsis [nyula] and 
 
 H. XIPALEXSIS. 
 
 * Of two specimens of this Shrew sent formerly by Dr. Kelaart, one was 
 labelled S. moxtaxus by mistake, and we thus came to describe both by the 
 name moxtaxus in J. A. S. XX, 163, dropping the name species in XX. 185. 
 He now writes word that he agrees in considering the two specimens referred 
 to as being of one species, his S. ferrugixeus; whilst his S. moxtaxus has 
 never been sent here at all, his only specimen having been forwarded to Dr. 
 Andrew Smith in England. 
 
APPE.SIDTX. 
 
 43 
 
 shorter and more appressed, and somewhat paler, with a faint tinge 
 of rufous about the breast. Not improbably undescribed, and quite 
 distinct from the two other Ceylon Shrews described J, A. S. XX, 163. 
 
 SciuRus. Of this genus. Dr. Kelaart has only sent a fragment of 
 the skin of a young Sc. macrourus, Forster (var. of a ruddy-white or 
 whitish-isabelline colour); and, on loan, a skin of the rufous-capped 
 Striped Squirrel, Sc. Kelaarti, Layard (vide note to J. A. S. XX, 
 166), remarkable for having its three pale dorsal stripes unusually 
 clear whitish, the five dark stripes unusually blackish and strongly 
 contrasting, the medial whitish stripe narrow and the lateral broad, 
 and the crown but faintly tinged with fulvous. Neither this nor 
 Sc. Brodiei are very satisfactorily distinguished from Sc. tristriatus, 
 of which they seem to be local varieties merely ; all retaining the deep 
 rufous tinge under the tail by which they may be at once distinguished 
 from Sc. PALMARuM, and it remains to ascertain whether the voice 
 severally differs, as is so remarkably exemplified by Sc. palm arum and 
 Sc. tristriatus.^ 
 
 The Muridae sent are — Gerbillus indices, skin and examples in 
 spirit. — Mus indices, Geoffrey in spirit, — M. flavescens. Gray, and 
 its var. kandianus, Kelaart, J, A. S. XX, 169, several specimens in 
 spirit, confirming the opinion expressed loc. cit. of the non -distinct- 
 ness of this as a species from M. flavescens, — M. nemoralis (? ), 
 nobis ; adolescent? (this is sent as “ the common house Bat of Trinco- 
 mali and Batticaloa; I never,” adds Dr. Kelaart, “ saw it elsewhere”) : 
 M. MUSCDLES, L., from Kandy, skin, and specimen in spirit (the first 
 instance we have seen of the common European house Mouse from 
 any part of Asia, though of course it must be continually brought by 
 the shipping), — and, lastly,— 
 
 Mus FULVIDIVENTRIS, nobis, n. s. A field Mouse from Trincomali, 
 affined to M. terricolor, nobis, J, A. S. XX, 172, and to another 
 
 * In a communication just received from Mr. Layard, it seems that he 
 also is now of opinion that Sc. Brodiei and Sc. Kelaarti may be varieties 
 of Sc. tristriatus; but in Ann. Mag. N. H., 1852, p. 335, he states of Sc. 
 Brodiei that its voice is far more shrill than that of Sc. tristriatus; and 
 also of Sc, Layardi, nobis, that — “ I shot it in dense jungle, being attracted 
 to it by the voice ; ” but the last is undoubtedly a strongly marked distinct 
 species. 
 
44 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ^ve have since discovered in the neighhonrhood of Calcutta.* Length 
 probably about 2^ in. ; tail (vertebrae) 2| in. ; tarse to tip of claws | 
 in. Colour of M. sylvaticus above, the fur shorter and less fine, 
 and straight (as in the various Indian affines) ; lower -parts rufescent 
 or isabelline, or they may be described as pale weak ferruginous. 
 Twenty caudal vertebrae distinguishable with 5 in. additional of tail-tip. 
 
 Hystrix hirsutirostris, Brandt ; H. leucurus, Sykes; H. zeylonensis, 
 nobis (the young). Skins and skulls. 
 
 Sus ? Three skulls of wild Boars of different ages from Trin- 
 
 comali do not present the peculiarities of form of the skull sent by 
 Mr. Layard, upon which is founded the Sus zeylonensis, nobis, 
 J. A. S, XX, 173; but are nearly affined to the continental race wuth 
 narrow occiput, this part, however, being rather less narrow than in 
 the Indian specimen described loc. cit. 
 
 Manis PENTADACTYLA, L.: M. hvacJiyura, Erxh, &c. The skin of a 
 full grown specimen, establishing this species as an inhabitant of the 
 island. 
 
 Of Birds, the most remarkable is a new species of Circaetus or 
 H.®matornis, Vigors, forwarded also by M. Layard. 
 
