a ‘H-CHINA BRANCH | ree PROCEEDINGS COSA SOCE I SSS pce ot Ss ae ea | VER PROBLEMS IN CHINA. By Herbert Chatley, D.Sc. ... 1 E NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS. By H. E. Laver ave dey ee AISTIC ELEMENTS IN MOSLEM PRAYER. By Samuel _M. Zwemer, F.R.G.S. ... a ak ne ina - 38 EIGHT IMMORTALS OF THE TAOIST RELIGION. By : Peter aad Se oe as oe a mt 2 mi Se HAPTER ON FOLKLORE: . .—The Kite Festival in ogee? China. By Lewis Hodous, a Method of Divination Practised at Foochow. By L. Harding... ee epee? eae 7 Kose EAP annie Oe tes on the Tu T‘ien Hui (38 x @) held at Chinkiang he 3Ist May, 1917. By H.A. Ottewill... — ... ae: e Domestic Altar. By James Hutson .. .. «5. 93 1H’S” SCROLL IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. By gage Ph, te RRS ¢ ay ae LOE ruce, M. re aN ae pe iat a ke RITUALISM. By Stan ieeooa Bia daar e cideai: whore eee UZZLEDOM. By Charles Kliene, F.R.GS. ... .. 144 SOF RECENT BOOKS ik as ak .. 160 AND QUERIES Ss TG Ne we ae Le ... 200 TIONS TO THE DARN ae ee 208 FMS Ee sigs | ek ee SN i *LOMAN s) 1 4 Togh?' i - i 7 ’ . Wy -! ‘ = { ’ ba \ ‘ ' a ‘ Z * ; Application for Membership, stating the Name (in full), Nationality, Profession and Address of Applicants, should be forwarded to “‘The Secretary—North- -China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, (Shanghai. ’ The name should be Bet ices prevent the observance of this Rule, ‘is Council is prepared to consider applications with such references as may be given. Remittances of Subscription for Membership ($5 per annum, which entitles the Member to a complete annual set of the Journal for the year in which payment is made) should be addressed to ‘‘The Treasurer, North-China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Shanghai.’’ A Member may acquire “Life Membership’’ by payment of a composition fee of $50. Editors and authors wishing to have their works reviewed in the Journal of the North-China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society are requested to send two copies to the Editor of the Journal, one copy being presented to the reviewer, the other remaining in the Society’s Library. It has been decided by the Council that the Society’s publications shall not for the future be issued to any Member whose Subscription is one year in arrear. It is requested that Subscriptions be sent to the Treasurer at the beginning of each year. Forms for pay- ments may be obtained from the Secretary, by which mem- bers having a Bank account in Shanghai, can authorize a Bank to make the necessary payment at the appointed time every year. This is a great convenience to members, and to the Honorary Officers of the Society. For information in connexion with the publishing depart- ment, Messrs. Ke.ty anD Watsu, Limirep, Shanghai, should be addressed. q i ' ’ pi i ) | er oo ‘ T ‘a 7 i 1 iA : \ A i, ‘4 sd ‘ ii er | , aa a vid ‘ ha! pO PM yy . Ai a i, é t ne wy VL it + ea ah 4 e I } ‘ os he 4 ie ‘ 7 4 > Le is & 4 fi rat aie 4 i i i ia v J : H i if ) " Oks i ee ‘ . vet ir Se Wily A iN, : Lowe Mh ae JOURNAL OF THE NORTH-CHINA BRANCH OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY FOR THE YEAR 1918 VOL. XLIX. SHANGHAL: Ketty & Watss, Limiten. OFFICERS FOR 1918-1919. President Sir EK. D. H. FRASER, K.c.M.G. Vice-Presidents A. STANLEY, M.D. Rev. TimotHy RicHARD, D.LITT. Curator of Museum A. STANLEY, M.D. Inbrarian Mrs. F. AyscouaH. Hon Treasurer Mr. R. R. Hynp. Editor of Journal Rev. Evan Moraan. Councillors H.E. V. GROSSE. ) Mr. H. A. WILpDEN. J. C. FERGUSON, PH.D. Mr. G. LANNING. Mr. C. B. Mayzon. Rev. F. &. Hawkxs Porr, pp: Secretary Mr. Isaac MAson. VOL. XLIX—1918 Edited by Evan Morcan CONTENTS Proceedings ‘ serie Ad SY LALO Es a oe a River Problems in Ce: By Herpert CHATLEY, D.SC. ... Some Notes on Land-birds. By H. EH. Laver ... Animistic Elements in Moslem Prayer. a SAMUEL “M. “Zwaumn, TRECs... The Hight eames 4h ihe Maoist Boies, By Prrer © Live A Chapter on Folklore :— I.—The Kite Festival in Foochow. By Lewis Hopovs, D.D. ... II.—On a Method of Divination Practised at Foochow. By H. L. Harpine 5 ae SOROS a eee a F Ae EY III.—Notes on the Tu T‘ien Hui Pee ae By H. A. Orrewi. VI.—The Domestic Altar. By James Hurson Ku K‘ai-Chih’s Scroll in the British Museum. By J. C. Bap eoson, PH.D. The Theistic Import ae fhe eage Bhilosaghey: By J ie Pp. “Broce, M.A. A Case of Ritualism. By Evan Morcan Ld Wi a Chinese Puzzledom. By Cuartes KLIENE, F.R.G.S. Review of Recent Books :— The I-l or Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial—The Beginnings of Porcelain in China—Asbestos and Salamander—The Reindeer and its Domestication—Supplemental Notes on Walrus and Narwhal Ivory—A Preliminary List of the Plants of Kiangsu Province—Harvard Medical School of China Reports, 1911-1916 —Further Notes on the Birds of the Province of Fukien in South Hast China—A Key to the Birds of the Lower Yangtze Valley—Kiao Ou Ki Lio—Recherches sur les Superstitions en Chine—The Development of China—The History of the Early Relations between the United States and China—Outlines of Chinese History—Li Hung Chang—KEn Butinant: Scenes et Croquis de Mongolie—Hand-book of New Terms and News- paper Chinese—Who’s Who of the Chinese in New York—A Sportsman’s Miscellany—jf fy St Je BE Ht—Chinese Names of Plants—Beans and Bean Products—Household Industries in Soochow—Some Industries of Soochow—The Educational Direc- tory and Year Book of China—Forests and Chihli Floods— Yearbook of the Netherlands Kast Indies, 1916—The Encyclo- paedia Sinica—Gems of Chinese Verse—The oneal for the Republic in China Satire Notes and Queries aS Additions to the leary ae. List of Members 6 86 oi _ 128 . 160 . 200 .. 208 Habe —_s PROCEEDINGS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting of the Society was held on Friday, June 13th, 1918, at the Society’s hall, when Sir Everard Fraser, H.M. Consul-General, presided over a small attendance supported by Dr. A. Stanley and the Rev. I. Mason, Hon. Secretary. The Chairman commented upon the smallness of the meeting and remarked that in its way it was a compliment as showing that the members were satisfied with the manner in which the affairs of the Society were being managed. The finances of the Society were in a satisfactory condition and he was pleased to note that in spite of the terrible cireum- stances afflicting the world the Society had done quite well. The Honorary Librarian’s Report. Mrs. C. D. MaGrath read the librarian’s report which was as follows:—In the absence of the honorary librarian, I have the honour to present the annual report as hon. assistant librarian of the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. The work of the library has continued un- interrupted, with nothing eventful to mark the year. Students of Asiatic subjects have taken advantage of the library to pursue their work, finding the quiet room an excellent place in which to study. Owing to the unusual conditions prevailing, the output of books on Far Eastern subjects has been small, therefore few new books have been acquired, either by purchase or donation. However, we have had an important work on art Memoires concernant l|’Asie xX PROCEEDINGS Orientale, in two volumes, procured and presented to us through the courtesy of Prof. Maybon. We have purchased for reference the New Atlas and Commercial Gazetteer of China, compiled by the Far Eastern Geographical establish- ment. This work has been put upon ‘the table and found useful by visitors, who frequently consult it. The Shanghai members are availing themselves of the library, drawing more books this year than in any same length of time. | We continue to send books to non-resident members and it is gratifying to receive letters expressing appreciation of the privilege. