hte) Ti
ar id | hig
a v oes a
‘ Ta ‘
J
THE
TOUR NAL
OF THE
BomBay NaturaL History
EDITED BY
R. A. STERNDALE.
and
H.M. PHIPSON.
VOLUME II.
1887.
SOCIETY.
Consisting of Four Numbers and containing
Eleven Illustrations.
Bombay:
PRINTED AT THE
EDUCATION SOCIETY'S PRESS BYCULLA.
1887.
CONTENTS of Vol. Ils 7887.
Waters or Western Inpra, Part III].—The. Konkan and the
Coast. (By 9 Member of the Society) ..
On Bors of THE HORSE AND CAMEL. (By Veterinary Surgeon a
H. Steel, A, V. D.) wa
Parasites In THE Witp Ass or Curcn. (By Veterinary, Surgeon
J. UW. Steel, A. V. D.)
Taree New Srecres or Hypropuis. "(By a A. Marray)
BUTTERFLIES OF THE Bombay Presiprncy.—Notes, &c, (By E.H.
Aitken)
Notes on “ Warers or Western INpIA. "—(By Mr. J. D. Inve-
rarity) ee =y
FurtHer Notes on ABNORMAL Horns. “(By the Editor) ae
New Species oF Fisu rrom KurracuEkE AND THE Persian GULF
(By J. A. Murray) see
Description OF A New Lizarp FROM THE Danes, “(By. F,
Gleadow) .. wee ae cs Se
ZooLoGICAL Nores—
Delphinus Lentiginosus—R, A. Sterndale... oes
Nest and Eggs of Cinnyris Loterna—E. H. Aitken .., one
Cat and Squirrel—A Foster-Maternal Freak—QJ. Vidal
Notes on the Habits of Nepita Conforta—H. S. Wise.. ave
Bird-Nesting, Notes from Cutch—A., Merete 10th Bo. ae
The Two Shamas-~H. E, Barnes
Mergus Merganser—E, H. Aitken
List of Birds from Sind—Col, Swinhee ...
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY <<
Warers or Western Inpta, Part III-—The Konkan and the
Coast, (By a Member of the Society) ..
Some Braps seeN IN A JOURNEY THROUGH Persia, (By G. J. RB.
Rayment, A. V. D.) ds
A New Species or ZYG#NA prom THE Kurracner Harzovr.
(By James A. Murray, of the Vict. Nat. Hist. Inst.) ..
Nores on Piocevus Patiuierinus. (By Lieut. H. Edwin Barnes)
A CATALOGUE OF THE F'LorA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN,
WITH Preratory NOTE AND VERNACULAR INDEX. (By the
Hon’ble H.M. Birdwood)... oe
Nore on THE Fiora or MawABLEsHWAR AND MATHERAN. (By
Dr. Theodore Cooke, LL.D., F.G.S.)... ae
Nores on MAHABLESHWAR AND OTHER Typran ARROWROOT Yteup-
ING Piants. (By Dr. J.C, Lisboa) ... oa oa
ZootocicaL Nores—
Hybrid Wolf, presented to the Society by Mr. F. Rose
Note on the Bush Quail—By Mr. W. Mahon Daly .. ee
Note on the Irregular Breeding of Grus Antigone, the Sarus—
By Lieut. H. Edwin Barnes., was vas wee
Collection of Birds’ Eggs. =ByW. M, Gibbs... ae oe
Book Notice ... eee nas
PROCEEDINGS OF THE Society. re Ae _
Waters oF WESTERN aoe "Part VI. —Gujarat. By a Member
of the Society) .. sin = eee és as oes
528075
103
105
107
133
140
147
149
149
150
151
157
159
il CONTENTS.
Note on Hest14 MALABARICA. el ge T, Macpherson,
Bo. S. C-) .. sine ie 3
OBSERVATIONS ON “THE FEEDING, &c., OF THE “Txpran Rock SNAKE
(PytHon Moxurvs). Sia H. M. Phipson, C, M. Z. 8., Hon.
Secretary) .. eee
NoveEs ON THE BREEDING OF THE KEnrisn Rixcep Prover (Rer-
auitis CaNTIANUS) WITHIN INDIAN Limits, (By Lieut, H. E.
Barnes) aan
On Minicry IN BurtErriies YOR PROTECTION, (By Col, Chas.
Swinhoe, F.L.S., F.Z.S, F.G.8.) .. sce
@Ge
Mararat Names oF PLaNis, WITH A Guossany. (By Brigade-
Surgeon W. Dymock)...
Tre Horse : a ZooLoaican STupy. By Veterinary “Surgeon J. OH.
Steel, A. V- D.) ... ee . zs a ii: eae
ZooLoGicaL NoTEs—
Snake-breeding for the Government Reward ... aa a
Boox Notice ... ae moe See var one
PROCEEDINGS OF THE Society... pos pen oes
Waters or WEsTERN INDIA, Part lV. "Gujarat. (By a Member
of the Society) ... see see eee woe
MaratTui NaMEs OF PLants, “WITH A Gossary, (By Brigade-
Surgeon W. Dymock) a Yee Ree ea
Furtuer NotE-on HEsTIA MALABaRica. (By Lionel de Nicéville,
List or. Birps collected by C apt. F Babington Peile in Cash-
mere during the Summer of 1887, and presented by him to
the Bomaay Narurau History Socrery wae
Tue Potsonous SNAKES OF THE BomBAyY PRESIDENCY. (By ‘H. M.
Phipson, C.M.Z.S., Hon. Sec.) ..
Tue INDIAN Hepatic. "(By Dr. K. R. Kirtikar, FSM, (vance),
M.R.C.S.)
Wixp Horsss. (By Veterinary Surgeon 5. H: Steel, A. V.D ee
On THE LepipopTERa or Karacui anp its NEIGHBOURHOOD,
(By Col. C. Swinhoe, F.L.S., F.Z.8., &e.)
List or Birps’ Kaas 1n THE SOCIETY’s COLLECTION... “ic i
ZooLocicaL Norrs—
Notes on a Horn on the margin of a Goat’s Ear vee oes
Notes on the Food of the Panther (/elts Pardus) ce een
Notes on the Cheetal _... i ee Ate bor at
PrRoceEDINGS oF THE SOCIETY Sean he ae s age
PAGE
164
Bombay Slatural History Society.
LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
President.
4. KH. the Right Honorable Lorp Raay, €.1-H., LL.D., F.B.G.S.
Viee- Presidents.
Dr. D. MacDonald, m.p., B.sc., ¢.M.
The How’ble Justice Birdwood M.A., LL.M. (Cantab.)
Mr. R. A. Sterndale, ¥.R.G.8., F.Z.8.
How. Seeretarp.
Mr. H. M. Phipson.
Hon. Creasurer.
Mr. F. G. Kingsley.
énitors.
Mr. R. A. Sterndale and Mr. HE. H. Aitken.
Ist Section.—(Mammals and Birds.)
President —Mr. R. A. Sterndale, F.R.G.s., F.2.8.
Secretary—Mr. E. H. Aitken.
2nd Section.—( Reptiles and Fishes. )
President— Mr, G. W. Vidal, c.s.
Secretary— Mr. H. M. Phipson.
3rd Section.—(Jnsects.) .
President—Colonel C. Swinhoe, F.z.S., F.L.S., F.E.S.
Secretary—Mr. HE. H. Aitken.
4th Section.— (Other Invertebrata.)
President— Dr. G. A. Maconachie, M.D., ¢.M.
Secretary—Mr. J. C. Anderson.
5th Section.—{ Botany.)
President—The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, m.a., tu.m. (Cantab.)
Secretary—Surgeon K, R. Kirtikar, rs.u. (France), F.B.c.s.
ii LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name.
Abbott, Rev. J. E. ...
Adam, Hon. F. Forbes
Adamsa; 3.0): > ss vee
Aitken, D. E. 3
Aitken, EH. H. ; ree ees
Alexander, Rev. Ww. M. aS: Ae
Almon, W. He 5 ome ee
Anderson, J.
Anderson, J.C. ....
Anderson, G. A.. ...
Anderson, W.C. ...
Anderson, Capt. W. R.
aeeeraeg LOS. eae . ef
Arnott, Sar oeon-Major ihe
ge A.
Ashburner, Rastumjec, As ‘Khan Bahadar
Ashby, J. a
Aves, Capt. W.
Baddeley, Lient.-Colonel .
Bainbridge, Surgeon- Major is
Baines, J. A. (c.s.)
Baker, W. A. a eat es
alionn Dee ry. a, sis
Bankier, W. Av. - <0. Ge: ;
Barclay, Capt. se a
Barnes, H. E. aS aa
Barr, W. W. é
Barrow, H. W.
Barton, EH. L.
Bashford, T.
Baumbach, R. on
Beardmore, E. B. ...
Becher, Captain (8.Z.A.)
Begbie, J. A. oe
Bell, TOR,
Bengallee, 8. S.