 H. spiLOGASTER, nobis, n, s. Bather smaller than H. cheela, (Lath., 
 V. undulattis, Vigors), and remarkable for having the underparts as 
 in the adult of that species, while the upper-parts, throat and tail, 
 retain in the adult the same colouring as that of the young of H. 
 cheela; a phase of plumage which we have never seen among the 
 multitude of Bengal specimens of H. cheela examined, but which is 
 exhibited in the two now received from different parts of Ceylon. 
 A figure of a third specimen is given in a collection of zoological 
 drawings from Ceylon forwarded on inspection by Mr. J. N. Mooy- 
 aart. In this the irides are represented pwe white (as in Poliornis 
 tees a), whereas those of H. cheela are hrilUant golden-yellow. 
 
 Spizaetus limnaetus, (Horsf.) var. cirrhatus et cristatellus, auct., 
 of peninsular India generally. Specimen rather small. 
 
 * M. ALBiDivENTRis, nobis, u s. Resembles M. terricolor, nobis, except in 
 being much larger, and generally greyer or less fulvescent. Length of a large 
 male (fresh) 6|- in., of which the tail is 2| in.; tarse to tip of claws 11-16 in.; 
 ear (from anterior base) 0 16 in. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 45 
 
 Buceros Pica, Scopoli. The common Pied Hornbill of Ceylon; 
 sent also by Mr. Layard. Identical with Indian specimens : and we 
 therefore consider B. violaceus, Shaw, apud Wagler (wdth four black 
 medial tail-feathers) to be merely a casual variety, more especially as 
 W’e have seen continental examples with the sub-medial rectrices partly 
 black. 
 
 B. GiNGALENsis, Sliaw. Head of male. 
 
 CucuLus SoxNERATii, Latham, 
 
 Malacocercus griseus, (Lath.), var. Eesembling the species of S. 
 India, excepting that the head is concolorous with the rest of the 
 upper-parts. 
 
 Grauculus javensis (? Horsfield ). Sent also by Mr. Layard. 
 Differs from Gr. Macei of continental India in its considerably smaller 
 size, the wing measuring but 5^ in., with the rest in proportion. 
 
 Gallus Stanleyi, Gray. A fine hen. We had previously only a 
 pullet of this sex. 
 
 Dromas ardeola, Payk. in immature plumage. An extremely in- 
 teresting specimen, as distinctly indicating the affinities of this (as 
 hitherto considered) anomalous and isolated genus. The plumage is 
 precisely that of a young Tern: and from all the details of outward 
 structure, it will be seen that this curious form is but an extraordinary 
 modification of the Tern type, just as Phcenicopterus is a most 
 singular modification of the type of Anserine. But the Gulls and 
 Terns, or Larid^, are more nearly afiined in their whole organization*^ 
 to the great series of Charadriad^ and Scolopacid^, auct., than 
 they are to the true Palmipedes ; and indeed approximate the Cha- 
 RADRiAD^, &c., much morc than the latter do to either the Ardeid^ 
 or Rallidae : and therefore they claim to rank rather among the 
 Grallatores than among the Natatores, though the genus Dro- 
 mas alone assumes the characteristic proportions of an ordinary wader. 
 It will be remarked that the habits of Dromas are entirely those of 
 a sea -side Tern: and an egg formerly sent by Mr. Layard as most 
 probably appertaining to this species (and it could not well have be- 
 
 * Also by the number and colouring of the eggs, character of the chick, and by 
 the seasonal changes of colouring of the genus IIydrochelikon in particular ; 
 by the voice likervise ; ami by their haunts and g(‘ucral liabits. 
 
 II 1 
 
46 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 longed to ought else) is further confirmatory of the view here 
 taken of the position of this remarkable genus in the natural system.* 
 
 PoRZANA zETLANicA, (Gm.) Differs from a specimen from Gum- 
 sur in the deep rufous colour being more developed at the base of 
 the nape, and also margining the scapularies, wing-coverts, and longest 
 tail-coverts, where no trace of it is perceptible in the Gumsur speci- 
 men. The latter would seem to be of a distinct variety, if not closely 
 affined species. 
 
 A few other specimens in this class require no special notice. 
 
 Of Reptiles, Dr, Kelaart has forwarded — 
 
 Testcdinata. Emts seba. Gray (sent also by Mr. Layard), — and 
 Emyda pekctata. Gray, (v. Cryjptopus granosus, Dumeril and Bibron). 
 
 Sauria. Crocodiles palestris. Lesson; — Monitor drac,s:na, (L.), 
 
 ( V. Varanus hengdlensis^ D. and B.) i f — Hemidactyles fr,s:nates, 
 Schl. ; H. CocT^i, D. and B. (common in Bengal, but not hitherto 
 observed in S. India); H. Leschenaultii, D. and B.;— Lybioce- 
 PHALD's scETATEs, (L.), 5 adults ; calotes ophiomachus (Merrem) ; 0. 
 VERSICOLOR, (Daud.) : — C. Roexi(?), Dumeril and Bibron, C. mysta- 
 CEEs, Dumeril and Bibron, were sent formerly by Mr. Layard. 
 
 Batrachia. Ra.ma cctipora. D. and B. ; R. malabarica, auct.; 
 R. bengalensis. Gray; Exgystoma marmoratum; Polypedates leu- 
 coMYsTAx, (Grav.); P. cruciger, nobis, n, s.: Bufo melanostictus, 
 Schneider. 
 