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Mason, has had all the back numbers of the Journal, which for many years have found refuge in Messrs. Kelly and Walsh’s godown, removed to our own premises where they are covered by insurance. We have greatly missed our honorary librarian, Mrs. F. Ayscough, who passed the winter in America. The library staff remains the same. The Chairman voiced the thanks of the Society to Mrs. MaGrath for her services during the past year and expressed regret that she would no longer be able to act as their assistant librarian as she was leaving for America. The Honorary Editor’s Report. The Rev. Evan Morgan, the editor of the Journal, said the publication would not be so voluminous as in previous years. He detailed some of the features it would contain, making special mention of Captain Laver’s paper. Read with imagination it. was a fascinating article. Un- fortunately the Captain had omitted his addresses to the cats for their barbaric behaviour to the birds that visited the ship. The Honorary Treasurer’s Report. The Hon. Treasurer’s report showed that the income for the year had been $6,040 and the balance at the end of the year was $1,723, which Mr. Mason, who read it, pointed out would be reduced by bills yet to be met. 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(puny CATOSOY dqqsaoquio yy owt) semnjpucqe(y FO eseyoung " _ soueANSsUT aIN{IUAN if SOX®T, SjususAoIdwy Surpping SsoURUEZUIeTA, SUIPTINg SduTqe0 7] orqnug Be as 298480 q AIOUOTYLAG SOLIVTRG Arerquy yeurno fr pied 4se10quy “HUN LIGNAdX ‘QTI6T “43. cung ‘Teysueyg ‘NOSSODUHA “WV “(pawhrg) ‘qyoor100 punoy pure pozIpny gL0r0'9$ 68602 He try nee sey see sey ne ee os Teumop JO epeg 06 bbT “rt FOog UIOH qaeyyoorT Wemayg JO epeg 00°S96 Saree) SBS {BH enjoy top ue Ts SOT ae TZ ST “so Trounog jedrorunyy, reysueyg CT ee “spar COD Syromaeze Ay Teysueyg C8°LG ¢p Ore nisfeln ts ievare pay “09 R sIZUEyoR NY —: sornqueqeq uo 4s0104UT Ob'STS'T 19'99T ee ves ee see nee ee ee tara Gs'eLe‘Tt eee eee eee tee see [VUOTFeUAOJUT — sjueng jpedioruny, bL'9S3'S Ve eng ape SS Riese: bl°900 ot eee eee eee eee eee eee coe [enuuy — srequieyy, Jo suorjdraosqng co'egs‘ Tt eee eee see eee LI6T ‘KET ISTE 4Iperg qe ooueleg ‘SLAG ay "SIGT “ESTE AVI OL ‘PTET “LST ANN ‘LNQODDYW HSVO "hyavwog ayy fo saunsvauy, huvsouofzy oy}, yym yunovop uy ‘ALMIOOS OILVISV 'IVAOU AHL JO HONVUR VNIHO HIMON xii PROCEEDINGS The Honorary Curator’s Report. . Dr. Stanley, the curator, then read his report, which was as follows :— | The Museum collection has been satisfactorily main- tained. The bird and mammal collections have been thoroughly overhauled and the cases are now fast sealed against our insect enemies until next winter. Some useful additions have been made, notably a pair of that incredibly beautiful bird, the Sumatran Bee Eater, from Fokien province; a fine specimen of the Black Bear, a Serow (also known as the ‘Precipice Donkey’’) and a pair of Blue Sheep from Tibet. The skins of these Tibetan specimens were sent by the Rev. H. A. Baker and have recently been prepared and converted into more or less life- like specimens in the Museum. - Special mention should also be made of a small collec- tion of crustaceans and molluscs from the Taihu Lake, Soo- chow and Shanghai, made and presented by Mr. Annandale, Director of the recently instituted Indian Zoological Survey. One of these crustaceans, dredged from the bottom of the Whangpoo, proved to be a new species, the Leander annan- dalei. Another new species of crustacean, the Rhynchoplax introversus, is remarkable in that this species of this marine genus was obtained in the fresh waters of the Taihu Lake and may be a survival of the time when it was part of the sea. These specimens have been described by Mr. Stanley Kemp in the records of the Indian Museum, Vol. XIII, Parts IV and V, 1917. It is gratifying to be able to record that our Museum was able to be of some slight assistance to Dr. Annandale when in Shanghai and. to acknowledge the benefits our Museum has subsequently received by this association with the Indian Museum. | A very useful and necessary addition has been the acquisition of some thousands of specimens of insects collected throughout the summer in Fukien by the Museum Collector. An educational exhibit is in the course of pre- paration showing the main features of each order of insects on a series of boards, which are intended to be of special use PROCEEDINGS xiii for schools by demonstrating zoological classification in an easy and practical way. The special work in connexion with the reptiles and amphibians of China has been continued and a satisfactory addition to the collection has been made during the year. Frogs from all parts of China are especially wanted during the present year, so as to complete so far as possible their geographical distribution. Duplicates of birds, reptiles, amphibia, insects, etc., are available for disposal by exchange or sale. The list of acquisitions to the Museum during the year under review, which is appended to this report shows the happy state that our friends are increasing, and to these our heartiest thanks are given. MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS. From June 1, 1917, ro May 31, 1918. Moths (12), and other insects (3), collected at sea Millipede from Hangchow Batocera lineolata, Fragments of meteorite from disintegrated upper layer of granite Oligodon sp.? from Foochow ‘Sand Saucers’ (egg ribbon of necklace shell mollusc), from Chefoo Xylotrupes dichotoma from Pootung Tropidonotus tigrinus from Sorai Eggs of Attacus selene and Attacus atlas from Shanghai Arge geei and spine locusts (4), from Soochow Wolframite from Diamond Mountain, Korea Wasp nests Hornet from Shanghai Hydrophis fasciatus, Chersydrus granulatus, En- hydris hardwickii, Naia tripudians, Tachy- dromus sexlineatus, Lygosoma indicum, Rana pileata, Rana nigrovittata (3), Muicrohyla butleri (2), Microhyla pulchra (2); from Bangkok Eremias argus from Korea Zameni mucosus from Batang Ursus tibetanus macneilli, Capricornis argyro- chestes, Ovis nahura (2), squirrel, toads (2), snakes (2), mice (2), Indian cuckoo, owl, woodcock (2), small birds (2), Scolopax rusticulata (2), Pericrotus roseus, Cuculus micropterus ; from Batang Ardea cinerea from Shanghai Phasianus soemmeringii from Kobe PRESENTED BY Capt. H. EK. Laver F. F. Ferris, Esq. EK. Luthy, Esq. W. O. Lloyd, Esq. Dr. Geo. A. Huntley Mr. Fairhurst Dr. R. E. Mills Brian Stanley Prof. Gist Gee Miss H. C. Bowser Yuan Chang O. L. Ilbert, Esq. Dr.Malcolm Watson Dr. Ralph E. Mills Dr. W. M. Hardy Rev. H. A. Baker Jno. Cock, Esq. V. H. Lanning, Esq. XIV PROCEEDINGS Thaumalea picta from Ichang Botaurus stellaris from Wuhu Aquila chrysaetus from