Bergl, Louis
Best, W. J... age sf aah
Betham, J. A. cal aoe
Betham, W.-G. ...
Beyts, C. A. ait
Bicknell, H. : ee
Bingham, Captain C. H. 5
Birdwood, the Hon’ble J ustice
Bishop, Capt. sof wihe
Bisset, Col.... si aia
Blackwell, G. F.... at ie: 2
RESIDENCE.
... Bombay
... Bombay
... anna
...Liabore
... Bombay
.. Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bombay
... Bombay
..simla
_ Belgaum :
... Bombay
a _.. Bombay
... Bombay
... Bhuj
...Aden
...Cawnpore
... Kurrachee
..Dharwar
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bombay
... Hyderabad, Sind,
... Dwarka
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Bombay
.. Badnera
... Kirkee
... Bombay
... Canara
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Rajpur, C. P.
.. Nasik
.-«s Bombay
... Bombay
... Rangoon
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
Lanne
LIST OF MEMBERS,
NAME.
Blackwell, H. F. ...
Booth, 1. ce ot
Bousted, Surgeon- “Major oe
Bovis, F. de a
ercon |S: oN a owe Ae ies
Becndan, te Boar ed «ce Wee ee re
Bromley, Herbert ... Ane pee woe
ipramley,, Phos." /;"... ond er
Brown, J.-W. é ee &
Brunton, R. P. te aoe
Buckland, H. W. ... bee
Bullock, W. es wat
Butcher, L. H. te
Byrne, C. H.
Calthrop, I.
Campbell, KH. W. be
Campbell, John... ane
Cane, Rev. A. 8, eee asc
Carroll, E. B. ae ie nee
Cassels, J. A. ws aie
iarhers: F.
Channer, Dr. O. i
Chatfield, K. M, : Ja
Cheetham, J. aie ae a
Chrystal, J. 8. - 2,
Clark, Captain A. E. ach
@lark, R. «. ae
Close, H. P.. “a3 ra
Collie, Surgeon aaa eae we
Collister, J. G. H.... sale ea
Colvin, E. G. (¢.s.) oo fe
Conder, EE
Connop, W. gs H. M. §. “Bacchante”
Conroy, A... if ee sia see
Cooke, Dr. H. nas was wie f
Cooke, Dr. T. ste At
Cooper, C. P. tet “es
Cornforth;,'J..P..... Pater sa: a
Coussmaker, Major M. F.. was baie
Cox, A. F. (1t.c.s.) as eae bee
Crawford, L. uae ae sae
Crawley-Boevey, A. W. (c. s.) es
Creagh, Captam R.P. ... er
Crockett, Captain ... Sele ae *
Cuffe, T. W. mr ia tee a
Cumberlege, N. R.. Ber yee
Curjel, H, oes ses eee ae Ne
RESIDENCE,
... Bombay
Sate
.. Lurope
.. Bombay
aa ...Bombay
..Malvan
... Bombay
... Mahim
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bandora
... Hgatpura
... Bombay
...Bombay
.. Bombay
... Bombay
... Poona
... Bombay
... Bandora
... Bombay
...Belgaum
... Poona
... Bombay
Lu bli
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Kharagora
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Mount Abu
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Hurope
...Poona
,.. Bombay
... Bombay
.. Hurope
»». Bombay
... Bombay
... Ahmedabad
... bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
, Akola
.., Bombay
lil
iv LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name.
Cursetjee, Miss Manockjee one oe
Curwen, H.... ae ae By
Cutch, H. H. the Rao of ... 9
Dadabhoy, Cowasjee M. ...
Daley, F. J., H. 1. M.S. “tuvestigator™
Dalgado, De Ty Ge is
Daly, W. Mahon 50
Daver, Framjee, N.
Davidson, J. (c.s.)
Descubes, A.
eee
Dillon, Mrs. ee mae
Ditmas, A. R. :
Doig, 8. 54 jt 58
Dorabjee, E. Opiumwalla. es ae
Douglas, Mrs. te ee ae
Dreckman, Rev. F.
Dubash, Sorabjee D.
Duigan, 8. A. or
Dumayne, F. G.
Dumbell, H. C. -....
Dunsterville, J. H. C.
Dymock, Dr.
Edgelow, F. so Nee
Hllaby, Dr. Charlotte nes Bc
Elliston, Major E. C.
Fairbank, Rev. S. ...
Fenton, Capt. L. L.
Ferguson, Dr. A. F.
Fletcher, G..
Forbes, Mrs. €. ast 'B. ie a
Forgan, Rev. J. ... aa res
Forrest, G. W. Hn
Forrest, L. R. We :..
ox, C. H. ae
Francis, J. C.
Francke, A. ue
Franklin, J.... Bae eh
Pry, 2 5B. ee. Jp ove
Gaddum, F....
Gay, H sas Sa Shc he
Gaye, Dr. .... eee dee nee a
George, D. ... ee o: $59
Ghandy, K. D. a 555 see
Gibson, G. .., a a a,
RESIDENCE.
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bhuj
... Bombay
... Sawantwaree
... Yercaud
... Bombay
...Mallegaum
..Chickalda
... Nagpore
... Bangalore
... Ahmedabad
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...- AjMeEe
... Bombay
... Hurope
... Kolaba
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Ahmednugger
... Kathiawar
...Broach
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Surat
..Poona
... Bombay
... Calcutta
... Poona
... Ratnagiri
... Bombay
.«. handesh
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name.
Gilbert, R. ... re ook ven
Gleadow, F oe
Goldsmid, F.
Gonne, H. aye
Goodfellow, Col. G. ‘R.
Gopal, Babajee
Gordon, H. K.
Graham, W. D. =f
Grant, G. F. M. (c.s.)
Gray, .e,
Gray, Dr. Temperley
Gray, Dr. Welimgton
Greaves, W.
Grieve, Rev. A. oe
Griffiths, J..
Gunthorpe, Lieut.-Colonel —
Gwyn, Captain A.. ar
Hall, Rev. HE. S.
Hare, BR. D..2.
Hornidge, 8.
Hart, G. H. R.
Hart, Miss ...
eae. Mrs. W. EH.
cach: H. By
atch, Dr...
Hay, A.
Hemming, a Bays.
Henderson, Dr...
etry HY, de im
Hoare, A. EH.
Holland, W. J.
Hore, Fraser 8.
Indore, H, H. the Ls Holkar
Inverarity, J. D.
Irving, Dr. L. A.
Jackson, W. L. C....
Jacob, H. P. cia ate wid
Jamsetjee, C. Jamsetjee ... vee
Jardine, Mrs. J...
Jeejeebhoy, Sir Jamsetjee, “Bart. .
Jefferson, F.G. ... wae aes
Jesercon, ae te Se mn
Jervis, W. H. nae ate
Johnson, J. R. Kirby “ee -
Johnston, Miss .., eat See
RESIDENCE,
... Bombay
.ourat
. Belgaum
... Bombay
... Bhuj
... Bombay
... Caleutta
sth Bombay
..satara |
.. Bombay
x . Bombay
...Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Berar
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Khangaum
... anna
... Calcutta
...Calcutta
... Bombay
.. Ratnagiri
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Karwar
...Canara
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Indore
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Hurope
... Bombay
... Bombay
2: e .
. Bombay
.. Bombay
.. Bombay
.. Bombay
... Bombay
...Bombay
vl LIST OF MEMBERS,
Name. RESIDENCE.
Jones, H. W. on ie a. Eb. ... Bombay
Jordan, H. V. rae be ets soe .». Bombay
Juergens, Rev. Fr... 359 344 7: ... Bombay
Kama, K. R. AS ise a. iis ... Bombay
Kane, C. E.. = = i fide ... Bombay
Kanga, Dinsha P. ... sa ae ...Bombay
Kelkar, Rao Bahadur R. M. 5G se ... Vishnugeer
Kerli. B: a5 a ... Bombay —
Khambatta, ‘Khan Sabib D. 'D. es a ... Poona
Khambatta, S. K. ... st ab the ... Bombay
Kennedy, Capt. Wee” a foe ... Kathiawar
Kiddie, S:. cane anes Kas 344 ee ... Bombay
King, Alfred ee XY, ae fo ... Bombay
Kingsley, enaee th 56" ...Bom bay
Kartikar, Surgeon oR: Sie ie .». Bombay
ane. ae 534 sis nee ... Bombay
Langley, Sur; geon- -Major ss eh ... Bombay
Latham, the Hon’ble Mr. Justice PF. Tascere ... Bombay
LeFebvre, Rev. H:..P. «s. cae ... Bombay
Leonard, Major T.. alse 8 ae ... Bangalore
Lester, C.F. GG. ... + Gh an ... Kathiawar
Lidbetter, Se ae Ps 15S ... Bombay
Limjee, Cowasjee Dady a sa as ... Bombay
Limjee, Dady ales uh ie ts ...Bombay
Lisboa, Dr. J. C. ae — oh ... Bombay
Litchfield, Hi. he Sh ah, a ...Chikalda
Little, F. A. ef SA. oe Aes ... Bombay
Littledale, H. vole Ane ats She ... Baroda
Lowell, C. ... a ae tad bee ... Bombay
Tiardeti ee peeeeee ah ee So ...Bombay
Lynch, C. P. sors oe a te ... Bombay
Lynch, M. P. 9 = mae ae ... Bombay
MacCartie, Dr. Ae a bet Bee ... Bombay
Macaulay, R. H. ... oh was be ... Bombay
Macaulay, W. M. ... tee uN, on ... Bombay
Macdonald, Dr. D.... bes Bi ane ... Bombay
Macdonald, J. mh ne ails £2 ... Bombay
Macdonald, W. M.. ch, ae a ... Bombay
Macnaghten, Chester... Jog 3a ...Rajkote
Maconachie, Dr.G. A. ... oa Ly ... Bombay
Macpherson, Capt. . at's AS 1G ... Karwar
Mactaggart, H. M.... at tet he ... Tuticorin
Maguire, J.... ve ane 48 ss ... Bombay
Maistry, D. B. cn oe bbe as ... Bombay
Major, Col. rf, W. tee tee tert vee .«, Bombay
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name,
Maneckjee, ee Maneckjee...