 Calotes ophiomachus. Specifically identical with an example from 
 the Nicobars, noticed J A. S. XV, 376:* but a nearly affined Ca- 
 lotes from Cherra Punji (presented by Mr. Firth) differs in having 
 the head much flatter, the nuchal spines less laterally compressed or 
 widely flattened and more rigid, being scarcely at alitexpanded on 
 
 * In PoDicA and Heliornis we recognise the converse modification, in a 
 Kallidous genus presenting the proportions of an ordinary swimmer. N. B. It 
 should be remarked that we perceive little affinity between the tnie Labid-e 
 and the Procellarida: (or Albatrosses and Petrels). 
 
 Y V. Bibroni, nobis, J. A. S. XL 869, we now consider to be a variety merely 
 of this species, which appears to be the only Varanus of all peninsular India. 
 
 * The supposed Calotes mystacees of the Nicobars loc. cit., is a Salea of 
 Mr. Gray, except that the back is crested throughout; and a very similar 
 species in the museum, save that the throat-skin is lax and forms a sort of 
 fa/ion, was procured, we believe at Mizapore, by the late !Major Wroughton. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 47 
 
 their terminal half, and in having a well marked second sincipital 
 crest above the ear, shewing eight spines, the first three of which are 
 short and the fifth longest : there is also no black stripe through the 
 eye, — C. platyceps, nobis; n. s. 
 
 C. VERSICOLOR. Specimens very strongly mottled, but apparently 
 identical with the extremely common and only species of this genus 
 we know of in Lower Bengal. 
 
 C. Rouxi? This species is probably distinct and undescribed: but 
 as Dr. Kelaart has for'warded a series of Ceylon reptiles to Dr. An- 
 drew Smith in England, we decline naming it at present. Crest of 
 elevated flattened spines much longer than in C. versicolor, con- 
 tinued along the entire back and over the base of tail; two isolated 
 spines, one before the other, above the ears; oblique plait of neck, 
 before the shoulders, well marked in adults ; a very slight fanon, or 
 indication of one, on the throat; lateral scales fully twice as large as 
 the abdominal; longest hind-toe reaching to the ear; tail | of the 
 total length : colour fulvous-green, reddening on the throat of two spe- 
 cimens, under examination ; tail (in the faded specimens) chiefly al- 
 bescent; radiating dark marks on the eyelids, as in C. versicolor. 
 
 C. MYSTACEus. f Nuchal and dorsal crest diminishing gradually to 
 base of tail; two separate groups of 3 or 4 spines each above each 
 ear; lateral scales not much larger than the abdominal; a very dis- 
 tinct well marked fanon in adults ; tail § of the total length ; longest 
 hind-toe reaching to the ear; colour remarkable, green, with 4 or 5 
 large red blotches on each side; the tip of upper lip, border and under 
 lip, and nape, appear to have been blue in adults; and the border of 
 the upper lip yellow, continued as a broad stripe to the shoulder; 
 no radiating mark on the eye-lids. 
 
 Raxa bengalensis. Gray, Hardw. /wd Zool. In J. A. *S. XVI. 
 1016, Dr. Cantor supposes the figure cited to have been perhaps 
 intended for R. Leschenaultii. It is, however, a common Calcutta 
 species which we had not previously seen from elsewhere, being more 
 affined to R. malabarica, from which it diff'ers in its much smaller 
 size (never, that we have seen, attaining the magnitude of adult R. 
 temporaria), and much more slender toes which arc fully webbed; 
 
 j Identical in i<peeiep with examples since reecivetl hom Kanguon. 
 
48 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 the colouricg is nearly similar, but it appears never to have the pale 
 dorsal stripe, and the dark markings of the back are generally obso- 
 lete; there are never any distinct dark bands, l^also, upon the rami 
 of the lower jaw, but the entire throat is marbled more or less dis- 
 tinctly. Another common Calcutta species of the same or smaller size 
 (inhabiting also Arakan) is coloured exactly as in R. malabarica 
 and varies similarly; but this (R. assimilis, nobis,*) has invariably the 
 hind-feet much less webbed, and the long second toe is nearly free 
 for its terminal three phalanges. 
 
 PoBYPEDATEs cRuciGER, nobis, ?i. s. TMs fine Tree Frog much re- 
 sembles P. LEucoMYSTAx ill fomi, but is double the size, with no spots 
 on the body, nor marbling of the posterior surface of the thigh ; 
 but a black line proceeds from each eye obliquely across to the loin 
 on the opposite side, the two crossing each other over the occiput^ 
 and there is a small transverse line before and behind respectively, 
 connecting the extremities of the two long diagonal lines; a black 
 lateral line also from the corner of the eye terminates in a large black 
 spot in some specimens, while in others the whole of these markings 
 are more or less obliterated. Length of head and body 3J in.; of 
 hind-limb to extremity of toe 5 in. 
 
