412 MR. R. SWINHOE ON CHINESE REPTILES, [June 9, 
viduals I came across. One was brought to me from the interior ; 
the other was captured at Takow, in the hall of a neighbouring 
Mandarin’s office, having descended from the roof, in which it was 
lodged, by a rope on to a hanging lamp in pursuit of geckos (Gecko 
japonicus). It was tinted all over with blood-colour. 
The specific characters of this snake, as kindly furnished to me 
by Dr. Giinther, are :— 
Scales in 25 rows, with a very strong keel to the tip, where it 
sometimes slightly projects. Ventral plates 217-220. Upperside 
of the head with very small granular scales; a series of larger ones 
along the canthus rostralis. Eleven upper labials, the second form- 
ing the anterior wall of the pit. Body brown, with a dorsal series 
of subrhombic, sometimes confluent spots; another series of similar 
more rounded spots along the lower part of the side. Each spot is 
of a dark brown colour, with a black margin, and generally a narrow 
white edge. Abdomen marked with brownish, each ventral shield 
having an ovate whitish spot on each side. 
18. TRIMERESURUS ERYTHRURUS (Cantor), Giinth. /. ¢. p. 386. 
From Takow, Formosa. This is the first occurrence of this little 
green viper in Formosa. I have seen it frequently at Amoy ; it is a 
bush-loving species, climbing to the top of plants, and coiling itself 
round the stems and leaves. Being of a fresh-green colour, it is not 
easy to detect; and while catching insects I have very narrowly 
escaped brushing my hand over the poisonous creature. The Chinese 
declare its bite to be fatal. 
19. Hatys sLomuorrit (Boie), Ginth. /. c. p. 393. 
A specimen of this spotted brown Viper was brought on board the 
gunboat by some of the crew who had been on shore at Ichang, on 
the Yangtsze. It is known from Japan and Formosa ; but this is the 
first instance of its occurrence in China proper. 
20. Rana Gracixis, Wiegm.; Giinth. /.c. p. 409. 
From Ichang. A common Frog in the rice-fields. 
21. Rana sitvatica, Leconte; Giinth. l.c. p. 409. 
From Ichang. Found in woods, among the dead leaves and decay- 
ing herbage. 
22. DipLopELMA PULCHRUM (Hallon) ; Giinth. 7. c. p. 417. 
From Ichang. I have met this wee Frog in various parts of China 
and Formosa. During the rains of spring and midsummer it occurs 
in thousands about grassy places. It does not resort much to wet 
rice-fields. 
23. HyLoraNna MACRODACTYLA, Giinth. /.¢. p. 424. 
From Ichang. Does not climb trees, but keeps much to the damp 
ground about woods. 
