OP eet eK eVawe SM a sies ewe as ow:
Sod ROT rae
terecprene: er: renee : veepewe eeene Det Doerner te wee papi peer we - be ili dd 2 pawuene pay en Ua tet iv S ® es ¥ : ve : : 3 : Ceres % oe : SS: Se NNT CEST TS yg: we rere
bbbbahe hats ews aa Was FEE ES vis ew bok Woe eke a) TS VEV ECTS Seen ec ag Sere sete ‘ Se ene wee we:
pind mar 82 Eve be
Sas fa) o SSO Gs wees Dees nd oie ek = de
wat
iit a) ae
Terese eens
7 : wos Se 7 » dint eh a
eevee a 'n\8 twas were raneng i bint ede coe
MA vreey Fe :
vee
verve
veo CLAW Sv ¥rres ys
ee ee Sr we testes PURVES ws heey
. sere oe ee we wile wate SP hihena te te - £9 ew oP aly eters > 6 > aoe Ve oo OHNE NY ws Hess 2 pth Bidet teak Fh a ede TCG Oey ee OV Eee ~ wee :
+ epee o) “ Se wow ¥ ewer e's ‘ 4 PVs vars
ht hae eee fs mete
CEE eae ts ee rere P
xe
Ve ye Vee
eee ee
Oren ius eee ne ee weer
cree
rev
peers, aes .
eve vue rey Yeee PPPS OUP OP EET ES Pee eee ee 2 PEF CN NIA Ts CONST ENG oe Fe were wees eee Ye
yaw Pes PV PP SEES FE te Te wes ew Ran ee
ages
FP Ie Ow vip ee © Wee pane -
Tere gre ppt PER Eee 8 ONS S ee FONE Re ee we hws a) ate gat VEC :
Ris Si liefertin 2 edly Sethe tied aM A od
ne AF inthe DAD APLEEROERARE AE SP VR Oe eer ees eer ere 2 wet k See SET TI Ee OSS TY
FSEWVES TT ee Sa OV TVET TS ee we
PV Seerae ASRS EO Ee en hk
: rs tee
FeTSr ees eG eee NW Use yes wees
Dnt wig whe lhe = wes . rerrcserts Haine with eB Rd lick ths damn trate Fed Se ieee mr a i bliss bandh SD Abe oo ee qapeerreericnyt™ ; Li edi jeed ike rte : . eve : : ee -- by Sw : . wie 3 4 . . PETE EV EPIC T as & ver overs YF ee TY err res bobo De <, PVETNT ares ss eae PAV EWE Ee ees eet A So tetederis eer er el SHV ¥
FIFE HE SEY Ves
2 eee ees bl ee Sey
TUTE eevee y io a -,
viva ¥ : eCeeer S Pee ee eee 2 a ; Prrsivecrs®
re eee ere r teers
EAE ret ~ . eevee ‘Tite eve ANTE PEI ei vesy rye Vos VECOUN VS Wace ie Sided: EU Yee UV SE FEU UV EU Tey ae ey Cover oe. ave * ves7 . rT? ca ‘were tre r ~ id et? Svenerexats ee ¥ ve exer « A SAAAAAR EAE Po . 4 aE Fen VICE V El rs
ee eww te Cre ee
Setlidnes ae ehh a hee
3 “ TVs See Ny FTE,
" weret Pert POLIO a TES YE sap res €? Pere ewer ee oe ed
tee
ee a
TER vate PUT ECUV eee Tere iriver ve xs FF ABRIL BRE REE eee! eee er
ewes
ee i” PECTIC Pewee ee et wry? 7 jue fase ee Na ete ee ee ted PEELE TEU REATEEE UE LETTE CFE EEE WON EE CONE es are CU ve VE aes Ceteae ry mon ARAB Pree aa ere eae
: RASS ALL RARUGLES AEA RASL MEAS BRERA SD Ree
¥ Sree Tevevrrere
PEt EGS Sti GD Stn BD io Lis Rtetale Set he te ot ASS BLES EE OL TERT Try oT:
id ove
tee Ber
* CSE Cee Eee TURES eS SUE es ewe ew eee VSCTET I VE
ETE (OTe s Pie Vrtrurie i oof
PRAVED VOC ee err ss we EE ED ETFS Py ¥ . vwyvavevver
eVerere + : ¥ ‘* CT We Wie pet ves ¢ SUCCES WCE ER Sy ey ee 4 eee PSPC Ver eee ery LAL ae eS Seen a! PETES oe ce f3es TRVVIY Cee eet yy CS EN ex ¥
ve
REORDER ORO ORU ME CR OR OSU ES Ole eee ee eee ore euerwrey
teerry eee MTL EST HT ER TEEPE EET LOT
CPE ei ewes
Tervese
ery
Aawieentahn se Sp ert Fe ress shhh A DS AA ee hy eda en en la CLTOPERE Ce TERT YT oni ’ ¥uveeNe* eee ae es ve eet CFEC Se Hare Vevey VE PORT Se ere er eN Ls
wv (ova very : PUTS FE OF ree ENTS OT ONT SCPE Vir rsee er ey sees # PEP ye hee es tT oe Wes & ST ee eee ee
PVE eT TT THe ee CCV VET URE VTE? Dititpte. RS eeeec eee eae a. Lahti ded de CE EV EV SOV ee EER Y PPE OTE we EEPTYV EP yt ewes ewe
Ze eee OPC CTE EET ETE See ee ee av ee SO Te EET Te
wre we ote ce Se? eee a ee ee
VEVC LC Ce eed
Te
Veerrs«n ie eer? A CUCU ROT OS PERE rs Ce ETT E TTT of ers Pewee Cee rT Ore RELEASED R RAR C PTUT Me Ee TOT THT ET TT Ft Ove Cele pe ye ETERS ESL ET PELE POUEETE ES
PREP HES SLT TT ETE
tur wyve7
oreee¥ 27 er tery
EEECOT TEED CELE ONT OF st PRAT 6 bl apadn OM & TECCE EOE SY trite wi A A Bish VV Ver tere vw? : eye ooreres eewer eves Pe eee oO ee
Veeder tte, es a ae
PeVEV eee re?
[EL DARRAA SES)
Lhe eb ha Nk noe ho i Y¥ewe
eure reveeeay ev ETNy
SOP y ee errs ous 3 Ft or
"Weve r ese eer
Vr Ve Leer te TeV ereETTT Der try ee ree eee 7 FUL eve eee eet TY eweeU SUE PST AEE ETE 4VE UEC Cee VUCETT C04 ECES PCE OT 4
CUT OV CS et FETT
T3954 veuveney
FVruvivvere
servers
ae fee
. - Ec ecrn é + 6a ee eee ees ee EEET ECT ETT OUTSET E THEN Y Eee | THTUVEVUV CTV Ee ey TEV OE ey VRS Ce ve t¥ EEOC TEES TE EE rd wes EON ET EE EEVE EN TEE LETTS T Rae ba REA OreyTEeS ED EW MET ES rycen Ss PUES CONE ewe es vere eeTETAGF seer UW's wt ey yess ¥ERIEE! EUs VETS res . it rears Cre LA Dah 5 8 fel ae etl Veber eveue® Verve? s ’ : . os oe ee yveetetieerest SUPP eee ~~~
-eeVe ers SUNY" vs
eer ri€. FEFSEC PELs se Fires CHVI PAV ECK CEE VETTE cexvrers
ad
tewereer eetiyterevyecst ASB ASE OP ean one oe "y rere veer rene eers Serre eee rte
ry vewere en
prix
VUE CECH YY SwER ETE ON Fe <wses ERE EVE PES VEN er 3 ¥ EY Vewre
: ,
VRCTE Te eee el esis ere See eee Gees SERA R eee Bee) ROR CER ERE ORASAS LORE BOS.
frie averse vr Tres errr eet wcewaret CENCE ER : SCE PP pees rw aee TORUS RET CEES Pte: : rete redeuerey ere wrens na ? 3 Yr ee ’ i PP ke Ve Peer CIV eT ee oF ; : Ns : 7 #¢ : : : ? p14 OV Wri Er 7 ? ee ritrris
Vee ee ree vie ¥ ae a
Liveroeurs
ih ee eee et PES Se eee ee CowEV ere
COSF SOCE PET eT Pte ee “ee 7 Frew ere
ih. ae A ae
note MyCVVEN YN GTTE vee yw Sugai viy ayaa W dives hihi SI id
dj
x
| TTT EM :
“ow uo
VAY. MAN
P) i Ww MARAT TA pte Ww yE wel wu i JAA. “WU w wo v - piece), -ba4 . u v" ry ty 7 3 vs nr ve rvyegett yn C Ses AA MMA worry ewe 9 SeUese
Wer. ave edit ie LRA CAA ms wwe wot ye ew RIO tae AL Wivweieyn ites thy LAR ; ¥ 0 wre j dey Sd f WW? ve e hh a)
WEN ore petro ttt PS NE abl
- AU
wy ve Ate www" dv SAA GALS ~ AMA, feerevan ove ee
~ = ed PO S ¥ veyed ew © ov ov Vuuevy “ove Yel Vues Vues Verve ¥iL Ae
Wav ypd dd adeterse Matttiytryy mene vce Ber oyose oS : “ii, ve
eeu ieee: TRA AA sy ee coon ee z ue a pd Se ee Nth ve oe oS SS eter © (cca
~ViA e aa Va | AV Ie i tec
pee are Melee ain
LJ -
jo Pe re ~ ieee
vw"
ae sree hee
dew b¥ 7 ve dy
$925 were ty: “oF AA] yn J Wuyi w - -
PAA pi tebe hel LT): bd Geer: Wd if ahs Ww on eee gd
ms — OeUS* Seley et yyy' wy ~ v wi: \ . www “ECSS VE CCY —— ey eee ~~ ye svvrw
ete ey wet wwsee™ “yd euler 2er >: eet ow y TE eect ASU: gt ell
soo SY EEE MI ee 4 ‘ ava! Wyyde 7 sei iw: ve Vv Soke ae 48 ‘5 s } J xe
We ye ke of coed so peueeey yee we oy /” w ofl RES Te
A oS ecu WUT Ue ee ny ett ecta Sheu oe aes cue cya
Eee tI <i? hot va Vv Ue eve wy Cae
PIS) A ASAE Ad SAO RA Hi
, dee jv wie
£4 ihe
(AMARA AERA RR RAARARADA TT
al APA Poy yth tanta’ P nial seen ht ef “22 jee aA A a anet wn aA nagsstn r A Aan sane A aig tle Pry Sh [4 sapArpr Aaa
anr mee Pe A ; mrmrarA y PR pert aes Bel vaana ran tasngea tn “ARAN Aas PANN CD LT on. 0 Annan! 2 5 ganPtAAaaaag oi th suet " prnen a Pan an! . anny j te Bada Lan : “AA a rt? ‘anal aac inate cat g ee ar -pmanataan: = 12 nheagce Ee ¢ ag rm, on a Manerinanne Ez &, Af. a be ix < Seo Vo netes OX ee aeivlte ne pe een se | = Aaa A 8 a ‘ Wh (AAR eae ra kA somngy AAA AAS. AN ane a PLR afr Paula f A ec PON paps ' a 2 Sle ; al : af Lphranen AAA A TR recat wastes ALYY wana tN aaa faa . a ri A an an a =e Pe ache ‘ aa “Ama yj pet in AA + ne NT itd ht ey, ah: Manse tanann AN Baie MW inasabittec st an pee a oe te PY ee Ape ne pA Ramana 7 A, ‘2¢ ~ “Ae oh Wiican, AnaAsan Or. teas - aad paettican-. AAA RRA ap hal AiaaAAAsas on aaa’ yi i aul one Aa uA Nie op ui HA agi par “9 atta useto aa RE A WE gi bete 9 encaiin Janene aa Ayuabitay yt ee an, Deen. 000854: 2m sphOtana at saan ta tt Aas saAme “Ausat* Wien { = = a’ ; Aasu MR tata
len inna AAO Mame PELE tery aanAap vein) ihe wAiaiaaaciy ihe alet FF ppl nee eT
a eS vom [es ae Pp A E gaaaterre sa AlAA se, F ant aaa Aaa 2 os 5 AAAS. AY-¥ i AA AA, OP ae ea ri... .PABABR f m ane a AAA aa NAAAAsAAAs rey Ann AAARAAA, ane” apis pelger TAN € Ae =m ¥ ~ Me Ba ety - : ~ ca es os ; F aa ay vA Ss a, 4405 “aap AANan Ate Or S28 s YY 1 ~ A om ala J sry an eae ees mee rarreaa Al aA” Arar ae i Paeae ae AAR VES pane” nar, gat®) ARAMA ©” AAA j NN BN Ni ane Os d
ARAN haa as iP AMaaaat a. ~ Pinan nay ainda aaah Larioheteihiars anna SAA saan ane Ady annArn aa Toman nn ar a. Annan AWE NATTY ae if one pee wr Apnane APA, annr® AAA ana
Ps ay glee | a ey Pat 2 SA Am: A Praal ajnA& Ar ae Py Vom
Anne A" LLY | aa ee Sat NMI NOAA ann he had ee
af’ yas ES eS aN brad tagaAMA™s -” Lid) Leste tetdateeteh pt ANNAN a UUARIA A Jiiaad Nee sid Soa ahaa aiy, arn” r
E yy yy \ ~ rOnn fa i aagaiAaa pa. cl oRP RTS 10a aAAAieg A f ASV VVVYVWWA Renner ene Al Pm eee a lagna
pe
nee be ¥
Set a)! , * a0 Je fond a nly Ps
Tee
THE JOURNAL OF THE Natural History Society of Siam. Vol. FE. a —qgonlan Institg>s Comprising Five Parts and containing Sixteen s : 7 Plates and Two Maps. (im JUL 20 1917 ASOT RS , » Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5 Edited by \ an wa
Malcolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson. No. 4 Edited by
Malcolm Smith and E. G. Herbert.
No. 1. ( Pages 1 to 66) ... February, 1914 2. ( Pages 67 to 130 ) .. August, 1914
, 3. € Pages 131 to 220 ) ». March, 1915 », 4. ( Pages 221 to 259 ) ... December, 1915
.. ». (Table of Contents, Index of Species, etc.) May, 1916
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
No.1; i pITORIAL he ea Soe Tae SNAKES OF BaNGKox. Part I., with Plates. By Malcolm Smith ane nen
NOTES ON THE RACES OF SEROW, OR Goat Hues FOUND IN Siam. By A. J. Irwin
Nores ON THE Fauna AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND PetTcuaBuri Disrricrs. By K. G. Gairdner
A PRELIMINARY List oF THE Brrps OF BaNGkKoK. By W. J.-F. Williamson ... a see
A New SPECIES OF BaT FROM Sram. By Oldfield Thomas aoe ae rs
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :-—
I.—Migration of Rats. By J.S. Butler... Il.—Sore Neck in Sambar. By P. R Kemp I1I.—A Case of Triplets in an Elephant. By D. F. Macfie ... 1V.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. By K. G. Gairdner ee V.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe. By E. G. Herbert ane VI.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe in Siam. By C. H. Forty VII.—The Hroultine of Snipe. By BE. G. Herbert VIII.—Distribution of the Indian Pied Kingfisher ( Ceryle varia) and Spotted Owlet ( Athene brama ) in Siam. By E, G. Herbert be se JX.—Distribution of Ancistrodon rhodostoma, the Malayan Viper, in Siam. By Malcolm Smith a X.—Large Banded Krait. By Malcolm Smith XII.—Note on an Inland Cave at Muang Pran. By S. W. Masterman we PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 1913 List or MEMBERS List oF WORKS RELATING TO THE NATURAL History oF Sram iss ar ie
No. 2. DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW REPTILES FROM Sram. With a Plate. By G. A. Boulenger, L.L.D., D.SC., PH.D.,
F.R.S, With notes by Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. areas seh eae aire
PAGE.
THE Birps or BanGKox. Part I, with 2 Plates. By W. J. F. Williamson fohs ix
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK Part-II, with 3 Plates. By Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.,
A sHortT List OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG Disrricr. By C. 8. Barton
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
I.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. A Reply. By G. F. Weston Elwes I1.—Seasonal oily secretion in Gaur or Sela-
dang. With a Plate. By K. G. Gairdner I1l.—Distribution of the “ Lamang” Deer (Merrus eldi platyceros). By A. J. Irwin, IV.—Note on two rare Mammals, Berdmore’s Rat (Hapalomys longicaudatus), and Fea’s Muntjac (Cervulus feae). By K. G. Gairdner : if V.—Note on Langur Monkeys. By K, G. Gairdner ! Ae VI.—Large horns of Malay 8S Sambar ( Cervus unicolor equinus ). With a Plate. By Kk. G. Gairdner V11.—Occurrence of the Indian T hree-toed King- fisher (Ceyx tridactyla) in Bangkok. By HK. G. Herbert ah VII[.—Note on the Red-breasted Paroquet ( Palaeor nis fasciatus). By EH. G. Herbert ( Pericrocotus perigrinus ) ere in Bangkok. By E. G. Herbert X.—Occurrence of the Chinese Francolin (Francolinus chinensis) in Bangkok. — By AD dlr want, Vase XI.—Some interesting Birds found near the Western Boundary. By J. F. Keddie XII.—Occurrence of the Krait ( Bungarus cundidus), and the Small-spotted Coral Snake (Callophis maculiceps) in Siam. A new color varie y of the latter. By Malcolm Smith XIiI1.—Slnuggishness of a Python. By K. G. Gairdner ; X1IV.—On the breeding ues of the Tentacle. Snake ( Herpeton tentaculatum ) and Hypsirhina enhydris. By Malcolm Smith XV.—Note on a rare Lizard ( Lygosoma isodactylum). With a Plate. By Malcolm Smith : bis bis PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS ...
EX
PAGE:
123 125
126
127
129
No. 3.
NoTes on THE Fauna AND FLora or RatpurI AND PErcHaBuRI Districrs. Part Il, with a Map By KK G.Garrdnex: ¢ 2: wal sas List oF THE MamMats, Birps, ReEpTiLes AND BATRACHIANS OBTAINED IN THE RatTBURI AND PercHaBurt Districts. By K.G Gairdner and Malcolm Smith. a de On Two NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE GULF OF SIAM. By C. Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. Ee a3 List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr Emin EISENHOFER IN NORTHERN SiAM. Part I. By Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, B.A. ne od THE SNAKES OF BaNGKoK. Part III, with 4 Plates. By Malcolm Smith, M.R.¢.S., L.R.C.P. ty FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR Licur. By K. G. Blair. B.Sc., F.ES. phyA i CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO PRELIMINARY LIST OF BANGKOK Birps. By W. J. F. Williamson. ... THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. Part I]. By.W. J. F. Williamson a ae was LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT KNOWN TO INHABIT? Siam. By Malcolm Smith, MRGS., L.RCP. AN AppEAL For LAnaurs. By Guy Dollman. PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914. List oF MEMBERS ON 318sT DECEMBER 1914.
No. 4: On Two New Rats FROM THE INNER GULF OF SIAM. By C. Boden Kloss, F.z 8 aa
Some Notes oN Sciurus FINLAYSONI, AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF S1AM. By C. Boden Kloss, F.z s.
List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr. Emin HISENHOFER IN NORTHERN Siam. Part Il. By Count Nils Gyldenstoloe, R.A. A
On REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM THE Coast AND IsLanps oF Sours-East Siam. By Mal- colm Smith, MRCS, LR.c.P., and C. Boden Kloss, F.Z S. ey a i
Zoo-GEOGRAPHICAL Divistons vor Siam. With a Map. By C. Boden Kloss, F.R.G.8., F.Z.s.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
].—Additions to the Mammalian Fauna of
Ratburi. By K. G. Gairdner If.—Note on Sambar ( Cervus unicolor ) shedding its Horns. By P. A. R. Rarron. AS 6 [11.—A ‘ew Snake for Bangkok. By Malcolm Smith.
PAGE.
200
211 216 217 219 220
IV.—On the Breeding Habits and Co!lour Changes in the Lizard, Calotes mystaceus. By Malcolm Smith.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED... fe ly A FurtTHEerR List oF PUBLICATIONS RELATING 'TO THe NATURAL HISTORY OF SIAM. ... i
LIST OF PLATES AND MAPS. VOLUME I.
No. lL.
Head of Zanenis mucosus. Body of Bungarus fasciatus. Under-surface of Chrysopelia ornata.
The Hlephant’s Trunk Snake, Acrochordus javanicus.
Heads of Typhlops braminus, Xenopeltis wnicolor, Psam-
mophis condanarus and Tropidonotus piscator.
None
Heads of Simotes txornatus and Hypsirhina Sivithic. ...
Diagram of Bird. = a a Wings of Acrocephalus orientalis and Arundinas
aédoen. oe =a slat ar Coluber radiatus. . te ae. Ss
Heads of Zumenis mucosus, Herpeton fentaculatum and Simotes cyclurus.
Head of Hypsirkina hecourti. fh, ie
Head and Horns of Gaur ( Bos gaurus). MS
Head of Malay Sambar (Cervus unicolor equinus).
Lygosoma isodactylian. a. aus
No. 3. Sketch Map to illustrate the Paper on the Fauna and
Flora of Ratburi and Petchaburi. ...
The Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus). re The Cobra (Nava tripudians). Fe Cobras. yt ae
Russel’s Viper ( Vipera Russelli ) and The Common Green Tree Viper ( Lachesis qramineus). re No 4.
Map to illustrate the Paper on Zoo-Geographical
Divisions for Siam. oes a8 koe
PAGE
131 baa RS. 18d
182
250
ADDENDA
10, line 4 from bottom.
16, 30, 36,
45,
99
9)
3)
2
i) > © Oo ~T CO
BO a
ye
— — — es ore wien owrmpmwntr sc
99
39
bottom. top. top. top. top. top.
top. top. bottom. top. top. bottom. top. bottom. bottom.
top. top. bottom. bottom. bottom. top. bottom. top. top. top. top. top. top.
AND CORRIGENDA.
For ‘ Oylindrophus” read “ Cylindrophis.”
For ‘‘ glow” read *‘ grow.”
For “ “tradigradus” read “ tardigradus.”
For “griggled” read ‘‘ grizzled.”
For ‘* Pericrotus” read “ Pericrocotus.”
For ** Pericrotus” read ‘* Pericrocotus.”
For ‘ Sacroqrammus” read ‘ Sarcogram- mus.”
For “ maller” read ‘ smaller.”
For ‘* Rhodostroma” read ** Rhodostoma.”
For “ limnocaris” read “ limnocharis.”
For “enteaulatum” read “Tentaculatum.”
For “ marmoratus” read “ pequensis.”
For “ eynomoloqus” read “ cynomolgus.”
For ‘ Prionadon” read “ Prionodon.”
For “ Rutous” read ‘‘ Rufous.”
For “‘ Marmoratus, Fitz” read “ Pequensis, Bler.”
After ‘‘ specimen” insert ‘‘( D.formosus).”
For “ Copeychus” read * Copsychus.”
For “ moellendorfii” read ** moellendorifi.”
For “ smemoricola” read ‘ nemoricola.”
For “ memoricola” read ** nemoricola.”
For “ memoricola” read “ nemoricolu.”
For “ Irish” read ‘ Iris.”
For “ Mollendorfii” read ‘Moellendor ffi.”
For “ ignipictus” read “ ignipectus.”
For “ Hpimus” read “ Hpimys.”
For ‘f Mpimus” read “ Bpimys ”
For “ Hpimy” read “ Hpinys.”
For * Verticellatus”’ read “ Verticillutus.”
ve JOU K NAL
re Natural History Society of Siam.
WO ae IN Ge CE.
A RSOIIS In sz, A | co
ts
SF x “fo
Issued February, 1914. {2 JUL 95 1917 a Bie Cet Ga Wi a Bemus eigh
~~. CHal Muse? EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
ReGen Boe NON MONITORS: = (8 ye eo ee a Peg 3 AQ:
CONTENTS.
Kditorial ae Ae Sas : ‘a The Snakes of Bangkok, Part [., with Plates. By Malcolm Smith Notes on the Races of Serow, or Goat Antelope, found in Siam. By A. J. Irwin : . : Notes on the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi and Petechaburi Districts. By Kk. G. Gairdner Bee A Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok. By W. J. EF. Williamson as ua ewe re A New Species of Bat from Siam. = By Oldfield Thomas Miscellaneons Notes :— [.—Mivration of Rats. By T. S. Butler [l-—Sore Neck in Sambar. By P. R. Kemp eae I1f.—A Case of Triplets in an Elephant. By D. F. Macfie , [V.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. By KK. G. Gairdner V.—Breeling of the Painted Snipe. BY wes. G: Herbert zi ae | V1.—Breeding of the Painted Snipe in Siam. By C. H. Forty ee see sas V1il.—The Moulting of Snipe. By E.G. Herbert oe Vitt.—Distribution of the Indian Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle varia) and Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) in Siam. By E. G. Herbert oe LX.——Distribution of Ancistrodon rhodostoma, the Ma- layan Viper, in Siam. By Malcolm Smith X.—Large Banded Krait. By Maleolm Smith XIi.—Note on an Inland Cave at Muang Pran. — P S. W, Masterman Proceedings of General Meetings Statement of Account for 1913 ... List of Members oa ae wa List of Works relating to the Natural History of Siam
3a .
PAGE.
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural THistory Society of Siam,
s*
“>
‘s sorta WEE RGA A
JUL 20
Tt is with great pleasure that we issue this, the first number of the Journal of the Natural History Society of Siam. That some such publication would be forthcoming was obvious from the commencement of the Society, both as a record of what was being accomplished, and as a means of binding our scattered members more closely together.
It is hoped that we shall be able to issue the Journal at least three times a year, but this will depend upon the material in hand and on the funds available. We do not propose to bind ourselves down to any fixed dates of production, as we should probably be unable to adhere to them. The difficulties to be overcome in editing such a publication as this are considerable, particularly in the matter of illustrations, most of which have to be reproduced in Europe.
The Society has now been in existence for one year, and at the time of going to press its membership numbers 64 This is many more than was anticipated in the beginning, and we moy congratulate ourselves upon the rapid strides we have made, and upon the large amount of interest which we have managed to arouse in so small a community. We hope that each member will do lis or her best to assist the Journal with contributions. Those who do not feel qualified with a sufficient knowledge of their subject to send in papers, can at least forward notes upon the habits of animals and plants, or
local lists of collections made in different parts of the country. The
2 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f.
latter will be of use in working out the geographical distribution of
species. : An immense amount of work in every branch of Natural
History is waiting to be done in Siam—work which possesses all the pleasure and fascination attaching to any form of pioneer research. Hitherto it has been an almost untouched field. Few expert natur- alists have visited the country, still fewer have lived in it, and the records of both its fauna and flora are meagre. It is not to be expected that any large number of species will be added to Science, at least among the vertebrates, but it is in the distribution of those species already known, and in the life-histories of the little-known ones, that so much remains to be accomplished.
Siam, as would naturally be expected, has species in common with those of each country which she adjoins, and although the great majority of them are found over the whole area, the limit of distribution of many lies through her own terrritory. Of the fauna of Burma and of the Malay Peninsula we have a fairly extensive knowledge, and the literature upon the subject relating to those countries is considerable, and is indispensable to anyone working in Siam. The same, unfor- tunately, cannot be said of Indo-China, in regard to which no publica- tion of any great value has yet appeared, to which reference can be made for information concerning the many species peculiar to that country and Siam.
The two regions of which we probably know the least are, the large tract of country to the east and north of Korat, borderin s upon Indo-China, and the mountanous district west of Petchaburi, adjoining the Burmese frontier. Both offer a rich field of new material and will well repay any naturalist who ean find the time and money to visit them.
It is to be hoped that within a year or two the Society will be in a position to publish certain hand-lists relating to the fauna and flora of this country. These will be published separately from the Journal. They will naturally be far from complete, but they will form a basis for future work and should be valuable as a reference to anyone studying the particular subjects dealt with. A circular letter relating to this matter has already been issued, and it is hoped that every member will assist the Society in its undertaking. The
Committee will be only tco pleased to help members in every way
EDITORIAT. 3
with the identification of specimens, and, where this cannot be done in Bangkok, to see that they are forwarded to others who have a greater knowledge of the subject.
It is believed that enough material is already in hand to issue the lists relating to the Mammals, Birds and Reptiles, and these will no doubt be the first to appear. The lists published by Capt. S. Flower in 1900 in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society wpon the Mammals ana Keptiles are both very valuable, but a considerable amount of information has been gained since then, and the identity of certain species at that time obscure, has been now cleared up.
With regard to the Birds, if we except such standard works as Oates’ Birds of British Burma, 1883, and Oates’ and Blanford’s volumes on Birds, in the Fauna of British India, 1889-1898, no pub- lication in any way pretending to be complete has yet been issued. Both the works just mentioned naturally include a great number of the species inhabiting Siam, but in the majority of cases no record has been made of their having been found here. Of local lists, the most comprehensive is that published by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss in 1911, cn Birds jrom the Northern portion of the Malay Peninsula (mainly obtained in the Muang of Trang ), while Count Gyldenstolpe, again, as recently as 1912-13 made a short expedition to this country, and published last year a list of the birds he obtained.
As regards the Fishes and Insects of this country, practically nothing has been published, so far as we are aware, though several collections of Butterflies have been made—notably one by Mr. E. J. Godfrey. It is hoped that a list of the species comprised in this collection will be issued before long.
Tn connection with the Flora, a very extensive subject, the most prominent worker is Dr. A. IF. G. Kerr, who has published some papers in the Journal of the Siam Society, as well as in one or two British scientife journals. Much valuable work is also being done by the officers of the Forest Department, who have tor some time past been making systematic collections of the plants of Siam, and for- warding them to Kew (the Botanical headquarters of Great Britain ), where they are being investigated, and the results published from time to time.
We include elsewhere in this number a Catalogue of the works
4 JOURNAL, NATURAL' HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
upon Natural History relating to Siam. It is, we believe, with the possible exception of short articles that may have appeared in scientific journals, a complete list of all the literature which has so far appeared in the English language.
We would conclude by repeating once more our sincere request that every member will endeavour to contribute something towards the welfare of the Society and its Journal. Weare still in our in- fancy and upon our trial. It will depend very largely upon the results of the next year or two whether the Society is to retain its place or not. as one of the useful and permanent institutions of this country.
moby
SW. = = rani E a aa S BAS New Hs _- a ’
at fe Stee - ®
&.
v7 : * re
a Bar
Lh = on aa? —_— = ‘ .. tt a i - ha : a> =e Sse we Boge 7 * 7 7 - -_ , 7 = Fes daphe het ae 2 -<— e 4 — 4 Ae the . ; <* 9 yi “ : i. -_ Pu = ors a Pe , 4 =e i a re ‘hy oe Py. A ae oe | af = 5 7 re ee 7 = iT ey lS 3 eA a : og Og. en 3 —_
i 9) 7 : ¥ i 0m 7 Cate ae sh Pate wh AS et oe =f
, Find ‘ + Sy my; r at he a an = 7; Neat A et : > * . A . i an fi = = 7 i” wat a | A. OW AA oor ; ’ ne = y yy >i) ; *. AE 9 4 . Ws tb ie es s 1 vin = : i a i ® i . > | a iy \ ; bay ; 2 > «a 7 -_ 4 o. ~ - ed ‘ = aie =
= > ee oa 7 7 ~~ Py ¥ — - 7 “be = : oF ‘ - > ie ol @ ) ; 7 " ~ - Pett a : a * ids i a
“ id < anes ) ies per A ie =) ’ Ag 2 ast *% 4 a) ‘ yk Nona . e 1 - st Ay 7 7 J A 7 i « ‘ a , i : Pa) \
aT } ( (= a\¢ > = af 5 7 . i . 7 . { Ai -
oad hy J es *) ball Dat
‘ LY i tke Us pid ee VA a
>
i _
tea. (ce ve Aye
ee 4) 0 BRA
OAM, aS
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE.
Head of Zumenis imucosus.
A. Side view. B. Upper surface. C. Under surface. R. Rostral. N. Nasal. Lut. Internasal. Lor. Loreal. Prf. Praetrontal. Pro. Preeocular. S. Supraocular. Po. Postocular. | Pa. Parietal. Sbo. Subecular, T. ‘Temporal. | Ef. Frontal. A.S. Anterior sublinguals. P. S. Posterior sublinguals. Arabic numerals—Supralabials. | Roman numerals—Infralabials.
1 Body of Bungarus fusciatus ( Banded WKrait ) showing enlarged vertebral scales, and method cf counting the costal scales.
Ventral shields shown on either side.
K. Under surface of Chrysopelea ornate showing Ventral (V )
and Subcaudal (S. C.) shields with the lateral keel and a notch on 5
each side corresponding to the keel. Costal scales shown on either
side,
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK.
>
+
By MALCOLM SMITH.
The following articles are the outcome of a paper which was _ read before the Society in June last. At that time only the common species were dea't with, but the matter has since been enlarged to in- elude all the species at present known to have been found in Bangkok and its immediate neighbourhood.
A full technical description of each snake will not be attempted here, but sufficient will be given, it is hoped, to enable anyene te identify all the species likely to be met with. The descriptions as regards coloration apply only to those found in Bangkok, and do not necessarily hold good for the same species in other parts of Siam, al- though all those that [ have so far been able to examine from various districts show, practically, no variation. [tf should be rernembered however, that some snakes differ considerably in markings, especially, when they come from other countries, and to distinguish them by this means alone, cannot always be relied upon. The character and dis- position of the scales upon the head and bedy must be taken into consideration, for they remain almost constant, and form the only trustworthy guide to identification.
The accompanying plate shows the conformation and relation- ship of the various scales which are used for this purpose, and at the conclusion of these articles will be found a very simple key, by which anyone can readily distinguish all the species which have been described.
In 1900 Captain Stanley Flower after spending some two years in
this country, published an article* in the Pracecdinys of the Zoological
* «& Notes on a Seeond Collection of Reptiles made in the Malay Penin- sula and Siam.” Only those portions dealing with Siam haye been referred to in the present articles.
6 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
Sovety upon the reptiles of Siam. It included notes upon those he had met with himself together with a list of all the species that had been found in the country up to that date. It is needless to say that with such a valuable work to refer to, the task of drawing up the present list has been much simplified.
The number of snakes recorded by him from Siam was not great. Tt comprised only 56 different species, of which 26 had been met with in Bangkok. Vo this latter number 12 more may now be added, making a total of 38, a fair nember for a tropical locality. It is interesting to compare his list made fourteen years ago with the present one, and to note how certain kinds, at that time apparently rare, have since become common. These particular ones will be referred to in due course.
Bangkok is fortunate in being peculiarly free from poisonous snakes. By the Siamese who might be expected to kuow something about the matter, the majority are considered poisonous. This is not so. Only four species are to ba met with, and of these but two, Nava tripudians, the Cobra, and Bungarus fusiatus, the Banded Krait, need be reckoned with. The third, Viperw russellz, Russell’s Viper, has so far only once been recorded,* while the fourth, Lashesis gramineus, the Green Tree Viper, although plentiful everywhere, does not possess 2 poison which is fatal to human beings.
Authentic records of bites from poisonous snakes in Bangkok are, in fact, if we except the last mamed, extremely rare, and fatal records almost unknown. In eleven years of medical practice I have not seen a single case resulting in death, neither after enquiry among my fellow practitioners have I been able to gather more than one. This immunity is possibly due to two causes, partly to the reason that the two species already mentioned are far from common, but also because both of them are well known for their marked disinclination to bite, even under provocation. Jn this latter respect the Banded Krait is remarkable.
The inhabitants of the country districts are not quite so fortunate as those in Bangkok, but Siam as a whole compares extremely favorably
* It is more common in the North.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 7
in the matter of poisonous snakes with both India and Burma. If we except the sea snakes, only three other species, namely, Naia bunqarus, the Hamadryad or King Cobra, Ancistrodon rhodostoma and Ancistrodon blomhofi, have yet been recorded from this country, although others will no doubt be ultimately discovered.*
To attempt to attach Siamese names to the various species of snakes is a difficult task. In going through the list that I have I can find only about a dozen which may be confidently relied upon to be always given to the same snake, by those who know anything about the subject. The rest of the names are
so loosely and indiscriminately applied that it is impossible to
F é A ; affix them to any particular species. The term 4 (939 (ngu khieo ) rT
is applied to any snake of a green color, au (vgn din ) to the
earth snakes, whilst 9707 (ngu pla) includes the whole tribe of rT
of fresh water snakes. Sometimes the same name will be used for different species in different localities, or the young, if differing in color from their parents as they often do, will be looked upon as a different kind and accorded a different title. After all it is not to be wondered at. The Siamese have not yet taken up the study of Natu- ral History, and the country people from whom the names originate, have as a rule not much interest in any creature that does not enter into their dietary.
For those who wish to take up the study of snakes more thoroughly, there are several text-books in existence, the two most valuable for this country being Boulenger’s recently published volume upon the Reptiles and Batrachia of the Malay Peninsula and his older work upon the Reptiles and Batrachia of British India. These two volumes include all the known species which Siam shares with those countries.
The classification adopted in the present articles is according to the first of the two works just mentioned.
* The following poisonous species will most probably, judging from their present known distribution, be found in Siam. Bungarus candidus, flaviceps, and multicinctus, Lachesis monticola aud purpureomaculatus, Doliophis bi- virgatus and intestinalis, Calliophis maculiceps and macclellandi. Vhe four last, on account of the small size ef the mouth, can be hardly considered dangerous to mankind.
8 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Suborder OPHIDIA. Family TyPHLOPIDAE.
These small worm-like snakes lead an almost entirely subterranean existence, and are therefore not often met with by the casual observer. They feed largely on worms. In general aspect many of the species bear a close resemblance to each other and cannot be identified with- out a close and detailed examination. There are no ventral shields as with the majority of snakes and the body is covered with smooth scales of uniform size. The tail is blunt, extremely short and it is often difficult at a glance to distinguish it from the head. The eyes are very small and covered by shields. Three species have so far been
found here,
1. Typhlops braminus.
Siamese. aay (ngu din), the term being applied indiscri- minately to many of the earth snakes.
Not very common in Bangkok although it is by far the commonest and most widely distributed of all the burrowing snakes in Southern Asia. Possibly the inundations to which we are annually subject and which often last a considerable time, prevent this species from becoming more prevalent. Found inthe earth of gardens, or in hiding beneath logs of wood or among heaps of old leaves. By the Siamese it is considered highly poisonous, but apart from its lacking poison glands, the mouth is so extremely small that it can hardly he capable ot biting even in self defence. I have never yet known one attempt to do so. Length 175 mm. (7 inches ).
Colour and markings. Black or dark brown above, lighter beneath, snout, anal region and end of tail usually whitish.
Habitat. Southern Asia and the islands of the Indian Arehi-
pelago. Also South Africa and Mexico.
2. Typhlops schneideri.
Habitut. Siam.
3. T'yphlops albiceps. Both these species are extremely rare. They are recorded in Flower’s list, but have not been met with since in Siam, although the latter has been found in the Larut Hills, Perak.
Habitat. Siam and Malay Peninsula.
THE SNAKES OF BANGRKOK. 9
Family Borpar.
4, Python reticulatus. The Reticulated Python.
A Siamese. JYOQIN or YIMGON (neu lam or neu leuam), the eT rT
former name commonly used in Bangkok, the latter outside, but con- siderable difference of opinion prevails, and the Siamese will always affirm that they are different species. 1] have seen many specimens but have so far been unable to confirm this.
It is not uncommon in Bangkok, frequenting chiefly the gardens in the neighbourhood of habitations, the outhouses of which it often enters in search of food. The ease with which it can procure a meal near human dwellings no doubt attracts it there, but it is certain- ly remarkable that a snake which attains such large dimensions, which has such conspicuous markings and which on account of its sluggish disposition is so easily killed, should be able to survive in the very midst of a thickly populated town. Their nocturnal habits and the fact that they are very prolific no doubt account for this.
During the day they usually seek some elevated position, often lying in the most exposed situation and making little effort to conceal themselves. They are good climbers and can ascend the trunks of trees with great ease, even when there is no assistance to be obtained from branches. This they do by throwing the middle of the. body into two or more loops which partly encircle the stem, and by holding on in this way they are then free to push up the fore part of the body, and take a similar purchase at a higher level. They are seldom found far from water and take to mt readily to avoid capture.
Food. Small mammals and birds which they kill by con- striction. Young pythons appear to consume chiefly rats, probably because they are more plentiful than other ‘orms of food. Whether or no larger ones eat cats for the same reason I cannot say, but the num- ber of times I have known them taken is quite out of proportion to other creatures such as fowls, ducks or dogs. In captivity my own feed largely upon rats and the way in which a coil of the body is thrown over the head of the animal so as to press the muzzle tightly into the chest, is very clever. This serves a double purpose. It aids suffocation and at the same time prevents the rat from biting its captor, but whether both are intentional I am unable
10 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
to say. No bones are broken as it is commonly believed, and the animal dies of asphyxia.
Pythons grow to a great size, like the rest of the Boa family. Specimens are said to have been killed 30 feet in length, but such dimensions are naturally never reached in Bangkok. Flower mentions one killed in 1897 that was 20 feet long. The largest I know of my- self measured 164 feet. Specimens of 10 to 12 feet are fairly common and are often hawked in the streets where they realize a few ticals for the sake of their gall-bladder and skin. ‘he former is accounted a a valuable remedy for colic as well as for various other complaints.
A python that has newly cast its skin is one of the most hand- some of snakes. No description can give any idea of the beautiful sheen and the play of metallic tinis of blue and green which sparkle from every part of the body, colours which, alas, it is impossible to preserve after death.
Color and markings (in life). Above, light brown with a dorsal series of large darker colored spots, circular, oval, or rhomboidal in shape, sometimes confluent. Hach one is edged with black and outside again with yellow, these two colors descending upon the sides in a regular series of V shaped marks each of which encloses a white spot. Below, whitish or yellowish, dappled with brown at the sides. A black streak along the middle of the head, and one on each side, from the eye to the corner of the mouth: Python reticulatus has the rostral shield and the first four upper labials deeply pitted, This will serve at once to distinguish it from the other two species of python, P. molwrus and P. curtus which are found in this part of the world and have only the first two labials pitted. P. molurus, the com- mon Indian python, has been recently found at Lopburi. P. curtus has not yet been discovered but it probably exists in the Peninsula.
Habitat. Burma and Indo-China to the Malay Peninsula and
Archipelago. Family ILysipar. 5. Cylindrophus rufus.
. 24 . Siamese. 3NW9U (ngu kon khop). Very common in Bang- rT
kok. Found beneath logs of wood or in heaps of earth or dead leaves, or in holes in the ground. Frequently to be met with crossing the roads
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. ll
on wet nights, It has a curious habit when molested of coiling itself up with the head hidden beneath a fold of the body and the tail curled, up over its back, somewhat after the manner of a scorpion. This attitude to one who does not know it, is highly intimidating, and has given rise to its vernacular name, ‘‘ngu kon khop,” the snake that bites with both ends. The tail is extremely short and blunt, and the body being of almost uniform diameter throughout, it is easy for a casual observer to mistake one end for the other. To the Malays it is known as the ‘“ ular dua kepala,” the two-headed snake. It is con- sidered highly poisonous, but is, as a matter of fact, a most inoffensive creature. I have never yet known one to bite—even when newly caught.
Food. Hels and other snakes. Its appetite is gargantuan. It seems to prefer a meal at least as large as itself, if not larger, and the manner in which it can pack its food away and appear but little bigger afterwards is extraordinary. One I had in captivity, itself 400 millimetres in length, overcame and devoured a Keel-back (Tropi- donotus piscator) of 500 mm. (20 inches), the latter snake being well known for its activity and aggressiveness. Another was found having just swallowed a water-snake (Homalopsis buccata), the former 780 mm. long and the latter 925 mm. Two other specimens were caught in the water in the act of swallowing eels, their prey on each occasion being several inches longer than themselves. 1 could quote many other instances only a little less voracious.
In captivity it is an uninteresting creature, burrowing at once into the soil of its cage, and never re-appearing except under cover of darkness. At the same time it would appear to be by no means nocturnal in its habits, as the records of its appetite show, all of which events took place in broad daylight.
Length. Boulenger gives it up to 825mm. The largest speci- men I have seen measured 865 mm. (34 inches) in total length, the tail contributing 15 mm. only.
Colour (in life). Irridescent black to dark purple-brown, the latter colour being found only in adults. The belly is marked with a series of dull white or pinkish cross-bands, about as broad as their corresponding inter-spaces, and interrupted at the mid-line. In the young, another series of narrower bands travels upwards on to the
*-
12 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY Ol SIAM. Vol. I.
back, but become gradually obscured in later life, although by careful examination traces of them can usually be found. The tail has a reddish or orange mark, and there is often a collar of the same colour.
Family XENOPELTIDAE. 6. Xenopeltis unicolor. eae : Siamese. 9 WAI BINMY (ngu saang athit), The largest of rT
all the burrowing snakes that inhabit Bangkok, where it is fairly common. It is found frequently in the saw-mills, hiding away in the stacks of wood or beneath the squares. It is found also in the gardens when turning up the ground, and beneath heaps of leaves and rubbish. In loose soil it can burrow rapidly and easily, and in capitivity, like the preceding species, usvally disappears immediately into the earth of its cage. It appears to be entirely nocturnal in its habits. It is an active powerful snake and when first caught, although it will make violent efforts to escape, and wrap itself round one’s hand and fingers with great constricting force, does not attempt to bite. It has the curious habit when excited of vibrating the tip of its tail with great speed. The habit is by no means confined to this species, but with X. unieolor it is so strongly and rapidly performed that I have at times thought I could actually hear the vibrations.
The Siamese name, ‘“‘ ngu saang athit,” the sunbeam snake, is well deserved. The high polish of every scale in its body, and the beautiful tints, chiefly of sapphire blue and emerald green, which flash forth from the upper surface (although the actual colour is uniform black or dark brown), make it a very striking creature in appearance.
Food. Rats, mice, frogs and other snakes.
Dimensions. Grows to a length of 1200 mm. (4 ft.). The tail is very short, measuring only about one-tenth of the body length. The largest Bangkok specimen I have seen measured from snout to vent 860 mm., tail 75 mm.
Colour (in life). Above, from black or an intense bluish black to chocolate brown, uniform, the last 3 rows of costal scales being edged with white. Beneath, white, immaculate, except for the suk caudal scales which are edged with dark grey. The young are black above with a white or yellowish collar extending on to the occiput.
‘(ayeug yuniy s jueydajy ou L) snoiueAe{ snpJsoyooIoVy
feet
ia s,s,
n't
r a *
mys SaP, w
“UmvIg “99S WS1H “JUN [vUudno [
St ONY
T 19A
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 13
This collar entirely disappears as the snake grows up. The change to brown takes place later in life, and is confined to adult age. Whether it occurs in all specimens I cannot say. My own experience in Bang- kok is that it does so.
Family CoLuBRIDAE Subfamily ACROCHORDINAE
nw
” Acroshordus javanicus. The Elephant’s Trunk Snake. J ]
w
Siamese, 939 (ngu nguang chang). Fairly common in Bangkok, inhabiting the river and klongs. Often caught in the mud left by the receding tide. Occasionally to be found crossing a road, but on land it is quite out of its element and its movements are slow and clumsy, progressing as much like a gigantic worm as like a snake. As with many of the fresh water snakes, it has an extremely sluggish disposition, at any rate during the day time. In captivity it hardly ever moves except under cover of darkness. If handled quietly it makes no attempt to bite, but if roughly seized will turn swiftly upon one, and with its large teeth can inflict severe wounds.
Food. “his consists chiefly of fish, but it is possible that this species is also vegetarian in its diet. In the stomach of one caught in Java,* a quantity of undigested fruit was found, and in one caught in Bangkok I discovered a curious conglomeration of small hard nuts, small stones, a large piece of string, as well as a quantity of fish bones. Such things could only have been swallowed accidentally, or more probably were in the stomach of some creature eaten by the snake. 1 am not sure that it will not eat carrion. [Further observations upon its diet will be interesting,
It is a prolific snake. Cantor mentions one in his possession which brought forth 27 young ones, and two others which I examined towards the end of May contained respectively 27 and 32. well developed embryos.
Dimensions. Up to 2500 mm. (Boulenger). The largest speci- men | have seen measured 1835 mm. (6 feet). For its length this snake has enormous girth, greater than that of any other snake 1 know, This point is well brought ont in the very excellent
slate, reproduced from a photograph taken while the creature was alive } g
* Vide Boulenger’s Aeptilia and Batrachia of the Malay Peninsula,
14 JOURN AT, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. £.
Color (in life). When first caught it is usually not sufficient- ly clean to make out any definite markings, but the actual coloration (after washing ) will be found fo be as follows. Above, dull brown or greyish brown, paler below, and with a line of dark, circular or or oblong blotches on either flank, These markings, the great girth, and the loose, baggy skin covered with tubercles, instead of scales, serve to distinguish this species quite easily from all others. Its title of the Klephant’s Trunk Snake is a very appropriate one.
Habitat. Siam and the Malay Peninsula, Java and New (Guinea.
8. Chersydrus granulatus. Closely allied to the preceding, but much smaller. Flower in his list mentions a specimen which was in the Museum during his time and was labelled ‘ Bangkok.” 'This snake is an inhabitant of river mouths and the adjacent sea-coasts. It is common at Tacheen where it is often ecanght with the fish at the stakes. It is not unlikely therefore that one may occasionally be carried up here by some unusually high tide or upon some fishing boat. It can, however, only be looked upon as an accidental visitor.
Subfamily CoLuBRipak.
9. Treyidonotus piscator.
Siamese 2 018 GH (ngu lai saw). Very common in Bangkok, being plentiful everywhere, especial'y in the padi-fields during the wet weather. It is far and away the commonest snake that is met with when out snipe shooting. During the hot weather it is not much in evidence, confining itself to the banks of klongs and pools; but with the advent of the rains and consequent flooding of the fields it roams about all over the country, finding everywhere abundance of its favour- ite food—frovs and fish. It makes no attempt to kill its prey, but proceeds at once to swallow it alive, and the pitiful cries of the trog as it is slowly engulphed must be well known to everyone who has spent much time in the fields. Fish it will devour with great voracity, and in the small puddles that form as the ground dries up
and where the fish get herded together, it may be found making huge
* This procedure may seem extren ely cruel, but. afier all, Nature has not provided the snake with any other means of disposing of its prey.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 15
meals. It is a good swimmer and is never found far away from water. It appears to be entirely diurnal in its habits.
In disposition this snake is bold and aggressive, striking and biting fiercely when molested, and with its sharp teeth being able to inflict quite severe wounds, even through gloves. In captivity, how- ever, 1t quickly grows accustomed to being handled, and after a short time makes no attempt to injure one.
Length. Up to 1200 mm. (4 feet), the tail forming one third or one quarter of the whcle. ‘The largest Bangkok specimen | have seen measured, snout to vent, 960 mm., tail 240 mm.
Color and markings. In coloration this species, which is widely spread over the Hast, shows great variation, so much so that if they were to be judged by their markings alone, they would be [re- quently considered as different species. Major Wall* in an article upon this snake endeavours to arrange them into ten different varieties. Many of these however merge so gradually into each other that it is impossible to draw any definite line between them. The following description applies to Bangkok, and as far as Iam aware to the rest of Siam.
Above, olive brown or green, with black spots arranged quin- euncially, those upon the sides being longer than the others, forming a series of short transverse bars. ‘The spots vary considerably in different individuals. They may be so indistinct as to be almost absent, or so large as to almost obscure the ground color, or they may be linked together forming a network. Bright scarlet markings often exist upon the sides. Beneath, whitish or yellowish, each ventral and subcaudal scale being edged with black. An oblique black streak below the eye, another behind it. A chevron-shaped mark, more or less apparent upon the neck. Interstitial skin usually arranged in black and yellow reticulations, the yellow often extending on to the adjacent scales.
Halitat. India, Burmah and 8. China to the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago.
10. Tropidonotus sub-miniatus.
Siamese. 43 ANULAY (ngu khaw daang). Quite as common as | ,
* Journal, Bombay Nat. Hist Society, Vol XVII, No. 4.
16 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM, Vol. I.
the preceding, but more an inhabitant of gardens and garden land. Very similar also in habits but less aggressive. This snake has to a marked extent the power of flattening its body, which it does when caught or excited in any way. It feeds chiefly upon frogs and in captivity quickly beccmes tame.
Length. Up to 1000 nm.
Color (in life). Above, brown, uniform or with small black spots arranged across the vertebral line in pairs, or connected form- ing short cross-bars. Head, olive green, with a black streak below the eye. For about 5 centimetres upon the neck there is a patch of bright vermillion. The interstitial skin of this snake is extreme- ly handsome, being arranged for the most part in a network pattern with the meshes alternately black and yellow. This shows up strongly when the snake expands its body. The young have an olive-grey lead, witha black patch across the nape and a yellow collar behind it. Identification is easy, in life, the red colour upon the neck serving to distinguish it at once. In spirit this mark disappears very rapidly.
Habitat. Eastern Himalayas, Burma and S8. China to the Malay Archipelago.
11. Vropidonotus stolatus.
Not previously recorded from Bangkok. Dr. Robert has a specimen which is said to have been caught here. ‘This little snake has a wide distribution in the East and is possibly more common in the North of Siam.
12. Lycodon aulicus.
Not very common. Found generally in the neighbourhood of houses and often inside them, hiding itself away during the daytime in any available hole or crevice. It is a good climber and appears to prefer the roof to the floor. In disposition it is an active, excitable creature and has a most vicious temper, striking and biting freely whenever caught, but being quite unable, on account of its small size to do any damage.
Food. Chiefly geckoes, but also other species of lizards.
Léngth. Boulenger in his Fuune of the Malay Peninsula gives the total length as 510 mm. Wall states that they glow up to 750 mm. in length, but remarks that specimens over 600 mm. are rare.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 17
His measurements refer to speciinens in India. The largest one that I have seen, taped 600 mm. in total length the tail forming 105 mm. This snake is very variable in its markings, but I have up to the present seen only one variety in Siam, although [ hive examined specimens from widely separated parts of the country— Chiengmai, Den Chai, Lopburi, Bangtaphan and Siracha. It ac- cords precisely with Koulenger’s description of the one found in the Peninsula, It would appear therefore that the variety found in this region does not grow as large as the oues found in India.
Color (in life). Above, greyish brown, with fine pale yeilow (in spirits, white) reticulaticns, sometimes arranged upon the back as distinct cross bars. A tritngular y-lHowish bloteh on either side of the occiput, which may be fusel into a collar. Upper labials white or yellowish, each seale with a dark spot. Beneath, greyish or whitish.
Habitat. India, Ceylon, Purma and indo-Chini to the Malay Archipelago.
13. Psammoyhis condunarus.
Major Wall calls it the Indo-Burmese Sand-snake* but in no way can the title be considered particulariy- appropriate to this locality. This handsome snake has not previously been recorded from Siam, its nearest known habitit being Pegu and Basset in Burma. It is not commou in Bangkok. At Sala Deng, on the waste land commonly known as “the Ditches,” there is a sail eolony, and | have seer specimens from other pirts of the town. My acquaintance with this snake alive is coufined to the colony just mentioned, and to a certain time of the day when, after heavy rain, the sky clears for an hour or two before sunset. Then, as if seeking to dry and warm themselves, they climb to the topmost boughs of the bushes amongst which they live, and bask in the depirting rays. They are very shy aml untess approached with great caution dive tike a flash into the aidergrowth below sand are lost to sight. I have only once met one on the ground. ‘This was by the side of a K'ong, in the heat of the day. and it took
without hesitation to ihe water and escaped. When caught first
* Journal. Bombay Nat. Hist, Society, Vol. XX, No. 3
18 JOURNAN, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM ~ Vol. J.
they bite fiercely, and although they always retain a certain amount of their shyness in captivity, do not attempt to bite afterwards. Those I have kept lived invariably upon a branch or bough placed in their cage, and seldom descended to the earth.
Food. Further observations on this point are wanted. Major Wall says he knew of a frog taken once, and lizards ( Mabuiu, Calotes) twice. I have found a small mouse in the stomach of one. At “the Ditches” lizards of any kind are seldom met with. Frogs abound, except in the driest months. The undergrowth there is extremely thick for the greater part of the year, and during the’ December floods the whole place 1s usually under water. In cap- tivity mine refused all food.
Length. ‘The largest specimen I have seen measured 945 mm. in total length, the tail being 225 min.
Color (in life). Above, baff, with four well defined dark brown stripes, each 14 scales wide and edged with black, passing down the entire length of the body and tail. The two median lines commence at the internasal shields, the two outer pass through the eye and along the flank. In some specimens the inner margins of the median stripes beccme obliterated, and in a large female in my possession these bands are fused into a single broad one. Below, yellowish white, with a fine black line at the margins of the vential shields. Upper labials, whitish. The whole snake has a fine polished appearance, and the body is particularly solid and compaet. Interstitial sk n in life, is never visible.
Habitat. (ndia, Burma and Stam.
(‘To be continued, ) a
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam.
No.
Ite
Vol. 1.
Xenopeltis unicolor.
g fs) 5 Boe - = 8 S|) oO — Oo a 72) oa, uO Vers Te! (ey = cay a) eB x Y ma
Tropidonotus piscator,
Psammophis_ condanarus
NOTES ON THE RACES OF SEROW, OR — GOAT-ANTELOPE, FOUND IN SIAM.
OSE BY A. J. IRWIN.
At the Meeting in June last the skin of a very fine specimen of the Serow or Goat-Antelop2 was exhibited, which had been shot at Koh Hlak by Mr. Butler, and I neticed then that the colouration ‘differed somewhat from that of other specimens I had seen. I had previously been ef the opinion that more species or sub=species than on3 of this animal are to be found in Siam, and 1 am now sure that this 4s so. As the matter is of considerable interest, | have prepared the following notes in the hope that they may be of use in identifying these species or sub-species.
Briefly, it may be stated that the Serows belong toa group of ruminants including the Serows, Gorals and Takins, which inhabit the hilly and mountainous districts of northern and eastern Asia, and are popularly known as the Goat-Antelopes. The two latter genera do not concern this paper, but it may be mentioned that the Serows differ frem the Gorals, their mearest relations, in their larger size, their greater length ef limb but shorter tail,and in the presence of a special gland on the face, in front of the eye. This gland, although not very noticeable en the outside, is sufficiently large to form a deep impression on the bone beneath, and can be readily distmeguished in the skull of any Serow, just in front of the orbit. The ears are long, the bedy cevered with sparse, coarse hairs, almost amounting to bristles, and there may or may not be a wild bristly-looking mane.
In colouration the Serow is very variable and it is owing to this fact, and to the lack of a sufficient number of specimens fer examina- tion, that confusion has arisen between the various authorities who have attempted to describe the animal. The latest authority to write upon this subject is Mr. R. IL. Pocock, Superintendent of the Zoolcgical Gardens in London, who has described * no less than 8
* Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Vol. XIX, No, 4 and Vol. XXII, No 2.
20 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Wol. £
races, ranging from Sumatra to China and the Himalayas. He declines to recognise them as different species and remarks, ‘‘ I have a strong “ suspicion that when the Serows are better known, that is to say ‘‘ when more material has been collected, gradations will be traced anc “thus justify the view I now hold that all the Serows ranging from ‘ Kashmir to Burma belong to one locally variable species. But,” he continues, “I am not sure that futare discoveries will not show that “the Serows of the Straits Settlements should rank together with the “ Sumatran animal, as specifically distinct. ”
I propose, in this article, to confine myself to those races of Serows which have been already described from this region, that is to say from: the countries adjacent to Siam, and to show afterwards how they differ from the ones I have met with myself.
it may be as well to remark at this point that Mr. Pocock has re-introduced the generic title of Cupricornis for the Serows in the place of Nenorhaedus, which has been used by Blanford, Lydekker and other authorities for many years, and gives his reasons for so doing on the grounds of priority It remains to ba s3en whether or not his new tern will be finally accepted.
Jn the following descriptions I have not hesitated to quote freely from all the authorities at my disposal. The last variety to be des- eribed, although stated to be found in countries far removed from Siam, his been included here as, in colouration, if approximates very closely to
specimens that have been found in this country.
1. Capricorivis sumatrensis robinsont. Pocock.
Prevailing colour black, with a thick grey crest-like mane on the neck and withers, consyposed of a mixture of black and white hairs. Areas of the leg below the knees and hocks black, turning to brown only on the fetlocks.
Distribution. Selangor and (? ) Perak.
2. Nemorhaedus sumatrensis swettenhami. Lydelker.
Capricoriis swnatrensis swettenhamt. Pocock.
General colour black, the back strongly and the sides slightly grizzled with grey, the bases of the hairs being whitish. Along the lips whitish grey: the posterior portion of the upper lips, a part om each side of the lower jaw and one on the throat rusty red. Hars black, grizzled with rusty at the base, and lined and edged with greyish
THE SEROW IN SIAM. PA
white hairs. Mane black, mixed with whitish hairs on the fore part of the neck and with reddish hairs towards the withers. Insides of the
thighs rusty red. Remainder of head, neck, chest, belly, and legs black. Tail black.
Distribution. Perak.
3. Nemorhaedus sumatrensis. Blanford.
Nemorhaedus sumatrensis rubidus. Lydekker.
Capricornis rulidus. Blyth and Pocock.
Prevailing colour red all over, paler beneath, a blackish spinal stripe, extending to the tip of the tail. Chin, lower jaw and upper end of throat white. Whitish on the fetlocks and sometimes on the knees.
Distribution. Assam to Salween.
4, Nemorhaedus sumutrensis. Blanford. Caprizornis milne-edwardsi. David and Pocock. Brownish black or blackish, sometimes hoary, some reddish hairs intermixed on the outer side of the thighs, the legs below the knees rusty red throughout.
Distribution. Kastern Thibet, Burma ( Moulmein, Pegu). b] b>]
Or
Nemorhaedus buhalinus. Blanford. Nemorhaedus sumutrensis bubalinus. Lydekker. Capricornis thar. Ogilby. Capricornis sumatrensis thar. Pocock. Prevailing colour coal-black with the hairs basally white, legs whitish or grey-white below the knees and hocks, the belly dirty greyish brown or not clear white.
Distribution. Nepal, Sikhim and Chumbi.
This species is very far removed from Siam, but is introduced here for the reason already mentioned.
The description of the animal shot at Koh Hlak by Mr. Butler, which appears to be an unusually large specimen, is as follows :—
Prevailing colour above black, much grizzled on the dorsum owing to the basal half of the hairs being white, less grizzled on the flanks. Belly and upper part of the limbs and buttocks brownish black, the legs from the knees and hocks downwards rusty brown. The
mane is grey, being composed of black and white hairs, the white
22. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
markedly predominating, and with the longer hairs tipped with light brown. It is mat-like and of great length, some of the hairs being as much as 12 inches long. There is a jet-black, dorsal crest reaching to the tail. Sides of neck and face black, upper surface of head the same, but with some reddish hairs intermixed. Throat reddish grey, lower lips, chin and inside of ears whitish.
I have hunted Serow at various places in Siam from Lat. 15° N. above Lopburi to Lat. 11° 48’ N. below Koh Hlak in the Peninsula. Except in the case of one Serow, which I shot near Koh Hlak, the colouration of all the specimens seen by me was black on the upper parts of the body, interspersed with white hairs on the back—these becoming more numerous on the breast between the forelegs, along the belly and under the edges of the tail, which is thus sometimes fringed with white; from the knees and hocks downwards very light grey, or dirty white shading into grey on the front of the forelegs; the muzzle not noticeably grey; no fawn or red hairs at all anywhere on the body or legs. The animal shot by me near Koh Hlak was coloured as above described, with the exception that the legs from midway between the elbow and knee joints, and midway between the stifle and hock joints downwards, were a reddish grey owing to the mixture of a preponderating number of red hairs with the white.
From the descriptions I have given above I submit that there can be no doubt whatever that at least two distinct races of Serow inhabit Siam, the distinguishing marks being that one race has no rufous colouration at all, while the other has a considerable amount of such colouration. J have never heard of the rufous variety occurring in Siam north of Latitude 12° 40’ N.; all the specimens I have seen or heard of from the north of that line have had only black and white hairs in their pelts. The information at my disposal leads me to think that the Serow without any rufous colouration at all, being simply black and grey or white, with dirty white or grey legs, may be a sub-species which has not yet been described by anyone as a distinct race. From the description already given of tar, it appears to be most closely allied to that animal, although the known habitat of thar is very far removed from Siam.
The measurements of a fullgrown female Serow which I shot near Na Yang, about Lat. 12° 45’ N., Long. 99° 55' E., in Petcha- buri district in 1910, were, from tip of nose—not much stretched
THE SEROW IN SIAM. 23
out—to end of tail 60 inches, and height at shoulder 36 inches. I should say the weight would have been about 140 Ibs. The horns of a male and of a female shot by me measured 8} inches and 8? inches, respectively, in length along the outer front curve. The depth of the curve, which is but shght, would be only about an inch between the inner side of the curve and a straight line drawn from tip to base. I should say that any horns over 9 inches in length would be quite exceptional in Siam.
I can see no great difference in the size, weight of body and length of horns of the male and the female Serow. In both sexes the tail is very short, not longer than 6 inches as a rule, while the ears are large, about two-thirds as long as the horns. The neck is short, and carries a short dark grey mane of coarse, straight hair, as a rule erect and about 6 inches long, which extends to between the shoulder blades, where it shortens in length to a ridge of longish hairs along the back- bone. The hair of the body generally is coarse, and does not form a very thick coat in this climate, but probably it is longer and thicker in a colder one. On Mr. Butler’s specimen the hair seems to me to be longer than is usual. Possibly this is because the other pelts I have seen were those of animals shot in the hot season, and his specimen was shot in November towards the end of the rains. The hair may grow longer in the wet and cold season, and may be moulted in the dry season. ‘The young Serow are darker than the old ones, which become somewhat grey owing to the increase of white hairs among the black. J have never seen a Serow with a beard like a goat, air animal which, on a large scale, it resembles. The legs are remarkable for the thickness and strength of their bones compared with the size of the animal, appearing to measure more below the knees than those of a Sambur deer. ‘lhe feet are not big in proportion, but are small and compact, not splayed. The bones of the legs gave me the impres- sion of being extra hard and close-grained in texture. The iris of the eye is a very dark blue.
In Siam the Serow inhabits steep and, in many cases, precipi- tous hills and low mountains, not, in my experience, exceeding 1500 feet, and generally much lower. Personally I have never seen or heard of it on any except those of limestone formation. It is not very markedly nocturnal in its habits, though said to be as much so as the
Sambur deer, but moves about, to some small extent at all events, in
24° JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM, Vol. I.
the day time. According to the general account of the natives, st hardly ever goes off the hills except when moving from a hill to a neighbouring one. Iam inclined to doubt this as I have found: its tracks in a clearing near the Prasak river a few miles north of Saraburi about half way between the hills and the river, which are there some two miles apart. | have also found its tvaeks in the paddi fields about half a mile from the hills near Na Yang in Petchaburi, and I have always been of the opinion that it only makes such expeditions at night, and then probably in search of water. I have been informed by Dr. Smith, however, that the Serow at Koh Hlak, when he was there in November 1912, regularly came off the hill in the early morning, and again in the afternoon as early as 4 p. m., and fed ina clearing at its base, with a couple of Chinamen often at work within 200 yards of them. One was shot feeding in a plantation by the sea- shore, at least, 400 yards from the hill and within 100 yards of Mr. Butler’s bungalow. The particular hill referred to is fairly thickly covered with vegetation at its base, much tess so near the summit.
In every place where I have heard of Serow, except in the neighbourhood of Koh Hlak. there was at all events some possibility of their finding water in order to get an occasional drink. They cer- tainly cannot need much water, however, and must be able to do with- out it for considerable periods. At Koh Hlak, for instance, I must say I do not understand how they can get anything to drink in the dry season, but the natives there have settled the question to their own satisfaction ; they say the animals drink seawater.
I consider the flesh of the Serow very palatable ; it is dark eoloured and tastes not unlike good. tender beef.