 In a collection of zoological drawings from Ceylon, obligingly for- 
 warded for inspection by Mr. J. X. Mooyaart (at the request of Dr . 
 Kelaart), we further recognise the common Euprepis multifasciatus, 
 (Wagler) — RanaLeschexaultii. D. and B., — Exgystoma malabaricum, 
 Jerdon, — and a fine species of Megalophrys. Calotes ophiomachus 
 is coloured variously, and the fully adult at the height of the breeding 
 season would appear to be of a deep blackish-green, with the usual 
 transverse narrow^ white body- stripes, and the head and throat dark 
 crimson. 
 
 Fishes. Lethrines ? Affined to L. harak, (Forster), and found 
 
 also at the Sandheads; — Platax ocellatus, C. and V.; Synanceia bra- 
 CHio ? (fine specimen) ; — Xyricthys t^niurus, VaL; Caxnorhynchus 
 (Fistularia, auct.,) immaculatus, (Forster); — Echexeis remora (pro- 
 bably from the Atlantic). 
 
 * We have a still finer Tree Frog from the Naga hills, Asam (P. smarag- 
 Dixus, nobis). Length of head and body 3^ in.; hind limb Wholly green 
 
 above, changing in spirit to livid blue ; under-parts pale. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 49 
 
 Tetrodon argentatus, nobis, n. s. Affined to T. oblonges, Bloch. 
 Colour livid brown above, with numerous specks and some larger scat- 
 tered round spots of a deeper hue ; dilatable abdominal skin of a livid 
 or dead white ; on the side a broad brilliant silvery stripe from mouth 
 to tail, enclosing the pectoral, and a similar spot before the eye. 
 Irides golden. Length 5| in.; distance from, the snout to pectoral 1 1 in.; 
 do. to dorsal 3 in. 
 
 6. From E. L. Layard, Esq. A collection of sundries from Cey- 
 lon. Among them is the skin of a Squirrel, which we consider to be 
 merely a pale variety of Sc. macrourus, with worn and faded fur. 
 Among the birds, we find a second example of Carpophaga pusilla, 
 nobis, J. A. S. XVIII, 816, described from a Nilgiri specimen: and 
 the male and female of what will doubtless prove to be Treron pom- 
 PADORA, (Gm.) ; differing only from Tr. maeabarica, Jerdon, in hav- 
 ing a broad yellowish-green forehead, no trace of ruddy-orange on 
 the breast of the male, and sullied white lower tail-coverts in both 
 sexes (those of the male Tr. malabarica being constantly of a deep 
 ferruginous hue). The females are similar excepting in the colour 
 of the forehead. Size rather inferior to that of Tr, malabarica, the 
 length of closed wing in. An Edolius is also peculiar, and nearly 
 resembles E. paradiseus of the Malay countries, but has the frontal 
 crest more developed, though much less so than in the Edolii w^e have 
 seen from S. India. Buceros pica, Scopoli, is also sent as the com- 
 mon Pied Hornbill of the Island : and other species of birds worthy 
 of remark are Piprisoma (Smicrornis ?) agile, — new to the Ceylon 
 fauna, — and Drymocataphus puscacapillus, nobis, J. A. S. XVIII, 
 815, but which should rather have been classed in Pellorkeem. ^ 
 
 Mr. Layard has further favored us with a most valuable and inter- 
 esting collection of shells, in all more than 200 species, and we have 
 now to thank him for about 170 species, and fine series of many of 
 them, — land, fresh-water, and marine, — while of others are sent inferior 
 or imperfect examples, for report as to whether we required good 
 
 * In the genus Pellorneum should likewise be merged Dumetia, nobis, founded 
 on the Timalia hyperythra, Franklin, Malacocercus ? albogularis, nobis, J. A. S. 
 XVII. 453 of S. India and Ceylon. There would thus be four ascertained species 
 of Pellorniom, Sw., all closely affiued to Malacocercus in form and habits. 
 
 1 1 
 
oO 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 specimens of tlie same, in which case Mr. Layard will forward them 
 and has probably ere this done so. The species presented by him 
 to the Society are from various parts of the world, hut a large pro- 
 portion of them, particularly of the land and fresh-water species, are 
 from Ceylon. * 
 
 * The following species of fishes have also, on different occasions, been pre- 
 sented to the Society by Mr. Layard. 
 
 Upeneus Rcssellii, C. and V.; — Holocextrum oBIE^’TALE, C. and V,; — Platy- 
 cEPHALUs scABER, (Bloch) ; — Glipisodox rahti. C and V — Ch.$:todon sebanus, 
 C. and V.;— Ch. Layardi, nobis, n. s.; — Acanthurus triostegus, (Bloch); — A, 
 xANTHTRUs, nobis, n. s.; — Amphacaxthus javes, (L) ; — A. sutob, C. and V.; 
 Barbus TOR (? B. Ham,), young; — Heaiirhamphus Georgii, Val.; — and Rhombus 
 TRIOCELLATUS, CuV. 
 
