Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon

"Sketches of the Natural History of Ceylon" by Sir James Emerson Tennent is a 1800s exploration of the wildlife in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, through observations of the island's mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects and the unique behaviors of different animals interacting with their habitats. The book opens with a discussion on the lack of deep studies of Ceylon's nature, acknowledging the naturalists who came before, while noting the cultural and social challenges in studying the environment, as well as a special focus on the life and capture of elephants. Tennent's goal is to spark interest in Ceylon's animals and drive more research into the island's natural state.