Manson, G. .
Mant, R. N.:
Marriott, Capt. E. F.
Martin, Capt. G.
MeCann, WH.
McEwen, R....
Mehta, F. C.
Melvin, W. F. ‘
Merewether, Col. G. - nm)
Mercer, F. . ; aes
Messent, P. G.
Miller, E. Be
Millett, G. P.
Minter, Capt. J.-S
Montgomery, 'l’. R. K. ee
Moriss, A W., 8.2.5.
Morris, D.
ores. J.
Morrison, A. as
Moscardi, H. 8. (c 8.)
Mukund Ragoonath
Murphy, Dr...
Murray, A. 8S.
Murray, J. A.
Murray, W....
Naigaumwalla, K. D.
Nazar, M. H.
Newborn, C.
Newnbarn, Bs
Niceville, L. de (Hou Corr. Mem. )
Nicholson; GC; ; 3 2
meioison, EK. F.
O’Connel, J.
Ollivant, EC. XK. (es FF
iver, G. cs oe awe
aver, Miss... ee nate Pea
Oliver, Miss R. ... aie
Olivier, Captain H. D. (R.z.)
Ommaney, H. T. (c.s.)
Ormiston, G. ee
Owen, F. A....
Pais, “A. ~° a ve
Palliser, H.G.
Panday, Ardeshir Shap urji re ws
RESIDENCE.
... Ratnagiri
.. Bombay
7 . Bombay
..Godra |
.. Bombay
.. Bombay
ts .Bombay
3ombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Sholapur
... Bombay
.. Boinbay
... Yercaud
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Hurope
... Bombay
..Mahableshwar
: .Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bhuj
. Calcutta
...Lanowlie
.. Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
-Bombay
... Bombay
... Dharwar
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Malegaon
..-Bombay
vu
vil LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name.
Parker, F. D.
RESIDENCE,
.. Bombay
Parker, CaptwiaGs, uae 16 M. Rs ccPatmek SFr art. ” Kurrachee
Peereditcs: als
Parmenides, ACR
Patterson, Dr.
Pearson, ToWWen wo.
Pechey, “Mage K. (m.p.)
Penny, Mrs. L.
Peters, Surgeon- “Major
Pevercon, Dr. P.
Petite se
Petit, F. D..
Peyton, Lieus. -Colonel W.
Phipson, H. M. a
Pinhey, A. F.
Portman, Lieut. aor A. Be
Powwalla, Sor ees Cavasjee
Punnett, F.. -
Radcliffe, Capt. W. C. A., R.A.
Rayment, Ey Pepe
Readymoney, Nest:
Reay, H. H. Lord, CHE. Sia: jee
Reid, G. B., (cs. Nee
Rey nolds, P. Dad
Rich, Miss K
Riddell, Ra.
Ritchie, A.M.
Rivett-Carnac, L. ...
Robb, Surgeon- wa
Roberts, R..
Rose, F. =,
Russell, Baim
Russell, L. P.
Salmon, Capt. M.B. aes
Scott, Tho Hon’ble Justice
Scott, J. W.. a
Selby, Captain IL. O. (RE. )
Sheppard, G. F. (o.s Ey :
Shipp, Wace
Silcock, H. PF. (c. 5.)
Simpson, A. F. aaa
Sims, Proctor hae
Sinclair, W. F. (c.s.)
Slater, H. M. ae
Sleater, J. M. ae
Smith, Mrs. Yorke...
soe
ebe
.. Bombay
LA, Bombay
... Bombay
.-.Munmar
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bijapur
.».Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Kanara
.. Bombay
... Banswarra
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Kirkee
... Bombay
...Bom bay
... Bombay
.. Ahmedabad
..-Baroda
... Bombay
... Khundwa
... Beejapoor
... Bombay
.. Ahmedabad
... Bombay
... Aurungabad
... Bombay
.. Bombay
»..Mahi Kantha
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Guzerat
... Lanowlie
.. Sholapore
... Bombay
... Bhownugger
... Alibag
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name.
Spencer, N....
Sguire, W. W.
Squires, Mrs.
Starling, M.H..... os
St. Clair, Sorts WA. EE: (R. oS) aR ee
Steel, J. H.. ce Ls
ee ner; ahgtten:
Sierndalc: ay: ea
Steward, A. B. (c.s.)
Stewart, R. L.
Street, Capt.
Street, Dr. A. W. FL
Stuart, C.A..
Sturt, Colonel
Swan, H. H.. =
Swayne, H.G. E. (R.E. )
Swinhoe, Colonel C. ie Z.8., ¥.L.9., F.E.S.) a
Sykes, C.
Symons, J. L.
Symons, N.S.
Symons, H. S.
Taylor, Chas.
Taylor, W.C.
Terry, G. W.
Temulji, Dr. B. N..
Thacker, W..
Thomson, Mrs.
Tod, J. a.
Trevithick, R. :
Turner, Mrs. A. YE
Turner, Montague C.
Vidal, G. W. (c.8.) ...
Walcott, Colonel C. B. ... see
Wallace, James ee Ba
Wallace, John
Wallace, L. A. es
Walton, Rienzi (c.£.)
Walton, E. M. oe
Ward, Frank
Ward, H. B..
Wataon, Rev. ie B..
Webb, W. ca
Weber, [3 eee
Weir, Dr. T. 8.
Wendon, H....
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RESIDENCE.
.». Bombay
...Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Hurope
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
...Broach
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.. Bombay
.. Ahmednugger
... Bombay
...Aden
... Bombay
...Cutch Mandvi
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
.-. Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Tanna
...Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Bombay
... Poona
D.¢ LIST OF MEMBERS.
Name. RESIDENCE.
Westmacott, Col. .. ... Baroda’
Wilson, Capt., H.1.M.S. “« Dalhousie”. ... Bombay
Wise, Col. ... cies a ... Poona
Wise, H. &... 33 re ee a ... Bombay
Woodward, AV oa es fee aa ... Bombay
Wroughton, R. C.... fis os fee ... Tanna
Wylie, R. ... es sa8 ae: oe ...Gadechi
Yeld, Dr. H. Ye sats sas nae ... Bombay
Yerbury, Major... Sie fds er ... Punjab
Young, G. 8. ie sie as bag ... Bombay
Young, W. EH. an bedhe | Ree ae ... Bombay
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ERRATA.
1]5, Col. 2, 1. 7 of order 27, for “longana”’ read
“ Longana.”
116, Col. 2, for the second “ Bauhinia” under order
30, substitute double commas.
120, Col. 2, 1. 3, of order 54, for “ petiolaret”’ read
* petiolare.”
124, Under order 75, dele the seventh and eighth
entries (i.e. of two plants of the genus Phyllan-
thus), and
125, insert the following as the last entry under
order 75—
eee » Madraspatana— | —Kanocha.”’
126, Col. 2, 1. 2 of order 83, for “ Cirnum” read
“ Crinum’’,
127, Col. 2, 1. 8 of order 96, for “terminaris” read
“‘terminans.”
127, Col. 2, last line but two from bottom of page,
for “fulcatum” read “ falcatum.”
128, Transfer the last two entries from order 99 to
order 96.
LIST OF MEMBERS.
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JOURNAL
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datuyal History Society.
No.1.) BOMBAY, JANUARY 1887, [Vol. I!
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA.
Part IIi.—TuHe Konkan anp Coast.
(By a Member of the Society.)