Hangchow Lepidolite from Rhodesia and snake from Hongkong Ground Beetle (carabidae) from Anking Gallinaga megala from Manchuria (midwinter) Hoemalopis oscularis from Hangchow Bay Melania cancellata, Modiola lacustris, Corbicula sandai, Anadonta woodiana, Stenothyra de- capitata, Limnaea elessini, Potamon denticu- latum, Leander modestus, Palaemon asperu- lus, P. nipponensis; from Taihu. Vivipara capillorum from Soochow and Lesarma de- haanil Caradina denticulata (sub-species si- nensis, nilotica and gracilipes) from Shanghai Lesarma dehaanii from Shanghai Phasianus versicolor Phasianus soemmeringii Tringa subminuta, Dendrocopus cabansi; from Chinkiang Cyclemys flavomarginata (3), from Shanghai, Platysternum megacephalum from Foochow Attacus selene from Shanghai, Basalt cast with enclosed loose pebble from Chungking Hydrosaurus salvator, Tropidonotus stolatus (2), Tropidonotus piscator (2), Zamenis korros (3), Liolepis reevesii (3), Naia Naia atra; from Hoihow Alligator sinensis, from Wuhu Coluber taeniurus (3), Bufo vulgaris (2), Rana limnocharis, Rana esculenta (10); from Sui- ning, Szechuan Merops sumatranus (2), Podicipes nigricollis, Herodias eulophates (3), Perdrix daurica (2), Ampelis garrulus (2), Sterna sinensis (2), Some thousands of specimens of coleoptera, orthoptera, neuroptera, hemiptera, hymeno- ptera and mollusca from Fokien J. E. Bell, Esq. D. MacGregor, Esq. Dr. Main Dr. Heanley Rev. R. Young K. H. Lindholm, Esq. Wakeford Cox, Esq. Dr. Annandale ‘Dr. Stanley V. H. Lanning, Esq. J. P. Christiansen, Esq. Capt. Purton Purchased R. HE. Neale, Esq. C: Talbot Bowring, Esq. Mirs. Aa ING Matlesd Dr Ww he Davidson Collected ARTHUR STANLEY, Honorary Curator. The Honorary Secretary’s Report. Mr. Mason then read the Hon. Secretary’s report, which was as follows :— The Council has met eight times during the year for the transaction of business of the Society. Once more we are able to report gratifying additions to our membership, no less than 54 new members having been elected. Our regulations PROCEEDINGS XV require the public announcement of the names, which are as follows :— Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Dingle, Mrs. Alway, Sidney Flemons, F. J. Mayers, 8. B. Stevenson, A. G. Loehr, N. P. Matzokin, L. Laforest, 8. M. Zwemer, L. C. Arlington, GO) Toussaint, A. P. Marsoulies, G. W. P. King, A. H. Sanders, 8. A. Polevoi, C.. Brooke, Miss E. E. Newbery, M. Cupelli, Miss Y. G. Cambiagi, D. H. Leavens, R. E. Neale, J. D. Hogg, HE. R. Hughes, N. Pfeffer, H. B. Belcher, W. B. Kennet, G. E. Peet, Miss A. L. Peet, B. Mather, R. Yokoyama, J. M. Rogers, R. D. Lord, T. W. Shearstone, EH. S. Bennett, Edwin Gilchrist, G. H. Danton, R. J. Hardstaff, R. H. R. Wade, H. L. Fardel, J. W. Dovey, A. L. Shelton, A. M. Macdonell, H. A. McNulty, C. H. Martin,'C. A. Jensen, A. C. Hamilton, C. Ghiselin, Bishop Graves, C. J. Spiker, J. B. Powell, R. F. Fitch, Miss A. Ware and I. R. Green. By resignations we have lost 15 members, and three deaths have been reported, viz.: Mr. A. S. Wilson, Mr. 58. Rayner, and Prof. EK. Chavannes. Prof. Chavannes was one of our Hon. Members, con- nected with the Society for nearly 30 years. The list of Hon. Members is strengthened by the addition of Mr. S. Couling, M.A., who is so well known for his past work for the Society, and more recently by the publication of his valuable Encyclopaedia Sinica. The usual pruning of the list of members by removal of defaulters has resulted in further reducing our list by twenty- four names. The present membership is 515 a net gain of 12 over last year. Ten public meetings have been held during the season, all well attended and in some cases there was not sufficient room for those who came; the problem of increased accommodation is one which must soon claim the attention of the Society. The Papers read, and Lectures given, before the Society were as follows :— “The Boundary Provinces of Western ,China,’’ by Mr. E. C. Wilton. XVI PROCEEDINGS ‘“‘Notes on Popular Chinese Superstition,’’ by Mrs. F. a igi ‘River Problems of China,’’ by Dr. H. Chatley, m.1.c.z. ‘‘Jerusalem,’’ by Prof. A. H. Sayce, Lu.p. “Chinese Puzzledom,’’ by Mr. Charles Kliene, F.R.«.s. “Some Leaves from a Consul’s Note-book,’’ by Mr. HH... A... Pomoc. ‘“‘A Case of Ritualism,’’ by the Rev. Evan Morgan. “The Early Malays and their Neighbours,’’ by Judge . C. 8. Lobingier. “Some Physical Features of China,”’ by Dr. C. KC Edmunds. “The Forbidden Cities of Arabia,’ by Dr. S. M. Zwemer, F.R.G.S. The general expenses have risen during the year, not- withstanding which the Hon. Treasurer’s statement may be considered satisfactory. It should, however, be mentioned that bills due for payment immediately after this annual meeting, will very largely reduce the present balance in hand. Members are again reminded of the very favourable rates at which they can purchase back numbers of: the Journal, if ordered through the Secretary. Election of Officers. The report and accounts having been adopted, a vote of thanks was passed to the Council for their services during the past year, after which the following officers were elected :— | President.—Sir E. D. H. Fraser, k.c.m.c.; Vice- Presidents—A. Stanley, m.p., the Rev. Timothy Richard, D. Lirr.; Curator of Museum—A. Stanley, M.D.; Librarian Mrs. F. Ayscough; Hon. Treasurer—Mr. R. R. Hynd; Editor of the Journal—the Rev. Evan Morgan; Councillors— H.E. V. Grosse, Mr. H. A. Wilden, J. C. Ferguson, pPH.p., Mr. G. Lanning, Mr. C. B. Maybon, the Bey ane ts Hawks Pott, p.p.; Secretary—Mr. Isaac Mason. on me x ae BASIN \._.OF ne ~ RIVER >—_ DRAINAGE ASE TeeD8 se. 889 Wes ~ m4 N OF LAN RAVEIR AREA 41,000 $9. GEO. MILES \ aa na = pe 33 eA INSOF NW / / / // AREA ‘60,000\sQ) EO. MILES Ph / 521,00G— SQ. ‘\\ AREA\_105,090 \ a ocoares io STATUTE MILES KILOMETRES CompiED FRom Whanaped ConseRVANCY RECOReS os ry 7 > Wiew 2 (On. - - rveis eve 7 RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA’ HERBERT CHATLEY, D.SC. (ENGR.) LOND., M.INST.C.E.IRE. Engineering Department, Whangpoo Conservancy Board. The increasing attention which is being given to conser- vancy problems in China owing to the paramount necessity of enabling certain of the treaty ports to be accessible to modern deep draught ships and the disasters which have occurred from time immemorial from the bursting from restraint of the Huang Ho, the Huai, the Hsi Kiang, the Pei Ho and the Grand Canal serve as a ready excuse for speaking of the general question of water control in China. Much information of a technical character has been accu- mulated by the different Conservancy Institutions and other public bodies but it has not been co-ordinated and the majority of this is not accessible or intelligible to the un- technical man. The map, information and date contained below are chiefly derived from the hbrary and records of the Whangpoo Conservancy Board, and I have obtained permission from the Engineer-in-Chief of the Board to make use of these records of his office for this brief resumé of some of the pro- blems which are crying aloud to be solved. The matter can be considered from several points of view : | (1) Irrigation and water-supply; (2) Navigation; (8) Flood protection; (4) Power production. There are few countries