Sketches of Natural History of Ceylon | Page 2

friends familiar
with many branches of natural science: the late Dr. GARDNER, Mr.
EDGAR L. LAYARD, an accomplished zoologist, Dr. TEMPLETON,
and others; and I was thus enabled to collect on the spot many

interesting facts relative to the structure and habits of the numerous
tribes. These, chastened by the corrections of my fellow-travellers, and
established by the examination of collections made in the colony, and
by subsequent comparison with specimens contained in museums at
home, I have ventured to submit as faithful outlines of the fauna of
Ceylon.
"The sections descriptive of the several classes are accompanied by
lists, prepared with the assistance of scientific friends, showing the
extent to which each particular branch had been investigated by
naturalists, up to the period of my departure from Ceylon at the close of
1849. These, besides their inherent interest, will, I trust, stimulate
others to engage in the same pursuit, by exhibiting chasms, which it
remains for future industry and research to fill up;--and the study of the
zoology of Ceylon may thus serve as a preparative for that of
Continental India, embracing, as the former does, much that is common
to both, as well as possessing a fauna peculiar to the island, that in
itself will amply repay more extended scrutiny.
"From these lists have been excluded all species regarding the
authenticity of which reasonable doubts could be entertained[1], and of
some of them, a very few have been printed in _italics_, in order to
denote the desirability of more minute comparison with
well-determined specimens in the great national depositories before
finally incorporating them with the Singhalese catalogues.
[Footnote 1: An exception occurs in the list of shells, prepared by Mr.
SYLVANUS HANLEY, in which some whose localities are doubtful
have been admitted for reasons adduced. (See p. 387.)]
"In the labour of collecting and verifying the facts embodied in these
sections, I cannot too warmly express my thanks for the aid I have
received from gentlemen interested in similar studies in Ceylon: from
Dr. KELAART[1] and Mr. EDGAR L. LAYARD, as well as from
officers of the Ceylon Civil Service; the Hon. GERALD C. TALBOT,
Mr. C.R. BULLER, Mr. MERCER, Mr. MORRIS, Mr. WHITING,
Major SKINNER, and Mr. MITFORD.
[Footnote 1: It is with deep regret that I have to record the death of this
accomplished gentleman, which occurred in 1860.]
"Before venturing to commit these chapters of my work to the press, I
have had the advantage of having portions of them read by Professor

HUXLEY, Mr. MOORE, of the East India House Museum; Mr. R.
PATTERSON, F.R.S., author of the _Introduction to Zoology_; and by
Mr. ADAM WHITE, of the British Museum; to each of whom I am
exceedingly indebted for the care they have bestowed. In an especial
degree I have to acknowledge the kindness of Dr. J.E. GRAY, F.R.S.,
for valuable additions and corrections in the list of the Ceylon Reptilia;
and to Professor FARADAY for some notes on the nature and qualities
of the "Serpent Stone,"[2] submitted to him.
[Footnote 2: See p. 312.]
"The extent to which my observations on the Elephant have been
carried, requires some explanation. The existing notices of this noble
creature are chiefly devoted to its habits and capabilities _in captivity_;
and very few works, with which I am acquainted, contain illustrations
of its instincts and functions when wild in its native woods.
Opportunities for observing the latter, and for collecting facts in
connection with them, are abundant in Ceylon; and from the moment of
my arrival, I profited by every occasion afforded to me for observing
the elephant in a state of nature, and obtaining from hunters and natives
correct information as to its oeconomy and disposition. Anecdotes in
connection with this subject, I received from some of the most
experienced residents in the island; amongst others, from Major
SKINNER, Captain PHILIP PAYNE GALLWEY, Mr. FAIRHOLME,
Mr. CRIPPS, and Mr. MORRIS. Nor can I omit to express my
acknowledgments to Professor OWEN, of the British Museum, to
whom this portion of my manuscript was submitted previous to its
committal to the press."
To the foregoing observations I have little to add beyond my
acknowledgment to Dr. ALBERT GÜNTHER, of the British Museum,
for the communication of important facts in illustration of the
ichthyology of Ceylon, as well as of the reptiles of the island.
Mr. BLYTH, of the Calcutta Museum, has carefully revised the
Catalogue of Birds, and supplied me with much useful information in
regard to their geographical distribution. To his experienced scrutiny is
due the perfected state in which the list is now presented. It will be seen,
however, from the italicised names still retained, that inquiry is far
from being exhausted.
Mr. THWAITES, the able Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at

Peradenia, near Kandy, has forwarded