* ‘ae remaining Reptiles of the Region are all Batrachians. The
Frogs are much the same as in the few damp parts of the Deccan,
but more numerous. ‘The Ceecilians, or blind-worms, are rather rare;
and I do not think that there are any newts. - Singularly enough,
the name “niwta” is applied to certain leaping-fishes, which will
be dealt with in their own place; and which, seen ait a little distance
in their native mud, have very much the appearance and action of
reptiles,
The fishes, naturally, are numerous and important, and I shall
take them in order ; following usually the classification of Dr. Day,
unquestionably the standard authority on Indian fishes,
The family of Perches is only represented in the fresh waters by
few and small (though often prettily marked) species, chiefly of
Ambassis. The so-called climbing Perch (Anabas scandens,)
belongs to another family, although decidedly perch-like in ap-
pearance ; I have not procured it in the Konkan myself.
The marine Perches, however, are very numerous and important
here, as throughout the tropical and sub-tropical seas, in which,
j
2 NATURAL HISTORY.
to a great extent, they assume the place (and very often the name)
of the northern Cod family, here represented only by a few small
species. Where you find “rock-cod,” ‘“‘cod-sounds,” or “cod-
roes”’ in tropical trade, the term generally refers to one of these
perches, or to some related spiny-finned fish.
They do not seem to affect the depths of the ocean, but haunt
banks or reefs, from the shore to about 200 fathoms, feeding, as
a rule, not very far from the bottom.
The commonest here are small rock-perches, called on Bombay
tables “ stone-fish,” of which the best, perhaps, is the ‘‘ Cock-up fish,”
Lates calearifer. This is a fish chiefly of the estuaries, and, where
permitted, it comes some way above highwater mark, and lives for
some time in fresh water. An allied species, the “ Kargota,”’ or
belt-fish” (Therapon Jarbua), is often kept in wells by the natives,
and seems to thrive there as well as in the sea. It is a handsome
little fish, with deep brown bands on a whitish ground, which in
sunlit water look black and gold.
The natives'call most of these rock-perches “ Gobra,” or “ Gobri,”
from the dull olive colours of one or two taken by them as types
which they compare to the colour of cowdung (gobar or govar).
Most of the commonest belong to the genera Serranus and
Lutianus, and a few, such as Serranus Malabaricus, attain a very
large size; but these are not often seen on European tables.
Serranus Benack ( Bhui-nak” = “ chief-fisherman,”’) is prettily
marked with sky blue, and some others have brilliant colours, but
these are not very common in the waters of the coast, usually more
or less dull with mud.* The Lutiani are more commonly bright
coloured than the Serrani; and, in my experience, keep further off
shore. One of them (Lutianus Argentimaculatus, I think,) is
mentioned and figured by Mr. Thomas as a fish giving sport with
the rod in his region. It isavery fine fish, of a deep cherry colour
when mature, and grows to at least 15 lbs. weight. A very closely
allied species, L. roseus, is the “red rock-cod,”’ of the Straits Settle-
ment. All these perches are very fair eating when fresh. I shall
take here, somewhat out of turn, the Scienas, called by the natives
“Gul” or “rose”’ fish, I suppose from a faint pink blush which
they have on death. Some Europeans in Bombay call them “ buffalo-
fish,’ which I have noted above as a Deccan name for the Mahseer.
* Some Serrani are said to present the curious phenomena of perfect milt aud
ree normally developed in the same fish,
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 3
oo a ee ee a
Similarly the red sea perches are called on the coast “ T'ambe, POOR
“copper fish,” which above ghat is the name of the Roho.
The “Red Sea Salmon”? of steamer’s cooks is a Scicena, and so is
the “Canal Mullet,’ sometimes caught when ships pass a night
in the Suez Canal. The Scienas generally are but coarse fish,
compared to those mentioned above; but they grow to 5 and 6 feet
long. They, and many of the larger sea perches, yield isinglass,
which goes abroad under the name of ‘‘ cod-sounds.”
The next family, the Squamipinnes, is much less important in
number and size, either of species or individuals. Several of its
members, however, are remarkable for their strange forms, bright
colours, or handsome markings, as the long-snouted Chetodons,
and the “ Warra” (Scatophagus Argus) “spotted like the pard.”
Most of these fisheshave somewhat the shape of a pomflet, that is,
they are “ flat-fish” on a dish; but deep fish in the water. They
are, however, squarer about the shoulder, breast, and flanks than,
the pomflets, and much inferior in size and in flavour.
The next family is that of the Mullide; or Red Mullets, which
should be distinguished from the grey mullets. There are no true
red mullets, I am sorry to say, on our coast; somy chapter on
them is like that on snakes in Iceland.
They are represented here by some poor relations of the genera
Mulloides and Upeneus, small and scarce, but brightly coloured.
I have not myself obtained any specimens. The next two families
have few important genera except Chrysophrys, of which one species,
C. berda, a fine perch-like fish, is the “black rock-cod” of the
Madras side; and passing over a lot of fishes of ‘‘ merely acade-
mical interest,” the next family worth notice is that of the Scorpa-
nide, which are about as eccentric in shape and colour as any-
thing in thesea. Their chief representative here is the “‘ Kombada,”
or “ cock-fish ” (Pterois Iussellizi), a handsome fish, banded scarlet,
and black, and provided with huge fins that look as if they had been
“torn in a scuffle.’ We have specimens in our Museum; unluckily
the colours are not permanent in spirits. The “ Korabada”’ some-
times reaches 15 inches long, and is certainly the showiest fish of
our coast.
The Mango-fishes (Polynemide@), famous on the Bengal side of the
punkah, have little reputation here. The reason is, probably, that
the pick of the basket, Poiynemus paradiseus, is “‘ anadromous,” 2.€.,
it runs up rivers to spawn ; and there are in the Konkan no rivers
4 NATURAL HISTORY.
suitable for that purpose. If the matter were taken up at the mouth
of the Tapti or Nerbudda, very likely the fish might be got in good
season there. The Maratha name is “Chela’ (= “ disciple’)
which corresponds to the Bengal “ Tapasi,” said to mean a hermit
or penitent. The large Polynemt are here called ‘“ Rawas,” and
are very fair eating, though not in the first class.
The nextis a remarkable family, the Sword-fishes, represented here
by at least one species, Histiophorus brevirostris, called in Maratha
‘Tar-masa,” or “ Wire-fish,” probably from the filiform ventrak
appendages ; andalso (according to an unsigned MS. note in my
office copy of Day) “ Mér-masa,” or “the striker,’ which seems
more appropriate. In this fish the upper jaw, or snout, is not so
long as in the Atlantic Xiphias, or even in some of its own con-
geners; but there is quite enough of it to make a very formidable
weapon, as its length from the gape appears to be about % of the
total length of the fish, which sometimes exceeds 10 feet: That it
is used as a weapon is proved by many instances ; but in particular
there is in our Museum a “sword” of this species which I myself
found sticking in the left hind-leg-socket of a turtle (Cawane
olivacea), brought to me alive. Not only malice prepense, but
considerable cunning of fence, were required to inflict this wound.
Judging by proportions, the sword-fish must have been lighter
than the turtle (not a large specimen), and it is not easy to see
what he could expect to do with the latter when dead.
After the Sword-fishes, quaintly enough, come Scabbard-fishes
(Trichiuride), long thin creatures like silver streamers, fancifully
supposed to resemble a steel regulation scabbard. They are very
good eating when fresh, but are chiefly used here for drying
without salt in the sun, for which their shape fits them well.
They live on the top of the water, sometimes in great numbers,
and are much preyed up by sea-fowl. Sometimes they will jump
into a boat, like the Garfishes.
The next family, Carangide, contains one very notable little fish,
the * pilot-fish,” who is supposed to take charge of sharks, ships,
or any other large things that he considers unable to take care of
themselves. I have not got any specimens here. One species
of Caranz, very common, pretends to be a mackerel, and two or
three to be pomflets, but the resemblance is external only. They
are branded by the natives with the titles of “ Chor-wagada” and
Chor (thief) Sarga.” Accordingly the true pomflets (Stromateus}
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. o
come immediately after them, and require little description in
Bombay. The native name for the white pomfletis ‘“ Sarga,” and
for the black “ Halwa.” The Portuguese name is “ Pumpano,” and
a fish of this name is a delicacy in the American “ Gulf States’ and
is brought in ice to New York, where it looks and tastes very
much as a pomflet does in Poona. Whether it is a true Stromateus
or not I cannot say. The ‘‘ Pampano” was mentioned as a good’
fish of this coast by Van Linschoten in the sixteenth century. It may
be worth while to remark that it is not a flat-fish in the same
sense as turbots and soles are, but swims upright on edge like a
John Dorey, which, indeed, is also more like a pomflet in flavour
than any other fish of Northern Seas.
The monsoon fishery for both pomflets, but especially the black,
is conducted on the Bombay coast at considerable risk ; large open
“ machwas”’ (fishing smacks) remaining out of sight of land often
for twoor threedays. Great care is shown in fitting out these boats,
and they carry double or treble crews, but their return is always
awaited with anxiety, and the fish are as much “lives o’ men”
as any herring inthe North Sea. (Query, “‘ pomfret”’ or “‘ pomflet’’?)