The Serow moves fairly fast on hills, bat carefully as a rule, and going down hill often appears to be getting along slower than it really is, owing to its habit of looking before it leaps. The article in the Badminton Library on this animal says that ‘‘the Serow’s chief accom- “plishment is the way he can gallop down a steep hill, and as he “invariably takes that course when disturbed, he can be easily driven, “provided the groumd is well known.” My experience is almost entirely the opposite of this, as | have found that it always seeks the high tops of the hills when driven. Going up hill it does not seem to bound or jump or gallop, but goes rapidly upwards in a sort of even
running scramble, dodging obstacles and giving one the impressiom
THE SEROW IN SIAM. 25
that it is being rolled rapidly on wheels. It is said to have the habit of depositing its dung in some particular spot, like the Rhinoceros. [ think this is true, in the neighbourhood of their lairs at all events. Il have found the lair of a Serow with a very large accumulation of droppings heaped vp about 10 yards away from it, with a well beaten track from the Jair to the heap.
The most remarkable thing I have noticed in connection with these animals is the quite extraordinary roar which they can emit when wounded, or possibly when angry. When hunting near Khao Wiou, west of Potaram, in Muang Ratburi, one of my beaters shot a nearly fullgrown male Serow. It was so badly wounded as to be unable to move, and died in a few minutes. After being hit it emitted two or three long roars which conveyed a great volume of sound and quite an appalling idea of ferocity and rage; so much so that until [ actually saw the animal I could not believe such a noise could be made by a Serow, and thought that the shot must have wounde.! a tiger. I was less than two hundred yards from it at the time an] went at once in the direction of the sound; it was dead when I reached it. <A native of the district who was standing near me when it roared assured me, without hesitation, that the noise was made by a Serow, so presumably he had heard it on previous occasions. ‘The author of the article on Serow in the Badminton Library mentions ‘‘the discordant scream ‘of the Serow heard after dark.” Colonel Kinloch quoted by Blantord says, “when disturbed the Serow utters a singular sound between ‘a snort and a screaming whistle, and I have heard them screaming “loudly when they had apparently not been alarmed.”
The Serow is accounted by natives, and | believe generally. a somewhat difficult animal to bag. In some places that 1 know of the natives have given up hunting if as they find it so hard to kill. It is a common tale that when wounded it licks the wound which at once heals, even if it is a broken leg!
1 should say from what I know of hunting them near Koh Hak that they were not diffienlt to bag in that neighbourhood, the hills they frequent there being small so that the animals can easily be driven fiom one to another, an! shots thus obtained at short range, From the experiences of Mr. Butler and Dr. Smith, it also seems to be fairly easy to stalk them there wien they are feeding at the base o: the hill, On larger hills it needs a certain amount o. knowledge
26 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f£.
of the game, and well arranged driving, to get a shot at one at all. If seen moving on a hill they can be stalked; the difficulty is to see them.
In districts where they have not been much hunted | believe they are quite capable of charging persons blocking their line of retreat from danger. The Badminton Library states that ‘all writers agree “that a wounded one will charge.” ‘inioch says “the Serow is a “fierce and dangerous brute when wounded and brought to bay.” I have known of one breaking back through a line of beaters placed close together.
In Muangs Petchaburi and Pran the natives commonly refer to the Serow as “ Khoram ” Qa 7) which reminds one of the name ‘Gooral” given in India to the Nemorhaedus goral, a smaller animal ef the Serow tribe. There may be some connection between the mames. The ordinary Siamese name for the Nerow is “ Liang Pa ”
a an = ee : , (igus tn). The Laos near Kok Katiem, north of Lopburi, whose
ancestors came from Chiengrai, call it in their language ‘“Yuang.”
27
+ NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS.
BY K. G. GAIRDNER.
INTRODUCTORY.
The subject of this paper is the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi and Petchaburi, in which districts I have been working for the past few years; but unfortunately, from the zoological standpoint, have only been taking notes of specimens obtained during the past two years ; viz., 1912-1913.
The area in question lies between N. "at. 12° 40' and 14° 10° and E. Long. 99°-100°. It is, of course, within the Oriental region bordering on the Indo-Malayan sub-region, and the Fauna is practically the same as that found in the adjoining Province of Tenasserim.
The country under review may be roughly divided into five fairly distinct classes, namely :—
1. The coast line in the N. W. corner of the Gulf of Siam, about the mouths of the Ratburi and Petchaburi rivers, with a belt of tidal mangrove swamps varying in width, but at no point more than 7 miles wide.
2. The alluvial paddy plains, with a soil generally lighter than that around Bangkok; and with abrupt limestone crags standing up from the plains.
3. The slightly undulating country with isolated hills and small ranges; and covered with various classes of jungle, chiefly deciduous.
4. The foothills covered with mixed jungle, deciduous and evergreen, and .
5. The continuous mountains running up to the watershed dividing Siam and Tenasserim, covered with dense evergreen jungle.
The varying classes of country have each their fairly distinct populations. Along the coast are Siamese and Mons, with a number ot Chinese in the larger centres engaged in fishing and cutting of fire- wood and attap.
28 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. © Vol. I.
In the paddy plains are chiefly Siamese, with colonies of Lao Puan and Lao Wiang intermixed ; and, usually on the outskirts of the true plains, are found colonies of Lao Song, easily recognised by their distinctive dress and dwellings.
The third class of country is sparsely populated and is chiefly used by the inhabitants of the plains for the extraction of building material and fish stakes for export to the coast. :
In the fourth class are found a few scattered Kariang hamlets ; while in the dense evergreen forest, comprising the fifth class, are found the Karangs, who are really primitive Kariangs, using a some- what different dialect and who, as a rule, cannot speak Siamese and sometimes fly from their dwellings on the approach of strangers.
THe Coast Live.
In March 1909 I made a trip of some two weeks duration from Samut Song Kram to Petchaburi in small open boats, the coast line about there being only defined by the outer verge of mangroves, which are extending steadily seawards, and at Jow tide the mud flats are exposed for upwards a kilometre in breadth. At such times the fisher people go mud-sledging for shell fish, the sledge being composed of a box nailed to a plank, and the fisher, kneeling on the plank, uses one foot as a propeller.
South of Lat. 138° 10’ N. the character of the coast changes, until in Lat. 12° 40’ the limestone crags, which follow a general trend S. 8. E., form seacliffs and islets.. Between these points the coast is slowly eroding, judging from the Sugar-Palm trees ] found -either destroyed or growing on the verge of the sandy beaches. Having been warned that nothing lived on the mud coast, except mosquitoes, I foolishly took no gun.
At the mouth of the Meklong or Ratburi river I saw large families of Otters (species unknown ) playing on the mud banks and among the mangroves at low tide; and along the coast, and principal- ly in the creeks in the extreme N. W. corner of the Gulf, found the Crab-eating Macaque (M. cynomolgus) acting up to its.trivial name— eating crabs and other small denizens of the mud flats, and general- ly enjoying itself swimming snd diving in the brackish creeks. The fisher people complain that these monkeys frequently steal rice and other edibles from their houses. Whether they also steal drinking
water, which the inhabitants have to bring from a considerable dis-
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 29
tance, I cannot say; if they do not, it would be interesting to find out whether they do drink, or find sufficient liquid in the fruits and leaves of the trees in which they live. Inland, the same species comes down daily to fresh water to bathe, and presumably to drink; and in captivity this Macaque drinks daily. This long-tailed olive-brown monkey is probably well known to all members, being the one most commonly seen in captivity.
The mangrove and other trees growing in the tideway were during the day-time black with Fruit Bats (probably Pteropus edulis) —the largest colony I saw extending for 300 or 400 yards along the coast. These creatures get restless towards evening, and before dark are on their way to the fruit gardens several miles inland, around the town of Meklong. If disturbed during tue day, they rise in a cloud and take some considerable time to settle down again in the same spot.
The Whistling Teal ( Dendrocycna javanica ), associating in flocks of some thousands, lay idly on the open water and, having no gun with me, they never seemed less disposed to take alarm. As the tide receded, and the mud flats were exposed, waders and shore birds ap- peared in vast numbers, but I was unable to obtain or identify any of these. Stranded one day on the mud, I was much amused watching the numerous small crabs hurriedly feeding with their “hands,” from behind their one enormous claw, raised in an attitude of defence. This species has but the one nipper, which extends right across the body ; and he watches the enemy (all are apparently enemies) the while he tucks in from behind this defence, occasionally stopping for a second to remove an indigestible pellet of mud—also with his lesser left hand.
To members interested in the Fauna of the tideway, I can recommend that corner of the Gulf which is quieter and more secluded than any other part of the Coast, nor are the mosquitoes troublesome during the month of March.
THE Pappy PLarns.
In the years 1908 and 1909 my work lay chiefly in the populous paddy plains. North-east of Ratburi are found the wide plains with scarcely a tree in sight—jungle and gardens only occurring in isolated patches or on the higher ground of the river banks. With the exception of a few Fishing Cats ( Fels viverrina ), Palm Civets ( Paradovurus hermaphroditus ) and a species of Mongoose not yet
+ :
30 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
identified, large mammals do not exist, but I was told that wild pig are found in an isolated patch of low dense scrub on the borders of Ratburi and Nakon Chaisi.
The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus tradigradus) is generally dis- tributed (though not common), but is rarely seen owing to its noc- turnal habits. In four years I have seen but two. It is the only representative in Siam of the primitive Lemur family. Various writers state that this monkey is carried aboard Chinese vessels to raise a wind by whistling, and the Siamese name, ‘“ Ling lom” ( Wind Monkey), leads one to suppose that the practice is recognised in Siam.
The Malay Tree Shrew (Tupaia ferruginea), commonly met with in Bangkok gardens, is generally distributed, and though included in the Natural Order Insectivora, is omnivorous and has, I hear, recently troubled coconut planters by attacking the heads of young plants.
A feature of the broad plains N. W. of Patburi are the huge flocks of a species of stork which, from the peculiar “ misfit” in the upper and lower mandibles, can only be the bird known as the Open- bill ( Anastomus oscitans ).
The Sarus Crane (Grus antigone, or ‘Nok karian”) is not common. I have seen but two pairs of this graceful bird stalking about the plains. During the present year I have seen the same pair several times in a big swamp west of Ratburi, where they probably breed, the nest being placed on the ground. It is an unmistakable bird and probably well known to members, there being several in captivity in Bangkok. The general colour is dove-grey, with a brick- red head. It stands some 4 feet or more high, and is the only crane so far recorded trom Siam.
Adjutant birds ( Leptoptilus dubius ), the Black-necked Stork
> ( Xenorhynchus asiaticus ) and the White-necked Stork ( Dissura epis-
copus) are generally distributed in suitable localities—the White- necked Stork showing a preference for the small glades and open jungle of the third class of country rather than for the plains.
In 1909 I obtained 3 nestlings of the Black-necked Stork, and the survivor of these now acts as a watchman for Mr. W. G. Johnson in Bangkok. Mr, Nunn informs me that this bird feeds largely on snakes. ‘The nest was placed in the top of a tree some 100 metres up the side of Khao Chao Lai
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 51
To-the west of Nakon Chum station and the river are several big perennial swamps—probably an old course of the river—and in these are found many species of waterfowl, notably the Purple + Moorhen ( Porphyrio poliocephalus,) easily r cognised by the hard red shield on the forehead. The Whistling Teal ( Dendrocycna javanica) ‘and the Cotton Teal ( Nettopus coromandelianus ) are tound from January to July and are probably permanent residents, and I obtained the Garganey Teal ( Querquedula ciycia) in February. The Bronze- winged Jacana and the Pheasant-tailed Jacana ( Metonidius indicus and Hydrophasianus chirurgus) also occur—the latter 1 found in flocks during February and March. Beth are knewn to the Siamese .as
: a +* Nok, Prik ” (unwin).
in June I saw a brown Pelican, and since Blanford states that the Eastern White Pelican is only a winter visitor, this bird could only have been the Spotted-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis ). They are said to be common in Ratburi during the rains.
Flocks of the Large Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo ) appeared in February ; the smaller species I have only observed in the higher and more secluded reaches of the Petchaburi river.
Of the Heron tribe, the Pond Heron and Cattle Egret. ( Ardeola
gruyt and! Bubulcus coromandus ) are found everywhere—the latter chiefly ‘in the open plains, but the Pond Heron even in the more densely wooded districts.
The Common Heron ( Ardea cinerea) appears to be confined to the brackish swamps and may usually be seen from the train, north of Petchaburi.
Of the Cclumbae, the Malay Spotted Dove ( Turtur tigrinus ) is widely distributed, occurring in all classes of country except the dense evergreen forests. Practically every clump of bamboos contains a pair. The Red Turtle-Dove ( Oenopopelia tranquebarica) occurs in large flocks and is also very common.
Among the Accipitrine birds two species of Vulture occur—the Black Vulture ( Otogyps calvus), with red head, and the Indian White- backed Vulture (Pseudegyps bengalensis). The former is known as
td wu 5 7 . U9 [V1 W287 by the Siamese, who say that the common grey bird
is the servant of the black one. ‘The WKites are those seen around
ie aes
Bangkok, viz., the Common Paitah Isite ( Milvus govinda) and the -
32, JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. f.
* Brahminy Kite ( Haliastur indus). The tiny Black-legged Falconet-
+ ( Mterohierax fringillarius ) is fairly distributed, and the massive
+ Crested Serpent-Eacle ( Spilornis cheela) may be found in the more isolated patches of cultivation.
Camping ec: the big river the most noticeable bird by day is:
+ the Pied Kingfisher ( Ceryle varia ) which is most common ; and at
night and early morning the Crow Pheasants ( Centropus sinensis, Siamese wn ium) betray their presence by hooting in unison. The Bl)
country people state that they call the time, or ‘‘ watches,” regularly throughout the night or when the tide rises. The Indian Koel
+ ( Hudynamis honorata, Siamese YAN N91) is another common bird trequently heard. Among Passerine birds, the gorgeous Black-headed Oriole ( Oriolus melanosephalus ) is one of the most noticeable, both on acvount of its brilliant yellow plumage and its fine whistling note. The Magpie-Robin ( Copsychus saularis ) and the Shama ( Cittocinela. macrura ) occur everywhere—the latter most frequently in bamboo jungle bordering on cultivation.
Snakes [ took little note of, beyond the fact that the black Cobra is not nearly so common as I had found it in the swamps south
of Prachin. When sheltering one day in a farmer’s house, he showed me the dried fat and various other internal parts of cobras, some for use as external and others as internal remedies for cobra bite. This is interesting, in that the people of the New Forest in England believe that, for the bite of a viper, the best remedy is to split the creature open and apply its fat. Speaking of remedies for cobra bite, reminds me that the country people place faith in another remedy, viz., human excrement, no matter whose, mixed with the leaves of
. . . , a LY some herb, the Siamese name of whieh is “ Phak bung” (WNUd). Part 4
of the mess is taken internally, presumably as an emetic, and the re- mainder placed on the wound, when “ perhaps the patient will survive.”
In 1909 my work lay south of Petchaburi. The paddy plains are of less extent, and frequently the bunds are planted thickly with Sugar- Palm trees. <A great deal of jungle is intermixed with the cultivation, and the fruit gardens are tangled and’ densely overgrown, the ground: beneath being frequently carpeted with pineapple plants. Such country is, of course, most suitable for the smaller birds, which abound, and in addition to those already mentioned, the Siamese Laughing-
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATRURI, PETCHABURI. 33
t Thrush ( Garrulax diardi ) is most plentiful. The Mynas are well re- presented as, in addition to the two species of Pied Myna found com- + monly in Bangkok (Graculipica nigricollis and Sturnopastor superciliaris), there are also the Siamese Myna (Aethiopsar grandis), with short crest and a white patch on either wing—the dun coloured house
+ Myna ( Acridotheres tristis), whose Siamese name, aiam, closely re-
sembles the Burmese name for the Talking Mynas; the migratory
# Chinese Myna ( Siwrnia sinensis )—a light grey and white bird seen in Bangkok during the winter months; and the Grackle or Talking Myna (Lulabes sp., Siamese yn Du NO3)—a handsome black bird, with yellow wattles.
Hares are plentiful on the higher ground and presumably belong to the same species as that founded on Mr. Lyle’s specimens, which have been classified as Lepus siamensis. They are snared, driven, and also shot at night by the aid of a lantern.
In this second class of country occur the abrupt, jagged-topped limestone hills. These are the home of the Goat-Antelope (Nemor- haedus or Capricornis sp.) or ‘‘ Lieng pa;” and having only seen one adult and one dead calf, I will not attempt to describe a very variable species. I have found the droppings on nearly all the limestone hills in Ratburi and Petchaburi, and I have always regarded the animal as a very alert one—quite unlike the apparently rather tame creature which has several times been shot at Koh Lak in Muang Pran. The dead kid was probably Jess than two months old, and was well covered with soft black hair, with a pure white patch at the base of the neck between the fore legs.
On these hills, also, may be found a Langur, one of the leaf eating monkeys ( Semnopiihecus sp.), black in colour, with poll and tail French grey. It has also bare rings around the eyes, of a pinkish white.
It is a curious fact that tortoises abound on even the steepest of of these abrupt hills. Seen in captivity in Europe, the tortoise is a sluggish animal, feeding on succulent vegetables and grasses, and apparently a creature best fitted for a life on the flat. Hills of 100- 300 metres elevation, both in the second and third classes of country, have seldom been visited without several tortoises having been found and brought into camp for food, and the coolies call them ‘“ Tao
34 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Whaie” or “Tao Pek.” These rocky and stony hills are as a rule sparsely covered with a small Bamboo (Siamese, “ Mai Ruak”) and trees of the Shorea obtusa and robusta species, with scattered clumps of coarse grass and a few deciduous trees and shrubs. But in the dry season the vegetation on these hills is baked brown; and generally jungle fires sweep over them annually. Live tortoises have been found with their shells scorched, and except for the dead leaves, fallen from the trees, it is hard to find what they feed on during the dry months of February, March and April. Two small ones brought into camp, and tethered by the hinder edges of the shells, died in 36 hours though not exposed to greater heat than they experienced on the hills, but death was probably due to exhaustion from tugging at their tethers.
The Flora of the more precipitous limestone crags is peculiar and mostly deciduous—the yellowish brown appearance of the hills in the dry season being strikingly different to the bright green of the rains. Many of the trees flower in the dry months and have acquired a bulbous trunk, presumably for the storage of moisture.
A species of cactus grows up to an elevation of 400 metres—the branches being triangular in section, and both this and the flat oval- branched species occur on the wastes near the coast. Brandis, in his work on Indian trees, only mentions the branched species ( O. dilleni ) or Prickly Pear. Whether or no the three-sided species has been more recently introduced, and not yet run wild in India, I cannot say. A third species, observed only near habitations, has branches up to 1 metre in length, and in section the branch is six-winged, the flutings being about 5 cms. in depth.
Ground orchids, and the tree orchids which occur, are not conspicuous. Small maiden hair ferns, either deciduous or annual, spring up as the rains commence.
THE SuigatLy UnpuLating Country AND THE FOoorTuILLs.
The third and fourth classes of country insensibly merge one with the other, and since the Fauna are the same or migrate from one to the other according to season, I will take both together.
Continuing with the Flora. The magnificient ‘Ton yang” or Wood-oil tree, growing on the river banks or near underground water, as a rule does not occur below the 6 metre line, and rarely extends above the 80 metre line from sea level, where it is replaced by H.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI PETCHABURLI. 35
odorata (“Ton takien”) of the same Natural Order. This lines the river banks up to a considerable elevation, usually springing from the bank at summer level, and is used by the Kariangs for making their dug- out canoes.
Of the Dipterocarpae or ‘Ton yang” family, [I only identi-
. 1 v fied one (D. alatus), but I remember hearing the name Titans, so probably D. tuberculatus also occurs.
Large areas occur of the gregarious “Ton teng” and ‘Ton rang” (Shorea obtusa and siamensis ) and from these areas have been cut most of the sleepers for the Southern Railway. Growing on light rocky or stony soil, the ground beneath these trees is usually clear of undergrowth, except short tufts of grass and a peculiar tree fern with atrunk from 2-3 feet high. Notwithstanding annual jungle fires, these tree ferns burst into leaf, and a species of lily flowers, im- mediately after the first few rains at the end of April.
Another noticeable tree is the Xylia dolabriformis which 24 produces the ty uAg and which, in common with some other Mimosas, has a sweetly-scented flower in March, and a big seed pod, which is frequently heard in January and February suddenly bursting open with a_pistol-like report. In the same Natural Order is another timber tree—the A va2A,
( Plerocarpus indicus ), which I have found at elevations of, 390-400 metres
The Teak tree ( Te-tona grandis) does not occur, in a natural state, this side of Siam, south of 14° 20’ N. Lat., where | found it gregarious ; but it is frequently planted in the area under review, noticeably at Potaram.
At Khao Pah Lai, south-west of Petchaburi, I found a species of true Pine ( Pinus merhrusii ) at an elevation of 400 metres, growing on bare exposed ridges. This species is recorded by Brandis from the Shan States of Burma and also from Sumatra. It is an unmistakable
tree, being the only pine in which the leaves occur in clusters of two ;
but the trees were stunted and poor—having a diameter of only one-
third that given by Brandis.
In these two classes of country ave found the great majority of the mammals occuring in this area.
86 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF ‘STAM. Vol. I.
Among the Primates, the Agile Gibbon (JTylobates agilis) I believe occurs, keing replaced in the mountains by J. lar. The Crab-eating Macaque is found, generally not far from running water, and also the Pig-tailed Macaque (M/. nemestrinus) of the same olive- brown colour as the last, but with a tail of some 7-8 in. only; it has not yet been observed at any considerable elevation.
The Northern limit of the Langur already referred to on page 33 seems to be N. Lat. 13° 20° and it is generally distributed in the plains and the highest mountains. The animals obtained in the plains appeared sinaller and darker in colour. North of Lat. 13° 20’ I have never seen it, but its place is taken by a grigeled black species, with silvery grey whiskers so long that the ears are almost concealed. 1 have not yet been able to identify this species, but it was very common in the Me Pachi valley and I had considerable opportu- nities for observing it during this year. The very young ones are light reddish fawn, with blue eyes, and the dark colour of the adult first appears on the crowa of the head. The young were, on 11th April, about 7 in. long and were able to leave their mother and play among the bamboos. This and the previous species have a large vocabulary, ranging from a loud hoarse indescribable bark to a nasal “hum on,” which is repeated with emphasis if the young do not ‘“ceome on,” but they differ from the former species in that they frequently hoot at night. The young are never still, and while their elders are having a midday siesta in the denser tree tops, the young play in the lower branches, and on one occasion an adult came down to stop the uproar below. Both these species will endeavour to mictu- vate on passers-by, whether out of contempt or for other reasons [ cannot say, but it is not done through fear in most cases.
Frequently the Langurs and Macaques were feeding together and at such times the Macaques discovered me before the Langurs ; more frequently a squirrel gave me away, starting a squittering note of alarm.
The Carnivora are well represented. Tigers, leopards, fishing cats and civets (Viverra zibetha) all occur—the Palm Civet (Ainw) being particularly common; anda Jungle Cat (felis chaus) was shot close to camp while devouring a hare, and which it showed no inclina-
tion to give up or leave. This is a long legged and short tailed cat—
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURTI. 37
the tail being less than the cat’s height at the shoulder and less than half its body length.
Some years ago Mr. Irwin obtained a fair-sized cat of uniform colour in the jungle north of the railway lime east of Ban Pong, and which was probably the Golden or Bay Cat ( Felis temminch ).
A Palm Civet ( Paradowurus herimaparoditus ) came to my camp kitchen three times within an hour and a half one night, | lying in a chair within 10 yards. On the first two occasions it was chased away by a dog, and on the third it was shot. The object of its visit was a Chinese Francolin.
The jackal is more frequently heard than seen; personally | have only seen young aniinals, but a fairly good skin of what appears to be an adult was shot by Mr. Butler in the Pran district.
The red Hunting Dog (Cyon rutilans ) oecurs over the whole district and appears to come down to the open country in the rains, probably following the Sambar. [t is curious to note that the Siam- ese have a similar theory to that held by the natives of India as to the hunting methods of this species and, to quote Blanford, “It is be- “lieved that the urine of these animals is excessively acrid, that they “sprinkle with it the bushes through which they drive their prey, “and then rush upon the latter when blinded by the pungent fluid. “ Another version is that they jerk the urine into their victim’s eyes “with their tails.”
The child-like footprint of the Malay bear I have frequently seen on the hills, as also his wood-boring operations in search of honey.
The big Bamboo Rat (Rh. sumatrensis), 19 im. long, digs a burrow on the hill sides but probably is not common, as I have seen only two; andthe biggest of the rodents—the Porcupine ( /lystrix hengalensis )—is generally distributed.
Of the Ungulates, a herd of wild elephants were found this year, in August, only one day’s march west of Ratburi, and they are generally distributed, moving about according to season. ‘They feed
Y largely on the hig leaved bambco (luwn) and break down two or three culms together—the bambcos snapping with loud reports. Rhinoceros and Tapir occasionally visit this class of jungle during the rains; but the Sladang (nziis) remains in the more open jungle
ea | 5 throughont the year, as does the 9Q 7, which | have not yet seen but
38 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. 1.
but which is probably Bos sondaicus
At present, two Cervidae only are known from this district, the Barking Deer (Cervulus muntjac) and the Sambar (Cervus unicolor ). It is worthy of note that [have not yet found a young Barking Deer with spots, though Blanford states that the young are spotted. It is more generally distributed than the Sambar in this area and stays on in the drier jungle, which the Sambar forsakes in the hot season ; and I also heard it calling one wet gusty might when camped on the watershed in the height of the monsoon at an elevation of 1000 metres. The rutting season is epparently January-February, but is not well defined if the gestatory periol of 6 months given by Blanford is correct; for on the 12th February I obtained a young Barking Deer less than 2 weeks old, found in its form at an elevation of 440 metres on a hill side and still rather unsteady on its legs; and also, on the 28th March, my coolie shot a female with well developed foetus, and on the 29th March obtained a female in milk.
It is reasonable to suppose that the young should be born when there is plenty of tender herbage, rather than in the hot months when the female would have to travel considerable distance to and from water in the drier areas; and the fact that some young are dropped in the wet months appears to be recognised by native hunters, fur I well remember in Pachin, in the latter part of September, carefully stalking a native hunter who was imitating the bleat of a young Bark- ing Deer.
From this district I have only one skin of a young Sambar about one-third grown, anl this has a few indistinct spots on either flank. I also, on the Ist January, in Lat. 14° 10’ N., saw the skin of a young Sambar pegged out to dry and this also showed indistinct flank spots, the general colour of the “skin” being a soft smoky fawn with avery dark back line. Thus, presumably, the form of Sambar found here belongs to the Malayan variety, C. wnicolor equinus.
Blanford is probably correct in stating that Sambar horns of more than 35 in. long are seldom if ever obtained out of India. The heaviest horn of which I have any record measured 30.4 1n. The cir- cumference below the brow tine was 8.6 in. and above that tine 7 in. and above the 2nd or bey tine 5 in. This single horn was purchased by an official for 12 ticals, its enhanced value being due to a small
swelling which the vendor asserted was still growing ; and the belief is
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI, 39
that as the horn grows so do the fortunes of the possessor. Horns in the velvet also command a large price, being used as a strengthening medicine.
The Mouse Deer (probably Traqulus javanicus ) is generally distributed in the denser jungle bordering on streams and was never obtained on the hill sides.
Of the primitive Scaly Ant-eater (Manis sp.) I have seen only one skin, the specimen being obtained on a hill 8. W. of Petchaburi.
Of birds, the Paradise Flycatcher ( Verpsiphone affinis) was obtained in adult breeding plumage in mixed jungle in April; and
around the camp the Black-and-red Broadbill (Cumborhynchus nvacror-—¢
hynchus) was very common. ‘The dead specimen gives a poor idea of the true colours—the brilliant azure blue of the beak fading one day after death. This species was never observed in the southern area, where
the Dusky Broadbill (C. sumatranus) was obtained. Both species +
are usually sluggish and always absurdly tame.
The Blue-winged Pitta (P. cyanoptera) was observed around +
camp from April to July, in the belt of fairly heavy jungle bordering on the stream. The Gieat Pied Hornbill and smaller Wreathed Horn- bill bred in the Wood-oil trees around the camp.
Of the big Ibis (Thaumatibis gigantea ) I procured one speci- men, of which Mr. Healey has made an excellent coloured drawing, and this is probably only the fourth specimen obtained up to the present time. It is a peculiar bird, being differently proportioned to the other species of the family, all of which appear to be tall or up- right birds, with the tarsus usually one quarter to one half the length of the wing; whereas this is a “long” bird, and the proportion of of tarsus to wing is only one-fifth. Also, the habits are different—this species being seen in small open spaces surrounded by jungle, whereas the rest ot the family prefer the large swamps and wider plains. It is rare and very locally distributed. In 1910 I saw one south- west of Petchaburi and this year have seen five altogether. Mr. Irwin also reports having observed the bird south of this area in Muang Pran.
The Purple Wood Pigeon (A. puniceus) was not obtained north of Lat. 18°. The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon (0. lacincta ) was plentiful in the northern area and the Green Imperial Pigeon (CU. aenea )
was generally distributed and frequently fed on some species of Ficus
/
40 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. — Vol. I.
in camp. One of these was shot and borne off, as it fell, by a Sparrow Hawk. The Hawk could not rise with the weight cf the bird, but elided with it to a perch.
In the open forests of Shorea, the Chinese Francolin is most common and, during the rains, very noisy. One I shot this year was perched in a tree upwards of 30 feet from the ground.
= Jungle Fow! ( Gullus ferrugineus ) are very common, and the ‘Silver Pheasant ( Gennweus lineatus ) 1s generally distributed. I found on April 3rd a nest of this with 8 eggs, the nest being situated some 2 kilometres from water, so far as I know, but it was cavernous lime- stone country and there may have been some underground pool accessible.
Peacocks ( Pavo muticus ) were abundant, and a number of eggs were hatched out. Except for the morning and evening call at roost, the Peacock is a very silent bird; but these hand-reared chicks were cheeping and calling throughout the day and never happy if left alone. They became a nuisance in office. It was amusing to watch chicks of 3 weeks old erecting stumpy tails and lowering wings to intimidate a young Macacque, or a ground lizard ( Siamese, “ Yaa” uel); or when a little older, trying te frighten a Woodpecker which had excited their wrath by tapping on dry bamboo poles.
The Yaa” (Liolepis belliana) are found everywhere in light, warm, dry soils, and in the cleared area.of my camp there were a number of them. The big ones seemed to stay below ground during bad weather—stopping up the entrance hole from beneath. They run very fast and have the habit of sitting up to observe anything it a clistance. The female, I believe, tends the young when hatched oat; as I remember seeing one dug out with a number cf quite young lizards in the same burrow.
The brown lizard, common in Bangkok gardens, was found at
all elevations and I shot a Monitor (Vurunus nebulosus, Siamese, AzngaM ‘Takuat ) at some 900 metres elevation on the boundary,
which had in its mouth one of these lizards. They ( V. ne’u'osus ) were breeding in July, and | found the eges lightly covered with
loose earth.
[To be continued. |
“A PRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
FSO
BY W. J. F. WILLIAMSON.
The following list, comprising 127 species, is the result of obser- vations made, and specimens procured, during several years of desultory study of the bird-life of Bangkok, followed by a year of more syste- matic collecting since the formation of the Society.
The numbers marked with an asterisk (*) relate to species of which either no specimens have been obtained (although the occur- rence of the birds is believed to be tolerably certain ) or of which the identification has not yet been definitely established. These birds are eight in number and it is hoped that members will endeavour to assist in clearing up the doubts regarding them by procuring and examining specimens. I shall be very glad to undertake the examina- tion of these or any other birds which mav be sent to me, as to the identity of which members may be uncertain.
The numbers in brackets are those of the same birds in Oates’ and Blanford’s volumes in the Fauna of British India, and both the classification and the nomenclature are also taken from that work.
The list is, doubtless, still far from complete, as a number of additions have been made to it even during the last few weeks, almost up to the date of going to press. Any new birds which members may be able to procure will be duly acknowledged and incorporated in the serial paper, which [ hope to commence in the next number of the Journal, giving some account of the appearance, habits, &e., of.the birds of this locality.
1 cannot conclude without expressing my obligations to Mr. H. C. Robinson, of Kuala Lumpur, tor much helpful advice and for his kindness in determining the species of a number of the more difficult birds. My sincere thanks are also due to Mr. EK. G. Herbert for his unfailing encouragement and co-operation in the study of our birds, and for his invaluable aid in the identification of many of the speci-
mens obtained,
42. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
bo
ioe)
<1
10
1]
12
(4) (21)
ORDER—PANSSERES. FAMILY (lorv7dae—CROWS.
Corvus macrorhynchus. The Jungle Crow. Crypsithina varians. The Black Racket-tailed
Magpie.
FAMILY Crateropodidae—LAUGHING THRUSHES,
(176)
BABBLERS, BULBULS, &c. Mixornis rubricapillus. The Yellow-breasted Babbler. Aegithina tiphia. The Common Tora. Otocompsa emeria. The Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul. Pyenonotus analis. The Yellow-vented Bulbul. Pycnonotus plumosus. The Large Olive Bulbul.
FAMILY J/creevidae. DRONGOS OR KING-CROWS.
(381) (393) (410)
(417)
Dicrurus ater. The Black Drongo. Dicrurus leucogenys. The White-cheeked Drongo. Dissemurus paradiseus. The Larger Racket-
tailed Drongo. FAMILY Svlv//cdac—WARBLERS.
Aerocephalus stentoreus. The Indian Great Reed-Warbler.
Acrocephalus orientalis. The Eastern Great Reed- Warbler.
Orthotomus sutorius. The Indian Tailor-bird.
Orthotomus atrigularis. The Black-throated Tailor-bird.
Cistieola cursitans. The Rufous Fantail-Warbler.
Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed Warbler.
Phylloscopus fuscatus. The Dusky Willow- Warbler.
Phylloseopus superciliosus. The Crowned Willow- Warbler.
20
21
RIRDS,OF BANGKOK. 45
(420) Acanthopneuste borealis. The Arctic Willow Warbler.
(423) Acanthopneuste plumbeitarsus. Middenorff’s Willow-Warbler.
(468) Prinia blanfordi. The Burmese Wren-Warbler.
FAMILY Jan77dae—SHRIKES.
(475) Lanius nigriceps. The Black-headed Shrike. (481) Lanius cristatus. The Brown Shrike.
(500) Pericrotus peregrinus. The Small Minivet. (£03) Pericrotus cinereus. The Ashy Minivet. (512) Artamus fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-Shrike.
FAMILY (Ovrzolidae—_ORIOLES.
(514) Oriolus indicus. The Black-naped Oriole. (521) Oriolus melanocephalus. The Indian Black-
headed Oriole.
FAMILY Stwinidae—STARLINGS AND MYNAS.
(536) Sturnia sinensis. The Chinese Myna.
(546) Graculipica nigricollis. The Black-necked Myna.
(553) Aethiopsar grandis. The Siamese Myna.
(556) Sturnopastor superciliaris. The Burmese Pied Myna.
FAMILY J/uscccapidae—FLYCATCHERS.
(562) Siphia albicilla. The Eastern Red-breasted Vly- catcher,
(579) Stoparola melanops. The Verditer Flycatcher.
(588) Alseonax latirostris. The Brown Flycatcher.
(599) Tersiphone affinis. The Burmese Paradise Fly- catcher.
(601) Hypothymis azurea. The Indian Black-naped Fly- catcher.
(606) Rhipidura javanica. The Java Fantail Ilycatcher.
44 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. JI.
39
(826) (833) (839) (84.5) (847)
(869)
(898)
FAMILY 7’urdidue—THRUSHES.
Pratineola maura. The Indian Bush-Chat.
Pratineola leucura. The White-tailed Bush-Chat.
Calliope eamtschatkensis. The Common Ruby- throat.
Copsychus saularis. The Magpie-Robin.
Petrophila solitaria. The Eastern Blue Rock- Thrush.
Petrophila cyanus. The Western Blue Rock- Thrush.
FAMILY Ploce7dae—WEAVER BIRDS. Ploceus megarhynchus. The Eastern Baya. Ploceus manyar. ‘he Striated Weaver-bird. Uroloncha acuticauda. Hodgson’s Munia. Uroloncha punctulata. The Spotted Munia. FAMILY f° r¢ngellid ae—- FINCHES Passer montanus. The Tree-Sparrow. Passer flaveolus. The Pegu House-Sparrow. FAMILY /77rendinidac—SWALLOWS. Hirundo gutteralis. The Eastern Swallow. FAMILY Motaci(lidiiae—WAGTAILS. Motacilla alba. The White Wagtail. Motacilla borealis. |The Grey-headed Wagtail. Limonidromus indicus. The Forest-Wagtail. Anthus riehardi. Richard’s Pipit. Anthus rufulus. The Indian Pipit. FAMILY Alaucdidlae——LARKS. Mirafra cantillans. The Singing Bush-Lark. FAMILY Nectardni7ddae—SUN-BIRDS.
Arachnechthra flammaxillaris. The Burmese Yellow-breasted Sun-bird.
59
60
61
63
64
65
66
a7 SI | 2 i
(903)
(SEN)
(912)
(950)
(970)
(1019)
(1023)
(1027)
(1033) (1035) (1043)
(1044)
(1045) (1047)
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 4D
Anthothreptes malaccensis. The Brown-throated Sun-bird,
Chalcoparia phoenicotis. The Ruby-Cheek.
FAMILY J¢cae7zdae—FLOWER PECKERS.
Dicaeum ecruentatum. The Scarlet-backed Flower- pecker. ORDER PICI. FAMILY /2c¢dae— WOODPECKERS. Gecinus occipitalis. The Black-naped Green Woodpecker.
Dendrocopus pectoralis. The Spotted-breasted Pied Woodpecker.
ORDER—ZYGODACTYLI.
FAMILY Capitontdae—BARBETS. Xantholaema haematocephala. The Crimson-
breasted Barbet.
ORDER—ANISODAOTYLI.
FAMILY Coraciadae—ROLLERS. Coracias affinis. ‘he Burmese Roller.
FAMILY J/e10)1clac —BEE-EATERS. Merops philippinus. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater. FAMILY -Alcedi?nidae—KINGFISHERS. Ceryle varia. The Indian Pied Kingfisher. Alecedo ispida. The Common Kinefisher.
Pelargopsis gurial. The Brown-headed Stork- billed Kingfisher.
Haleyon smyrnensis. The White-breasted King- fisher.
Haleyon pileata. The Black-capped Kingfisher.
Sauropatis chloris. The White-collared King- fisher.
46 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
(1071)
(1081)
(1091)
(1093)
(1108) (1113) (1114)
(1116) (1119)
(1120) (1130)
(1133)
(1138)
ORDER—MACROCHIRES. FAMILY Cypselidlac—swiFTS.
Cypselus pacificus. The Large White-rumped Swift. Collocalia fuciphaga. The Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet. FAMILY Caprimulgidae—niGHTJARS. Caprimulgus asiaticus. The Common Indian Nightjar. Caprimulgus macrurus. Horsfield’s Nightjar. ORDER—COCOYGES. FAMILY Cuculzdae—cuckoos. Hierococcyx sparverioides. The Large Hawk- Cuckoo. Cacomantis merulinus. The Rufous-bellied Cuckoo. Penthoceryx sonnerati. The Banded Bay Cuckoo. Chrysococcyx maculatus. The Emerald Cuckoo. Coccystes coromandus. The Red-winged Crest- ed Cuckoo. Eudynamis honorata. The Indian Koel. Centropus sinensis. The Commen Coucal or Crow-Pheasant. Centropus bengalensis. The Lesser Coucal. ORDER—PSITTACT. FAMILY Ps7ttaccdae—PARROTS. Palaeornis torquatus. The Rose-ringed Paroquet. ORDER—STRIGES. FAMILY Str/gedae— OWLS. Strix flammea. The Screech Owl. FAMILY Aszoni/ae—OWLS. Scops giu. The Scops Owl. Scops bakkamoena. The Collared Scops Owl.
89
*90
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 47
(1187) Ninox scutulata. The Brown Hawk-Owl. ORDER-—ACCIPITRES. FAMILY 1! wltwiidae— VULTURES. (1191) Otogyps calvus. The Black Vulture.
(1196) Pseudogyps bengalensis. The Indian White- backed Vulture.
FAMILY /’alconidae—EAGLES, KITES, FALCONS, ETC.,
(1228) Hahastur indus. The Brahminy Kite. (1229) Milvus govinda. The Common Pariah Kite. (1230) Milvus melanotis. The Large Indian Kite. (1232) Elanus caeruleus. The Black-winged Kite. (1236) Circus melanoleucus. ‘The Pied Harrier. (1237) Circus aeruginosus. The Marsh-Harrier. (1244) Astur badius. The Shikra.
ORDER—COLUMBAE. FAMILY Columbidae—PIGEONS AND DOVES. (1279) Csmotreron vernans. The Pink-necked Green Pigeon. (1308) Turtur tigrinus. The Malay Spotted Dove. (1311) Oenopopelia tranquebarica. The Red ‘Turtle- Dove. (1315) Geopelia striata. The Barred Ground-Dove. ORDER—GALLINAE. FAMILY /?husianidae—PHEASANTS. (1354) Exealfactoria chinensis. The Blue-breasted Quail. (1374) Francolinus chinensis. The Eastern or Chinese
Francolin. ORDER—GRALLAE.
FAMILY /?a/l7dae—RAILs. (1389) Hypotaenidia striata. The Blue-breasted Banded Rail. (1398) Amaurornis fuscus. The Ruddy Crake.
48 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. 2.
107 (1401) Amaurornis phoenicurus. The White-breasted Water-hen. 108 (1403) Gallicrex cinerea. The Water-Cock. OKDER— LIMICOLA E. COURSERS AND PRATINCOLES.
FAMiLy Glareolidae 109 (1425) Glareola orientalis. The large indian Pratincole or Swallow-Plover. FAMILY Charadr7ii/ae—PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES. 110 (1432) Sacrogrammus atrinuchalis. Tne Burmese Wat-
tled Lapwing.
111 (1439) Charadrius fulvus. The Eastern Golden Plover. 112 (1447) Aegialitis dubia. The Little Ringed Plover. 113 (1460) Totanus hypoleucus. The Common Sandpiper. 114 (1461) Totanus glareola. The Wood Sandpiper.
115 (1462) Totanus ochropus. The Green Sandpiper.
116 (1484) Gallinago coelestis. The Fantail Snipe.
117 (1485) Gallinago stenura. The Pintail Snipe.
118 (1488) Rostratula capensis. The Painted Snipe.
ORDER—GAVIAE. FAMILY Jarédae—GULLS AND TERNS. 119 (1496) Hydrochelidon hybrida. The Whiskered Tern. ORDER—HERODIONES. FAMILY Ardevdac—HERONS. 120 (1562) Bubuleus coromandus. The Cattle Egret. 121 (1565) Ardeola grayi. The Pond Heron.
122 (1568) Nycticorax griseus. The Night Heron. 123 (1571) Ardetta sinensis. The Yellow Bittern, 124 (1572) Ardettacinnamomea. The Chestnut Bittern.
125 (1573) Dupetor flavicollis. The Black Bittern. ORDER—ANSERES. FAMILY Anatidac-——SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS. 126 (1589) Dendrocyena javanica. The Whistling Teal. *127 (1601) Querquedula circia. The Garganey or Blne-
winged Teal.
A NEW SPECIES OF BAT FROM SIAM. ( Hipposideros lylei )
a eee Oia pues
BY OLDFIELD THOMAS.
Hipposideros lylei, sp. n.
A large species related to H. pratt, Thos.
Size rather less than in H. pratti. General characters of the H. armiger group, including the long feet, development of a posterior transverse crest behind the normal nose-leaf, and the uninflated fore- head of the skull. Nose-leaf similar on the whole to that of H. pratti, but the supplementary transverse posterior crest higher, attaining 5 mum. at its highest point on each side of its median cleft, and less heavily haired, but the increase in height may perhaps be due to sex ; normal transverse crest similarly high in the centre, sloping down laterally, its front surface divided by a prominent median and two indistinct lateral ridges ; anterior horseshoe much more deeply notched in front, the median notch nearly 2 mm. in depth, the horseshoe on each side of it forming two forwardly projecting lappets, outside which again there are two shallower notches, unknown elsewhere in the genus. Kars rather narrower than in pratt. Tibize and feet very long and slender.
General colour dull buffy or clay-colour, washed with brown.
Skull similar in its general characters to that of H. pratti as opposed to those of H. diadema and armiyer; but it is smaller throughout, the sagittal crest (though of a male as compared with a female ) less developed and less abruptly rising above the the forehead ; area of forehead smaller and not quite so flat, the median part above the anterior nares slightly elevated, while its postero-lateral portion is somewhat concave internal to the well marked supraorbital edges. Posterior palate more deeply excavated mesially. Teeth similar in general characters, but smaller throughout.
Dimensions of the type :—
Forearm 78 mm.
00 JUURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Kar 27 x 21 ; third finger, metacarpal 54, first phalanx 25 ; lower Jeg and hind foot (c. u.) 51.
Skull: greatest length to front of canine 29 ; basi-sinual length 18:7 ; zygomatic breadth 16 ; interorbital breadth 9-6 ; mastoid breadth 14; front of canine to back of m* 11.2; three upper molars together 6:4; three lower molars 10°6.
Hab. N. Siam. Type from the Chiengdao Cave, 50 miles north of Chiengmai. Alt. 850 m.
Type. Adult male (skin in spirit). B.M. no. 18. 4. 18. 38. Collected January 1913. Presented by Th. H. Lyle, Esq., H.B.M. Consul at Chiengmai.
The Sze-chwan Hipposideros prattt being as yet only known from the type specimen, a female, and the present example being a male, it at first sight seemed possible that we had here the unknown male of that species. But further examination shows such differences as to render this impossible, notably the smaller general size, the much maller teeth (this in a male as compared with a female), and the development of the pendant lappets at the front edge of the horseshoe, not at all likely to be a sexual character.
The type-specimen was obtained in a cave in company with examples of H. armiger, as also happened curiously enough with the type of HH. pratt.
This adds another to the many new Siamese mammals discover- ed by Mr. Lyle, and I have had great pleasure in connecting his name with it.
(The above was published by permission of the Trustees of the British Museum, in the ANNALS AND MaGazIne oF Natural History, Ser. 8, vol. XII., July 1913.)
51
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. 1—MIGRATION OF RATS.
The migration of rats from one part of the country to another is not unknown, and I was fortunate enough, quite recently, to witness another instance of this interesting habit of theirs. It was all the more extraordinary as it led them to their own destruction. The occur- rence took place in September last, when I was stationed at Koh Lak, and lasted for nearly a week. My section-hounse lies close to the beach, and the first intimation I received of anything unusual, was in discover- ing one evening that my abode seemed to be full of rats. They swarmed everywhere, running along the beams and rafters, and over and under the floors. I could see also, from my verandah, many more upon the beach, running across the sands and making straight for the sea. Their one idea appeared to be to leave the land. None turned back except when attacked by hawks or crows, of which they had attvacted a good number. The following day, when going out to meet the steamer in Koh Lak bay, I noticed several rats well away from the shore, still swimming straight cut to sea, and for days afterwards 1 found their dead bodies on the be each, washed up by the tides. This 1 observed throughout the whole length of my section, a distance of of 50 kilometres.
I am unable to give any explanation to account for this migra- tion. The only thing which I noticed at the time was an unusually large number of jungle fowl about. This | look upon as a coincidence, as [ cannot see in any way what relation the one creature could bear to the other.
I did not, unfortunately, keep any specimen so that the animals could be positively identified, but they appeared to me to be the ordinary house rat which is common everywhere,
tT. 5. BUTLER. December, 19] 3
No. IL—SORE NECK IN SAMBAR.
From 1910 to 1913 I was engaged on Survey work in the district lying approximately between Lat. 14°.00’ and 16°.00’ N. and Long. 98°.30’ and 100°.00’ E. Most of this area is in the valleys of the Me Klawng river or its tributaries, the remainder being on the edge of the watershed of the Menam Chao Praya. During those years, between the months of December and June, L shot several Sambar in this district, all of which were affected by a peculiar sore upon the
52 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM.” Volt. *
neck situated in the mid-line in front and about half way down. The actual sore was round, about an inch and a half in diameter, and the skin around it devoid of hair, which had apparently been rubbed off ever an area about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide in adult animals, the sore being in the middle of this bare patch. The sore seemed to be
5S merely a superficial affection of the skin, and did not extend deeply, or indeed penetrate the skin or affect the flesh at all, but it seemed to be accompanied by considerable itching. The hair round the sore appeared to be worn off by rubbing to allay the irritation. Animals of all ages and both sexes suffered from this sore.
Mr. A. J. Irwin, of the Survey Department, has also observed the same affection in Sambar shot by him in the present year, and has given me the following information.
The disease is called ‘ Khi ruen kwang” or ‘“ the leprosy of the Sambar” by the Siamese, and the ‘* Ma-kawk season sore” by the Kariangs. A Siamese hunter who has lived for years on the edge of the jungle, and has killed many Sambar, considered it a disease to which Sambar were subject permanently, being born with it, and he was much surprised to hear that they did not suffer from it everywhere. An old Kariang intormed him that the Sambar suffered trom it only during the “ Ma-kawk ” season, when even the young in the womb nee the mark, and not during the rest of the year. The Ma-kawk tree is a kind of wild plum tree, bear- ing fruit having a sourish sweet taste. It is generally called in Hueglish the “Wild Olive,” but the fruit is about three times the size of a large olive, and the taste is different. The fruit ripens, according to the class of jangle and country, at different times through the dry season. Deer are very fond of this fruit. The Kariang gave Mr. Irwin the following legendary account of the origin of the sore. Phra Sian (Buddha) gave the Sambar the fruit of the Ma-kawk tree to eat. The Sambar tasted it, and then refused it, saying if was sour. Phra Sian said, “ Very well, then the Ma-kawk fruit shall not be considered food for the Sambar.” Afterwards the Sambar again tasted the fruit, and finding it sweet on this occasion, came to Phra Sian and begged permission to eat it in fature. Phra Sian granted per- mission, but as a punishment, for fickleness condemned all Sambar to suffer from the sore on the neck during the Ma-kawk season.
I have shot Sambar further South than the district referred gs in the Ma-kawk season, and so has Mr. Irwin, and neither of has noticed any sore on the animals there. It does not seem 's affect the Sambar in the Pitsanulok jungles, or in the Siamese portion of the Malay Peninsula, where I have also shot Sambar, and where the Ma-kawk fruit is eaten by them. Where they suffer from the disease, the animals may be only affected during the Ma- kawk season, but I do not think that eating that fruit causes the sore. The district in which I have noticed them suffering from it, is one abounding in mineral springs, called * Pong Nam” in Siamese. Animals frequent these to drink the water. ‘This water may possibly cause the sore in Sambar, but not in other animals. It will be inter-
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, 53
esting to learn if any readers of this Journal have noticed the occurrence of the sore, in any other locality and can give information as to its cause.
P. R: KEMP. January, 1914.
This curious sore upon the necks of Sambar is not unknown. Major Evans in his book, Big Game Shooting in Upper Burma (1910) speaks of it, and states positively that it occurs in all Sambar and at all times (presumably in Burma and India). He considers it to be of parasitic origin. It does not appear to be found upon animals in captivity.—Eds. ]
No. III.—A CASE OF TRIPLETS IN AN ELEPHANT.
The case of an elephant giving birth to triplets, has, I believe, never yet been known, so I think the following instance shoutd be recorded.
There is no note of the date of impregnation. The elephant was first reported in calf in October 1912, when she would be evidently well on in pregnancy, and on October 27th of the following year gave birth to three male calves, of which one was still-born and the other two only survived until November 8th and 9th, respectively. Hvery- thing was done to bring them up, but the mother would not look after them and kicked them off whenever they came to suckle. If let loose she would run away from them.
Of the calves born alive, one was normal and one very small. Me Heean, the mother, is 7ft 4 ins. in height and is a young ele- phant probably about 25 years old. She has never to my ‘know! ledge calved before.
Triplets are entirely unknown in the writer’s experience and Lt. Col. Evans, the Indian Government expert, quotes no ‘instance of even twins in his standard work Elephants and their Diseases. I believe, however, the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation had a case of twins in Muang Prae district a year or two ago.
D. F. MACFIE. CHIENGMAI, December 18th, 1913.
IV. DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS IN SIAM.
I should like to ask through your columns for information on the following points, some of which I feel sure must be known to members of the Society up-country.
1. What is the eastern range of the Gaur or Sladang. (Bos
qaurus) the Gayal (B. frontalis) and the Banting (B. sondaicus) ?
. w il To which of the two last does the Siamese name 4941 refer, as there seems to be some doubt on the matter.
2. Blanford, in-the Mwuna of British India, states that the young of Sambar are never spotted at any time of their existence,
54 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
whereas the young of Barking Deer are spotted. My own experience reverses this entirely, and I believe, in the Malay Sambar, it is now recognised that the young are spotted, though at what age they lose their spots is uncertain.
3. Has the Brow-Antlered Deer a spotted coat at certain seasons? Have any heads been obtained with a greater antler measure- ment than 54 inches, the biggest given by Blanford? As regards Sambar heads, the skull of the Siamese form is as big as, or perhaps bigger than, the Indian, but the horns of the Siamese are much aren though the preummenenee at the butt or above the first tine is frequently as great as the Indian.
4. Messrs Yates and Rogers, of the Bombay Burma Trading Jorporation, have reported a black species of Wild Dog. Has any- one else ever met with this animal, and have specimens ever been obtained? Where do the (red) Wild Dog (Cyon rutilans) go in the dry season? | have observed that they chase the Sambar down to the cultivation at the beginning of the rains in May and June; at other seasons I never see them.
5. Nothing is generally known as to whether the two species of Rhinoceros occur east of the Menam Chow Phraya, and the nor- thern limit of the Tapir ( Tapurus indicus, Siamese ‘“ Samset”) is uneertain.
kK. G. GAIRDNER.
February, 1914.
+ No. V.-BREEDING OF THE PAINTED SNIPE.
It is not surprising to find that the Painted Snipe (fostratu!« capensis) or “ Painter” breeds within the limits of the ordinary Bangkok shooting grounds, as it has been recorded from Calcutta and
also from Burma, but as far as I am aware it has not been recorded from Siam, and more particularly from Bangkok. During the last rains I have had two clutches of eggs and two young birds be ought to me. ‘The first clutch of four eggs was found on the 6th July, and had been laid about a week. The Secon nest, also of four eggs, was found on the 11th August, and these eggs had been laid fully ten days. The first young fia? was caught by Mr. Me.Beth and sent to me on the 18th “September ; ; it was “nearly fully fledged and could rise about two feet from the oround but could not fly. The other young bird was caught about fen miles below Paknampho on the 3rd October, and was fully fledged.
It was interesting to note, in these young birds, the curious dis- play by which this species seeks to terrorize an enemy, and which has heen described by Finn in How to know the Indian Waders. When
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 5d
slightly alarmed the bird would raise the wing farthest from the in- truder, but when “cornered”, both wings would be extended and brought forward until they reached beyond the tip of the beak, and the tail spread, so that the beautiful spotted markings were fully shown. The hissing, as described by Finn, was very noticeable in the older bird, but in the younger one it was replaced by a low plaintive whistle, so it possibly only occurs with the more fully developed birds.
The “Painter” is reported as breeding two or three times during the season, and it is likely that the breeding season in Bangkok extends over the greater part of the rains. The nest is the usual hollow, often with a pad of grass, and the eggs are four in number, slightly pyriform in shape, yellowish stone colour with large markings ot very dark brown or black. The eggs measure 1.4 by 1 inches. Should anyone be so fortunate as to come across a sitting bird, it would be interesting to note whether it is a male or female, as the male is the inferior bird and there is reason to believe that it sits on the nest.
E. G. HERBERT. October, 19158.
+- No. VI. BREEDING OF PAINTED SNIPE IN SIAM.
The point as to whether the Painted Snipe breeds around Bangkok has been discussed and doubted so often that it will interest sportsmen and naturalists, I feel sure, to know that while shooting this season at Sala Yah, I came across a mother with four chicks. This was on September 22nd. My man caught one of the chicks. | It was quite small and unable to fly, being covered only with down, and had therefore obviously been hatched out only a few days. I did not keep the chick or make any special note of its coloration, but the parent bird, which I saw at quite close quarters, was clearly a “ Painter.”
CH. SOnRL™®,. November, 1913.
*~ No. VII.—THE MOULTING OF SNIPE.
I noticed this season that the “ Pintails,” or, at any rate, the early arrivals, were already in moult when they reached Bangkok. In the case of four of the first birds shot (Sept. 14th), one had complet- ed the moult of the primaries but the new feathers were mot quite fully developed ; the second had only the two outer primaries of the old feathers remaining and the new ones were in varying states of developement ; the third had lost six of the old primaries, and the fourth bird had only lost four. In the latter two instances the new
56 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
feathers were little more than stumps. Jt is true this was an excep- tionally late season in starting, and may have had something to do with the particular stave of moult in which the birds arrived, but that rather adds to the interest of the subject than otherwise.
The moult of the primaries appeared to start from about the centre of the wing, usually about the 7th and &th, followed by the next outer pair and then an inner pair, so by the time the outer pair of primaries were dropped the new centre feathers had put on a fair anrount of growth. This was about the weakest stage of the moult, when only the outer pair of old primaries remain.
Another noticeable feature of the moult was the dropping of
the “ pin” feathers from the tail, which occurred about a month later.
E. G. HERBERT. November, 1918.
bd
No. VIIL—DISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIAN PIED KINGFISHER (CERYLE VARIA) AND SPOTTED OWLET (ATHENE BRAMA) IN SIAM.
I have been endeavouring to trace recently the southern limit of the Indian Pied Kingfisher ( Cer yle varia. F. 1032) and should be glad if your readers would help me. This bird abounds on the Me Ping and Me Yome, and rivers further North, and is very plentiful on the Menam above and below Bangkok, but is unknown in the Malay States. Jt is common in India, Ceylon, and Burma in the plains, except south of Amherst, and it extends east into China, but apparently does not g» much south of Bangkok. It should not be difficult to trace, as it is a noisy bird and can be readily recognised by its peculiar fishing habits. Unlike other Kingfishers it never plunges from a fixed perch, but flies over the water end hovers with its beak pointed downwards, at a height of frequently 15 or 20 feet above the surface, when it suspects the presence of a fish. It dives for its prey after hovering, hence the Siamese name “Nok kra ten pak lak,” which likens the long straight plunge to the driving of a stake.
Another species which occurs in Siam, though as far as I am aware it has not previously been recorded, is the Spotted Owlet ( Athene brama. F. 1150). It is quite common some 40 miles north of -Bangkok, but I believe it does not oceurin Bangkok or further south in Siam—the exact distribution of it is therefore of interest.
Blanford gives it as occurring throughout India, but notin Ceylon, and as common in the Irrawaddy valley from Prome upwards, the latitude of Prome being about 18’. The latitude at which it is found in Siam is known to be as far south as 14".
The Spotted Owlet is a noisy little bird (8” long) which comes out before sunset and pours forth a volley of chuckles and squeaks. Usually two of these individuals sit shouting together, as if trying which can finish its chatter first. The entire upper plumage is an ashy brown copiously spotted with white, and the tail is barred with
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. a7
four to six bars. The lower plumage is whitish with broken brown cross bars or spots. The legs are feathered down to the feet, and the toes covered with long bristles on the upper side. This owlet has no so called “ ears”, and must not be confused with the Scops Owl, which is a quiet little owl and only utters a monotonous “ toop ” at regular intervals of about ten seconds.
EK, G. HERBERT.
January, 1914.
No. IX. DISTRIBUTION OF ANCISTRODON RHODOSTROMA, THE MALAYAN VIPER, IN SIAM.
The only record of this snake in Siam up to the present has been from the island of Puket. North of this latitude it had not been known at all. Recent collections have shown, however, that it has a mnuch wider distribution. It is not uncommon at Bangtaphan, near the sea coast, and Mr. P. A. RB. Barron has found it at Nong Kai Ploi, just E. of Srimaharicha, elevation 150 metres, where it appears to be equally plentiful. One was recently caught at Lopburi, and Dr. Sprater procured last year a very young specimen at Kumpawapi, 250 km. N. of Korat, Lat. 17° 10° N., Long. 102° 50’ KE. it will thus be seen to have a wide distribution in this country, and its northern range of habitat greatly increased,
Speaking of its poison, Boulenger says, “This snake was long known from Java only, where it is “regarded as one of the most dangerous poisonous snakes, cases being known of men dying five minutes after being bitten. In the neighbourhood of Biserat and Kuala Jalar ( Malay States) where it was discovered by Messrs Annandale and Robinson, the natives do not believe its bite to be fatal.” The people of Bangtaphan and Nong Kai Ploi, who appear to know this snake quite well, also agree that its bite is not parti- cularly dangerous, and as natives on the subject of snake-bite are apt to exaggerate rather than otherwise, one is inclined to accept these statements as correct.
IT have recently acquired 4 living specimens. They are ex- tremely sluggish creatures, remaining motionless throughout the entire day, usually coiled up in a circle with the head projecting fron the middle, and the body comfortably bedded down into the sand of their cage. Even a stick will hardly rouse them, and when taken wp they move off in a leisurely fashion. At night they become more active and wander about. I have never yet heard them hiss, but when thoroughly excited will “rattle” the tip of the tail at great speed. They feed freely upon mice, frogs and toads.
58 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. T.
Details of 7 specimens as follows :—
CosTALs r : s 4 3 be tp o3 ie aoa = 2 Sg 9 ee P 4 gee sfie\|2| & = ress} ut ae 4022 & a fe Bangtaphan 2o., 2h. 17. 4,160) 38) Zande ” 23. 21. 17. |160| 37 | 7and8 23. 21. 17. |159] 37 | 8 and 8 ” 21 21 Wee 150 48 7 and 8 Nong Kai Ploi : 22. 21. 17. |154|) 40 | 7 and 8 ” 21 ail 19. 160 35 vf and 7 Kumpawapi Zi. 21. 17. 160.) 37 | S7 and 8
Their markings show but little variation. Above, they are light or dark brown in color, with a faint pinkish tinge, and mottled and clouded in varying degrees with darker. The vertebral line, and the large triangular spots on either side of it, so characteristic of this snake are, in the majority, jet black (instead of dark brown) and have, when the snake has just cast its skin, a handsome, velvet-like appearance.
At Bangtaphan this snake is known as ‘‘ngu maaw sao,” and at Nong Kai Ploi as “ngu k#ba.” The former title may, however, be given toany snake with large prominent spots upon the body.
MALCOLM SMITH. January 31, 1914.
No X.—LARGE BANDED KRAIT.
An unusually large specimen of the Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) was recently killed in the compound of the Bangkok Nursing Home. It was trodden upon by the house coolie when going out to fetch water after dark, and was promptly dispatched by the remainder of the staff, who came to his assistance. The enlarged tip of the tail was unfortunately missing, but allowing 20 mm. for this, it measured, without stretching, 2,020 mm. (6 ft. 74 in.) in total length, the tail
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 59
being 150 mm. Ventrals 212, sub-costals (allowing 6 for the missing portion ) 35.
The only instance I can find of a Banded Krait larger than the above was recorded in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 31st October, 1911. It was killed at Koderma, E. I. Ry., by Mr. Hayes, a Mine Manager, and measured 7 ft. in length.
MALCOLM SMITH. September, 1913.
No. XI—NOTE ON AN INLAND SEA CAVE IN MUANG PRAN.
In a country where such excessive upheavals of the earth’s crust took place in early geological times, and where we have now comparatively recent deposits lying close to the very oldest igneous rocks, it is not surprising that some evidences have been discovered of present day land movement.
IT have for some time held the opinion that the whole of this Peninsula is gradually tilting from East to West, and the following note gives, I think, further strength to my theory.
At Muang Pran, where | was surveying last season, there is a hill known as Sam Roi Yot (300 Points ). It is an isolated mass of limestone, rising vertically from the plain, at a distance of two miles from the coast, Seen from a distance, it has all the appearance of an island, the surrounding plain lying very low. On the seaward side there are springs of fresh water, and the land is taken up with gardens. On the land side is a large swamp, which dries up in the hot season, leaving a winding steam of brackish water. The soil is salt and only suitable for growing coconuts and long grass. At the southern end of the mass, on the landward side, I found a cave and the general over- hanging appearance of sea erosion on the rock. The cave is at present well above the high water sea level, but was reached by the fresh water flood of 1912. Viewed from the top of the hill, the ground shows the distinct form of an old sea beach which is not now reached by the high water spring tides.
On the whole I conclude that Sam Roi Yot was at some not very distant date surrounded by the sea, and what I observed tends to show that the hill has risen. My conclusion is further strengthened by the general silting up which is found upon the shore of this coast, whilst the opposite coast in Trang does not show the same effect, but appears rather to be sinking—thus showing a tilt of the Peninsula towards the West.
S. W. MASTERMAN. November, 30, 1913.
[Since we naturally expect to find stream-erosion caves in limestone, it should be carefully ascertained whether there are any traces of an old eave stream. It would be interesting also to learn if any other evidence is forth- coming to support Mr. Masterman’s theory of this land movement,—ds. |
60 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS. INAUGURAL MERTING.
The Society was founded at a meeting held at Mr. W. J. F. Williamson’s house on the 4th February 1915, attended by Messrs. S. H. Cole, E. J. Godfrey, C. L. Groundwater, EH. A. Laydeker, J. J. McBeth, J.G. Raggi, Dr. A. C. Rankin, Mr. H. Rieschick, Dr. M. Smith, Capt. W. Sprater, and Messrs. EH. W. Trotter, W. G. Weeks, and W. J. F. Williamson.
At that meeting resolutions were passed defining the objects of the Society and providing for the drawing up of rules, and a sub- committee, consisting of Messrs. Williamson, Raggi and Cole, was ap- pointed for the latter purpose.
The next meeting was held at Mr. Trotter’s house on the 4th March 1913, when the provisional rules drafted by the sub-committee were submitted and approved. The following office bearers for the year 1913 were then elected, viz., President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer pro tem., Mr. J. G. Raggi; and a com- mittee including Capt. W. Sprater, Dr. M. Smith and Mr. W. G. Weeks.
The duties of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer were handed over to Mr. W. G. Weeks shortly after this meeting.
Ist ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at Mr. J. G. Raggi’s house on the 19th March 1913, when Mr. E. J. Godfrey exhibited his collection of Siamese but- terflies and gave some explanatory remarks thereon.
2np ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This meeting took place at Dr. M. Smith’s house on 25th June 19138, when Dr. Smith read a paper on ‘Some common species of snakes found in Bangkok.” About 15 kinds were dealt with and a number of specimens shown, both alive and in spirits. Dr. Smith also exhibited the skin of a Serow or Goat-Antelope shot at Koh Lak by Mr. T. 8. Butler, and four skulls of animals of the same genus were shown by Dr. Smith and Mr. A. H. Duke. Mr. J. J. McBeth exhibited the skin of a Fire-backed Pheasant obtained at Pak Chong.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING.
A special meeting was held on the 22nd July 1915 at Mr. E. A. Laydeker’s house to witness a demonstration of bird skinning by Mr. Laydeker.
3rd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This took place at Mr. W. J. F. Williamson’s house on the 17th September 19138, when there were present 22 members and 2 guests, to hear a paper read by Mr. Williamson on ‘The Common Birds of Bangkok.” Specimens of 55 species of the commoner birds were
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 61
exhibited during the course of the paper. Mr. E. A. Laydeker exhi- bited the skins of some bats, and Dr. Smith some specimens of a rare frog (Glyphoglossus molossus) and a rare skink (Lygosoma isodactylum ).
Subsequent to this meeting, the duties of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer were handed over by Mr. Weeks to Mr. K. G. Gairdner.
