- Ceylon and On and On…
- April 17, 2008 Filed under: About Sri Lanka, Arts & Culture, Facts, History, Trivia, Wildlife
The image above graces the cover of a massive body of 1860-era colonial publishing, an e-book titled (with no regard for conserving ink) Ceylon; an Account of the Island Physical, Historical, and Topographical with Notices of Its Natural History, Antiquities and Productions, Volume 1.
I uncovered the book just last night and although I only spot-read it and glanced at the sketches, I feel SIR JAMES EMERSON TENNENT, K.C.S. LL.D. &c. offers a rich history lesson not just about Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon), but also provides an interesting look into observations of the day. Pretty comprehensive stuff wrapped with a tone of discovery and adventure (and mixed with a touch of British condescension).
Currently my favorite part: “The Land Leeches of Ceylon.”
Lurking amongst the rank vegetation which fringes these deep pools, and hid by the broad leaves, or concealed among the stems and roots covered by the water, there are quantities of these pests in wait to attack the animals that approach them. Their natural food consists of the juices of lumbrici and other invertebrata; but they generally avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by the dipping of the muzzles of the animals into the water to fasten on their nostrils, and by degrees to make their way to the deeper recesses of the nasal passages, and the mucous membranes of the throat and gullet.
Take a peek and let me know what you think. –SK