Pretty close to the pomflets, though more nearly allied to the next
family, are the so-called ‘ Dolphins, ” of modern sea-folk, famous
for changing colour in dying. They are oceanic fish, and not
common here. I have no specimens from this coast, nor any
vernacular name for them. I need hardly say that the classic
Dolphin was a porpoise.
I have dined in Bombay, off and on, for eighteen years without
ever seeing a mackerel on table there, and a great many people who
find “cod” all over the world would tell you that there are no mac-
kerel here. The fact is, however, thata mackerel closely resembling
the British species is common near Bombay in the cold weather, and
has very much the habits of its northern relative, especially that
of playing in schools on “the’ surface. Only, it will not here
take any sort of a trailing bait or fly; nor have I ever been able to
catch any sea fish near Bombay by that most sporting method. It
is said to answer well enough down the coast. The Indian mackerel
(Scomber microlepidotus) is smaller than the British fish, seldom
reaching one foot long; when fresh it is a very good fish indeed,
but keeps badly.
It is taken in scines all along the coast, on the flat strands,
and must, I should think, often be so taken in Back Bay; and
6 NATURAL HISTORY.
there I should advise any one who wants a Bombay mackerel to
look out for it. The Maratha name is ‘‘ Wagada.”
The large mackerels, or tunnies, Thynnus, Pelamys, and
Cybium, mostly keep to deep water, and come to us under the
general name of “ Sur-mahi,” (Persian = “ Red-fish,”) which we
render “ Seer-fish,” as a very tolerable substitute for salt cod and
salmon. One species, Cybiwm guttatum is said to reach 6 feet long,
and they are all reported to take a trailed bait or fly well in the offing,
so that they will afford sport to the generation of yachtsmen who shall
learn to sail outside the harbour. ‘The last genus of the mackerels is
Echeneis, containing the curious sucking-fish, called on this coast
“Sakéla ” (H. Neucrates), and “ Luchung,” (H. albescens). Of these,
under the name of “‘Chazo,” it has lately been written that the
Zanzibar fishermen put a ring on their tail with a line init and
send them forth to attach themselves to big fish by the curious
sucker on the top of the head. No one here utilizes them in this
remarkable manner, though their habit of “ getting a lift” from
other fishes is well known. The yarn had been spun before about
some South American fishermen, but with less detail and authority,
and it was not then very generally believed. At present, though
no European has actually seen this fishery, the evidence is good
enough for a strong probability, and there is some of a similar
practice in Madagascar with a fish, probably allied, called
‘«Tarudu.” The Albacores, Bonitos, and ‘Spanish’? Mackerel of
the Atlantic are al! Scombrid@ (Mackerels).
The next family, Uranoscopide, are about as unlike the graceful
and beautifully coloured mackerels as anything can be. They
are represented here by the “‘ Yekru”’ (Ichthyscopus inermis),
a deformed and blotchy creature, best described in Dr. Day’s
words, “It madea curious noise, half snapping and half croak-
me.
But the Trachinide, which follow, have a fine slender form, a
good flavour, and a pretty name; for two or three of their genus
Sillago are known in India as “lady fishes.” I am notsure whether
the name is a compliment to the shape of the fish, or to its nutritive
qualities, which recommend it in native medicine, to ladies in (or
just out of) “ an interesting condition.”
It is quite as good for the
most uninteresting of their worser halves; it tastes like an English
smelt, and therefore, I suppose, some people call it a “ whiting.”
The Maratha name is “Murdi’” The Sillagos are fish of the
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA, 7
sand, and of shallow waters, where they are usually taken with the
seine, or with small nets.
Passing over a small and uninteresting family (Pseudochromides)
we come tothe Batrachide, or toad-fishes. Ours are only remarkable
for ugliness and size (reaching 3 feet long), but an American Pacific
species (Thalassophryne reticulatus) is probably alone among fishes
in possessing a blood-poisoning apparatus inferior in degree only to
that of a'venomons snake. The operculum or gill cover has a long
tubular spine with a poison-sac at its base, containing a venom
supposed to be secreted in the muciferous channels, and capable
of causing fever, though apparently no more.
The attention devoted to this remarkable fish may help us
hereafter with other “‘sting-fishes,” Most practical fishermen
believe in aspecific poison in the wounds inflicted by various species,
especially the northern * Piky Dog-fish’”? (Spinaz), and some
tropical Siluroids. The effects are far too severe to be due to the
mere laceration of the most serrated spine, and it is probable that
the mucus is more or Jess poisonous.
In a similar way the secretions of the skin of some otherwise
harmless reptiles (especially, according to Mr. Murray, the Sind
“iscobra,” Hublepharis Hardwickii) are certainly capable of
causing irritation to the epidermis, @ fortiori more if inoculated.
An European member of one of the following families, Cottus
scorpio of the Cottide, is much dreaded at home on this very score ;
inflicting injuries altogether out of proportion to the size of its little
prickles. Passing over these and one or two others, we come to the
Gobies, very numerous and interesting to people who know more
about them already than I can write here, or perhaps anywhere.
They are small, often brightly coloured, or at least well marked, and
‘too numerous to mention.” ‘There are however, two goggle-eyed
genera, which are really among the wonders of the coast.
Periopthalmus and Boleopthalmus, the leaping fishes or ‘ mud
fish” of the tidal waters. The Marathas call those which frequent
muddy creeks ‘‘ Niwte”’ and those of rocky shores ‘‘Kharba.”’? The
former may be seen, whenever the tide is out, crawling in myriads
over the mud, getting in and out of each other’s way in the most
ludicrous fashion, and all disappearing in the mud as by magic,
when alarmed. B. Boddaerti is our commonest here. It has bright
’ blue spots. Those of the rocks, which are mostly Periopthalmt, are
very provoking to any one hunting the tidal pools for specimens.
8 NATURAL HISTORY.
Just as the prey seems to be penned up ina corner behind the
hand-net, hop-skip-and-a-jump, he is in another puddle five or six
yards away, and he always does jump for that next puddle, and
never out on dry rock.
The way to fix him is to have two hand-nets and lay one of
them over puddle No. 2 before beating up his quarters in No. 1.
I have seen one of these little fishes deliberately follow a bait,
which I slowly withdrew from him, about 2 feet up a rock. Some
kept in an aquarium preferred, apparently, to be out of water, or.
at least half-out, and would remain so for hours without moving.
They are very tolerable eating, when well washed inside and out
or after keeping for a few hours in clean sea-water.
For the next family, the Blennies, I can do no better than borrow
Major Beayan’s statement that they ‘‘are a most ferocious lot of
little fishes, they reside mostly on or near the bottom; some of the
species are remarkable for producing their young alive.” Ours
vary very much in form ; some (LHleotris) are eel-like, of a dirty pink
colour, and very ugly ; others are smart lit tle fishes, well-finned.
After them come the “ Spiny Hels,”? well known on all Mofussil
breakfast tables as “ Bham Machi,” and generally called in English’
“ Kels,”’ though they are not really eels at all, in nature or flavour.
For the benefit of readers who may have seen them only on the dish,
I may remark that they have a queer proboscis like that of a tapir,
many prickles on the back, and few on the belly. They are ex-
clusivly fresh water fish, and can be taken with a worm, a bit of
raw meat or almost any other animal bait.
Several Atherines, or sand-smelts, are recorded; but I have got
none of them here, which is probably my own fault—and misfortune,
as the whole family are good to eat.
The Grey Mullets, to be carefully distinguished from the Red Mul-
lets, abound in the creeks along the shore, and when fresh and in
good condition, are as good for the table as any fish we have. They
are generally known as “ Bhui Masa” or ‘“‘ Fisherman fish” and avery
good and handsome striped species (Mugil eur) as “Thoda.”
'Phis last reaches a yard in length. I have never found a bait for
them, though I have read of many.
The next two families are small and uninteresting here, except
that one fish, Fistularia Serrata, happens to have a long central
tail ray, which, being transferred to the tail of another fish by
accident or design (in a collection) helped to get up a bogus “new
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 9
species,” anda very pretty quarrel upon the merits. It is not
common.
The ‘Snake-headed’’ Murrells are the same here as in the
Deccan. These fish, indeed, vary little throughout India, as
might be expected from their power of passing overland. They
are exclusively freshwater fishes.
The next family, Labyrinthici, includes the “climbing perch,”’
which I have not got here, but it may reasonably be looked for.
Dr. Day’s account of the dangers of this fish, and the remedy, is
sufficiently original to be well worth transcribing. “Accidents are
constantly occurring, due to native fishermen killing these fishes
* * by a bite. While the fish is in the fisherman’s mouth for this
humane purpose (as it is covered by a slimy, slippery secretion)
it occasionally slips into his throat, then owing to its spiny
character, it cannot be withdrawn without extensive laceration.
%* & *& * & should the fish be still alive, cut off the projecting or
caudal portion, causing it to die of hemorrhage * * * * the
decay of the animal is most rapid;”’ and when it is complete, the
extraction of course is easy ; but on the whole I had rather some one
else bit my perches for me.
