4 NEW SNAKE 



through rocky ravines clothed with underwood are seen. 

 Further up the vegetation increases in size, and consists 

 on the nortliern slopes principally of coniferous plants 

 and evergreens. On the southern side firs appeared to be 

 more numerous than on the northern. Lilies of several 

 species were common here. A few orchids were seen, 

 all being terrestrial, and one species very fragrant. 

 The wistaria grew luxuriantly, and its masses of lilac 

 bloom formed hi places a magnificent spectacle. White 

 and yellow gardenias also grew wild in profusion. In 

 these hills are several temples, and the trees around 

 them are not permitted to be destroyed. This appears 

 to be a universal custom throughout China. No great 

 altitude is attained, but during the hot season they are 

 much frequented by the Europeans from Kiu-kiang as 

 a sanatorium, the natural pools being greatly appre- 

 ciated for bathing purposes. There is a tremendous 

 rainfall here during the months of May and June, but 

 having no suitable instruments I was unable to deter- 

 mine it exactly. 



Here I remained till August 4, all my time being 

 fully occupied in collecting Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. 

 Of the latter I amassed an enormous collection, among 

 which were many new species, and of the former many 

 were closely allied to the Japanese forms. I also made 

 a collection of reptilia, among which was a fine new 