4th ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 4th Decem- ber 1913, when 24 members and 1 guest were present. The first business was the consideration of a revised and amplified draft of the rules of the Society, submitted by the Committee. These were passed after some discussion and amendment-—the most important alteration being the raising of the subscription from Tes. 5 to Tes. 25 per annum in order to meet the cost of publishing a Journal by the Society. Mr. W. J. F. Williamson and Dr. M. Smith were appointed Editors of the Journal.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner then read a paper entitled “Notes on the Fauna and Flora of the Ratburi and Petchaburi Districts”. A coloured chart of the districts was shown and also a coloured drawing made by Mr. E Healey of a rare Ibis, of which a specimen had been obtained by Mr. Gairdner. At the conclusion of the paper Dr. M. Smith exhibited some species of snakes not previously recorded from Siam. Mr. J. J. McBeth showed the skin of a Marbled Cat.
Mr. S. H. Cole attended this meeting in the capacity of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the Society, having taken over the duties of that office from Mr. Gairdner who was shortly proceeding on duty up-country.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 1913.
INCOME. EXPENDITURE. Les: Ves:
Subscriptions for 1913 0... 275.00 |) Postage .., as ten, LOLG6
Subscriptions for 1914 Stationery and account paid in advance... 15.00 books: x. swears Ok ee 7 | Printing ... SOC jase | 4-00 a Mots C: Wes. 40.81" WG. AG
egy
Balanee in hand on 31st
ae Deer U9TS.9 Lesh oasis
Total ies 73... 280.00 Votal se, Tess! 224 290100 Bangkok, (Sd) 8. 4s: COLK,
21st February, 1914 Hon. Secretary and Treasurer.
62 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Bailey, J. Manaud, Dr. A. Barron, P. A. R. : Mannsfeldt, M. Bazton, ©. 5. Massey, H. K. Bonnafous, H. McBeth, J. J. Brewitt-Taylor, bL. Mohr, A.
Butler, T. 8S. Nesbitt, P.
Canbiaso, Marquis F. Nunn, W.
Carthew, Dr. M.
Cole, S. H. Ornstein, Dr. med. O. Couper-Johnston. D.
Craig, R. D. Paget, F.
Palmer, W. L. Dietrich, G.
Due-Petersen, Dr. Raggi, J. G. Duke, A. H. Rankin, Dr. A. C. Remy, Dr. jar. EH. Hisenhofer, E. Rieschick, H. Elwes, G. F. W. Robert, Dr. hs. Rogers, B. H. Forty, C. H. Ross, D. Gairdner, K. G. Schaefer, Dr. med. F. Gilmore, W. M. Slack, T. A. Godfrey, E. J. Smith, E. Wyon. Groundwater, C. L. Smith, Dr, M. Groves, Mrs. 8. P. Spigno, A. B.
Sprater, Major W. Harrop, F. S.
Healey, E. Thong Thicayu, Capt. Mom Chao Hepburn, Dr. H. H. Herbert, E. G. Ward, To. Js, ai. Bs Me. V5.0. Webb, G. E. Irwin, A. J. Weeks, W. G. Williamson, W. J. F. Kemp, P. RB. Volt, or: Lambert, S. G. Wates, “Hf. Cy St.-d%
Laydeker, KE. A. Lucius, Dr. R. Tupsa, I. lyons, J. R. C,
63
LIST OF WORKS ON NATURAL HISTORY RELATING TO SIAM.
S99 TS
Author. Title of Work. | Price. | Publisher. ZOOLOG ¥. GENERAL.
| Cambridge Natural| 17s. per History, 10 vols, vol,
MamMMALS.
W. T. Blanford Fauna of British India. | £1-0-0 | Taylor and Francis,
vol: -11891- Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, Lon- don. Capt. S. S. Flower | On the Mammalia of Proceedings of Zco- Siam and the Malay logical Society of Peninsula. 1900. London. Birps. I. W. Oates A Handbook to the 15s. R. H. Porter, 6 Ten- Birds of British Bur- terden Street, Loa- ma. 2 vols. 1883 (out don, W of print). i. W. Oates and Fauna of British India. 65s. Taylor and Francis, W. T. Blanford 4 vols 1889-1898, Red Lion Cour, Fleet Street, Lon- don.
Douglas Dewar Indian Birds. A Key] Rs. 5-4-0 | John Lane, The Bod-
to the Common Birds ley Head, Vigo of the Plains of India. Street, London.
Companion volume to the Bird volumes of the Fauna of British
India. H, C. Robinson and) On Birds from the Nor- “The Ibis,’ October, C. B. Kloss thern Portion of the 1910 and January
Malay Peninsula. 1911.
64
a
Author.
K. C. Stuart Baker
Do. Do
Col. A. Le Mes-
surier
Hume and Mar-
shall.
Frank Finn
Do. Do: ‘Do: Do. Dos peo: KX. G. Gairdner
Court Nils Gyldenstolpe
E. Oustalet
Title of Work.
Indian Ducks and their Allies. (out of print)
Indian Pigeons and Doves. 19138.
Game, Shore and Water Birds of India. 1904.
Game Birds of India. 1899, (out of print).
How to know the Indian Waders. 1906.
The Waterfowl of India and Asia. 1909.
The Game India and Oe
Birds of
Asia.
The Birds of Caleutta. 1904.
List of the Commoner Birds found in Siam. 1912.
birds collected by the
Swedish Zoological Expedition to Siam, 1911-12.
Les Oiseaux de Cam- bodge, Laos et I’ Indo- Chine.* 2 parts. 1898 & 1904.
|
Rs.
Rs.
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Publisher.
Witherby and Co.,
London.
W. Thacker and Co., 2 Creed Lane, London.
Thacker, Spink and
Co., Calcutta.
Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do.
Journal of the Siam Society, Vol. IX, Part I.
R. Friedlander und Sohn, 11 Carls- trasse, Berlin.
Wim. Wessley & Son, 28 Essex Street, Strand, London.
Librairie C. Klinck-
_sieck, 11 Rue de Lille, Paris.
Arch. Mus. Paris.
{ * This work was unknown to us at the time of writing the Editorial. Unfortunately the author died before the 3rd part cquld be written —Lds. |
LIST OF WORKS ON NATURAL HISTORY.
or) or
Author |
Title of Work.
. Boulenger
. Boulenger
Major F. Wall
Do. Do.
=
M. F. Mocquard
Capt. 8S. S. Flower Do
Do.
G. A. Boulenger
Rerrin1A AND Batra- | CHIA.
Fauna of British India. | 1 vol. 1890. |
i Fauna of the Malay Peninsula. 1 vol. 1913. |
The Poisonous Terres- | tial Snakes of our | British Indian Domi- | nions (including Cey- lon) and how to re- cognize them, 1913.
Monograph of Sea- Snakes.
Les Reptiles de I’ Indo- Chine. 1907.
Second collection — of Reptiles made in the Malay Peninsnla and Siam, 1899.
Second collection of Batrachians made in the Malay Peninsula and Siam, 1899.
Catalogue of Reptiles inthe British Museum. 1884-1896.
7 vols. Chelonians, 1 vol.
Lizards, 3 vols. Snakes, 3 vols.
FIsHEs.
Fauna of British India, 2 vols.
Price.
£1-0-0
£2-0-0
| Publisher.
Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, Lon- don.
Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, Lon- don.
Bombay Natural His- tory Society.
The Asiatic Society.
Librairie Maritime et Coloniale, 17 Rue | Jacob, Paris.
Proceedings of Zoo- logical Society of | London. ©
| |
Do. De.
Taylor and Francis, Red Lion ~ Court, Fleet Street, Lon- don.
66 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
Author.
Title of Work.
Distant
Marshall and Nice-
ville
Mocre
Mor re
LEPIDOPTERA.
Rhopalocera Malayana. Description of the Butterflies of the Ma- lay Peninsula, 46 co- loured plates. 1882-86.
The Butterflies of India, Burma aud Ceylon, 5 vols
Vol I. 1886. Vol II. 1888. Vol IIT. 1890.
Lepidoptera Indica, 480 coloured plates. 5 vols. 1890-1902.
| The Lepidoptera of Cey- | lon, 215 coloured | plates. 3 vols. 1880-87.
Dr. Adalbert Seitz | The Macrolepidoptera
Sir J. D. Hooker
S. Kurz
Sir Dietrich Brandis
W. G. Cruaib.
of the World ( Issued in Parts. In publica- tion).
| | FLORA. |
The Flora of British In- dia, 7 vols. 1875-1897.
Forest Flora of British Burma. 2 vols. 1877.
Indian Trees. 1907.
| Contributions to the Flora of Siam.
| Dicotyledones. 1912. Monocotyledones, 1913.
BANGKOK TIMES IMP.
7
Price. Publisher.
Is. 6d. per Part,
L. Reeve & Co., 6 Henrietta Street, London.
Superintendent — of Government Print- ing, Calcutta.
Archibald Constable and Co., 10, Orange Street, Leicester Square, London.
University of Aber- deen, Scotland.
THE
JOURNAL
Natural History Society of Siam.
NOL ly INO. 2.
ew LISS Py JUL 25 1917 st 4 eZ onal muse
Issued August, 1914.
EDITED BY
~ Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
~ Price to Non-Members, Re eee oe Peg 4:00 AGENTS: ‘LONDON: =. LEIPZIG:
LUZAC & Co. OTTO HARRASSOWITZ.
THE
OU RN ACL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
Neen. ING. 2.
ncontan ’ nstity» Se ‘, .
& JUL 25 1917 =
Kh, ‘ten al M ysor™
Issued August, 1914.
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members, : | Tes. 4.00
AGENTS: LONDON: LEIPZIG: LUZAC & Co. OTTO HARRASSOWITZ.
CONTENTS.
—EEE 7
Descriptions OF NEW REPTILES FROM S14M. With a plate. By G. A. Boulenger, L.L.D., D.Sc., PH.D., F.R.S. With notes by Malcolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., ee
THe Birps oF Ban@Kox. Part I, with 2 plates. By W. J. F. Williamson A adc ie
THE SNAKES OF BanGkox. Part II, with 3 plates. By Maleolm Smith, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., - see
A sHort List or BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG Deieee By C. S. Barton
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES :—
1.—Distribution of certain Animals in Siam. A Reply. By G. F. Weston Elwes .. Are I].—Seasonal oily secretion in Gaur or Seladang. With a plate. By K. G. Gairdner IiI.—Distribution of the “‘ Lamang” Deer (Cervus old platyceros). By A. J. Irwin. “oh 1V.—Note on two rare Mammals, Berdmore’s Rat (Hapalomys longicaudatus), and Fea’s Muntjac ‘Cervulus feae). By K. G. Gairdner PY V.—Note on Langur Monkeys, By K. G. Gairdner VI.—Large horns of Malay Sambar (Cervus unicolor equinus). Witha plate. By K. G. Gairdner Vil.—Occurrence of the Indian Three-toed Kingfisher (Ceyx tridactyla) in Bangkok. By E. G. Herbert : VIII.—Note on the Red-breasted Paine Gu fasciatus), By E. G. Herbert {X.—Small Minivet (Pericrocotus perigrinus) breeding in Bangkok. By E.G, Herbert ... se X.—Occurrence of the Chinese Francolin (Francolinus chinensis) in Bangkok. By A.J. Irwin ... X1I.—Some interesting Birds found near the Western Boundary. By J. F. Keddie
PAGE.
105
17
118
118
Ul)
120
121
PAGE.
X11.--Occurrence of the Krait ( Bungarus candidus ), and the Small-spottea Coral Snake ( Callophis maculiceps ) in Siam. A new color variety of the latter. By Malcolm Smith was XIII.—Sluggishness of a Python. By K.G. Gairdner... 125 X1IV.—On the breeding habits of the Tentacle Snake ( Herpeton tentaculatum ) and Hypsirhina
enhydris. By Malcolm Smith ... ats SO
XV.—Note on a rare Lizard ( Lygosoma isodactylum ). With a plate. By Malcolm Smith san ET PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS ... as wee pn, elie
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam.
August 1914. Vou i No, 2.
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW REPTILES FROM SIAM. By G. A. BOULENGER, LL.D., pD.sc., PH.p., F.R.S. WITH NOTES. By MALCOLM SMITH, m.r.c.s., L.R.c.P.
T am indebted to Dr. Malcolm Smith for examples of the follow- ing species of Reptiles which he suspected to be new to Science, and which he has requested me to describe.
LYGOSOMA ANGUINOIDES.*
Section Lygosoma. Limbless. Snout short, rounded, project- ing feebly beyond the mouth. Nostril pierced in the anterior part of a large nasal, which is narrowly separated from its fellow: rostral produced between the nasals: frontonasal nearly twice as broad as long, forming a narrow suture with the rostral, and a broad one with the frontal: praefrontals very small and widely separated: frontal as long as broad, in contact with the first (largest) supraciliary and with the first supraccular: three supraoculars, first largest: five supra- ciliaries: frontoparietals distinct, about as large as the interparietal : parietals narrow, forming a suture behind the interparietal, followed by a pair of nuchals: six upper labials, first largest : symphysial very
* [The illustration of this new lizard is not yet completed and will appear in the next number of the Journal. Eds. ]
68 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 1.
large : ear completely hidden. 22 smooth scales round the middle of the body, dorsals a little larger than laterals and ventrals. A pair of enlarged praeanals. Tail thick. Pale greyish brown, with a pair of dark brown streaks along the riddle of the back and a_ broader dorso-lateral pair; below the latter and on the belly, brown lines run between the series of scales.
Total length 95 mm.: tail ( reproduced ) 35 mm.
The single specimen described was found benéath a log at Bangtaphan.
This species is very closely related to the Australian [. ophio- scincus, Blgr. (Ophioscincus australis, Peters), which differs in the rostral forming a broader suture with the fron‘onasal and in the broader frontal and parietals.
SIMOTES INORNATUS.
Nasal divided; portion of rostral seen from above, as long as its distance from the frontal; suture between the internasals longer than that between the praefrontals ; frontal as long as its distance from the end of the snout, as long as the parietals ; loreal a little longer than deep; one praeocular and two postoculars; no suboculars ; temporais 142; eight upper labials, fourth and fifth entering the eye ; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields, which are nearly twice as long as the posterior. Scales in 15 rows. Ventrals 171; and entire; subcaudals 42. Uniform pale brown above, yellowish white beneath.
Total length 580 mm.; tail 90 mm.
A single male specimen from Nong Kai Pioi, KE. of Sriracha,
The number of rows of scales easily distinguishes this species from S. violaceus, Cantor, to which it is most nearly related.
[This snake was collected and kindly forwarded to me by Mr. Pp. A. R. Barron, of the Borneo Company, to whom I am also indebted for a second specimen, which differs from the type description in the following particulars. Portion of rostral seen from above, shorter than its distance from the frontal: suture between the internasals equal to to suture between the praefrontals. Loreal as long as deep. Ventrals 375. Subcaudals 40. Color. Above, dull, salmon-red (much brighter, I am informed, in life) and with very faintly marked dark greyish narrow cross-bars. Below, with indistinct, small, squarish spots, placed laterally, in the posterior half of the body and tail. This specimen has _
been in my possession for some months, ye the handsome red coloring has eradually faded until now it is nearly of the brown hue described
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siem WUo2 Vol.
SIMOTES INORNATUS. Xe.
FIY PSIARHINA SMITH. NAT. SIZE.
A 2s ; eae, = * , it) f . gc seas, SH) RAREST A 7 Oe te alt Thar 4
7 }
DESCRIBTIONS OF NEW REPTILES FROM SIAM. 69
by Mr. Boulenger. Mr. Barron who saw both specimens when fresh informs me, however, that the first one never showed any red coloration. The drawing of the head, by Mr. C. L. Groundwater, is from the second specimen, which will be also presented to the British Museum.—M. SB. |
HYPSIRHINA SMITHII.
Rostral twice as broad as deep; internasal single, a little more than twice as broad as long ; frontal scarcely broader than the supra- ocular, twice as long as broad, as long as its distance from the end of the snout, a little shorter than the parietals ; loreal as long as deep, in contact with the internasal ; one praeocular, the lower part, on one side, separated off as a subocular, two postoculars; temporals 1+2—38; eight upper labials, fourth entering the eye; five lower labials in contact with the anterior chin-shields ; posterior chin-shields hardly distinguishable from the surrounding scales. Scales in 21 rows Ventrals 121; anal divided ; subcaudals 56. Head and anterior part of the body grey above, with a zigzag vertebral band formed of confluent large black spots, and black on the sides and beneath, the black being interrupted by light pinkish bars which are continued as irregular series of yellow spots across the belly ; posterior part of body irridescent black, with incomplete narrow annuli, which are pinkish. above and yellow beneath; upper surface of head spotted with black, with a black U-shaped mark from the angle of the mouth to the parietal. Tongue whitish (in life).
Total length 400 mm. ; tail 80 mm. .
A single female specimen from the river Menam at Bangkok.
This species, named after Dr. Malcolm Smith, is very closely allied to H. jagorii, Peters, from which it differs in the narrower frontal shield and, very strikingly, in the coloration.
[This snake was canght by a small boy whilst shrimping off Messrs. L.T Leonowens, Ltd., and kindly sent me by Mr. Miller. I kept it alive for four months. It had the sluggish disposition that is found in so many of the fresh-water snakes, and never male any attempt to bite when handled. It was not strictly aquatic, and lived quite as much on the land as in the water. On one occasion it ate a fish, but afterwards refused all food.—M.S.]
Dr. Malcolm Smith has pointed out to me that two distinct forms have been confounded by Giinther and by myself under the name
of Simotes taeniatus.. One, with 17 rows of scales and a blackish spot
70, JOURNAL, NATURAL AUST. SOCTHTY OnrTs iis: ay ol, a:
at the base of the tail and another at the end, has been figured by Giinther (Rept. Brit. Ind., pl. XX. fig. A). The other, with 19 rows of scales and without the spots on the tail has been described and figured by Janas S. quadrilineatus. Unfortunately, the latter name is a strict synonym of S. taeniatus, Giinther’s original description (P. Z. S. 1861, p. 189) having been drawn up from a single specimen of the same form; so that | am compelled to propose a new name, var. Mouhoti, for the snake figured in the Reptiles of British India, I should have regarded these two forms as species, as Dr. Malcolm Snsith, who has examined many specimens, finds them always quite distinct from each other, but for the fact that a specimen from Laos in the British Museum combines the number of scales of S. taeniatus with the coloration of S. Mouhoti. Dr, Malcolm Smith further points out a difference in the colour of the tongue, which is entirely reddish in the former, and black at the base and at the tips in the latter.
[I have now examined altogether some 40 specimens of these two forms from various parts of the country, and the fact that I had so far always found them distinct from each other, led me to think that they should be ranked as species. Both are equally common in Bangkok, but the form with 19 rows of scales is rare outside. The following are the various points of difference, drawn up from notes of Iny Own specimens.
S. Mouhoti. (Drawn up from 25 specimens.)
S taeniatus. (Drawn up from 15 specimens.)
19 rows of scales. Tongue red.
Posterior shaped, No tail-bars or collar.
Subocular rarely present. Ventrals 155—167. Temporals 2+ 2, rarely 1+2.
head-mark arrow
17 rows of scales.
Tongue black at the base and tips. Posterior shaped.
1 or 2 tail-bars and a more or less complete collar. (Any or all occasionally absent). Subocular generally present.
Ventrals 144—163. Temporals 142, rarely 242.
head-mark heart
I should be grateful to any member of the Society who will forward me further sjecimens ior examination. A description of the two forms will be feund in the article on the Snakes-of Bangkok, in
this number.— M. S.]
71
>THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON, xe INTRODUCTION.
In the last number of the Journal, I published a Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok, and stated that, with the present number, I hoped to commence a serial paper giving some account of the appearance, habits, etc., of the birds of this locality.
Comparatively little has been done, up to the present, in the way of a systematic study of the birds of Siam. A few local collections have been made and some papers issued, the earliest, of which I have any record, being Capt. Stanley S. Flower’s Birds of a Bangkok Garden, published in The Ibis in the late nineties of the last century. This includes 28 birds only, and is of very slight value. The same may be said of the list of Siamese birds, numbering 75 species (some of them unidentified), given in an appendix to Mr. H. Warington Smyth's Five Years in Siam, published in 1898. The only part of the country which has been worked with any degree of thoroughness is the western portion of Siamese Malaya, from Trang southward. In 1908 and 1909, this district was visited by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, of the Federated Malay States Museums, who published in The Ibis, in 1910-11, a paper giving a complete list of all the birds obtained or observed by them or their collectors.* The paper in question, which enumerates some 270 species, is the most important contribution yet made to our knowledge of Siamese avifauna. It is to be remarked, however, that the area covered by these contributors includes, not only Trang, but also the adjacent Langkawi group of Islands, together with Perlis and the northern portion of the State of Kedah as far south as the mouth of the Kedah river. These places were all Siamese territory at the time they were visited, but, before the paper was issued, a large part of the area mentioned had passed under British protection by
*As stated by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, Trang had been previously visited in 1896, 1897 and 1899, by Dr. W. L. Abbott, the well-known American naturalist, who formed a magnificent collection of bird-skins. Unfor- tunately, however, no full account of this has ever been issued, though a few species have been described.
72 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vel. T.
virtue of the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909. As localities are not always stated by Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, it is possible that some of the birds given in this paper were not found in what is now Siamese territory.
Next in chronological order is Mr. K. G. Gairdner’s List of the Commoner Birds found in Siam, which was published in 1912 in the Journal of the Siam Society, and comprises some 140 species, for the most part personally obtained or observed by Mr, Gairdner in different parts of the country, including 26 in Bangkok. An interest- ing feature of the list is the attempt which has been made to give the Siamese names of a number of the birds mentioned.
Finally, we have the paper published in 1913 by Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, the Swedish naturalist who spent nearly six months in Siam between November 1911 and May 1912. This contains a list of 191 birds collected or observed in various localities ranging from Sriracha and Koh-si-chang in the south, to about as far as Dene-chai in the north. It is a notable addition to the published lists of our avifauna,
The descriptions in this paper will be as full as is considered necessary to enable the various species to be readily identified, but no attempt will be made to render them technically complete. Further, in order to avoid undue detail, one measurement only will usually be given, viz., the total length of the bird, but collectors are recommended to take and record the following measurements :—
Length, From tip of bill to tip of longest tail feather, with the bird laid flat. .
Tail. From root of tail to tip of longest tail feather.
Wingy. From bend of wing to tip of longest primary.
Tarsus. From centre of joint connecting tarsus with tibia, to basal joint of middle toe.
Bill. From tip of bill to angle of gape.
No remarks will be made on the nesting habits of the species dealt with. The reason for this omission is two-fold. In the first place, any notes on the subject, however slight, would unduly increase the length of this paper, and so retard its completion. Secondly, one of the members of the Society is making a special study of the nests and eggs of Siamese birds, and it is hoped that he may be in a position before very long to give us the benefit of his observations on this most
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
| Co
interesting feature of bird-life. It has, accordingly, been deemed advisable, at this juncture, to refrain from dealing with the subject in what would necessarily (owing to lack of adequate material) have been an incomplete manner.
As was the case with the Preliminary List published in the last number of the Journal, the classification and nomenclature of the birds here described are taken from the Fuuna of British India—Birds, by Oates and Blanford, and the numbers in brackets are those of that work, Species described in this paper, which were not included in the Preliminary List, are marked with an asterisk. (*)
The area within which the birds dealt with have been obtained, is that comprised by the City and its suburbs, together with the surrounding country within easy walking distance thereof. This limitation of area has been adopted with a view to rendering the paper of particular use to those residents of the Capital (and they are doubtless many) whose opportunities for observation are confined to Bangkok and its immediate neighbourhood.
The following is a list of the principal books and papers to which references will be made, but the names of the authors only will be quoted, in order to avoid repetition of the titles of the works :—
leiitordiss: eae: coon cater ces W. T. Blanford. The Fauna of British india=—Birdss ~ Vols» Tl and TVs 1895 and 1898.
Gyldenstolpe,cosc2..8<.0: Count Nils Gyldenstolpe. Swedish Zoological Expedition to Siam. 1913.
Gree aN phe aR Kugene W. Oates. The Fauna of British India—Birds. Vols. I and Il. 1889 and 1890.
| B:(@) 9707 109 0 aa ne ae Herbert C. Robinson. <A Hand-List of the Birds of the Malay Peninsula, south of the Isthmus of Kra. 1910.
Robinson and Kloss...Herbert C. Robinson and C. B. Kloss. On Birds from the Northern Portion of the Malay Peninsula, including the
Islands of Langkawi and Terutau. The Ibis. 1910-11.
74 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 1.
It may be appropriate to make a few remarks’ here on the subject of the Siamese names for, birds. In Siamese, the word for
Bird is yn (Nok), and this is usually prefixed to the particular
A species to be described—thus, yn mnia (Nok ti t’hong, literally,
the Goldbeater-bird, 7.e., the Coppersmith or Barbet ), in much the same way as we say Weaver-bird or Tailor-bird. In English, however, these descriptive names are the exception, whereas
in Siamese they are the rule—only a very few birds not having
the syllable Nok prefixed to their names, such as 17 (Ka, Crow), una (Reng, Vulture), etc. Domestic poultry, again, and other allied species, have special names of their own, as In (Kai, Fowl), with its derivatives In 199 (Kai-nguang, Turkey), In Wi (Kai-fa, Pheasant), {nan (Kai-pa, Jungle Fowl), {ny (Kai-na, literally, Field Chicken, a name properly applicable to the large Grey Quail) ; (ym (Ped,* Duck), with its derivatives «Jf 1 (Ped-nam, Teal), ete. ; wi (Ian, Goose) ; and voy (Hongs,f Swan).
The term wn ny ay (Nok Ikrachib) is a general one applied to small birds of more or less inconspicuous plumage, and is also used, with
. . , . . sd descriptive affixes, to denote particular species—thus yn nts Vu Nyy sr ( Nok hrachib kvasat ), i.e., the common ailor-bird. It has also to be
; a j ; remarked that, colloquially, the prefix @ (J),§| denoting a female of . . . , . 4 mi ean low rank, is often applied to a number of birds, e. g., ani ( I-ka,
Crow); AUT ( l-réng, Vulture ) ; un uy ( Nok i-@n, Swallow ), &e. It is, however, usually omitted both in polite conversation and in writing.
Needless to say, Siamese names vary according to locality, as do popular names in most countries, and even in the same locality different names will often be given to the same bird—probably owing
to want of exact knowledge of the bird itself. I have endeavoured to
*The d of Ped is pronounced more like a t. + The » of /Zongs is silent, { ‘To be pronounced like the {nglish yowel /.
Journal’ Nat. Hist. Soc, Siam. No.2. Vol.1.
EAR COVERTS
UPPER TAIL-COVERTS fog VOSE ES (VE PR)
Diagram of Bird.
fa) < Ww 2 w i fe) re
UPPER MANO! BLE
CHIN LOWER MANOIBLE
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 75
sift these variations, and the Siamese names given in this paper are, it is believed, those by which the birds concerned are generally known in Bangkok. In this matter, and in the orthography of the words, I have received most valuable aid from H.R. H. Prince Chandaburi and H. H. Prince Bidyalankarana, to whom my grateful thanks are tendered.
In transtiterating Siamese names, for the purposes of this paper, aspirated consonants are represented by the corresponding unaspirated letters, followed by an /,—thus the aspirated i is written kh, the aspirated ch is written chk, and soon. In the case, however, of the aspirated p and ¢, an apostrophe (” ) is introduced between the letter
concerned and the accompanying h —as ph and th, to avoid the possibility of the ph or th being pronounced like an f, as in the English word pheasant, or like th, asin the English words then, thin, &c. All vowels are to be pronounced as in Italian, and long ones are marked with a stroke over them—thus a. For the transliteration of the names, [ alone am responsible.
The accompanying plate shows the diagram of a bird, with the names of the various parts ot its body and plumage. Most of the terms need no explanation, but the following definitions may be useful :—
Lores. Space in front of the eye.
Primaries. Outermost 9 or 10 quills of the wing.
Secondaries. Quills springing from the radius and ulna.
Superciliwm. Space between the eye and the crown.
I have again to express my great obligations to Mr. H.C. Robinson, Director of Museums, Federated Malay States, for his kindness in identifying, or confirming the identification of, the birds
mentioned in this paper.
CSS | S3
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. “Vol. I
ORDER-PASSERES. Family CORVIDA—Crows, Magpies, &c. > 4 (4). Cervus macrorhynchus. The Jungle—Crow. Siamese, m (Ka).
Deseri ition. Length up to 208 rm. 20 in, 3 ( Jolour black lL to} ? 5 th roughout
all the feathers, except those of the neck, having a decided gloss.
Bill and legs, black. Iris, dark brown. In young _ birds which [ have examined, the base of the bill and the gular skin are pale pinkish flesh-colour, while the iris is bluish grey, changing gradually to dark grey, and thence te dark brown, as the bird gets older.
Habits, &. This bird is exceedingly abundant in Bangkok, and is a regular frequenter of our gardens all the year round.
The majority of the crows of Bangkok appear to roost on the west side of the river, though the high trees round some of the Wats and other old buildings on the east side are also favourite roosting places. Towards sunset, crows from all parts of Bangkok may be seen Happing their leisurely way (always ina westerly direction ) to the places where they are to spend the night,
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang (Robinson and Kloss ), and astern, Central and Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe ). Probably to be tound almost everywhere throughout the country.
[Note. Gyldenstolpe states that @. tasolens (The Burmese House-Crow ) is ‘“‘ very common in Bangkok and its neighbour- hood’? (. iusolens is smaller than the present species, and has a
conspicuous dull brown neck. I have never seen any such bird here.]
P2121 ). Crypsirhina variaus. Tne Black Racket-tatled Magpie.
Siamese, nau (Ka wen).
oo
Description, Length, 330 mm. (138 in.), of which the tail measures nearly 203 mm. ( 8 in. ). Whole plumage black, with a bronze-green metallic gloss, except on the forehead and round the
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 77
eye, where the feathers are of a dull velvety black. The centre pair of tail feathers are noticeably spatulate in form.
Bill and legs, black. Ivris, pale blue.
Habits, &e., This “fine little Magpie”, as it is called by Oates, occurs sparingly in the suburbs of Bangkok, and though it usually keeps away from the neighbourhood of houses, | have seen it in my compound in Sathon Road several times. It appears to be resident here, as my specimens, though not numerous, were obtained at intervals throughout the year.
This bird is strictly arboreal in its habits, and I have always observed it either in pairs, or three or four together (perhaps a family), searching the tips ef branches of trees, including bamboos, for insects—the while uttering its not unmusical single note, Ah.
Distribution. The only other recorded lecality is Northern Siam
( Gyldenstolpe ), but I have met with it also at Ayuthia and Koh Lak,
Family CRATEROPODIDA—Laughing Thrushes, Babblers, Ete.
+*3 (160). Turdinus abbotti. Adlsott’s Babbler.
Deseription. Taength, 182 mm. (6 in.). Upper plumage, olive brown, with a rufous tinge on the back, the rufous becoming brighter on the upper tail-coverts. Chin and throat, whitish, shading into rufous on the breast and abdomen, the lower portion of the abdomen. and especially the under tail-coverts, being brighter rufous.
Distribution. With the exception of Trang, where it is reported as “rather scarce” (Robinson and Kloss), there appears to be no other record of its occurrence in Siam. My single specimen (a male) was
obtained in February 1914, near Wat Insri, to the south of Bangkok.
+4 (176). Mbxornis rubricapillus. The Yellow-bireasted Babbler.
Description. Length, 127 mm. (5in.). Forehead and crown, dull ferruginous ; vest of upper plumage, olive green. Chin, throat and breast, pale yellow with black shaft-stripes ; centre of abdomen, plain yellow ; remainder of lower plumage, ashy with yellow tinge.
Tris, dull white, Bill, brown. Legs, fleshy horn-colour.
ml
[o.0)
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. £-
Flabits, ete. In Bangkok I have only met with this bird on the west side of the river. It is fairly common there in the fruit and betel-nut gardens which abound in that neighbourhood, and is pro- bably also to be found in other similar localities round Bangkok. The bird hops and ffits about bushes and low trees, searching tor insects, and is somewhat of a skulker, having the habit of taking refuge in the recesses of a thick bush or bamboo-clump, when alarmed, and is then very difficult to dislodge. Its note is a trisyllabic one, or-r chee chee.
Distribution. Gyldenstolpe records this bird from Northern Siam, and I have procured it both at Ayuthia and at Koh Lak, in scrub jungle. Oates states that it is found in Tenasserim to a little south of Tavoy, where it is replaced by an allied species, M. gularis, which occurs in Southern Tenasserim and the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. As Koh Lak is about 260 km. (160 nules) south of Tavoy, it would appear that M. rubricajillus extends lower down in this country than it does in Burma, and it will be interesting to see what
is 1ts southerly limit in Siam. 4.5 (243). Aegithina tiphia. The Common Iora. aaa ets ee : = Mee Siamese, wnnarsaudna (Nok krachib si t huat).
Description. Length, 137 mm. (5.4 in.), Male. Upper plu- mage, more or less black in summer, yellowish green in winter, except the wings and tail which are always black —the former with two white bars and with the quills narrowly edged with yellow. Lower plumage, bright yellow from: chin to breast, shading into greenish yellow from the abdomen to the under tail-coverts. Female. Entire upper plumage, greenish at all seasons, the tail duskier, and the quills blackish brown with yellowish edges—the two white bars being present, asin the male. Lower plumage, greenish yellow.
Tris, yellowish white. Bill, bluish black. Legs, plumbeous.
Habits, ets. This pretty little bird is a resident species, and is generally found singly or in pairs, searching for its insect food among
the leaves of trees. While so engaged, it utters its various melodious
t The 6 of krachtb, in this and other places where it occurs, is pro- nounced more like ap. The werds s¢ fiua mean ‘ bean-coloured ”’.
THE BILDS OF BANGKOK.
SSI Jen)
notes. One of these is a soft and rather long drawn-out trill, and another is a quick whistling call of whee-o whee-o. Its most remark- able note, however, which it not unfrequently utters, is a long, slow whistle of two syllables, corresponding to the musical notes e and g sharp.
This bird may be looked for in every Bangkok garden, but it is more often heard than seen, owing to its small size, its strictly arboreal habits, and the manner in which its colouration blends with that of the foliage among which it is always found.
Distribution. Also recorded from Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe), and Trang (Robinson and Kloss).
* 6 (288). Otocompsa emeria. The Bengal Red-whiskered Bulbul.
Siamese, ynalanva lau (Nok parod hua khonf).
Description. Length, 190 mm (7.4 in.). Forehead and crown, black—the feathers of the Jatter being elongated into a conspicuous crest 19 mm. (.75 in.) long; a small crimson patch below and behind the eye; upper neck, back and wings, brown; tail, dark brown—the outer four or five feathers on each side, tipped with white. Lower plumage, white, except the under tail-coverts, which are ermson.
Distribution. Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ); Phrae ( Gyldens- tolpe). Mr. E.G. Herbert informs me that it is common at Paknampo. i obtaimed one specimen of this handsome bird in my garden in October 1913, and there is another. in the Museum here marked
“ Bangkok” in, | am told, Flowers handwriting. + 7 (298). Pycnonotus analis. The Yellow-vented Bulbul. ~—Siamese, yn Uren wud ugu (Nok parod na nuanf).
Description. Length, 203 mm. (8in.). The whole upper plumage, brown, darker on the head; a broad supercilium, white ;
t The d of parod, in the names of this and the next two birds, 1s pronounced more like a t. he words hua khon mean “ mask-headed.”
t The words na nuan mean “ powdered-faced”’.
80: JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCLETY -OF STAM. ~~ Vol.
lores, black; cheeks, chin and throat, whitish. Breast, brown ; abdomen, whitish brown, the sides darker ; under tail-coverts, sulphur yellow.
Iris, brown. Bill and legs, blac.
Habits, dc. This is a resident bird, and is regularly met with in our gardens, though on the whole it occurs somewhat sparingly, being very much less common than the next species. From the latter it may be distinguished by the amount of white on the sides of its head, the brighter yellow of its under tail-coverts, and its more melo- dious liquid notes. It is generally to be seen in pairs, and is a some- what shy bird.
Distribution. Robinson and Kloss only came across two or three specimens of the Yellow-vented Bulbul in Trang. I can find no
other record of its occurrence in this country.
+8 (306). Pycnonotus blanfordi. Blanford’s Bulbul. Siamese, wnalzan day (Nok parod suan. )
Description. Length, 203 mm. (8in.). The whole upper plumage, olive brown, darker on the head and paler on the rump; ear coverts, white. Chin, dull whitish brown; rest of lower plumage, ashy brown, paling off to yellowish brown on the under wing-coverts and tail-coverts.
Iris, dark grey. Bill, brown, darker at tip and pale flesh- colour at base of lower mandible. Legs, dark pinkish or pluinbeous brown, sometimes with a bronzy tinge.
Habits, de. This is one of the most abundant birds in Bang- kok and isa resident of our gardens all the year round—sometimes entering houses also. Despite its plain and inconspicuous plumage, it is always in evidence, by reason both of its numbers and its harsh notes. It hasa variety of these—among the commonest being a noisy and guttural cha-cha-cha or chak-chak-chak, as well as a chaka-chika- chika. These are repeated several times in rapid succession, after which there isa lull. The bird also has an alarm cry ot er-7-ch, er-r-ch.
Blanford’s Bulbul appears to live on truit and berries, as well as on insects, as I have observed the parent birds carrying both kinds of food to the young ones in their nest.
In the Siamese name, the word swan means “ garden,” andis a
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
w a
not inappropriate descriptive term. The bird is, however, commonly known as Nok parod only.
Distribution. So far. only reported from Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ), but probably occurs over a large part of the country I have met with it as far south as Koh Lak.
Family DICRURIDA—Drongos.
+9 (327). Dicrurus ater. The Black Drongo. Siamese, whustsutaunau ( Nok seng seo klebf).
Description. Length, about 279 mm. (11 in.). In very old birds, the whole plumage is black, glossed with steel-blue, younger birds having the under tail-coverts tipped with white. In those still younger, the colour is brownish black, the feathers of the lower plumage having white tips. The tail is forked to a depth of about 38 mm. (1.5 in.)
Iris, dark brown to reddish brown and deep lake-red. Bull, black. Mouth, blackish. Legs, blackish brown to black.
Habits, ete. This is the common little black bird with the forked tail which is seen everywhere in Bangkok from the beginning of October to the end of March—a few specimens lingering on almost throughout April.
The Black Drongo (or King-Crow, as it is usually called by Kuropeans in India) feeds entirely on insects, which it usually takes on the wing by swooping on them from some exposed point of vantage, though it sometimes descends to the ground for the purpose. Its notes are cheerful, with a soft, metallic quality, and almost approach the beginnings ot a song at times.
In the Siamese name of this bird, the word fleb signifies “lesser”, and serves to distinguish it from the Racket-tailed Drongo, which is larger. In common parlance, however, this bird is merely the Nok séng seo.
Distribution. Also recorded from Fastern, Central and Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
+ The 6 of the word kled is pronounced more like a p.
82. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 7.
+10 (332). Dicrurus leucogenys. The White-cheeked Drongo. 4 i Rigas ror Siamese, woustausadim (Nok s@ng seo si t’hao).
Description, Length, nearly 279 mm. (11 in. ). Whole upper plumage grey, except the forehead, the ends of the first 5 or 6 primaries, and the shafts of the wing and tail feathers, which are black. Lores, and sides of head, white. Lower plumage, pale grey, the under tail-coverts whitish. The tail is forked to the extent of about 88 mm. (14 in.). In young birds, the grey of the plumage is darker, and the white of the cheeks duller and smaller in extent.
Tris, reddish brown to crimson lake. Bill and legs, black.
In the Siamese name, the words si thao mean ‘“ash-
coloured ”—a quite appropriate term.
Habits, ete. Very similar to those of the preceding species. I have only found this bird here from October to February, and it appears to occur rather sparingly.
Distribution. Occurs also in Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ). This bird is not recorded by Gyldenstolpe, so its northern limits are
unknown.
+11 (340). Dissemurus paradiseus. The Larger Racket- tailed Drongo.
Siamese, ynutautaniuda ( Nok seng seo hang buang. )
Description. Length, about 482 mm. (19in. ), t of which the outer tail-feathers account for 305 mm. (12 in. ). Whole plumage black, largely glossed with blue. The under tail-coverts, as well as the under wing-coverts, are frequently tipped with white.
Iris, red in adults, brown in the young (Oates). Bill. and legs, black.
The outer pair of tail-feathers of this bird are very striking— being produced beyond the end of the tail for about 152 mm. (6 in.), of which the basal half is practically nothing but shaft, while the termi-
t This is the length of one of my birds. The longer of Gyldenstolpe’s two specimens measured only 425 mm. or about 16.76 in.
Journal, Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam. No. 2. Vol. 1.
Wings (natural size) of A. Acrocephalus orientalis. The Eastern Great Reed-Warbler.
B. Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed Warbler.
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK,
(9 8) Go
nal portion is webbed on the outer edge only, except at the very tip, for about 76mm. (3in.). This webbed portion has a tendency to eur! or loop inwards: hence the Siamese name—the words hang buany meaning “ loop-tailed.” The forehead has a short tuft of feather eurling backwards.
Habits, etc. This bird appears to be of strictly arboreal habit, and captures its insect food on the wing—swooping on it from a perch. It has a variety of rich, metallic notes. In Bangkok it is a resident species, and is found throughout the suburbs, but more abundantly in the well-wooded ones, such as on the west side of the river,
Insiribution. Robinson and Kloss also record it as occurring throughout the (Malay) Peninsula—and_ therefore, presumably, ih Trang—while Gyldenstolpe met with it in Eastern, Central and
Northern Siam.
family SYLVI7DA—Warblers.
f+ 12 (364). Acrocephalus orientalis. V’he Hastern Great Reed- Warbler.
Description. laength, about 190 mm. (7.5 in.). Upper plumage, olive-brown, paler and with a fulvous tinge on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Wings and tail, brown, the feathers edged with fulvous brown. Chin and throat, whitish, shading into fulvous on the breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts. The throat and breast are generally faintly streaked with brown.
Iris, yellowish brown. Bill, dark horny above, dusky flesh- colour or dusky yellow below. Mouth, orange or orange yellow. Legs, yellowish plambeous.
This bird is very similar in size, colouration and general appearance to Arundinax aédon (The Thick-billed Warbler ) which is described below, theugh the bill of the latter is smaller and somewhat differently shaped. The main point of difference, however, is in the comparative length of the first primary, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying Plate, for the drawing of which I am_ indebted to Mr. E. Healey. In Acrocephalus orientalis the first yrimary is very minute, while in Arundinuy aéden it is about 25 mm. (1 im. )
long.
84. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. F-
Hulits, etc. This bird is a winter visitor to Bangkok, and is te: be found here from October to nearly the middle of May—being one of the last of our cold weather visitants to depart. | have generally observed it on trees and bushes near our rush-grown canals and road- side ditches, but it is apparently not entirely arboreal in its habits, as: 1 have severai times seen it hopping about on the ground. It is, I believe, strictly insectivorous in its diet.
The note of this bird isa loud and haysh chik-clik (not unlike the sound produzed by a pair of gardener’s shears), interspersed with a harsh kr-r-r or chi-r-r.
Distribution. his bird does: not appear to have been previously recorded from Siam, and | have only met with it, in Bangkok, in the neighbourhood of Khlong Sathon and Khlong Te-i, thoagh it is doubtless to be found in suitable localities in other parts of the
suburbs.
p18 (374). Orthotomus sutorius. Phe Indian Tatlor- bird.
a = oT ‘ 2 WAMESE. Mi Nss A has ‘ley ( Nok krachib krasal ).
Description. Length, about 120 mm. (4.75 m.), except in summer, which is the breeding season, when the male is found with the centre pair of tail feathers longer than at other times of the year by 51 mm. (2 in.), or more. Forehead and up to the middle of the crown, rufous—shading off on the remainder of the crown and nape into the yellowish-green of the rest of the upper plumage. Lower plumage, dull white, dusky on the sides of the body, and with a faint rufous tinge on the abdomen; thighs, deeper rufous.
Iris and eyelid, yellowish brown to reddish yellow. Bill, dark horny above, pale fesh-colour below. Legs, reddish flesh- colour.
Habits, ete. ‘he Indian Tailor-bird is one of our permanent residents, and is to be found in every garden in Bangkok. It isa familiar and active little bird, continually on the move, hopping about low trees, bushes, etc., searching for the small insects on which it feeds, and it frequently enters the verandahs of houses for the same purpose. Its note, which is a surprisingly loud one for so small a bird, is a
vibrant and penetrating chiu-chiu-chiu repeated times without number,
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
os) Cr
especially during the breeding season. When so calling, a con- spicuous black mark is noticeable on each side of the neck, owing to the feathers opening out and showing their black bases.
Distribution. With the exception of Oates’ statement that this bird “ extends into Siam,” and the reference to it in Flower’s short list of Bangkok birds mentioned in the introduction to this paper, I can
find no other record of its occurrence in this country.
414 (375). Orthotomus atrigularis. Zhe Black-throated Tatlor-bird.
Siamese, unniz4y at: [stag aa (Nok krachib krasai kho dam ).
Description. Very similar in size and colouration to the preced- ing species, from which it differs mainly in having the whole of the crown rufous or chestnut, the throat (in the adult male), black, and the edge of the wing, the under wing-coverts and the under tail-coverts, yellow.
Iris, pale reddish brown. Bill, brown above, flesh-colour below. Legs, fesh-colour.
Habits, ete. This bird has much the same habits as the previous species, but keeps to well-wooded tracts, with a good deal of under- growth. ‘The only locality in which I have met with it here is on the west side of the river, among the fruit and betel-nut gardens in the Bansaikai district, though it is doubtless to be found in other suitable places in the outskirts of Bangkok. It is common in the district mentioned. The notes of this bird consist of a short but pleasant trill, ker-r-rui, kr-r-rui, as well as a longer and more liquid chr-r-r-r-r.
Distribution. Also occurs in Eastern and Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe).
Tilo (381). Cisticola cursitans. Zhe Rufous lantail- Warbler.
Deseription. Length, about 101 mm. (4 in.). Upper plumage, dark brown, with rufous margins to the feathers, giving the bird a streaked appearance ; rump, plain rufous; tail feathers, tipped with white. Lower plumage, buffy white, except flanks and thighs, which are rufous,
86 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. 7.
Inis, light yellowish brown. Bill, brown above, flesh-coloured below. Legs, pinkish flesh. In the breeding season the mouth is black.
Habits, ete. This small bird is common in the fields round Bangkok, especially those which are fallow. It is fond of soaring in the air, with rather a jerky flight, caused by the momentary closing of its wings after every few beats, and, while so doing, it utters at regular intervals its sharp little staccato note of chi-chi. It dives to the ground from a height, with a sudden and almost vertical SWoOop.
Distribution. 1 have been unable to trace any previous record
of the occurrence of this bird in Siam.
+16 (393). Arundinax aédon. The Thick-billed
Warbler,
Description. Length, about 197 mm. (7.75 in.). Upper plum- age, fulvous olive-brown, brightest on the rump; lores, whitish. Chin and throat, buffish white; remainder of lower plumage, yellowish brown, paler on the centre of the abdomen.
Iris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, flesh-colour below. Mouth, salmon-colour. Legs, plumbeous.
As already mentioned, this bird is very similar in appearance to Acrocephalus orientalis, from which, however, it is readily distin- guished by its comparatively long first primary, vide Plate, page 83.
Habits, ete. ‘This is a cold weather visitor, though apparently not very common. I have obtained it from October to April.
Distribution, Gyidenstolpe also records this bird ( under the name of Lusciniola aédon) from Den Chai, in Northern Siam, where
he obtained a single specimen.
+17 (410). Phyloscopus fuseatus. The Dusky Willow- Warbler,
Description. Length, 133 mm. (5.25 in. ). Upper plumage, earthy brown, with a yellowish tinge on the rump ; a distinct whitish supercilium from the forehead to the nape. Lower plumage, yellowish brown, whiter on the chin, throat and centre of abdomen.
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK
8) I
Tris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, dusky yellcw_ below. Mouth, yellow. Legs, dusky flesh-colour to greenish yellow.
Habits, etc. This bird is only found here in the cold weather, and is fairly common in our gardens during that period. My speci- mens were obtained from November to April. It flits and hops about bushes and low trees, searching for small insects, and has a sharp little note of chik, repeated at intervals.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of the occurrence of this bird in Siam.
+18 (417). Phylloscopus superciliosus. The Crowned Wellow- Warbler.
Description. Length, about 101 mm. (4 in. ). Upper plumage, olive-green, darker on the crown; a distinct greenish yellow super- ciliam from the forehead to the nape; two pale yellow bars on the wings, most of the quills of which have narrow whitish tips. Lower plumage, whitish to yellowish white.
The crown has an irregular and indistinct longitudinal streak of greenish grey (which, however, is not always visible), from which the bird derives its English name.
Iris, brown. Bill, brown above, yellowish white below. Mouth, yellow. Legs, brownish flesh-colour.
Habits, etc. This small bird is a cold weather visitor, ‘from October to about January, and is fairly common in our gardens during those months. It appears to frequent trees more than bushes, and is always on the move, hunting for its small insect prey, which it occasionally takes on the wing by a sudden dart of a few inches from its perch. It continually jerks its wings, while flitting about the branches, and has a pretty little note of tweet, tweet, repeated several times.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang (Robinson and Kloss), and Eastern and Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
19 (420). Acanthopneuste borealis. 7’he Arctic Wiilow- Warbler. Description. Length, 122 mm. (4.8 in.). Upper p'umag»,
dark olive-green, lighter on the rump; a well-defined yellowish white supercilium reaching from the forehead to the nape; two yellowish
88 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
white wing-bars. Lower plumage, yellowish white, dusky brown on the flanks.
lris, brown. Bill, dark brown above, yellowish horn-colour below, dusky at the tip. Mouth, yellow. Legs, yellowish brown.
Habits, ete. This bird also is a winter visitor, and has much the same habits and note as Piylloscopus fuscatus ( page 86 ), to which it also bears a close general resemblance. The present species may, however, be distinguished by its very minute first primary (that of P. fuscatus being fully one-third the length of the wing), by the greenish tinge on its upper plumage, the yellowish tinge on its lower parts, and the presence of the yellowish white bars on the wings. These bars, however, are sometimes indistinct, or almost wanting, owing to the wearing away of the feathers.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss under the name of Phylloscopus borealis.
+20 (468). Prinia blanfordi. The Burmese Wren- Warbler.
Siamese, wnnys qua iTu9 ( Nok krachib hang rio )
Description. Length, from 132 mm. (9.2 in.) to 152 mm. (Gin. ), according to season—the tail being longer in the winter. Upper plumage, earthy brown, darker on the head and paler on the rump, which has a fulvous tinge; a whitish supercilium reaching to just behind the eye. Lower plumage, whitish, with buff tinge ; thighs, deeper buff; under side of tail feathers, with black bands near the tips.
Iris, clear brownish yellow. Bill, brown, except base of lower mandible, which is pale flesh-colour. Legs, pale reddish yellow.
Habits, etc. A resident species, and common along our subur- ban khlongs and other similar places with rushes and high grass grow- ing by the waterside. Itis a slender little brown bird; with rather a long tail (hence the words hang rio, in the Siamese name, meaning “tapering-tailed ” ), and has a sibilant, almost insect-like, note of chree-chree-chree-chree repeated a great many times.
Distribution. Reported also from Eastern and Northern Siam
( Gyldenstolpe ).
THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 89
Family LANITDA—Shrikes.
+421 (475). Lanius nigriceps. The Black-headed Shrike.
2 Siamese, wnungn 1 (Nok keo-ta wai).
Description. Length, up to 279 mm. (11 in.). Tail, 157 mm. (6.2 in.).f Upper portion of head from forehead to hind neck, black ; back, rump and upper tail-coverts, chestnut; wing-coverts, black; quills, dark brown, tipped with rufous; a white patch at the base of the primaries ;_ tail-feathers, black, most of them tipped with rufous. Chin, throat and breast, white, the last with a rufous tinge ; middle of abdomen, whitish; remainder of lower plumage, rather bright rufous.
In the young the upper parts are grey, with a_ rufous tinge, barred with brown—+the bars also appearing on the lower plumage.
Iris, dark brown. Bill, black, except base of lower mandible, which is fleshy plumbeous. Legs, dark brown.
Habits, &e. This is a resident species, and is not uncommon in the more open parts of the suburbs. It is somewhat solitary in its habits, and is usually to be seen perched on a fence, post, or bare branch of a bush or low tree, watching for insects, which it captures on the ground and carries back to its perch to devour. Its flight is rather weak, and is usually confined to a straight course, a few feet above the ground, from one perch to another. While generally rather silent, this bird occasionally utters a harsh single note, repeated three or four times.
The Siamese name signifies ‘“‘ Sharp-eyed Bird”.
Distribution. Also recorded from Central Siam ( Gyiden- stolpe ).
t+ These are the measurements of one of my birds. The form found in Siam is distinguished from the corresponding Indian bird principally by its greater dimensions—the tail, for instance, measuring about 6.25 in. against 5 in.—and is recorded by Gyldenstolpe, in conformity with the new trinommial system, under the name of Lantus nigriceps longicau latus.
90 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. “al I,
+22 (481). Lanius cristatus. The Brown Shrike. Siamese, unnszawvaln ( Nok krachab hua to )
Description. Length, about 197 mm. (7.75 in.). Forehead, whitish ; superciliuin, white ; a broad black band through and beneath the eye ; upper plumage, reddish brown, paler and redder on the ramp and upper tail-coverts ; wing-coverts and quills, dark brown, edged with pale rufous; tail, reddish brown with pale tips. Cheeks, chin and throat, “whitish ; remainder of lower plumage, fulvous. Birds not fully adult have the eye-streak dark brown and the lower parts more or less barred, according to age—still younger ones also showing traces of bars above. Adult birds are rare.
Iris, dark brown. Bill, dark horn-colour, except basal portion, which is pale plumbeous. Legs, dark plumbeous.
Habits, ete. This is @ common cold weather visitor, its period of occurrence being from September to April. It has much the same habits as the preceding species, but is a more familiar bird, nearly always to be found in our gardens, while here, and making its presence known by its harsh notes. It has a variety of these, which it frequently utters.
The words hua to, in the Siamese name for this bird, signify ‘“ big-headed”. This is a not inappropriate term, as the head is, pro- portionately, rather large.
Distribution. Reported also from Trang (Robinson and Kloss), and Northern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ).
+23 (500). Pericrocotus peregrinus. J’he Small Minivet.
ui 4 ctr heagaiee: Siamese, un@aNnag (Nok si eho hom-phu dong ). v
Description. Length, 152 mm. (6 in.). fale. Upper parts, dark grey, except the rump and upper tail-coverts, which are orange- scarlet ; wings, blackish, all the quills, with the exception of the first four or five primaries, with a median patch varying from pale red to scarlet ; tail, blackish, most of the feathers with the terminal portions pale scarlet. Chin, throat and fore neck, blackish grey ; breast, scarlet, passing into the saffron of the remainder of the lower plumage.
Female. Upper plumage, paler grey than in the male ; wings, brown,
THE BIRDS OF RANGKOK. on
with the wing-patch, pale orange. Chin, throat and breast, greyish white ; remainder of lower plumage, pale yellow.
ris, not recorded. Bill and legs, black.
Habits, etc. This beautiful little bird is a resident species, and is not uncommon in the well-wooded parts of the suburbs, such as those with extensive areas of betel-nut and fruit gardens. It is of strictly arboreal habit, and goes about in small flocks searching for insects among the leaves and branches of the trees,
The Siamese name for this species means the “Jungle Pink- bird ”.
Distribution. The only other recorded locality which I can trace is Hastern Siam ( Gyldenstolpe ), but I have had specimens sent to me from Hua Hin.
+ 24 (503). Pericrocotus cinereus. The Ashy Minivet.
Description Length, 203 mm. (8 in. ). Forehead, whitish ; lores, a band through the eye, the posterior half of the crown and the nape, black ; remainder of upper plumage, dark grey ; wings, brown to blackish, with a white wing-bar; tail, black, all the feathers more or less white at the tip with the exception of the two middle pairs. Lower plumage, ashy white, darker on the flanks
Iris, brown. Bill and legs, black,
Habits, ete. Apparently a cold weather visitor and not very common. I have only two specimens of this bird, shot on the east side of the river in January, but Mr. i. G. Herbert informs me that he has seen it in March, on the west side. Neither of my birds is in full adult plumage.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of the occurrence of this species in Siam.
~25 (512). Artamus fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-
Shrike. Siamese, ynuauwa ( Nok én phong ).
Description. Length, 185 mm. (7.3 in.). Lores, black; head
and neck all round, deep grey; back, rump and shorter upper tail-
92 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. Tf.
coverts, grey-brown with a vinaceous tinge; longer upper tail-coverts, whitish ; wings, deep grey; tail, dark grey, tipped with whitish. Breast and abdomen, greyish brown, paler on the breast; under tail- coverts, brownish white.
Iris, dark brown (Oates ), Bill, plumbeous blue, except tip, which is blackish. Legs, slate-colour ( Oates ).
Habits, ete. This is probably a resident species, though I have only obtained specimens in July and August. Its flight is strong and eraceful, and it spends a consideiable part of its time in the air, hawking for insects, but when at rest it usually takes up its position on an exposed branch of a tree. While on the wing, it has a swallow- like appearance ; hence its English and Siamese names—the latter meaning ‘ Jungle-Swallow ”.
Distribution. Tie only previous record I can find of its occurrence in this country is Oates’ statement that it “ extends into
Siam.”
( To be continued, )
ite) je)
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. By
MALCOLM SMITH, M.R.c.s., L.R.c.P.
14. Dryocalamus davisonii. Hydrophobus davisonti. Blgr. Faun. Ind., Rept.
I have seen two specimens of this slender and very handsome snake, both from Sapatoom. One of them was found climbing up the wall of Dr. Frankfurter’s house, and the other was killed in an adjoining garden.
Dr. Frankfurter’s specimen, caught in July, contained 4 eggs, without signs of any embryo. They were narrow and of great length. One, shrunk by spirit, measured 19 x 7 mm.
Oolor (in life). White, with large elongated black spots, each one extending over the back and on to the sides. Posteriorly these spots become much smaller and are broken up.
Length. 700 mm.
Distribution. Tenasserim, Siam and Indo-China. 15. *Zamenis mucosus. The Common Rat Snake.
Siamese, 31% AAW (gu hao talan). 3
A fairly common snake and may be found almost anywhere ; frequenting the padi-tields, the compounds in close proximity to the town, and occasionally entering go-downs and out-houses. It may be seen moving about at all hours of the day, and is, I believe, chiefly diurnal in its habits.
Amongst those who have but a slight knowledge of snakes, this species, and less often the succeeding one, are not infrequently
confounded with the Cobra. There is some justification for this
— = —_ ea el ae —
* Major Wall, in the last number of the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, brings forward strong evidence to show that this snake should in future be placed in the geuus Zaocys.
94. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. Tf.
mistake, as the characteristic feature of the Cobra, its hood, is by no means always apparent, whilst in point of size and in general colora- tion, there is a considerable superficial resemblance between them.
After the python, the Common Rat Snake grows toa greater size than any other species found here, frequently attaining a length of seven or eight feet. The largest specimen that I have seen was killed one afternoon on the lawn of the Sports Club, where it had taken up its position beneath a chair, in broad daylight and with people about. It measured 2110 mm. (6,11 in.), and had just eaten three large toads, a fact which probably accounted for its incautious behaviour on this oceasion. Another has been recorded ( Journ. B. N. H. S.) measuring 11.6 in., but such a length is quite unusual.
In dispositon [ have found it a wild and excitable creature, seeking refuge in rapid flight when encountered, but defending itself vigorously if attacked. Although named the Rat Snake, its diet con- sists chiefly of frogs and toads. It is one of the few snakes which is eaten by the country people.
Color (in life). Above, from light or dark olive-brown to olive- green, with well defined but irregular black cross-bars on the posterior half of the body and tail. The young have, in addition, a series of light, dark-edged bars across the anterior part of the body. These disappear with age and after adult life are confined to the interstitial skin. Below, pale yellowish, the posterior ventral and sub-caudal shields edged with black. Labials yellow, edged with black.
Distribution. From India to §. China and the Malay
Archipelago. 16. Zamenis korros. Siamese, QimMMgiw (nyu hao talan). Bl]
[t is strange that Flower did not meet with this snake in Bangkok and only records two specimens from the country during his stay. | have found it quite as common as the preceding species, but not so universally distributed, confining itself chiefly to the patches of open brush-wood about the edges of the padi-fields. It has strong arboreal tendencies and is far more often to be seen coiled on a branch in some high bush, than on the ground. At the ‘ Ditches” it is quite common, where it keeps company with Psammophis condanarus ( already
described ), and on one particular afternoon, after heavy rain, I caught
‘SUIVIPVA AIG N70~)
my, tea
TA “GON “MwIg “905 “StH “WN [wusnofl
G
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 95
or saw no less than twelve in about an hour. Where these two species live during the dry months I have not yet been able to discover, but they disappear from this haunt after November and do not reappear until the rains have again set in.
Length, 2000 mm. ( Boulenger), but I have never seen any specimen from Bangkok of such dimensions. A very large skin in my possession, however, which I think may be undoubtedly referred to this species, was recently killed by Mr. Keddie in the valley of the Meklong. It measured in life, 8 ft. (2440 mm.). The dried skin ( of which a considerable portion of the tail is missing ) measures 2260 mm.
Celor (in life). Above, olive-brown, olive-green or olive-grey, the scales on the posterior part of the body and tail, edged and tipped with black. Below, rich yellow in the anterior part, fading to pale yellowish or whitish behind.
Distribution. From the EK, Himalayas to S. China and the Malay Archipelago.
17. Coluber radiatus. LL Siamese, gnrgns wir (yw tang maprao). u
“Tang maprao,’ meaning the mid-rib of the coconut palm leaf, refers to the broad black bands which this snake bears upon its sides. The name, however, is not confined te this species, but may be used to designate any species that has a conspicuous lateral stripe.
It is not a common snake in Bangkok, although it is more plentiful in the country districts outside. It prefers the open country or the plantations and gardens adjacent thereto, although in search of food it will enter human habitatiens. Its habits and disposition are much like these of the Common Rat Snake.
This snake possesses in a marked degree the power of expanding, in a vertical direction, its throat and the anterior part of its body. The point is well brought out in the photograph, which shows also the menacing attitude adopted by this creature when cornered, with the fore-part of its body thrown into a series of loops and the mouth widely agape, ready to dash at anything. Under these conditions it 1s extremely handsome, the jet black bars with which it is mirked at this part showing up vividly against the pale fawn of the rest of the bocly. The illustration shown is of a fine specimen which was caught crossing
96 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST..SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
the road one morning at Samsen. It never grew accustomed to being handled, and the photograph was taken after it had beem tour months in capitivity, when it was nearly as wild and fierce as on the day it was captured. Young ones I have kept were more gentle and soon became tame.
The largest specimen J] know of measured 1710: mm. but was incomplete. ‘The tail was 300 mm. long, and the lost tip would probably have added another 30 mm. to it.
Volor (in life )} Above, yellowish-brown, fawn or fawn-grey, with a distinct reddish tinge posteriorly. Along each side of the fore~ part of the body are three black stripes, the upper, broad and conspicuous, the second, half the width and shorter, the third, very thin and much broken up, or occasionally absent altogether. Below, yellowish white in front, pale pearly grey behind. Subcaudals, whitish. A black line across the occiput and three more radiating trom the eye.
Distribution. From the E. Himalayas to 8. China and the Malay Archipelago.
18. Dendrophis pictus. The Painted Tree Snake.
A fairly common snake, and widely distributed everywhere, frequenting the open brush-wood in the fields, the betel-nut and fruit gardens, and the compounds in the very heart of the town; loving the sunshine and on the move at all hours of the day. In dull weather it is much less active. It is thoroughly. arboreal in its habits, and although it may be seen upon the ground, it is, [ believe, only when in search of food. The speed at which it can travel when disturbed is amazing, and is almost lightning-hke in its rapidity.
Curiously enough, for a creature of such marked arboreal tendencies, its diet appears to consist entirely of frogs, not only tree-frogs, which are comparatively rare, but the common frogs of the padi-fields. I have never found anything else in the stomachs of specimens I have examined, and those I have kept in captivity lived entirely upon this diet, refusing all other kinds of food. The com- monest field frog here is Rana limnocaris, and these constitute their main diet, but they are by no means particular. Oxyglossis lima they refused, but there must be something very distasteful about this little frog, for I have never known any snake to eat it.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 97
Although the Painted Tree Snake is not vicious or prone to bite in captivity, its shy disposition never seems to leave it, and it always resents being handled. That it has the power of springing or planing from one tree to another, a habit which has given rise to the stories of flying snakes, has been well established.
Length. 1200 mm., the tail forming from 4 to measurement.
of the total
tol-
Color (in life). Above, bronze-brown. A creamy yellow stripe runs down each flank to the vent, bordered below by a blak one of equal width which passes along the costo-ventral junction, and usually by a narrower one above in its posterior two-thirds. Below pearly white. Head with a black band passing through the eye on to the neck. Upper labials white. Tongue pinkish. The interstitial skin of this snake is very handsome, and shows up strongly when the creature, under excitement, dilates its body. Upon the neck and anterior part of the body it is pale blue, behind, pale green.
Distribution. From India te Indo-China and the Malay Archi- pelago.
19. Simotes cyclurus. : rete Siamese. QiWIVUNA C ngu hao pr kaa-o.) el]
A fairly common and widely distributed species. It is nocturnal in its habits, but may be found by day hiding itself away in dark nooks and crannies in all sorts of situations. |
This snake is credited by the Siamese with giving utterance to that peculiar, high-pitched, drawn-out whistling note, which is hear so frequently by Bangkok residents after dark. Its Siamese title of ‘pi kaa-o.”, meaning literally ‘a crystal flute”, is given to it in recognition of this call, and is very appropriate. { have kept no records, but believe it can be heard during any month in the year, although it is most frequent during the hot, dry weather. I have often endeavoured to discover the author of this sound, but have so far been unsuccessful, although i have strong reasons for thinking it is some kind of bat. Mr. Gairdner, on the other hand, tells me he feels sure it 18 a species of cricket. The point upon which we both agree is that it is not caused by this snake, or indeed any snake at all, although the idea that it is so is widely believed throughout the country.
98 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY QF SIAM. Vol. f.
Simotes cyclurus 1s a sluggish snake, and if encountered, as it may be, in the early morning or at dusk, will often make no attempt to move out of the way. In disposition, however, it is fierce and vicious, and captivity does not improve its temper.
Length. 700 mm. ( Boulenger, Fawna Malay Peninsula, and Oat. Snakes, Brit. Museum). I have seen many specimens longer than this, the biggest one measuring 865 mm. The largest 1 know of trom Bangkok measured 790 mm.
Color. Very variable, but the changes in Bangkok specimens are largely due to age, the markings in old ones being very indistinct and often broken wp. The Cutalogue gives six varieties of this snake, none of which quite accord with the one that is found here.
Above, light brown, with a series of narrow, ill-defined, black cross-bars, every fourth one of which has a large dark brown, black - edged dorsal spot or blotch, of which there are from 11-16 on the body and 3-4 on the tail. The coloring of the cross-bars is confined chiefly to the edges of the scales, and the dorsal spots are variable in shape, but are usually mesially indented. Below, pearly white, uniform. Head with markings as in the illustration. Sometimes a handsome pink color tinges the flanks and belly.
This description applies to Bangkok specimens only, and although variations from it will be met with in other parts of the country, it will be found sufficient to identify the snake all over Siam.
Distribution. From H. India and 8. China to the Malay Archipelago.
20. Simotes teniatus.
Siamese. d IDA (ngu ngort ).
Quite as common as the preceding and found in similar situations. It is less aggressive in disposition. By the Siamese it is accounted particularly venomous, but apart from its lack of poison apparatus, its small size renders it incapable of inflicting anything more than a scratch. It feeds chiefly upon small frogs.