The spines of an allied genus ( Polyacanthus) “inflict a most
severe burning pain which lasts for two or three hours” (Jerdon),
Ihave not got it here; but it should be here. Another relative is the
Gourami (Osphromenus olfax), which I believe has been put into
Vehar lake. Whether any specimens have been taken out, I have
notheard. It is a Chinese and Malay fish, naturalized in different
places all round the world, and said to be very good eating, which
reputation, and the family character of living with little water, or
little change of the same water, have been the cause and means of
its travels. I think it was Sir William Denison who introduced it
into Madras, where it has since been chiefly looked after by Mr.
Thomas.
Passing over one small family, the next worth noticing are the
Lubride, or Wrasses, which are represented in British seas. They
are, with few exceptions small fish, haunting weedy rocks or coral
reefs, exclusively marine, and remarkable for their bright colours,
which vary in the individuals of several species, and in some appear
to indicate sex, a very rare case amongst fishes. They could not be
passed over, but I have not found any here that require special
notice. None are of any importance as food, and our dull inshore
2
10 NATURAL HISTORY.
waters, and barren basaltie reefs, are ill-suited tothe development of
their characteristic coloration.
The next family, Chromides, seems to be hardly represented
here, if at all. One species, Hutroplus Suratensis, apparently receiy-
ed its specific namé by mistake, the type specitnen probably
came from Tranquebar (Day). The genus is found in fresh-waters
and estuaries on the Malabar Coast, and this species is said to take
a bait freely, and be good eating; ‘‘but 1s not so easily captured
imanet, as it buries itself in the mud, or dives ander the net.”
It might be worth importing.
We have now disposed of the Acanthopterygti, or spmy-finned
fishes, of which the Perch is at the head, and begin the Anaean-
thint, or soft-rayed fishes, whose file leader is the eod. The
Gadide@, or Cod family, are very numerous in northern seas, in-
cluding such familiar fish as the Haddock and Whiting, the coarser
Hake and Ling, and the sporting Pollack and Coal-fish, well
known to marine fly-fishers at home. In Day’s enormous list, how- _
ever, there are only two species of this family recorded as Indian
fish. Both are of one genus, Bregmaceros. I have myself
obtained on this coast a single specimen of B. Atrspinnis. Neither
species gets beyond the size of a man’s finger.
The next family, Ophidiidg, is hardly more important; but the
third claims a good deal of attention. If is that of Plewronectide
or flat-fishes proper.
T have already, pointed out that the pomflet is noé a flat-fish. As,
he les, even boiled, on a platé, one can see his blue back, white
belly,. and one eye only. Turn him over, and the other side is the
same, from which any fisherman can learn at the hotel er clab
where he eats his first breakfast in Bombay, that the pomflet swims
on edge. It isa general rule with marine creatures that the under
colour is the lightest, and this is clearly a protective coloration, for
any diver knows that white objects are easiest seen im the water
below him, and dark things between him and the surface. The
rule is not-restricted to the sea, but extends to fresh water, though
it is there open to far more numerous exceptions, and it affects not
only fish, but nearly all sea fowl, many molluses, aquatic reptiles
(as the crocodiles, tartles, and some sea snakes), and to a very
limited extent, the aquatic mammalia.
Now suppose a sole lying beside the pomflet. He shows only one
dark colour on the whole visible surface, but he shows two eyes.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDISA. 1]
urn him over, the whole surface now exposed is white, and no
eyes are to be found atall. If he could speak, like the fish in the
Arabian Nights, he could not tell us more plainly that he is a “ flat-
fish” belenging te the family now under consideration, and acknow-
Jedging the presidence of the Turbot.
The most curious thing about these flat-fishes is that their excep-
tional attitude and coloration, and their prepostereus squint, are
not congenital, but acquired habits.
The sole starts in life swimming upright, like the pomflet, and
with one eye on each side of his head. But early in youth he
acquires the habit of lying on one side, the necessities of his life
{and probably tke conditions of light) bleach that side, darken the
upper ene, the under eye gets slewed round, distorting the whole
vrow in the process, and with some curious progressive deformations
ef his tail, which need not be described here, he becomes a
complete sole as we fry him.
The giant of this tribe is the Halibut of the North Pacific and
Atlantic, whe gets to the dimensions ef a reasonable round table.
He is followed in size, and much excelled in flavour, by the Turbot,
after whom (in Europe) come the Brills and Flounders. All of these
are very broad fish, and even the flounders, which are the least of
the lot, come to 10 lbs. weight, perhaps more.
The Soles, though closely allied, are much inferior in all three
dimensiens, especially in “beam.” All are marine, though a few
pass above tidemarks.
The first division is net very strongly represented in tropical seas.
On this ceast its chief member is Psettedeserwmet, which, for want
of a better name, I may call the Indian Flounder. It grows to be
15 or 16 inches long, and is ef the same flavour.as the soles {the
northern broad flat-fish differ very much from soles in this respect).
It always comes to table, indeed, as a “sole,” but flounders do that
in other countries without its claim to that honour.
The Maratha name is “ bakar, ” that is, “a cake of unleavened
bread,” and ne doubt some of my readers know that an allied fish
is known in Scotland asa “ bannock-fluke.” (Vide the Antiquary’s
famous deal with Mrs. Mucklebackit.) The trepical soles are
numerous, and of various habit. Some species haunt rocks and coral
reefs, and others sand and mud; the former are often handsomely
marked. The sand, however, is the typical ground of the whole
tribe, and hence it happens that soles are far less plentiful on the -
12 NATURAL HISTORY.
Konkan Coast than on that of the flat desert regions to the north-
ward.
The flat-fishes close the lst of spineless fishes for this coast,
and in the next order we shall find plenty of prickles, though they
do not extend through the whole fin, as in the Perch and its fol-
lowers. *
This is the order of Physostomi, and the first family, the Silur-
dee or cat-fishes, is one of the most important in India. The fresh
water cat-fishes are much the same in the Konkan as above Ghat,
very numerous in individuals, and growing to a considerable size,
considering the confined waters that they inhabit. Wallago attu
attains here to about 3 feet in length.
The marine cat-fishes are few in species, but one of the genera,
Artus, swarms in the estuaries and on muddy bottoms at 5 or 6
fathoms. It is essentially a bottom feeding fish, and does not, I think,
go far out to sea. This fish has the extraordinary habit of carrying
its eggs in its mouth until hatched. Jt has an armour-plated head
and three spines, being the first rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins.
The fry, when hatched, crowd up the estuaries with the tide and do
a good deal of submarine scavenging; besides furnishing great
sport to the little boys; who catch them by dozens with the simplest
tackle. The Arii reach eight or ten pounds weight at least, and are
said to be goodeating. I have not tried them. ‘The Maratha name
is “ Shingdda” or ‘‘ Horny fish.”
Less common than the Ar are two species of Plotosus, called
in Maratha “ Kalan.” They are hideous brutes, with pretty much
the body of an eel, a round head and a bunch of short thick feelers
round the mouth. They have the same dorsal and pectoral spines
as the arit, and the wound of these is so much dreaded by the
half-naked fishermen that the hauling aboard of a “Kalan” is
followed by a general scramble out of his reach. It appears to me
that the fish quite understands his weapons, and writhes his body ina
jerking fashion so as to strike with the erected pectoral spines.
T have often seen one drive the spine deep into other fish lying
beside him in the bottom of a boat. It is possible that he may
use similar fence in killing fish too large for his comparatively
feeble jaws; but this is matter of speculation only. Contrary to the
(UN it 2S en ee eee
* Note.—Strictly speaking, classification by fin-prickles refers to the paired fins
which in fish represent the limbs of other Vertebrates. But the vertical fins are also,
important ; and what is more, they are only apparently single, being formed by the
coalescence of double lateral elements.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. Ig
habits of the artws and of the fresh water siluroids generally, the
“Kalan”? is a fish of the reefs; and has the clear brown and
mottled coloration often characteristic of rock fishes.
In a former paper I mentioned the adipose fin of some Siluroids
as characteristic, in the Indian fresh waters. In the sea, however,
they are not alone in possessing it. The Scopelide, or Bombay
Duck family, all have it, and have even been classed as trouts on —
the strength of it.
The most distinguished of the family is certainly the “ Bombay
Duck” himself (Harpodon nepereus), in Maratha “ Bhombil.”
“ Bummalo” is either low Portuguese, or mere “ Bombay bat,” and
not a pure native word at all.
Everybody in Bombay has seen the “ Duck” at table, dried or
fried, but hardly any Huropean has seen Jim in his habit as he swims.
The scales are fine, and very loose, and they are always rubbed off
in the boat long before the fish come ashore, which is an extra
merit in a table-fish as no fish-sciles are wholesome, and many
extremely irritating to the coats of the stomach. I must admit,
however, that the naked, flabby-looking fish is not appetizing to
look on, and it is best to defer inspection till he has got a new suit
of bread-crumbs.
