that the Singhalese have a terror of his attack greater than that created by any other beast of the forest.  If not armed with a gun, a native, in the places where bears abound, usually carries a light axe, called “kodelly,” with which to strike them on the head.  The bear, on the other hand, always aims at the face, and, if successful in prostrating his victim, usually commences by assailing the eyes.  I have met numerous individuals on our journeys who exhibited frightful scars from such encounters, the white seams of their wounds contrasting hideously with the dark colour of the rest of their bodies.

The Veddahs in Bintenne, whose principal stores consist of honey, live in dread of the bears, because, attracted by the perfume, they will not hesitate to attack their rude dwellings, when allured by this irresistible temptation.  The Post-office runners, who always travel by night, are frequently exposed to danger from these animals, especially along the coast from Putlam to Aripo, where they are found in considerable numbers; and, to guard against surprise, they are accustomed to carry flambeaux, to give warning to the bears, and enable them to shuffle out of the path.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Amongst the Singhalese there is a belief that certain charms are efficacious in protecting them from the violence of bears, and those whose avocations expose them to encounters of this kind are accustomed to carry a talisman either attached to their neck or enveloped in the folds of their luxuriant hair.  A friend of mine, writing of an adventure which occurred at Anarajapoora, thus describes an occasion on which a Moor, who attended him, was somewhat, rudely disabused of his belief in the efficacy of charms upon bears:—­“Desiring to change the position of a herd of deer, the Moorman (with his charm) was sent across some swampy land to disturb them.  As he was proceeding, we saw him suddenly turn from an old tree and run back with all speed, his hair becoming unfastened and like his clothes streaming in the wind.  It soon became evident that he was flying from some terrific object, for he had thrown down his gun, and, in his panic, he was taking the shortest line towards us, which lay across a swamp covered with sedge and rushes that greatly impeded his progress, and prevented us approaching him, or seeing what was the cause of his flight.  Missing his steps from one hard spot to another he repeatedly fell into the water, but he rose and resumed his flight.  I advanced as far as the sods would bear my weight, but to go further was impracticable.  Just within ball-range there was an open space, and, as the man gained it.  I saw that he was pursued by a bear and two cubs.  As the person of the fugitive covered the bear, it was impossible to fire without risk.  At last he fall exhausted, and the bear being close upon him, I discharged both barrels.  The first broke the bear’s shoulder, but this only made her more savage, and rising on her hind