in the world which can boast so much concentration of the drainage. The whole of China proper and more (excepting a few small coastal areas) dis- charges to the sea through seven channels from North to South, as follows: *Read before the Society December 6th, 1917. Ee RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA (1) The Liao River; (2) The Hai Ho; (3) The Huang Ho; (4) The Yangtse River—including the Whangpoo; (5) The Min River; (6) The West River; (7) The Red River. The map shows the basins of these streams. One of the most important features about Chinese Rivers is the fact that the low flat areas (‘‘deltas’’) which they have built up at their mouths by the denudation of the high land in which they and their tributaries rise, are subject to almost annual inundation. This is due to the concentration of the rainfall in China within the summer months so that the channels which are sufficient to carry away the water during, say, ten months of the year cannot hold the temporarily enormously swollen volume during the other two months. In prehistoric periods such annual inundations served to build up the plains by the silt deposited and undoubtedly had man not appeared the land would have steadily risen until the level became so high that flooding would be exceptional. It would seem therefore that these plains are geologically speaking young and that the agriculturist found it necessary to use the bulk of these areas before nature had completed them. Hence from the earliest period in China’s history we find levees or dykes being employed to keep the rivers within their normal bounds and it seems probable that the requirements of humanity will compel this course to be perpetually adopted. This has the somewhat curious result that it accelerates the growth of the coast so that the past and present operatons of the hydraulic engineer in China are actually enlarging the territory at a greater rate than would naturally occur. The question of inadequate channel occurs in a peculiarly aggravated form in the Yellow River which will be referred to later. 7 In this connection it may be mentioned that there is a long standing controversy as to the respective merits of dykes and dredging. (amy The latter is of course the process of excavating mechanically the bed of a stream. - It is claimed for the dyke on the one hand that by restraining the waters within one comparatively narrow area they are compelled to scour out a deep channel which will not deteriorate. On the other hand it is asserted that judicious excavation of the bed will so guide the flowing water that they will naturally deepen the excavation and lower the flood level, while it is alleged against the dyke system that the channel and flood level will gradually rise so that the dykes will be eventually over- tipped. In actual fact it seems that the conditions are so complex that there is no absolute advantage in favour of RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA a the one method as compared with the other, and the im- mediate protection, simplicity and lack of difficulty which dyke construction gives weigh heavily to its credit. The chief difficulty in China in the dyke question is that in order to get the maximum area of land the dykes are placed so close to the winter channel that the cross section between the dykes in the flood season is barely sufficient. The difficulty of protecting the dykes when the deep channel cuts a loop towards them is also serious, and the advantage of laying out river training works in smooth curves has not been appreciated. Some consideration should also be given to the enormous amount of energy, expense and co-ordination required to build and maintain a system of dykes which taken altogether probably exceeds in bulk all the railway embankments in the world. Still another factor in the problem is the fact that while it is desired to shut out the water during the flood period, it is necessary to be able to admit prescribed quan- tities of water for agricultural purposes throughout the growing season. Furthermore in such places as are possible the high economy of water transport has led to the utilization of every possible water course for navigation and the con- struction of numerous canals. In this province of Kiangsu alone there are over five thousand miles of canals. Inland navigation has been developed in China to an -extent which is almost without parallel in history and at the present moment comparatively frail vessels successfully ply through rapids in gorges in the Yangtse, Han and West Rivers which few European watermen could care to tackle. Finally we come to the question of foreign trade and its corollary, the mechanically propelled ship. Experience shows that it is the highest economy to carry cargoes in the largest possible ships both in the sea and in the inland waters. The interior waterways of China are mostly shallow, especially during the winter and the harbours are in most cases obstructed by bars, which are serious hindrances to large steamers. é Add to all this the fact that the rapidly growing indus- trial development of the world will sooner or later influence China towards the exploitation of her very considerable sources of water power in the mountains and it will be seen that China’s rivers present some problems of the highest importance and interest. We will therefore proceed to consider the principal rivers and give some idea of what are or may be the features to be noticed. 4 RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA Ture Rep RIveErR. This stream debouches in French Indo-China but has a large part of the watershed in Yunnan. There are three large branches which unite just above Hanoi. Floods occur not infrequently and it is understood that the French Govern- ment has under consideration definite conservancy and pro- tective measures. THe West River. Owing to severe floods in 1914 (followed by worse in 1915) the Board of Conservancy Works of Kwangtung was created and investigation work started. Much detail on the subject of this river is given in the Engineer-in-Chief, Captain Olivecrona’s Report No. 1 entitled ‘“ The West River Survey of 1915 ’’ (Board of Conservancy Works of Kwangtung). The catchment area is some 131,274 sq. miles. The total length is about 1,112 miles (801 miles in Yunnan, 230 miles in the Kweichow-Kwangsi border, 385 miles in Kuangsi and 196 miles in Kwangtung), of which the last 87 miles les in the delta. At Wuchow a change of level of 21 feet occurred in 24 hours in 1914. . The dykes are repeatedly breached and in some places overtopped by the flood waters. Dykes from 10 to 80 feet high protected the plain and the conclusion has been reached that it is impracticable to lower the flood levels, all that can be done is to supplement, reconstruct or strengthen and maintain these dykes under a proper system of co-ordinated supervision and maintenance. THe Min River. The urgent problem here is to improve the accessibility of the city of Foochow. At present foreign ships even of moderate draught can only reach Pagoda Anchorage, some 81 miles below Foochow. Above this the river abounds in shoals. Fiven at spring tides there is only about 12 feet through depth. A regulation scheme