The great commercial merits of the Duck are that his gelatinous
flesh dries quickly and safely in the sun, a great matter in a country
where the price of salt is artificially multiplied, and that his
relatively enormous and powerful jaws, armed with numerous and
formidable teeth, can be easily and quickly hitched into those of
a brother on the other side of the drying line, to the great saving of
labour when many thousand fish have to be hang up. When dried,
the Bhombil is not merely a trifle to eat with curry ; heis the principal
animal food of thousands of the poor, who cannot afford the fre-
quent luxury of salé fish; and as for meat, don’t taste it twice in
the year. Every here and there in the Konkan there are temporary
fish markets in the fine weather, to which people from the interior
bring grain to barter for bundles of dried ‘‘ ducks” and “ scabbard-
fish,” to be carried up the foot-paths of the Ghats upon their
heads. Besides this, there is a great inward trade by more civilized
methods of conveyance.
On one occasion I saw a goat make a raid on the unguarded
basket of an absent fish-fag, and eat three or four fresh “‘ bhombils”’
before the return of the screaming owner drove her off. This, how-
14 NATURAL HISTORY.
ever, was in Uran; where the brute creation is clean demoralized
insomuch that the cows there are said to steal mhowa spirit, and
stagger drunk along the streets. There is a fish much like the
“Bombay duck,” but inferior as food, (Saurida tumbil), which is
known in Maratha as the “ Chor-Bhombil” (‘ Chor’’?=thief), just
as we talk of a ‘ horse-mackerel,” a “ dog-whelk” ora ‘* bastard
florican.”
After the Scopelide come the Salmonide; and it can hardly be
too often repeated that there are no indigenous salmon or trout in
India; though the Lochleven trout (Salmo Levenensis) has been
introduced into the Neilgherries, with very doubtful success.
The next family, the Scombresocide, or Gar fishes and Flying fishes
are represented in both fresh and salt water.
These are fishes so long and narrow that some of them are known
in the British seas as ‘‘ Hornedeels;” they have, however, nothing of
the pliability of the true eels, and their anatomy is altogether
different.
In the first genus, Belone, the body and both jaws are long and
slender, and the latter well-toothed. Belone cancila is their repre-
sentative in fresh water; and B. strongylurus the commonest of
several marine species.
After them come several species of Hemiramphi, or half-beaked
fish, in which the upper jaw is short, and the lower very long. All
are known in Marathias “ Juli” and all live upon the surface of
the water, and furnish, with the scabbard-fishes, most of the diet
of our sea-fowl and of the sea-snakes; themselves bound to the
surface by necessities of respiration. The fresh water Belone cancila
is sometimes taken with a fly.. They are very fond of playing on
the top of the water, and skipping over anything in their way, and
often jump into boats. Severe injuries have often been inflicted, in
this way, on naked fishermen, by the larger species, which exceed
3 feet in length, and one way of trapping them is to float a net
between four sticks, so that if the garfish jump over any stick of
the four he falls into the net. They are very fair eating, though a
novice is sometimes startled at finding the bones of several species
dark bottle-green, almost black.
They usually take a trailing bait well; but are very apt to cub
the trace with their teeth.
The sccond division of this family consists of the well known
oceanic flying-fish (Hvoceti), known in Marathi as “ Chir gfea5)'s
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. tS
«‘ sparrow-fish.” Unlike the garfishes, which often come close inshore,
these affect the deepest water, but like the former, remain near the
surface. All readers in Bombay must have seen them in the
Arabian Sea. On the coast they are rare, and I get but few speci-
mens, and seldom see them when sailing near Bombay.
One might almost say that at that point about the deep-sea.
soundings line where you begin to see sea-snakes, you stop
seeing flying fish. The best way of observing them is to stand in
the very eyes of a steamer, and watch those which fly right
ahead, and therefore give the longest view. The general colour is
blue above and white below, but several are barred (especially the
young) or spotted, and the play of light on their wet scales and
pinions is something wonderful. They are, hke the rest of the
family, very fair eating. ;
The next family, Cyprinodontide, is small, and of no account,
but its successor, the family of Cyprinide, or Carps, is of very great
importance here, including a great majority of the fresh-water fishes
of the Konkan, both by tale of individuals and variety of species.
Inland the Cat-fishes rivalthe Carps, but here we have but few deep
and muddy fresh waters fit for cat-fishes, and so these are only locally
common in fresh water.
For the purposes of this paper, we may divide the Cyprinide
into three sub-families, the first of which is composed of the
loaches. These and the Alpine carps (Discognathi), have been
already disposed of, in dealing with the Konkan-ghat-miata.
The second (this present division is rather convenient than
scientific) includes the ‘‘Rohos” (Labeo) which in appearance and
habit, most approach the European carp, the type of the family ;
being all vegetable-feeders, with a preference for comparatively
stillwaters. The typical Roho himself (Labeo Rohita) is not found
here at all, and his place is taken by Labeo Calbasu, and (I think)
L. dussumiert.
The former is described by Major Beavan as “dark in colour,
generally blotchy, and very slimy,” butI do not find that this applies
to specimens taken from clear streams in the hot weather, which were
bright and clean, with many of the scales about the deepest part
of the side spotted scarlet. Dr. Day also notices this coloration ;
and it has to be noted that he had personal experience of this fish
on the West Coast, which Beavan had not. All the Cyprinide are
very liable to local variation in colour, and sometimes even in shape.
16 NATURAL HISTORY.
The Barbels, so far as they have a choice, prefer comparatively
rapid waters, and are in this country mostly omnivorous. The
typical Mahseer (Barbus tov) is not, to the best of my knowledge,
found here, but is represented by a fish I have doubtfully identified
as the gold-finned Barbel (B. pinnauratus), which grows to about
10 lbs. weight, perhaps more, and as a_ sporting fish, is quite
equal to any Mahseer, weight for weight. Here, as elsewhere, the
live-bait is the most killing fashion of angling for barbel, and I
have had no success with spinning-baits, and have not tried the fly
in the Konkan. I do not think it would be found effective for the
larger fish, but probably a good many of the smaller Cyprinoids,
as Rasbora dunicornius and the Chelas, and the fresh water Gar-fish
mentioned on a former page could be taken with a light trout rod
and midge flies, especially if bright coloured.
But the fresh water angling of the Konkan is, on the whole, poor.
The lowlands are nearly all’ under rice, and in the rains every
rice-field is a fish-trap, and every stream studded with weirs. The
fish that go up to spawn seldom return alive, and the fry are
taken in thousands, and serve to eke out the scanty meals of the
labourers. Within my own memory, the few waters where tolerable
angling could be had have greatly fallen off, and the stock seems to
be only kept up by the inhabitants of a few more or less sacred
pools and tanks.
Some of these are well stocked. In one, particularly, I have
seen hundreds of sacred barbel come together to be fed. All were,
apparently, of one species; and similarly another sanctuary seemed
to be mostly inhabited by cat-fishes, which must have lived chiefly
on each other, had it not been for the offerings of good Hindus.
As it is, I suspect that they supplemented their charitable allowance
by cannibalism.
The natives believe that even the otter and osprey respect these
pools, and that the only Huropean who had so little sense and good
taste as to fish them, not only failed, butdied of fever. I must say
that he deserved the failure, but the fever was more than one could
wish him.
The Cyprinide proper are exclusively fresh water fish, but some
naturalists class with them the Herrings, Sprats, and Shads (Clupeida),
which come next in our classification. These are mostly sea-fishes ;
a few live exclusively in fresh water, and most of these will take a
a midge fly, but as they like deep and still waters (though living
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 17
chiefly en the surface) these fresh water herrings are not very
common in the Konkan. ‘The Chelas,a genus of true Cyprinide
which show considerable external resemblance to this family, take
their place.
The Shads are anadromous, 7.¢., run up rivers to spawn, but the
Konkan streams are not big enough for them, and, besides, are very
often barred by weirs. We do net therefore often get the Shads-
here “ fresh-run,’’ that is, in that stage of gravidity in which they seek -
the fresh water to spawn, which is with them, as with the Huropean
salmon and sea-trout, the best condition for the table. It is pro-
bably for this reason that the ‘ Palla” (Clupea ilisha, the “ Hilsa-
fish”’ and “ Sable-fish’’ of other parts), is not very common here,
and but little esteemed. Another thing against it is that, like all
the family, it dies and decays quickly. Now the Bombay fish supply
ig so organized that only fish which keep very well indeed (as the
pomflet) have any chance of getting to table while still fit to eat.
{ have, hewever, occasionally got very tolerable *‘ Palla-fish” even in
Bombay itself, and more often down the Coast.
Seme philesophers have maintained that this fish has given its
mame to the “ Apollo” pier in Bombay, but there is this against
the derivation, that native fishermen do not call the place “ Palla
Bandar” but ‘* Pélé Bandar,” and don’t connect the name with this
or any other fish.
The allied marine species are very numerous.
One worth noticing is the “ Milk-fish or “ Kedi’ (Chanos
salmoneus), much esteemed further south under the name of “ White
mullet.” It has been successfully acclimatized in fresh water
tanks, and is a handsome fish, of good quality when fresh, running
to 3 feet long.
