620 Voyage of the Novara. 



a matter of great importance to obtain tlie very highest 

 qualities. 



The four species most in demand are known in China by 

 the following names, — Bangkolungan^ Kishisan^ Talipan^ and 

 Mimangy each of which has a distinctive appearance, and is 

 found at various depths on the coral reefs. 



Bangkolungan, when captured, is from 11 to 15 inches in 

 length, of an oval form, brown on the back, white on the 

 belly, incrusted with chalk, and with a row of papillae or warts 

 along the side. This species is hard, stiff, and possesses 

 hardly any means of progression beyond expanding and 

 contracting at will. They are found on the inner edge of 

 the coral reef in coral sandy ground, under water of from 2 

 to 10 fathoms, and are difficult to get at without diving. 

 Kiskisan is from 6 to 12 inches long, oval, very black, smooth 

 on the back, dark grey belly, and with a row of papillae 

 along its side. This description is found in shallow water 

 near the highest portion of the reef, and on a bottom of coral 

 and sand. Talipan varies in length from 9 inches to 2 

 feet, and is the most peculiar-looking of all the Trepang 

 species. This sort is found in all parts of the reef, but chiefly 

 in water of from 2 to 3 fathoms. It is of a dark red 

 colour, and less bulky than either of the sorts already de- 

 scribed. The back is covered with large red spots, which 

 readily distinguish it from all other species. It is more 

 flexible than the black sort, and more difficult to prepare. 

 Munang is oval, small, quite black, and rarely measures above 



