222 Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Reptiles. 



stomach contained bits of algse in small quantity ; but the small 

 gut was choked with bits of black stone and shell mixed with 

 algse. The measurements, taken from the fresh anioial, were as 

 follows : — 



Length of carapace 14 inches. 



Breadth of carapace 12 



Length of flapper 7 ^^ 



Greatest breadth of flapper 2 J^ 



Length of head 3^ 



Length of head to edge of carapace . . 5^^ 



Hind flapper from knee 5 



Greatest breadth of hind flapper 2^ 



Sauria (Lizards). 

 6. Gecko Swinhonis, Giinther, u. sp. 



The specimens of small Gecko I brought home from Taiwanfoo 

 Dr. Giinther of the British Museum has described as new. I 

 did not observe it in North-west Formosa ; but in the South- 

 west it was especially abundant, and I had numerous opportu- 

 nities of making notes on its habits. I therefore make no 

 apology for extracting the following long account from my 

 journal of observations on this animal, together with the strange 

 native legend regarding it. 



On the plaster-washed side of my bedroom, close to the 

 angle of the roof, every evening when the lamp was placed on 

 the table below, four little musical lizards used to make their 

 appearance, and watch patiently for insects attracted by the 

 light. A Sphinx or a beetle buzzing into the room would put 

 them into great excitement, and they would run with celerity from 

 one part of the wall to the other after the deluded insect as it 

 fluttered in vain, bufl*eting its head, up and down the wall. Two 

 or three would run after the same insect ; but as soon as one 

 had succeeded in securing it, the rest would prudently draw 

 aloof. In running over the perpendicular face of the wall they 

 keep so close, and their movements are made so quickly with 

 one leg in advance of the other, that they have the appearance 

 at a distance of gliding rather than running. The tail is some- 

 what writhed as the body is jerked along, and much so when 

 the animal is alarmed and doing its utmost to escape; but 

 its progress even then is in short runs, stopping at intervals 

 and raising the head to look about it. If a fly perch on the 

 wall, it cautiously approaches to within a short distance, then 

 suddenly darts forwards, and with its quickly protruded gluti- 

 nous tongue fixes it. Apart from watching its curious manoeuvres 

 after its insect food, the. attention of the most listless would be 



