they vanish somewhere near the tail. Alternating with these are patches of 
black, which commence just behind the jaw, two being larger than the rest. 
The sides of the head are striped with black, while the lower jaw and throat 
are white. In the shape of the head and general appearance, this snake 
resembles the common British grass snake. Specimens of this species were 
taken in all three provinces. One was caught in the temple yard at Yii-lin 
Fu, but usually they were found along the banks of streams and rivers. 
The second species (Coluber—or Elaphis—dione/ was secured only at Yii-lin 
Fu. This is a prettily-marked variety, which varies in colour from a rich 
orange-brown to a dull grey-brown according to the time since the skin was 
shed. The markings commencing in the shape of a U, behind the head, 
extend in transverse bars down the back. The edge of each bar is darker 
than the rest. On either side of the body occur rows of dots, also with 
darkened edges. These alternate with the ends of the transverse bars. 
Besides these markings, two broad lines of a slightly darker shade than the 
ground colour extend from the head along either side of the back to the tail. 
This species is very common in the Ordos Desert and in the loess country of 
the adjacent provinces. It may frequently be found in the houses of towns 
and villages, to which it is probably attracted by the abundance of rats, mice 
and sparrows (see coloured plate). 
The third species (Zamenis spinalis) was secured only in Kansu. Here a 
single specimen was caught on the bank of a large stream. This species 
somewhat resembles Coluber dione in colour, but is more whip-like in shape and 
is differently marked. It has three white stripes down the back, and there are 
white markings on the head. Though the specimen in question was caught 
on the side of a stream in a valley, the snake cannot be said to frequent such 
places. I have seen it in mountainous country in Shansi, on the top of rocky 
ridges far removed from any water. It is, however, rather a rare species. 
All these three species are non-poisonous. There seems to be only one 
poisonous snake in North China, namely, a species of viper (Ancistrodon 
intermedius). This is the common Central Asiatic form. Fortunately for the 
inhabitants it is very rare in these provinces. No specimens were met with 
on the present expedition. 
Three species of lizards were added to the collection. 
The dullard lizard (Eremias argus) was noticed in all three provinces, 
though very few specimens were taken. A very common species, it is 
particularly abundant in the Ordos. It is frequently seen along the sides of 
the road in the loess country. The species is very widely distributed. 
110 