Color (in life). Above, hght brown with 4 dark brown longitudinal lines running down the body. The two median, border the vertebral row of scales and are continued to the tip of the tail, the two lateral, end at the vent. These lines are more or less strongly punctuated with black dots ; in the young more so than in the
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam. No, 2. Vol. 1.
Zaments mucosus.
Herpeton tentaculatum.
yn
ES
cc
“
Ca)
Head of Stmotes cyclurus, showing the characteristic
Family markings.
oe Sud eva k Se Hy ae a a
Mo of 7
ae en, eu ks ea et!) ote : DT ee Wie 7 Ay) Ai uel's} i : } > it & i 4 bn 4 ‘.. tee Ai : rae | = ol + IT et re ~ 1 } ¢ 9 Se aie a, fe: r i ey ck TWAR: : ee ‘éhs os ware P A Oe ¥ : S ] Y 7
o_o
rr a
: " ; ii, 17 ‘ = . ; ~ Kh 4 . a al ste
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. ek
adult. Below, bright coral-red upon a white ground, and with rectancular black spots laterally placed. They are most thickly distributed on the posterior part of the body, but vary considerably in number and may be almost entirely absent. Head with the characteristic family markings, but differing slightly from S. eyclwrus (vide illustration). Interstitial skin over the vertebral region, light yellow.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen measured 475 mm. in length, the tail forming 60 mm. This, however, isan unusual length, and specimens over 400 mm. are rare.
Another distinct form of this snake exists in Bangkok, to which Mr. Boulenger has now accorded the title of Mouhoti, in memory of the famous French naturalist and traveller who discovered it. It is most easily distinguished from the preceding one by the presence of two black splotches upon the tail above, one at the base and another near the tip. For the full differential diagnosis of these two, the reader is referred to page 70 of this Journal.
Distribution. Siam and Indo-China.
Subfamily HOMALOPSINA.—The Fresh-water
Snakes. Siamese, 9 Yar (ngwu pla). 2
Bangkok, as might be expected from its low-lying position, is rich in fresh-water snakes. Out of some 15 species now known from this region ( Burma and Indo-China to the Malay Peninsula ), no less than 9 have been found here. They are not all strictly confined to fresh water localities, some of them being found along the sea coast, although never far from the mouths of rivers. Fresh-water snakes (the term is used as opposed to sea-snakes ) in Bangkok are mostly in evid- ence at the end of the rains and during the early floods of the dry weather. The whole country at this time being more or less covered with water, they are able to make their way into the multitude of small ponds and ditches from which at other times of the year they are cut off. During the dry months they retire to the river and main canals and are much less often met with. The majority are of a sluggish disposition and are easily caught. On land their movements are clumsy. As far as is known at present, all of them are viviparous.
100 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. Vol. I.
21. Hypsirhina enhydris,
A common snake in Bangkok, and with the exception of Homalopsis buccata, the most plentiful of the whole family found here. It may be met with in almost any of the water-ways which intersect the country, usually lying quietly among the weeds, with its snout projecting from the surface of the water. It is not strictly aquatic, and after stormy nights, in particular, may often be seen on land. It is never, however, found far from water. It isa very gentle snake, and I have never yet known one attempt to bite when handled.
It appears to subsist chiefly on fish, but Mr. Herbert informs me that he once caught one which disgorged a skink (Mabuia), a very unusual meal, I should think, for this snake.
Length. 680 mm.
Color (in life). Above, olive-brown, olive-grey or olive-green, with two or three more or less distinct light longitudinal bands. The last 3 rows of costal scales are alternately lemon-yellow, pale pinkish, and again yellow. Below, pale yellowish, with a black line along each side of the ventrals, and usually a thin median one, formed by a series of dots. The handsome coloring of the last 3 costal rows of scales is, I believe, peculiar to Siam, and, sometimes, Burma.
Distribution. From India and 8. China to the Malay Archipelago,
22. Hypsirhina bocourti.
A rare snake in Bangkok, but more plentiful in the country districts round about. In the fields by Ayuthia and also at Ban Hua Takhé, it is not uncommon, and as the country and the canals dry up with the advance of the hot weather, and its places of habitat become limited, it can almost invariably be met with.
Like H. enhydris it is not strictly aquatic in its habits. Its temper is uncertain, and it is not a snake to handle carelessly, although if lifted quietly it will usually make no attempt to bite. Those I have kept fed freely upon frogs.
This snake, for its length, has great girth, particularly in adult life, while the sinister expression upon its face, together with the thick, bloated appearance of its body, combine to make it the most ungraceful and repulsive looking snake that I know of.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam. No. 2. Vol. 1.
Hypsirhina bocourtt, natural size.
a ene
e
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK, 101
Length. Uptol120 mm. The tail is short, measuring about one-seventh of the total length.
Color Gn life). Above, very dark olive-green, sometimes almost black, with regular cross-bars formed by chains of yellow or brown spots, and less well-defined longitudinal lines produced by a median spot in each scale. The dark ground-color tapers on the sides into a series of transverse bars, which are prolonged to the mid-line on the belly, but are continuous beneath the tail. The notches thus formed are deep yellow in color, the ventrals, pale yellowish or whitish, Head brown, labials and chin-shields yellow, the scales edged with black.
This description applies to the young and young adults, but as age advances the dorsal bars and lines tend to increase in size and obscure the ground color, so that in old specimens the pattern is seldom apparent.
The drawing of the head is by Mr. C. L. Groundwater, to whom I am also indebted for all the other drawings in connection with this article.
Distribution. Siam, Indo-China aud the Malay Peninsula.
23. Hypsirhina jagorii,
Flower, in his list, mentions three specimens of this snake which he obtained in Bangkok.
Distribution. Siam and Indo-China.
24. Hypsirhina smithii.
This snake, of which only one specimen has so far been ob- tained, is described for the first time on page 69 of this Jowrnul.
25. Hypsirhina chinensis.
Boulenger, in his Catalogue of Snakes, mentions a specimen from Bangkok which is in the Christiania Museum. Distribution. Siam, Indo-China and China.
26. Homalopsis buccata.
The commonest of all the family of fresh water snakes in Bangkok, and as regards length, the largest. It is frequently met with
102 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
by those working in the saw-mills, owing to its fondness for sheltering in the large holes that are found in the interior of teak logs. Here, where it can lie undisturbed, half-submerged, and in almost complete darkness, it no doubt finds an ideal retreat during the hours of, day- light. In captivity it quickly becomes tame. Its food consists of frogs and fish. [lower credits it with more intelligence than most snakes and writes that the ones he kept could distinguish him from strangers. A female in my possession recently gave birth (Aug. 7th) to 9 young ones. They were extremely lively and strongly resented my handling them. They were born in the water and were thorough- ly at home in it, but the mother sought the land as soon as her operations were completed.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen was a female, which measured 1310 mm., the tail forming 275 mm. Length of the young just born, taken from the above brood, 325-360 mm.
Color (in life). Above, dark brown or p!um-colored, the color ending abruptly on the sides, and with pale, yellowish, dark-edged cross-bars, alternately complete and incomplete. Sides yellow, fading to pale yellowish or white upon the ventrals, which have a series of black dots, placed laterally. Under surface of tail thickly covered with black. Head brown, with ill-defined markings, the most pronounc- ed being a pale wing-shaped mark on the occiput, a dark V on the snout and a dark band passing backwards from in front of the eye.
In the young the ground color above is quite black, and the markings are white and clearly defined. In the old ones they become indistinct and may be almost absent, so that the dorsum presents an almost uniform brown color.
Distribution. From Burma and Indo-China to the Malay Archipelago.
27. Cerberus rhynchops.
T know of a single specimen which was caught at Samrae. It is an inhabitant of river mouths and the adjoining sea coasts. I have also examined specimens from the sea coast at Bangtaphan and from the Inland Sea at Singgora. I do not know of any other records of this snake from Siam.
Distriution. From India and Indo-China to the Malay <Ar- chiy elago.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 103
28. Hipistes hydrinus.
Boulenger’s Catalogue of Snakes mentions a specimen from Bangkok.
Distribution. Mouths of rivers and coasts of Pegu, Siam and the Malay Peninsula.
29. Herpeton tantaculatum. TJhe Tentacle Snake.
Siamese, 4 nyTz ang ( ngu kra-dang ): BT
This curious looking snake, although not common in Bangkok itself, is more numerous in some of the water-ways in the neighbour- hood. At Bang-pa-in it is not uncommon, and also at Petriu, and pro- bably many other places, but being strictly aquatic in its habits, is not often met with unless carefully hunted for. The strange antennae-like appendages which protrude from the snout, serve to distinguish it at once fromall other snakes. Speaking of these appendages Flower states: “Tn life the tentacles of the snout are soft, capable of expansion and retraction, and apparently very sensitive; the snake constantly moves them about, as if they performed the function of the antennae on Arthropods. 7.0.4... When the specimen is placed in spirits the tentacles retract and are not so conspicuous as in life.”
I am unable to agree with this at all, and as Flower was a most careful observer, I cannot help thinking that, as he wrote his article after he had left the’ country, he must, in this case, have been relying on his memory. I have often kept these suakes in captivity and have paid much attention to the “tentacles,” and-Major Sprater, who has also kept them, entirely agrees with me.
The rostral appendages (as they are technically termed ) of this snake are not soft, but are covered with hard scales akin to those upon the other parts of the body. In the process of sloughing they are thrown off as a complete cast with the rest of the skin. They are not capable of expansion and retraction, although they have a wide range of movemeut as regards approximation and divergation. When the snake lies beneath the water, they are pointed in a forward direction ; with the snout protruding above the surface, a common position for this snake to assume, they are laid flat back on either side against the
upper lips. They are seldom moved, but are generally allowed to flop
104. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM, Vot.T.
about in an inert manner, more like useless appendages than organs with any function. They are not sensitive, and may be examined freely without any resentment on the part of their owner. Their use is still unknown. The photograph of the head shows them very well.
I have never known this snake to bite when handled, or make any attempt to escape. It feeds, | believe, entirely upon fish. Its Siamese name, ‘“‘ngu kradang”, is given to it on account of the stiff, unbending attitude which it assumes when caught. I have been in- formed by a high authority in the language that the word ‘“ kradang ” cannot properly be used in this sense; it is, however, the explanation commonly given by the country people, though one would certainly have expected, knowing their aptitude for picking out salient features, that they would have chosen the ‘‘ tentacles” on this occasion.
Length. 770 mm.
Color (in life). Above, reddish brown, with a dark, irregu- lar, longitudinal stripe on either side of the vertebral line, and a broader lateral one commencing at the nose and passing through the eye. Below, pale yellowish, with very similar stripes, the two me- dian of which border the ventral scales. Anteriorly, some dark dorsal cross-bars, and a series of white, dark-edged, ventral spots.
Distribution. Stam and Indo-China.
( To be concluded ).
105
+A SHORT LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG DISTRICT.
By C. 8. BARTON.
The majority of the 57 birds shown in this list are from the Me
Taw (an 9) forest, due east of Raheng Town, but I have included a few from further south and west.
Me Taw is a fair sized forest, drained by the Me Taw creek which rises in the hills between the Me Ping and Toungyin valleys. The altitude varies from 400 feet near the Me Ping to 4,000 feet in the higher hiils. There are several types of forest, including
evergreen, fir, pure bamboo, ordinary mixed tree jungle, and “ paa”
or laterite jungle (ain UWS )-
I have identified the birds from the Fauna of British India, Birds. A great many of the species have already been recorded from Tenasserim and the Thoungyin valley, The numbers in brachets are those of the Fauna of British India.
OrpdER PASSERES. +-( 4) Corvus macrornyncaus.—The Jungle-Ororr. This appears to be the ordinary crow at Rahene. “ (71) GarruLax piarpI.— The Siamese White-crested Laughiny- Thrush. Very common in Me Taw, always in cool jungle near water. + (250) CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA.—The Burmese Chloropsis. +. (254) Irena puELLa.—The Fairy Blue-bird. + (264) CrriniGeR BURMANICUS.—The Burmese White-throated Bulbul. Shot on April 5th in heavy, cold, damp jungle. The tail and outer webs of the wing feathers were rufous, with a decided orange tinge. + (290). QOrocompsa FLAVIVENTRIS.—The Black-crested — Yellow Bulbul. Shot on 29th March. Altitude 1,100 feet. 4(827). Dicrurus atTER.— The Bluck Drongo or ** King Crow.” Very plentiful everywhere.
106° JOURNAL, NATURAL HISY. SOCLETY- OF SIAM. (ol. Ff.
(335). CHIBIA HOTTENTOTTA.—The Hair-crested Dronqgo.
‘esting i April in a small exposed nest on an absolutely bare tree. Altitude 1,100 feet. A Khamoo caught this bird off the nest while I was away.
(340). DisseMURUS PaRADISESS.—The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo.
‘Common in Me Taw.
(500). Prricrocorus PEREGRINUS.—The Small Minivet.
Small flocks were flying about in ‘‘ paa” jungle in January.
—+ GRAUCALUS SUMATRENSIS.—The Sumatran Cuckoo-Shrike.
This bird agreed closely with G. dodsont (511) but had not the black on the face, though the ashy blue is a shade darker. The birds: evidently arrived early in November, as [ did not notice them before. They fly about the tops of trees and do not appear to come to the ground.
(521). ORIOLUS M&LANOCEPHALUS.—The Indian Black-headed Oriole.
Common,
+ (524). HuLases ivreRMEDIA.—The Indian Grashle.
Very plentiful in Me Taw, where it is a purely forest bird.
+ (546). GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS.—The Black-necked Myna.
Common around Raheng.
(549). ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS.—The Common Myna.
7 (553). AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS.—The Siamese Mynu.
Both the last are very common round Raheng and the neighbouring villages.
7 (663). CoPpsyCHUS SAULARIS.—The Magpie-Robin.
Common
+ (779). Passer Monranus.—The Tree-Sparrow.
The sparrow of Raheng. I did not see P. domesticus.
ORDER PIOT.
7 (91). GECINUS CHLOROLOPHUS.—The Smull Himalayan Yellow- napel Woodpecker. A988 ). TiGA JAVANENSIS.—The Common Golden-backed Three-toed
\h “Ol d pecker.
OrpER ANISODACTYLI.
(1023) Coractas AFFINIS.—The Burmese Roller or “ Blue Jay.” Y
LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG DISTRICT. 107
Orrer MACROCHIRES.
+(1086). Macropreryx coronata.—Uhe Indian Crested Surft. Common in “ Pav” jungle. +(1090). CaprimuLGus MontTicoLa.—Franklin’s Nightjar. Great numbers were hawking flies at sunset in November and December.
OrveR TROGONES.
(1101). Harpacres rryTHROCEPHALUS.—The Red-headed Trogon.
OrvER COCCYGES.
F (1119). CoccysTEs corcmanpus.—The Red-winged Crested Cuckoo +(1129). Kupynamis HonoraTa.—The Indian Koel. +(i123). Ruopopyres tristis.—The Large Green-billed Malkoha, Very common in the jungle, where they skulk about in thick foliage. + (1124). Raopopytes piarpi.—Diard’s Green-billed Malkoha. A much darker bird than Blanford’s description leads one to expect. The back and rump were a dark bluish grey with a greenish wash. 4-(1130). CENTROPUS SINENSIS.—The Common Coucal or “ Crow- Pheasant.” Very common all over Me Taw by the banks of the creek.
OrverR PSITTACI.
{- (1145), Panarornis rascratus.—The [ed-breasted Paroquet.
Seems very common in Me Taw. Also kept caged in Raheng. OrvER ACC/PITRES.
(1212). Spizakrus Limnakrus.—The Changeable Hawk-Hagle. (1228). HaLiastur tnpus.— The Brakminy Kite.
Very common everywhere.
(1251). Baza LoPHOTES.— The Black-cresied Baza.
Shot by Mr. J. F. Keddie in Me Taw.
+-(1267). Micronrerax EUTOLMUS.—The Red-leqged Falconet.
OrDER COLUMB.
+ (1271). Crocopus PHoENicopTERus.—The Bengal Green Pigeon. ~t-(1273). OSMOTRERON PHAYREI.—The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon. + (1278). OsMmorrERoN BICINCTA.—TZhe Orange-breasted Green
Pigeon.
108 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
} (1287). DucuLa GRISEICAPILLA.—The Grey-headed — Imperial Pigeon.
Large numbers at Me Tah Quaa (ua mM AQ) in Me Taw, where they frequent mineral springs.
+ (1292). CoLUMBA INTERMEDIA.—The Indian Blue Rock-Pigeon.
Kept by priests in Raheng Wats. I have not seen them wild, but they must be found in suitable localities.
OrpDER GALLINA.
+ (1825). Pavo muticus. The Burmese or Javan Pea-fowl.
Mr. Keddie has kindly given me the following note on their breed- ing season in the Me Wong crcek (Lat 16°): “On April 9th 1912 found a pea-hen’s nest with three eggs, chicks half-formed. On 18th March 1915 heard a pea-hen and chicks on an island. Maung Hpo lioke said he saw them, and they were about a fortnight old; he did not know how many there were, but he saw two”.
+ (1828). GALLUS FERRUGINEUS.—The Ted Jungle-fowl.
T found a nest with six eggs in an old stump on the 11th March at an altitude of 2.000 feet. The hen was sitting. ‘The average size was 1.791n. by I-3i an. In the Fauna of British India, Blanford says they breed in the Himalayas from the end of March to July.
+ GENNAEUS SHARPEI.—Sharpe’s Silver Pheasant.
Identified by the British Museum. This is the common pheasant of these parts.
+ (1867). ARBORICOLA BRUNNEIPECIUS.—The Rrown-breasted Hill- Partridge.
Identified by the British Museum. Plentiful in the Upper Me Taw. This bird, the pheasants, and the Jungle fowl, are largely shot and trapped by Karens.
OrpER HEMIPODII. + (1882). Turnix pugnax.—The Bustard-Quail. Found in the grass round the ‘Nong’ at Raheng. Shot, 25th De-
cember. OrbDER GRALLAE.
+ (1401). AmauRoRNIS PHOENICURUS.—The White-breasted Water- hen.
Common along the banks of Me Taw creek.
LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE RAHENG DISTRICT. 109
OrpveR LIMIJCOLZ.
+ (1428). Merroprpius 1npicus.—The Bronze-winged Jacana.
(1429). Hypropaasianus cuHiruRGUS.—The Pheasant-tailed Jacana.
Both these birds were shot by Mr. F. G. Weston Elwes in the Raheng ‘Nong’, and were identified from Finn’s Indian Waders.
+ (1432). SaRcoGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALIS.—The Burmese Wattled Lapwing or “ Did’ e do it.”
Common everywhere.
+ (1462). Toranus ocHRopus.—The Green Sandpiper.
(1464). Toranus caLipris.—The Redshank.
Both of these occur in Raheng ‘ Nong.’
+ (1482). ScoLopax RUSTICULA.—The Woodcock.
Shot by Mr. Keddie at Raheng and by Mr. Elwes in the Me Wong (Lat. 16°). Lalso saw them in Me Taw.
(1484). GaLtivaco corLestis.—Zhe Fantail Snipe.
(1485). GaLLinaGo sTeNuRA —The Pintual Snipe.
This is much commoner than G. coelestis. [have not seen a single specimen of Swinhoe’s Snipe (G. megala), though I believe they ought to occur in the Me Ping valley.
4-(1488). RosTRATULA CAPENSIS.
Very common at Raheng.
The Painted Snipe.
OrpeR ANSERES.
+ (1585). ASARCORNIS SCUTULATUS.— The White-winged Wood-Duek.
Shot by Mr. Keddie in Me Wong in March 1912 and identified by The Bombay Natural History Society. Ihave also seen a large grey duck alighting on the Me Ping river. It would be interesting to know if this is the Spotted-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), or the Chinese Grey Duck (A. zonorhyncha), or the Eurmese Grey Duck (A. haringtone).
+(1589). DenpRocycna Javanica.—The Whistling Teal.
On Raheng ‘Nong’, where 1 think the Large Whistling Teal ( D. fulva, 1590) is also found.
+ (1591). NeErropus COROMANDELIANUS.—The Cotton Teal.
Seen on Me Ping river, and shot on Raheng ‘ Nong’.
1T0
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. I.—DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN ANIMALS IN SIAM. A Repury.
Referring to a number of queries which appeared on page 53 of the last Journal, | see you ask for information om the following points :-—
Bos sondaicus. Hastern limit. They are reported in Annam near the coast between Nah Trang aud Phan Rang. I saw three, apparently all bulls, on 5th June 1913, im about E. Long. 107°, N. Lat. 12°—18°, in Cambodia. I also saw a fine head of B. sondaicus owned by Mons. Rauffman at Ban Methuot in Annam about 106° E. Long.
It is interesting to note that what may prove to be a variety of B. sondaicus has been provisionally named B. sondaicus porteri by Lydekker in his “ Ox and its Kindred.” Iwas with Mr. Porter when he shot the animal. It was very dark coloured and spotted closely with small, pure white spots about } inch in diameter, more especially on the neck, and the horns appeared to drop lower on each side of the head than those of the ordinary ‘“tsine.” I have since shot a bull with the same characteristics.
The skull and part of the skin of Mr. Porter’s animal were sent to the British Museum.
Does Bos frontalis exist in Siam? I have not yet seen a head.
Bos bubalus. In Cambodia I saw the tracks of buffalo about E. Long. 105°, and the guides with me stated that these were wild animals.
Bos gaurus. The Comte de Honditot of Phan Rang told me that the Gaur was found in the Annamite mountains.
Cyon rutilans. 1 have shot three of these in the Meh Woong and one this year (1914) on the right bank of the Meh Khong between Luang Prabang and Pak Lay. I sent the skull and skin of the latter to the Bombay Natural History Society as they had asked for one. The Secretary informed me that it does not differ from the Burmese variety.
Canis aureus. 1 should like to know if the jackal is found in Siam; and if so, if it has the same distinctive cry as the Indian animal,
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. TPL
with which I am familiar. My brother and I saw an animal in the Klong Suan Mak which we both felt sure was a jackal. However | have never heard the cry of a jackal, which cannot be mistaken, during 15 years residence in Siam.
G. F. WESTON ELWES. March, 1914.
There appears to be no doubt that the jackal is widely, although locally, distributed throughout this country. Hds.]
No. I1—SEHASONAL OILY SECRETION IN GAUR OR SELADANG.
On entering a narrow valley in January, 1914, the Karen guide informed me that it was the habitat of a bull Gaur (Bos gaurus)— notorious for some 10 years past, and which never ran away but frequently chased man. While on the march I was fortunate enough to meet the animal and shoot him, and he certainly bore out what the Karen had said in not running away, though, possibly owing to the disadvantage of position, he made no attempt to come up the steep bank at us.
The animal had ample warning of my approach, as two coolies, having got ahead of me, dropped their loads and ran back on seeing the great beast standing in the stream and staring up at them. 1 was followed by some 30 coolies in pretty close order and all were conversing fairly loudly. The 8-bore was brought up from the rear of the line and I went forward to where the men had dropped their loads, but from that point ceuld only get a head shot, so went on some 8 metres and had an easy shot at the flank at 20 metres distance.
The 2 oz. ball, entering high on the right side, passed through the heart and out on the other side, missing all bones | believe, though I did not wait to see the animal cut up.
On being hit he crashed through the elephant grass on the far bank, and died some 20 metres only from the spot at which he had previously stood.
The whole neck and shoulders were covered with an oily secretion, making the black hair of the neck giisten, and the scrotum
and inguinal region were dirty orange yellow, and also very greasy.
112 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
The whole body skin was greasy, but not markedly so,as were the neck and parts just referred to.
The Karen guide stated this was the period of “ musth ” ; but I was not previously aware, nor have I anywhere read, that any Bovine has a “musth” period, and should be glad to know whether any members have shot Gaur in this state, and also, whether January is the breeding season. Both the domestic buffalo and cattle of the country breed in March.
Since the skull of this animal is bigger than that recorded by Blanford (Fauna B. I.) and the horns are flatter and less curved, and also have a greater tip to tip splay, than any recorded by Rowland Ward (Records of Big Game, 1907), it may be of interest to give a full description of this animal, more especially as Lydekker (Game Animals of India, 1907), speaks of Burmese and Malayan varieties which differ in some respects from the typical Bos gaurus of India.
Height. At the shoulder 174.2 cm. (69 in.)
Length. Nose to root of tail 265 cm. (102 in. ); Tail 100 cm. (39 in.); the total length thus being 141 in. against 148 in. recorded by Ward. Girth 277 cm. (109 in.). Other measurements taken were: Frontal ridge to tip of nose 60 cm. (23.6in.). Har 32 cm. (13 in.). Knee to tip of hoof 55 cm. Hock to tip of hoof 66 cm.
Colour. Wace and cheeks black and thickly covered with short hair, intermixed on the central line beneath lower jaw with hairs up to 2.5 in. long. Poll, frontal ridge and forehead to upper level of eyes, light sandy or dirty white, the hair being upwards of 2 in. in length on the forehead. This colour graded into dark brown and merged with the black below the eyes. There was no band of tawny above the naked muzzle, nor did I notice the long hair on the throat figured by Lydekker for the Burmese variety, or the presence of a dewlap. ‘The lips were fringed with hair of creamy-white, brownish- yellow being intermixed beneath lower lip. The upper inners of ears were fringed with long hairs of dirty white and golden yellow. Remainder of body, thinly haired, very dark brown. ‘Tail black with long reddish-grey hairs intermixed. The legs from above the knees and hocks downwards, greyish-white, the creases behind the joints being reddish-white.
Dimensions of Skull. Basallength 19.3 in. Zygomatic breadth 9.95 in.
Vol. 1
»”
No.
SiOGasmmaIUCLIT Oe
Hist.
Nat.
Journal
Head and Horns of Gaur
(Bos Gaurus)
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 113
Dimensions of the horns, in inches, together with some others, which I quote for comparison :-—
eer ee eet Fs eearny span at base P span eects 1. 42.95 — 16.4 38.1 38.8 25.4 Siam N. Lat. 14° 25’. 2. 41.— 20.— 34.5 386.5 27.- Siam. oe oly 18.5 13.45 24.3 28.3 Siam, Ratburi. 4, — Lido '28.0 39.0 29.0 Siam.
No. 1 is the upper one in the illustration, and is the one described in this article. It was obtained within 10 miles of the Tenas- serim boundary. No. 3, the lower one illustrated, is in the possession of Dr. Malcolm Smith and was obtained in the same Province of Ratburi though probably south of where I shot No. 1.
Nos. 2 and 4 are the only heads which Rowland Ward records
from Siam:—No. 2 in the possession of Mr. J. H. Thurston and No. 4 in that of Mr. A. Waley.
K. G. GAIRDNER. June, 1914,
No. III.—DISTRIBUTION OF THE “ LAMANG” DEER (CHRVUS ELDI PLATYCERONS. )
In his paper on the Fauna and Flora of Ratburi and Petchburi, which appeared in Vol. L. No. I. of this Journal, Mr. K. G. Gairdner writes: ‘“‘ At present two Cervidae only are known from this district, the Barking Deer (Cervulus muntjuc) and the Sambar (Cervus wnico- lor).” To these must be added Cervus eldi, known in Siam as the “Jamang” and in Burmaas the “thamin,” which Mr. Gairdner has apparently not come across in the district referred to. ‘The Siamese variety of this deer is a distinct race, known as C. eldi platyceros. it undoubtedly occurs, or was found until recently, in Ratburi Province. On the 29th March 1908, in the neighbourhood of Chawm Bung, a swampy plain having an area of about three square miles, approx- imate Lat. 13° 40,’ Long. 99° 35,' in the Muang of Ratburi, I came across a herd of six, including a fawn. ‘The latter was about the size of a three-quarter grown Barking Deer. It separated at first from the herd, which when first seen was about 200 yards off, and came
114 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
galloping back quite close to us, so that my coolies thought of trying to catch it, but it soon made off after its mother, going at a great pace. An hour or two later, we saw what I believed to be the same _ herd, or part of it, at a distance of about 150 yards. They were then four in number and I did not notice the fawn, so possibly the mother and fawn were resting elsewhere. They were all does. On the 24th February 1907, a few miles north of Nawng Pla Duk station on the Southern Railway, in approximate Lat. 13° 55,’ Long. 99° 55,’ also in Ratburi Muang, I saw a female “ lamang.”
These deer frequent grassy plains, and at that time considerable areas in the district last mentioned were covered with coarse grass from 6 to 10 feet high, which afforded excellent cover and shade, more especially as there was a fair proportion of trees growing in the grass jungle. I fancy that most of this area has since been brought under cultivation. It was being rapidly settled at that time. The district around Chawm Bung does not seem very suitable for these deer, as it is more or less closely covered with tree-jungle, and the grass in the glades is short and sparse in the dry season. These deer cannot live far from water. In recent years the plain of Chawm Bung itself has been largely brought under cultivation. Formerly it would have furnished an ideal haunt for these deer. There has also heen an enormous increase in the number of people who enler this district in the dry season for the purpose of cutting timber. This is taken out in bullock carts and used for building purposes, railway sleepers, fish traps in the gulf, &. The wood-cutters do a certain amount of game shooting by sitting up over waterholes, and as the ‘“ lamang” cannot go long without water, or travel far in the hot season to get it, it seems to me probable that this deer may have been almost, if not quite, exterminated by now on the west side of the Meklawng River by this method of shooting.
I was informed in the present year that, in the district of Choraké Sampan in the Province of Nakawn Chaisi, which is just north of Muang Kanburi, in Ratburi Province, the “lamang” occasionally enter and feed on the rice crops during the wet season.
I have heard it stated that no ‘‘ lamang” are found west cf the Menam Chao Praya. From what I have stated this is evidently not so. Apart from that, these deer were found until recent years in patches of high grass-jungle between the railway and the river, north of Lopburi
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 115
in Krung Kao Province, approximate Lat. 14°55’, where I saw them on more than one occasion in the year 1906. Since then some of this jungle has been brought under cultivation, possibly all of it. I was told that, in the dry season of the year 1906, a “lamang” stag, impelled by thirst, actually ran down in the day time into the water in a railway borrow pit close to Ban Mi station and market, on the railway above Lopburi, and was mobbed by the local people and killed by knives and sticks. I see no reason why ‘“ lamang” should not be found on the west of the Menam Chao Praya in this latitude, as I believe there is country on that side suitable for their existence.
A. J. IRWIN.
Bangkok, 15th July, 1914.
No. IV.-NOTE ON TWO RARE MAMMALS, BERDMORE’S RAT (HAPALOMYS LONGICAUDATUS ) AND FEA’S MUNTJAC (CEHERVULUS FEZ ).
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat. In January when clearing bamboo jungle to form a camp, a specimen of this rat was paralyzed by a blow on the back, and drowned in spirit in order to preserve all vermin. Dr. Rankin took it home, and Mr. Oldfield Thomas has identified the rat as H. longicaudatus, previously only known by specimens from Burma and Tavoy. This rat may be known by the flat nail on the hallux, which appears to be partly opposable, and by the teeth which, to quote Blanford, ‘ differ all from other Muridae in having the tubercles of the anterior lower molar triserially arranged.”
The dimensions of the living specimen were: Length 6.4 in. Tail 8.4 in. Hind foot 1 in. Ear from orifice 55 in. Vibrissae black, 1.5 in. long. -
The fur was dense and soft, of a warm brown colour, lighter on nose and cheeks and with blackish hairs intermixed on forehead and back. Tail, thinly haired with white at the tip. All lower surfaces white from chin to vent. Feet, dirty pink. Found in uninhabited bamboo and teak jungle on the Quaa Noi river, N. Lat. 14° 22’,
116 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I
Cervulus feae. Fea’s Muntjac. My coolies when searching for food came across the dead body of a deer which they did not recognize. The deer had been killed by a leopard while drinking in the Menam Lor, a tributary of the Quaa Noi, and at that point about 4 miles from Kow Pra on the Tenasserim boundary in N. Lat. 14° 23’. On that day I also was searching for food, and returned to camp in the late evening to find that the hungry men, having found the deer, had eaten all of it and had roasted the head and mashed it up. The horns, similar to those of a Barking Deer, had been turned into knife handles, and the skin had been twisted up into pack ropes. All that I recovered of this rare deer was a piece of the skin with the tail attached ; and this, taken in conjunction with the horns and locality, I consider places the question of identification beyond doubt. So far as I know, this is the second specimen so far recorded, the first having been obtained many years ago in Tenasserim.
Colour. The hair of the back, dark brown, each hair either tipped or annulated with golden yellow. A few white hairs intermixed, and these also are tipped golden yellow. ‘Tail, pure white, with a narrow black line down the centre. Length of tail in dried skin (probably stretched) 6 in. and the white hairs project for 1.3 in. beyond this.
The Karen guide informed me that this was the ‘‘ ee-kung ” and that it took place of the “ ee-keng ” or Barking Deer in the evergreen jungle, and that the call of the two species was similar.
kK. G. GAIRDNER. June, 1914.
No. V.-NOTE ON LANGUR MONKEYS.
On pages 33 and 36 of Vol. I. No. 1 of the Journal, I referred to two species of Semnopithecus (now Presbytis ) which I was unable to identify.
I have now heard from the British Museum authorities that the species described on p. 33 as “‘black in colour, with poll and tail french- grey, and with bare rings around the eyes of a pinkish white colour”, is Presbytis obscwrus. This species extends down the Malay Peninsula, the northern limit in Siam apparently being N. Lat. 13° 20’.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 117
On p. 36 I referred to another species as occurring North of Lat. 13° 20', which was grizzled black in colour, with long silvery grey whiskers. This has been identified as P. germaini. This species was first described from Cochin China, though Flower in 1900 recorded it from Siam.
Of this species two adults measured :—
Nose to aoe a root of tail Tail ee middle ss Hand to feet ea
20 in. 29 in. 12 in. 6 in. 10 in. 3.5 in. 19.5in, = 330.5 in. = 18.5 in. 6 in. 11 in. 4.5 in.
In both sexes the bare skin of face, hands and feet is black; the inguinal region, in the male, is dark brown. Two females had a conspicuous white streak running from the anus down the inside of either thigh for 2in., this mark being wanting in all males examin- ed. Callosities, dirty yellow. Body skin, dirty light ash. Colour of the body hair, dark grizzled grey running to black on uppers of hands and feet and extremity of tail. Whiskers, silvery grey up to 24in. long and almost concealing the ears. Specimens obtained during January and February had the tail hair short and_ bristly, while specimens obtained in July, had the tail much more thickly haired. Two males obtained in July weighed each 19 Ibs. and the chest circumference was 19.5 in. The mating season is, I believe, July or August.
It appears to be only locally distributed in Ratburi and enly in the lew country ; but will probably be found commen in Hastern
Siam. k. G. GAIRDNER.
June 1914,
No. VI.—LARGE HORNS OF MALAY SAMBAR (CHRVUS UNICOLOR EQUINUS).
The accompanying illustration shows the head of a Sambar in the possession of Mr. R. Aaey Moore.
The horns are probably a record for Siam, and are longer than any recorded by Rowland Ward for the species, though a specimen is now recorded from Burma (vide Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Journal, Vol. XXI p. 248,) with a length of 38 in and girth of 10 in,
118 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
The horns shown are particularly heavy and measure :— Left 38.6 in, Right 33.5 in. to outer bases of coronets. 30,0 It. ,, 04.6 im. to front bases of coronets.
39 Ld
Circumferences. Above coronet 9 in. ; above brow tine 7 in.; four and a half inches below the bifurcation 7.2 in. and two inches above the same 5.5 in. Length of brow tine 10.7 in.
This head was obtained near Nakon Lampang, 65 miles 8. E. of Chiengmai, by Mr. G. K. Spittel.
K. G. GAIRDNER.
June, 1914.
4 No. VII.— OCCURRENCE OF THE INDIAN THREE-TOED KINGFISHER (CHYX TRIDACTYLA) IN BANGKOK.
Ceyx tridactyla. 1040. Fauna British India. A fully adult specimen of this rare little kingfisher was caught by some boys in a garden near Bush Lane on April 7th, and brought to me alive. When the boys saw it, they mistook it for a young bird of another genus which also has a red back, and gave chase; the bird was evidently very frightened, as it flew into the trunk of a tree and was picked up stunned. I let it loose in the aviary, where it fed on small prawns and was apparently doing very well, but two months later it was killed in a heavy rain storm. it is a bird of very feeble flight, and its small wings, with such tiny quills, strike one as very inadequate to maintain its balance with such a large beak and an extremely short tail. The colours are remarkable for the violet gloss on the hind neck and rump, with purplish blue on the back and wings and bright orange on the breast; the bill and feet are red. Blanford, in the Fauna of British India, describes this bird as found all over India, but far from common, and rare in Ceylon and parts of Southern India. As far as I know, the only other specimen recorded from Siam is the one which was preserved in spirit by Mr. P. A. R. Barron at— Koh $i Chang and mentioned by Count Gyldenstolpe.
H. G. HERBERT. July, 1914.
+ No. VIIIL—NOTE ON THE RED-BREASTED PAROQUET (PALAHORNIS FASCIATUS).
Palaeornis fasciatus. 1145. Fauna British India. This
Paroquet has been recorded as very common in the North by
Head of Malay Sambar (Cervus unicolor equinus.)
‘ ror in -
ay * 4 ye P| A ie) i. Mh 8) Piet eae y ee A i i i. y x’ : bi aul J ry wm
in eS it vay ral iy! :
a 7 (oe a To, Pat ry ¢ Fi ra * aye Daiage ©
’ i " " 4 " P ne ’ ; Pagel) PTs WaT ak et) ; Fs Gow ‘) } j ' "5 [be a ee ee ' 7 * es ‘ : : a ny i
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 119
Count Gyldenstolpe, but he did net find it south of Prae, or near Bangkok. Mr. Barton writes of it ia the same way from Raheng, and Mr. Gairdner reports the same from the Western boundary, but I am not aware that it has been recorded from anywhere near Bangkok. On the 20th June last, I found this bird in large numbers between the river and Chiengrak Station, and obtained specimens of both male and female. The distinctive mark between these two is the colour of the ’ beak, which is red on the male and black on the female, and I found the Siamese call them by different names. Blanford, in the Fauna of British India, after giving the distribution of this bird in fadia, says it is found throughout the whole of Burma, the Andaman Islands (not the Nicobars), Cambodia, Cochin China, and parts of Southern China, so one would naturally expect to find it throughout the whole of Siam at certain seasons of the year, and this is probably the case.
E. G. HERBERT. August, 1914.
+ No. IX.—SMALL MINIVET (PERICROCOTUS PEREGRINUS ) BREEDING IN BANGKOK.
> Pericrocotus peregrinus. 500. Fauna Brit. India. The occurrence of this pretty bird in Bangkok seems to be little known, though it may be seen in the fruit gardens on the West side of the river, and more frequently on the mangrove trees along the banks of the river at the lower end of the Harbour. The bright scarlet of the breast and rump are very conspicuous as the birds ‘fits around the outer branches of the trees in search of insects. The Siamese name is ‘“‘ Nok si champoo talay ”—the pink bird from the sea, and it is said that they migrate South for breeding in the spring, and then return here for the remainder of the year. Whether any of the birds actually do this I cannot say, but many of them certainly breed in Bangkok during April, May and June.
In April, I often saw them in pairs, and occasionally in May, and from early June I several times saw old and young out together, and watched the young being fed by the female. Jt then appeared fairly conclusive that these birds were breeding here, and after con- siderable search, and watching the birds, a nest of fully fledged young
120 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. ¥-
was found on June the 11th. Another with well fledged birds was found on the following day. The first nest was on one of the outer branches near the top of a high durian tree. It was built of fine fibre which was stuck on to the upper side of a branch, and then coated with lichen, so that it resembled a knot or excrescenze on the branch. It was a flat cup-shaped nest measuring 3} in. diameter outside, by #1. deep, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that it could be made out, even with glasses. The other nest was stuck on to the leaf-stem of a high betel palm, and was almost as difficult to see. In both cases the nests were only found by watching the parent birds carrying food to the young, and it would be practically impossible to find a nest without watching the birds either building or feeding the young.
E. G. HERBERT. August, 1914.
No. X —OCCURRENCE OF THE CHINESE FRANCOLIN +-( FRANCOLINUS CHINENSIS ) IN BANGKOK.
In the Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok by Mr. W.J.F. Williamson, published in Vol. I No. 1, of this Journal, the number opposite the name Chinese Francolin, is marked with an asterisk to indicate that no specimens have been obtained, although the occurrence of the bird is believed to be tolerably certain. I believe the occurrence is quite certain, but I consider that the birds in question have either escaped from captivity, or been freed for the purpose of making merit, or are the offspring of such birds. I do not know that it would be correct to describe birds bred in this way as “of Bangkok,” except in a very limited sense. I have had occasion to move about a good deal in Krungtep (Bangkok) Province, both in the wet and dry seasons, and I have never seen any of these birds, or heard of them as indigenous or likely to be found. They are birds of the higher dry lands, preferably with some bush-jungle about for cover, and there I have found them, but such country does not exist in Bangkok Province. Several years ago I was in the northern part of the Province, in Klawng Rangsit district, where the land had not yet been taken up for cultivation, and was covered with grass jungle. There, if anywhere—the jungle being more or less undisturbed—one would have expected to hear of them, but I never either saw or heard them. Some
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 121
years ago one of these birds took up its abode in the N. KE. corner of the compound of what was the Survey school (now the Civil Service College ) at Sapatum, when I lived there. It was there for some three months at least in the wet season, and never moved from the same position within a radius, say, of 60 yards. I believe it kept on the high banks of the roadside and boundary cuttings. I never saw it, but it called so constantly, presumably in the search foi a mate, that attention could not fail to be attracted to it. The call is unmistakable, being a flat somewhat hoarse crow, like that of an ordinary domestic cock with a cold in its throat, and may be nearly rendered by the syllables Kak, Kak-Kak, Ka-Kah. These birds are often kept in captivity in cages in Bankok, and I never had any doubt that this was one which had escaped. Its call attracted the attention of passers-by on the public road, and more than once | had to warn off persons with guns who entered the compound in pursuit of it. Possibly one of them got it in the end, for after a time its call was heard no more. I see no reason why these birds should not be able to live in patches of grass or bush-jungle on raised ground near Bangkok. I understand they have been found in one or two such spots. There is hardly any such ground in Bangkok or neighbourhood which has not been artificially raised. The generality of the country about is low-lying, and is more or less flooded during the rains, and is thus quite unsuited to these birds and dissimilar to their ordinary habitat. 1 should say that, even if they bred to some extent, they would be liable, on account of the damp, to disease similar to grouse disease in England, and would soon die out.
A. J. IRWIN. Bangkok, 15th July, 1914.
[As the Chinese Francolin is a Siamese bird, and is admittedly found at large in the environs of Bangkok, it ix, we think, properly included in Mr. Williamson’s list, though Mr. Irwin’s explanation of its presence here may be correct. Kds.}
No. XI.—SOME INTERESTING BIRDS FOUND NEAR THE WESTERN BOUNDARY.
The following notes on birds, shot on my recent trip from Raheng down the Me Klong river, may be of interest to members
id
122 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
of the Society. I am indebted to Mr. Herbert for assisting me to identify my specimens.
Cissa chinensis (F. 14). The Green Magpie. Shot March 20th at Huey Nam Ron on the Upper Thoungyin watershed, in bamboo jungle. It is the only one I saw, and I do not recollect having seen one elsewhere.
Oates, in the Fauna of British India, writes as follows :— “The plumage of this bird changes after death and also in captivity from green to dull blue; and the red on the wings also undergoes a change under the same circumstances, becoming much duller.” In the case of the present specimen the crown is distinctly blue over the yellow of the under webs instead of green, the back and scapulars are tipped with blue, and the central tail feathers are blue. Un- fortunately I was not aware of this change of colour after death, and did not note the colours when the bird was shot, but it is to be hoped that anyone who obtains a specimen in the future will take very careful note of all the green parts immediately the bird is killed. A description of this bird, taken from the Fauna of British India, is given for the guidance of those interested. ‘‘ Head and neck greenish yellow ; general body plumage green ; the lores and a band through each eye, the two meeting behind on the nape, black ; the cheeks, sides of neck, and lower plumage paler green ; tail green, the central feathers tipped with white, the others tipped with white and with a subterminal band of black; lesser wing coverts green, the other coverts red; wings brown on the inner webs, red on the outer ones. Bill red; legs coral red; inside of mouth reddish flesh- colour.”
Urocissa occipitalis (F. 12). The Red-billed Blue Magpie. About a week later I obtained a specimen of this bird, which is very handsome with the purplish blue of its back, wings and tail showing up from a ground-work of black and white. This species has, however, been recorded from other parts of Siam, and a closer description here is unnecessary.
Cyanops davisoni ( F. 1013). Davison’s Blue-throated Barbet. On April 20th, at a place about eight miles south-west of Pak Me Chan, I saw two of these birds sitting on a low stunted tree in open country, and shot one of them. Later on I saw several more, but did not obtain another specimen.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 123
In Hume’s Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds, this Barbet is described as common in the Thoungyin Valley, and in the Fauna of British India as found in Tenasserim only, so the area in which it occurs appears to be very restricted. The distinctive mark is the verditer blue band across the vertex, instead of black as in C. asiatica, with the forehead and rest of the crown crimson.
I also obtained specimens of Baza lophotes (F. 1251), the Black-crested Baza; Terpsiphone affinis ( F. 599), the Burmese Paradise Flycatcher, and saw Peacock-Pheasants, Silver Pheasants Francolin, Partridges, Jungle-Fow! and Bustard Quail at various places on the route.
Mr. Gairdner, I am told, obtained specimens of Cissa chinensis and Cyanops davisont in 1912 from near the Tenasserim boundary. There appears to be a little doubt as to what the note of Cyanops davisont is, and it will be interesting to know whether the monotonous trisyllabic note, so well known by those who have camped near the Tenasserim boundary, belongs to this bird.
J. F. KEDDIE. July, 1914.
No. XIJ.—OCCURRENCE OF THE KRAIT (BUNGARUS CANDIDUS) AND THE SMALL-SPOTTED CORAL SNAKE (CALLOPHIS MACULICEPS) IN SIAM. A NEW COLOR
VARIETY OF THE LATTER.
I mentioned in the last number of the Journal (p. 7), that certain species of poisonous snakes, would, on account of their known distribution, be no doubt ultimately found in Siam. Two of that list have since been shown to exist here.
Bungarus candidus. I am indebted to Mrs. Collins for this snake, caught in one of the bungalows at Sriracha. Male. Total length, 850 mm., tail 100. Ventrals 220. Subcaudals 47. Color. Twenty broad white bands upon the body and seven upon the tail, each one with a fair amount of black mottling occupying the middle two-fourths. Tail below mottled with grey. The stomach contained an earth snake ( Typhlops braminus).
Callophis maculiceps. I have examined no less than 8 speci- mens from various parts of Siam, as the appended list will show, so
124 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol I.
that it would appear to be not uncommon and widely distributed, at any rate in Central Siam, This species is known to extend into Burma and Indo-China and southwards into the Malay Peninsula. In the latter region it is extremely rare ( Boulenger ), whilst in Burma it is
uncommon ( Wall).
es 4 3
b oO 6 | S|
=; Sa ST oe Ni fie ess 3 5
‘S seis alte bo) & | g
SR eee Ss) Sie Sis
= nS) ale |@
4 ~
1. | Koh Si 263 |23|) 18 |180\24] 4 infralabials touch anterior chin- Chang shields. ail below thickly
spotted with black.
2. | Sriracha 825/35] ,, |187|30]| 5 infralabials touch anterior chin- shields.
3. a 288 | 23] ,, |186|23] Tail immaculate below, except for the usual bands.
4. | Pak Jong | 465/35] ,, |198)24] Alt. 800 ft. R. side, 8 upper la- bials, due to division of 8rd, 5 infralabials touch anterior chin-shields on R. side, 4 on L. side. Had eaten an earth snake T'yphlops nigroalbus.
infralabials touca anterior chin- shields. Tail thickly spotted below.
bo bo Or
5. | Kanburi 21ST BH es sa:
6. | Lopburi 285/25} ,, |189] 22] 4 infralabials touch anterior chin- shields.
as
Nong Kai | 260/25) ,, |173 |25] 5 infralabials touch anterior chin- Ploi shields,
8. | Paknampo | 220/20] ,, | 175) 24] R. side 6 upper labials, due to fusion of 6 and 7. 5 infralabials touch anterior chin-shields. SS
Nos. 1—5 have the usual series of small black dots down the back and do not differ from the recognized description, except that they have in addition a very faint, dark, vertebral line.
Nos. 7—8 constitute a new color variety, similar to the var. wnt- virgatus of the allied Callophis macelellandi (Macclelland’s Coral Snake).
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 12
[ne
Color. Above, light yellowish-brown, without dorsal spots, but with a conspicuous black vertebrai line running the whole length of the body and tail, as well as the usual tail bands. Head and neck black, with a pale yellowish line along each upper lip, interrupted below the eye. Belly coral pink. Tail below, more or less thickly spotted with black.
No. 6 is intermediate between the two forms. The usual dorsal dots are present as well as the conspicuous vertebral line.
Mr. Boulenger (Cat. Snakes, and Fauna Malay Pen.) gives the number of ventrals shields as varying from 205-247. The difference in the number in the Siamese specimens is noteworthy.
Major Wall ( Poison. Terrest. Sn. Brit. Ind.) in his supplement- ary characters of identification says:—Anterior sublinguals touch 4 infra-labials. The difference in the Siamese specimens will again be noted.
Typhlops nigroalbus found in the stomach of No. 4 has not yet been recorded from Siam, although I have seen specimens from other parts of the country.
I am indebted to Mr. Boulenger for identifying this species.
MALCOLM SMITH.
July, 1914.
No. XIII.—SLUGGISHNESS OF A PYTHON.
While working on a hilltop of some 250 metres elevation recently, the ccolies discovered a python curled up in a small cavity formed by big, loose boulders. The cavity was too small for a man to enter and since the gall bladder was required to make medicine, they finally decided to build a fire of glowing embers in the cavity and roast him out. The snake, however, preferred to roast vather than face his enemies, who were waiting round the entrance with boulders and axes. After some half hour’s time he was so stupefied with smoke that a noose was cast over his head and he was ignominiously hauled out—offering little resistance.
It was found that the body was burnt in several places and the skin blistered. The python measured just over 4 metres and was
126 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST: SOCTETY OF SIAM. Vol. £.
as thick as a man’s thigh, though it did not appear to have fed recently. K. G. GAIRDNER. March, 1914.
[From the description of this snake given us by Mr. Gairdner, it was no doubt Python reticulatus. Eds. |
No. XIV.—ON THE BREEDING HABITS OF HYPSIRHINA HNHYDEIS AND HERPETON TENTCAULATUM (THE TENTACLE SNAKE).
Hypsirhina enhydris. The following observations confirm and supplement what is already known about the breeding habits of this species.
I obtained a female in the month of December showing enlarged ovarian follicles, in which the embryos, 10 in number, could be just discerned. I received another gravid female in April, containing 18 young ones, their development in this case being well advanced. The mother was a very large specimen measuring 680 mm. in length. A third was caught in July, which gave birth to a single still-born young one, probably the last of her brood. The other records, quoted by Major Wall in his article on this snake in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, are as follows :—‘ Colonel Evans came across a pair in copula in Lower Burma on October 16th. * * * * Another was taken by Theobald near Rangoon in a gravid condition in March.”
By piecing all this evidence together, it would appear, therefore, that intercourse takes place at the end of the rainy season, about October, and that the young are born when the rains have again set in, about June or July.
The single young one, referred to above, measured 180 mm. in length, and resembled the parent in every way except that, as is usually the case, the coloration and markings were more vivid.
Herpeton tentaculatum. In the Catalogue of Snakes in the British Museum, the number of scales across mid-body in this snake is given as 37. An examination of a number of specimens has shown me that this is not always the case, but that they may vary from 35 to 39. I have recently been able to examine a brood of 13 young ones, which shows this variation very fully. Unfortunately they did not come to
"MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 127
maturity, owing to the death of the mother. This happened in June, and judging from the state of their development, they would not, 1 think, have been born for some weeks. They were quite white, but in every way perfectly tormed, including the “ tentacles.” The genital organs of all the males were extruded, rendering the differentiation of sex an easy matter. In the process of examination, some of them were allowed to become dry so that a count at that point could not be made.
Leneth of the mother, 770 mm.
The costals are counted two heads’ lengths behind the head, at mid-body and two heads’ lengths before the vent.
MorHer. Costa.s, 37. 39. 35. VENTRALS, 122.
MALES. FEMALES. Costals. Ventrals, Costals. Ventrals, de GA. OD. 90. 107 10. 34, 37. 33. 114 2. BOs Os Os 122 Lk. 36. 38. 35. Es 3. 33. 36. 36. 118 12. — 37. — ae A. |, 84. 350135. oe Lae OAs oS f. 0d. 116 D. 33. 86. — 122 6. |) 84.537. — 103 3 — 37. — -— Gist Shs a6. | 1 Le 9, 30. 30. do. LF,
From the above list it will be seen that the number of scales in this species is by no means regular, and in this particular it resembles the true sea-snakes. The ventral shields also are extremely small, being not more than twice the breadth of the adjacent costals. They are sometimes missing entirely, and anteriorly are indistinguishable from the costals, making a true count difficult.
MALCOLM SMITH. July, 1914.
No. XV._NOTE ON A RARE LIZARD, (LYGOSOMA ISODACTYLUM.)
During the past year I have received or collected nine speci- mens of this rare lizard, previously known only from a single one
128 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
discovered by M. Mouhot in Cambodia during his travels in 1858-60.
The first two were caught in the stone quarries at Sanam Cheng (N. of Lopburi) but were so badly preserved as to be useless. A third was sent me by Mr. Greene, the station-master at Lopburi, having been caught in the station, and two more were shortly after- wards dug up in a garden at Sam Kok. In July, at Chong Kae, I caught four specimens alive, having found them beneath the stacks of fire-wood in the station yard. I kept them for some time, until one night a horde of ants invaded their cage and devoured them.
These lizards, as might be expected from the rudimentary condition of their limbs, are chiefly subterranean in their habits, They move about with a sinuous snake-like action. the fore-legs being in frequent use, the hind ones not at all, but pressed closely back along the sides of the body. In pushing their way about through small cracks and crevices and in burrowing in the earth, the fore-limbs also remain idle, and the creature becomes entirely snake-like in its movements. They can, however, be extremely active, and elude capture with great agility.
In lepidosis my specimens differed in no way from the type description, except in the number of scales round the body. This is given in the Catalogue of Lizards in the British Museum as 30. In mine they varied from 30 to 34.
Their color also varied slightly and was (in life) as follows :— Above, dark yellowish, thickly powdered with very dark brown, this color often confluent and forming patches. In one of them these patches were so extensive as to practically obscure the ground color. Sides, with a dark edge to each scale, forming oblique lines upwards and backwards. Below, pale yellow or yellowish white, speckled irregularly with brown. In the only half-grown specimen I obtained, the belly was of a uniform pale yellowish color. Labials, 1st excepted, barred with yellow and brown alternately.
The drawing, by Mrs. Stephen Groves, is from a specimen in which the tail had been reproduced. This appendage, therefore, is not shown in its full length. Normally it is nearly the length of the head and body.
MALCOLM SMITH.
May, 1914.
"azis peunyeu ‘een7ApIVpOS? wIUOSOSNT
‘L*10A ‘4 (ON “wUvis “90S "ISIE JUN ‘jvusno[
-
. - Bi "4 ) ea! ae
SE RCA
J 3 “ai . ; \ =i 9 4 : abe A ; ri bE 5 ‘ E 7 ¢ ‘ 1 | add 2 b 5 » ( i \ 7 i « (i: ; 4‘ — i 3 r. : . % , ! ‘ i ‘ :
_ - fy — —— . = _ al = -. - 4 “ 7 i? a) * ip j . f . : t ; { { +?) \ 4 rn = io "a f= ad - by " . ' Vices i 1 7 oy | | Pe a ' ® ' r ; i ph Ai , ci e
PROCEEDINGS OF MEETINGS. 129
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS. lst ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 6th March, at which 24 members were present—the President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson, being in the chair. The meeting was attended by Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, an Honorary Member of the Society.
The accounts for the year 1913, showing a balance of Tes. 213.55 in hand, were presented and approved.
The election of officers for the year 1914 resulted as follows :— President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson; Vice-President, Dr. Malcolm Smith ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S H. Cole; together with Major W. Sprater, Mr. E. G. Herbert and Mr. E. J. Godfrey, Members of Committee.
As the result of a discussion on the subject of the annual subscription, initiated by Mr. W. G. Weeks, it was agreed, on the proposition of Dr. Malcolm Smith, that the amount of the annual subscription be reduced to Tes, 20 with effect from the current year.
An exhibition of specimens was made by Members.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner exhibited the skin, head, horns and tail of a Sladang ( Bos gawrus ).
Messrs. W. J. F. Williamson and KH. G. Herbert showed the nests, eggs and skins of the Black-necked Myna ( Graculipica nigri- collis ), the Java Fantail-Flycatcher (Rhipidura javanica), the Burmese Yellow-breasted Sunbird: ( Arachnechthra jflammazillaris) and the Brown-throated Sunbird ( Anthothreptes malaccensis ).
Dr. Malcolm Smith showed the following snakes :—Callophis maculiceps and Dendrophis suhocularis, neither of which had _ been previously recorded from Siam.
Mr. E. J. Godfrey exhibited some specimens of butterflies and moths.
The first number of the Jowrnal was distributed to members at this meeting.
2nd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 16th June —Mr. W. J. F. Williamson, the President, being in the chair, and 16 members and 2 guests att nding.
130 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
The business of the meeting was an exhibition of mammals, birds and reptilos recently collected on the Tenasserim boundary.
Mr. K. G. Gairdner showed the mammals and birds collected by himself—amongst the former being the tail and a piece of the adjacent skin of the rare Fea’s Muntjac ( Cervulus jeae ). The birds, of which a fair number had been obtained, included the following which, so far as is known, have not previously been recorded from Siam :—Black- throated Laughing Thrush ( Dryonastes chinensis); Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus); Red-bearled Bee-eater ( Nyctiornis amictus ); a Frogmouth ( Batrachostomus sp.) and a specimen of the rare Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle ( Lophotriorchis kieneri ).
Dr. Malcolm Smith exhibited specimens of the reptiles obtained by his collector. The total number of species which had been brought in was 381, amongst which were Coluber oxycephalus, Alabes scriptus, Simotes violaceus, Tropidonotus chrysargus, Polyodontophis collaris, Acanthosaura crucigera, Calotes cristatellus, Draco blanfordi, Gymno- dactylus marmoratus, Lygosoma olivaceum, L. vittigerum, Bufo asper and ana macrodon, none of which had been previously recorded in Siam north of the Isthmus of Kra.
Dr. Smith also showed a second specimen of a skink ( Lygosoma anguinoides ) and of a snake ( Simotes inornatus) both of which were new to Science and which would be described by Mr. Boulenger in the forthcoming number of the Journal.
ELECTION OF MEMBERS.
The following members have been elected since the 1st Janu- ary, 1914.:—
Honorary Members. H. R. H. Prince Chumpon ; Count Nils Gyldenstolpe.
Members. C. J. Aagaard; W. Bain; EH. B. Boyce; T. B. Chatteris; Mrs. D. J. Collins; J. EH. Dalgleish; S. W. Eyton ; H. Gardner; .W. I: Grut; J.-F. Keddie; 8, C. Keynes; i. H. Nisbet; A. W. Ogilvie; A. Osann; A. A. Porter; A. L. Queripel ; G Rexhausen; G. C. Smyth; Mom Luang Thong; F. Zabel,
THE JOURNAL | ‘Natural IListory Society of Siam.
INE OE A. VINOe dis
Issued Mareh, 1915.
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. I. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members)... rCcameitalent et Tes. 4.00.
London, Luzac & Co,
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE Natural History Society of Siam.
Norra iaiNroe 3.
Issued March, 1915.
WV, Cong Muse™™
EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
Price to Non-Members. neem Tes, 4:00:
London, Luzae & Co.
Nb ier, 7 4 #
CONTENTS.
PAGE,
NOTES ON THE Fauna AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND PETCHABURI
Districts. By K.G. Gairdner. Part II, with a Map... 131 List OF THE MamMALS, Birps, REPTILES AND BaTRACHIANS
OBTAINED IN THE RaTRURI AND PetrcHABURI DISTRICTS.
By K. G. Gairdner and Malcolm Smith. es aoe g Mls On two NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE GULF oF Siam. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. a as oe rks V7 Lisr or Birps COLLECTED BY Mr. Emin KISENHOFER IN
NorrHerN S14M. By Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, B.A. ... 165 THe SNAKES OF BaNnG@KoK. Part III, with 4 Plates. By
Malcolay Smith) M.R:G.S8:, D.R.O:Po 3: re) rt 173
I TREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR Ligut. By K. G.
Blair, B.SC., F.E.S. oe mae Ayes oR 188 a] " r r To - a) ~ + r wy ~ CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO PRELIMINARY LIST OF
BANGKOK Birps. By W. J. F. Williamson. ... ee wee
THE Brrps oF BaNnGKok. Part Il. By W. J. F. Williamson. 200
LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT Known ‘ro INHABIT SIAM.
By Malcolm Smith, M.R.c.s., EcBeGee: ee a pa lat AN AppraL For Lancurs. By Guy Dollman. _... tema Le PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS. ... ae rae STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914. ee - 219
List of Members on 3lst December 1914.
wonl i
Ae shih fun ce ‘ie
000'000° : I %
| |
uRsLAuune Dd lh J
Ksepunog wiesseue, wag PUyEpUNOM BUONEAwOD JO 68g ony *] “8 sim aoe wexyou oy 9740 /0H
WYTS EM dal A Io
*7 104 ‘6 ON ‘wenn ‘00g "MOH "HON pour
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam
March 1915. Vou. dT: No. &
+ NOTES ON THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF RATBURI AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS. (Continued ) ips sites Ca We SE
By K. G. GAIRDNER.
MountTAins ENTIRELY CuAD IN EVERGREEN FOREST.
Oates in his preface to “The Birds of British Burmah” speaks of the interior of Tennasserim bordering on Siam as being ‘“ almost impracticable to a European.” The Petchaburi hinterland was, until four years ago, practically unknown both to Siamese and Europeans, being deservedly unpopular both on account of its inaccessibility and the deadly nature of the malaria only too easily contracted in the dark chasm-like valleys.
The boundary, or watershed is, however, probably more easily approached from the Tennasserim side than from the Siamese, owing to the fact of the Tennasserim river flowing due South parallel to the boundary for some 140 miles, and distant from it only some 7 to 15 miles. This river is, I believe, navigable by “ dug outs” for the greater part of its length.
Expeditions in wild mountain country, practically uninl abited, are entirely dependent on coolie labour for the transport of goods and necessaries, and since a healthy Lao coolie consumes 35 to 40 Ibs of
rice per month (or the equivalent of one man’s heavy load in such
132. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
country) it appears that trips of more than two weeks duration neces- sitate a considerable force engaged in bringing up supplies from a base.
As no description of this part of the country, so far as I am aware, has ever been given, it may be of interest if I shortly describe it.
The Petchaburi river, as it trickles beneath the bridge at the town of Petchaburi in the dry season, is an insignificant looking stream, and gives little indication of the fact that its course is upwards of 80 miles in length, draining an area of 1200 square miles, 600 of which are mountains of considerable elevation in the direct line of the S. W. monsoon.
The source of this river is in N. Lat. 12° 40,’ E. Long. 99° 20,” this point being the birthplace of two other big streams :—the Huey Sat Yai (Big Beast river) which flows East into the Pran river, and the Cha-ra-wah flowing West into the Tennasserim river. From it§ source the Petchaburi river flows due North for 20 miles to the Klephant’s Tusk rapid, where it is joined by the Menam Bang Kloi, which latter has its source some 17 miles to the N. W. The ground level at the junction is 145 metres above sea level and the boundary is distant westwards some 10 miles or four days’ march.
The Elephant’s Tusk is an impassable rapid for dug outs,—the banks being precipitous there is no opportunity, as at other bad rapids, of dragging the canoes through overgrown shallows at the sides of the main stream,
From this point the river flows some 18 miles due East when the first Kariang hamlet is reached, viz:—Ta Ling Lom (Wind monkey landing) and a further 12 miles E. S. E. carries one to Sarahett. Here the river makes a sharp bend and flows due N. E. to Petchaburi town.
The northern portion of this area is drained by the Meh Pachee river which rises with the Bang Kloi in N. Lat. 18° 10’ and flows due North some 50 miles where it joins the Quaa Noi.
The area to the south of the Petchaburi watershed is drained by the Pran river, the source of which lies some 10 miles N. H. of the source of the Petchaburi river and about 10 miles on the Hastern or Siamese side of the boundary range.
All these three rivers for the first 20 miles of their courses lie in deep gorges, together with their hundreds of tributaries. Only occasionally dosmall flats occur in the bottoms, and these are seldom of any extent. The greatest altitude found was 1505 metres (5000 ft.)
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 133
on the boundary in N. Lat 12° 54’, and asarule in that district the boundary is over 1100 metres in height, rarely fajling below 800 metres. There is an entire absence of plateau-like or undulating ground, the mountains being steep sided, and the ridges or summits, seldom more than 10 to 30 metres in breadth, falling away on either side to the valleys at slopes varying from 25 to 60 degrees. Generally speaking the summits of ranges or ridges are from 300 to 500 metres higher than the valleys directly beneath them.
There is, thus, very little deep humus or water holding soil, the greater part of the rainfall finding its way immediately to the rivers, and accounting for the sudden floods to which these streams are subject, it being no uncommon occurence for the Petchaburi river in the rainy season to rise 20 feet in 12 hours, and 30 feet has been known in the same period. The formation is granite with a few small and isolated limestone outcrops.
With the exception of H. odorata, which is mainly confined to the banks of running streams, and a species of Salix growing both on the banks and in the shallows, the jungle is very varied, but the greater portion is dark and gloomy—the undergrowth varying in intensity according as the overhead foliage is light or heavy. Once off the main game tracks it is usually necessary to cut one’s way when ascending to mountain tops for work. As previously stated, the ridges slope away sharply on either side of the crest, but no view is obtainable until extensive clearing has been done. In the same way in the valleys, if one required sunlight in camp ‘to dry clothes or dry up the land leeches, it was always necessary to spend some hours felling the timber and jungle, and then frequently, owing to the depth of the ravine, it was only possible to obtain 3 or 4 hours sunshine.
The Karangs make a few paths in the vicinity of their houses and clearings, but otherwise the only paths available are those made by the wild elephants. These cross and recross the streams every 50 or 100 yards but are otherwise frequently quite good. A few main tracks were found leading over the less steep ranges—paths used by the ele- phants during the rains when in search of bamboo shoots, and leading over dividing ranges from one valley to another.
I propose to deseribe a couple of trips in that country which will indicate its nature away from the main stream.
134 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol Tf.
On the 15th March 1912 I left my headquarters camp with 20 coolies and, crossing a low ridge, slept that night at a big rock pool in the Huey Ma Rew, a favourite haunt of langurs, and attracted by the excrement of these, or some other cause, numberless flies kept up a humming as of swarms of bees till nightfall and started again at dawn. In the previous year a herd of sladang haunted this pool for some months : and on one occasion while we were improving the game track to make it serviceable for mail transport, a sladang waited at the side of the path watching me till I approached within 10 yards. The first intimation I had of its presenes was when, whirling round, it dashed up the hillside. At other times I have found them lying down during the heat of the day on the more open knolls of a hillside, and on such occasions they go crashing down to the valleys before one gets near them; and the fact of this beast waiting is probably attributable to the haphazard and ‘‘doing nothing in particular” manner of my approach.
Following the stream to its source, the path ascends steeply and crosses the rather flat watershed between the Ma Rew and Maa La liang valleys at an elevation of some 450 metres. I found the bed of a small dry stream crossing the path to be much encrusted with a deposit of lime several inches in thickness, and more especially of course where the water had trickled down small declivities. In the previous year I saw on this path a large family of the big muscular Stump-tailed Macacques—never found outside the evergreen jungle and usually at some elevation. In 1911 I obtained a young one dropped by his mother in her flight, and this I kept till it died of sun- stroke during the present year.