 Ch^todox Layardi nobis, n. s. Affined to Ch. vagabuxdus. L. General co- 
 lour (in spirit) golden-brown, with a broad vertical blackish band from occiput 
 to throat passing through the middle of the eyes, bordered behind by a white 
 band of similar breadth, and this by a much nan-ower dark streak not reaching 
 to the throat ; lips and chin black, separated from the dark ocular band by a 
 white space of the same breath ; fins whitish, with a single black band crossing 
 the tail, — another extends throughout the soft portion of the anal, and having 
 a strongly defined white border above, and a less defined whitish border below, 
 and the posterior or descending portion of the dorsal has also a similar black 
 band, continued a little over the base of the tail ; longitudinal bands on the sides 
 as in Ch. vagabuxdus, &c. D, 13-21; A. 3-19; C. 17; F. lo; F, 1-5. Length 
 of specimen 2 7-8. in, 
 
 Acaxthurus xanthurus, nobis, n. s. Affined to A. xanthopterus. Cantor, but 
 deeper in the body and wholly black with bright golden-yellow tail, and a tinge 
 of the same upon the pectorals. I). 5-24 ; A. 3-21 ; C. 17 ; P. 15 : V. 1-5. Length 
 of specimen 7J in. 
 
 Two species of Snakes have also been sent by Mr. Layard, rtz. Trigoxo- 
 CEPHALUS HYPXAUis, (MeiTcmi, and Xexodox puepurascess, var. 
 
 A". B . — The drawings sent by Mr. jVIooyaart for Mr. Blyth’s inspection are of 
 specimens collected in Southern India by the late Dr. John, the friend and co- 
 temporary of Dr. Rottler. E. F. K. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 51 
 
 LETTER (A.) 
 
 Kaduganava. 22nc? Novemher, 1852. 
 
 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF CEYLON. 
 
 My Dear Sir, — It gives me great pleasure to find you the successor 
 of so worthy a man as the late Secretary, whose untimely death no 
 one could deplore more sincerely than I do, and it is to be hoped 
 that your period of Office will be a longer one, and that before it is 
 terminated you will have established for the Society what is now 
 wanted, viz. a Museum of all* the Zoological productions of the Island. 
 Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay have each a Museum, Ceylon none, or 
 only apologies for one. The Society alone could not support an 
 Institution of the kind, the aid of Government is required, and surely 
 the Legislative Council will not hesitate to vote £100 a year for so 
 laudable a purpose. ' 
 
 I regret that my health has not permitted me to complete the first 
 part of our conjoint paper on the Ornithology of Ceylon. But if the 
 Society will receive a small portion of it as an instalment of what is 
 to come, I promise to have the rest done in time to appear in the 
 next No. of the Journal. My work is nearly ready for delivery. Since 
 it was completed I have come up here for the benefit of my health. 
 Altho’ the Estate is not very prolific of Coffee, its soil has yielded not 
 less than 4 species of Uro]peltidce, or rough tails (Dapat Nayas), one 
 the very remarkable species with keeled scales to the shield of the 
 tail, Siluhoiira Zeylonicus, Cuv. B. A. ii. 76. The three others are 
 not described in Gray’s Catalogue, nor do they belong to any of the 
 three divisions of Uroj)eltidm given by Mr. Gray. I have proposed 
 new genera for them. One of the three is already described in my 
 work from specimens collected at Trincomalic. The two other are 
 new to me, one a very elegant spacies I propose calling after an 
 old friend JJropeJtis Trevelyani, it is about 14 inches long, and one 
 inch in circumference. Black above, margin of scales pale. White 
 beneath with longitudinal series of black spots, formed of central spots 
 
 K 1 
 
52 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ou each scale. A line of triangular white spots, with their apices 
 pointed upwards along each side; vent and lower part of tail white, 
 which is carried on to the upper part. Tail short, obliquely truncated 
 and nearly covered with a conical granular shield. Vent shields — 1 — 2. 
 The young is of a bluish or bluish black. Found about 3 feet under 
 ground, in ant-holes. 
 
 The other species which I propose naming after our distinguished 
 friend Mr. Blyth, is 16 inches long, circumference 1. 3 -10th inch. 
 Dark yellowish brown above with darker brown spots on the anterior 
 third of scales. Paler beneath. Sides of nape and neck waved with 
 angular spots of yellowish hue; yellow spots, on each side of vent. 
 Rostrum yellow. Tail thick slightly truncated, conical, upper part of 
 termination covered with a small subtriangular granular shield, lower 
 surface smooth, covered with broad scales. Vent shields 1 — 2. — This spe- 
 cies too is found in the same locality, but on softer ground, near rivulets. 
 
 Singular that I have not been able to get any specimen of a Typli- 
 lops, the Argyrophis Bramicus must be found in the paddy fields at 
 Colombo, This is the only species of this genus hitherto seen in 
 the Island. India produces many, and as many no doubt exist in 
 Ceylon if people will only bring all they meet with in the marches. 
 I am not collecting any birds, and I have not seen any which I have 
 not previously got. The most numerous species here at present are 
 two kinds of Finches. Amadina midulata and A. Malabarica. Zos- 
 ierops palpehrosus. Pycnonotus Hemorrhous and P. nigricapiUa. Pa- 
 Iceornis cyanocephalus and your beautiful new species P. Calthropce. 
 Psittacns asiaiicus is also abundant. Copsychus saularis and Malaco* 
 cercus grisevs are plentiful. 
 