is contemplated there which will undoubtedly improve the conditions by guiding the water into a constant and narrower channel. Tue YANGTSE KIANG (INCLUDING THE SIANG AND WHANGPOO). This enormous river drains some three-quarters of a million square miles of country, discharges three million cubic feet per second in time of full flood and is navigable RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA a in summer for fairly large steamers for 600 miles from its mouth. The hydraulic problems of this river are numerous. The following are the most important :— (1) Improvement of the navigational conditions in the torrential gorges between Chungking and Ichang. (2) The protection from floods of the alluvial areas near the river especially at: (a) the mouth of the Siang River where an immense lake, the Tungting, swells and shrinks with the Yangtse. (b) the mouth of the Kan River, where a similar lake, the Poyang, exists. (c) between Tatung and Taipingfu, where a group of variable lakes exists. (d) in the Estuary below Kiangyin where excessive tidal waves rise above the level of the land. (3) The control of the shifting channels which impede navigation between Hankow and Woosung and threaten the existence of Chinkiang as a port. (4) The regulation of the Whangpoo and improve- ment of the approaches to Shanghai, the largest harbour of Central and North China. It is well known how the indefatigable energy of Mr. Archibald Little succeeded in overcoming the difficulties of the passage of the gorges by steam. Immense steam power and great navigational skill is required. The passage con- sists of alternate comparatively calm extremely deep reaches separated by narrower shallow rocky rapids over which even very small junks require 20 or more trackers. Many lives are lost annually and the mails are lost to the extent of an appreciable percentage. Doubtless money put into winding engines and removal of bad places by blasting would alleviate some of the worst features. A railway has been surveyed along the gorges and is considered feasible economically but there can be little doubt that an improvement of the navigational conditions would be of great benefit. The water gradient from Chungking to Ichang is 1.2 feet per mile, and in the parts of the channel where it is free from rock bars, the maximum velocity does not often exceed 7 feet per second. The protection of the alluvial lands from flood is entirely managed by dykes and there can be little doubt that great improvements could be made by the introduction of a com- pletely co-ordinated system and more scientific locating and maintenance of the dykes. Telegraphic warnings of the approach of heavy freshets would also be of great service. 6 RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA The question of training works near Hankow and Kiu- kiang has been mooted. The chief difficulty is the tendency to form several channels instead of one, the depth in each being too little. Some 20 miles of works would be required at each place. The problem of Chinkiang is one which threatens the extinction of the port. The loop which the river makes at this point is advancing down stream cutting away the north bank opposite Chinkiang and forming a shoal on the convex side in front of the wharves. In twelve years the north bank has been eroded to a depth of 4,000 feet and the shoal is developing to correspond. Remedial measures, such as the construction of long groynes projecting from the north bank, are urgently necessary. Re the Whangpoo Regulation the several reports of the Board give full information. A full account of the Yangtse Estuary and the problems to be solved is contained in the ‘“ Report on the Yangtse Estuary,’’ issued by Mr. von Heidenstam in August, 1916. Probably the most important problem in connection with the Yangtse is the question of the outer bar. The Yangtse enters the sea through three large channels, the North Branch, the North Channel and the South Channel. Between the first two lies Tsungming Island. and between the second two a chain of small islands and the Tungsha banks. The latter will undoubtedly form a considerable island in course of time. Shipping uses both the North and South Channels but there is a bar in the former a few miles. west of Woosung over which there is only about 12 feet of water at lowest low water and the passage is moreover tortuous and continually changing. Hence the South Chan- nel is the principal route. Between the Tungsha Flats and the South Channel a bridge of hard mud rise in the bed of the Yangtse. The saddle of this bridge.is termed the Fairy Flats and lies only some 16 feet below the lowest low water level. The tides rise from 8 to 16 feet above this level so that the depth at high water is from 24 to 32 feet. Thus even with the greatest tidal depth the large vessels which ply on the Atlantic could not enter the Yangtse. There is no other place nearer than Tsingtao in the North and Hong- kong in the South which can offer anchorage and inland communication so that it is absolutely necessary for some- thing to be done. , If and when the Yangtse bar has been improved, large vessels wish to discharge to Shanghai a further problem arises. The Whangpoo will at very low water only admit 24 feet draught and at lowest high waters about 30 feet. RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA ve The Yangtse outside Woosung is too exposed for convenient unloading by lighters and in any case this process is a slow and inefficient one. Consequently the question of further improving the Whangpoo comes up for discussion. Naval architects confidently expect draught of 40 feet to become usual in a few years and it is becoming a serious problem how China can be maintained in connection with the trans-Pacific Ocean services. THe YELLOW River (INCLUDING THE Hvual AND GRAND CANAL). The great plain of North China consists almost, if not entirely, of the delta of the Yellow River. After passing the southernmost part of the Shansi plateau (a spur of the Mongolian Plateau) its course is no longer defined or obstructed by any high land except the mountains of Shan- tung. The latter was in earlier days undoubtedly an island and the Yellow River delta formed fanwise from Kai-feng-fu eastwards. It so happens that the general mass of China has not been submerged under the sea since the middle of the Secondary geological epoch (at least fifty million years) and during a large part of this time there have been dry regions to the North from which sand has been carried by the wind. Hence it happens that Shensi and Shansi both possess great thickness of this air-borne sand or loess and the tribu- taries of the Yellow Rivers are steadily carving it out. The water of the stream is therefore unprecedently heavily charged with silt and great quantities are also forced along the bottom as mud. Along a course either north or south of Shantung the fall to the sea is about the same, 1 in 5,000, which is a very large gradient for a big river. The muddy bottom steadily works forward and raises the channel. When the river is swollen by the summer rains the water level rises high above the surrounding land. Near the sea in the old bed south of Shantung the bottom of the channel