Continuing along the well defined game track, the path descends at an easy slope to the Huey Maa La Liang. This stream has its source at the base of a mountain range surmounted by a grass covered peak some 1250 metres in height, and is the only mountain within a radius of ten miles with aname toit (Kao Pa Nern Toong). In the previous year the valley was inhabited by a Karang and his family, but in April the wife and daughter fell ill with cholera, and the husband fled leaving them to die and their bodies to dry in the sun. In cases of cholera and small pox, Kariangs and Karangs immediately flee, forming new settlements elsewhere, but I believe as a rule bury their dead. In 1912, small pox broke out in my headquarters camp, and
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 135
some few Kariangs did temporarily quit their homes near by, but a Government official arriving, tied new 5 cent pieces round the necks of all and sundry and so averted disaster.
Following the game track, we were attracted by the smell of some dead beast, and found, some 10 yards from the path, a black leopard lying flat on its back with its neck or its back apparently broken. The ground at that point was flat and covered with very tall trees, the nearest branches being not less than 80 feet from the ground. It appeared to me that the leopard had been chasing langurs in the branches overhead and, missing its footing, fell from a great height and was killed. here was no wound on the body apparently, though I did not long pursue investigations on account of the stench,
Though shut in by mountains on all sides this valley is more open than most, and contains a good deal of secondary growth.
The Grey Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron thibetanum) was ex- ceptionally common, and the call when heard from a great height above the valley resembles that of a hoarse goat. Near at hand it is “* qua-qua-qua,” repeated with lessening intervals until the bird appa- rently becomes apoplectic and can only screech, I have been told by trustworthy men that the Peacock-pheasant is the “‘ kaw kaw ” bird, and that on a sudden clap of thunder a captive bird was actually seen uttering this sound. On the crash caused by falling trees or on a clap of thunder, this “kaw kaw” is instantly heard, together with the barking of any langurs within hearing, and I have only heard this “kaw kaw” in jungle inhabited by the Peacock-pheasant. In the higher and darker portions of this valley I first saw the Pittas, and also an Orange-headed Ground-Thrush, snared by the feet. Wood Partridges also were common and were snared by the coolies, who imitate the call with a reed.
At this point I turned South, ascended to about 600 metres and dropped down into the head waters of the Pran river, and following down this, arrived at a Karang settlement of four houses. Here I obtained the Bronze-winged Dove (Chalcophaps indica) which is by no means common in Petchaburi though generally distributed, and I have only met them singly, never in small flocks as, according to Oates, they are found in Burmah.
I obtained also the White-breasted Water-hen. The only mammal shot was the big black squirrel (Ratufa melanopepla), much more
136 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
sluggish than the common squirrel, and which has the habit of lying spread flat on big horizontal branches for some time when observed, with perhaps the end of the tail appearing over the side only.
From here I followed down the Pran valley to the next Karang hamlet, and ascending a range of 600 metres to the South Hast, crossed over into the Huey Sat Yai, a stream considerably bigger than the parent Pran river.
On the march we found old evidences of rhinoceros, and the cook collected all the dried excrement he could find, the Chinese having great faith in anything connected with the rhinoceros as medicine.
The game track up the Sat Yai is excellent going in the dry season, and the track must have been used without change for generations by pachyderms, judging by the gnarled tree roots and rocks polished and worn smooth occurring in the path. On the 2nd day’s journey up this stream, at about nine o’clock, we found ourselves on the brink of a dry gully, which extended in an almost straight line far up the hill side, and showed up clearly against the deep green jungle on either side. A pair of Malay bears were observed feeding and _ leisurely turning over stones up the gully some 200 yards away. These I stalked and missed, but I came back at 6 p.m. when another bear appeared in the same spot, and this I also missed, misjudging the distance in the failing light. The Malay bear was frequently observed in that valley and took little heed of the coolies going to and fro for rice and supplies.
Two days later, continuing the march upstream, the fresh tracks of rhinoceros were found. I have not yet seen one, but from the fact of native hunters recognizing the “raadt” or one-horned species and the ‘“l-pa-soo” with two horns, it is almost certain that both R. sondaicus and R. sumatrensis exist in that area, I have found their tracks up to and above 4000 feet. In 1911, a female with young attacked a Survey party in the Yang Choom valley, and savagely bit a coolie in the arm.
It was found necessary to camp on a ridge of some 1200 metres on the boundary, water being brought up daily by the coolies from the valley 700 metres below. The trees at that elevation are entirely clothed with mosses, tree ferns and orchids, and many of the outer trees are stunted, there being no high ranges on the Tenasserim side at that point to lessen the force of the S. W. monsoon,
The Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon (Carpophuga griseieapilla) was obtained here. The call is a peculiarly deep “‘er-woob-woom” and I have
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 137
only heard it at elevations of 1000 metres or more. A Davison’s Barbet
t (Cyanops davisoni) was obtained with three young, in a hole at the top of a dead stump. All the barbets are bad sleepers, and throughout the night in jungle country, whether camping in valley or mountain top, one hears their monotonous call.
At this high elevation a brilliantly coloured snake was found, possibly Doliophis bivirgatus. The snake, some 4 feet long, was azure- blue covered with small white spots, the whole head and last 6 inches of the tail being a brilliant red, glistening as though painted with enamel. In July my coolies met and described to me a similar snake, fuund at some 800 metres elevation.
Working on this 1200 metre ridge, two species of Horse Fly (Tabanus rubidus and T. striatus) were very troublesome, in addition to hundreds and thousands of thirsty bees of five different sizes which, during the hot season, are always attracted to freshly felled spots, and hinder one’s work by entering eyes, ears, and nose, swarming on the hands and exploring up one’s sleeves in their search for moisture. Fre- quently they become so bad as to necessitate smoke fires. Fortunately only two of the larger species of bee sting. The largest, with a buff band round the body, constructs big half-circular nests beneath the horizontal limbs of a smooth backed species of Ficus, or beneath an overhanging rock on a cliff face. This species is widely distributed and I saw a nest in course of making beneath an arch at the Colombo Museum.
While on the subject of thirsty insects, it may be of interest to mention that certain Skipper and Fritillary butterflies have the power of exuding drops of water to moisten surfaces on which they wish to feed, and I think this must be a peculiarity of tropical butter- flies, as I certainly never noticed or heard of it in Hurope. On one occasion a Skipper exuded five drops of water within the space of two minutes on the back of my hand, dabbling his trunk in the drop between his hind legs until finished, when he repeated the process. The drops were of large size and the five together would apparently equal the bulk of the insect’s body. I have seen them do the same thing on a chair or table in camp,
When ascending to this camp on the 28th March, we experienced torrential rain, and on the 81st the camp was enveloped in cloud. Descending on the lst April, we found the rains and floods had brought
1388 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
out the land leeches, and the coolies, who are as a rule rather leisurely on the march, fairly raced through the valleys, halting only on rocks in mid-stream to pull or scrape the leeches off. Later in the season the coolies became more expert, and on the march carried a stick apiece, to the end of which they tied on a tiny bag containing tobacco, pounded chilies, and red lime. This dabbed on a leech had the effect of instantly shrivelling it up. From observation I think these worms are very sensitive to, and hunt or are attracted by, vibration, making no use of their rudimentary eye spots. Keeping quite still, and with ten or more leeches in sight standing erect, slowly waving their heads about, I stamped my foot, when they would all advance towards me, but would then stop in doubt, unless the stamp were repeated. The young appear in May or June and are a great nuisance in July, being then only the size of needles, and can get through lace holes in boots and crevices in putties with ease.
The camp in the valley was some 400 metres above sea level, shut in on all sides by mountains of 1200 to 1300 metres elevation, and two hours after arrival in camp the Huey Sat Yai rose some five feet and became quite impassable. I obtained here a Rail which I believe to be Rallina superciliaris, and which seemed to me quite out of place in dense forest, nor have I met the bird elsewhere.
On the return journey heavy rain fell on the 4th April. On the 5th my dogs picked up the scent of a tiger off the shrubs aud bushes bordering on the path, and, as the scent got hotter, off the path itself ; this was 9 a.m. and it became apparent that the tiger was going down for a morning drink at a rock pool just ahead. I crawled round the last bend hoping to see the beast drinking, but found two Karangs having breakfast there, and they informed me that on sight of them the beast had bolted up the hillside. Tigers have recently been giving some trouble in the coast districts of Ratburi, but I do not know of any authentic case of molestation by tigers among the hundreds of coolies who have been employed by the Survey Department in the wild parts of Ratburi. They have taken an inquisitive interest in our doings and eaten our transport mules; and on one occasion a tiger walked all round and between a party of four coolies sleeping out on a sand bank, but they knew nothing of its presence till morning.
On the 15th April I left headquarters camp for a trip to the head waters of the Bang Kloi river, and on the 3rd day out arrived
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 139
at a surveyor’s camp situated in a deep gorge at the head of the Hue Maa Pradohn. The surveyor had a live larder containing peacock- pheasants and hill partridges. He had also the skin of a very rare cat, Prionodon maculosus (the Burmese Linsang), which had been trapped after several raids on the penned birds. The skin was subsequently lost in the floods. The following night I slept at a Trig. station above the camp, elevation 1150 metres. Heavy rain fell that night, and the following morning the view was exquisite—the whole valley of the Bang Kloi being a sea of white cloud with the higher ridges and peaks showing up as dark green islands. To the East the Gulf of Siam was Just visible. Descending Westwards from here was very bad going, and a couple of days were spent in searching the numerous ravines for anything like a human track leading up to the ‘“‘ House at the Heart of the World” (Ban Chai Paan Din). We arrived there on the 24th April, very curious to see this solitary Karang household and eager to buy rice, of which the Trig. party had reported there was a large sup- ply. The husband was away, and neither the wife nor a dirty youth {alleged to be an ‘angel’ with a knowledge of all languages) could speak Siamese. The place certainly surprised me, being situated on a slight spur jutting out from a small flat-topped range of some 800 metres elevation. On a cleared space was a “ bawt ” or temple, and near it a small “wihan,” together with a couple of buildings not usually
to the North of the “bawt” a small rectangular building for the male ‘ chao” or spirit and to the
found in Buddhist places of worship, viz:
South, one for the female—the latter being some 8 feet square and perched on the top of a 6 feet pole, access being had by a ladder. Around these buildings the ground was perfectly cleared of weeds, and flowering trees and shrubs had been planted and clipped for ornament. From this point a splendid view of the mountain ranges to the East was Obtainee. The following day the owner, Palloogaw, returned, a tall Karang with a heavy moustache. He could speak a little Siamese, and sold me a quantity of rice and chickens—the only Karang in the whole of Petchaburi who had rice for sale. On my asking him how he had found this spot for his abode, Palloogaw replied that the “chao” had told him of the spot in a dream ; but I afterwards found out that he himself was reared at Lum Sai on the Qnaa Noi River, and had lived here with his wife for the past 22 years, her parents having migrated from Tennasserim, the boundary being only two miles distant. The
140 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
man was apparently his own head priest, and on movolight nights entered his temple anl slowly beat a smalldrum. My coolies were afraid to trespass near the temple, and when my assistant asked per- mission to worship there, the old man said he must first anoint him.
The household was unusually large, the parents and eleven children, all alive and sturdy, owing their health presumably to the high elevation, and having been settled there for many years past, the primeval forest had been felled each year in small patches for some distance around. Karang families asa rule are very small, one man this year telling me that his wife had had twenty children, of whom three survived, and they are, too, very improvident, seldom having sufficient rice to last for the whole year. In 1912, the Karangs at the head waters of the Petchaburi, were living on a species of a big potato m July, and would have to subsist on roots and tubers until the rice crop matured in December. Being laid up here for a week with a poisoned foot, I was able to study the ‘‘angel” previously referred to. He appeared to be a youth more weakly and therefore more indulged than the others, and could speak neither Siamese nor Burmese, though he was an excellent shot with a cross bow.
Travelling North and crossing the head waters of the Bang Kloi, we crossed the watershed at 1000 metres elevation and followed down the Meh Pachee river, and on the second day arrived at the Karang hamlet nearest to “‘ Chai Paan Din,” arriving at Sooan Peung on the 8rd day. Here mules were obtained, and when nearing Ratbur? on the 6th May a heavy storm burst, lightning striking the parched fields and raising huge clouds of dust. Hail falling in large lamps whitened the ground, and within half an hour the paddy fields were flooded.
I was laid up in Bangkok some three weeks, but left again at the end of May with 74 Lao coohes and 10 Chinese. Of these latter, four succumbed to malaria and privation—the Chinese appearing to be useless for any kind of pioneer work. Arriving at headquarters camp, 1 found a number of men down with malaria, so on 9th June started oft to complete the Topo. detail survey on the boundary. The water had risen considerably but the dug outs all reached the rice depot at the Klephant’s Tusk rapid without mishap on the 12th June.
On the way up we met the Kariang head man from Tah Ling Lom with five others, returning from a fruitless search for Ban Chai
FAUNA AND. FLORA, RATBURI PETCHABURI. 141
Paan Din, he having received orders to bring in the reported “ angel.”
With the water rising steadily, the old route for supplies along the bed of the Petchaburi river became impossible, and a new route had to be cut over the mountains. In three days we progressed two miles and regained the East bank of the Petchaburi river again. I ascended two hills here to get the lie of the country and find a possible route tu the boundary, and while camped here an emaciated party rafted down in search of food.
We endeavoured to bridge the flooded river by felling trees, but finally had to cross on a pontoon raft of bamboos, hauling it to and fro with giant rattans. Hven thus it was a perilous journey, and all valuables had bamboo floats tied to them before being put aboard.
Arrived at the far bank, further path cutting was necessary, and while we were doing this a pair of porcupines ran out of their burrow and, gazing for a second, ran off. The burrow was situated some 100 metres up the hillside, and later on, endeavouring to smoke them out, the half-gnawed lower jaw of a pig was discovered in the burrow. No records were kept of porcupines obtained, but [ presume they are of the same species as those obtained at Hua Hin, viz, Hystrix grotet.
Crossing a ridge, we descended into a tributary stream flowing from the West, and ascending this for a day’s march, made camp at a spot showing fresh tracks of tapir, and the bed place of one of them was found some 150 metres up the hillside. Tapirs appear to have the habit, in common with the great cats, of scratching up the ground with the hind feet, and frequently deposit their excrement at the bases of trees. They are never, | believe, intentionally shot by jungle folk, who look upon these rather defenceless creatures as peculiar, They allege that the Creator, having devised all other beasts to his entire satisfaction, had left over numerous remnants of clay. Taking these in his hands, he rolled them all up together, exclaiming “‘p’som-sett”.* Hence the tapir, with four toes in front, and three on the hind feet as in the rhinoceros, and in other parts superficially resembling some other animals.
On the return of the coolies sent back to the depot for rice, camp was again shifted up on to a ridge of 900 metres elevation.
NN
* Literally, “the mixing is finished.”
142 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Being July, the S. W. Monsoon was at its height and my werk was greatly hindered by mist. Heavy rain fell daily, but fortunately the leaves of a broad-leaved palm were available for roofing.
At this time, of my 32 coolies, only 10 were available for work, 12 went to and fro to the ““Elephant’s Tusk” depot for rice, and one- third were always down with malaria. Of the gang sent back for rice, three men preferred the excitement of rafting down the rapids (on a few bamboo poles strung together) to the drudgery of scrambling along the cut path on the banks, and in consequence were laid up for several weeks with bad wounds. Added to the climatic discomforts was the fact that we were constantly short of rice, owing to the ferry raft breaking away on one trip, when a considerable amount of rice was lost.
On this ridge I met a species of black langur (Presbytis femoralis) not previously observed elsewhere.
This species is less robust in form than the other species inhabiting Petchaburi, viz. P. obscuwrus, and was not observed at elevations below 800 metres. The fur is woollier than in other species, and the young appear to be black or dark-coloured in early life. The call, which may be rendered ‘‘oo-00-terruk”, is entirely different from that of P. obscurus or germaini, and it lacks the hoarse bark of these two species. The Northern limit of P. femoralis appears to be N. Lat 13% 50’, where the boundary range drops to 350 metres elevation and is crossed by a belt of deciduous dry jungle, which would appear to be unsuitable for the species. From here it ranges down to Singapore, though the Malayan type has considerably more white on the belly and underparts than any specimens obtained by me.
The White-handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) was. also obtained here, and was found to have a good deal of fat on the shoulders and back, possibly affording it some protection against the awful weather. The hill men (Karangs) have also observed that the gibbon is very fat during the rains. ‘The species is most variable, ranging from a dirty straw colour to black, but the hair on hands and feet is invariably white, as also is a ring round the face.
On this ridge was found a very big herd of Stump-tailed Macacques (probably M. rufescens), and hearing them before seeing them I thought the sound was that of a pack of wild dogs quarrelling over a carcase. The adults galloped off leaving the youngsters to make their way to the tree tops. Following the game track on top of the
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 143
ridge, a solitary boar was bagged, not apparently in the least perturbed by the explosion of the gun in shooting a hornbill only 70 yards away. A flying lemur (Galeopithecus volans) was observed clinging to the side of a tree, hanging at the full extent of its fore legs with the tail tucked away out of sight, and certainly not head downwards as reported by Blanford. This specimen was a beautiful soft grey in colour, and when disturbed the parachute was seen to be adark brown. It floated away to the base of a tree, and flopped up the trunk in a most ungainly way. When hanging on the trunk of a tree it has the appearance of a pear-shaped excrescence, and finding itself observed would impercep- tibly sidle round the trunk. At 900 metres a monitor (Varanus nebulosus) was shot while eating a lizard of the genus Calotes, and afforded a pleasant change in a daily diet of dried pig, the flesh having the appearance of fish and a taste resembling chicken.
Work on this ridge being completed, on the 18th July camp was shifted down to the stream, the sick men being pushed and rolled down, and the treatment apparently did them good for none died. Making these men as comfortable as possible and putting the cons valescents in charge, the following day | climbed a ridge of 1,000 metre- to the North, taking with me 4 days rice, and water for one night. The first day on the ridge was fine and a considerable amount of work was completed, but on the following day, shifting camp again northwards along the ridge, the clouds never lifted for more than three or four minutes at a time, several hours being wasted searching for a Trig. point near which | wished tocamp. During the search, an immense solitary boar was shot, standing 33 inches at the shoulder. This beast was very fat and estimated to weigh about 300 Ibs. Only one testicle had dropped. The tusks were fair, being about 9 inches in length.
This ridge was broader than usual, and running water was obtained only 50 metres below the summit. During the next twelve days the climatic conditions were not pleasant, The mountains on the Tennasserim side, to the West, being of low elevation, the full force of the monsoon whistled through the trees, driving clouds and mist through the camp, and the tree tops were usually invisible. Mosses and orchis flourished on the firewood, and did not wither till actually licked by the flames. Land leeches paraded about the kitchen, and a small blood-sucking fly left peculiar blood spots beneath the skin on exposed parts of the body. The fly attacked the bare legs of the coolies,
144 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
and on scratching, mud or dirt penetrated, poisoning the blood and in- capacitating them.
On the day of arrival we found the fresh tracks of elephant, rhinoceros and tapir; but it was surprising to find the black langur (P. femoralis) staying on the exposed ridges during such weather, when even the gibbons were silenced, and also numerous small passerine birds including flower-peckers, fantail-flycatchers and babblers. A big flock of hill partridges haunted the camp, and on the 2nd August a green jay (Cissa chinensis) was obtained, one of a party of five. On one occasion when going to the Trig. station, for the daily dreary wait for a break in the clouds, a large herd of pig were observed feeding within 20 yards of the ridge summit, all unconscious of our presence ; and_ so they remained, for the guns had been sent in another direction to secure langur meat.
It may be of interest to mention that wild pigs make nests, and when first I struck one of these I took it to be the nest of some archaic bird, but the coolies recognised it immediately as a pig’s nest. Several have been observed, entirely composed of sticks ranging from the size of a finger to an inch in diameter, all having been bitten off from the jungle around the nest. The pile is rather less than 3 metres broad by 1 high, and the pig tunnels beneath the pile. Blanford mentions that in India pigs make nests of grass, but in the evergreen jungle there is little or no grass.
During this year I came across another nest or shelter which puzzled me considerably. At an elevation of 850 metres on the boundary, I found a rough shelter formed of leafy branches, thick end uppermost and supported by a thin clump of small bamboos. The branches appeared to have been arranged methodically, and looking for the mark of a knife, [ found that the branches had been bitten and torn off from the tree overhead, which was stripped of its smaller branches, some of which had not fallen to the ground but lay withered in the forks above. <A bear's claw marks were visible on the tree, so it is a point for investigation as to whether bears form some sort of shelter during the rains.
On the 15th day of our sojourn in this inhospitable region the clouds lifted for short periods, and on the 4th August the sun broke through for 3 hours, enabling me to complete the work on the bound-
ary. The following day the return journey was commenced in the
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 145
pouring rain, the descent to the valley not being easy on the slippery clay, and the flooded stream down which our path lay was barely negotiable. On arrival at the big river, one of a very noisy flock of Tickell’s Hornbill ( Anorrhinus Tickelli) was obtained, the species apparently having a much wider range than supposed by Oates, who records this bird only from one valley near Moulmein, about 200 miles to the North of this point.
On arrival at Elephant’s Tusk depot, I was relieved to find that all other parties had completed and returned to headquarters camp some time previously. ‘Tae canoe men on rice transport told me that 50°/, of the bamboo rafts starting from Elephan’ts Tusk had smashed up in the rapids, and I therefore decided to cut my way out, using the canoes for the sick. The canoe men picked up four starving and raft- wrecked Chinese coolies on the way down, two of whom died after arrival at headquarters camp.
Of the 400 men engaged on the work in the Petchaburi hinter- land, 7°/, died of malaria in the district, and 3°/, from other causes, cholera, small pox, suicide and drowning; and looking back on the awful difficulties experienced in that country during the monsoon, [ am surprised that the percentage was not greater. Of my own coolies none died of malaria, and this [ attribute to their having plenty of pig and monkey meat when the rice failed, and to a daily dose of 5 grains
of quinine,
146
LIST OF MAMMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS OBTAINED IN THE RATBURI AND PETCHABURI DISTRICTS.
OOS
The nomenclature as in Iauna of British India has been followed except in such cases where the British Museum or other authority has reverted to an earlier name or split ip species. In such eases the newer name is used, those in the Fauna beiug given in brackets.
Species identified by the authorities of the British Museum are shown in heavy type, thus :—Hylobates lar.
Species of which no specimens have been retained or which
were only observed are marked with an asterisk. MAMMALS. ORDER PRIMATES.
Hylobates lar. The White-handed Gibbon. Macacus arcrompes. The Brown Stump-tailed Macacque. M. ruFESCENS. The Rufous Stwmp-tailed Macacque.
Of Nos. 2 and 3 no adult specimens have yet been obtained, and it is impossible to tell whether the young are arctoides or rufeseens. The young of the species obtained by me (I believe rufescens) has a very fetid scent, whereas adult captive specimens of what I think are arctoides from N. Lat. 10° have no scent.
M. Nemestrinus. The Pig-tailed Macacque.
M. cynomoLoGcus. The Crab-eating Macacque.
Presbytis Barbel. Barbe’s Lanqur.
P. obscurus. Vhe Dusky Langur.
P. Germaini. Germain’s Lanqur.
P. femoralis. The Banded Lanqur.
Presbytis is the Semnopithecus of Blanford. P. Germaini occurs only as an isolated colony west of Ratburi and separates obscurus to the South from Barbet to the North.
NYCTICEBUS TARDIGRADUS. * The Slow Loris.
¥YAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURT.
ORDER CARNIVORA. FeLis Tigris. * The Tiger. I. parpus. * The Leopard or Panther. F. TEMMINCKI. * The Golden Cat. i. VIVERRINA. * The Hishing Cat. F. bengalensis. The Leopard Cat. F. chaus. The Jungle Cat. Viverra zibetha. The Large Indian Oivet. PRIONADON MACULOSUS. * The Burmese Tiger-Civet. Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Uhe Mulayan Palin-Orret, Canis aureus. The Jackal. Cyon rutilans. The Malay Wild Doy. Ursus rorquatus. * The Himalayan Black Bear. Ursus Matayanus. The Malay or Honey Bear.
ORDER INSECTIVORA. ‘TUPAIA FERRUGINEA. The Malay Tree Shrew. Galeopterus (GALEorITHECUS) volans. The Hlying Lemur. ORDER CHIROPTERA.
PTEROPUS SP. * (probably EDULIS. The Hlying Vox). RHINOLOPHUsS LucTUS. The Great Eastern Horse-shoe Bat.
ORDER RODENTIA,
147
Ratufa melanopepla (Sc. sicotor). Whe lurye » Maloy
Squirrel,
Sciurus caniceps. The Golden-backed Squirrel.
S. atrodorsalis. The Black-backed Squirrel.
S. epomophorus.
S. Maccvetianpt Barset. Whe Striped Himalayan Squirrel.
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat.
RHIZOMYS SUMATRENSIS. The Large Bamboo Rut.
RHIZOMYS sp. * (probably Bapius. The Bay Bainhoo Rut).
Hystrix grotei. The Malay Porcupine.
LEPUS SIAMENSIS (PEGUENSIS.) The Siumese Hure. ORDER UNGULATA.
MLEPHAS MAXIMUS. * The Indian Elephant.
RHINOCEROS SONDAICUS. * The Small One-horned Rhinoceros.
148
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
RHINOGCEROS SUMATRENSIS. * The Asiatic Two-horned Rhinoceros.
TAPIRUS INDICUS. * The Malay Tapir.
Bos Gaurus. * The Gaur or Indian Bison.
B. sonpaicus. * The Banting.
CAPRICORNIS (NEMORHAEDUS ) SUMATRENSIS MiLNE-EDWARDSI. The Goat Antelope.
CERVULUS MUNTJAC CURVOSTYLIS. The Barking Deer.
CeRvuLUS FEAE. he Black Barking Deer.
CERVUS UNICOLOR EQUINUS. The Malay Sambar.
TRAGULUS SP. * (probably Javanicus. The Mouse Deer).
Sus cristatus. The Indian Wild Pig.
EDENTATA. Manis sp. * (probably Javanica. The Malay Pangolin).
BIRDS.
I regret that this list is in no way representative of the avifauna
of the Petchaburi—Ratburi district, but my collecting has been done
with a 12 bore gun, which is not suitable for small Passerine birds.
Other classes | have inexcusably neglected—noticeably the Wood-
peckers which abound in this area.
13:
The numbers are those of the Fauna of British India-— Birds.
ORDER PASSERES.
+4. CORVUS MACRORHYNCHUS. The Jungle-Crow. ¢il4. Cissa CHINENSIS. The Green Macy +t4. DRYONASTES CHINENSIS. The Blac
k-throated lLaughing- Thrush.
t71. GarRuLAxX Diarpi. The Siamese White-crested Laughing-
Thrush. POMATORHINUS OLIVACEUS. The Tenasserim Scimitar Babbler.
+476. M1xornis RUBRICAPILLUS. The Yellow-breasted Babbler. +250. CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA. The Burmese Chloropsis.
1255.
+290.
MELANOCHLORA SULTANEA. ‘The Sultan-bird. OTOCOMPSA FLAVIVENTRIS. The Black-crested Yellow Bulbul.
+299. Pycnonorus FinLaysoni. Finlayson’s Stripe-throated Bulbul. +327. Dicrurus ATER. The Black Drongo. +340. DISSEMURUS PARADISEUS. The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 149
475. Lantus nigRicers. The Black-headed Shrike.
+191. PERICROCOTUS FRATERCULUS. The Burmese Scarlet Minivet. +512. ArtTamus Fuscus. The Ashy Swallow-Shrike.
4.514. OrtoLus inpicus. The Black-naped Oriole.
+521. ORIoLUS MELANOCEPHALUS. The Indian Black-headed Oriole.
+524. HULABES INTERMEDIA. The Indian Grackle.
536. Srurnria SINENSIS. The Chinese Myna.
+546. GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS. The Black-necked Myna.
549. ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS. The Common Myna.
4553. AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS. The Siamese Myna.
+556. STURNOPASTOR SUPERCILIARIS. The Burmese Pied Myna.
+ 575. CyYORNIS RUBECULOIDES. The Blue-throated Flycatcher. £599, TERSIPHONE AFFINIS. The Burmese Paradise Flycatcher. *601. HyporHymis azurREA. The Indian Black-naped Flycatcher. +606. RurpipuRA JAVANICA. The Java Fantail Flycatcher.
563. CopsycHus sauLaRIs. The Magpie-Robin. +664. Cittocincla macrura. The Shama. +686. GkrocicHLa ciTRina. The Orange-headed Ground-Thrush. +721. PLoceus MEGARHYNCHUS. The Hastern Baya. ~ 301. EMBERIZA RUTILA. The Chestnut Bunting.
*341. ANTHUS MACULALUS. The Indian Tree-Pipit.
*884. AxerHopyGa CARA. The Tenasserim Yeilow-backed Sun-bird. +912. Dicarum cruentatum. The Scarlet-backed Flower-pecker. 7-930. Prrra cyanea, The Blue Pitta. | #931. Prrra cyaNnopreRa. The Lesser Blue-winged Pitta. +935. Pitta cucullata. The Green-breasted Pitta.
ORDER EURYLAEMI. +939. Corypon sumaTRANUS. ‘The Dusky Broadbill. +940. CYMBORHYNCHUS MACRORHYNCHUS. The Black-and-red Broadbill. ORDER PICT. +984. Micropternus brachyurus. The Malay Rutous Woodpecker. ORDER ZYGODACTYLI. 41009. THEREICERYX LINEATUS. The Lineated Barbet. +1013. Oyanors Davisoni. Davison’s Blue-throated Barbet. 41019, XANTHOLAEMA HAEMATOCEPHALA. ‘The Crimson-breasted Barbet.
150 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
71023. + 1027. +1032. +1033. 1035.
+ 1043.
+1050. #1051. 41055.
~1055. +1059. + 1067.
ye
1091. +1096. #1098.
71103. +1120. 1150, 41133.
#1140. 31145,
+1152. +1170. +1178. 71183. 1.1187.
71189.
ORDER ANISODACTYLI.
Coracias AFFINIS. The Burmese Roller. |
MERopPS PHILIPPINUS. The Blue-tailed Bee-eater. Nycrrornis amictus. The Red-beaded Bee-eater.
CERYLE VARIA. The Indian Pied Kingfisher.
ALCEDO SP. * (probably 1spipa. The Common Kingfisher). PELARGOPSIS GURIAL. The Brown-headed — Stork-billed Kingfisher.
CARCINEUTES PULCHELLUS. The Banded Kingfisher. DICHOCEROS BICORNIS. The Great Hornbill.
ANTHRACOCEROS ALBIROSTRIS. ‘The Indo-Burmese Pied Hornbill.
Rhytidoceros subruficollis. Blyth’s Wreathed Hornbill. PriLOLAEMUS TICKELLI. Tickell’s Hornbill.
Upurpa tnpica. The Indian Hoopoe.
ORDER MACROCHIRES.
CaPRIMULGUS asiatTicus. The Common Indian Nightjar. LYNCORNIS CERVINICEPS. The Great Hared Nightjar. Batrachostomus affinis. Blyth’s Frogmouth.
ORDER TROGONES. Harpactes oreEscius. The Yellow-breasted Trogon. HUDYNAMIS HONORATA. The Indian Koel. CENTROPUS SINENSIS. The Common Coucal or Crow-Pheasant CENTROPUS BENGALENSIS. The Lesser Coucal.
ORDER PSITTACI. PaLAEoRNIS ROSA. The Eastern Blossom-headed Paroquet.
PALAEORNIS FASCIATUS. The Red-breasted Paroquet.
ORDER STRIGES. STRIX FLAMMEA. The Barn-Owl or Screech-Owl. Hunua NEPALENSIS. * The Forest Hagle-Owl. Scops BAKKAMOENA. The Collared Scops Owl. GLAUCIDIUM CUCULOIDES. The Large Barred Owlet. Nivox scuruLata. The Brown Hawk-Owl.
ORDER ACCIPITRES.
PANDION HALIAETUS. The Osprey.
FAUNA AND FLORA, KATBURI, PETCHABURL. 15]
FLIOL. (~1 196. #1209.
+ 1287. +-1291. #1302. +1308. +1311. pe
41369.
#1374.
41386.
Orocyrs catvus. The Black Vulture.
PsEuDOGYPS BENGALENSIS. The Indian White-backed Vulture. Lophotriorchis kieneri. The Rufous-bellied Hawk-Hagle. SPrLORNIS CHEELA. The Crested Serpent-Hagle. PoroaETus IcHTHyAETUS. The Large Grey-headed Mishing- Kagle.
Haxrastur inpus. The Brahminy Kite.
Mu.vus govinpa. The Common Pariah Kite.
Minvus mevanotis. The Large Indian Kite.
AccIPiTeR sp. * (probably vrrcarus. The Besra Sparrow- Hawk).
Baza LopHotes. * The Black-crested Baza.
*
MICROHIERAX FRINGILLARIUS. * The Red-legged Falconet.
ORDER COLUMBAE.
OsmoTRERON Puayrer. The Ashy-headed Green Pigeon. OsMoTRERON BIcINCTA. The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon. TRERON NEPALENSIS. ‘Che Thick-billed Green Pigeon. CaRPOPHAGA AENEA. ‘lhe Green Imperial Pigeon,
Ducuna e@risercapinna. ‘The Grey-headed Imperial Pigeon. CHALCOPHAPS INDICA. ‘lhe Bronze-winged Dove. ALsocomus PuNIcEUS. ‘The Purple Wood-Pigeon.
Turtur TierINus. ‘The Malay Spotted Dove.
OENOPOPELIA TRANQUEBARICA. The Red-Turtle Dove. Macropyera sp. * (probably vusanra. ‘The Bar-tailed Cuckoo- Dove).
ORDER GALLINAL.,
Pavo muticus. The Burmese or Javan Peafowl. PoLyPLEcTRUM cHINQUIS. The Grey Peacock-Pheasant. GALLUS FERRUGINEUS. The Red Jungle-fowl.
GENNAEUS SP. (probably Suarpi, Sharpe’s Silver Pheasant). Ro.tuLus RouLROvL. The Green Wood-Quail.
Arboricola chloropus. (A species of Hill-Patridge). CALOPERDIX ocuLEA. The Ferruginous Wood-Partridge. I'RANCOLINUS CHINENSIS. ‘The Kastern or Chinese Irancolin.
ORDER HEMIPODTI.
TurNIx Buanrorpi. * The Burmese Button-Quail,
152 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
ORDER GRALLAL.
+1401. AMAURORNIS PHOENICURUS. The White-breasted Water- hen.
+-1408. GALLICREX CINEREA. The Water-cock.
+1404. PorpHyRio POLIOCEPHALUS. The Purple Moorhen.
+1410. Grus SHarpi. The Burmese Sarus Crane.
ORDER LIMICOLAE
+1428. Merroprpius 1npicus. The Bronze-winged Jacana.
+-1429. HyproPHASIANus cHrruRGUS. The Pheasant-tailed Jacana. 4+- 1432. SaRcoGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALIS. The Burmese Wattled
Lapwing.
+1435. HopLoprerus vENTRALIS. The Indian Spur-winged Plover. +1439. CHaRraprivus FuLVus. The Eastern Golden Plover.
+1447, Axeratitis puB1A. The Little Ringed Plover.
1484. GALLINAGO COELESTIS. The Fantail Snipe.
+1485. GaALLinaco sTENURA. The Pintail Snipe.
ORDER STEGANOPODES.
+1523. PELECANUS PHILIPPENSIS. * The Spotted-billed Pelican. 41526. PHatacrocorax carBo. The Large Cormorant. 14528. PHALAcRocorax JAavanicus. The Little Cormorant. ~-1529. Piorus MELANOGASTER. ‘The Indian Darter or Snake- bird. ORDER HHERODIONES.
+1541. Isis mMELANocEPHALA. * The White Ibis. ~ Thaumatibis gigantea. The Giant Ibis. +1548. Dissura Episcopus. The White-necked Stork. +1549. XNENORHYNCHUS astaTIcus. The Black-necked Stork. +1550, Lxepropritus pusius. The Adjutant. 44552. PsEuporaNTaLus LEUcocEPHALUS. The Painted Stork. +1553. Anastomus oscitans. * The Open-bill. +1554. ARDEA MANILLENSIS. Th Eastern Purple Heron. +1555. ARDEA CINEREA. The Common Heron. +1562. Busunicus coromanpus. The Cattle Kegret, 41565. Arproua Grayr. The Pond Heron. +1572. Arperra cinnaMomMEA. The Chestnut Bittern.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABURI. 158
ORDER ANSERES.
+4589. Denprocyena savanica. The Whistling Teal.
41591. Nerrrorus cornoMANDELIANUs. ‘The Cotton Teal.
+1601. Querquedula querquedula (circia). The Garganey or Blue- winged Teal.
REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS.
By MaALcoLm SMITH.
The following species were obtained by my collector during a trip with Mr. Gairdner’s party in January, February and March, 1914. ‘hey were all obtained in the Sai Yoke district, West of Long. 99° and between Lats. 14° and 14° 30’
REPTILES. CHELONTIA.
‘Tustupo ELONGATA, Blyth.
Trstupo Emys, Schley. & Mill. GEOEMYDA GRANDIS, (Gray. PLATYSTERNUM MEGACEPHALUM, Gra.
A single specimen of this rare tortoise Was obtained. Mr. Gairdner’s Karen guide told him that it sometimes climbed the trees overhanging the streams, and that when disturbed would drop off into the water below and so escape.
LACERTILIA.
PEGVENSIS Blae. GYMNODACTYLUS 3 de wy
The only previous record of this gecko in Siam is by Messrs.
Annandale and Robinson, from Patani. Draco VOLANS, Linn. Draco Bianrorpt, blyr.
Previously recorded in Siam from Patani and Trang. found in the Malay States, but according to Boulenger, not below 2500 feet in the more southern portions of the Eeninsula. Some of my specimens were caught at an elevation of 400 feet.
My man brought in five males and six females, and could have got many more as they appeared to be plentiful throughout the
district. The wing membrane was distinctly paler in the males than
1 Ld wa hee
Wy
154 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. ae OF SIAM Vol. I.
(7 fp in the females. A young specimen ‘had black bars upon the mem- branes. Gular pouch in the males considerably longer than the head, in the females a short tag.
Mr. Gairdner tells me these lizards were found chieHy upon trees of the genus Shorea, with the bark of which their coloration harmon- ized very closely. The male would frequently be seen to puff out his gular pouch, which then extended forwards beneath and beyond the chin, parallel with the head.
One female specimen contained two eggs.
ACANTHOSAURA CRUCIGERA, Bilgr.
our specimens of this somewhat rare lizard were obtained in dense evergreen jungle. It has not previously been recorded from Siam.
CALOTES VERSICOLOR, Daud. CALOTES EMMA, Gray. CALOTES CRISTATELLUS, Auhl.
This lizard, the common ‘“ chameleon” of the Peninsula, has not
heen previously recorded from Siam. CALOTES MystTAcEus, Duin & Bibr. LIOLEPIS BELLIANA, Gray. VARANUS NEBULOSUS, Gray. LYGOSOMA OLIVACEUM, (Gray.
I have received specimens of this lizard also from Bangtaphan, but it has not previously been recorded from the country.
LYGOSOMA VITTIGERUM, Blqr.
Two specimens of this very handsome skink were caught on trees in the Bong Tee Valley. It has not been previously recorded from Siam. One specimen had 28 scales round the body, the other 50. Coloration (in spirits) :—A greenish white vertebral stripe bordered on either side by a black one. <A less distinct and narrower dorso- lateral stripe starting from behind the eye. Sides pale greenish, thickly powdered with dark grey. Below greenish white. Digits with alternate light and dark bars, tail hght brown.
LyGosOMA MACULATUM, Dblyth,
This widely distributed lizard does not yet appear to have been recorded from Siam. I have since seen other specimens from various parts of the country.
LYGOSOMA BOWRINGL, Gitnther.
FAUNA AND FLORA, RATBURI, PETCHABUORI. lo:
Ot
OPHIDIA.
PyTHON RETICULATUS, Schneid. PoLYODONTOPHIS COLLARIS, (7'd//. This snake, not previously recorded from Siam, appears to be fairly widely distributed throughout the country. TRIRHINOPOLIS NUCHALIS, Blgr. Two specimens of this rare snake were obtained near the border at an elevation of 700 m. Details are as follows :— No. 1. (sex undermined, owing to damage). Total length, 158 mm., tail 53. Costals 15 throughout, the median scales faintly keeled on the posterior part of the body. Ventrals 141. Sub-
caudals 24. Colour (uw spirits). Above purplish brown, most of the scales
edged with black so arranged across the back as to present a series of fairly well-defined circular or oval rings. Below whitish, freely speckled with black, and with large, black rectangular spots, placed laterally. A black arrowheaded mark upon the nape, beginning at the frontal shield, and a pale chevron behind it. Most of the head scales edged with black. Chin and throat white.
No. 2. Male. Total length 458 mm, tail 47. Dorsal keels more stronly marked than in No. 1. Ventrals 182. Subcaudals 24.
Colour (in spirits). Light pinkish-brown above, the black edging to the scales forming posteriorly, tairly well defined crossbars. Belly only sparely sprinkled with black. The rectangular spots become crescentic in shape in the pesterior half.
The infralabials in this species are unusual, in that the first pair are not in contact with each other, but are separated by the chin- shields which are in contact with the mental.
TRopiponotus piscaTor, Kuhl. TROPIDONOTUS CHRYSARGUS, Schleq.
This species does not yet appear to have been recorded from the country except from Patani. It is fairly common in the jungle east of Sriracha.
CoLUBER RADIATUS, Schleq. CoLUBER OXYCEPHALUS, Boze.
A large specimen of this handsome snake was found in the B Tee valley. It has not previously been recorded from Siam.
SIMOTES VIOLACEUS, Cantor.
Ong
.
156 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. [.
Two specimens of this snake, not previously recorded from Siam, were taken. They belong to var. A (Boulenger, Cat, Snakes Brit. Museum). HypsigHiINA PLUMBEA, Bove. PSAMMODYNASTES PULVERULENTUS, Boie.
BATRACHIANS.
Rana Macropon, Dum. & Bibr.
A specimen of this frog, one of the largest species known, was heard calling one stormy night in the Huey* Maw Tee Maw by my man, who immediately sallied forth and captured it. Its loud cry of “ jong hong,” repeated at intervals of a minute, could be heard at a great distance.
[t has not elsewhere been recorded in the country except from Patani.
RHACOPHORUS LEUCOMYSTAX. Gravenh. Buro AasPER, Gravenh.
One specimen of this giant toad was caught in the Huey Bong ‘Tee at an elevation of 740 m, It has not been previously recorded in Siam north of the Isthmus of Kra.
* Huey =stream,
—" or J
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM THE INNER GULF OF SIAM.
~ oem
By C. Bopen Ktoss, F.Z.8.
In January 1915 I paid a short visit to Koh Si Chang * in the Inner Gulf of Siam and at its conelusion (having ro time to go on myself to the next island) sent my collectors to Koh Phai.
Koh Si Chang has been regarded of late as the type locality of Sciurus finlaysoni, but in looking through the history of that name it becomes evident that this is a mistaken view and that it applies to the white squirrel of the Siamese mainland.
Sciurus finlaysoni was described by Horsfield in 1824 (Zoological Researches in Java) trom specimens collected by Dr. George Finlayson, the naturalist who accompanied Crawford in his mission to Siam and Cambodia. It is evident that Horsfield, when erecting the species, had in mind the mainland animal, for he says that it is Buffon’s ‘“ Ecuriel blanc de Siam” which was seen at Lonpeen, a village situated in the extensive forests of Siam, by P. Tachard in his travels. The account of the species closes with an extract from Finlayson’s manuscript describing the white squirrel which ends “one of the specimens was shot by Lieut. Rutherford on the Islands called Sichang in the Gulf ot Siam.” It is ence more obvious that Finlayson, too, was dealing with the mainland animal and that this reference to the island example was merely a detail as to extent of range.
Further Horsfield, in the Catalogue of the Mammalia in the Musewn of the East India Company, 1851, again gives the locality of a specimen of S. finlaysoni as Siam, while Anderson who personally studied all the types of what he regarded as varieties of Scirus ferrugineus states (Zoological Researeh in Yunnan, p. 244) that “ the type of S. finlaysont was obtained in Siam by Dr. Finlayson and another was procured by
the same traveller in Sichange Id.” oD
* Koh ( Siamese )= Island.
158 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
This view of the case is much more satisfactory than the opinion held by recent workers, for the type of the jinlaysoni group will then be one of the mainland animals and not a degenerate island form, which on account of its small size and rather yellower colour, requires
a separate name and may be known as :—
Sciurus finlaysoni portus.
Seiurus jfinlaysoni, Anderson, loc. cit. supra; Flower (partim) P.Z.S. 1900, p. 355; Wroughton, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vol. I, p. 398 (1908) ; Gyldenstolpe (partim) Arkiv for Zoologi, Band 8, no. 23, p. 11 (1914).
Type. Adult male (skin and skull) No. 1938/CBK. Collected on toh Si Chang, Inner Gulf of Siam, 26th January, 1916.
Characters. Like S. finlaysoni jinlaysoni of the Siamese mainland but smaller and rather yellower,
Colour. Ivory yellow throughout, most intense on the upper surface and tail; but paler, almost white, on sides of head, chin and forelimbs. Skins of nostrils, lip, ears, soles of both feet, genitals black. Kyes black. Vibrissae black,
Measurements. Kar 17.5* Skull: basilar length 36.5, braincase breadth 21.7, proximal breadth of nasals 3.3, dista! breadth of nasals 6.6. For other measurements see table p. 161. ars of the series 17—19 mm.
Specimens examined. ‘Twenty-seven ; fifteen males and twelve females, all from the type locality.
Remarks. 1 found 8. f. portus very common on IXoh Si Chang and very fearless. Its small size is due to its insular habitat and to the poverty of the vegetation, large scrub rather than forest, with which the island is covered. It runs busily about the stems and branches, often almost descending to the ground, in its search for food. The pelage of many of the animals obtained is considerably abraded and in every cake has a sticky feeling very different from the smooth glossy hair of other squirrels, while both as skins and in the flesh a peculiar characteristic odour attaches to them,
In the series a number of animals have black yibrissae like the
type, in an equal number the vibrissae are pure white, while some have
* All measurements in millimetres.
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM SIAM. 159
them black and white mixed. In about half the series the hairs of the distal half of the tail are black tipped.
S. jfinlaysow jfinlaysont has been recorded by Anderson from the mainland, by Flower from the Banpakong River, by Bonhote from the Menam at an altitude of 75 metres, by Wroughton from the Menam and Cambodia, and by Gyldenstope from the Korat Plateau.
Sciurus finlaysoni folletti.
Type. Adult female (skin and skull) No. 1991/CBk. Collected on Koh Phai, Inner Gulf of Siam, 2nd February, 1915.
Characters. Pelage generally greyish yellow ; size small.
Colour. Hairs of pelage above deep neutral grey at base, at tips ivory yellow, top of head slightly deeper yellow ; the sides of head, fore and hind limbs greyer owing to decrease in the yellow element, pro- bably due to wear. Below, the base of the fur is light grey and the yellow tips are less distinct. Axillae and groin slightly washed with tawny. ‘Toes of fore and hind feet blackish, the hairs only slightly tipped with yellow. Tail above rather paler than back, below slightly yellower, the distal half obscurely banded grey and ivory yellow: the tip blackish. Vibrissae black.
Skull and Teeth. Do not differ the from the Koh Si Chang race of S. jinlaysoni either in size or characters.
Measurements. Ear 21, Skull: basilar length 36.6, braincase breadth 22, proximal breadth of nasals 3.4, distal breadth of nasals 6. For other measurements see table p. 162. lars of the series * 19— 23 mm.
Specimens exanined. Thirty-eight ; seventeen males and twenty- one females, all from the type locality.
Remarks. This squirrel is subject to a certain amount of varia- tion. When the pelage is abraded, as is frequently the case, the dorsal region is considerably darker and greyer than as givenabove. In some animals there is no tawny wash on axillae and groin, in others these areas are pale chesnut and the lower abdomen is also suffused with this colour.
One example has the tail ivory white throughout as in S. jinlaysoni portus from the neighbouring island, two or three have the tip only darkened, while in a number of the specimens the tail is throughout
* Measured by native collector.
160 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
obscurely and coarsely banded dark and light. There is also a tendency to a slight darkening along the median line of the under-surface which is, though very indistinctly, margined from the colour of the sides.
In size this race most nearly approximates among mainland animals to Sciwrus jloweri, Bonhote (Ann and May. Nat. Ilist., ser. 7, vol. VII. p. 455, 1901), but, as Mr. Bonhote himself has noted, the affinities of that species are not very clear so that for the present I prefer to treat the Koh Phai animal as a race of S. jinlaysont. In colour there is a partial resemblance to certain phases of 8. bocowrti, Milne Edwards (Wroughton, loc. cit. supra), but the presence of a white tail in several examples indicates a connection with the Koh $i Chang squirrel.
I have named this island race after Mr. C. B. Follett, Superinten- dent of Police in charge of Koh Si Chang and Koh Phai, whose assistance rendered it possible for me to send collectors to the latter island from Koh Si Chang after | returned to Bangkok.
161
ON TWO NEW SQUIRRELS FROM STAM.
i FIG | OU Le GOs 6 LOL | 06 \L68. | sor | FF | cor 981 cI “a : zh ‘ oc6L | Tél | 8°96 | Sst | 6 OL 61 Re oF | Sip | S8i | O6T A i Ke Ze iMpy OST GGL | 2a | OT | GG |-OOT | ge | See | soy | cH | Sur | Let d : Z pos'y ROT ete | Cel Mi | S68 | Ol Ol 8 bel eere | Gey Ost ver a : ¥ Zi _ S61 | SII | 22 FOL.| 6 | LOT | 6 “6S | F9F | Ger | OGL | S6T W ~ : 4 by Geel | Gel | woe |For | 6 9'OL | L6L | 68 | eer | ge | est | Zoe Ww a " z odéT “smpy | seor | ZT | oz | sor | 28 | 2'0r | ot OE \e'OF | Fr lean Ler W a e ie pesy ee6T) Gl | .8@ | vor | 26 | FOL | 0@ | TF | 224 | oF | OGI | 002 d = " qNpy O26 | 81 ogg |-o°aT 1 8'8 OL | eer | r26 | oe | ap | OT, | Tet Wt = = posy ezer| et | ave | rer | eo | ror | eer | eee | ovy | ose | cot | oct ad i * 3 Slob Fr OL i Siegel) Gp-.| 1°6 OT Gla Lee ee Zy | 99 =| 62T W : s 3 apy ATG te SEL | 69g, | “oi 6 €O1 | 61 6f oF VF | O61 | OST WK | Weg Jo [MH souuy ‘Suvyg rg qow S/TEE FSjees Fs eB pecpee?| B | eB ch emits SVU Se [23 Be. aS Si B'S 2 g = 8 Be 3 8 2 = = 2 ye aie alae 2 he eel oe | 2 eee) ae a ‘<3 Syypeoory = aE nan} te) 4 aes © St for) | TITOMS
a EE eee
‘SUULANITUIN NI SQLYOd INOSAVINIA SAUYAIOS AO SINANAYOSV AN
162
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol, I.
wUUpy
CO0G | el WG2zG 2 9r | 6 86 GSI | F8E 9F | IF AE “4 £006 |- GL 82a |: st (eG | Von Sel | see. \\6'9F | IF | GL ‘1 ZOOS | SGI | V2G | Sor | 6S OL) GRE |ees| Sey | - OF lust .: 100e OCIS | SLs \-eor | 16 Ol 6 ose oar | Ir 097 pesy 0006 |. El | G26-| gor | ee | sor | et ce | OF | oe | gor 661s) 60 | E22" | oon | 6 ot | ot | eee | s9t | ze | gor yUpV FGOGL {| Let 1G | FOL 6 OL Gist | eee | ESF | TF 661 ee 1661 | I | 8% Hes 2G OE 4) 60 or | sob | ce | zt posy G86I | 2.1L | 8% | BIS | 46:., | GtOe | 881 |.e'e¢° SOR | ee | ger I1Up¥ S461 | Gar | 26 | ozt | ee | ee |uer | gee | 9% Tt | Gt posy 9461) SCL | o2e | ver | es | ee | est! ge oF OF | COT qUPY GL6l S21 | gs | FOL | 16 OL 61 6 oF OF | SOI SYIBUOY oe & 8 5: ae a5 4 Sie = Sy 25S = = See - - wn io) TTOMS
“1OJOITIOD VATZVU Aq poANsVaT ,.
Z61 Ul F6L W OG W OLT W 98ST UE a A 98ST WwW Gol of F8I A I6I aN 181 aN F6L ny
xag
» Apog pue peo
wig Jo [NH souuy ‘rey you
Ay pRoo'T
Henne nnn nnn esssnsesessssssssssssssssnssssssesteese
SHULANITUN NI 16027701 INOSATNIA SAYAIOS AO SINUNOYOASVAN
~-LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY MR. EMIL EISENHOFER IN NORTHERN SIAM.
By NILS GYLDENSTOLPE, B. A.
The following list is based upon a collection of birds made in Northern Siam by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer, Divisional Engineer of the Northern Railway. The birds were collected chiefly at Pa Hing, Bang Buei and Koon Tan—all these places being situated along the line to Chiengmai. There are many interesting and very rare species in the collection, as will be seen from the list, and a number are quite new to the Siamese fauna. Most of the species have, however, been previously recorded from Burma, the Shan States and the adjoin- ing parts of French Indo-China,
Owing to lack of literature with me in Siam, I have been unable to go deeply into the question of subspecies. I have, therefore, followed closely the classification given by Oates and Blanford in the Fauna of British India, except in the case of the Coluimbidae, where I have adhered to the nomenclature adopted by Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker in his recently published Indian. Pigeons and Doves, which is the latest work on that Family. .
For the convenience of readers possessing the Fauna of British India, 1 have given the numbers in that work in brackets for each bird recorded therein.
In 1913 Mr. Eisenhofer sent a large collection to the Museum at Hannover. By the courtesy of its Director, Professor Doctor A. lritze, all the birds were handed over to me for identification and a list of these has been published in the Proceedings of the Museum, The species recorded in that paper are marked with an asterisk in the following list.
Nearly all Mr. Hisenhofer’s specimens are in very good condi- tion and it is to be hoped that he will further add to his fine
collection,
164. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Fam. OCORVIDZE.
1, (4). Corvus MACRORHYNCHUS, TI “agl. (*) The Jungle- Crow. 2. (12). URrocissa occiriTaLis, Blyth. (*) The Red-billed Blue Magpie. 3. (14). CrISSA CHINENSIS, Bodd. (*) The Green Magpie. 4, (16). Denprocirra rura, [Tartl. (*) The Indian Tree-pie. +5. (18). DENDROCITTA HIMALAYENSIS, Blyth. The Himalayan Tree-pie. There is only a single specimen of this bird, collected at Koon Tan on the 27th of May, 1914. It does not quite agree with the des- cription given by Oates, who says that all the primaries but the first two have a patch of white at their base. In the Koon Tan specimen all the primaries but the first have a white patch near the base. Measurements :—wing = 155 mm.; tail = 195 mm.; culmen == 26 mm. 6. (21). CrypsirHINa VARIANS, Lath. (*) The Black Racket- tailed Magpie. 7. (25). GARRULUS LEUCOTIS, Hume. (*) The Burmese Jay.
Fam. CRATEROPODIDA.
8. (64). DRYONASTES CHINENSIS, Scop. (*) The Black-throated Laughing-Thrush. One specimen shows the following measurements :—wing= 115 mm: ; tail = 124 mm.; culmen = 20 mm. ; tarsus = 35 mm. 9. (71). GarRRULAX DIARDI, Less. (*) The Siamese White- crested Laughing-Thrush. , 10. (72). GARRULAX PECTORALIS, Gould. (*) The Black-gorgeted Laughing-Thrush. 4-11. (73). GARRULAX MONILIGER, Ilodys. The Necklaced Laugh- ing-Thrush. (12. (77). GarruLax srrepirans, Blyth. Tickeil’s Laughing- Thrush. Of this rare bird, which is only to be found at rather high elevations, there are some specimens from Koon ‘lan. Oates gives the throat and breast chocolate-brown, but I should say it is of a
brownish black colour.
BIEDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM, 165
Measurements of four specimens :—
Wing = 140 mm.; tail = 140mm.; culmen = 23mm.
Seto eees: ys eee ea! pa
oof | See, a ae ae? ree
inhi seoe: 2 5, 3 = 180, dh sarod | 5 +138. (126). PomMaToRHINUS OCHRACEICEPS. Wald Lloyd's
Scimitar Babbler. Seems to be rather rare. Only two specimens were obtained, both of them at Koon Tan. Measurements :
wing = 95 mm.; tail = 115 mm.; culmen
= 33 mm.
+ 14. (132). PomaTorHINus TICKELLI, Blyth. Tickell’s Scimitar Babbler.
Like the preceding species, this Babbler also seems to be rather rare, and there are only two specimens in the collection, one from Hue Pu and one from Koon Tan.
The specimen from Hue Pu, a female, was shot on the 27th May, 1912, and has the following measurements :—wing = 103 mm. ; tail = 1035 mm.; culmen = 38 mm.; tarsus = 37 mm.
+15. (138). Gamrsoruyncnus Torquatus, Hume. The Ring- necked Shrike-Babbler.
This species has only been procured in dense bamboo jungle near Koon Tan, and also seems to be rather rare. One specimen measures as follows:—-wing = 98 mm,; tail = 120 mm.; culmen = 18 mm.
16. (145). PELLORNEUM SUBOCHRACEUM, Swink, (*) The Bur- mese Spotted Babbler.
17. (176). Mrxornis rupRIcAPILLUS, Jick. (*) The Yellow- breasted Babbler.
18. (187). MytopHoneus TtemMinckt, Vig. (*) The Himalayan Whistling-Thrush. Measurements :—wing = 165 mm.; tail = 115 mm.; culmen
= 25 mm. In this species the bill is entirely blackish brown. 19. (188). MyiorHoneus EvGENI, Hume. (*) The Burmese Whistling-Thrush. Measurements :—wing = 193 mm.; tail = 147 mm.; culmen = 26 mm:
166 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
20. AETHORHYNCHUS XANTHOTIS, Sharpe. (*) The Siamese Great Tora. Allied to A. lafresnayii, Hartl., vide F. B. I., No. 242.
Only a single specimen—female.
1. (248), AdEGriTHINA TIPHIA, Linn. The Common Iora.
22. (247). CHLOROPSIS AURIFRONS, Temi. (*) The Gold-fronted
Chloropsis. 23. (250). CHLOROPSIS CHLOROCEPHALA, Wald. (*) The Burmese Chloropsis.
24, (254). TreNA PUELLA, Lath. (*) The Fairy Blue-bird. 25. MELANOCHLORA SULTANA FLAVOCRISTATA, Lafr. (*) The Sultan- bird. A sub-species of A. sultanea, Hodgs., Ff. B. I, No. 255. +26. (265). CriniGErR GurruraLis, Mill. The Malayan White- throated Bulbul. +27, (270). HypsirerEs concoLor, Blyth. The Burmese Black Bulbul. The black patch under the ear-coverts is very small and in some species not clearly visible. Measurements :—wing = 132 mm.; tail = 111 mm.; culmen = 23 mm.
28. (288). Orocompsa EMERIA, Linn. (*) The Bengal Red-
whiskered Bulbul.
29. (290). Orocompsa FLAVIVENTRIS, Tick. (*) The Black-crested
Yellow Bulbul. +80. Ione onrvacea, Blyth.. Allied to J. virescens, Blyth, The Olive Bulbul, vide F. B. I., No. 296. One specimen measures as follows :—wing = 86 mm. ; tail = 86 mm.;culmen = 15 mm.
31. PYCNONOTUS ATRICAPILLUS, Vieill. (*) The Chinese Red- vented Bulbul. Synonymous with Molpastes atricapillus, Vieill., F. B. I., No. 281.
(299). PycnonoTus FINLAYSONI, Strichl. (*) Finlayson’s Stripe-throated Bulbul. 33. (306). Pycnonorus BLANFoRDI, Jerd. (*) Blanford’s Bulbul. Fam, SITTIDH t+ 34. Srrra CINNAMOVENTRIS, Blyth. The Cinnamon-bellied Nuthatch. Synonymous with S. cinnamomeiventris, Blyth,
ff. 8. 7 No, a6.
joy) bo
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN STAM. 167
+35. (317). Sirra NEGLEcTA, Wald. The Burmese Nuthatch. 36. (325). Sirra FRONTALIS, Horsf. (*) The Velvet-fronted Blue Nuthatch. Fam. DICRURIDA.
37. (327). Dicrurus aTER, Herm. (*) The Black Drongo. — +38. (333). DicruRUS CINERACEUS, Horsf. The Grey Drongo. 39. (334). CHapTia 2NEA, Vieill. (*) The Bronzed Drongo. 40. (335), CHipia HOTTENTOTTA, Linn. (*) The Hair-crested Drongo. 41. (340). Dissemurus parapiseus, Linn. (*) The Larger Racket-tailed Drongo.
Fam. SYLVIIDA.
$42. (361). LocUSTELLA LANCEOLATA, Temm. The Streaked Grasshopper-Wavbler. A single specimen, measuring as follows :—wing = 952 mm. ; tail = 47 mm. ; culmen = 9 mm. 43. LuscrnioLa aEpon, Pall. (*) The Thick-billed Warbler. Synonymous with Arundinax aédon, Pall., F. B. I., No. 398. — 44. CRYPTOLOPHA BURKI TEPHROCEPHALA, Anders. Anderson’s Flycatcher-Warbler. Corresponds to C. tepkrocephala, Anders., Ff. B. I., No. 432. +45. (440). ABRORNIS SUPERCILIARIS, Tick. The Yellow-bellied F lycatcher-Warbler. |
Fam. DLANITDA.
hh 46. (474), Lanius COLLURIOIDES, Less. The Burmese Shrike. The crown and nape dark ashy, with some feathers earthy brown. Forehead and lores almost white, with some small black spots. Measurements:—wing = 84+mm.; tail = 94 mm.; culmen == 12 mm. 47, (481). Lanius cristatus, Linn. (*) The Brown Shrike. 48. (482). Lanrus Lucionensis, Linn. The Philippine Shrike. A single specimen. Some of the upper tail-coverts have black centres to the feathers. Measurements :—wing = 89 mm.; tail 90 mm. +49, (484). Hemipus picatus, Sykes. The Black-backed Pied Shrike.
168 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
+50.
$51.
(486). TEPHRODORNES PELVICUS, Hodgs. The Nepal Wood- Shrike. (488). TEPHRODORNIS PONDICERIANUS, Gm. The Common Wood-Shrike.
Fam. CAMPHEPHAGID.
52. (491). PERICROCOTUS FRATERCULUS, Swinh. (*) The Burmese Scarlet Minivet. +53. (500). PrRICROCOTUS PEREGRINUS, Linn. The Small Minivet. 54. (506). CAMPOPHAGA MELANOPTERA, [iipp. (*) The Pale-grey Cuckoo-Shrike. Measurements :—wing = 113 mm.; tail = 68 mm.; culmen ze iliy SUTIN +55. (507). CampopHaGa NEGLECTA, Hume. The Small Cuckoo- Shrike. +56. GraucaLus acer, Less, The Large Cuckoo-Shrike.
Or ~]
Ot ioe)
Synonymous with G. macii, Less., F. B. I., No. 510. Fam. ORIOLIDA.
(514). OrtoLus inpIcus, Jerd. (*) The Black-naked Oriole. (521). ORIoLUS MELANOCEPHALUS, Linn. (*) The Indian Black-headed Oriole.
Fam. HULABETID2.
GRACULA JAVANA INTERMEDIA, Cuv. (*) The Indian Grackle. Synonymous with Hulabes intermedia, A. Hay, F. B. I., No. 524,
Fam. STURNID. (538). STURNIA MALABARICA, Gm. The Grey-headed Myna. (543). AMPELICEPS CoRoNa'TUS, Blyth. (*) The Gold-crest Myna. (546). GRACULIPICA NIGRICOLLIS, Payk. (*) The Black- necked Myna. (549). ACRIDOTHERES TRISTIS, Linn. The Common Myna. (553). AETHIOPSAR GRANDIS, Moore. (*) The Siamese Myna. (556). STURNOPASTOR SUPERCILIARIS, Blyth. The Burmese Pied Myna.
One specimen only. From the neighbourhood of Bangkok Dr.
Bowdler Sharpe has described a bird closely allied to Sturnopastor super-
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 169
ciliaris and has named it after Capt. Stanley S. Flower. This bird, S. jflowert, Sharpe, has the upper parts of a blackish color, while those in S. swperciliaris are brownish black. The specimen in Mr. Hisenho- fer’s collection agrees better with the description of S. swperciliaris, and I have therefore referred it to that species, as I have at present no material for comparison.
Its measurements were as follows :—wing = 122 mm.; tail=77 mm.; culmen =27 mm.; tarsus=30 mm.
Fam. MUSCICAPID.
166. (562). SrpHta atpicryna, Pall. The Eastern Red-breasted Flycatcher.
467. (572). Cyoryis oatesrt, Salv. The Rufous-bellied Blue Flycatcher.
Of this rare bird there is only a fine male specimen in the collection, with the following measurements :—wing=86 mm tail =63 mm.; culmen=10 mm.; tarsus=20 mm.
68. Cyornis piaLibama, Salv. (*) The Blue-throated Fly- catcher. Synonymous with C. rubeculoides, Vig., F. B. 1.,
No. 575.
+69. (579). SvopaRoLa MELANoPS, Vig. The Verditer Fly- catcher.
+70. (588). ALSEONAX LatTrRostRis, Ral. The Brown Fly- catcher. . 7
v1. (8592). Cunrcicapa crYLoNnENSIS, Swains. (*) The Grey- headed Flycatcher. 72. (599). TrerpstPHoNE arrinis, Hay. (*) The Burmese Para- dise Flycatcher. 73. (601). Hyporaymis azurea, Bodd. (*) The Black-naped Flycatcher. Stresemann has recently published a paper (Nov. Zool., Vol. 20, No. 2, 1913) on the subject of the different subspecies of this widely distributed bird, and he believes that the race inhabiting Siam ought to be referred to Hypothymis azurea styani, Hartl. The range of distribution of this subspecies is given as Hainan, Siam, Cochin- China, Tenasserim, Burma, Assam, Bengal, Himalayas and Northern India as far south as the Deccan. Owing to lack of material for
comparision it is impossible for me to make out if the birds in
170 JOURNAL, NATURAL.HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Mr. Hisenhofer’s collection are Hypothymis azwrea styani, Hartl., or one of the other closely allied forms. For such an enquiry large series are necessary, and up to the present very little has been done to investigate the avifauna of Siam. In a later paper I hope to be able to solve the question whether this subspecies occurs in Northern Siam or not.
Fam. TURDIDA.
74. PRATINCOLA CAPRATA BICOLOR, Sykes. (*) The Common Pied Bush-Chat. Synonymous with P. caprata, Limn., F. B. 1.,
No. 608. #75. (615). OREICGOLA FERREA, fHTodgs. The Dark-grey Bush- Chat
76. (632). HeENICURUS SCHISTACEUS, Hodgs. (*) The Slaty- backed Forktail. +77. (634). HENICURUS LESCHENAULTI, Vieill. Leschenault’s
Forktail. One specimen from Koon Tan with the following measure- ments :—wing = 108 mm.; tail = 137 mm.; culmen = 2) mm.;
tarsus = 29 mm.
78. (663). CopcycHuS saULARIS, Linn. (*) The Magpie- Robin.
79. (664). CriTrocINCLA MACRURA, Gm. (*) The Shama.
