1870.) | MR. R. SWINHOE ON THE REPTILES OF CHINA. 241 
to one or the other of these genera, but its head is so injured that 
he cannot determine it. 
8. TRorpipoNoTUs sToLaTus (L.); Giinth. op. cit. p. 266. 
This common Indian species, which may be distinguished by the 
longitudinal white stripe it carries on each side of its back, was 
abundant in Hainan, as it is elsewhere in South China. 
9. PyrHon mouuRws (L.); Giinth. op. cit. p. 331. 
Two large Pythons were exposed in the market for sale at Tai- 
pingsze (Central Hainan) in February. They had been taken in 
the neighbourhood, and I was told that the country people often 
brought them in. They were confined merely by a straw rope 
twisted round the neck. The natives declare that they are not 
hurtful to man; and are easily caught by throwing over their heads 
a noose of twisted grass, and may with this be led about without 
danger. They call them Vang, and take them for the sake of their 
skin, heart, and liver. The skin is used chiefly for making drums, 
banjos, and other musical instruments ; and the heart and liver, when 
dried and pounded, for stimulative medicine. They offered the live 
ones to me for 1200 copper cash (5s.) each, provided I would return to 
them the hearts and livers. This was the day after the market-day, 
when the countrymen had left, and I could get no one to slaughter 
the monsters ; so I contented myself with the couple of flat skins that 
I had already purchased at the bartering-station further among the 
mountains, which were quite sufficient to show the species. 
Du Halde, in his great work on China, says of Hainan, “ The 
reptiles cannot be dangerous there, seeing the confidence with which 
the islanders walk day and night on the plains and in the middle of 
the thick wood, without arms and with nearly always naked feet. 
There are, however, Snakes and Vipers of a prodigious size; but as 
they are very timid, a simple movement or the least cry drives them 
to a distance.” 
Ill. Batrachia. 
10. Rana Escutenta, L.; Giinth. op. cit. p. 408. 
Very common about the rice-fields, and offered in most of the 
Hainan markets as an article of food. I did not preserve specimens. 
11. Rana eraciuis, Wiegm.; Ginth. op. cit. p. 409. 
A common species in Hainan, and, indeed, all over South China. 
Found on marshy ground and about the edges of rice-fields. 
12. Hyza curnensis, Giinth. op. cit. p. 409. 
Occurs in the woods of the island. It is generally observed sitting 
motionless on a leaf, and, from its green colour, often escapes de- 
tection. 
In conclusion, I have to record my thanks to Dr. Giinther for 
examining and determining all the species named in this list. 