is higher than the adjacent land. Dykes alone protect the country but as at present arranged can do little more than postpone the trouble. Some idea of the uniqueness of the river is given when it is noticed that it has no tributaries for some 300 miles from its mouth. The only water connections are to irrigation and navigation canals which are controlled by sluiceways and serve during high level periods to draw off water. The migrations of the Yellow River extending from Tientsin to Chinkiang have built up the plain but there are several other drainage channels, especially the Huai to the 8 RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA south and the Wei to the north. The former drains the eastern side of the Honan hills and the former the south east part of Shansi. Both are subject to violent fluctuations of level by reason of the summer intensity of the rainfall and the rapid descent from their sources to the plain and this has been aggravated by deforestation. In addition to this, however, the Yellow River has formerly usurped their old channels and raised their beds so much that the Huai has been forced into a system of lakes and, via the Grand Canal, into the Yangtse, and the Wei has been forced into the Hai Ho at Tientsin. The Huai, owing to its inadequate means of discharge, is almost annually flooding large areas of agricultural land. As is well known the American Red Cross Society has advised on the problem of the Huai, and it is considered that by the joint improvement of the Grand Canal, con- struction of channels and the proper control of the lake reservoirs that some 24 million mow of land can be reclaimed. The Grand Canal consists of four sections: (1) Hangchow to Chinkiang on the Yangtse. (2) Yangchow on the Yangtse to the Yellow River. (8) The Yellow River to Tientsin. (4) Tientsin to Tungchow. The first and fourth sections have no relation to the Yellow River. The second section is fed by the River and also by the west running rivers from the Shantung mountains. There are some overflow weirs which allow surplus water to run to the sea but these are not sufficient. The current towards the Yangtse is very considerable. From Tsing Kiang Pu where it crosses the old bed of the Yellow River to the Yellow River the control of the water is uncertain. The third section, from the Yellow River to Lin Tsing Chou is similarly defective, but from the last named place to Tientsin the canal is really the Wei River and runs normally except in so far as it may be swollen by rain or overfilled by the Yellow River. The latter seems to have happened this last year. . The canal was orginally built for the transport of tribute rice. Seeing that all contributions to the Central Govern- ment can be more conveniently sent by sea or rail, it has ceased to serve its ostensible purpose and the Government is no longer strongly interested in it. Nevertheless it must be conserved for two reasons: First, it is a valuable means of water communication which can be made much more so. RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA i) Second, it controls the discharge of the Wei and Huai rivers which will suffer if it is too long neglected. THe Har Ho. The publications of the Hai Ho Conservancy Board give considerable information on the subject of the Hai Ho Hinterland. The arrangement of the rivers in the neighbourhood of Tientsin is very unusual and repeatedly leads to difficulties. The common channel from Tientsin to the sea is termed the Hai Ho but immediately above Tientsin a number of streams meet. Proceeding from the south clockwise there are as — follows :— (1) The Nan Yun Ho or Grand Canal, which is really the Wei River. This has a large tributary—the Liu Chang Ho—and so receives the drainage of a large part of southern Chihli and a part of south- east Shansi. (2) The Hsi Ho, which has several branches leading from the Wu Tai Shan region in Shansi and the Pao Ting Fu area of Chihli. (8) The Hun Ho, which drains the rim of the Mongolian plateau from beyond Tatung fu to Kalgan. (4) The Pei Yun Ho, or Northern Grand Canal. This is a high level canal fed by the Chao Pai Ho, which drains the mountains north of Peking. The natural outflow of this river appears to be to the Pei Tang Ho through the town of Lu Tai east of Tientsin, but by means of dykes the water has been diverted into the Pei Yun Ho so that it passes Tungchow and enters the Hai just above Tientsin. Both the Pei Yun Ho and the Nan Yun Ho are provided with overflows towards the east. A year or two ago the Chao Pai Ho broke away some miles above Tungchow and it was considered advisable by the Chinese Authorities to permanently divert the waters of the Chao Pai Ho away from the Hai Ho, but as this river is the only one which can be relied on to scour out the Hai, the Hai Ho Conser- vancy arranged for construction of a dam (with an overflow) at the breach. The Hun River has a very large run-off but the water is heavily charged with silt and this tends to steadily choke the navigable channel unless the water from the other streams dilutes it. 10 RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA The recent floods originated principally in the Wei and Hsi rivers but it is more usual for the Hun to be the cause of trouble. Floods occur almost annually at Yangtsun which is near the junction of the Hun River with the Pei Yun Ho. It is perfectly certain that an impossible state of things is developing at Tientsin. The problem is just now under consideration but it calls for immediate and wise action. Tue Liao. This river which rises in the Manchurian slopes of the Mongolian plateau is also lable to violent freshets which flood the lower parts and in addition has at its mouth a bar which affects Newchwang. A conservancy board has been formed for the lower river in 1914. By closing a bayou or lateral outlets an improvement has been made and work is now going on. PROCEDURE. Having thus rather briefly described some problems in connection with China’s rivers, it is desirable to say some- thing of the procedure by which any steps for improvement: must be taken. Hxpert knowledge of general principles and past practice is required, together with all available inform- ation as to the conditions of the problem. Contrary to a widely held belief this aspect of the matter is not so difficult. The serious side of the question is the presentation of a. scheme which is sufficiently extensive to properly cope with the problem and at the same time rests on a sound financial basis. It appears to the writer that almost all China’s difficulties arise from lack of co-ordination. Even in her | present unfavourable financial position there would be no serious handicap if a strong and wise government existed. This is mentioned in connection wth river control because of the extraordinay degree to which even one river may affect many public bodies. For example, the question of Tientsin affects the farmers over an area of over 100,000 square miles, it affects the strategic position of the capital and the whole of the present railway communications with Europe. It concerns the governors of four provinces and the welfare of three different government railways. It touches on the very delicate question of