80. MOoNTICOLA SOLITARIA PHILIPPENSIS, P L. S. Mill. (*) The Eastern Blue Rock-Thrush. Synonymous with Petrophila solitaria, Miull., #. B. I, No. 692.
#81. MonTICOLA CYANEA, Linn. The Western Blue Rock- Thrush. Synonymous with Petrophila cyanus, Liun., F.B.L,, No. 693.
+82. (698). OREOCINCLA DAUMA, Lath. The Small-billed Mountain-Thrush.
Fam. PLOCEHID.A.
+ 83. (726). MuNIA ATRICAPILLA, Vieill. The Chestnut-bellied Munia. +84. (727). URotoncua acuticaupa, Hodgs. Hodgson’s Munia.
Fam. FRINGILLIDA.
485. (761). CaRropacus’ERYTHRINUS, Pall. The Common Rose- Finch.
86.
+ 95.
BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 171
(797). EMBeRIZA AUREOLA, Pall. (*) The Yellow-breasted Bunting
Fam. MOTACILIIDA.
MoTACILLA ALBA LEUCOPSIS, Gould. The White-faced Wag- tail. Synonymous with M. leucopsis, Gould, F. B. I., No. 827.
MOTACILLA BOARULA MELANOPE, Pall, (*) The Grey Wagtail. Synonymous with AM. melanope. Pall., 7. B. I., No. 832. (833). MoraciLLA BOREALIS, Sundev. The Grey-headed Wagtail.
(839). LimonipRomus InpIcus, Gm. The Forest-Wagtail. ANTHUS TRIVIALIS MACULATUS, Jerd. (*) The Indian Tree-Pipit. Synonymous with <A. maculatus, Hodgs., Hb: 1T., No. 841.
ANTHUS RICHARDI STRIOLATUS, Blyth. Richard’s Pipit. Synonymous with A. richardi, Vieill., FP. B. £., No. 845. (847). ANTHUS RUFULUS, Vieill. The Indian Pipit.
Fam. ALAUDID/.
(873). MIRAFRA MICROPTERA, Hume, (*) The Burmese Bush-Lark. Fam. NHCTARINIDA.
(884). ArTHopYGA caRA, Hume. (*) The Tenasserim Yellow-backed Sun-bird.
There is only a single (male) specimen in the collection.
+ 96.
97.
93:
99.
100.
(898). ARACHNECHTHRA FLAMMAXILLARIS, Blyth. The Bur- mese Yellow-breasted Sun-bird.
(909). ARACHNOTHERA LONGIROSTRIS. Lath. (*) The Little Spider-hunter.
Fam... DICAWIDA.
(912). Drcamum cruentatuM, Linn. (*) The Scarlet- backed Flower-pecker.
(914). DicmuMm cHRYSORH@UM, Temm. (*) The Yellow- vented Flower-pecker.
(921). Prprisoma squaLipum, Burt. (*) The Thick-billed Flower-pecker.
172 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Fam. PITTID A.
+101. ANTHOCINCLA PHAYREI, Blyth. Phayre’s Pitta. Synonymous with A. phayrii, Blyth, F. B. I., No. 926. 4102. (928). Prrra oates!, Hume. The Fulvous Pitta.
There is only a single specimen of this rare bird in the collec- tion. Its measurements are, as follows:—wing = 115 mm.; tail = 72 mm.; culmen = 25 mm.; tarsus = 52 mm.
+ 103. (930). Prrra cyanra, Blyth. (*) The Blue Pitta. . Sparingly distributed in suitable localities in Loi Koon Tan. 104. (981). Prrra cyanoprEra, Temm. (*) The Lesser Blue- winged Pitta.
(To be continued.)
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. BY
MALCOLM SMITH, M.k.c.s., L.R.¢.P.
Subfamily. DIPSADOMORPHIN A. 30. Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus.
Sianvese 1 (ngu sing) ?
A rare snake in Bangkok. Mr. Tatner tells me that several years ago, when the grass was being cut at the Sports Club, a small patch remained which the men were afraid to enter owing to some very fierce snakes which they said were in it. He went out with the men, and as the cutting was completed and the snakes driven forth, killed no less than 13 of this species. I have never seen any other specimens from Bangkok.
This snake bears a superficial resemblance to Russell’s Viper, and at a casual glance might be mistaken for it. Russell’s Viper, however, is a much heavier snake, and the spots are larger, more distinct, and somewhat differently arranged. In lepidosis the two species are entirely different.
Length. The largest specimen I have seen came from Sanam Cheng and measured 890 mm. in total length. It appears to be longer than any previously recorded.
Color. Light brown or greyish brown above, with two series of roundish dark brown dorso-lateral spots, and a series of smaller spots or short cross bands on either flank. These spots are usually paler in the centre, and are edged with white. Below, whitish or yellowish, spotted and speckled with pale brown. Head with a blunt A- shaped mark above, and with a dark band from the eye to the angle of the mouth.
Distribution. From Southern China and Burma to the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago.
174. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCTETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
31. Psammodynastes pulverulentus. Vhe Mock Viper. I have seen two specimens of this little snake, both from Dusit Park. It is fairly common in some parts of the country. One which I kept alive for some time was shy and very active, but made no attempt to bite when handled. It fed upon frogs.
Distribution. From the Eastern Himalayas and Southern China to the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago.
32. Dryophis mycterizans. Zhe Connon Green Whip Snake.
Common in Bangkok. This snake is entirely arboreal in its habits, living among the bushes and hedges about the gardens and plantations. I have hardly ever seen one on the ground, nor do I think they ascend trees to any great height. It is ofa gentle and placid disposition. Individuals that have only just been caught show hardly any fear of one, and will, after a few hours, allow themselves to be handled quietly and without protest. As an instance of the placid nature of this snake, a half grown specimen was once found in my garden and brought in at tiffin time. It was placed among the flowers on the table, and remained there calmly throughout the entire meal, watching me, but making no effort to get away. Old ones are sometimes bad tempered, and cannot always be trusted. Unlike most snakes, that bite at your hands, they have a nasty habit of watch- ing your face, and especially your eyes, and then suddenly making a dart at you. Fortunately the teeth in the front of the jaws are ex- tremely small, and they are unable to inflict any damage. It is the only snake I know of that the Siamese are not afraid to handle, and boys may be sometimes seen carrying one along, fastened with a noose of thread or string.
The Green Whip Snake appears to take more interest in its surroundings than most snakes. Captive specimens may be frequently seen to observe one, following with both head and eyes whatever is taking place before them. The rest of the body is kept absolutely still. They hardly ever move about their cage, and will remain ex- tended upon a branch in almost the same position for days together. I should imagine that these snakes in a wild state seldom go in search of their food, but rather wait for their prey to come to them. For this purpose their protective coloring, harmonizing so perfectly with the
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 175
foliage among which they live, must be of the greatest value. They feed chiefly upon lizards and small birds, killing the latter by constriction. Length. The largest specimen | have seen measured 1670 mm. Color (in life). Verdant green, paler below than above. A yellow or white line at the outer border of the ventral shields. Throat white. Interstitial skin in the fore part of the body, alternately white and black. Tris golden yellow with horizontal pupil. The young have generally two fairly distinct whitish lines down the middle of the belly. The identification of this snake is easy, the coloration, the elongated head with the curious tip to the snout, and the horizontal pupil, serving to distinguish it easily from the Green Pit Viper, the only other entirely green snake that is found in Bangkok. Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma, Siam. This species does not extend into the Malay Peninsula and it would be interesting to find out its most southern habitat in this country.
33. Chrysopelea ornata. The Green and Black Tree Snake.
. 4 Siamese J (HQ (ngqu khieo).
Very common in Bangkok, and, owing to its partiality for living in houses, is the snake which is brought more into contact with the residents of the town than any other kind. There is probably hardly a house or office where it has not been met with at some time, and one might safely say, that of every ten snakes encountered inside dwelling places, eight of them would prove to be of this species. This partiality for living in habitations is by no means universal, but appears more especially to be a trait of Bangkok individuals. Its climbing powers are extraordinary and are shown at their best amongst masonry. The special formation of its ventral shields greatly assists it in these performances, and by taking advantage of every projection, erack and corner available, it is enabled to scale perpendicular walls and to reach positions apparently quite inaccessible.
Chrysopelea ornata is a bold and courageous snake, and, for its size, extremely powerful. Its habits are diurnal. It isa voracious feeder and will, I believe, devour anything that it can overcome. Mice, birds, lizards and frogs have all been recorded as forming part of its diet, but I do not think that other snakes have yet been mentioned, In the stomach
176 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
of one sent me last year, I found the head and fore part of the body of a young tree-snake (Dendrophis pictus). Even the great ‘ tuk-kaa” (Gecko verticillatus) is not secure against this rapacious creature, and | know of several occasions on which it has been tackled. It is not always that the snake comes out of these combats unharmed, and considering the tremendous bite which this lizard can give, it is not surprising. In one encounter at least that I know of, the gecko had got a firm hold immediately behind the head of its opponent, and although the snake ultimately proved the victor, it was so badly damaged as to be only just able to crawl away, leaving its victim
uneaten.
I have seen this snake, also, catch a full grown mouse, crush it to death in its coils, and swallow it, the whole operation being accomplished in mid-air, the snake suspended by its tail only from a
small branch.
Flower calls it the fiercest snake he has ever met, and says that individuals which he tried to keep in captivity showed uo signs of becoming tamer, and were also an annoyance to other inmates of the cage. I have not found this so. Those I have kept became moderately
tame, and soon allowed themselves to be handled.
Length. 1400 mm.
Color. Very variable, but only one form (var. D. Blgr. Cat. Snakes) is found in Bangkok, and as far as I am aware, throughout the whole of Siam. It is as follows :—Above pale green, each scale edged with black and with a median black line, giving the whole the ap- pearance of fine longitudinal lines drawn down the body, with finer diagonal cross-lines. Below, a paler green, with a series of black dots at the lateral keel. Subcaudals edged with dark grey. Head yellowish, extensively marked with black, which takes the form of transverse
bars.
In the young, the black lines mentioned above, coalesce and form a regular series of dorsal cross-bars. In some specimens this is so marked that the snake appears to be black, with narrow green cross-bars.
Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma and Southern China to the
Malay Archipelago.
No. 3.
Vol. I.
fournal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam.
), poisonous.
\
The Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 1
“JI oo |
Subfamily. JZYDROPILIINA). he Sea Snakes.
Siamese ING (ngqu talay). ‘ Me
34. Enhydrina valakadien. 35. Enhydris Hardwickii.
Both the above species have been occasionally recorded from Bangkok, having been caught in the river Menam. The true Sea Snakes are, however, strictly inhabitants of the salt water and their occurrence here can only be regarded as accidental, carried up proba- bly upon some unusually heavy tide.
As far as is known at present, all the Sea Snakes are extremely
poisonous. Subfamily. HDLAPIN A. 36. Bungarus fasciatus. The Banded Kratit.
E a Siamese. QIN IGQUN (xgu sam liem). a
The Siamese name refers to the marked triangular shape which the body of this snake has in section, and whicn is produced chiefly by the prominence of the vertebral region.
It is curious that Flower did not record this snake from Bangkok, or indeed meet with it himself in any part of the country. Its vivid and striking coloration make it unusually conspicuous, whilst its sluggish movements render it an easy victim whenever encounter- ed by man. Its strictly nocturnal habits have probably saved it on many occasions.
The Banded Krait, whilst by no means common in Bangkok, is not infrequently met with. It prefers, | believe, the open country, but has been found in many parts of the town. One of the finest specimens I ever caught, was in hiding beneath a box beside the Chancery at the British Legation, whilst a young one was once sent me, having been killed in the dining room of the mess at the Borneo Company. In disposition it is an extremely quiet and inoffensive creature, and I have never seen one attempt to bite, even under strong provocation. Its strange behaviour and the attitude which it often assumes when captured is well illustrated in the accompanying photograph. Instead of endeavouring to escape, it throws its body into a loose coil or two, and hides its head away beneath some part of
178 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
it. Perhaps like the ostrich of fable, with its head concealed, it thinks itself entirely hidden from view. If provoked with a stick it will give a convulsive jerk or two, and hide its head again beneath some other part of the body. If left undisturbed, it will remain in this position for a long time. The photograph was taken the day after the snake had been caught, and although it gives no idea of the brilliant contrasts in colouring, shows very clearly the strong verte- bral prominence, and the blunt, enlarged ending to the tail which is characteristic of this snake.
The Banded Krait feeds almost entirely wpon other snakes.
Length. This snake grows to a great size in Bangkok. I have seen seven specimens over 6 feet in length. One of the largest ever recorded was mentioned previously in this Juwrnal (No. 1, Vol. I. p. 58), and I have since seen another almost as long. It was killed at Klong Rangsit and measured 1955 mm. in length.
Poisou. No authentic case of a bite from this snake in man has yet been recorded, but the poison appears from experimental evidence to be considerably less toxic than Cobra venom, and is possibly not fatal to human beings.
Color. The coloration of the Banded Krait is so distinctive that it is quite impossible to mistake it for any other snake in Bangkok. It is commonly described as being marked with alternate broad bands of black and yellow, which completely encircle the body. In the majority of Bangkok specimens, however, except in very large ones, this yellow color is buff or dirty buff above, pale yellow below, the two shades meeting with a distinct line of demarcation at the costo-ventral junction. These yellow bands number from17 to 23 on the body and from 3 to 40n the tail, Many Siamese specimens have in addition a variable patch of black upon the belly in some of the ventral bands. Wall mentions this as occurring in a specimen which he examined in Hongkong, but it does not appear to occur elsewhere. There is a black mark upon the top of the head, beginning between the eyes and widening and extending backwards into a saddle-shaped mark upon the neck. The blunt and enlarged tip to the tail which is characteristic of this snake in adult life, I have not found in the young. The whole snake has a fine polished appearance.
Distriution. India, Burma, and South China to the, Malay
Archipelago,
j
per
Vol. I.
Siam.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc.,
» poisonous.
—~ n =
e aS] ) — ~ ~ ‘ = ~ i) _
-Q °
UO o
-<
be
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 179
37. Naia tripudians. Ve Cobra. Siwmese 4 im (nyu hac). i
, Various other names are also used, such as 2. WIA (ngu hao
’ ’ ' we a dong ), aa WO (ngu hao maw), 49 WWIAAN Auny (ngu_ hao FT
dork chan), according to markings and coloration. The last named term, meaning the sandal-wood flower, but also used to designate any small round mark, is applied generally to those specimens that have a well-defined circular mark upon the hood.
The name “‘ngu hao”, or the snake that barks, has no doubt been given to it on account of the characteristic spitting or explosive hiss which it makes when angered.
The Cobra, fortunately for Bangkok residents, cannot be considered a common snake, although it is by no means rare. In the country round it is more plentiful, and in some localities, (notably at Klong Rangsit and Pachim, and probably also at many others) is very plentiful. In Bangkok it may _ be found almost anywhere, being more abundant upon the West side of the river than upon the East. The many old and disused buildings there harbour a considerable number of them, among the foundations of which they find easy and convenient hiding places. [In the country districts, away from habi- tations, they live upon the open grass-lands and in the paddy fields, finding shelter in holes in thé earth, chiefly those that have been made by rats. In those places, as the country is completely under water for several months in'the year, they must be flooded out of their homes, and forced, for the time, to lead a semi-aquatic existence.
- Itis astonishing how few Europeans in Bangkok, with the exception of those who have come from India, where they have been treated to displays by snake charmers, have ever seen a cobra alive. Under ordinary circumstances, when moving about in search of food, or when lying in repose, the so-called “hood” is not expanded at all, but lies as a loose fold of skin on either side of the neck, adding but little to its thickness, and hardly noticeable. It is only in the presence of danger, when suddenly encountered and confronted, that the characteristic pose is assumed, with the fore part of the body perpendicularly erect and the
180 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIHTY OF SIAM Vol. I.
“hood” spread out. This menacing attitude however, threatening as it may appear, usually goes no further, and the snake if left undisturbed, will soon quieten down and glide away. I have never seen a cobra take the offensive, and it will not, I believe, attempt to bite one, unless thoroughly angered or actually seized. The accompanying illustrations, of specimens that had been recently caught, were taken upon an open lawn. They were photographed at a distance of from 3 to 4 feet, and are a further testimony, [ am sure the photographer will not object to my saying so, more to the non- aggressive disposition of the creature, than to his own courage. Adult cobras when met with in their native haunts, generally seek refuge in immediate flight, and disappear into the nearest shelter available. Young ones are more aggressive. They are very alert, inclined to bite readily, and undoubtedly more dangerous.
Cobras live well in captivity and are voracious feeders. Their natural food is small mammals, (chiefly rats), frogs, toads, and some- times other snakes. My own experience with them in captivity is unusual, in that they feed almost entirely upon toads. The reason of this is not one of preference, as they will readily devour dead rats and frogs if placed before them, but simply because they are not sufficient_ ly quick to catch anything else. Even the slow-hopping toad is not caught with any ease and certainty. I have watched them when feeding on numberless occasions, and also when angered and _ fighting with each other in their cage, and so often do they miss and go wide of the object at which they strike, that they given one the im- pression of having defective sight. Or else they are particularly clumsy. In dealing with toads they do not attempt’ to make any use of their poison, but proceed at once to swallow the creature alive.
Poison. Upon the rare occurrence of cases of cobra bite in Bangkok, I have already remarked (No. 1, Vol. I, p. 6). They occur more frequently in the outlying districts, as the records of the Pasteur Institute, during the short time in which it has been opened, will show. Dr. Robert who is in charge, told me that all that he had seen had occurred at night, and were due to the snake having been acci- dentally trodden upon in the dark. Dr, Yai Sanitwongse also in- forms me, that since the decree has been issued for the destruction of Java weed in this country, quite a number of people have been bitten
at Klong Rangsit. The snakes, it would appear, during the hot and.
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc., Siam. Vol. I. No. 3.
Cobras.
a en
te
carne meee AS a
ee re rere ee arpttcinn
se
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 181
dry months of the year, retire to the canals, for cobras drink freely and do not like to be long without water. Here they find excellent shelter, and can lie entirely concealed among the dense packs of this weed, and the people in dragging it out to destroy it, accidentally seize the snakes and so get bitten.
The treatment of cobra bite is not within the scope of this article, but [ may mention briefly, that the permanganate of potash cure, so strongly boomed a few years ago, has shown itself to be of much less value than was originally claimed for it. The only antidote at present known of any real benefit, is antivenene, a large stock of which is now always on hand at the Pasteur Institute. Ligature above. and deep incisions at the seat of, the bite, should of course always be performed at once.
Length. 1830 mm.
Color (in life). Above.—From darkish olive-brown to black. Hood usually adorned with a clear, pale yellow or whitish circle or oval. It may be incomplete and indistinct, but is seldom entirely absent. Across the back, just behind the hood, usually a pale chevron or oval mark or only a plain bar, and sometimes one or two or more similar marks farther down the body. Below.—Throat and com- mencement of body yellow, rest of belly and tail grey or pale brown. Hood usually with a black spot on either side, and a dark trans- verse bar behind. The transverse markings across the back, may be continued as yellowish bars across the belly. The young when first born are black, usually with a high polish like a well polished boot. As they grow up they become lighter. The markings upon the hood are even more variable than | have mentioned, and it would be un- necessary to describe them all. This description applies to Bangkok and the neighbouring country only.
Distribution. Southern Asia, from Transcaspia to China and the Malay Archipelago.
Family. AMBLYCEPHALIDA:. 38. Amblycephalus moellendorfii. Count Gyldenstolpe records a specimen of this little snake from Bangkok, and another was recently found in a garden in the Suri-
wongse Road. Distribution. S. China, Indo-China, Siam, Tenasserim,
182 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
Family. VIPERID. 39. Vipera Russellii. /ussedl’s Viper.
Siamese J tN vB (ug macaw sao). b
The origin of the words “ maaw sao,” meaning “ sleepy cat,” is obscure, but may refer to the lethargic disposition of this creature.
As tar as I am aware, the only specimen of this poisonous snake that has been found in Bangkok was one killed on the grounds of the Sports Club several years ago. It has been met with in several localities near Bangkok, but appears to be nowhere common. My collector once caught one in the roof of an attap shelter upon a raft at Sam Kok, an unusual position to find this snake in, as its corpulent build does not at all fit it for climbing, Itis no doubt in this way, namely drifting down the river upon some log or floating structure, that most of them find their way to us from the North. Russell’s Viper is not usually accounted a lover of the water, and the wet paddy plains of this part of the country, are probably not to its liking.
In disposition it is sluggish in the extreme, and will usually not attempt to move out of the way when met with. The three occa- sions that I know of, when snipe shooters have encountered it, all confirm this, the snake making no attempt to escape and allowing itself to be shot at close quarters.
The only specimen [ ever kept alive, fed readily upon mice.
Poison. The poison of Russell’s Viper, although less toxic than cobra venom, is fatal to man, death occurring in the cases which have been recorded, in about 24 hours or longer.
Length. 1600 mm.
Color (in life) Light brown above, with three longitudinal chains of large dark brown oval spots, the dorsal row somewhat larger than the two lateral ones. The spots have a black periphery and are edged with white. Between them are two other series of spots, considerably smaller and much elongated, and others adorn the flanks lower down. Belly white, with dark semi-lunar spots. Head with dark symmetrical markings, including a lozenge shaped patch upon the forehead, another patch below the eye, and a streak from the eye to the angle of the mouth. The photograph is excellent. Upon the superficial resemblance of this snake to the harmless Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus 1 have already remarked,
Journal Nat. Hist. Soc,, Siam. Vol. I. No. 3.
Russell’s Viper (Vipera Russelli), poisonous.
The Common Green Tree Viper (Lachesis Gramineus), poisonous.
ae
“
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 185
Distribution. India, Ceylon, Burma, Siam.
40. Lachesis gramineus. The Common Green Pit Viper.
Siamese q (BHA W9 law or AW UM (wy khieo hang mai or a hang daanq).
“Hang mai,” meaning literally “burnt tail”, refers to the rusty coloration upon the tail of this snake.
It is by far the most common poisonous snake that is to be found in Bangkok, frequenting the gardens and plantations everywhere, usually arboreal in its habits, but seldom found at any great elevation above the ground. One at least, is generally to be seen in the large bamboo clump in my compound, and I have had many opportunities of watching the habits of these snakes. The same one seldom remains there for any length of time ; a few days perhaps, or sometimes a few weeks, and then it is gone and another one takes its place.
They are very sluggish creatures. When discovered they seldom endeavour to escape, or even show any signs of alarm, but remain quietly in their position, eyeing one steadily. Sometimes one will lift its head fiercely, as if protesting at the disturbance. Even when actually dis- lodged from their post, they preserve the same calm demeanour, and move away in a quiet and leisurely manner. They can, however, be extremely fierce, and when once roused will bite furiously. Their habits are strictly nocturnal, and they do not move about until it is quite dark. On the other hand, they are not particular where they lie up during the day, and any shady bough or nook, pro- vided it is not actually exposed to the sun, seems to satisfy them. After feeding they remain completely at rest until their meal is digested, and this may occupy many days One, I remember, remained in exactly the same position for 15 days, apparently without moving at all. Another one that I watched, lived in a hole in a tree, and when hungry and in need of food, could be seen each night outside its home. How far afield it went in search of prey I do not know, but I never saw it very far away, and in the morning it was back again in the hole. It remained in this spot for ten weeks, and then disappeared.
In captivity these vipers live well, feeding upon mice, frogs and lizards, particularly tne house gecko. In catching mice, they seize the animal if possible across the middle of the back, burying their long fangs deeply into the vital parts of the body, | use the word seize,
184 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
for they do not strike and let go, but continue to hold on, and do not relax their grip, until the victim is quite dead. A mouse caught in this way dies with extreme rapidity, generally in two or three minutes, and beyond a few faint convulsive kicks does not struggle at all. The actual paralysing factor in this case is no doubt shock. If perchance, from the snake not being sufficiently quick, some other part of the animal is caught, such as a limb or the head, death is by no means so rapid, and the mouse usually manages to shake itself free and escape. The snake then goes off in search of it, but appears to have no sense of direction, and in a wild state, if the animal had been abla to travel any distance before collapsing, would certainly not be found.
Poison. The ‘poison of this snake is almost entirely local in its action. It is fatal to small mammals, but can hardly be considered dangerons to human beings. Iseea fair number of patients who have been bitten by this snake every year, and their symptoms vary in inten- sity from those with slight swelling round the bitten part and practically no pain, to others with considerable swelling and very severe pain. General symptoms are entirely absent, except for some occasional slight feeling of giddiness, which may be due to a very natural trepida- tion on the part of the patient. In my own case, which may be looked upon as a severe one, I was bitten in the terminal joint of the right thumb whilst incautiously handling the snake. I had seized the it too far down the neck, and it was able to turn its head round and bite me. Fortunately it could only reach me with one fang, but that one went deeply in. The pain was intense and immediate, as if a red hot needle had been thrust into me, and it continued with great severity for 24 hours. Sleep was impossible without opium. The whole hand as far as the wrist swelled rapidly up, and at the actual seat of the bite, a small area, as big as a pea, became necrotic and ultimately sloughed away. The swelling of the hand subsided within a week, but in the thumb itself it persisted much longer, and it was six weeks before the wound had healed and I had recovered the full use of my hand. Treatment in this case consisted in applying a ligature to the base of the thumb until the pain from the con- striction became unbearable, and in scarifying the wound and
rubbing "in crystals of permanganate of potash. Owing to the >
difficulty,} however, of operating upon myself with my left hand,
-_——
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK. 185
this part of the treatment was not sufficiently deep to be of any value.
Length. Up to 870 mm.
Color (in life). Above verdant green, below pale green, yellow- ish green, bluish green or light blue. There is usually a well-marked flank line, upon the last row of the costal scales beginning at the neck and running the entire length of the body and tail. It may be white, yellowish or pale blue in colour. Dorsum of tail and tip, reddish brown. Interstitial skin blackish, the colour often extending on to the adjacent scales and forming indistinct dark cross bars. Iris golden yellow with vertical pupil.
This snake is well known to the Siamese, and its local name may be relied upon.
Distribution. From India to China and the Malay Archipelago.
This concludes the Snakes of Bangkok. Three other species will probably have to be recorded, namely, Dryophis prasinus, Hyp- sirhina plumbea, and Typhlops siamensis. The two former are fairly com- mon in the country districts outside the city, and there appears no reason why they should not be found in Bangkok. Of the earth snake, 7’. siamensis, only one specimen is so far known, obtained by M. Mouhot many years ago. Last year, however, Major Sprater was given a snake, caught at Bangsue, which I considered to be this species, in spite of some slight differences in lepidosis. He took it home with him to compare with the type specimen in the British Museum. but unfortun- ately the War broke out before he was able to do so.
186 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
KEY TO THE SPECIES DESCRIBED.
The accompanying key will enable anyone, with a little care and trouble, to identify all the species described in the previous articles. It is entirely an arbitrary key, and is of no value elsewhere.
Method of using the key. Count the number of costal scales across the middle of the body, as shown in the diagram opposite p. 5 of this volume, and compare it with the color description given. Note that the middle of the body is mid-way between the head and the vent, and not the head and the tip of the tail. The characters of the scales given, although not essential to this list, will be of further assistance. The “keel” is a more or less pronounced ridge down the centre of a costal scale, and is an important feature in identification.
THE SNAKES OF BANGKOK, 137 ‘ 7 5 ey = Costal Character | Name at Species Page in scales. of scales. Journal. | Ventral shields enlarged | 13 | Smooth Dryocalamus Davisonii 93 o | Smooth Xenopeltis unicolor 12 Fr a | Zamenis korros 94. \ ertebrals Dendrophis pictus 96 enlarged be ie | Dryophis mycterizans U7 x s | Bungarus fasciatus 177 16-17 | Partly keeled | Zamenis mucosus 93 17 | Smooth Chrysopelea ornata 175 % _ Psammophis condanarus Wa 33 /, Lycodon aulicus 16 fe i Simotes Mouhoti 99 19 | Smooth Simotes taeniatus 98 » | Partly keeled | Coluber radiatus 95 aden oes “ _Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus 173 enlarged J | » | Keeled | Tropidonotus piscator 14 fe A | Tropidonotus subminiatus 15 19-21 | Smooth _ Naia tripudians 178 21 | Smooth | Simotes eyelurus 97 5 el ae Hypsirhina enhydris 100 » | Keeledor not | Lachesis gramineus 182 27 | Smooth Hypsirhina bocourti 100 29-31 | Keeled Vipera Russelli 181 30-39 “ Herpeton tentaculatum 103 45-47 o Homalopsis buccata 101 70-80 | Smooth Python reticulatus 9 | | Ventral shields not enlarged | | 20 | Smooth Typhlops braminus 8 oe | A Cylindrophis rufus 10 — | Tubercular Acrochordus javanicus 13
188
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT.
By KK. Ge Bust, (BSC. 32E:St
(Assistant ENTOMOLOGIST AT THE BritisH Museum, NATURAL Hisrory).
There is perhaps no more striking phenomenon in the insect world, than the brilliant and frequently flashing lights exhibited at night by the insects popularly known as Fireflies and Glow-worms, yet at first sight it is astonishing how little is known to scientists at home of the habits of these insects, and of the part played by this luminosity in their life history. But when we consider that our knowledge of these creatures is almost entirely based on the dried specimens of our collections, which are practically never accompanied by detailed or in any way critical notes on their habits as observed by the collectors, this deficiency in our intormation on the subject be- comes more readily intelligible.
The lack of co-operation between the systematic student at home and the actual collector in the field, whether a trained entomo- logist or not, was particularly brought home to me in conversation on this subject with my friend Mr. Kk. G. Gairdner on the occasion of his present visit to this country, and it is at his request that these notes are written with the express purpose of interesting the members of the Natural History Society of Siam in the study of these fascinating creatures, and of helping to elucidate the life histories of some of the Siamese species.
With few exceptions, luminous insects throughout the world be- long, broadly speaking, to one family of Beetles, the Lampyridae, or to give them their popular name, the Fireflies and Glow-worms. The most important exception to this statement is afforded by the Fire- flies of the West Indies and Central America, locally known as ‘‘ Cucujos,” which, though still Beeties, belong to quite a different family, the
Llateridue or Skipjacks,
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 189
With the Lampyridae are associated a few, small, closely allied families at present very insufficiently known and imperfectly charact- erised, but which from our point of view are of peculiar interest, since it is to this systematically doubtful position that some of the Siamese species belong.
In the Zumpyridae, the luminous organs are situated in the terminal or subterminal segments of the abdomen, and the light is shown from the under surface. In dead as well as in living specimens, these luminous areas are usually evident by their whitish, opaque, almost waxy appearance, in strong contrast with the generally dark colour of the underside. ‘Though usually present to a greater or lesser degree in both sexes, the luminous property is generally developed much more highly in one sex than in the other. When it is the male beetle that possesses it in the greater degree, the light is shown when the insect is on the wing, and is generally of an intermittent or flashing character, and gives to the insects their popular name of Fireflies.
On the other hand, when the power of luminosity is the more highly developed in the female beetle, the character is usually associ- ated with a more or less complete absence of wings, and the insect be- comes merely a crawling, unpleasant-looking, worm-like creature, generally known in fact as a Glow-worm, which nobody who is not an entomologist would ever dream of calling a Beetle. The males of these insects are winged, in form closely resembling the Fireflies, and are totally unlike their spouses. The consequence of this utter dis- similarity between the two sexes of one species is, that it is not easy to co-relate them properly in our collections. Very often we have large numbers of the males of a species, even of whole groups of species or genera, and yet not asingle female that we can say definite- ly belongs to this species or to that. On the other hand we have a considerable number of females of many different species which we are unable at present to assign to their respective males. Some females, for example, that Mr. Gairdner brought home are of great interest as being differently constructed from femaies of normal Lampyridae : evidently they belong to one of the small closely allied families refer- red to above, but to which species or even genus they should be as- signed cannot be determined without a knowledge of the male. We have also in the British Museum collection some larvae from Siam,
190 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM Vol. I.
also undetermined, which belong apparently to the same species, hence it is very desirable that the male be ascertained and the identity of the species established.
In this case the requisite information may be obtained in various ways, either by rearing the larva and breeding the male beetles from them, or by catching the male beetle when it comes to pair with the living female and forwarding both insects for identification.* Both these methods may require a little patience, but in neither case are the difficulties likely to be insuperable.
As regards the first method, the first step is to be able to dis- tinguish the larva from the perfect female, for the resemblance between the two is very close.
The most ready means of distinction lies perhaps in the legs ; in the larva these are short and pointed, almost conical, terminating in a single stout claw, while in the female beetle they are rather longer and more slender, the different sections being articulated at an angle, and the last section, the foot or tarsus, being composed of five (or perhaps only four or three ) minute joints, the last of which terminates in two slender claws.
If the specimen found prove to ke a larva, it should feed, judg- ing from the analogy of the better known species of this group, on small snails and slugs, and if kept moist with a plentiful supply of food, should complete its transformations without much trouble. A small tin box with a tightly fitting lid, half filled with fine earth, makes a convenient breeding cage, and is easily cleaned and kept free from mould. When full grown the larva will remain quiescent for a few days, lying on its side and taking no food ; it will then cast its skin and become a pupa; this is at first white, but gradually becomes darker, the change showing most quickly and most completely in the eyes. Ifthe pupa is to produce a male beetle, the rudiments of wings will now be visible at the sides of the body, but if it is to produce a female beetle there will be hardly any noticeable change from the form of of the larva, except in the limbs which now are fixed and motionless. A few days in this state should be sufficient, then the pupa will in turn cast its skin and the perfect beetle emerge.
* In the case of specimens captured én cop. particular care should be taken that the pairs are kept together and confusion with other specimens avoided.
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THETR LIGHT. 191
If the female beetle has been secured, she should be kept alive and placed in a likely situation, and a watch kept for the males coming to visit her. Atthe same time it is essential that careful notes should be made of the behaviour of the female and of the arrival of the male. As an indication of what may be expected a brief ac- count of the habits of some of our better known species may not be out of place.
Many members of the Natural History Society of Siam will no doubt be familiar with the common Glow-worm of our English lanes and hedges. The pale greenish lights may sometimes be observed in numbers in the grass by the roadside in June and July. At Lugano this summer they were noticed to be particularly partial to the walls, sitting sometimes 10 or 12 feet from the ground, and in this situation their light would be visible from a long distance. If more closely observed, whether sitting on the ground amongst low vegetation, or hanging vertically on some stem a few inches above it, the light will be seen streaming from the organ on the underside of the tail; the body is twisted first to one side then to the other, in order to expose the light more fully. Often I have carefully noted the position of one of these lights and visited the spot from time to time; at one visit the light has been found to have disappeared, but a careful search of the spot where it should be, has revealed the female beetle with one or more males in close attendince. Unfortunately I have never been able to witness the actual arrival of the male, which in this species is not or but very feebly luminous.
Mr. E. G. Green (*) has published notes on the use of the light of two species of Glow-worm from Ceylon. In one of these, Lampro- phorus tenebrosus, the apterous female exhibits her light much as does our Glow-worm; the male, though normally brilliant, approaches a “calling” female with the light shut off, its advent being heralded only by the partial extinction of the light of the female. In the other, Dioptoma adamsi, the larviform female was observed to recurve the body over the back so as to exhibit the ventral subterminal light organ. On the approach of the male, the light was partially eclipsed and the tail turned down. The male at the time was not known to be luminous, but under the stimulus of sexual excitement it was ob- served to exhibit luminous spots along the sides of the abdomen
(1 ) Trans, nt. Soc. 1912, p. Fi Wie
192 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
and on the thorax. This is an unusual type of illumination for the Lampyridae, but the genus Dioptoma is one of those of rather doubtful systematic position to which reference has been made above. Tothis genus may possibly belong the undetermin- ed Siamese female mentioned earlier, which, Mr. Gairdner informs me, behaved in a very similar manner.
The Fireflies of Southern Europe have been critically observed by Emery (2) and others, and only this summer my friend Mr. Hugh Main and I spent several evenings at Lugano watching the behaviour of Luciola italica. In this species and its allies, both sexes are winged, but all the specimens caught on the wing are found to be males. The females closely resemble them, but are rather smaller and less parallel, with the eyes very much smaller in proportion. They are of a more sluggish disposition, and are found lurking in the grass and .low her- bage. Very soon after sunset the lights of the flying males may be observed sparkling over the grass; as it becomes darker a careful search will probably detect the fainter more continuous light of the female close to the ground. If one of these be ‘kept under observation, the light will be found to disappear at intervals, then to shine again, some- times continuously, sometimes with a flushing periodicity much slower than that of the male. Wuile the light is shining, a passing male perceiv- ing it will alter his course and fly down, alighting near the female; he then approaches flashing vigorously, as if not quite sure of her exact whereabouts, until he finds her, when the lights of both are extingui- shed. Hven when one male is in attendance the female may start flashing again to attract another, and it. is not uncommon to find a small group of males gathered round one female. Though often ob- served quite early in the evening we frequently noticed that the lights of the females were more numerous and brighter about 10 or 1L p.m. when the lights of the males were becoming scarcer, as though the females, despairing of attracting a mate, were becoming bolder in their efforts. In this species as observed by us, there was no suggestion of the synchronous flashing in concert of large numbers of males that is recorded of another Huropean species as well as of numerous tropical species both of the Old and New Worlds, and which is mentioned by Mr. Gairdner as being very striking in the case of certain Siamese
species.
(2) Bull. Soe. Ent. Ital, 1886, p. 406.
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 198
Of late years much important work has been done by Mr. A. MeDermott (*) upon North American species of Fireflies. These in- sects, popularly known as Lightning—bugs, resemble the Fireflies of Southern Europe mentioned above in that the male beetle flies about flashing his light, while the femle lurks in the grass below. But. whereas in the case for example of the European L. italica the female would seem to shew her light on her own initiative to attract the attention of passing males, in the American Lightning-bugs (and also in the Huropean species observed by Emery } the female is more modest, and shews her light only in reply to the “ calling ” flash of the male. Inthe United States the number of species is very considerable, and in many cases two or more of them have been found flying to- gether over the same ground, so that specific differences in the light exhibited have been evolved to a high degree. A female of one species will, as a rule, only reply to the flash of a male of her own species, and a searching male will only respond to the answering flash of a female of his own species. Specific differences are found to exist in the periodicity of the flash, in its colour, its duration or in its direction, some species rising and falling with a kind of dancing motion and omitting the flash on the dip or onthe rise, ete. Mr. McDermott’s investigations were assisted by an ingenious series of experiments with small electric bulbs, which could be operated to simulate the flash of the particular species under observation. A brief summary of some of his results may serve as a guide to similar enquires in other parts of the world,
Photinus pyralis. The flash of the female is given 3 or 4 seconds after that of the male, and is of the same colour but of longer duration and less intense.
Females would answer in numbers to the flash of a match swung in an arc to simulate the flash of a male, though as a rule not more than one female would reply to a flashing male.
A particular female would not reply to the flash of a male of another species ( P. consanguiieus ) though she would to that ofa match.
The male could also be deceived by a bulb placed in the grass and flashed 3 or 5 seconds after his own flash. When the bulb was
flashed without the pause it was not so effective.
(3) Canad. Ent, 1910-11-12.
194 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIHTY OF SIAM Vol. I.
No male was observed to reply to the flash of a creeping male.
P. consanguineus, The male gives a double flash in quick succession followed by a pause, then another flash, and so on; the female replies within a second to the second flash of the male. <A particular female would not reply to the flash of a match, but would answer the double flash of a bulb when 20 or 30 feet away; ona nearer approach she seemed to recognise something unusual and would not reply.
P. scintillans. The male gives a short single flash, and the female a longer single flash.
A female would reply tothe first flash of a male of P. con- sanguineus but the latter takes no notice. The female of this species is apterous.
P. marginellus. The male gives a single short sharp flash yellower than that of P. scintillans: the female replies with a double flash, the first sharper and brighter than the second and followed at once by the second. The reply is given very quickly after the flash of the male.
P. castus. The male gives a single flash not so short and sudden as that of P. marginellus; the female gives a single flash very much like that of P. scintillans but delivered immediately after the flash of the male ; there is no distinct pause asin P. pyralis and no indication of doubling as in P. marginellus. These last two species are very similar, and indeed by some authorities they have been considered to be merely forms of the same, Mr McDermott admits that he can find no structural difference between them, but their flash is so distinct that he considers them good species. They are frequently found flying to- gether but no case of interbreeding has been observed though specially watched for.
Careful observations of this nature, not only upon Fireflies but upon insects of any sort are very badly wanted. Too often such habits are regarded as merely everyday events of no particular interest, yet out- side the particular region in which the species occur very little is known about them. At the same time it is very necessary that the species of which such habits are recorded should be correctly determined; notes on the habits of any animal only vaguely or loosely specified are of little use, hence it is essential, if any observations are to be of scientific value, that specimens should be collected and their identity definitely establi-
FIREFLIES AND GLOW-WORMS AND THEIR LIGHT. 195
shed. It is to be hoped that before long the Society will have its own reference collection of the Siamese fauna, which will greatly facilitate such identifications, but until then specimens may be forwarded for comparison to the National Collection at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. If at any time [ can render any assistance, either in making the necessary comparisons or in other ways, I shall be most happy to place my services at the disposal of the Society, and any material or notes concerning the subject of this paper will be most welcome.
oe
196
~ CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO PRELIMINARY LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS.
a ——
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON.
Since the publication of the Preliminary List*, I have obtained a number of new species, and have also had the opportunity of sub- mitting to Mr. H. C. Robinson, Director of Museums, Federated Malay States, for identification, specimens of all the birds in my collection with the exception of the Vultures mentioned on p. 47 of the List. Asa result a few errors have been discovered, which are set forth below, together with the names of the new species. Of these latter, birds which do not appear to have been previously recorded from Siam are given in heavy type—thus :—Cisticola volitans. The figures in brackets are those of the Hawna of British India, quoted in the Preliminary List.
DELETIONS. (363) Acrocephalus stentoreus. ‘The Indian Great Reed- Warbler. (423) Acanthopneuste plumbeitarsus. Middenorft’s Willow-Warbler. (611) Pratincola leuecura. The White-tailed Bush-Chat.
In these three cases the birds proved to be identical with other species already in the List.
CORRECTIONS.
For (307; Pyenonotus plumosus, The Large Olive Bulbul, read, (806) Pycnonotus blanfordi, Blanford’s Bulbul.
For (599) Tersiphone affiinis, The Burmese Paradise Flycatcher, read, Tersiphone incii, ‘The Chinese Paradise Flycatcher.
For (826) Motacilla alba, The White Wagtail, read, (827) Motacilla leucopsis, The White-faced Wagtail.
* A Preliminary List of the Birds of Bangkok, Journal, Nat. Hest. Society of Siam, Vol. I., No. 1., pp. 41-48.
”
CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS, LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS. 197
For (869) Mirafra cantillans, The Singing Bush-Lark, read, Mirafra sp.
Mr. H. C. Robinson, to whom I have submitted a number of specimens of this bird, is in some doubt as to the species to which it is referable, and advises me, pending the examination of a series by the authorities of the British Museum, to refrain from assigning to it any definite specific name.
For (250) Gecinus occipitalis, The Black-naped Green Woodpecker, read, (949) Gecinus viridanus, The Burmese Scaly- bellied Green Woodpecker.
For (1081) Colloealia fuciphaga, The Indian Edible-nest Swiftlet, read, (1076) Tachornis infumatus, The Eastern Palm- Swift.
For (1138) Palaeornis torquatus, The Rose-ringed Paroquet, read, (1145) Palaeornis fasciatus, The Red-breasted Paroquet.
Por 1354. Execalfactoria chinensis, The Blue-breasted Quail, read, (1386) Turnix blanfordi, The Burmese Button-Quail.*
ADDITIONS. ORDER-—PASSERES. FAMILY Cvrateropodidae—LAUGHING THRUSHES, BABBLERS, BULBULS, ETC. (160) Turdinus abpvotti. Abbott’s Babbler. = Molpastes germaini, Germain’s Indo-Chinese Bulbul. FAMILY Szlv7iddae—WARBLERS.
- (360) Locustella certhiola. Pallas’s Grasshopper-Warbler. (365) Acrocephalus bistrigiceps. Schrenck’s Reed-Warbler. -+ (380) Cisticola volitans ( exilis ) The Golden-headed Fantail-Warbler.
FAMILY Sturnedae
STARLINGS AND MYNAS. 4.(539) Sturnia memoricola. The White-winged Myna. (549) Acridotheres tristis. The Common Myna.
* Turnix blanford? belongs, of course, to a different Order to that under which E.ccalfactoria chinensis is placed, viz , Hemipodii —Family, Vurndcidae.
198 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCLETY OF SIAM Vol. L.
FAMILY /’locezdae—WEAVER BIRDS AND MUNIAS. (726) Munia atricapilla. The Chestnut-bellied M unia.
FAMILY J’r7ngzllidae— FINCHES. (797) Emberiza aureola. The Yellow-breasted Bunting. FAMILY J/otacdllidae—WAGTAILS AND PIPITS.
(846) Anthus striolatus. Blyth’s Pipit. ».(849) Anthus cervinus. The Red-throated Pipit.
FAMILY Dicaezvdae—FLOWER-PECKERS. (922) Piprisoma modestum. Hume’s Flower-pecker. ORDER—PICIT. FAMILY /?7c7dae—-WOODPECKERS.
(983) Micropternus phaeoceps. The Northern Rufous Woodpecker. (988) Tiga javanensis. The Common Golden-backed Three- toed Woodpecker. ORDER—ANISODACTYLI.
FAMILY Alcedinidae—KINGFISHERS. (1040) Ceyx tridactyla. The Indian Three-toed King fisher. FAMILY Ujwpzdae—HOOPOES (1067) Upupa indica. The Indian Hoopoe. ORDER.—COCCYGES. FAMILY Cuculzdae—Cuckoos. (1107) Cuculus micropterus. The Indian Cuckoo. ORDER—STRIGES. FAMILY Aszon7dae—OwLs. “™(1157) Asio accipitrinus. The Short-eared Owl. ORDER—ACCIPITRES, FAMILY /alcontdae—EAGLES, KITES, FALCONS, ETC.
-(1261) Falco severus. ‘The Indian Hobby. (1265) Tinnuneulus alaudarius. The Kestrel.
COLLECTIONS & ADDITIONS, LIST OF BANGKOK BIRDS. 199
ORDER—GRALLA. FAMILY /?al/idae—RrAILs. -++- (1402) Gallinula chloropus. The Moorhen. ORDER—UIMICOLA. FAMILY /a7i7dae—JACANAS. (1428) Metopidius indicus. The Bronze-winged Jacana.
FAMILY Chavadi7idae—PLOVERS. SANDPIPERS AND SNIPES.
(1466) Totanus glottis. The Greenshank. ~(1473) Tringa subminuta. The Long-toed Stint. _, (1474) Tringa temmincki. Temminck’s Stint.
ORDER—HERODIONES. FAMILY Aidec¢dae—HERONS.
(1566) Ardeola baczhus. The Chinese Pond-Heron.
The second, third, fourth and fifth birds mentioned in the above Additions belong to Families which have already been dealt with in the Paper on Bangkok Birds which is being published in this Journal in parts. These, and any other birds which may similarly be added to the List too late to be taken up in their proper places, will be described at the end of the Paper.
200
+ THE BIRDS OF BANGKOK.
Seo =—
By W. J. F. WILLIAMSON. (Continued from Vol. L., No. 2, p. 92). %
In the Introduction to the first part of this Paper, which ap- peared in the previous number of the Journal, I gave a list of books and papers to which references would be made. Since then several lists of Birds from Siam (some of them important ones) have made their appearance or are in course of publication, and our knowledge of the geographical distribution of species has, in consequence, been much increased. The following are the lists in question, in chrono- logical order of publication, with the names of their authors :—
Barton sss... csveserees ...O. 8. Barton. A short List of Birds from the Raheng District. Vol. I, No. 2, pp. 105-109 of this Journal.
Robinson......+ Be Pe Sa H. C. Robinson. On a collection of Birds from the Siamese Province of Bandon, N. KH. Malay Peninsula. Journal of the Fed. Malay States Museums. Vol. V, No. 8, pp. 83-110.
RGOINEON Gees seceeeeee ss H. C. Robinson. The Zoology of Koh Samui and Koh Pennan—Birds. Journal of the Fed. Malay States Museums. Vol. V, No. 3, pp. 139-152.
Gairdner... j2.%:t..csecarees K. G. Gairdner. List of Mammals and Birds, obtained in the Ratburi and Petchaburi Districts. Present number of this Jowrnal, pp. 148-153.
Gyldenstolpe............6 Count Nils Gyldenstolpe. List of birds collected by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer in Northern Siam. Part 1, Order Pas- seres, present number of this Journal, pp. 163-172. Remaining Orders to follow in Vol. I, No. 4.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 201
In order to distinguish the last-named List from that of Gyldenstolpe’s own collection, previously quoted in the Introduction to this Paper, Mr. Hisenhofer’s name will be given, in conjunction with that of Count Gyldenstolpe, for each species referred to. In all other cases the names of the authors alone will be quoted.
Family QRIOLIDA'—Oyioles,
+ 26 (614). Oriolus indicus. Zhe Black-naped Oriole. . Ke ’ Siamese, yo aNw nana any (Nok khamin liiang-on).
Description. Length about 267 mm. (10.5 in). Male. Whole head and body bright yellow, except the lores and a band through each eye broadening and meeting across the nape, which are black; primaries and secondaries black, tipped and edged with yellowish white; outer webs of tertiaries yellow; inner webs black; primary coverts black tipped with yellow ; middle pair of tail feathers black narrowly tipped with yellow, the others progressively more yellow at the ends. Female. Similar colouration, except that the back is slightly greenish.
Iris pink (Oates). Bill pinkish white. Legs plumbeous.
Young birds are yellowish green above, paler on the rump; throat, breast and centre of abdomen whitish streaked with’ brown ; flanks, under wing-coverts and under tail-coverts yellow with greenish tinge. Quills and tail feathers brownish where the adults have black. Iris brown, Bill dark horny to pinkish brown—the basal half of the lower mandible being paler. Legs as in adults.
Habits, etc. This beautiful and striking bird is a fairly common cold weather visitor, occurring (as far as my observation goes) from October to April. Adults have rich flute-like note, but young birds (which are the more plentiful) utter a harsh call of che-eh. Orioles are of strictly arboreal habit, and feed on fruit as well as the insects to be found on trees.
Distribution. Also recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss, who state that they found it “fairly abundant” during December and January ; from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons by Gairdner ; and from Northern Siam by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe).
202, JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
+ .27(521).- Oriolus melanocephalus. The Indian Black- headed Oriole.
, +4 A ’ x Sc Siamese, yn aNw wwaas fou (Nok khamin liiang-on).
Description. Length, up to 241 mm. (9.5. in.). Male. Head, neck, chin and throat black ; remainder of body rich yellow; primary coverts black with yellow tips; quills black, all but the first primary with yellowish tips which become successively larger on the secondaries and tertiaries ; tail yellow, except the middle pair of feathers which are black on their terminal half, with a yellow tipping, and the next two pairs which are partly black. Female.. As above, but the yellow of the breast and back is duller, with sometimes a greenish tinge.
Iris crimson. Bill pinkish. Mouth flesh-colour. Legs plumbeous.
In young birds the yellow parts are greenish, and the black parts brownish to brownish black, except the chin and throat which are whitish with dark brown stripes—traces of the stripes being also visible on the breast. The iris is brown to reddish brown, and the bill blackish brown.
Habits etc. Similar to those of the last species.
Distribution. So far as Bangkok is concerned this appears to be a rare bird, as I have only obtained a single specimen, an immature male, which I shot in my garden in February 1914. It appears, how- ever, to be common almost throughout the country, as it is recorded by Gyldenstolpe from Eastern, Central and Northern Siam, while Robinson and Kloss state that they obtained a pair in Pulau Lankawi (an island off the coast of Kedah, at that time under Siamese protec- tion), but apparently did not meet with it on the mainland, in Trang, It is also reported from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons by Gairdner, and I have obtained it both at Koh Lak and at Sriracha in November and December.
Family. STURNIDAE—Starlings and Mynas.
+ 28 (536), Sturnia sinensis. 7’he Chinese Myna.
Description, Length, up to 203 mm. (8 in.). Forehead whitish with a ferruginous tinge ; chin whitish; rest of body grey, darkest on back and paling almost to white on lower part of abdo- men, the flanks and upper tail-coverts sometimes with a ferru- ginons tinge; wing-coverts white, slightly tinged with ferrugi-
————= fe
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 203
nous ; quills black, the tertiaries and tips of the other feathers suffused with metallic blue and lilac ; tail black with metallic blue gloss, the middle pair of feathers narrowly, the others more broadly, tipped sullied ferruginous white. Iris greyish white to white. Bill slatey blue. Legs plumbeous. Immature birds are darker grey on the body, and lack the conr spicuous patch formed by the white wing-coverts of adults.
Habits, ete. A common cold weather visitor, occurring here in great numbers from September to February, after which the majority of the birds depart, though some linger on until April. They invariably go about in flocks numbering from three or four up to thirty or forty, and are a familiar and striking object, with their distinctive grey and white plumage, as they fly past rapidly in company, or settle on some tree to search for their food, This consists of insects and the nectar from flowers.
Oates states that the few specimens of this bird which he pro- cured in Pegu were feeding on the ground, but in Bangkok, where they occur in large numbers, I have always found them strictly arbore- al, and while searching for their food they move along the branches and twigs with a peculiar creeping motion. The note of this bird is a harsh, but not loud, double chich-chich.
T have been unable to get any satisfactory Siamese name for this bird, though it appears to bear several. |
Distribution. Also recorded from the Monthons of Ratburi and Petchaburi (Gairdner).
+ *29 (539). Sturnia memoricola. The White-winged Myna.
Description. Length about 203 mm. (8in.) Upper plumage grey, darker on the back—the feathers of the head and neck having whitish shafts and those of the rump and upper tail-coverts being tinged with ferruginous ; quills blackish, all the feathers being tipped and edged with grey, the edging becoming broader on the ‘secondaries and tertiaries ; edge of wing white; middle pair of tail-feathers grey with black shafts, the others dark brown at the base and tipped with ferruginous. Chin, throat and upper breast greyish white to ferrugin- ous grey, the breast feathers with white shafts; remainder of lower plumage ferrnginous white to deep ferruginous,
204 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Iris dull white. Bill, anterior half yellow, basal half plum- beous—the culmen greenish. Legs pinkish flesh-colour.
Distribution. I obtained a pair of these birds from a Siamese bird-catcher in Bangkok in December 1914. He assured me he had trapped them here, and that in the course of a season he gets as many as 40 or 50. Ihave no reason to doubt this statement, as the man appears to devote himself to the business of catching birds in Bangkok and selling them either to private individuals or to the pro- | prietors of the numerous bird shops here.
I can trace no other record of this bird in Siam. Mr. Emil Kisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe) records S. malabarica from Northern Siam, and though the two species are very similar in appearance, S. me- moricola can be distinguished by the white edge to its wing which is : entirely lacking in S. malabarica. The identification of my specimens has been confirmed by Mr. H. C. Robinson.
30 (546). Graculipica nigricollis. Zhe Dlack-necked Myna. 3 Siamese, un iaua az lng ( Nok iang-khring yai ).*
Description. Length, up to 304 mm. (12 in). Whole head and neck white, bordered all round by a black collar; behind this, on the back, is an indistinct band of feathers with whitish tips, while the re- mainder of the back is dark brown, the feathers with paler tips; rump and shorter tail-coverts white, primary wing coverts white; remaining wing-coverts and quills dark brown with white tips—-minute on the pri- maries. Lower plumage, with the exception of the black collar, white.
Tris rich dark brown, surrounded by a narrow ring dull white. Bill dark horny. Mouth dark slate to blackish. Legs dull fleshy white. Bare skin round the eyes pale to deep yellow. Young birds have the head and neck brown.
Habits, ete. One of our commonest resident birds, usually going about in pairs or small flocks, and frequently to be seen walking about on the ground searching for insects, of which its food appears chiefly to consist. This Myna is a very noisy bird and has a number of loud and cheerful but not unmusical notes. Being of a gregarious nature, it usually roosts, out of the breeding season, in considerable companies, selecting some leafy tree or bamboo clump for the purpose.
* Colloquially known as Vok hing-khrong yat.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 20
or
The noise the birds then make, for half an hour or so before dark, is almost deafening.
Distribution. Probably to be found over the greater part of the country, as it is also recorded by Gyldenstolpe from Hastern, Northern and Central Siam, and by Gairdner from the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi. I have found it common both at Koh Lak and at various places on the east coast of the Gulf of Siam.
+*31 (549). Acridotheres tristis. Zhe Common Myna.
Siamese. wndian) (Nok salika ).
Description. Length 254 mm. (10 in). Upper portion of head and neck glossy black, succeeded by a.band of dull greyish black, fading into the vinous brown of the back and the paler brown of the rump and upper tail-coverts ; primary wing-coverts white ; other wing- coverts and tertiaries vinous brown ; primaries black with white bases ; tail feathers blackish, tipped with white. Lower neck and breast dul! black, passing into the vinous brown of the abdomen and flanks ; under tail-coverts white.
Iris reddish brown. Bill, bare facial skin and legs yellow. Mouth blackish purple.
Habits, ete. Largely a ground-bird feeding on insects, and of a gregarious and sociable character.
Distribution. So far as regards Bangkok, this bird appears to be somewhat of a rarity as [ have only obtained specimens on three occasions, in February, March and October. Mr. E. W. Trotter, however, informs me that he found it common in December at Klong Rangsit (only 12 miles due north of Bangkok) whence he sent mea specimen. Outside Bangkok I have obtained the bird at Koh Lak, and also observed it at Paknampo, while Gairdner records it from the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi, and Barton from Raheng in Northern Siam.
7-82 (553). AMthiopsar grandis. The Siamese Myna.
ood & ° rs Siamese, wniiieAi ( Nok iang dam ).
Description. Length up to 254 mm.(10in). Body plumage black—the lower parts with a brownish tinge and the under tail-coverts
206 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
white ; primaries black, with a large white patch near their bases, and all the wing feathers more or less glossed with bronze; tail black, broadly tipped with white.
Iris reddish brown. Bill orange yellow, paler at tip. Legs pale orange-yellow to dusky yellow.
Habits, ete. A fairly common resident species, occurring in pairs or small flocks, and easily recognised by its narrow frontal plumes, 18 mm. (‘75 in.) long, rising from the forehead and curling backwards. It is frequently to be seen perched on the backs of Water Buffaloes, picking off and eating the ticks on those animals.
Distribution. Also recorded from Hastern and Northern Siam by Gyldenstolpe who describes it as “‘ very common everywhere in favourable localities.” Outside Bangkok I have obtained it at Koh Lak, while Gairdner records it from the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi.
‘. 33 (556). Sturnopastor superciliaris. Z'he Burmese Pied Myna.
ta * d : ‘@ Siamese, WH thes Jara van (Nok iang-khrong lek).*
Description. Length, up to 24I mm. (9.5 in). Forehead and crown black, closely streaked with white; patch behind eye white; chin, throat, upper breast, neck (all round) and back glossy black ; lower rump white; edge of wing, lesser wing-coverts and edges of inner median wing-coverts white. Lower plumage from middle breast downwards white, with pale vinaceous tinge ; under wing-coverts white,
Iris pale yellow to yellowish buff. Bill, basal half deep orange to orange-red, remainder dull white. Mouth black. Orbital skin orange-yellow to orange. Legs, dull whitish to dusky flesh.
Young birds have the bill and legs more or less dusky brown.
Habits, etc. This is alsoa common and familiar resident spe- cies. Like other Mynas it feeds mainly on the ground, on insects, and possesses a variety of loud, vivacious notes. It is generally to be seen in pairs or small flocks, but sometimes large numbers congregate together.
Distribution. Also recorded from Kastern and Central Siam by Gyldenstolpe under the name of 8. flower’, which appears to be a
* Colloquially known as Nok king-khrong Ick.
eee
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 207
geographical race of S. superciliaris; from Northern Siam by Mr. Hmil Eisenhofer (Gyldenstope); and fromthe Ratburi and Petcha- puri Monthons by Gairdner. I have likewise met with the bird at Koh Lak and at various places on the East coast of the Gulf of Siam
as far south as Chantabun.
Family MISCICAPID.—Flycatchers.
+ 34 (562). Siphia albicilla. Zhe Hastern Red-breasted Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 127 mm. (Sin). General colour of upper parts fulvous brown, darker on the head, and with upper tail- coverts black ; quills brown, the primaries very narrowly, the other wing-feathers more broadly, edged paler; the two middle pair of tail- feathers wholly blackish, the others with the basal half or more white. Chin and throat chestnut in the male, ashy white in the female; re- mainder of lower plumage ashy white.
Iris dark brown. Bill dark brown, except base of lower mandible which is brownish flesh. Mouth dull yellow. Legs and feet dark brown to blackish.
Habits, etc. This bird is a cold weather visitor to Siam and occurs in Bangkok from October to February, though not, I think, in any large numbers. It is of an active and wary disposition, and usually flits away as one approaches, the while uttering its grating little note, chr-r-r, which is unmistakable. It usually keeps to low trees and bushes, hunting for small insects, but I have observed it des- cend tothe ground for that purpose—flitting back again to a convenient perch near by, as soon as the insect has been captured,
Mistributien. Also recorded from Northern Siam (Gyldenstolpe), while I have likewise obtained it at Sriracha in December.
-35 579). Stoparola melanops. The Verditer F. lycatcher, Description. Length up to 165 mm. (6.5 in). Male. Whole plumage verditer-blue, with the exception of the lores, feathers in front .of the eye and those at the base of the lower mandible, which are black : all wing-feathers black on inner webs; tail blue, the shafts black and the inner webs edged with blackish brown. Under tail-coverts fringed with white. Female. Very similar to male, but the blue of the body- plumage is duller. the lores are brown, and the chin and throat are whitish.
908 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM Vol. I.
Iris dark brown. Bill and legs black. Mouth flesh-colour to dusky flesh.
Habits, etc. A cold weather visitor to Bangkok, occurring here somewhat sparingly from October or November to February. As far as my observations go, it usually keeps well up in trees, preferably large ones, though I have on two occasions shot the bird while perch- ed on the top of a small tree ina clearing. It takes its prey (small insects ) in the true flycatcher manner, by darting on it in the air from its perch, to which it returns to devour its capture. I have never seen one on the ground.
Distribution. Outside Bangkok I have obtained this bird at Sriracha in December, while Gyldenstolpe also records it from Northern
Siam where he found it ‘‘ rather rare.”
{ 36. (588). Alseonax latirostris. The Brown Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 127 mm (6 in.). Upper plumage
ashy brown, darker on the head and paler on the ramp and upper tail-
coverts ; tail dark brown, the outer feathers very narrowly tipped with
whitish ; quills dark brown, all but the primaries edged with ashy
white, more broadly on those nearer the body ; lores and a ring round the eye whitish. Lower plumage ashy white.
Irish brown. Bill very dark brown, except base of lower mandible which is dull yellow. Mouth yellow. Legs blackish.
Habits, etc. This is also a seasonal visitor to Bangkok, occurring . from August to February or later. It has the usual flycatcher habits, and takes its prey in the air by a short dart from a perch. I have not found the bird at all common here.
Distribution. Appears to be widely distributed, as it is also recorded from Trang by Robinson and Kloss, and from Northern Siam by Mr. Emil Hisenhofer (Gyldenstolpe), while [ obtained a specimen at Sriracha in October.
+ *37 (—). Tersiphone incii. T’he Chinese Paradise Flycatcher. Deseription.t Male. Length 222 mm. (8.75 in). Head and
neck all round black, richly glossed with blue; remainder of upper plumage rich chestnut, the tail paler chestnut ; primaries and second-
{ The description here given is taken from the two specimens in my collection, and is not necessarily of general application.
BIRDS OF BANGKOK. 208
aries brown, edged with chestnut; tertiaries wholly chestnut, with black shafts. Lower plumage, from breast to middle of abdomen, grey, paling to whitish on lower abdomen ; lower tail-coverts white, with rufous tinge. Female. Somewhat similar to male, but smaller in size (190 mm, or 7.5 in.), the chestnut of the upper plumage paler and the grey of the lower plumage darker.
Distribution. There appears to be no previous record of this species in Siam. I obtained two specimens in my garden, one in 1913 (2? July or Ssptember) and other in September 1914, and both have been identified by Mr. H. C. Robinson. 1. incit is a Chinese form which extends into the Malay Peninsula as a winter visitor (Robinson, A Handlist of the Birds of the Malay Peninsula, South of the Isthmus of Kra, 1910, p. 18), so it would appear that the birds procured here by me were on migration. If this be the case, individuals ought also to be obtained at the end of the cold weather, on their return journey
eastwards.
+ 38 (601). Hypothymis azurea. The Indian Black- naped Flycatcher.
Description. Length about 165 mm. (6.5 in.), Male. Head and neck all round azure blue, except a patch on the nape, the extreme edge of the forehead and a narrow cresentic bar across the base of the neck below, which are black; remainder of upper plumage duller blue; wings dark brown, edged with blue; tail brown, suffused with blue on the median pair of feathers and on the outer webs of the others. Breast blue, shading off into white on abdomen and under tail-coverts. Female. Head and neck all round dull blue; back, wings, rump, upper tail-coverts and tail brown, the outer webs of the quills and the middle tail-feathers faintly washed with blue. Breast ashy blue; abdomen and under tail-coverts dull white, the flanks grey.
Iris dark brown. Bill very dark blue. Mouth greenish yellow. Legs bluish plumbeous to dark blue.
Habits, etc. A cold weather visitor to Bangkok, where it ap- pears to occur from October to February, though it is not common. Its habits are similar to those of the other flycatchers, ¢. e., it feeds on small insects which it takes in the air by a sudden dart from a_ perch. As far as my experience goes, the bird is a frequenter of dark under- growth in well-wooded tracts, and avoids open country and high trees.
210 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
It is consequently only to be met with, as a rule, in a few suitable localities in the outskirts of Bangkok.
Distribution. Apparently widely distributed, as it is also record- ed from Trang ( Robinson and Kloss ); from Northern Siam (Gyldens- tolpe); and from the Ratburi and Petchaburi Monthons (Gairdner); while I have obtained it on the Kast coast of the Galf of Siam in October.
+ 39 (606). Rhipidura javanica. The Java Fantail Fly- catcher.
Siamese, wnvwiwy ( Nok hang phen ).
Description. Length up to 190 mm. (7.5. in). Mule. Forehead, crown and sides of head sooty brown ; the remainder of the upper plum- age (including wings) brown, suffused with rufous ; tail dark brown, the four outer pairs of tail-feathers broadly, the pair next to then nar- rowly, tipped with white ; a short and half-concealed supercilium pure white. Chin, a band across the breast, and the sides of the breast blackish brown; remainder of lower plumage white, tinged with buff. Female. Somewhat smaller, upper plumage rather duller, and lower plumage more buff than the male.
Iris dark brown. Bill black, base of lower mandible dusky flesh- colour. Legs blackish brown to black, the soles dusky greenish flesh- colour.
_ Habits, ete. A permanent resident in Bangkok, and one of the commonest birds in our gardens, where its liveliness and its habit of flirting and dancing about with outspread tail (hence its name of Fan- tail Flycatcher) and half-opened wings, make it a most noticeable and attractive little blrd. Its note is a joyous one, usually of five rather slowly drawn-out syllables, cheech che-weech che-weech.
The food of this bird consists, of course, of insects, which it pur- sues and seizes in the air, in the usual flycatcher manner, by darting at it from a branch, but the Java Fantail Flycatcher is also frequently to be seen on the ground dancing along with outstretched tail and wings in the manner above described.
Distribution. Apart from Bangkok, this bird appears, so far, to have been recorded only by Gairdner from the Provinces of Ratburi and Petchaburi, but | have met with it at Sriracha, Ayuthia and Koh Lak, at both of which last-named places I found it common.
( To be continued ).
LIST OF THE SNAKES AT PRESENT KNOWN TO INHABIT SIAM.
By MALCOLM SMITH, m.r.c.s., t.R.c.P.