 I have described a new species of house lizard found here. Gym- 
 nodactylits Kandianns, much smaller than the common house lizard 
 of Colombo Ilemidactyhis frenatns, of which we have here’ a very 
 large variety, I presume, unless it turns out to be the much coveted 
 H. LtschenauUii. The new Gecko above alluded is a diurnal species, 
 with round pupils. The pupils of every other species known in the 
 Island are vertical, (like cat’s eyes.) Here we see a very curious 
 adaptation of the visual organs to the habits of the animal. I have 
 also added lately Peripia Peronii to my list of Geckotidce ; it is easily 
 known by its clawless thumbs. They are very abundant on every 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 53 
 
 house in the Town of Kandy and Kaduganava. I hope you will 
 induce other members of the Society to communicate in a familiar 
 manner any zoological or botanical notes they may make, so that every 
 circumstance however trivial and unimportant it may seem, may prove 
 interesting to the future, if not to thej 'present members of the Society. 
 Nihil est aliud magnum quam multa minuta. 
 
 Believe me, 
 
 very sincerely yours 
 E. E. KELAART. 
 
 P, S. — Since writing the above I have spent a few days at Dr. Mar- 
 shall’s, Allagalla, where I obtained a species of Nessia, probably iden- 
 tical with N. Burtonii of Gray, ofgwhich there appears to be only 
 one specimen in the European cabinets, and that, too, at Fort Pitt 
 Museum, doubtless sent there many years ago by some Army Medical 
 Officer serving in Ceylon, if it proves now that my specimen is of 
 the same species ; of this, however, I have some doubts. You will 
 observe that Gray founded the genus Nessia from this solitary spe- 
 cimen in Fort Pitt, and named it after Staff Surgeon Burton who was 
 then in charge of the Museum. 
 
 The specimen from Allagala (3000 ft ) is vermiform in appearance, 
 about 5 inches long, with four small legs having 3 subequal small toes 
 on each — Dark rufous-brown above and spotted with darker brown 
 on the anterior part of each scale. Dark grey beneath, clouded and 
 spotted. Found in vegetable mould on a coffee plantation. From the 
 same interesting locality I have a specimen of Argyrophis Br amicus, 
 (young), brown above, with a bread pale whitish line beneath. The 
 crenulated subterminal edge of the rostral and nasal shields bacame 
 very perceptible after the specimen was immersed in spirits for some 
 days. In the collection you have sent me for examination I find a 
 Typhlops in which the head is partly destroyed. The other little 
 spotted creature, of an olive brown colour, is evidently the young of 
 a species of Acontias, which is not described in Gray’s Catalogue ; 
 if new, I shall have much pleasure in naming it Acontias JLayardi. 
 The only other species of the same genus in the British Museum is. 
 A. meleogris from the Cape of Good Hope. In form the genus Acon- 
 tias is very like Nessia, without the limbs, or external opening to 
 the ear. 
 
54 
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 LETTER (B.) 
 
 Colombo, l^th December, 1852. 
 
 -My Dear Sir, — I have examined the bottle of specimens kindly 
 lent to me by Dr. Lamprey of H. jM’s. 15th Regiment, and find among 
 several interesting specimens a species of scinc probably Mabouya 
 elegans of Gray, but more likely a variety of Kio'pa punctata, but not 
 having at present a specimen of the latter to compare it with, I can 
 only describe the creature. 
 
 About 4 inches long, scales smooth, body fusiform, tail short, conical, 
 pointed. Limbs vide apart— 5 toes : soles and palms granular. Light 
 olive brovTi above, spotted \Yitli 6 lines of black spots. A broad 
 silver}^ white hue on each side ; sides ol^ve and spotted like the back. 
 Head, clieeks and limbs spotted. Tail of a light rufous brown colour 
 and spotted only on the upper parts. Under parts white, immaculate. 
 In the same bottle is a very young creature of perhaps the same species, 
 tail uniform light brown, and instead of lines of distinct dots on the 
 back and sides, there are blackish lines alternated with white ones. 
 
 I have also ascertained beyond a doubt that the large Indian Tortoise 
 ( Testuda Indica) is found in the Northern parts of the Island, and one 
 living specimen is, I believe, now in the possession of Mr. Justice 
 Carr, Mutwal. 
 
 It is very gratifying to be informed that three Naturalists from 
 Germany are shortly to visit Ceylon, and right welcome shall they be. 
 If we cannot exhibit to them Cabinets of preserved specimens, I think 
 they will not be disappointed in inspecting the specimens of animated 
 nature found in this beautiful Isle of the sunny East. “ Our cabinets 
 are in the fields,” under the canopy of heaven, with ministering 
 angels for their Curators, and we but their humble, though not silent, 
 admirers. 
 
 I remain, 
 
 Yours very faithfully 
 
 To Edgar Layard, Esq. 
 Secretary. 
 
 Ceylon Asiatic Society. 
 
 E. F. KELAABT. 
 
INDEX OF POPULAR NAMES, &c. 
 