foreign control of Chinese state posses- sions and affects the shipping interests of Shanghai, Hong- kong and Japan. In spite of all this interrelation it is very doubtful how really sufficient money can be raised to radically change the situation. RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA At These questions of national politics cannot, however, be considered at great length on this occasion, and we may proceed to discuss how the engineer proceeds to study a river problem. There is one binding rule, viz.: The river must be considered as an organic whole. First of all the whole of the area from which the river receivers water must be surveyed so that the area served by the various branches and gradients in the valleys may be known. | | Secondly, rainfall observations for a number of years at many evenly distributed points over the whole area are required. Thirdly, accurate plan and soundings of the main chan- nel and levels of the immediately adjacent country must be prepared. In the case of flat country these levels should extend over the whole surface. Thus in the case of the Yellow River it is urgently necessary to know the levels all over the Great Plain. Fourth: Measurements of current velocity and in the lower parts of tides and tidal currents must be made. With these particulars it can be estimated without great inaccuracy that sectional area is required and if im- provements can be made by deepening the bed. From a _ judicious consideration of all the facts certain lines are then laid down to which the river can reasonably be expected to conform and works are designed which will develop tendencies towards these lines. Speaking generally sharp curves and abrupt changes of width or section should be removed and the width should be regulated to diminish at a uniform rate as the river is ascended, projections and hollows being eliminated. By means of long jetties the channel can be kept narrow out into deep water and in this way bars can be removed or reduced and by projecting spurs or hard facing the cutting away of a convex can be stopped. In China speaking generally the dyke question is the most serious and the points to be decided are as follows :— (1) How high and broad the dykes should be. (2) How far they should be placed from the main channel. (3) Where overflow weirs and other connections should be made. | (4) What system is employed for maintenance. In addition there is the question of training works to prevent loops from reaching the dykes and in cases such as the Yellow River the provision of silt settling areas. Questions of dredging in conjunction with dykes are also important. In those cases where a stream has several Le RIVER PROBLEMS IN CHINA channels and is losing its force, dredging in one will frequently help since the water runs in the direction of least resistance, or to speak more correctly the velocity always tends to a maximum. Powrr PRODUCTION. Although China possesses great stores of coal all parts are not equally favoured and it is certainly only a matter of time before the power possibilities of her rainfall and mountains are utilized industrially. At the present time this power is already being used to a very considerable degree for rice hulling mills. In every one of the valleys in the lower parts of Yangtse there will be found dams holding the stream up 5 or 6 feet. From above the dam a flume runs to a water wheel which drives a series of tilt hammers and the latter beat on the rice. Speaking generally the results are absurdly disproportionate to the means employed and many a young Chinese engineer might do worse than design improved forms of water wheel for his family village. Due regard must, however, be had to the materials obtainable and the lmitations of the artizans available. Undershot water wheels deriving their power from the eurrent alone, without a dam, are also to be seen but we may broadly say that hydraulic power is quite inefficiently used. By the construction of massive high dams in suitable positions numerous large power stations could be established. The energy so obtained converted into electricity could be sent by cable to an industrial centre or employed on the spot for the production of chemicals. It should be remarked in this connection that all those materials popularly known as chemicals are, as it were, electrified matter and derive their value from the fact that they can be kept in a state of raised potentiality for a considerable time under proper conditions. In Scandinavia it has been found worth while to devote the bulk of the hydraulic energy not required for lighting and power to the fixation of nitrogen. Compounds of nitrogen are essential factors to the development of life and some are therefore excellent fertilizers. There is also a great demand for them in the manufacture of explosives. If a scheme for preparation of nitrates could be worked in connection with Chinese agriculture, it would seem excellent but the financial aspect of the matter would have to be worked out, and the fact that the Chinese farmer has also devised a fairly good system of fertilizing must not be neglected. As for export the question of freight must also be considered. SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS, INCLUDING ALSO GENERAL REMARKS ON THE BIRDS OBSERVED AT SEA ON THE COAST OF CHINA IN 1916. H. EH. LAVER. These notes refer principally to Land-birds which I have seen at sea during this year—frequently both land-birds and insects have been meet with when at a considerable distance from land. JI have also noted the sca-birds when present— these represent but few species—and as many sea birds take several years to reach maturity, no doubt I have been occasionally wrong in naming these, especially when in immaiure dress. After all it is frequently very difficult to be absolutely certain in naming the gulls or petrels, the view one gets is . more often than not, only a fleeting one, as the birds fly past, and as their whole appearance changes as the bird grows to maturity, one is often in doubt as to the species. It will be noticed that in some voyages, few birds have been observed, I usually note all I have seen, but much depends on the season and whether the ship went North or South at the right time. And with sea-birds the scarcity or otherwise of food will govern their movements also. The notes will be found to include several trips to Saigon, across to the Philippine Islands and to Java. Few opportunities offer for special remarks on the natural history of life met with at sea, because the ship is seldom stationary, with the exception of such as when birds follow the ship; most other objects are lost to view almost as soon as they are seen. March 29th.—Chefoo to Swatow. Light variable winds, misty overcast weather. Calm sea. Being 6 miles east of Tung Yung Islands, one small hawk was seen close to the ship. March 30th.—Light variable winds and overcast. When off Chapel Island numbers of swallows were met with, hawking for flies over the sea. 14 SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS April 10th.