Since Captain Flower published his paper upon the Reptiles of the Malay Peninsula and Siam, (Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1899, pp. 600—696) no work of any kind has appeared dealing with the snakes of this country. His paper, moreover, as far as Siam is con- cerned, is obscured by the fact that the two regions to which he refers are taken together instead of separately, and without going through it in detail it is impossible to see what actually belongs to each country.
A great many species have been added since that time, partic- ularly in the last two years by the members of our Society, and | therefore take this opportunity of publishing a new list, complete, as far as possible, up to date.
The recently issued volume upon the Reptiles and Batrachians of the Malay Peninsula, sets the northern limit of that region at the Isthmus of Kra, thus including a portion of Siam. <A certain amount of overlapping in the lists of the species of the two countries is therefore inevitable, and in order to avoid confusion I have adhered to that boundary, and have noted, with regard to all species added since Flower’s time, whether they were obtained North or South of that line.
Flower’s original paper contained 57 species from Siam. In the present list they have no mark attached to them.
Various expeditions to the Siamese Malay States, particularly one by Messrs. Robinson and Annandale to Patani in 1903 (Faseteuli Malayenses, Zoology, Vol. 1, pp. 131-176), have added another 16 to that number. These are marked with a f
25 more may now be included, bringing the total number of species up to 98. Those obtained North of the Isthmus of Kra are
marked witha *, those South of it witha §
212. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
I should like here to express my sincere thanks to the following
lady and gentlemen who have kindly collected for me in various parts
of the country, and to whom I am indebted for many valuable specimens :—Mrs. Collins, Messrs. C. J. Aagaard, P. A, R. Barron, C. S. Barton, T. S.-Butler, T. B. Chatteris, W. N. Dunn, G. Weston Elwes, K. G. Gairdner, S. H. Greene, E. G. Herbert, J. I. Keddie, T. H. Lyle, H. Lover, J. Miller, T. A. Slack, Sorabjee, and H. C.
St. J. Yates.
.
10.
LY,
12. 13.
Famity TYPHLOPIDA.
TYPHLOPS BRAMINUS, Daud.
. SIAMENSIS, Guthr.
. SCHNEIDERI, Jan.
. FLowert, Blqr.
. ALBICEPS, Blqr.
. NIGROALBUS, Dum. and Bibr. . LINEATUS, Bove.
> a lr I ce
Famity BOIDA. PYTHON RETICULATUS, Schneid. P. MoLurus, Linn.
Famity /LYSIIDA#
CYLINDROPHIS RUFUS, Laur.
FamMiLy XHNOPELTID.
XENOPELTIS UNICOLOR, Feinw.
Famity COLUBRID.
ACROCHORDINA.
ACROCHORDUS JAVANICUS, Horistedt. CHERSYDRUS GRANULATUS, Selineid.
CoLUBRIN&.
POLYODONTOPHIS GEMINATUS, Boze. P. COLLARIS, Gray. PRYMNOMIODON CHALCEUS, Cope. MACROPISTODON RHODOMELOS, Bove. TROPIDONOTUS PISCATOR, Schneid,
we
* kk OK
+ *
19%
1D DO bo Oo DO DS BD WY oo Fe I RE ee el ees pee
3D. 36.
38.
50. ol. 52. 53. a4. 50d.
LIST OF SNAKES OF SIAM.
T. TIGRINUS, Bove.
T. sToLatus, Linn.
T. SUBMINIATUS, Schleg.
T. CHRYSARGUS, Sckleq.
T. nigrocinctus, Blyth. Lycopon avticus, Linn.
L. LAOENSIS, Guthr.
L. FASCIATUS, Anders.
L. suscinctus, Bove. TRIRHINOPOLIS NUCHALIS, Blyr. PSAMMOPHIS CONDANARUS, Merr. DryocaLaMus DaVISONU, Blan/. ZAMENIS Mucosus, Linn. ZAMENIS KORROS, Schleg.
Z. SPINALIS, Peters.
COLUBER TAENIURUS, Cope.
C. rapiatus, Schleg.
C. OXYCEPHALUS, Bote. DENDROPHIS PICTUS, Gmel,
D. FrorMosus, Bote.
DENDRALAPHIS SUBOCULARIS, Blyr.
D. CAUDOLINEATUS, Gray. SIMOTES PURPURASCENS, Schley. S. cycLurus, Cantor.
S. TAENIATUS, Gnthr.
S. VIOLACEuS, Cant.
S. INorNaTus, Blgr.
ALABES SCRIPTUS, T'heob,
CALAMARIA PAVIMENTATA, Duin. and Bohr:
HOMALOPSINA.
HYPSIRHINA PLUMBEA, Boze. H. JaGoril, Peters,
H. Smiruu, Blgr.
H. ENHYDRIS, Schneid.
H. Bocourtl, Jan.
H. CHINENSIS, Gray. HoMALopsis BuccaTa, Lini. CERBERUS RHYNCHOPS, Schneid.
914. JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol.
+
* =r) —
* <I “J
* <b aj Sa
* 85. 86. 87.
* 88.
HIPISTES HYDRINUS, Cantor. HERPETON TENTACULATUM, Lacép.
DIpSADOMORPHINA.
DIPSADOMORPHUS MULTIMACULATUS, Bore. D. HExAGONATUS, Blyth.
D. cyaneus, Dum. and Bibr.
D. cynopon, Bove.
D. DENDROPHILUS, Bove.
D. nigricers, Gnthr.
PSAMMODYNASTES PULVERULENTUS, Bove. DRYOPHIS MYCTERIZANS, Linn.
D. prasinus, Bove.
DRYOPHIOPS RUBESCENS, Gray. CHRYSOPELEA ORNATA, ‘Shaw.
HYDROPHINA.
Hyprus puaturus, Linn. HyYDROPHIS ORNATUS, Gira.
H. JERpoNU, Gray.
H. virertna, Schmidt.
H. nigrocinctus, Daud.
H. DIADEMA, Gathr.
H. rasciatus, Schneid.
H. CAERULESCENS, Shai’.
H. TUBERCULATUS, Anders.
H. GRACcILIS, Shaw.
H. Kuoss1, Bigr.
ENuHYpDRIS HarpDWICKII, Gray. ENHYDRINA VALAKADIEN, Bore. THALASSOPHIS ANNANDALII Laidlaw. PLATURUS LATICAUDATUS, Linn.
ELAPINA. BUNGARUS FASCIATUS, Schneid. B. canpipus, Linn.
NAIA TRIPUDIANS, Merv. N. sunaarus, Schleg. CALLOPHIS MACULICEPS, Guthr,
Lu,
ate
ag: 90.
91. 92, 93. 94.
LIST OF SNAKES OF SIAM.
DOLIOPHIS BIVIRGATUS, Boze. D. INTESTINALIS, Laur.
Famity AMBLYCEPHALIDA.
HAPLOPELTURA BOA, Bore.
AMBLYCEPHALUS MOLLENDORFII, Boettq.
A. CARINATUS, Bove. A. MARGARITOPHORUS, Jan.
Maminy VIPHRIDA.
Vipera RUSSELLII, Shaw. ANCISTRODON RHODOS'TTOMA, Boze. A. BLOMHOFFIIL, Bove.
LLACHESIS GRAMINEUs, Shaw.
bo or
AN APPEAL FOR LANGURS.
The following appeal is made to all those interested in the
Mammalian fauna of Siam, for specimens, and notes on the habits, of
the Langur Monkeys. The Siamese Langurs are very little known and the material at present to hand is not sufficient to permit of a thorough understanding of the relations existing between the various forms.
In the preparation of skins it should be remembered that the
measurements and sex of each animal should be recorded on the label.
The usual body measurements are (1) from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail ; (2) from the base of the tail to the tip of same—not including any terminal tuft of hairs; and (3) the length of the hind foot.
The skulls of the various specimens should all be labelled so that they can be identified with the skins that belong to them ; for this purpose the collector will find it easiest to number his specimens and never to repeat the same numbers in any subsequent collection. The skulls are best if sent home with the dried meat still on, as this prevents damage and loss of teeth. The localities of the specimens should be recorded on the label in such a manner that those less intimately acquainted with the local geography may be able to locate the various places. The altitude and date of capture are also items of considerable importance which should be entered upon the skin label.
As far as possible specimens of both sexes should be obtained, together with young individuals—so that any sexual or juvenile pelage-differences may be observed.
It is hoped shortly to publish an extensive monograph on the subject of the Langur Monkeys.
The Indian groups are now, thanks to the Bombay Natural History Society’s mamma! survey, well worked out; to bring our knowledge concerning the Siamese forms up to the same standard we require a much more complete series than is now available for examination.
GUY DOLLMAN,
British Museum ( Natural History ). October 25, 1914.
bo — J
PROCEEDINGS OF GENERAL MEETINGS.
3kRD ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1914.
This meeting was held at Mr W. L. Grut’s house on the 12th November, 1914, and was attended by 14 members and 2 guests. Mr. W. J. F. Williamson presided.
A large and interesting collection of birds and mammals made by Count Gyldenstolpe during the months of March to November 1914, in the North of Siam, was exhibited by him. During this period some 790 birds (comprisiug 259 species) and 100 mammals, besides a num- ber of reptiles, fishes, intestinal worms, beetles and spiders were collected.
Among the birds were the following which had not previously been recorded from Siam :—
Pomatorrhinus tickelli, Gampsorhynchus torquatus, Drymocatha- pes (Drymcataphus) tickelli, Corythocichla brevicaudata, Stachyrhidopsis rufifrons, Herpornis wantholeuca, Chloropsis hardwickii, Rhipidura albicollis, Aethopyga dabryi, Dicueum ignipictus, Pyrrhopicus pyrrhotis, Picumnus innomitatus, Sasia ochracea, Meqalaema marshallorum, Mega- laema virens, Cyanops davisoni, Cyanops asiatica, Cyanops ramsaiyi. Huhua nepalensis, Photodilus badius, Polioaétus ichthyaétus, Sphenocerus apicauda and Macropygia tusalia.
At the conclusion of the exhibition Mr T. H. Lyle, in con- gratulating Count Gyldenstolpe on his collection, made some interest- ing remarks on the difficulties to be experienced while collecting spe- cimens in the country through which Count Gyldenstolpe had travelled.
A hearty vote of thanks to Count Gyldenstolpe, proposed by Mr. Williamson, terminated the proceedings.
Isr ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING, 1915.
This meeting was held at the Oriental Hotel on the 2Ist January, 1915, Dr. Malcolm Smith, the Vice-President, being in the chair.
Mr. C. Boden Kloss, Assistant Director of Museums. Federated MalJay States, exhibited specimens of mammals and birds collected by him on a few weeks’ trip, during December 1914 and January 1915, on the islands off the Hast coast of the Gulf of Siam and the adjacent mainland. The collection consisted of nearly 500 mammals and some
218 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. 1.
400 birds, a large part of the former being rodents. A feature of the display was the fine condion of the specimens and the excellent manner in which they had been preserved.
The method of wrapping up the birds and pinning out the mammals was shown, and Mr. Kloss also exhibited some of his collec- ting guns and traps. He further made some interesting observations on the differences in colouration and markings of specimens from the mainland as compared with those obtained on the adjacent islands. Mr. Kloss also showed photographs of the various camps and other places visited.
A very interesting meeting was brought toa close by a vote of thanks which was heartily accorded to Mr. Kloss, on the proposi- tion of Dr. Maleolm Smith.
2nD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
The Second Annual General Meeting of the Society was held at at the office of the Bangkok Times on the 26th February 1915. There were present 12 members and 3 guests, with the President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson, in the chair.
The President stated that during the past year 20 new mem- -
bers had joinedand 2 honorary members had been elected. There were 10 resignations during the year, leaving a membership of 75 at the end of 1914, against 63 twelve months previously.
A list of the meetings held during the year and of the public- ations that had been presented to the Society, as well as a list of the other Societies and Institutions to which the Journal was being sent, was also read out by Mr. Williamsom.
The Honorary Secretary having read a statement otf accounts for the year, showing a balance in hand at the end of 1914 of Tes. 660.94, a proposal to adopt them, made by Mr. Williamson, was carried. A proposition moved by Mr. J. J. McBeth and seconded by Mr. W. L. Grut, that the officers and Committee of 1914 be elected en bloc tor 1915, was carried.
The Committee thus re-elected was comprised as follows :—
President, Mr. W. J. F. Williamson; Vice-President, Dr. Malcolm Smith ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. S. H. Cole; and Messrs. KH. J. Godfrey, EH. G. Herbert and H. Rieschick.
It was next proposed by Mr, J. R. C. Lyons and seconded by Mr. W. Nunn that Dr. Malcolm Smith and Mr. W. J. F. Wilhamson be re-elected Editors of the Journal. This was carried, and on the proposal of Mr W. L. Grut, seconded by Mr, HK. G, Herbert, a vote of thanks was accorded to the Editors tor their work in getting out the Society’s Journal
This closing the business in connection with the Annual Gen- ral Meeting, the minutes of the last Ordinary General Meeting were vead and approved. Dr. Malcolm Smith then proceeded to exhibit specimens of some of the reptiles collected by Mr. C. Boden Kloss during his recent trip to the East Coast of the Gulf of Siam, and stated that a full account of this collection would be published in the Jowrneal.
a i
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. 219
Mr. Williamson exhibited a fine specimen of the Spotted-billed Pelican (Pelicanus philippensis) shot at Singora by Mr. C.J. Aagaard, while Mr, J. J. McBeth showed some specimens of a species of leaf insect obtained near Korat. Mr. W. Nunn also exhibited the bills of an adult male and a younger female of the Indo-Burmese Pied Horn- bill ( Anthracoceros albirostris) shot on the South-Hast Coast by a non-member of the Society.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1914.
INCOME. Ticals. Balance brought over from 1913 213.55 Subscriptions for 1914 14.20.00 Arrears subscriptions for 1913 paid in 1914 20.00 Subscriptions for 1915 paid in 1914 115.00 Interest on balance at Bank sae * 7.58
Tes. 1776.13
Bangkok,
24th February 1915.
EXPENDITURE. Ticals.
Postage 40.89 Stationery and Account
Books ... 10.00 Almirah for storing
publications 40.00 Printing & other ex-
penses in connec-
tion with the issue
of the lst Number
of the Journal 4.22.59 Ditto, ditto, for the
2nd Number ... 559.26 Printing Rules,
Notices, etc. 46.45 Balance at Bank at
end of 1914 656.94
Tes. .1776.%3
(Sd) S. H. COLE.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer.
99 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
LIST OF MEMBERS ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1914.
Aagaard, ©. J.
Bain, W.
Barron, P. A. R. Barton, C. 8. Bonnafous, H. Boyce, E. B. Brewitt-Taylor, L. Butler, T. 8S.
Cambiaso, Count FP.
Carthew, Dr. M. Chatteris, T. B. Cole, S. H. Collins, Mrs. D. J.
Couper-Johnston, D.
Dalgliesh, J. E. Dietrich, G. Due-Petersen, Dr. Duke, A. H. Kisenhofer, E. Elwes, G. F. W. Kyton, S. W. Forty, C. H. (tairdner, K. G. Gilmore, W. M. Godfrey, EK. J.
Groundwater, C. L.
Groves, Mrs. S. P. Grut, W. L. Harrop, ae Healey, K. Herbert, E.G. Irwin, A. J. Keddie, J. FP. Kemp, P. R. Keynes, 8. C. Lambert, S. G. Laydeker, HK. A.
a
Lucius, Dr. R. Lupsa, I. Lyons, J. R. C.
Mannsfeldt, M. Massey, H. K.
McBeth, J, 4J.
Mohr, A.
Nesbitt, P.
Nisbet, R. H.
Nunn, W.
Ogilvie, A. W. Ornstein, Dr. med. ‘D.
Palmer, W. L.
Phongse Sanitwongse, Mom Luang
Porter, A. A. Queripel, A. L. Raggi, J. G.
Soha)eed Rankin, Dr. A. C. Remy, Dr. jur. KE, Rieschick, H. Robert, Dr. L. Rogers, B. H. Ross, D.
Slack, T. A. Smith, EH. Wyon Smith, Dr. M. Smyth, G. C. Spigno, A. B. Sprater, Major W.
Ward, T. BR. J., C.1.E., M.¥-01
Webb, G. E.
Weeks, W. .G. Williamson, W. J. F. Wolf, G.
Yates, HC. St: J.
“Zabel, F.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
H.R.E. Prince Chumporn. Count Nils Gyldenstolpe.
JOURNAL
OF THE Natural History Society of Siam.
Vol. I., No. 4.
congonian Ingie fs Uys
ss KL 85 19u7 ax) NV,
December, 1915.
EDITED BY
Malcolm Smith and E. G. Herbert.
Price to Non-Members, BS eee Sa Ar ce ORs NOON
CONTENTS.
On Two New Rats From THE INNER GULF OF SiAM. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.Z.S. ee i swe ae
Some Nores on Scrurus FINLAYSONI, AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF
Siam. By C. Boden Kloss, F Zs. ... ae
List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY Mr. Emit EISENHOFER IN NorTHERN S1aM. By Nils Gyldenstolpe, B. A. ( Continued from Vol. I, No. 3, p. 172) ee Ae
On REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM THE COAST AND ISLANDS or SourH-Hast Sram. By Malcolm Smith, M.R.c.s.,
©ho.P., ana ©. Boden Kloss F.z8. .., soe
Zoo-GEOGRAPHICAL Divisions FoR Siam. With a Map. By C.
Boden Kloss, F.R.G.8., F.Z 8.
‘ MISCELLANEOUS NoTES:— 1.—Additions to the Mammalian Fauna of Ratburi. By K. G, Gairdner oe aan f6 If.—Note on Sambar ( Cervus unicolor ) shedding its Hors. By P. A: R. Barron. Iif—A New Snake for Bangkok. By Malcolm Smith... IV.—On the Breeding Habits and Colour Changes in the Lizard, Calotes mystaceus. By Malcolm
Smith.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE Society. General Meetings ...
Publications received oe
A FurtHer List oF PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO THE NATURAL
HISTORY oF SIAM. iz
PAGE.
221
225
229
237
250
252
255 200
206
258 258
PPS :
+ 2 i Sone oO A _ i asl ie one ae Pale ats ‘ z ' ry 5 ~ ate, Want : a : 1 Wt: be 7 = os . Mt bk 1 aber i fy eI Chi a cae 2 ida 4% Ps d ' . at .- — = 3 = i ie ; . ‘ ' ae ae) i : é 7 wi " A: Ng a a % 1k ; a04 63.4 a Pato f 7 sg ‘ay | i Ce | : co ; . . ef V4 = af f ’ ‘ a * 4 i ? C= z oe " a . a a ‘ =v “ ay Se eee by | [Ant om bigs 4 2e~ ne : i Cee &— { ‘ 4 “ as ive a) ' a * 5 ps 7 » oo 7 ‘ U f] | Fa YF es 4; ? ' = < ’ ¥ i =* 2 ® a J] : 7 ry 7 re #5 a ‘ 2 iar i . : } - i os i) | ” 7 ‘ ais 7 ; ' a) 2 = ; ‘by Ry ~ . eae AV ~~ ci ba! oh a : . ‘ ’ ‘ s lig
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Natural History Society of Siam
December 1915. Vou 1, No. 4.
ON TWO NEW RATS FROM THE | GULF OF SIAM.
> e-~4
Peaponian Institg~ 4 %
Gy » JUL 251917
ationgy Muse?S
Br CC. Bonen Kioss. §..Z.'S:
During a short visit to Koh Si Chang and Koh Phai, I obtained a number of specimens of Mpinwus rattus, which appears to be the only species of terrestrial mammal inhabiting the two islands other than the squirrels that I have already dealt with in the Journal of this Society.
These rats differ sufficiently from each other and from any named form of H. rattus from South-Hast Asia to make it necessary to describe them. From Flower’s notes on the common rats of Bang- kok (P. Z. S. 1900, p. 861) it would seem that the animals of that locality are in part of somewhat similar type.
Epimus rattus portus, subsp. nov.
Type. Aged male (skin and skull ) No. 1941/C B. Ix. -Collect- ed on Koh Si Chang, Inner Gulf of Siam, 27th January, 1916.
Characters. A long-tailed race of EH. rattus of notably yellow and bright colouration.
Colour. Above light ochraceous-tawny becoming paler on the sides and limbs and striped (coarsely grizzled) on the dorsal region by the dark tips of flexible pale-based spines and longer dark piles, the latter being most conspicuous on the rump. Base of fur grey.
922 =JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
Under-surface to the bases of the hairs, white, fairly clearly margined, and continuous down the thighs to the hind-feet which are conspicuously pale. Tail dark throughout.
Skull and Teeth. Uardly differ from those of mainland animal except that the cranium seems to be rather narrower or more pear- shaped, owing to the closer approximation of the parietal ridges while the sides of the cranium are less vertical.
Measurements. Wars of type, 24, of the series, 22-24 mm.
Wor other measurements see table p. 223.
Specimens examined. Thirteen, all from Koh Si Chang.
Remarks. The light upper surface closely resembling in colour the back of some races of surifer rats markedly separates this form from the much darker, duller mainland animals. This bright back and the pure white under surface seem further to be present at all
ages, as young individuals do not differ from adults. Epimys rattus poenitentiarii, subsp. nov.
Type. Adult male (skin and skull) No. 1966/C. B, Kk. Collect- ed on Koh Phai, Inner Gulf of Siam, Ist February, 1915.
Diagnosis. Colour like H. 7. portus but size rather smaller. Skull like that 7.7. portus but with bullae markedly smaller and less dilated than is the case both with it and with the mainland animal.
Measurements. Kar of type 23, of series 21-23 mm.
For other measurements see table p. 224.
Specimens examined, Fifteen all from Koh Phai.
Remarls. Besides being a rather less robust animal the cons- picuous difference in size and form of bullae compel separation of this
animal from that of Koh Si Chang and the mainland.
223
~
f
Dee. 191
6b
be
APY
pose ‘od dy,
ve
UPV
“
3G pos y
WNpy
[fF61 €e6L IS6T OS6L 6661 Sé6L
9261
|
GIG 6°06
C06
*SYIVUdy]
iO
Yypeoig
SLING
pourtquog
ait 08 LL Ae teste | SA Si7 he | Sle FOL na | Cor 68 aL Tol | ¢8s | SSF | geg | OGe GST A FS 18 GL 6 IL | ge | S&F whe FLG OST W Shia 6 GL Leh ey Ws Geer le 2 866 661 W
O9T G8 Siz EME | ASKS Ni reanizi? |) Eke O1G | O6I J
O'S G8 SL Ocr | 96g | O9F ite F1G S61 A OLt 9°8 08 SGl | 96¢ | SSP G¢ P16 FST W
is OIL V8 ZL Eck | Pé6S | Ot Gis sce |) GEL ai
LOW 0'8 4 9GL | G8 | Scr 9& 416 | O61 W | | } | | Myers ea] yu iggol seal mw] a] | » ORS) Topi home ea ile Re pf ol se an SS i o San sl2 5S] =o = 4q 2:91 go © 5 a =) ia) gQ 8 mB A 99 © oO ue = ee) Qu Sy S SSS eS ee aa) ee oe : =e a =| oS Oh 2 = = = is) ‘ 5 i) = + ~ << a = = = J eS oe) 2 TITAS a
‘d8dAS ‘SALLVY SAWNIdTH FO SINANTTOASVAW
te
Weg JO Jny couuy ‘suvyyg ig yoy
vo
in
ve
ts
oe
“snqiod sry shurdsy
AjyRoory pure soroodsqng
Vol. I.
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM
224
ee S961 | FGI |) GF | o'OT |) 8°38 Te) se TDs Ber | Secar 96. |. 206. | 261 AX | i s qW[Upy L96LT | 0G LF 6 SI 88 8h ME RSS Oa cg 906 |2ZL1 WN | i - es { | | posy ‘odXy, | 9961 | 0°02 OMS LOL | €6 69 Orc | 8e25) Sisk 9¢ 606 GSI Ww | = pe Es CO6I | 6'6I Ce @9L L8 92 GUL | OSS =| OFF 9& 90G F8I WN rs oe . . . | i F9GT | GL Day beaten | T's GL COU eGtes L&P INS, OGG 602 W : oe ‘ G96T | 0G | Dar GL Us CEL Siler MOM GanlvaGy 9¢ G1Z csi W * We WapV 1961 | Gol FF 8st 9°8 08 GE I 82S || SGP 9¢ 602 981 W i 2 Le peasy S26R 006.) Sk OSI G8 eb OLL |} OLS | Her. cg 616 L81 i : is fs OSEL | S06 OS 9 9T 68 GL Gil | GLE \i8cr €€ 606 Sst Af ie | | | | P UPV Sfol | GG | FF O'OT 18 Lit oe i eS 1 Osi Gg 806 | 9LT AE WIS JO JUp) ouuy “eyg yoy | | | rem quapuood snqqve shuady — — — << =- = —— _ — —— _ | = — @ go SD ieee SS cen ves it Ee) eens se) weer > dq 23] oo © 5 te 2 nw | Bo |2 RP Slag B ES Sa p> De Eee (SUES) 5 5, as ee oll am || SPRY fou panied io) SP Sy) lela Hs | ¢ 30 : i SYIBULOIY "ON a les SS eer =| les o = e Ayl[woory pue soroodsqne s. = 5 = aoe <. = bo 2 le CY ome ITOXS &
‘ddS@08' ‘SALIVE ANITH AO SINAWTUASVAN
SOME NOTES ON SCIURUS FINLAYSONI, AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF SIAM.
a eed
By ©. Bopren Kuoss, F. Z. S.
Through the kindness of Dr. Malcolm Smith I have recently received from Lopburi, two fresh spirit specimens of the ‘ white” squirrel of Siam (Seiurus finlaysoni finlaysont, Horsfield).
As our knowledge of this species is very slight and is based mainly on old and badly-prepared specimens I have taken the following measurements of these two examples and, in order that the difference in size between them and my recently described Sciwrus jinlaysoni portus from Koh Si Chang may be seen at a glance, have placed in a third column the mazimwm dimensions from the table of measurements
accompanying my account of that small island race.!
S. f. jinlaysoni S. f. portus Lopburi Ko Si Chang —_—_— @#{[T-___—"~. Male Female Maximum, both sexes. Head and body 210 207 202 Tail 207 218 193 Hind foot 48 49 AA.5 Skull :-— Greatest length Perel 53.0 AT .7 Condylo-basilar length 43.0 44.0 41.0 Palatilar length ee gree 21.2 20.0 Diastema Ao deli 11.4 1057 Upper molar row sae DOD 10 4 9.5 Interorbital breadth ... 19.9 196 17.0 Zygomatic breadth ... 32.3 31.6 28 Median nasal length .... 14.7 4.0 15
A large series of the mainland animal would doubtless show much greater differences than are evident here, but even with the
present material these are sufficiently distinct.
1. antea, p: L772
to bo
6 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
In the account of S. /. portus it was stated that that race was rather yellower than the mainland form, but the fresh material shows that the contrary is the case especially about the rump and base of tail. In both races the base of the fur of the upper side is pale grey ; the large series of S. f. portus (26 examples) is very variable in that respect ; many are as grey as the mainland pair but again many have the grey very pale and confined to the extreme roots of the hair.
There are no other differences between the two: both have black eye and soles.
Dr. Anderson when discussing the squirrels of this type? classed them all as forms of Sciurus ferrugineus, F. Cuv., but, jinlaysoni, dating from 1824, is the older name in the group if we admit the 1elatedness of many of the squirrels of Burma and Siam as Anderson maintained, The latest review of them is that of Mr. R. C. Wroughton in the Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 under the title “ On the forms of Squirrel hitherto classed under Sé. finlaysoni, Horsf.”
Therein S. ferrugineus of Burma and S. cinnamomeus, Temm., of Siam are given rank as distinct species on the ground that the former has black feet while the latter has not, but the reason seems inadequate for regarding these as other than subspecies of ferrugineus.
Further it seems to me possible to arrange the forms dealt with by Mr. Wroughton in such a way that their affinities are more clearly shown than is the case in his valuable paper. The present notes, however, are only of a tentative nature for I have had no opportunity to see the whole of the material of which they treat.
First then come the red ferrugineus with the subspecies cinna- momeus (and possibly other races to be distinuished from the main- land ), together with frandsent, mihi, from Koh Chang: these are large squirrels with a greatest length of skull of about 56 mm. and appear to be quite distinct from those mentioned below.
Next, on account of similar size, may be placed harmandi M-Edw., of Phu Quoe and albivewilli, mihi, of Koh Kut, both of which, being island forms, we may for the present regard as species though perhaps related to those following.
Of the remaining animals the white jinlaysoni, Horsf. is re-
corded from the course of the Menam south of Pichit, the Korat
2. Anat. and Zool. Researches p. 243 (1878). 3. Series 8, vol. ii, p. 393, Noy, 1908,
Dec. 1915. SOME-NOTEHES ON SCIURUS FINLAYSONT, 227 AND OTHER SQUIRRELS OF STAM.
Piateau and east to Chantabun. Over much of the same country occurs a form (skull length about 50 mm.) to which the name bocourle was applied by Milne-Hdwards (type from Ayuthia}, but this is such an unstable squirrel and so many of the examples are nearly white (Anderson records specimens ‘white marked by great brown spots”), that it is possible the name is invalid, being applied to aberrations of finlaysoni with which it closely agrees in size as do the geographical races sinistralis (skull length about 49 mm ) from the Upper Menam above Pichit, dextralis (skull length about 52 mm.) from the Meping below Raheng, lylei (skull length about 54 mm.) from Chiengmai, and now (skull length about 53.5 mm.) from Siracha S. E. of Bangkok, all described by Wroughton in the paper mentioned.
The insular forms portus and folletti, mihi, from Koh Si Chang and Koh Phai, with germaini, M-Edw., from Poulo Condorve are natu- rally smaller (skull lengths about 47 mm.) having regard to the kind of island they occupy. The two former are subspecies of jinlaysont, but the black. germaini is so fixed and its locality so isolated and re- mote that it may now well be regarded as a distinct species though in appearance but a miniature nov, or albivewilli. From the white jinlaysoni to the black now there is, one way or another through the other forms, a complete gradation of colour.
These conclusions may be tabulated somewhat after this
fashion, Mainland Islands sp. ferrugineus subsp. frandseni subsp. cinnamomeus sp. harmandi sp. albivenilli sp. finlaysoni subsp. portus
subsp. folletti ?sp. bocourti subsp. sinistralis subsp. dextralis subsp. lylei subsp. nox sp. germaini
228 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF STAM. ~ Vol. T.
There remains one more squirrel, S. flower’, Bonhote,t known from a single specimen from Klong Morn near Bangkok. Though the author states that it is adult, the skull is smaller ( greatest length 44. mm.) than the island races of jin/Jaysoni: in colour, however, the specimen appears to resemble animals which have been classed as bocourti. Until we know more about it, it is impossible to say whether
it is a good form and, if so, what its relationships are.®
RI
4. Ann. and May. Nat. Hist., Series 7, Vol. VII, p. 455 (1901).
5. Ifany member of the Society would help to clear up this question by collecting squirrels in the neigbourhood of Bangkok I should welcome the opportunity of examining them. | Specimens are most easily preserved in methylated spirits or a five per cent. solution of formalin. They should be opened up along the underside of the body, gutted and washed before immersion.
229
+LIST OF BIRDS COLLECTED BY MR. EMIL EISENHOFER IN NORTHERN SIAM.
By Nits GYLDENSTOLPE, B. A. ( Continued from Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 172).
Fam. EFURYLAMIDH 105. (987). EuryLamus Javanicus, Horsf. (*) Horsfield’s
Broadbill. 106. (939). Corypon sumatranvus, Raff. (*) The Dusky Broad- bill.
The most common Broadbill at Koon Tan.
“107. SERILOPHUS LUNATUS LUNATUS, Gould. (*) Gould’s Broad- bill. Synonymous with S. lunatus, Gould, F. Beale, NG. 942.
One specimen only, shot near Kao Plyng.
4108. PSaRISOMUS DALHOUSIE DALHOUSIZ, Jameson. (*) The Long-tailed Broadbill. Synonymous with P. dalhousia. Jameson, F. B. I., No. 944.
Of this brilliantly coloured bird there are only two specimens, both obtained at Pa Hing.
Fam. PICID.
+109, (948). Gecinus sTRIoLaTUs, Blyth. The Little Scaly- bellied Green Woodpecker.
110. (954). Ggcinus NiaRIGENIS, Hume. (*) The Red-rumped Green Woodpecker.
111. Prcus canus occrprratis, Vig. (*) The Black-naped Green Woodpecker. Synonymous with Gecinus occipitalis, Vig., ¥. BOL, No. 950.
112.. Picus CHLOROLOPHUS CHLOROLOPHUS, Vieill. (*) The Smail Himalayan Yellow-naped Woodpecker. Synonymous with Gecinus chlorolophus, Vieill., F. B. I., No. 951.
113. (955). CHRYSOPHLEGMA FLAVINUCHA, Gould. (*) The Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker.
+414. (959). GecinuLus viripis, Blyth. The Southern Pale- headed Woodpecker.
230 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
115,
123.
(975). IyNGIPICUS CANICAPILLUS, Blyth. (*) The Burmese Pigmy Woodpecker.
(982). MiIGLYPTES JuGULARIS, Blyth. (*) The Black-and- Buff Woodpecker.
MICROPTERNUS PHAZOCEPS PHHOCEPS, Blyth. (*) The Northern Rufous Woodpecker. Synonymous with M. phceoceps, Blyth, FOB ds No 983.
(988). TiGa JAVANENSIS, Ljung. (*) The Common Golden- backed Three-toed Woodpecker.
CHRYSOCOLAPTES GUTTACRISTATUS INDO-MALAYICUS, Hesse. (*) The Golden-backed Woodpecker. A geographical race of C. gutticristatus, Tickell, F. B. I., No. 992.
(995). HEMICERCUS CANENTE, Less. (*) The Heart-spotted Woodpecker
MULLERIPICUS PULVERULENTUS HARTERTI, Hesse. (*) The Great Slaty Woodpecker. Synonymous with Hemilophus pulverulentus, Temm., F. B. I., No. 996.
THRIPONAX JAVENSIS FEDDENI, Blanf. (*) The Burmese Great Black Woodpecker. A subspecies of 7’. feddeni, Blanf., TBA. NO. 998.
(1003). Iynx TorQuILLa, Linn. The Common Wryneck.
Fam. CAPITONIDA.
(1007). MeGaLa@ma vireNSs, Bodd. The Great Chinese Barbet.
THEREICERYX LINEATA HODGSONI, Bp.(*) The Lineated Barbet, Synonymous with 7’ lineatus, Vieill, F.B. I., No. 1009. ‘THEREICERYX PHAOSTRICTA SAIGONENSIS, Newm.(*)
(1013). Cyanops Davisoni, Hume. Davison’s Blue-throated Barbet.
(1016). Cyanops cyanortis, Blyth.(*) The Blue-eared Barbet. (1019). XANTHOLEMA HAMATOCEPHALA, P. L. S. ,Miill. The Crimson-breasted Barbet.
Fam. CORACTAD.
(1023). Coractas arrinis, McClell. (*) The Burmese Roller. HURYSTOMUS ORIENTALIS CALONYX, Sharpe.(*) The Broad- billed Roller,
Dec. 1915. BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. — 231
This subspecies of Hurystomus orientalis ( F. B. I., No. 1025 ) is characterized by having, among other points of difference, the outer webs of the rectrices blue, while those in the typical form are black without any bluish shade. The average length of the wing in EF. o. calonyx is 180-203 mm., against 172-194 mm. in E. orventalis
orientalis. Fam. MEHEROPID A.
+132. MERoPS ORIENTALIS BIRMANUS, Vewm. Synonymous with M. viridis, The Common Indian Bee-eater. Linn., F. B. L., No. 1026. 133. MELITTOPHAGUS SWINHOEI, Hume. (*) ‘The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater. Synonymous with M. swinhoti, Hume, F. B I., No. 1030, 184. (1031). NycriorNIs ATHERTONI, Jard. & Selby. (*) The Blue-bearded Bee-eater.
Fam. ALCEDINIDA.
135. ALCEDO ISPIDA BENGALENSIS, Gm. (*) The Common Indian Kingfisher. Synonymous with A. ispida, Linn., F. B. I. No. 1035.
+136. Cryx TRripactyLus, Pall. The Indian Three-toed Kingfisher.
Synonymous with C. tridactyla, Pall., FP. B. J., No. 1040.
137. PELARGOPSIS GURIAL BURMANICA, Sharpe. (*) The Burmese Brown-headed Stork-billed Kingfisher. A geographical race of P qgurial, Pearson, F. B. I., No. 1048.
138. HaLcyon SMYRNENSIS FuscA, Bodd. (*) The White-breasted Kingfisher. A subspecies of H. smyrnensis, Linn., F. B. I.
~ No, 1044.
139. (1045). Hatcyon piteata, Bodd. (*) The Black-capped Kingfisher.
+140. (1046). CaLLraLcyon LiLactna, Swains. The Ruddy King- fisher.
141. (1050). CarciNEUTES PULCHELLUS, Horsf. \*) The Banded Kingfisher, Fam. BUCHROTIDE. 142. (1051). Dicsoceros sicornis, Linn. (*) The Great Horn- bill.
232 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. J.
“143. (1053). ANTHRACOCEROS ALBIROSTRIS, Shaw. & Nodd. (*) The Indo-Burmese Pied Hornbill.
144, (1054). RxytTipoceros uNDULATUS, Shaw. (*) The Malayan Wreathed Hornbill.
Fam. UPUPIDA.
145. Upupa Epors inpica, Reichenb. (*) The Indian Hoopoe. Synonymous with // indica, Reich., F. B. J., No. 1067.
Fam. CAPRIMULGIDA.
+146. (1090). CaprimuLaus mMontTicoLa, Franklin. Franklin’: Nightjar.
Appears to be rare, as there is only a single specimen in the collection.
147. CapRIMULGUS MACRURUS AMBIGUUS, Hart. Horsfield’s Night- jar. Synonymous with ©. macrurus, Horsf., F. B. I. No. 1093.
The most common Nightjar in this part of Siam.
+148. (1096). LyNcorNIS CERVINICEPS, Gould. The Great Eared Nightjar.
Of this fine species there are two specimens, both obtained in the neighbourhood of Koon Tan. One of these is an immature bird, with the following measurements :—Wing=265 mm. ; tal=170 mm. The wing of the adult specimen measures 320 mm., and the tail
2235 mm. Fam. TROGONIDA.
149. (1101). Harpacres ERYTHROCEPHALUS, Gould. (*) The Red- headed Trogon.
150. HARPACTES ORESKIOS, Temm.(*) The Yellow-breasted Tro- gon. Synonymous with H. orescius, Temm., I’. B.D, No. 1105.
Fam. CUCULIDM.
151. (1107). CucuLus microrTerus, Gould. The Indian Cuckoo. +152. (1108). Hrerococcyx sparvertoipes, Vig. The Large Hawk- Cuckoo. 4.153. CACOMANTIS MERULINUS QUERULUS, Heine. The Rufous-bellied Cuckoo. Synonymous with C. merulinus, Scop., FP. B. L., No. 1118. +154, (1117). SurnicuLus LuGusrts, Horsf. The Drongo Cuckoo.
Dec, 1915. - BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 235
155.
+166.
(1119). CoccysTes coromannus, Linn. (*) The Red-winged
Crested Cuckoo.
(1120). Evupynamis nonorata, Linn. (*) The Indian Koel.
RHOPODYTES TRISTIS HAINANUS, Hart.(*) The Large Green-
billed Malkoha. A geographical race of R. tristis, Less..
F. B. I., No. 1128.
CENTROPUS SINENSIS INTERMEDIUS, Hume.(*) The Common
Coucal. A subspecies of C. sinensis, Steph., F. B. I., No.1130.
CENTROPUS BENGALENSIS BENGALENSIS, Gm. The Lesser Coucal.
Synonymous with C. bengalensis, Gm., F. B. I., No 1183. Fam. PSITTACIDA.
(1136). PaL#orNIS INDoBURMANICUS, Hume. The Large
Burmese Paroquet.
(1140). Pata#ornis rosa, Bodd. (*) The Eastern Blossom-
headed Paroquet.
(1141). PaLaornis scuisticErs, Hodgs. The Slaty-headed
Paroquet.
(1142). Pata#ornis rinscal, Hume. (*) The Burmese
Slaty-headed Paroquet.
PaL@ornis FASCIATA, Mill. (*) The Red-breasted Paroquet.
Synonymous with P. fasciatus, Miill., F.B 1., No. 1140.
(1150). Loricunus vernaLis, Sparrm. The Indian Loriquet.
Fam, ASIONID A. (1164). Kerupa zEYLONENSIS, Gm. The Brown Fish-Owl.
One specimen measured has a wing of 390 mm. and tail
of 190 mm.
#167.
a ad 7B
Scops BaccaMa:Na LEMPISI, Horsf. The Coilared Scops Owl. Synonymous with S. bakkamena, Pennant, &. B. 1., No. 1178. (1183). GLauctpium cucuLoripEs, Vig. (*) The Large Barred Owlet.
(1186). Gtaucipium sropiet, Burton, The Collared Pigmy Owlet.
Seems. to be fairly common at Koon Tan.
(1187). Ninox scurunata, Faff. (*) ‘Mire Brown Hawk- Owl.
Kam. FALCONIDAS. (1212). Seizakrus Liwnabrus, Horsf. The Changeable Hawk-Hagle. .
2354
eye:
bird.
+173.
184.
JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. T.
SPILORNIS CHEELA RUTHERFORDI, Flume. The Crested Serpent Eagle. A subspecies of S. cheela, Lath., F. B. J., No. 1217.
A fine series, showing the different plumages of this variable
(1221). BurasTur LIVENTER. Temm. The Rufous-wingect Buzzard-Eagle.
(1222). Burastur inpicus, Gm. (*) The Grey-faced Buz- zard-Hagle.
(1227). Powtoaisrus HuMILIs, Mill. & Schl. Hodgson’s Fish- ing-Eagle.
(1236). Crrcus MELANOLEUCUS, Forster. The Pied Harrier. ASTUR BADIUS POLIoPsIS, Hume. ™) The Shikra. Synony- mous with A. badius, Gm., F. B. 1., No. 1244.
Very common everywhere at Koon Tan.
(1246:. LopHospizias TRIVIRGATUS, Temm. (*) The Crested
Goshawk.
(1248). AccrPITER virGatus, Reinw. The Besra Sparrow-
Hawk.
(1251). Baza LopHores, Temm.(*) The Black-crested Baza.
(1267). Micronierax EuToLMuS, Hodgs. The Red-legged
Falconet.
(1270). PoLton1ERax insicnis, Wald. Feilden’s Hawk. Fam. COLUMBID.
CROCOPUS PHGINICOPTERUS VIRIDIFRONS, Blyth. (*) The
Burmese Green Pigeon. A geographical race of UC. pheenicop-
terus, Lath., F. B. I., No. 1271.
OSMOTRERON POMPADORA PHAYREI, Blyth. (*) The Ashy-headed
Green Pigeon. A subspecies of O. phayrer, Blyth, FB. I.,
No. 1273.
(1281). TreRoN NepALeNsIs, Hodgs. (*) The Thick-billed
Green Pigeon.
CARPGPHAGA NEA NEA, Linn. (*) The Green Imperial
Pigeon. Synonymous with C. wnea, Linn., I’. B. I, No. 1284.
DuCULA INSIGNIS GRISEICAPILLA, Blyth. (*) The Grey-headed
Imperial Pigeon. Synonymous with D. griseicapilla, Wald.,
EF. Beds, INO. 2257.
(1291). Cuancorpmaps inpica, Linn.(*) The Bronze-winged
Dove.
Pec. JOS. BIRDS COLLECTED IN NORTHERN SIAM. 235
4-189,
iol.
200,
201.
STREPTOPELIA TURTUR MEENA, Sykes. The Indian Rufous Turtle Dove. Synonymous with Zurtur orientalis, Lath., F B. I, No. 13804.
STREPTOPELIA SURATENSIS TIGRINA, Temm.(*) The Malay Spotted Dove. Synonymous with J'urtur tigrinus, Temm., Bb I. Noc 1308.
CENOPOPELIA TRANQUEBARICA HUMILIS, Temm.(*) The Burmese Red Turtle-Dove. Synonymous with @., tranquebarica, Herm., Baie No4roli:
(1314). MacropyGia RUFICEPS, Temm.(*) The Little Malay Cuckoo-Dove.
Fam. PHASIANID.-£. -
(1328). GALLUS FERRUGINEUS, Gi.(*) The Red Jungle-fow!. LopHURA DIARDI, Bp. (*} The Siamese Iire-backed Pheasant. (1368). TrRopicopERDIx CHLOROPUS, Tick. (*) The Green- legged Hill-Partridge. (1374), FRANCOLINUS CHINENSIS, Osbech. (*) The Eastern or Chinese Francolin.
Fam. TURNICIDA.
(1386). Turnix BLANForDI, Blyth, The Burmese Button Quail, Fam. RALLIDA.
(1396). Ratuina rascrata, afl. The Malayan Banded Crake.
AMAURORNIS PHENICURUS CHINENSIS, Bodd, (*) Tae White- breasted Water-hen. A geographical race of A. phrenicurus
Renn. 0) Gb. L.. No. 1401.
Pam. CHARA DRITDA’.
(1432). SARCOGRAMMUS ATRINUCHALTS, Blyth. (*) The Burmese Wattled Lapwing.
(1430). HopLoprerus venrratis, Wagl. (*) The Indian Spur-winged Plover.
ANGIALITES puBIA, Scop. (*) The Little Ringed Plover. Synonymous with dgialitis dubia, Scop., I’. B. I., No. 1447. JKWGIALITES PLACIDA, Gray. The Long-billed Ringed Plover, Synonymous with @gialitis placida, Gray, I’. BL, No. 1449
236 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. J.
204. (1461). ToTanus GLAREOLA, Gm. The Wood Sandpiper.
205. (1462). Toranus ocHropus, Linn. (*) The Green Sand- piper.
206. TRINGOIDES HYPOLEUCOS, Linn. (*) The Common Sandpiper. Synonymous with Totanus hypoleucus, Linn., I. Bb. TL, No. 1460.
207. GALLINAGO GALLINAGO, Linn. (*) The Fantail Snipe. Syno- nymous with @. celestis, Frenzel, F. B. I., No. 1484,
208. (1485). GaLLrnaGo sTENURA, Kuhl. (*) The Pintai] Snipe.
- 209. (1488). KosTRaTULA caPENsIs, Linn. The Painted Snipe.
Fam. ARDEID.
210. (1566). ARDEoLa BaccHus, Bp. (*) The Chinese Pond- Heron.
211. (1567). Burortpes, savanica, Horsf. The Little Green Heron,
“212. (1572). ARDETTA CINNAMOMEA, Gi. The Chestnut Bittern.
One specimen only, obtained near Koon Tan. Wing=145
mim ; tall=47 mm; culmen=52 mm ; tarsus=46 mm.
ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
SO +
By MALCOLM SMITH, M.R.C.S., L R.C.P., AND C. BoDENS KLOSS, F.Z.S.
[During December and January, 1914-5, I spent six weeks on the east side of the Gulf collecting vertebrates of all kinds. I was accompanied by three Dyak assistants and, at my suggestion, Dr. Smith sent his reptile-collector with my party.
On Koh! Chang and Koh Kut, at each of which we spent over a week, we obtained a fair number of reptiles, but on several of the smaller islands between these, on which we passed only a night or two, we were entirely unsuccessful. We had of course better fortune on the mainland, between Ok Yam at the southern extremity of the Franco-Siamese boundary, and Lem Ngop opposite Koh Chang, partly because at all the places where we camped there were villages where, encouraged by small presents, the inhabitants brought us such speci- mens of reptiles and batrachians as were easily found in the vicinity, and partly because the fauna was naturally much richer.
There is but little to remark about many of the species ob- tained, but an endeavour has been made to give as full a set of local references as the literature available will permit; until lately no serious study of the reptiles of Siam, as a zoo-geographical district, has been undertaken, and so it has remained for a beginning to be made in the compilation of a synonomy. ‘The well known: works of Mr. Boulenger, namely, the British Musewm Catalogues and the Faunas of India and the Malay Peninsula with the synonomy in those volumes have not been quoted, but all other references of any value that we have been able to gather, have been inserted. The collection consisted of about 250 specimens, and we have given the first set to the British Museum of Natural History; to Mr. G. A. Boulenger, of that institution, we are much indebted for putting us right on two or three points of identifi- cation, and confirming the correctness of the whole.
1 Koh—Island.
238 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM Vol. I.
For localities, the names of the British Admiralty Chart (2721 ) have been followed, except that instead of ‘Ile du Pic”, “ Le Chameau” and “ Koh Loi” I have used respectively Koh Mehsi Yai, Koh Mehsi Lek and Koh Rang—names current locally. Klong Menao, unmarked, is about 15 miles north of Klong Yai.—C.B.K.]
CHELONIA. 1. CYCLEMYS DHOR, Gray. Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 10 (1907) ; Robinson and Kloss, Journ. F.M 8. Mus., v, p. 193 (1915). Three adult and two young individuals from Koh Chang. The carapace of the largest example measures 220 by 158 mm. Tn the young animals the tail is relatively of much greater length than in the adult and is actually nearly as long as inthe latter. The species was apparently common on Koh Chang and was obtained from the rocky stream above which the camp was placed, but was met with nowhere else during the excursion. It has been found also upon the mainland at Hup Bon, E. of Sriracha, where it appears to be fairly common. It is an active and voracious creature, devouring greedily animal as well as vegetable food. Its habits are chiefly aquatic.
2. CHELONE IMBRICATA, Linn.
Caretta squamata, Tirant, Mocquard, Mission Pavie, Indo-Chine, Ktudes Diverses, III., p, 492 (1904). Chelone imbricata, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo-Chine, p 15 (1907). One example was obtained at Koh Chang and another observed at Koh Mak. The Hawksbill Turtle is not uncommon in the Gulf of Siam. The shields of the head and limbs in the specimen obtained,
were black instead of dark brown.
LACERTILIA. 3. HEMIDACTYLUS FRENATUS, D. and B. Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 29 (1907). At Klong Yai this species was caught in numbers by the village children, but not so extensively as the next. One specimen is entirely without tubercles on the tail owing to reproduction of that
part.
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 239 THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
4. HeEMIDACTYLUS PLATYURUS, Schneid. Laidlaw, P.Z.S.,1901, p. 305; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo- Chine, p. 28 (1907). Exceedingly common in the village of Klong Yai.
5. LeEprmpoDACTYLUS CEYLONENSIS, Blgr.
A single example from Klong Menao. The species does not appear to have been recorded hitherto from Siam or eastern Indo- China, though known from Burma and the Malay Peninsula.
6. GECKO VERTICELLATUS, Laur.
Laidlaw, P.Z.S. 1901, part I., p, 306 : Mocquard, Mission Pavie, Indo- Chine, Etudes Diverses, III, p. 485 (1904). Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p 29 (1907). Robinson and Kloss, Journ, F.M.S. Mas., V., p. 153’ (1915).
4 specimens. Koh Chang, and Klong Yai, 8.E. Siam; Ok Yam, Franco-Siamese boundary on coast.
Common throughout Siam; besides those preserved, others were rejected, and the loud cry was heard from trees at many of the collecting stations.
=
7. DRACO TAENIOPTERUS, Giinth.
Boettger, Zool. Anz, 1893, p. 433 ; Flower, P Z.S. 1899, p. 637.
2 males Klong Yai, 2 males 1 female Klong Menao, 12 males 2 females Koh Kut.
Colour of male. Upper surface; body, greenish-brown, mem- brane greenish-yellow with 5 irregular black bands. Under surface ; body pale greenish-yellow, membrane dirty yellow, pouch dull yellow, throat and gular flaps deep crimson.
Females like the males but with the small gular pouch like the abdomen and the red of the throat and flaps much paler.
8. DRACO MACULATUS HAASII.
Draco haasii, Boettger, Zool. Anz., 1893, p. 424.
Two examples from Lem Ngop and a pair from Koh Kut.
The original types of D. haasii were founded upon two speci- mens obtained at Chantaboon by Dr. Erick Haase, one of which is in the British Museum, and the other in the Frankfort Museum. Mr. Boulenger does not consider them to be specifically distinct from D. maculatus, and of the specimens from Lem Ngop and Koh Kut he
240 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
thinks the same for he writes, “the Draco I must regard as a variety of D. maculatus, identical with D. haasiti, of which we have one of the types from Siam.”
: We have therefore here accorded it subspecific rank, as it differs distinctly, both by its smaller size and by its colouration from A further series of 11
specimens, obtained since at Muak Lek and Pak Jong in the Dong
the usual form of D. maculatus met with.
Rek Mountains, confirm our ideas.
Colour in specimens). Male.
Above. Brown with pale reddish and black markings.
Sides of body. Plumbeous blue.
Centre of abdomen, chest, thighs. Bluish white.
Membrane above. Reddish orange with a few black spots near the
life (taken from
the Lem Ngop and Koh Kut
Female. Umber brown with darker mark- ~ ings.
Dirty white.
Dull yellow.
Gamboge, plentifully spotted with irregular blackish-brown mark-
body. Membrane below. Pale lemon.
ings. As above. Gular pouch. Brown with orange | Pale orange. base
Indian yellow.
Gular flaps. Indian yellow.
Length, Male, snout to vent 68 mm, tail 115. 108.
> Female, ,, BR Cie aoa at
9. ACANTHOSAURA CRUCIGERA, Boulenger.
A single female of this slightly differentiated race of A. armata was obtained on Koh Chang.
The close connection between the two races as defined, is shown in this example by the presence of twelve labials, and a tail only one and one half times as long as head and body. A slight, though dis- tinct gular fold is present.
Head and body 105, tail 153 mm. 10. CaLorgs vERSICOLOR, Daud. Annandale, J, & P.A.S. Bengal, I., p. 83, 1905. Ok Yam, Klong Yai, Klong Menao. Common everywhere in 8, E. Siam, but not met with on any of the adjacent islands visited,
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 241 THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
11. Catores EMMA, Gray.
Flower, P.Z.S8., 1899, p. 641; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo- Chine, p. 26 (1907) ; Robinson and Kloss, Journ. F.M.S Mus., V., p. 154 (1915).
5 specimens. Koh Chang and Klong Yai, 8. EH. Siam; Ok Yam, Franco-Siamese Boundary on coast. A marked white lateral band is present in an adult and an immature specimen.
12. PHYSIGNATHUS MENTAGER, Giinth. Flower, P.Z.S., 1899, p 641. ; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 27 (.907).
A large individual of this species was obtained at Klong Menao.
Total length 896 mm., snout to vent 231. In an example of about half the size found on Koh Kut the colouration was much more brilliant than in the older one. General colour above, brownish green, darkest on the head ; body with 3 broad diagonal bars of paler blue- green edged with brown; tail pale isabelline with brown bands ; hind legs above greenish brown. Underside of body, tail and forelimbs white, with a bright blue tinge in places ; chest, patches on sides, under sur- face of legs, bright emerald-green ; upper labial scales rose-pink washed with green, lower labials and sub-labial row of scales rose-pink, the latter edged with black; throat reddish yellow. Iris brown with an inner golden ring round the pupil.
This species, which is known from Siam, differs mainly from P. cochinchinensis of Cochin-China, in the possession of a lesser number of lateral or molar teeth, and in the presence of eleven large sub-labial scales instead of only six or seven.
The individual referred to above from Koh Kut, was kept alive for some time. It was a very sluggish creature, sitting about on the ground or in a tree, quite motionless, for most of the day. It never attempted to bite when handled. It was fed upon fish, meat, worms and insects. It was never seen to take food of its own accord, but on scratching its jaws would open its mouth and then take whatever was given it. Its power of changing colour was very slight, and varied only from light to dark. When running fast over ground, its action was bipedal, the fore limbs being folded back along the flanks. <A young specimen of this lizard has been recently taken at Muak Lek,
242 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
in the Dong Rek Mountains. It does not differ in colouration from the adult. 13. LiOLEPIS BELLIANA, Gray.
Eight examples. Koh Chang and Klong Yai, S. E. Siam; Ok Yam, Franco-Siamese Boundary on Coast.
This well-known and beautiful ground-lizard was common every- where in open country where grass and sandy soil would permit it to burrow. Such being the surroundings of most villages, it was brought in numbers by small boys for trifling rewards.
These lizards are much sought after by the country people as an article of diet, and are caught usually by means of a cleverly constructed spring noose placed across the entrance of the bur-. row they inhabit. They are also hunted for by gangs of youths, who beat up their haunts with sticks, killing them if possible as they dash away, or, if they succeeded in reaching their holes, digging them out and then despatching them.
These creatures must be very fertile, as in spite of constant perse- cution, their numbers never seem to diminish.
14. VARANUS NEBULOSUS, Gray. Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 33 (1907).
A young example from Koh Chang. Total length 590 mm. Top and sides of head as far as the eyes still retaining the juvenile red- dish yellow colouration, but no traces of black chevrons on the nape. Common in Siam in ever-green jungle.
This lizard, like the preceding one, is also hunted for the sake of Its flesh.
15. MAsBura MACULARIA, Blyth.
Twenty examples from Koh Kut and five from Ok Yam and Klong Yai, 8S. E. Siam.
Head and shoulders rusty brown; rest of upper surface, limbs and tail, earthy ; upper labials and spots on sides, yellow ; chin, throat, chest and sides of neck, red.
The largest specimen measures:—Snout to vent 67, tail 110 mm. The series from the mainland has 28-32 scales round the body, that from Koh Kut, 30-34.
16. MABUIA MULTIFASCIATA, Kuhl.
Laidlaw, P.Z.S., 1901, part 1, p. 310; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de VY Inde-Chine, p. 38 (1907).
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 243 THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF S:)UTH-EAST SIAM.
Koh Kra, Koh Mak, Koh Kut, Klong Menao, Klong Yai, S. E. Siam ; Ok Yam, Franco-Siamese boundary on coast.
A very common lizard wherever it occurs and always frequent- ly met with, owing to its boldness and conspicuous habits.
Apart from the orange or red wash on the shoulders and flanks which is probably assumed in the breeding period and thus is not constant, three colour phases occur in the present series. In the first the back and sides are unmarked, except for a black dorso- lateral line. In the second, the back is marked by five black lines running between the rows of scales, which become in- distinct posteriorly; between the outer of these lines and the dark line defining the back from the sides, two rows of scales occur. In the third the shoulders and sides are irregularly spotted with white, and the dorsal region may be either striped or plain.
i7. LyGosoMA MACULATUM, Blyth. Flower, P.Z.S., 1899, p. 648; Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 38 (1907).
Many specimens from Koh Kut, and examples from Koh Chang, Koh Mak and Klong Yai.
Upper surface bronze brown spotted with black and yellowish ; labials and sides of neck, red. Sides of body :—first a black stripe spotted with yellowish, below this a row of yellowish spots and beneath silver spotted black. Under surface white, belly yellow.
Snout to vent of largest individual (tail missing) 65 mm ; of another 60, tail 123 mm. Most of the specimens have 42 scales round the body.
18. LyGosoMA BOWRINGII, Giinth.
12 specimens. 9 from Klong Yai, 1 example Koh Klum, 2 Koh Kra.
Above, brown becoming reddish towards and on the tail. Below, throat greenish-white, entire abdomen, yellow; tail and limbs, sides of neck and shoulders red, this narrowing over the forelimbs and widen- ing to enclose the hindlimbs. Some black and white spots behind the forelimb, and a black line running from the eye to the mid-body.
This little skink is widely distributed throughout the country, in many places being exceedingly common. It is an extremely active creature in spite of the shortness of its legs.
944 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
OPHIDIA. 19. PyTHON gkETICULATUS, Schneid.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de I’Indo-Chine, p 42 (1907 ); Smith, Journ Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, 1, p. 9 (1914).
One small example was obtained on Koh Chang where it was said to be common. The Reticulated Python has been found on most of the islands at the head of the Gulf, and is not uncommon on the mainland.
20, .CHERSYDRUS GRANULATUS, Schneid. Wall, Jour. Bombay. N. H Soe. XXIII, p 372. Barbour, Memoirs M.C.Z., Nov. 1912, XLLV, No. 1, p. 106.
One example from Koh Chang; this species is fairly common in the Gulf.
21. PoLyoponToPHIs COLLARIS, Gray.
One example from Koh Chang. This species, only recently recorded from Siam, appears to be widely, though sparingly distri- buted throughout the country.
22. TRoPIDONOTUS PISCATOR, Schneid.
Tropidonotus piscator Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ’Indo-Chine, p. 47 (1907). Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, 1, p. 14, (1914).
Natriz piscator, Barbour, Memoirs M.C.Z., Nov. 1912, XLIV, No. 1 p. 109.
Two examples from Koh Chang ; common wherever it occurs.
23. TRopIDONOTUS CHRYSARGUS, Schleg. Fascic. Malay. Zool., 1, p. 16% (1905). Four examples from Klong Menao: the longest, 723 mm in length, appears to be greater than any yet recorded.
24. 'TROPIDONOTUS NIGROCINOTUS, Blyth.
Two examples from Klong Yai. The species has also lately been obtained in Northern Siam, and at Hup Bon, E. of Sriracha.
One of the two from Klong Yai was kept alive for some months. It was an active, graceful snake, diurnal in its habits. It fed greedily upon frogs and fish, picking the latter out of the water and bolting them with great rapidity.
Colour (in life). Above, olive-green anteriorly, olive-brown posteriorly, with faint, narrow blackish cross-bars. Head copper coloured, paling on the sides. An oblique black band below the eye, another behind it anda third upon the neck. Belly white, beneath
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILHS AND BATRACHTIANS FROM 245 THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST STAM.
the tail, pinkish mottled with dark grey. ‘Throat white, iris and tongue, dark brown.
The young individual referred to from Hup Bon, was, as is fre- quent with many snakes, much more vividly coloured than the adult, with strongly marked cross-bars anda broad black chevron upon the nape, pointing forwards.
25. TROPIDONOTUS SUBMINIATUS, Schleg. Amphiesma subminiatum, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de L’Indo-Chine, p. 47, (1907). Natrle subminiata, Barbour, Memoirs M.C,Z., Nov. 1912, XLIV, Mont, px Mt Tropidonotus subminiatus, Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soe. Siam, I, p. 15 (1914).
Two specimens from Ok Yam; apparently common everywhere in Siam.
26. CoLUBER RADIATUS, Cantor.
Blgr, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p. 163 (1903); Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soc Siam, I, p. 95 (1914) ; Wall, Journ. Bombay N.H.8., XXIII, p. 206 (1915) One specimen was taken on Koh Chang; it appears to be a common snake in most parts.of the country. 27. SIMOTES cycLuRuS, Cantor. Mocquard, Les Reptiles de ?Indo-Chine, p. 46 (1907); Smith, Journ. Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, p. 97 (1914);
Two specimens from Koh Chang and Klong Yai: a very com- mon snake in Siam. ‘To this form which has 21 rows of scales and no longitudinal streaks the names of fusciolatus and cochinchinensis have been attached.
28. SrimorEs 1norNatous, Bler. Boulenger, Journ, Nat Hist Soc. Siam, Vol. 1, p. 68 (1914).
One example from Koh Kut, an anomalous individual with the Ath and 5th upper labials fused, As it appears to differ somewhat in other respects from the two specimens already known, we give a description of it here.
Nasal divided, portion of rostral seen from above as long as its distance from the frontal ; suture between the internasals about one-third that between the prae-frontals: frontal one and one-third longer than broad, nearly one-fourth longer than its distance from end
246 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
of snout, equal to the parietals ; loreal longer than deep; one prae- and two post-oculars ; temporals 1 + 2; seven upper labials, fourth entering the eye; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin- shields, which are about twice as long as the posterior.
Scales in 15 rows, smooth throughout. Ventrals 172; anal entire ; subcaudals 32.
Colour in life:—dull sealing-wax red above with numerous ill- defined blackish cross-bars, the colour of which is chiefly confined to the edges of the scales. Upper side of head brownish with a darker cross band passing through the eye to the fourth and fifth labials, a dark , spot on the frontal, an oblique dark bar from the parietals to the side of the neck, and a large A shaped marking from the frontal shield to the nape. Labials and lower parts pink, with a series of dark quad- rangular spots on each side of the ventrals. Colour in spirits—light brown above, white below, with markings as described.
Total length 345 mm., tail 45.
29. CERBERUS RHYNCHOPS, Schneid.
Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p, 51 (1907). Hurria rynchops, Barbour, Memoirs Mus. Comp. Zool ( Harvard ), XLIV, No. 1, p. 123 (Nov. 1912).
Six specimens from Koh Chang, one individual being of a pale pinkish-fawn colour.
30. DrIPSADOMORPHUS CYANEuS, D. &. B.
Dipsas cyanea, Boulenger, Faun, Brit. Ind., Rept., p. 561 (1890) Dipsadomorphus cyaneus, Moequard, Les Reptiles de ]’Indo-Chine,
p- 50 (1907).
A male and female from Klong Menao.
The male, 1260 mm. long, contained when caught a freshly swallowed female, 1350 mm. in length.
The anterior palatine teeth are considerably larger than the posterior.
Emerald-green above, with the skin between the scales purplish . black; yellowish-green below; chin and throat sky-blue; inside of mouth purplish black. Hye large and brownish grey.
This snake, until recently not known from Siam, has been found also upon Koh Phai, where it is not uncommon, and upon the adjoining mainland, H. of Sriracha. It is nocturnal in its habits, remaining by day coiled up among the branches of some bush or tree.
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 247 THH COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
It is of sluggish disposition, but will bite viciously when caught. It feeds upon small mammals and other snakes.
31. DRyorHis PRASINUS, Boie.
Blgr, Fascic. Malay. Zool., J., p. 165 (1903) ; Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 49 (1907) ; Smith, Jour. Bombay N.H.S., XXIIT., p. 785 (1915)
One example from Koh Chang and another from Koh Kut, both stone-grey in colour. The one from Koh Chang, a male, was an un- usually large specimen. It measured 1985 mm. in total length, the tail forming 725 mm.
32. CHRYSOPELEA ORNATA, Shaw. Blgr, Fascic Malay. Zool., I, p 166 (1903); Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 49 (1907) ; Smith, Jour, Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam, I, p- 175 (1915).
Two examples of this beautiful snake were obtained at Klong Yai, and a third on Koh Chang.
30. HYDROPHIS TUBERCULATUS, Anders.
Distira tuberculata, Boulenger, Cat. Snakes, Brit. Mus, Vol. I, p. 293 (1896). Distira cyanocincta. Wall, Mem. Asiat. Soe., II, No. 8, p. 220 (1909).
One example from Klong Yai, for the identification of which we are indebted to Mr Boulenger. As only a very few specimens of this snake are yet known toscience, we append a description of our specimen.
Head small; eye less than its distance to the mouth; rostral broader than deep ; nostril connects by suture to 2nd labial; frontal a little longer than broad, much shorter than the parietals; 1 prae- and 1 post- ocular ; a large anterior temporal; 7 and 8 supralabials, the 3rd and 4th entering the eye, 1 to 4 entire, the remainder divided horizontally; 4 large infralabials, the first 3 in contact with the chin-shields ; 2 pairs of well developed chin-shields, in contact with each other. Marginals after the 2nd infra-labial. Costals 32 anteriorly, 38 at the greatest diameter of the body, sub-imbricate, with a short, faint keel, sometimes broken in two. Diameter of neck about half the diameter of greatest thickness of body. Ventrals 308, small,"equal to or less than two adjacent costals, faintly bicarinate, the keels sometimes broken in two.
Colour: Greenish white, with 55 broad black bands, which are broader than their interspaces. Head black with yellow markings.
248 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol
34. ENHYDRIS HARDWICKII, Gray.
Hanitsch, Rept. Raffles Mus, 1897, p. 10; Wall, Mem. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Vol. II, No 8, p 247 (1909). Mocquard, Les Reptiles de VIndo- Chine, p. 52 (1907) ; Smith, J. Bombay N. H. Soc, XXIII, p, 785 (1918).
