2 7 



brevirostris, of Hindostan. The reptiles and insects were com- 

 pared with those of Hainan and the East Indies, and attention 

 was drawn to the remarkable marine fauna on the east coast of 

 the island, which, in consequence of the high temperature of 

 the Kurosiwo current, exhibits close affinity to that of Singa- 

 pore and other tropical seas. The variations of climate were 

 mentioned, and the intense heat of Hainan was described. 



In conclusion, the lecturer said that the impression left on his 

 mind was a mixed and rather sad one. He had been amongst 

 a people whose days are numbered, a people who show various 

 kind and amiable traits of character, but whose natural tem- 

 perament, even were they disposed to work, seems unfitted for 

 the systematic toils of civilised nations ; whose ignorance and 

 simplicity permit them to barter away their noble forests for a 

 mess of pottage, who are steeped in poverty and ignorance, the 

 constant dupes of unscrupulous and mercenary neighbours, the 

 victims of strong passions ; without friends, without help, with- 

 out sympathy, children of the present hour. 