—Swatow to Hankow. A moderate gale from N.W.; misty and foggy. Between Bonham Pass and the Bell buoy, the weather then moderating, a few pied wagtail came on board; occasionally small flocks of duck from six to ten together, were passed, sometimes on the wing, but frequently at rest on the water. Last night the call of plover, flying close over head, lasted on and off for several hours. April 21st.—Wuhu to Canton. When passing Tungsha Light vessel a great number of swallows hawking for insects, these remained until dark. Also, saw a sandpiper and a bird which I thought to be the pigmy curlew (I. Subarquata) and one small hawk. The wind a light N.W. breeze and misty rain. April 22nd.—Off Hieshan Islands. Light easterly winds and a dense fog. A few swallows near the ship at day break. An eastern golden plover (C. Dominicus) came on board and remained long enough for me to identify. Also, saw another plover which, however, I was unable to identify. April 23rd.—Lat. 26-00' N., Long. 120-50° E. Variable airs and foggy. Several swallows and a sparrow hawk—this last was bent on mischief, but I did not see it get any bird; one other land bird also seen. One petrel (unknown) also seen in the distance. This evening being off Tung Yung several small fin back whales—but I could not see their heads; fog very dense just now. Many swallows.came to rest in the ship evidently lost in the fog. Saw a black plumaged petrel. April 24th.—Off Chapel Island. Calm. A dense fog. Many swallows round the ship since daylight, possibly some of our visitors of yesterday; by 9 a.m. they had all left. Off Breaker Point at nightfall where many more swallows came on board. A few dolphin seen here. May 8rd.—Hong Kong to Saigon. Moderate easterly winds and fine. Steering a course to pass 35 miles to the westward of the Paracels. After leaving Hongkong until Gap Rock was passed, swallows were continually seen hawk- ing for flies amongst the Islands, in fact a few remained with us until sunset. Saw a few flying fish occasionally— rather small ones. May 4th.—Lat. 18-55° N., Long. 111-31° E. Moderate easterly winds and fine. Again plenty of swallows around since sunrise—the only land-birds seen. Numbers of gannet | (immature) chasing shoals of fish. As flying fish were numerous, I expect it was these that they were after. Some gulf weed seen. SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS 15 May 5th.—At noon Kulao Rae Island bore S.W. distant 5 miles. Variable winds and thick misty rain. One land- bird seen, also several swallows. This afternoon passed through patches of plankton—very large patches of a light straw colour—‘‘whales food.’’ Saw one ocean bird with black and white plumage resting on a piece of wood. Flying fish very numerous. May 7th.—Off the entrance to Saigon River. Heavy rain and thunder squalls. Saw a school of dolphin which I was unable to identify. And it is difficult to describe such animals, more than half submerged in the water; but they were strangers to me. Here a few swallows came round the ship, various other land birds and many paddy birds were seen, all close to. May 16th.—Saigon to Hongkong. Light southerly winds and showery. When passing Cape Taiwan about A p.m. numbers of jelly fish were met with and a few light yellow coloured crabs swimming on the surface. May 17th.—Approaching Cape Padaran. Large patches of plankton, straw colour; when passing through this a strong smell of ozone present. Later when passing Three Kings’ Islets a brownish paddy bird was seen. May 18th.—Plenty of gulf-weed was met with through- out the day. May 19th.—Lat. 17-47° N., Long. 110-50° EH. A moderate S.W. monsoon and overcast. A few gannet (im- mature) were seen yesterday and to-day. A dove came to rest, head white, back and wings reddish brown with black collar behind. May 20th.—Lat. 20-52° N., Long. 113-20 E. A moderate monsoon and overcast. Three more doves about, like that of yesterday. A pair of black plumaged birds, white rump and long tails. A pair of egret (A. Coromanda) kept flying close to the ship for some hours. Flying fish plentiful, many of large size. Before sunset dragon flies and moths came on board. May 26th.—Hongkong to Saigon. Calm and fine clear weather. Left here at noon and nothing was seen until the ship was some 20 miles or more South of Gap Rock. When we passed a few shoals of fish close to the surface. Not a bird of any kind was met with. May 27th.—Lat. 18-55’ N., Long. 111-41‘ E. Calm and fine. In the morning passed a few streaky patches of plankton, light straw colour, stretching N.W. and 8. E.;- medusae plentiful, and such remained all day. The sea being without a ripple I could see well under water, once I ‘saw a small and peculiar fish wriggle away and one large 16 SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS brown coloured swimming crab. Flying fish in plenty mostly small ones. Three birds which I thought to be petrel, a light brown colour, a little white in each wing when flying. A few immature gannet; and of insects one dragon fly. May 28th.—Lat. 15-11‘ N., Long. 109-25’ E. Calm and very fine clear weather. A few gannet occasionally, generally all brown—and might be immature. Plenty of gulf weed here, a fact I neglected to notice last trip. On one bunch of weed I saw a small turtle about 18 inches long, this was having a rest but scuttled off in a hurry as the ship passed too close, but he did not go far and I could see him waiting - just below the surface. Plankton of a light straw colour, somewhat like sawdust, abundant, as were also medusae. Saw one petrel, sooty black, straight tail. Flying fish scarce all day. May 29th.—7.40 a.m. off Davaich Head. A few gannet seen, immature I think. Also saw a bird about the size of a pigeon with similiar flight, flying in from sea to the land, then distant three miles; general colour brown, wings I may say were short and rounded in form. Off Cape Padaran there were plenty of terns. Gulf weed occasionally since daylight. June 4th.—Saigon to Hongkong. Light S.W. monsoon and fine weather. At entrance to the Saigon river—Cape St. James, when dropping the Pilot—a small school of dolphin, general colour a light grey, none of a darker colour, nor had they any special markings, only, an occasional one much lighter in hue was seen. Approaching the Britto Shoal saw a land-bird, colour a light buff brown, a short neck with whitish ring round, wings short and rounded, tail long, with a very rook-like flight. A few gannet chasing shoals of flying fish. June 5th.—When passing Davaich Head (which was distant 5 miles), various seeds and wrack washed from the land, some gulf weed occasionally, and: flying fish were plentiful. Nota bird seen all day. At night passed through large coloured patches caused by plankton, but this was not phosphorescent. June 6th.—=Kuloa haw iN. 53° W—distanga2Z0) ales Moderate S.E. winds and fine. Early this morning passed through a few large patches of ‘‘whales food,’’ the plankton of last night probably. Some gulf weed seen. Towards sunset four birds were seen. A pair of booby, possibly (S leucogastra) the brown booby; and a pair of small terns or gulls—resembling in part the Kittiwake gull more than anything else, but it was not close enough to distinguish the colour of its bill or legs. SOME NOTES ON LAND-BIRDS i if June 7th.—Lat. 19-00° N., Long. 111-59’ E. A moderate S.W. monsoon and fine weather.