 MAMMALS. 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Armadillo 
 
 74: 
 
 [Bandicoot 
 
 58 
 
 Bats 
 
 11, 29 
 
 Flying-fox 
 
 27 
 
 Horse shoe 
 
 21 
 
 Painted 
 
 25 
 
 Margin-eared 
 
 29 
 
 Bear 
 
 33 
 
 Boar 
 
 78 
 
 Buffalo 
 
 87 
 
 Cat, Palm 
 
 38 
 
 
 4:8 
 
 
 Red-spotted ... 
 
 4:7 
 
 Pi O'er 
 
 4:6 
 
 
 
 Cheetah 
 
 45 
 
 Deer 
 
 81, 86 
 
 Moose 
 
 81 
 
 Paddy-field 
 
 83 
 
 Rpd-hog 
 
 8.6 
 
 Spotted 
 
 oo 
 
 82 
 
 Dolphin 
 
 90 
 
 Elephant 
 
 77 
 
 Elk, Ceylon 
 
 83 
 
 Flying-fox 
 
 27 
 
 Genette 
 
 37 
 
 Gerbil 
 
 69 
 
 Hare 
 
 72 
 
 Ichneumon 
 
 41 
 
 duckal 
 
 35 
 
 liCopard . . 
 
 45 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Meminna ...... 
 
 81 
 
 Monkey 
 
 1, 9 
 
 Bear -like 
 
 2 
 
 Blfluk .... 
 
 1 
 
 —————— Rnnn off . . 
 
 8 
 
 Crested 
 
 3 
 
 Grey 
 
 5 
 
 WhitP 
 
 7 
 
 Mouse, European 
 
 App. 
 
 Indian 
 
 64 
 
 Trincomalie .... 
 
 64 
 
 Mungouste 
 
 41 
 
 Otter 
 
 35 
 
 Ox 
 
 86 
 
 Pangolin 
 
 74 
 
 Paradoxure 
 
 38 
 
 Porcupine 
 
 70 
 
 Porpoise 
 
 90 
 
 Basse 
 
 37 
 
 Bats 
 
 57, 69 
 
 Bandicoot 
 
 58 
 
 Black 
 
 58 
 
 Brown-house 
 
 59 
 
 Coffee garden .... 
 
 67 
 
 ' Field 
 
 65 
 
 Kangaroo 
 
 69 
 
 Soil 
 
 67 
 
 Tree 
 
 61, 63 
 
 White bellied .... 
 
 61 
 
 Busa 
 
 QO 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Scaly Anteater 
 
 Seahog 
 
 Shrews 
 
 Squirrels 
 
 • Brodie’s 
 
 » , ■ , Flying 
 
 Ground 
 
 Page. 
 
 74 
 89 
 30, 33 
 49, 57 
 51 
 
 Squirrel, Kelaart’s. . . . 
 
 Layard’s. ••• 
 
 Palm , 
 
 Itock 
 
 ——Tennant’s . . . 
 
 55,56 
 
 Whale 
 
 54 
 
 . 
 
 Page, 
 
 53 
 
 53 
 
 51 
 
 49 
 
 50 
 90 
 
 BIRDS. 
 
 Adjutant 133 
 
 Babblers 103, 122 
 
 Barbets 107, 127 
 
 Bee-eaters 99, 119 
 
 Blackbird 102,122 
 
 Bulbuls 103, 123 
 
 Bush creepers 102, 121 
 
 Caterpillar catchers .... 103, 123 
 
 Crab hunters 98, 118 
 
 Creepers lOO, 120 
 
 Crows 1^> 124 
 
 Cuckoos 107, 128, 129 
 
 Curlews 134 
 
 Darter 1H> 137 
 
 Devil bird 95, 116 
 
 Doves l07, 130 
 
 Ducks Ill, 136 
 
 Dung birds l03, 122 
 
 Eagles 96,114 
 
 Falcons 96, 114 
 
 Finches 105, 125 
 
 Flamingo Ill, 136 
 
 Fly-catchers 103, 123 
 
 Goat suckers 96,117 
 
 Grakles 105, 125 
 
 Grass Warblers 100, 121 
 
 Grebe 137 
 
 Gulls 137 
 
 Hawks 96, 114 
 
 Hen-harriers 96, 115 
 
 Herons 100, 133 
 
 Honey-eaters 100, 102 
 
 Hoopoo 99, 119 
 
 Hornbills 106,126 
 
 Ibises 
 
 
 Jack snipe 
 
 . . . . 100, 135 
 
 Jays 
 
 
 Jungle fowl 
 
 108, 13i 
 
 King Crows 
 
 104, 124 
 
 King fishers 
 
 
 Lar^ 
 
 
 Maynahs 
 
 
 Orioles 
 
 
 Owls 
 
 
 Oulama 
 
 
 Paddy birds 
 
 
 Parrots 
 
 
 Partridges 
 
 
 Peacock 
 
 
 Pelican 
 
 
 Pigeons 
 
 
 Pipits 
 
 
 Plovers 
 
 
 Quails 
 
 
 Rails 
 
 
 Robins 
 
 . 100,120,121 
 
 Rollers 
 
 
 Sandpipers 
 
 .... 110,132 
 
 Screamers 
 
 
 Shrikes 
 
 
 Singing of birds . 
 
