Batrachians. 



In this branch of cold-blooded vertebrates, the provinces passed through 

 are very poor. Only two species of frogs and two of toads were secured. 



The large edible frog {Rana esculenta) was common in places where there 

 was a good supply of water. In the small streams joining the Yii-lin Ho, 

 at YU-lin Fu, these frogs were very common. They were also met with 

 in great numbers in the few fertile valleys of Eastern Kansu and West 

 Central Shensi. This handsome frog is not unlike the common British form 

 {Rana temporaria), but is somewhat larger and of a beautiful green colour, either 

 dark or light. It possesses a bladder on the side of the head, which distends 

 and contracts as the frog emits its loud, hoarse croaks. It is very agile and 

 difficult to catch. The flesh of the legs is edible and is a great delicacy. 



The small brown frog {Rana Japonica) was frequently met with in 

 the ravines of the loess country of North Shensi. It is capable of with- 

 standing long periods of drought, burying itself deep down in the beds of 

 the streams and pools. In colour this frog varies considerably in different 

 places. Some were of a deep brown colour above, yellowish-pink beneath, 

 shading into red on the under surfaces of the legs. Others were of a light 

 fawn colour, and cream or yellow beneath. The former was secured at Yu-lin 

 Fu, while the latter were found in the streams of the loess country in all three 

 provinces. All specimens agreed, however, in having a black or dark brown 

 band crossing the eye on either side of the head. 



Of the two toads met with Radde's toad {Bufo raddei) is characteristic of the 

 country. This amphibian does not attain any great size. The female is very 

 prettily marked, somewhat resembhng the natterjack toad of Europe ; the male 

 is of a dull greenish-brown colour, and does not possess the beautiful marking of 

 the female. There can be no doubt of this animal's powers to withstand drought. 

 I have found it amongst the sand-dunes of the Ordos, as well as in the loess 

 hills of other parts. Specimens were secured in Kansu, within the famine area 

 near Lan-chou Fu. Here, the natives said, there had been no rain for three 

 years. In spite of its frequenting such dry places, it thoroughly appreciates 

 an abundant supply of water, as I have found them in the ponds and back- 

 waters of rivers, not only while spawning but at all times of the year, excepting 

 winter. The spawning season is regulated by the rains, and in a dry year I 

 have known it to be postponed till July. 



The other toad obtained is identical with the common European species 

 {Bufo vulgaris). It is much less common than B. raddei. Only very young 

 specimens were secured on the present expedition. 



112 