Four examples from Klong Yai, two adults and two young extracted from one of the former. Length ot the young, 255 mm. This species is very common towards the head of the Gulf, but these examples are of unusually dark colouration; in the young the dark ventral markings form a broad and continuous, though irregular, band.
35. HNHYDRINA VALAKADIEN, Boie.
5)
Enhydrina velakadien, Mocquard, Bos Reptiles de l’Indo-Chine, p. 52 (1907).
Enhydrina valukadyn, Wall, Mion: Asiat Soc. Bengal, Vol II, No. 8, p: dod, (1909):
Two specimens from Klong Yai. 36. JuACHESIS GRAMINEUS, Shaw.
Trimeresurus gramineus, Mocquard, Les Reptiles de l’Indo-CCine, p. 57 (1907) ; Lachesis gramineus, Smith, Jour. Nat Hist, Soc. Siam [., p 183 (1915). One example from Koh Mehsi Yai. This snake is common in Bangkok, and in many other parts of Siam. BATRACHIANS. 37. OXYGLOSSUS MARTENSII, Peters. Flower, P-ZS 1899, p 887. Four examples from Ok Yam, three from Klong Yai, one from Koh Kut. Two of the series have a light vertebral line. While we have placed these specimens under O. inartensii, they are doubtfully distinct from O. laevis, Gunth., which is the older
name. 38. RANA LIMNOCHARIS, Boie. Boulenger, Fascie Malay. Zool., I, p. 184 (1908) ; Barbour, Memoirs M-CrZ., ELT Now 1s p64 41912).
A single example of this common frog from Ok Yam: snout to
vent 385 mm. 39. RaNA TIGRINA, Daud.
Boulenger, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p. 134(1903); Laidlaw, P.Z.S., 1900, p. 885; Barbour, Memoirs M.C.Z., XLIV, No. 1, p. 63 (1912); Robinson & Kloss, Journ. F.M, 8, Mus., V. p. 155 (1915).
Dec. 1915. ON REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS FROM 249 THE COAST AND ISLANDS OF SOUTH-EAST SIAM.
Eleven examples from the 8. H. Siamese mainland, and two from Koh Chang.
This frog is much esteemed by the Siamese as food, and in Banekok is frequently brought into the market for sale. It is hunted for at night, during and after heavy storms, when its loud croak betrays its whereabouts. In the fields it is also fished for with a rod and line, asmall frog, usually Rana limnocharis, being used as bait.
40. Rana DORIA, Boulenger.
Twenty-three examples from S.E. Siam and Koh Chang, Koh Mehsi and Koh Kut of all sizes: snout to vent of largest, 85 mm.
Originally described from Tenasserim and since known from the south of the Malay Peninsula, this frog does not seem to have been recorded from Siam before.
41. RANA NIGROVITTATA, Blyth.
Two specimens from Koh Chang, both of them unusually large,
the biggest measuring 72 mm. from snout to vent. 42, RANA ERYTHRAEA,
Boulenger, Fascic. Malay. Zool., I, p 155 (19°53) ; Barbour, Memoirs MEO) Zi5) SUV Now p.67.C1912):
Two examples from Klong Yai, and another from Ok Yam. 43. _MICROHYLA BERDMORII. One specimen from Klong Yai, without any dark marking on the head and back. 44, BUFO MELANOSTICTUS, Schneid.
Boulenger, Fasvic. Malay. Zool,, I, p 133 (1903) ; Barbour, Memoirs
MC A. SUL, No.l, p73 912). Two moderate sized examples from Koh Chang.
SO
250
ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS FOR SIAM.
By C. BopEn K1Loss, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S.
While residents in Siam know the position of, or have no difficulty in locating, the towns, villages and various geographical features of that country, such is not the case with non-residents, who are furnished as a rule with only the small-scale map of an ordinary atlas. For many naturalists it would, therefore, lead to a clearer understanding of the zoology of the country, if a number of zoo-geo- graphical divisions were agreed upon and generally employed.
For these I suggest the following :—
1. Northern Siam. The Laos country, mostly mountainous or submontane, north of a line (approximately Lat. 17° 50’, but for all practical purposes 18° North) between the mouth of the Me Mue or Thoungyin River, an affluent of the Salwin, and the great eastern bend of the MeKawng in Long. 101° 30’ E.
2. Central Siam. The great plain watered by the Menam Chao Praya and its tributaries, south of upper Siam, including the lowlands of the basin of the Bangpakong River in the south-east and the lower reaches of the MeKlawng and Petchaburi Rivers in the south-west.
3. Western Siam. The hill country between the Tenasserim frontier and the Menam lowland plain from the Me Mue River mouth, south to Koh Lak in about Lat. 11° 45’ N. near Petchaburi.
4. Peninsular Siam. The Malay Peninsula from Koh Lak south to the Malayan boundary.
5. Hastern Siam, The “ Korat Plateau ” bounded on the north and east by the MeKawng, on the south by the Cambodian frontier and (continuing beyond this westwards ) by the southern slopes of the Deng Rek Range to its termination near Saraburi; thence north to the MeKawng bend along the watershed between the Menam and Me- Kawng river systems.
6. South-eastern Siam. The varied country along the Gulf bounded in part by the southern edge of the Bangpakong basin (ap- proximately in Lat. 13° 20’ N) and partly by the Battambang-Cambo- dian frontier.
In a small area like Siam, we should not expect to find much variation in the zoology if it were all the same kind of country,
but when this differs—forests and open country, mountains and
bs, UD
Mex eS: f in ; 4 p g SS \\ ‘ ap ! yh - e H < { H/ port & ” <B . _ Rte 7 ly iJ 5 YW j S | fassshbtss re fe iy, pe ay 9 5 | b i.
at
f 4
Be ee ls)
nS
La) ce cu
of the KINGDOM OF SIAM showing Zoo-geographica!l Divisions and their Boundaries in Red 200 metre contour line in Green (not shown south of Kra)
p Pibun Lo Bida\, taped on
-
Scale = | :20,000000 Kilom ‘Saute 2 £ = 200 3ge ee = pal
—ZO00-GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS—
!.Northern Siam......... N. 2' Central... ..- 2-23: 3.Western......«..—__.-__W- 4Peninsular_...»............P. S: Bester 6South Eastern. -...S.E.
seal
> . - ay Pa i> al hw © i, * J " 4 ‘ 2 ; ® : S v a “% wha ae ,’ f a od Loot) ae : Tes ; ; L t +) , Th ‘ wl r jl e ete - : ry Je >. ‘ i i . ~* ¥“< . ml ’ oo. be “nok ae : ‘ PADS ’ ; ‘ 7, Pie e).' ak - 4 t. = - we ey ore a4 r 2 FE ‘ ¥ . j . oe i a 1 3 -~ be , 7 . { 4 é ; , ra) a 5 ? Ed
ee
: d cee Pas pod ahs ah i i oe! th bn rr rr
Decl ae i Se
Dec. 1915. ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISIONS FOR SIAM. 251
plains—we generally finda change in the fauna also, and this is particularly notable in a contrast between the life of the two latter kinds, and is perhaps always best illustrated by the mammals. Siam shows some of these orographical and vegetational differences, and it is in accordance with them that I have attempted to distinguish a number of divisions, about which, however, it is quite impossible to draw sharp boundaries.
Northern Siam, as I-have defined it is, on the whole, a moun- tainous area, and Western Siam is the same. Hastern Siam is, speaking broadly, a sub-montane division of a different formation from the rest of the country, and with a different vegetation. In Central Siam I have endeavoured to include the whole riverine plain, and that only. South-eastern Siam contains both mountains and coastal lowlands ; as does Peninsular Siam, which, from the present point of view, forms naturally a geographical sub-division. I have considered it here, as starting from the gap in the mountains between Koh Lak and Tenasserim, though it might with equal propriety be regarded as commencing at Muang Kra or Pakchan. Though I should have pre- ferred, with the classical instance of Egypt as precedent, to have divided the Menam country into Upper and Lower Siam, I have (in deference to the wishes of several members of the society) used the terms Northern and Central for this area, though the latter name seems scarcely logical since the periphery is incomplete.’ The other titles require no explanation except that of Peninsular Siam about which a word or two may be said.
American zoologists in reporting on collections from Trang, etc., set the fashion, and are still in the habit of referring to that area as Lower Siam. ‘This practice has been the cause of misunderstand- ing on the part of other naturalists, and has resulted in a good deal of confusion. or this outlying province I have, therefore, proposed the name of Peninsular Siam, as being especially descriptive, and, of all alternatives, the only one which is absolutely devoid of ambiguity ; which is not the case unfortunately with ‘“‘southern”—a geographical term of the same class as the others, and complementary to the two names for the river area. If collectors would refer to the above divisions, the stations from which their material came, a very good idea of the provenenance of their specimens would be obtained, even though the exact positions could not be located.
252
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
—————_—_-
No. —ADDITIONS TO THE MAMMALIAN FAUNA OF RATBURI.
During the period December-June 1915 the following mam- mals were obtained in the Sai Yoke district of Ratburi, additional to the List published in the Journal Vol. 1. No. 3.
Presbytis Phayrei, Phayre’s Leaf monkey. (Siamese, ‘“Karng” M. 1. F. 1. with fully developed foetus.
This species was obtained in N. Lat 14° 40’ on the range of mountains east of Si-sa-wad (vide Map frontispiece Vol. 1. No. 3.), but was not observed west of that range. Both were obtained in ever- green forest at an elevation of 1000 metres, and probably at the south- ern limit of the species.
Specimens obtained agreed very closely with Col. Tickell’s descrip- tion and measurements of an adult female obtained east of Moulmein, and in his sketch he emphasizes the dark colour of the hands and feet, as opposed to the light body colour. Blanford, in Fauna B.I., adopted Col. Tickell’s sketch for the species, but seems rather uncertain as to whether Col. Tickell’s animal may not have been 8. albocinereus.
Kven if the southern form shows no structural difference from the Northern or Arakan type, yet the colour of the southern appears to be constantly lighter. A description of freshly killed specimens is as follows :—
Back, sides, flanks and tail, light silvery grey. Legs and forearms, darker grey. Hands and feet, almost black. Eyebrows and forehead, brownish. Orbital skin, dark bluish. Upper lip from nostrils down, and all lower lip, pinkish flesh-colour. Kars, very dark brown. Callosities, dirty yellow. Inguinal region, bluish white, and female with the triangular sex mark down inners of thighs as in P. Germaini. Hair of poll produced into a median crest, the apex of which is slightly in front of ears. Whiskers long, almost concealing ears from the front. Tail shghtly tufted.
The male measured as follows :—Length 22.5 in. Tail 30.0 Hand 5. Foot 6.75. The fully developed foetus ( obtained 19/5/15 ) was in colour light fawn or straw colour, the extremity of tail being greyish chestnut.
Arctictis binturong. The Bear Cat (Karang ‘“ Ka-cheu’’). 1 flat skin. 1 skull.
Both specimens were obtained by surveyors near Sai Yoke, though the Karangs are well acquainted with the animal and state it is generally distributed in evergreen forest.
In 1914 I received a skull from Pachin in Hastern Siam, and Blanford also records the species from Siam. Recently the Bombay N. H. 8. Survey has obtained 2 skins without skulls near Tenasserim village.
Blanford states that the head and body measure 28-33 in., tail
Dee 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 253
26-27, but his skull measurements of an adult female are nearly an inch less both ways than the Sai Yoke skull which measures :—
Sai Yoke skull. Basal length 5.67 in. Zygomatic breadth 3.85
Pachin skull " 4 rot Y i a2
In the skull the number of molar and premolar teeth is variable, but the skull is markedly different from that of any other members of the family Viverridae, ‘The skin may be recognized by the general- ly coarse black pelage, tufted ears, naked tarsi and long bushy tail.
It is 1 believe the only Siamese mammal with a truly pre- hensile tail, and, according to the Karangs, can suspend itself by the tail alone.
Arctonyw collaris, The Hog-badger (Siamese ‘‘ Moo Ring”) 1 Female, Sai Yoke. 1 flat skin, Si-sa-wad.,
This full-grown female measured:—Head and body 30.2 in. Tail 10.25 or with hair 13.2. Hind foot 4.2. Height at shoulder 12.0. Kar 1.1. Snout to eye 4.2. Skull, basal 6.05 in. Zygomatic breadth 3.36, and greatest breadth 3.58 in.
Colour. Hye, very small, brown. Snout, yellowish pink ; lips, pinkish white Feet and all body skin, yellowish. ‘Toes broad and mobile. Claws, bear like and grooved, pale horn. General colour of of body and tail, dirty yellowish white, the longer body hairs being buff at base and tips, and black in middle. The head, face, ears and a band beneath lower jaw, very datk brown. A whitish patch around eyes, and a yellowish median line from crown to snout. Lars, tipped buff. Fore legs and feet, black from shoulders down, hind feet black, the legs buff and black.
This specimen was obtained (10/6/15) in rocky bamboo jungle. A coolie saw the animal approaching and missed it three times with the 12 bore, and thereupon seized the animal by the tail and broke its back with a stick. This behaviour accords’ with Col. Tickell’s statement that {it is duil of sight, and its only acute sense appears to be that of smell.” Two scent glands were found discharg- ing into the post-caudal pocket, the latter formed by the base of the tail which was 2 in. broad. The secretion was brownish yellow, and the hind parts were stained by the flow; and the stench so pervaded the beast that the coolies, to their sorrow, were unable to eat the flesh.
Mr. A. A. Porter obtained a specimen in Raheng district, and Blanford records the species from Tenasserim. The Bombay N. H. 8. survey failed to obtain it,
Chiropodomys (gliroides) pequensis. The Burmese Tufted-tailed Tree-mouse.
1 male. This was obtained west of Si-sa-wad at 960 metres elevation, in evergreen jungle. Length 96 mm. Tail 125. Hind foot 20.5. Har from skull 18.2. Width between ear tips 45 mm.
General appearance. Short broad head and large prominent eyes. Hars almost circular. Feet short, with flat nails on pollex and hallux. Colour. Brown above, the lower surface, white. ‘Tail slightly tufted, the longest hairs being on extreme one-third. Blanford records this species from Burmah, and the Bombay N. H.S. Survey has recently obtained a number of specimens in southern Tenasserim.
254 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
In addition to the above, specimens of 17 other species already recorded were obtained this year, of which the following are of interest :—
Ursus Malayanus. The Malay Bear (Siamese Mi Mah or Mi Moo).
A large female was obtained with half-grown cub. The female measured :—Snout to vent 42.7 inches. Tail, represented only by a tuft of hairs. Height at shoulder 21 in. Hind leg, vent to heel 15.7. Hand 5.5. Foot 7. Har 2.5, or from crown 1.6. Snout to base of ear 11 in. Width on crown between ears 8. Circumferences: Chest 33 in. Belly 35. Forearm 12.2. Leg 10.3. Skull. Basal length, 8.22 in. Zygomatic breadth, 7.68. Canines yellow, flat topped (this was the case in the only other Ratburi skull I have examined). Claws grooved, nearly black (Blanford says “pale horn, sometimes dusky”). Muzzle and chin, greyish white. Hye, brown. Palms and soles, dirty flesh colour, slightly haired at bases of digits. I believe mamme should be 3 pairs. I noticed but 2 pairs, the pectoral longest.
Hapalomys longicaudatus. Berdmore’s Rat.
A male of this rare rat was obtained at Sai Yoke within 3 miles of where last year’s specimen was found (vide Journal No. 2. page 116). [t measured :—Length 154 mm. Tail 208. Hind foot 29. Fore foot 17. Ear from orifice 18. Vibrissae 55 mm. These measurements accord fairly with those of the specimen taken last year.
In this specimen the lower lip was much drawn back, exposing the incisors almost to the gums, but this may have been due to trap- ping. The Bombay N. H. S. Mammal Survey recently obtained 2 specimens in southern Tenasserim.
Capricornis sumatrensis milne-edwardsi. The Burmese Goat Antelope.
A nearly full grown female was obtained Hast cf Si-sa-wad measuring :—L. 41 in. Ht. at shoulder, 31. Ht. at withers, 32. Har from skull, 7.8. Tail without hair, 4.8. Body circumference, 32. Hair of mane, 4.7. Horns, brown, 2. in. (these came away with the skin, having no pedicels). Suborbital glands } in. dia., situate 1.75 in front of eyes. Inter-digital glands (orifice } dia.) on both fore and hind feet, the secreting bag being 2 in. in length. The secretion had no scent.
Colour, Hye, brown. Naked inners of ears, yellowish flesh colour. Face and cheeks, black, a white stripe extending 2 in. from mouth, a sma!l dull chestnut patch above upper lip. Outers and front bases of ears, the hairs basally black, tipped bright chestnut. Chin, blackish ; throat, white and chestnut mixed. Whole body, greyish brown with a plum-coloured tinge—the hairs being basally white, tipped with dark brown or black. Dorsal stripe extending to tail, chocolate brown—the basal half of the hairs being white. Uppers of fore-legs, very dark brown—the hind legs somewhat lighter, but both chestnut from knees and hocks downwards. Tail, naked beneath.
Cervulus feae. Fea’s Muntjac. The Black Barking Deer.
Another specimen of this rare deer was obtained within 2 miles of the spot where part of a specimen was procured last year ( vide Journal No, 2. page 116 ).
Dee, 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 255
Unfortunately the surveyor who procured the animal, kept only the skin without head or legs. He informed me that he had, in 1912, shot this animal in the Hue Sut Yhai in N, Lat 12°40.’
Sus cristatus. The Indian Wild Boar.
Some doubt has been expressed as to the identification of pig obtained in the Ratburi district ; and pigs obtained in lower Tenas- serim by the Bombay N. H. S. Mammal Survey have been classified as the smaller species viz:—Sus jubatus—the Tenasserim Wild Pig. Unfortunately the weights and measurements of these specimens are not given. The measurements of a boar and sow obtained in Ratburi district are given here, together with those given by Blanford for the Indian species, and it will be seen that Ratburi specimens are well up to the Indian—sows being constantly smaller than boars.
Fauna B.1.. Length Height Skull basal Zygomatic Weight.
Boar. 60 in. 28-36 13.79 7.0 200-300 Tbs. B) ay Petchaburi. i! Dell. » ade LN — — estimated 300. Boar. Sai Yoke. Sow. 52in. 314 in. £49". 5.4 in. 175 tbs.
Further skulls are desirable, with body measurements and weights if possible.
Kk. G. GAIRDNER. Oct., 1915.
No. Il.—NOTE ON SAMBAR ( CERVUS UNICOLOR ) SHEDDING ITS HORNS.
As there seems to be considerable diversity of opinion as to how often sambar shed their horns, the following may be of interest.
A stag which was caught when a few months old and obtained by the present owner at the age of 2 years, has for the last four years while in his possession shed its horns annually in August.
The horns have not appreciably become bigger with each successive year, but this year they appear to show signs of being larger than before. In 1912 the left horn had an extra tine just above the brow tine, but this has not appeared since.
According the Blandford and Lydekker wild stags in India do not shed their horns regularly every season, and it would be interesting to know in what months sambar with fully developed horns have been shot in Siam.
Pp. A. R. BARRON. Nov., 1915.
No. II.—A NEW SNAKE FOR BANGKOK.
Since completing my articles on the Snakes of Bangkok, another species has been added to the list, viz., Lycodon lacensis, caught last month beneath some fire-wood at Bangkok Noi. The descriptions of this snake, taken no doubt from museum specimens, give the colour as being “ dark brown above, with a whitish cross-band on the occiput
256 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
and others on the back, etc.” In the Bangkok specimen, as with an- other from Den Chai, the only two which I have seen alive, these white cross-bands were, during life, of a bright lemon-yellow colour, whilst in the former also, a young specimen, the dark brown was pure black.
MALCOLM SMITH. October, 1915.
No. IV.—ON THE BREEDING HABITS AND COLOUR CHANGES IN THE LIZARD, CALOTES MYSTACEUS.
A pair of these lizards, caught at Paknampo in January of last year, bred whilst in captivity, and afforded me an opportunity of observing their habits during this period. Like other species of the genus Calotes in confinement, they were extremely wild and shy, and would never allow themselves to be handled. They fed, however, freely on insects of al) sorts. For the first six weeks of captivity, they were evidently too much disturbed to show any colour changes, and remained a mixture of dull greys and browns of varying shades.
The courtship, which was continued until the eggs were laid, was much the same as that described for C. versicolor, ( Robinson, P. ZS. p. 858. 1899.) and consisted for the most part in absurd bowings and noddings of the head.’ This was commenced by the male, and was usually, after a short time, responded to by the female. The pair invariably faced each other on these occasions, arching their backs and puffing out their throats to the full extent. The vivid hues assumed by the male (and slightly so by the female) during this per- formance, transformed him into a truly gorgeous creature. .The head and fore-part of the body became of a light electric blue (sometimes green ) colour, the gular pouch dark purple, whilst the pale stripe which borders the upper lip, and passes on to the shoulder, turned almost white, and stood out in strong contrast to its sur- roundines.
They were first observed in copula on May 9th, and after that were frequently seen together. On June 21st, I observed the female busy with the earth in the flower pot in the cage. She did not like being watched, and ceased operations as soon as she saw me, but by hiding behind a door I was enabled to observe the rest of the pro- ceedings. The eggs had been already laid, and she was then engaged in covering them up, raking the earth over them with her fore-paws and hammering it down with her nose. The male, perched on a branch above, watched the performance with great interest, and I was surprise d to see him, in the midst of it all, suddenly race down to his mate and engage her. She, finally, completed her task, smooth- ing the earth completely over at the spot, so that no traces were left to show that anything had been done there. I never saw her near the spot again, and she appeared to take no further interest in her pro- geny. The eggs were placed about 2 inches deep in the earth, and had the usual soft, white parchment-like covering. They were 7 in
<I
Dee, 1915. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 25
number, 15 to 18 x 10 to 11 mm, in size. The first young one appeared on Aug. 20th, and measured from snout to vent 26 mm., tail 48 mm. in length. They had the usual drab colours of their parents.
The colour changes in these specimens, I found, were not brought about by sexual excitement only. Fear would produce exactly the same effect. This could be demonstrated by putting a snake into their cage. Their attitude then was that of being fascinated and unable to escape. They invariably faced the snake, bowing to it and nodding their heads exactly as when courting. ‘The crest was strongly erected, the gular pouch fully distended, and the colours would gradually become more vivid until they were almost as intense as during sexual excitement.
Calotes mystaceus 1s widely distributed throughout Siam, its handsome colouring usually attracting attention wherever it is found. It has been seen as far South as Hua Hin, but below that Latitude has not yet been recorded. It is not found in Bangkok, or in the country immediately surrounding, but away from the great plain, its haunts and modes of life are similar to those of C. versicolor (the com- mon Bangkok ‘“‘ chameleon”), to which, when ‘ off colour,” it bears a close resemblance.
MALCOLM SMITH. Dec., 1915.
258 JOURNAL, NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY OF SIAM. Vol. I.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY.
38rd ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at the Oriental Hotel on July 14th, 15 members and 2 guests being present. The President read a paper from Mr. Boden Kloss proposing certain Z o-geographical divisions for Siam, its object being to assist those who were not well acquainted with the country, in locating specimens recorded by members of the Society or other naturalists.
A considerable amount of discussion followed, and the matter was ultimately referred to a sub-committee, who were requested to draw up the proposed alterations, and refer them again to Mr. Kloss before publication in the Journal.
Specimens were exhibited by H. R. H. Prince Chumporn, Mr. Herbert, Dr. Smith, Mr. Gairdner and Mr Godfrey.
Ath ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING.
This was held at the offices of the Bangkok Times on December 21st, 11 members and 1] guest being present.
Mr. Herbert and Dr. Smith exhibited an interesting series of mammals, birds, reptiles and batrachians recently taken by their col- lectors in a expedition to the mountains at Nakon Sri Tamarat. A detailed report of this collection, when it has been fully worked out, will be published in the Society’s Journal.
The following publications have been recently received :— The Fishes of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vols. 1 and I. By Dr. Max Weber and S. L. F. de Beaufort. The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelagc. Vol. 1. ( Lacertilia, Chelonia, Emydosauria). By Dr. Nelly de Rooij. Java, Zoilogisch en Riologisch. Door Dr. Koningsberger. Laboratorium voor Plantenziekten. No 18. Bulletin du Jardin Bota- nique de Buitenzory. No. XVIII and XX. tecords of the Indian Mu- seum. Vol. XL. Parts l and 2. Jowrnal of the Federated Malay States Museums. Vol. VI. parts i, ii and iii. On Birds collected by Mr. C. Boden Kloss, ¥.R.G.8., M.B.0.U., on the Coast and Islands of South-Kastern Siam. By H. ©. Robinson, M.B.0 U., C.M.Z.S , with Field Notes by the Collector. Arkiv fir Zoologi. ( Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm). Band 8, Hafte 1 to 4. Band 9, Hafte 1 and 2. Arkiv for Botanik. ( Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm ). Band 13, Hiaifte 1 to 4.
259
A FURTHER LIST OF PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SIAM.
Author.
Title of Work.
Publisher,
Auguste Pavie.
Robinson & Kloss
Nelly de Rooij |
Max Weber and | L. F. de Beaufort. |
|
Various,
Barbour.
Mission Pavie
Indo-Chine, 1879-95.
Collection of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Batrachians and Plants from Bandon, Koh Samui and Koh Pennan. (Jour. F. M. S. Museums Wak Vie No: 3.)
On Birds Collected on the Coast and Islands of S. E. Siam (/dis. Oct. 1915).
The Reptiles of the Indo-
Australian Archipelago. Vol. I. Lacertilia, Chelonia, Emydosauria, 1915.
The Fishes of the Indo- Austra- lian Archipelago = Vol_‘I. 1911, Vol: LE. (913:
| Fasciculi Malayenses. Results
of an expedition to Perak and the Siamese States, 1901-1902.
A contribution to the Zoogeo-
graphy of the East Indian |
Vol. XLIV. No. Batra-
Islands 1, (Reptiles and chians) 1912.
Malay |
Ernest Leroux, 28 Rue Bonaparte, Paris.
Selangor Museum, Kuala Lumpor.
E. J. Brill, Leyden.
Longmans, Green & Co,, London.
Harvard College Museum, U. S. A.
— =
2 ee
at
=
*
& « )
* « J oa taf ~~ oe vs Pe ie yi ee = a by’, %
‘Au t A 7
re ¢ ™ ‘ oe 4 th £ or we 0, Poin « iw t SH ie < q = s ' ‘ : ’ ,! L A , - ; f ih rr <¥ , Me Wi _{ Vg q f fy 4 i ' ik ‘ fc i oh ' oe i Z he i! a +p iil Pal LY : “ Cte = | ice ro >! 5, 4 x iB}
.:
J "keh “i “ U
- » : li f ‘ + 7 f if 1 a ‘ - a A. @ eee a .
Win hans Face Osta UO aaa Hes oh Mt So IB
JOURNAL Natural History Society of Siam.
NW Obs GINO:
Ti Issued May, 191) ce
| ie JUL 25 1917. % Ny. “onal Muses EDITED BY
Maleolm Smith and W. J. F. Williamson.
gonlan nett 4 o
Price to Non-Members: Serene ts, Uh ey oe ee bes
AGcents :—WITHERBY & Co., LONDON.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 1915.
RECEIPTS Ticals, Balance brought over from 1914 656.94 Subscriptions paid for 1915 Soin) (Cau Arrears subscription 1914 paidin 1915... 10.— Receipts for Journal sold it 12.— Interest on balance at Bank 6 87 Tes. 1,480.14 Bangkok,
9th February, 1916.
EXPENDITURE. Ticals,. Postage 29.47 Stationery and Account Books 26.90 Printing and other ex- penses in connection with the issue of Vol. I, No. 3 of the Journal te EZR Ditto for No. 4 a. 1s 258.00 Printing rules, notices, etc. wet 10.72
Balance at Bank
Tes. 1,480.14
(Sd) S. H. COLE,
Hon, Secretary and Treasurer.
LIST OF MEMBERS ON 31ST DECEMBER, 1915.
Aagaard, C. J. Lambert, 8. G. ‘ Laydeker, H. A. Bain, W. Lucius, Dr. med. R. Barron, lex A. ie Lupsa, inv Barton, C. 8. luyons, J: R. C- Bonnafous, H. Boyce, E. B. Massey, H. E. Brewitt Taylor, L. McBeth, J. J. Butler, T. S. Mohr, -A. Cable, J. A. Nesbitt, P. Cambiaso, Count F. Nisbet, R. H. Carthew, Dr. M. (M.D., D P.H.) Nunn, W. Cole, S. H. ey, Collins, Mrs. D. J. Ogilvie, A. W.
Couper-Johnston, D. e ; Phongse Sanitwongse, Mom Luang
Dalgleish, J. H. Porter, A. A. Berg, N. Due-Petersen, Dr. . 2 Rankin, A. C. (M.D.) Duke, A. H. Robert, Dr. L. - Hisenhofer, EH. Rogers, B. H. Elwes, G. F. W. Ross, D. HKyton, S. W. Slack, TA. Fort eh Smith, E. Wyon. a ae Smith, M. A. (M.R.C.8., L.R.C.P.) Gairdner, K. G. Smyth, G. C. Geyer, H. Spigno, AZ B. Gilmore, W. M. (8.A.,B.A.1.,F.R.G.S.) Sprater, Major W. Godfrey, EK. J. (B.SC., F.E.8.) Seub Suk Sawat, Mom Chao Groundwater, C. L. eee ae At Ward, T. RB. J, (C.1.8., M.v.0.)
Webb, G. E. (B. A.)
Grut, W. L. Weeks, W. G.
Harrop, F.S. Weston, C. M. Healey, E. Williamson, W. J. F. (M.B.0.v.) Herbert, E. G. (F.z.8.) Wolf, G.
Irwin, A. J. (B.A., BAL, AMILCE, Yates, H.C. St. J. PRES) 7 abl We Kemp, P. R. Keynes, S. C. HONORARY MEMBERS. H.R.H. Prince Chumporn. Count Nils Gyldenstolpe, (B.4.) Stuart Baker, E. C., (¥.Z.8.)
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS IN THE LIBRARY OF THE SOCIETY:
Note.—Members may borrow any of the Publications by personal application at the office of the BANGKOK TimEs, or, in the case of Mem- bers not resident in Bangkok, by written application to the Honorary Secretary. All withdrawals and returns must be recorded in the book provided for the purpose. No Publication may be kept for more than one month,
‘MAMMALS.
Anthropology, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Elephants, Guide to ( recent and fossil ), in the British Museum. C1908').
Great Game Animals, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Catalogue of Heads and Horns of Indian Big Game ( bequeathed by A. O. Hume, c.B.) in the British Museum. By R. Lydekker, F.R.S.
BIRDS.
Birds collected by Mr. C. Boden Kloss, F.R.G.S., M.B.0.U., on the Coast and Islands of S. EK. Siam. By H.C. Robinson, m B.0.Uv., C.M.Z.S., (Ibis; Oct. 1915 ).
Birds, Reptiles and Amphibians, List of, in Raffles Museum, Singapore. (1912 ).
Birds, Guide to, in the British Museum. (1910).
REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS.
Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vol. I. ( Lizards, Tortoises and Turtles, Crocodiles). By Dr. Nelly -de Rooij. (1915).
Snakes, The Poisonous Terrestrial, of our British Indian Domi- nions. By Major F. Wall. (1907).
Snakes of Bangkok. By Dr. Malcolm Smith. (1915).
Reptiles and Amphibians, List of, in Raffles Museum. (1912).
Reptiles and Amphibians, Guide to, in the British Museum.
FISHES.
Fishes of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vol. I. 1911. Vol. II. (1913). By Dr. Max Weber and Dr. L. F. de Beaufort.
Fishes, Guide to, in the British Museum.
Poissons d’ eau douce de |’Indo-Chine. By Dr. Jacques Pellegrin,
(1907). INSECTS, ETC.
Butterflies, Paleearctic, Catalogue of Leech Collection. (1902 ). Insects, Guide to the exhibited series of, in the British Museum.
(1909).
House F'ly as a danger to health (pamphlet). By Hrnest. E. Austen. (19138). Spiders, Descriptive Catalogue of the, of Burma. By T. Thorell. (1895). BOTANY.
Flora of Siam, Contributions to the, by Wm. Grant Craib, Ma Dicotyledones. (1912). Monocotyledones. (19138).
JOURNALS, PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Vol. XVII. 1916, (in issue).
Arkiv for Botanik. Vols. XIII, XIV, (1913-1915).
» 4oologi. Vols. VIII, 1X, (1913- A
Bulletin du Jardin Botanique, No. 18, 20, 21, (19153.
Journal of the Federated Malay States Museums. Vols. L—VI. (1905-1916).
Journal of the Siam Society. Vol. XI, (in issue).
Mededeelingen van het Laboratorium voor Plantenzieten. No. 18. (1915%.
Records of the Indian Museum Vol. XI, (1915).
Zoologisch Biologisch. No. 10. (1914).
Handbook of Instructions for Collectors ( British Museum ).
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Abrornis superciliaris Acanthopneuste borealis
plumbeitarsus
Wernenosaure armata
a crucigera Accipiter virgatus Acridotheres Geene
ey 154, 240 ks 151, 234. 24, 106, 149, 168, 197,205
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps 197 + orientalis 42, 83, 86
2 stentoreus 42, 196 Acrochordus javanicus 13, 187, 212 AAgialites dubia 235 “ placida ae: 235 Aigialitis dubia . 48, 152, 235 ts placida 235 Afgithina tiphia ... 42, 78, 166 Aithiopsar grandis ee 43, 106, 149, 168 205 Athopyga cara iar LEao Nel ey dabryi ae 217 Mthorhynchus lafresnayii sve 166 = xanthotis 166 Alabes scriptus ea) doe 2s Alcedo ispida ae .. 49, 150, 281 2 » bengalensis Ae 201 Alseonax latirostris .. 43, 169, 208 Alsocomus puniceus by Lol Amaurornis fuscus 47 <5 phoenicurus : 48, 108, 152, 285
- a chinensis ae 239 Amblycephalus carinatus oe 215 ‘ margaritophorus 215 moellendorfli 181, 215
Ampeli iceps coronatus ee cee 168 Amphiesma subminiatum eas eee 245 Anas haringtoni : 109 ,», poecilorhyncha ~ FOS
,, zonorhyncha 109 Anastomus oscitans ade 30, 152 Ancistrodon blomhofhi ax hay G25 BS rhodostoma 7,07, 215 Anorrhinus tickelli wo» 145 Anthocincla phayrei ie LGA Ef phayrii te LGA Anthothreptes malaccensis ee 4 45, 129 Anthracoceros albirostris Ae 150, 219, 232
il JOURNAL NAT.
Anthus cervinas » maculatus » Tvichardi bP) be) i rufulus ) -striolatus
» trivialis maculatus Arachnechthra flammaxillaris Arachnothera longirostris Arboricola brunneipectus
chloropus Arctictis binturong Arctonyx collaris Ardea cinerea » manillensis Ardeola bacchus
e erayl Ardetta cinnamomea 3 sinensis
Artamus fuscus Arundinax aédon Asarcornis scutulatus Asio accipitrinus Astur badius
,», poliopsis Athene brama
Batrachostomus affinis Baza _ lophotes Bos bubalus » frontalis 5 gaurus 5, sondaicus
5 porteri
Babalerts coromandus Bufo asper
», melanostictus Bungarus candidus
x fasciatus
7 flaviceps
a multicinctus Butastur indicus
a liventer
Butorides javanica
striolatus
HIST. SOC. SIAM. Vol. I.
PAGE.
cnn, OS
149, 171 44,17]
ave i
44,171
. 198
af sean gel a 129, 171 as onl val. . 108
ge |
aoe
208
ee 31, 152 aye “eo doz 199, 236
wok 48752 48, 152, 236 eS
Me Ad Diiaa9 42, 83, 86, 167 : OS. an 198
47, 234
cha we eee sae EF hy cenlo
150
107, 123, lied 234 <1 140
bo. LEO
53, 110, eee 129. 148
38, 53, 110, 148
1, a0
31, 48, 152
130, 156
. 249
ie 7, 128, 244
4, 6, 58, 177, 187, 214 cee . é
fod
ee oe Ae . 234 rr we» 2036
INDEX OF SPECIES, iil
Cacomantis merulinus an » querulus ...
Calamaria pavimentata
Callialeyon lilacina
Calliope camtschatkensis
Callophis macclellandi ue
univirgatus
29 ob)
4 maculiceps Caloperdix oculea__... ae Calotes Calotes cristatellus emma mystaceus » versicolor Campophaga melanoptera neglecta
be]
99
oe) Canis aureus Capricornis milne-edw nee rubidus : sp.
99
sumatrensis robinsoni
i s swettenhani ts el thar x thar Caprimulgus asiaticus ce macrurus ais ¥ t ambiguus monticola
3)
Carcineutes pulchellus Caretta squamata Carpodacus erythrinus Carpophaga zenea » eenea a eriseicapilla Centropus bengalensis = bengalensis
bP]
39 9
sinensis
>, intermedius Cerberus rhynchops 568 Cervulus feze muntjac
2)
29 a 5, curvostylis Cervus eldi », platyceros unicolor
39
39
sumatrensis milne- aie da
"154, 256, 257 154, 240, 256, 257 - 168
“102, 213, 115, 116, 130, 148, § Z 38.
3B, 18;
iV JOURNAL NAT, HIST. SOC.
Cervus unicolor equinus A Ceryle varia eke Ceyx tridactyla ae
,, tridactylus ee
Chaleoparia phoenicotis Chalcophaps indica Chaptia eenea Charadrius fulvus Chelone imbricata Chersydrus granulatus Chibia hottentotta Chiropodomys Chloropsis aurifrons ... chlorocephala
™ hardwickil Chrysocoecyx maculatus Chrysocolaptes gutticristatus
9)
39 Chrysopelea ornata Chrysophlegma flavinucha Circus eeruginosus
». melanoleucus Cissa chinensis Cisticola cursitans Cisticola volitans (exilis) Cittocincla macrura Coccystes coromandus Collocalia fuciphaga Columba intermedia Coluber oxycephalus ae radiatus
ks taenlurus Copsychus saularis Coracias affinis Corvus insolens
» macrorhynchus Corydon sumatranus Corythocichla brevicaudata Criniger burmanicus
be eutturalis Crocopus phoenicopterus
9
be viridifrons
Crypsirhina varians : Cryptolopha burki tephrocephala-
i tephrocephala Cuculus micropterus Culicicapa ceylonensis
eliroides) peguensis
one icus .
SIAM, S¥ol, W,
PAGE.
38, 117, 148 32, 45, 56, 150 118, 198, 281
. 231
i von AS ies 15 234 167
AS, 152
4 24 8 14, 212, 244 106, 167
. 253
Bas ree HG04 105, 148, 166 sede:
<<. | 46
. 230
230
4,175, 187, 214, 24:7 229
hy
c 47, 234
122, 123, 144, 148, 164 - 42, 85
196, 197
_ 82, 149, 170 . 46, 107, 233 AG, 197
aS 7108 130; 155, 213 187, 213, 245 213 170 230 45 betta 42,76, 105, 148, 164 39, 130, 149, 229
mae cauld,
tae Ae
. 166
, 234 ... 204
42, 76, 164 ac, OY
on OT 198, 232 mE)
95, 155,
32, 44, 106, 149, AS. 106.150.
INDEX OF SPECIES. v PAGE, Cyanops asiatica 123, 217 Cyanops cyanotis sce fe ... 230 » davisoni 122, 123, 137, 149, 217, 230 2 ramsayl geo cee Cyclemys dhor 23 Cylindrophis rufus se 10, 187, 212 Cymborhynchus macrorhynchus ... se 39, 149 Cyon rutilans 37, 04, 110, 147 Cyornis dialileema : GoGo ae oatest = 269, ., rabeculoides . 149 Cy pselus pacificus 46 Dendralaphis caudolineatus meuele i subocularis Meets Dendroeitta himalayensis ie ee OA a rufa . 164 Dendrocopus pectoralis . 45 Dendrocyena fulva 109 us javanica 29, 31, A8 109, 153 Dendrophis formosus 213 5. pictus 96, 176, 187, 213 4 subocularis 109 Diceeum chrysorhceum ne poe el al + cruentatum ix a5. 149,171 s ignipectus 217 Dichoceros bicornis iS 150, 231 Dicrurus ater 42, 81, 105, 148, 167 i cineraceus a 167 s leucogenys “42, 82 Dioptoma ae LOZ ‘ adamsi a. (OL Dipsadomorphus cyaneus 914, 246 i cynodon wee 214 s dendrophilus .. 214 F hexagonatus . 214 a multimaculatus ,.. 173, 182, 187, 214 " nigriceps w 214 Dipsas cyanea _ 246 Dipterocarpus alatus 35 e tuberculatus Ee ae Dissemurus paradiseus 42,82, 106, 148, 167 Dissura episcopus oe 30, 152 Distira cyanocincta _ 247
Fe tuberculata
. 247
vi JOURNAL NAT, HIST. SOC. SIAM.
Doliophis bivirgatus . intestinalis Draco blaufordi 3, Maasti » maculatus be 53 haasii ,, teenlopterus 33. voelans Drymocataphus tickelli Drymocathapes tickelli Dryocalamus davisonii Dryonastes chinensis Dryophiops rubescens Dryophis mycterizans 43 prasinus Ducula griseicapilla » Insignis griseicapilla Dupetor flavicollis
Elanus ceeruleus Klephas ‘maximus Emberiza aureola
Be rutila Enhydrina valakadien ~ velakadien ie valakadyn
Enhydris hardwickii Kpinys rattus 5 » poenitentiarii a3 » portus » surifer Eudy namis honorata Eulabes sp.
» Intermedia Kurylemus javanicus Kurystomus orientalis
3 “i calony x 5 orientalis Excalfactoria chinensis
Falco severus Felis bengalensis » Chaus » pardus
“ole a,
PAGE.
7, 187, 215
7, 215. 130, 153 239, 240) 239, 240
. 239
ots Joao coe oS was Le
pede
UB By. 130, 148, re ey O14 174, 187, 185, 214, 108, 151, .. 934
aa
171, “177, 214,
(a7 Li; 214,
299,
221, 999’ 32, 46, 107, 150, 106, 149,
213 164.
214, 247 234
48
A?
198 14.9 248 » 248 248 248 221 224, 223 222 233
33 168
wee ag ool
230,
aol
. 231
Aq,
197,
. 198
36,
leh 7 14:7
ive M7
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Felis temmincki Ae js eetISTIS eee ,, Viverrina
Francolinus chinensis
Galeopithecus volans Galeopterus volans ee Gallicrex cinerea mae Gallinago ccelestis
53 gallinago
A megala
e stenura Gallinula chloropus Gallus ferrugineus Gampsorhynchus torquatus Garrulax diardi
3 moniliger 5 pectoralis % strepitans
Garrulus leucotis Gecinulus viridis Gecinus chlorolophus
» nhigrigenis
» occipitalis
a striolatus
» Viridanus Gecko verticillatus Gennzeus lineatus Se
es sharpel oe
vol sbarpu Geocichla citrina Geoemyda grandis Geopelia striata Glareola orientalis Glaucidium brodiei
- cuculoides
Glyphoglossus molossus Gracula javana intermedia Graculipica nigricollis Graucalus dobsoni
“ macel se macil ace J sumatrensis .P
Grus antigone 5, Sharpii : Gymnodactylus marmoratus eee
33, 43, 106, 12
47, 120,151, 235
143, 147 Se AE
48, 109, 152, 236
40, 108, 151, 235
33, 105, 148, 164
w. 45, 197, 229
9, 149, 168, 204
165, 217
106, 229
176, 239
150, 233
er is 130, 153
JOURNAL NAT. HIST.
vill
Haleyon pileata smyrnensis
"7 fusca Haliastur indus Hapalomys longicaudatus Haplopeltura boa... Harpactes erythrocephalus
. orescius
vs oreskios Hemicercus canente Hemidactyius frenatus
- platyurus
Hemilophus pulverulentus Hemipus picatus Henicurus leschenaulti
a. schistaceus Herpeton tentaculatum Herpornis xantholeuca Hierococcyx sparverioides Hipistes hydrinus Hipposideros armiger
$9
* diadema me lylei 34 pratti
Hirundo gutteralis Homalopsis buccata Hopea odorata Hoplopterus ventralis Huhua nepalensis
Hurria rynchops Hydrochelidon hybrida Hydrophasianus chirurgus Hydrophis czerulescens
A diadema
“s fasciatus
5 gracilis
i jerdonii
zs klossi
. nigrocinctus
.) ornatus
Ls tuberculatus viperina
Hydrophobus davisonii Hydrus platurus Hylobates agilis
. lar Hypotaenidia striata Hypothymis azurea
SOC.
SIAM.
32, 47, 107,
115,
103, 126, 187,
8)
36,
Vol. I-
PAGE. AD Dead 45, 231 eo Tok 254. 215 107, 232 150, 232
to wee
5. 200
au. 208
sss 209
we eo
thoy
ss RW) 170 214 PAN)
46, 232 103, 214
49, 50
147,
at, 100, ‘101, 187, 213
34, 133 ia 275) 150, 217
sd AIG
se 109, 152 ie lt
Se Ae
= 214
x. BIA
2 mA
eee
eae! 214 O14, 247 . 214
142, 146 47
43, 149, 169, 209
INDEX OF SPECIES. ix
Hypothymis azurea styani Hypsipetes concolor Hy psirhina bocourti
7. chinensis P enhydris oe jagoril A plumbea smithu Hystrix bengalensis 98 orotei
Tbis melanocephala Tole olivacea
Irena puella Tyngipicus canicapillus lynx torquilla
Kketupa zeylonensis
Lachesis gramineus
As monticola
Bs purpureomaculatus Lamprophorus tenebrosus Lanius collurioides
» eristatus
, lucionensis
5 higriceps
7 longicaudatus
Le .pidodacty lus cevlonensis Leptoptilus dubius Lepus siamensis
»» peguensis Limonidromus indicus Liolepis belliana Locustella certhiola
Re lanceolata
Lophospizias trivirgatus Lophotriorchis kieneri Lophura diardi Loriculus vernalis Luciola italica
PAGE. 169, 170 Fe OG
100, Loy pole EE 101, 213 100, 126, 187, 213 Oo, 10k. 213 156, 185, 213 1095 10%, 213 sand 141, 147
- 930
. 233
6, 183, 187, 215, 248
192, 193
a JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC
Lusciniola aédon Lycodon aulicus
ue fasciatus laoensis subcinctus...
Lygosoma anguinoides
99
A bowringil
53 isodactylum ¥ maculatum
4 olivaceum
33 ophioscincus 55 vittigerum
Lyncornis cerviniceps
Mabuia » macularia multifasciata Macacus arctoides - cynomolgus e nemestrinus 3 rufescens Macropistodon rhodomelos Macropteryx coronata Macropy gia ruficeps ie tusalia Manis javanica Pea) Megaleema marshallorum 5 virens Melanochlora sultanea Bac in sultana flavocristata Melittophagus swinhoei ns swinholl af Merops orientalis birmanus see philippinus . ) -vinidis Metopidius indicus Microhierax eutolmus ah fringillarius Microhyla berdmorii Micropternus brachyurus 5 pheeoceps coe * »» pheeoceps ... Miglyptes jugularis re Milvus govinda ate » melanotis
99
. SIAM. ~Vol. 7.
PAGE.
7 86, 167 a2. £6, R37, 283 nt oe. 2ES 213, 255
xe ahd
67, 130
154, 243
61, 127
154, 243
150, 154
sae | WS
130, 154
150, 232
te
oa
x, Bee
i 446
28, 146
36, 146
142, 146 cote
07
1 285
151, 217
us 048
_ 39
ey,
217, 230
0) laeaaiiaG a ... 166 cn 281
nwa ZBL
eal
45, 150
wh . 281 31, 109, 152, 199 4 ORR 32, 151 wis 949 as .. 149 198, 230
... 230
... 280 31, 47, 151 47, 151
INDEX OF SPECIES. x
PAGE.
Mirafra cantillans 44, 197 5» microptera a AE
Pe Oe . 197
Mixornis gularis ae earn
‘ rubricapillus ee 42, 77,7 78, 148, 165
Molpastes atricapillus es va »~ 166 % germaini Sit pee 7,
Monticola cyanea we’ got LEO
» Solitaria philippensis Bae ol ZAU
Motacilla alba we’ A4, 196 - ,, Jeucopsis rar el
3 boarula melanope ae L#1 borealis om 44, 171
Oy leucopsis o 171, 196 melanope np ltl
Miilleripicus pulverulentus harterti 204, 200
Munia atricapilla 170, 198
Myiophoneus eugenii . 165 in temmincki Gs
Naia bungarus 7, 214
., tripudians 6, 179, 187, 214
Natrix piscator fe ... 244
Me subminiata ee 245 Nemorhaedus 20 . bubalinus 21
4 goral 26
> sp. 393
es sumatrensis ree : Zl
es milne-edwardsi ... eee v2!
rt Js bubalinus al
a a rubidus ee hee |
= swettenhami 20
Nettopus coromandelianus i 109, 153 Ninox scutulata ; Ae 150, 233
Nycticebus tardigradus 30, 146
Nycticorax griseus sa Seabee ie)
Nyctiornis amictus eee 130, 150 Ee athertoni . 231
(Mnopopelia tranquebarica - humilis Ophioscincus australis
31, 47, 151, 235 , 235 68
X11 JOURNAL, NAT.
Opuntia dillenii Oreicola ferrea Oreocincla dauma Oriolus indicus
» melanocephalus Orthotomus atrigularis
* sutorius Osmotreron bicincta
= phayrei
. pompodora phayrei
“f vernans Otocompsa emeria
- flaviventris
Otogyps calvus Oxyglossis laevis
. lima
Ls martensil
Paleeornis fasciata
5 fasciatus
5 finschi
5 indoburmanicus io rosa
ie schisticeps
torquatus
pandion haliaétus Paradoxurus hermaphrcditus Passer domesticus
,, flaveolus
a. montanus Pavo muticus Pelargopsis gurial
burmanica
Pelicanus philippensis Pellorneum subochraceum Penthoceryx sonnerati Pericrocotus cinereus
fraterculus S peregrinus Petrophila cyanus - solitaria Phalacrocorax carbo javanicus
Pretinas castus
\ consanguineus
HIST. SOC. SIAM. tole Ws
PAGE. 34
se =e let ao
170
43, 149, 168, 201
"39, 43, 106. ; 149, 168, 202 é S 2, 89 au 7 84
5 89.107. 154
107, 451, 234
. 234
ahah rate
AD 792166
105, 148, 166
al, 47,415
. 248
apie) 6
. 248
233 _ 107, 118, 150, 197, 233
46, 197
=e else
29, 37, 147
oe cw OO ae Seat en 4 44, 106 ve AO, TOS: Tal
43, 90, 106, 119, 168
SCE 44, 170
ub jac Ad 170 se oy 31, 152
. 152
ike is ga
195, 194
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Photinus marginellus pyralis Be scintillans Photodilus badius Phylloscopus borealis fuscatus - sapercillosus Physignathus mentager * cochinehinensis Picumnus innomitatus Picus canus occipitalis
be)
be)
Pinus merkusii Piprisoma modestum * squalidum Pitta cucullata » cyanea » cyanoptera oatesi Platurus laticaudatus Platysternum megacephalam Ploceus manyar » Megarhynchus Plotus melancgaster Polioaétus humilis rs ichthyaétus Pohiohierax insignis Polyplectron thibetanum Polyplectrum chinquis Polyodontophis collaris
” geminatus Pomatorhinus ochraceiceps
cS olivaceus
=) tickelli
Porphyrio poliocephalus Pratincola caprata
ts in bicolor
¥ leucura
a maura Presbytis harbei
Ri femoralis
4 germalai
- obscurus
» phayrei Prinia blanfordi Prionodon maculosus Prymnomiodon chalceus
Psammodynastes pulverulentus
chlorolophus chlorolophus
xiii
PAGE. te ie UGA 193, 194
42, 86, 88
130, 155, 212, 244
oh 44, 196 2 Kalaaeays 142, 144, 146
117, 142, 146, 252 116, 142, 146
"156, 174, 214
XIV JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOG: STAM. Wolo:
Psammophis condanarus Psarisomus dalhousize
* dalhousize ...
Pseudogyps bengalensis
Pseudotantalus leucocephalus
Pterocarpus indicus Pteropus edulis Ptiloleemus tickelli Pycnonotus analis 5 atricapillus fi blanfordi finlaysoni plumosus Py rrhopicus pyrrhotis Python curtus » molurus * . teticulatus
Querquedula circia
3%”
Rallina fasciata » superciliaris
Rana doriee
», erythraea limnocharis macrodon nigrovittata tigrina Ratufa melanopepla Rhacophorus leucomystax Rhinoceros sondaicus
ve sumatrensis Rhinolophus luctus Rhipidura albicollis = javanica Rhizomys badius sumatrensis
Rhopody tes diardi tristis
» hainanus Rhy tidocer os subruficollis undulatus
bi
99
querquedula ( circia S
PaGE.
17, 94, 187, 218 . 229 Ree)
31, 47, 16% » Le2
see OO
29, 14/
bist dow
42, 79 aol
80, 166, 196 148, 166 42, 196 gaa.
10
10, 212
9, 10, 126, 155, 187, 212, 244
31, 18 . 153
ad LOO saan, SOO
. 249
249
_ 96, 248, 249 130, 156 ... 249 vse, 248 135, 147 at LO 136, 147 136, 148 . 147 ae
48, 129, 149, 210
Ber vee ef
37, 147 cae, OZ
107, 233 . 233
. 150
, 232
INDEX OF SPECIES. RY
PaGu. Rollulus roulroul te Ne ey Mol Rostratula capensis sos 48, 54, 109, 236 Sarcogrammus atrinuchalis oh 48, 109, 152, 235 asia ochracea os ~~ vue: ed Sauropatis chloris Ae ster ee eG Sciurus albivexilli ae kag 226, 227 5 atrodorsalis BNE sad on AZ s., bicolor one se sae LAT 5, . bocourti oe 160, 227, 228 + _ dextralis bis ae wench ra » , ylei ses a sag SONA x (lox she re soe Deed + 3 sinistralis ais ie re 7 5 - caniceps a Bf seaty be », epomophorus a5: i ww» 147 » ferrugineus a 157, 226, 227 x 5 cinnamoneus ae 226, 227 a 3 frandseni_.... sae 220, 227 » finlaysoni 157, 158, 159, 160, 225, 226, 227, 228 - - finlaysoni ae 158, 159, 225, 226 is * folletti , 159, 162, 227 re 3 portus 158, 159, 161, 225, 226, 227
. Hower me dd 160, 22 5» germaini ont ee Hecnee » harmandi be so 226, 227 » Mmacclellandi barbei a ids 0 AAG Scolopax rusticula fe bai 4.0 109 Scops baccamcena lempiji as Fas .. 233 » bakkaimcena a ... 46, 150, 23838 » eit cat sds a AG Semnopithecus sp. any ae ees Serilophus lunatus Nee Fe ide CUD As lunatus be dad mere 4) Shorea cee ee w. 40 3 Obiusa aes ie 34, 35 » - robusta as aS we OO », slamens’s ine AS ame YOO Simotes cyclurus 97, 98, 99, 187, 213, 245 2 inornatus 5 Se 68, 130, 213, 245 re mouhoti ae wn FO 29a a7 ,, purpurascens sie fee ... 2138 re quadrilineatus si fc Eee Al, : taeniatus ak 69, 70, 98, 187, 213
., violaceus
Xvi JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC. STAM.
Siplia albicilla Sitta cinnamomeiventris cinhamoventris
99
frontalis ” » heglecta
Sphenocerus apicauda Spilornis cheela
a] » vrutherfordi Spizaétus limnaétus Stachyrhidorsis rufifrons Stoparola melanops Streptopelia turtur meena
33 Strix flammea Sturnia malabarica nemcericola
» sinensis Sturnopastor floweri i superciliaris
Surniculus lugubris Sus cristatus
29
Tabanus rubidus a striatus Tachornis infumatus Tapirus indicus Tectona grandis Tephrodornis pelvicus ks pondicerianus Terpsiphone affinis f inci Testudo elongata 5 vemys Thalassophis annandalii Thaumatibis gigantea Thereiceryx lineatus " lineata hodgsoni
*
we)
suratensis tigrina
43, 149,
Led
39,
eee
pheeostricta saigonensis
Thriponax feddeni a javensis feddeni Tiga javanensis Tinnunculus alaudarius Totanus calidris » hypoleucus » gilareola
A,
io) e
33, 43, 149,
168, 169, 206,
see
3, 123, 149, 169,
196, 208,
“106, 198, 2:
48, a
48,
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Totanus glottis
3 ochropus Tragulus javanicus Treron nepalensis
Trimeresurus gramineus
Tringa subminuta
» temmincki Tringoides hypoleucos Trirhinopolis nuchalis
Tropicoperdix chloropus Tropidonotus chrysargus
ms nigrocinctus be piscator A stolatus
: subminiatus tigrinus
ub upaia ferruginea Turdinus abbotti Turnix blanfordi
- pugnax Turtur orientalis
, tigrinus Typhlops albiceps braminus floweri lineatus nigroalbus schneideri siamensis
Upupa indica 5. pops indica Urocissa occipitalis Uroloncha acuticauda ee punctulata Ursus malayanus torquatus
33
Varanus nebulosus Vipera russel]ii Viverra zibetha
‘A, 14, 155, 187, 212,
XVll
PAGE.
. 48, 109, 39, 151,
2199
236 148 234: 248
. 199 “199 - 236
155: 130, 155, 213, 213,
16, 15, 187, 213,
30, : Yip “I5h 197,
215 235 244, 244, 244, 213 245 2138 147 197 235
ze L08 . 235
at eae
239
8, 212
212
ont ok
8, 123, 187,
124, 125, 8, 185,
150, 198,
212 212 212 212
232
. 232
122, Ad.
147,
40, 148, 154, 2 6, 182, 187,
36,
164 170
4h 254
. 147
242 215 147
xVill JOURNAL, NAT. HIST. SOC. SIAM. Vol. .
PaGE.
Xantholeema hematocephala ae ... 45, 149, 230 Xenopeltis unicolor 455 is 12, 187,212 Xenorhynchus asiaticus ae ie 30, 152 Xylia dolabriformis ee see Bee 2) Zamenis korros ie 94, 187, 213 a mucosus oe 4, 93, 187, 213
5 spinalis Hs oe ke
eae 425
ty :
ne " ecu h. ea >= vib
cal ree ti
ye,
te s en ee ee
err
=e See ae = ee Rte
rash)
i yh
pt cae } DARA eT tenant ee paannasAMtAten AaP ea Pe paAAanaasee y
4 2AQaR AA Ws ms Ant OA Ae stantabahag’ eppaeerk tes) snsnen insets TaAtnanshtha’ sallng sprngiPin
an ‘ : ree eat | yy eee ag TF Rin cael saoe Annan ape eyerel a Y Pee aaa ArAaaaag i it it apenas eal : Ps (i443 se AAA G i Si MAA RAR pen hhA ans Maran, Anna a) HU lato Tape eee eaten ne SCO ec nA ANN ae ae yh ant Psat hat ea ee athe 1 WY Aa & ‘5 “ait fa
¥ c Peis pe Pores yey. _ giles nian ? erate Nc ton hap ARA at ny} | MAN aay ee apnat AMMAMABOA CTT lt aie cette ianaaMan, aaa, pe RARAL ANALY mann hG A agg A aN aAaatn Aaa, fa PARAR 0087 Dieses she Te nas AaaAe ana mpehe AAA Ona Te een ona nla WD ncceabbsnn tichererAlee ce
e gee hee RESON CS & meio PeEeae AA + ne pihnnrn aA A AASeaaa ns. LAA, ‘anna aanan salt aA ae uh anand s ids asal mnandasann: nV ages s, aan rn pe greene, a
nal aa aay) faaa’-9 iu nai aie af Tt a ona) TTT anaatt teeny arr tanec BHAA ETE
at MM srentia ahem Mas oniceer caAStaaa tana
Pan ac rtnne at een mae ‘nnArudsiiiii Ss A ARS HlbNasnbasaasann ARAR Aa “ naaansaae *AAan’
ar -=
; | : Ube a ees Bp An ne J e / ieee j mots piOne see AA Eaiisanotti wll ye ett He sanhnt om
A Na" AAFP
are y bees ey NOAWAIAN. IAN
TaN aa aalT Maca acne Ws URAIIA PA, yt
Fae b Anras4
ga Arnagansntanmovegya” arr nna Ans a RearaaaL CT react ae ie. nee ne” MARI Anas, Te Ra 7 y nee cba ae on i algal. \. Yale Fie We ATA GRALaoca. cam cagntans pata oc
¥ Weer ; arene i eee aal Ranannar: r gan ages wes , 4 al | tr fe AP PV ata) a Aaa : r ida NAAM fa Ve 3 oh (asfet scans rashes ceseseesto nt EN rea paar PEPPER Hagens ue THAT p yaa eenabamenL yan er creas [lA prnne hp i A elon AYA. Laat Ras gpg Aah pA mee 7‘ paprmann ad bnnasananaae | ap. ‘ih calitoitliece. Whee cercocalh rnin ox a aia pan’ ee | BONA. Vy Aa xy AA Ra aa aa ssa . AY LAelayy PP aT PTY oes teen eer ane Gees MORMESTEE ORES Maa WITTY a Aaa AZ RAR, AA panenianmry YY YY AG nN aoe Mi ar Fe 203 te ans ferent : ante agpHlelel lel peepr ere ape ily aaa aaa aw AAROAO an, INAAAAAAL A MANA Aan Mannan, opnernro mae
rn ae Asa aa AA a Aann AAA Rage ee : MAY ae Aa Ar pane Perro LEP, ss antangnanannnnninnns sntanen PARA) phan’ aneteste an* a AA NN a ft ee AY le an AAR AN Ca
Aa gal AN MANA i alae nnenens A anne wana aanuarrnntettiga te ee it anny \anann
aa AAAAAASANA AA ae CNG AAR a OY YYY alll 7. yi] BAA ARaAAar) no se2aene Wik RAR a ARBARs crs RABARDTET ITD : f ‘ Pro ra A A Tec openy tpg rill fap Pade *HAAALAAMRAA MAS ree A ana” Ja AA fit RE EVEN IOUS 5 oS mye RAAB ABA ! fa) an ae oe é od ZN : garAa a A as el Ala! al ale fr anaatBan%a aAeannt 2 An”. wah AARP A a AA ‘al Peas A! ¢ PPL , anh annaia’ Aa < y) TY catalan anne iy hy eae ee ashPAPArnsstan. ona Arner. oitelal..
1 =o 7 ——r} << x o : Ct —$—P7. , = -—$—— ' —————— anes re) ~ an —s = , = AW - ——$—. ora Ls rrr ——— sriree ——— re 2 == © eee >_———— © “eos — SSS . ——— 5 ow rt 2 ‘ e » » n ee an r 2 i. “or ee al ry ababiipiainen en RAR ey Pe mA ‘ a Par ete nn ya = eee PEARED DARED AID ABs baiaiat ~ alone het s my 1 “ 444 ap DADA BM , SAA si ; lbtintes RAP RAINED ARIAIAD EDA EMRBDD CRDER ARPA ak “ a Pret ets cs Sree eeerorcreerEger Aininae pam G's HELPER REIT C14 SOON Orn Fat orate OI trimer cenas panes RL LEI AAAR EIA D DOR D Dip Bim APD OA Oe ARR ABO D lara a0: ep ela. aioues ties” ere
ees ee
ee ree ears
{Pete pag
Male? ae 2° MRR RPL DK
Md SAR DM
Ohana ge ebeet Sota ee ile te ee
Ml
EORADD SE SAE Bek
.
a ae Wey
142 * ee ee
POREL 88 oa
Le a
eto a ee ras ieee. ee eee ie ee bey age rir are ree eer ee ee
tenes
ee eee
eee ee aot ere)
tt eve
7 FIR apaye
re eo ee
Ptr meee pele ms ARPS OE RRO hne eee e ie
Seigidheid eal aaa it
UR, mi RPh mec maple: om ReRieraipiieetasal winiocskei ot...
eto erat try
ee
eee
rere
beta eee te ed
eeepree
fener Piel eceel er SPR Denes Ae ne
+ foes «Febitu
eee ee
veoteury y
e
an
re : .
s e ¥ > . > a ana® ‘ sate eee
: ‘ . asa Mee Qs AP Mee >» “ea nene ‘ ~ efBesae s . 2 A . s* Sears . “\y . eae © e. a Ras a > . ‘ an . aa ‘ > prin nae > > any AP tne a? a5 ; Asa Pry ye ~ . an ‘ ue ‘ eafeos . es BAY SAR aie APR ee . A? Nene APoarrnaaae SOT ORP Beer aac AD Mees as nee on or > Meme - * > , PLSESe gee ae s 2 MAA Rae 2 ©, © Kk Dhan ima Ro a > ms a ae <a - * ee - -m nae , are .
Ras t« a as a Le as
= = s . ‘ ‘ % : . $2 a e 92) ’ . . « ® a e . . > . £ rreed ee ee ee eo . . 22 . ‘ . ace : rete rerry terre am semen : .* : . se ate Pr POT . ane : sae *. . aaaainan D Ras i “er ® 2»? . 4 . PARES strata “ - . . ee . rere : A * . z a ASMavse ~2ec2 . , ’ er ,
Bis - as 2 ar ay Ass 2 : aa Ss? , : é
a , - : : seri > : oases ’ : > 2 s e . - g : & re ‘ ‘ ‘ ® : mer . . ‘ as : : : . ‘ sa tae “er as 4 Mae nin a - s2maa 5 + ,A%.s2 a - Pane ae * anneal " » ‘ ALR as ® ‘ 4 ee yar sas va ’ 48,4880 09522 a és b eI ‘ 2a shane - 2 " : » ; sae x rer 4an8 eases 2 " a4 CEREALS SA2 Resa eee : AANA AAS ts 5 Xa . me ‘4 ‘ aoe _ ‘ A conta ‘ . 45 . as “ , . + s q s a " ‘ ‘ . ; in my uf Awana ane ae : ales ‘ aa a ° 2 . teees ‘ ‘ . —_ oe - SRA OHAS 24 y ~e, yer ae Serer) a> alii — o OCU ~ iat : rae % ass s eres wows St ey Per sae a. - : “a : ne ‘ ee ry rok bap pmo eked be » ae ; ain ‘ “ on . . .2 . . ohn rap rar ee yi ares 4 2°. a - . a2 2ae a4 - A” : . seae A) Ce sh eee 8 Noe! as we <A A ~ss on K 8. Ada AE L Fralelens od Pairwny pHi or or: Sarma a #09 SSAA ABAITAAS ) DiGi Ro 9b are eh eee Rhee 8 f err i ee “ Aeneas ter . Le ee 2 homie eee eee Bee ee oS | Anti sie Ubednaii Ae Seer ean ~ Aaa ar ehee i rerarer , . ire ory arrears tt frie oir eo: ais i ee ee , eRe RB Pkt dk Oke Bee de . v8 Serer werrerere ne were Lor, soa .. % tae : ss 2 me Ae ee a « awe et 2 a 15.92 a7 478 2 98 a ee Soe Acta ak Rin : sisie a Serie tI Sa8 Sss2823P AVL ap asraet
.oas ae 22 SN aS ‘ 2 -tiaeial®
: wn 4 ge
eer wt) : en Seer renrernetr rte ewer it trot mirativtin zaia aan iaicaie aaiata eke Ltninted bot vial See ee eked _ VARA Rae agateew aid " . wAieea Pe er bceaty de . + aitypsialgea Vanes clad * ran <<a phecmepa: mreke Cy ie ase . ay « hae vas 28 ate ak aD 4 = SOMO R Dey a 2 ae Wh ao de ene vo . Bin te! © a Ane?e nee ane alee niece abana eee
2
aa Porter) Pers a a ane ee Ak a2
a aoe
anya acheane: eas AYR Pir) aves
Lana ree te]
tae
were