 95 
 
 Snake bird 
 
 
 Snipes 
 
 110,135 
 
 Sparrow 
 
 105,126 
 
 Spoon-biU 
 
 Ill, 133 
 
 Starlings 
 
 105,126 
 
 Storks 
 
 111, 133 
 
 Sun-birds 
 
 99, 119 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Swallows 97,117 
 
 Swifts 97, 117 
 
 Tailor-birds...* 100,121 
 
 Teal 111,136 
 
 Terns 
 
 Thrushes 102, 121 
 
 Titmouse 101, 121 
 
 Toucans ( vulg . ) 106, 121 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Trogon 
 
 118 
 
 Wagtails 
 
 
 Warblers 
 
 100, 120 
 
 Weaver-birds . . 
 
 105,125 
 
 Whimbrel 
 
 134 
 
 Widgeon 
 
 136 
 
 Wood-Cock .... 
 
 110,135 
 
 Wood-peckers. . 
 
 107,128 
 
 REPTILES AND AMPHIBIA. 
 
 Bloodsuckers 170 
 
 Brahmin Lizard 15 
 
 Chameleon 172, 173 
 
 Crocodiles 182 
 
 Frogs 191 
 
 Geckos 158 
 
 Green Lizard 171 
 
 Jerdon’s Salea 168 
 
 Lyre-headed Lizard .... 171 
 
 Monitors 146 
 
 Needle-headed Lizard . . 165 
 
 Peron’s Gecko 187 
 
 Red-headed Lizard .... 169 
 
 Si tana 164 
 
 Tortoises 175 
 
 Toads 192 
 
 Tree-frogs 193 
 
 Turtles 177 
 
 Typhlops 153, 154 
 
 Wall Lizards 159, 161 
 
INDEX OF SINGHALESE NAMES. 
 
 Alliah 
 
 Bassa • • * 
 
 Boodelima 
 
 Caballaya 
 
 Cabara Goya 
 
 Cambelean 
 
 Cheecba 
 
 Coffee watte Meeyo .... 
 
 Coossette Meeyo 
 
 Coossette V oulha 
 
 Dapat-naya 
 
 Dandoleyna 
 
 Deeto 
 
 Deeya-Balla 
 
 Egale-Dandole^ma 
 
 Gaval-iMeeyo. .... .... 
 
 Gemba 
 
 Ghas-Meeyo 
 
 Gona-Rusa 
 
 Goon-Cowdeah 
 
 Haban-Kookoola .... . . 
 
 Handoon-Deva 
 
 Haraka 
 
 Hava 
 
 Heetava 
 
 Hoola-Mooha 
 
 Hoona 
 
 Ibba 
 
 Kakoorelle 
 
 Kalloo-Meeyo 
 
 Kattoosa 
 
 Keri-Voulha 
 
 Kimboola, 
 
 Koondatche 
 
 Page. 
 
 1 i 
 
 95 
 
 171 
 74 
 
 147 
 
 172 
 158 
 
 67 
 
 64 
 
 21 
 
 154 
 
 49 
 
 43 
 
 35 
 
 55 
 
 59 
 
 191 
 
 59 
 
 83 
 
 105 
 
 109 
 
 46 
 
 86 
 
 72 
 
 70 
 
 85 
 
 158 
 
 175 
 
 103 
 
 30 
 
 170 
 
 25 
 
 183 
 
 102 
 
 Page. 
 
 Kooka . 
 
 110 
 
 Kookoola 
 
 108 
 
 Koone-Meeyo 
 
 58 
 
 Kootooroo 
 
 90 
 
 Leyna 
 
 51 
 
 Loco-]Mogatea 
 
 42 
 
 Maha-Voniha 
 
 27 
 
 Mee-Harak 
 
 86 
 
 Mogatea 
 
 41 
 
 Moode Oora 
 
 89 
 
 Nareeab 
 
 35 
 
 Oogoodoova 
 
 38 
 
 Oona-bappolava 
 
 9 
 
 Oora-Meeyo 
 
 58 
 
 Oorelava 
 
 37 
 
 Oulama 
 
 95 
 
 Pouchee-Bramina 
 
 154 
 
 Ram-Mogatea 
 
 44 
 
 Ratwan-Kondee 
 
 98 
 
 Rillawa 
 
 8 
 
 Rookeeah 
 
 49 
 
 Talla-Goya 
 
 146 
 
 Tic-Mooha 
 
 82 
 
 Voidha 
 
 11 
 
 M al-]\Iooha 
 
 81 
 
 Wal-Oora 
 
 78 
 
 IVanderoo 
 
 1 
 
 Ellee 
 
 5 
 
 Kalloo 
 
 1 
 
 Koonde 
 
 3 
 
 Maha 
 
 , 5 
 
 Slid on 
 
 7 
 
 Wattooa 
 
 no 
 
 Wee-Mooha 
 
 83 
 

 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 591.95489K27P C001 
 
 PRODROMUS FAUNAE ZEYLANICAE: BEING CONTR 
 
 3 0112 010026901