We have two pretty common “sprats” or sardines, the oil
sardine (Olupea longiceps) and the rat-tailed sardines or “ Mandils”’
{genus Cozlia, severa! species). These come in great shoals in the
cold weather, and are extremely good eating when fresh, like
their European cousins.
The way to get them and the mackerel is to havea net hauled on
the beach near one’s quarters just before breakfast-time. If the
fish are in-shore at all at the time, the net is pretty sure to take
enough for a meal, and the fishermen are content with a few aunas.
The two next families are small, and classed by some with the
herrings. The first “ Chirecentride,”’ contains one Indian sea-fish,
3
18 NATURAL HISTORY.
a=
+ ee
the “ Karli” (Chirocentrus dorab), which may be described as a sort
of solitary and predatory herring. It is very long-shaped, with a
sort of bull-head, and formidable teeth, which it uses very freely.
The second, the Nutopteride, has only two fishes, the queer
“‘wambhs,” (Notopterus kapirat and N. chitala), both fresh-water
forms, mentioned before as known in Deccan waters. They are
fair eating, and bite freely at a worm or bit of meat, but show no
‘fight. In Upper India they are said to have an unholy taste for
human flesh, but as we don’t in these parts ground-bait our sacred
streams with roasted humanity, we need not mind such a trifle here.
The next family, that of the Symbranchide, is not, I think,
represented in our waters. It has few members, queer eel-shaped
fish mostly capable of breathing air. At least one species,
Amphipnous cuchia, can remain torpid in mud for a long period.
We now come to the true eels, or Murceenide. I have only got
one species of fresh-water eel in the Konkan, Anguilla bengalensis,
which very much resembles the English eel, but has rather more
variety of colour, mottlings and shadings of olive brown along the
sides. It reaches about 5 lbs. weight, perhaps more. It is usually
caught by the natives on trimmers, and is very fair eating, but is
not common.
The sea-eels are very numerous in species and individuals.
The commonest are the “Isars” (Murena), of which one species,
(M. tesselata), is very beautifully reticulate. They haunt reefs, and
are often taken with the hook and line. The same remarks apply
to the genus Uroconger, of which we have but one species, the
“ Mulan” (U. lepturus).
The Murcenesoces, or Kel-pikes, are fishes of deeper water and
muddy bottoms, but often swim near the surface. They are remark-
able for their large size and formidable dentition. Murenesox
telabon, the “ Waw,” or “ fathom-fish,” is said to reach 10 ft. long,
and its jaws are fully one-eighth of the total length, and studded with
long and sharp fangs. Besides the jaw-teeth, most of these sea-eels
have a central row of still more powerful fangs on the palate, and
their bite is much dreaded by fishermen.
We have in our Museum specimens of several species, and of the
spawn. They are. nearly all fairly good second-rate fish for the
table.
Here we come to the end of the order of Physostomi, and begin
with the Lophobranchii, or armour-clad fishes, most of which are
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 19
more or less encased in bony plates. The most noticeable are the
Syngnathi, or “ pipe-fishes,’ with two long jaws combined into a
tube, and Hippocampt, or sea-horses, so called because their head
and neck form acurious caricature of a conventional horse-head.
T hey are mostly marine, small; and not very common, but as the
most part of them consists of the bony armour, with a very small
lining of flesh, they are casily dried, and make good specimens in -
that condition, being fixed, while fresh, with wires, in any attitude
that pleases the artist. They have generally some arrangement for
carrying their eggs about with them till hatched, and it seems
that this duty is discharged by both sexes. We have several speci-
mens of both Hippocampus and Syngnathus in our Museum.
The next order is that of the Plectognathi, and the first family
iu it are the Sclerodermi, beginning with the genus Triacanthus.
Ths Triacanthi are awkward ugly fishes, with a profile suggesting
that of an old horse, whence the Maratha name “ghora.”’? They
have one very strong dorsal spine, and two pectoral, a file-like
skin, and unwholesome flesh. They are not uncommon here.
The next genus, Balistes, is not so ugly in form, being somewhat
like the typical perches in shape, but deeper and blunter. The
skin is still raspy, the flesh unwholesome, the dorsal fin has a strong
but blunt spine, and ventrals are reduced to a mere bony excrescence,.
of no obvious use.
A third genus, Monacanthus, rather resembles Triacanthus, but
has only one spine, dorsal of course. We have specimens of all
three genera, the latter two are rather rare here.
This family contains also the extraordinary Ostracions, which are
completely armour-plated, with a bluff upright forehead, and some
have horns like a bull. I have got none here.
They are followed by a very curious family, the Gymnodontes, or
naked-toothed fishes. In these, instead of the claw-like fangs of
fishes in general, we have each-jaw armed with a sort of bony beak,
sometimes divided by sutures into two portions.
In the first fish which I shall notice, however, there are no such
seams, each jaw is in one piece, whence the name Dziodon hystriz,
or the two-toothed Porcupine (sc. fish). The surname it owes to a
complete set of horny spines ? of an inch long, covering the whole
body. I have got here two specimens, one alive. It seemed to
have little power of erecting the spines, but was very difficult
to handle all. the same.
a0 WATURAL HISTORY.
It is a short, puffy-looking brute, with some power of blowing
itself out into a balloon skape, but it is (to judge from my living
fish) by no means a match in this art for some of its neighbours,
to be presently noticed.
After Diodor comes Triodon, with two “teeth” in the upper
jaw, and one in the lower. I have not got any specimens here.
The next genus is Xenopterus, which we have not got, but whick
f cannot refrain from noticing, for the benefit of members ordered
to Burma. It is a yarn of the Burmese that these little fishes,
when they see a man or any other large animal in the water, fall
upon him in shoals, and bite little bits out of him till there is none
‘left. Retaliation in kind is impossible or nearly so, as the whole
family of Gymnodents are bad eating, in degrees which range from
mere nastiness up to sheer poisonousness. ;
After this amiable creature come the Tetrodons, er Parrot-fishes,
with two so-called “ teeth”? in each jaw, very abundant here, and
known to Marathas as “ Ken.”? They do a lot of harm to tackle
by biting through it, and when caught are useless, but le open
to retaliation of a sort, as they survive for some time out of water,
and are always on landing “handed over to the tormentors,” namely,
gamins of the port. Now it is a character of the parrot-fishes
that when irritated they puff themselves out like footballs and
each small boy who has got hold of one forthwith proceeds to
tickle the fish’s stomach, a sufficiently ludicrous process to watch.
When the parrot-fish, under this stimulus, has blown himself out as
far as he can, the small boy lays him carefully down on the sand, and
then, retiring a few paces, executes a hop-skip-and-a-jump,
alighting with both heels close together on the unhappy Tetrodon,
who of course goes off with a loud ‘pop,”’ (like a grocer’s paper-
bag similarly treated), amid yells of delight from the “marine light
infantry.”
The parrot-fishes are the last of the Teleostet, or fishes witha com-
plete bony skeleton. We now come to the cartilaginous or eristly
sharks and rays, which, although usually of large size, are of very
low organization, the proletariat of fishes. The “ Selacheid’?
Sharks and Dog-fishes take precedence, “the best of a bad lot,’’*
They are usually to a great extent cylindrical, or rather cigar-
* Certain philosophers have maintained that these brutes instead of ‘being
the canaille of fishes, onght to be classed at their head. All I can say to this is
that I wish them a closer acquaintance with their clients,
WATERS Of ‘WESTERN INDfA. 91
shaped, in form, though some are very flat-chested, showing an
approach to the rays. The gill opening are on the upper surface,
and the upper vane of the tail is the longest (heterocereal).
There is no standing scientific distinction between Sharks and
Dog-fishes. The latter is simply a term applied by fishermen to all
small Selachoid fishes, and often to the young of the larger species,
which, as with other fry, are very apt to swarm in-shore, perhaps
partly with a view to keeping out of jaw-range of their elders.
This is particularly the case on our coast.
Some naturalists translate “Scyllude” by “dog-fish,” and the
name was undoubtedly originally connected with the sea-hounds of
the mythical Scylla. But the Scyllizde as now restricted are spine-
less, and the “ piky Dog-fishes” (Spinax) of the North Atlantic,
which are armed with a very formidable dorsal spine, have too strong
a hold on their name to be deprived of it by any classifier. The
term “dog-fish,” therefore, cannot now be used as the equivalent
of any Latin scientific name, and must continue to be a popular
term for small sharks in general. In this country, perhaps, we had ~
better get on without it.
Our leading sharks are the Carchartide, one of which, Carcharias
gangeticus, is said to be much dreaded at Calcutta, under the name
of ‘‘ ground shark,” which is not in itself of muchuse. All the large
predatory sharks swim high or low according to the position of their
food, and the only species which habitually keep to the bottom
are the harmless kinds that prey mostly on shell fish and crabs.
No sharks are considered dangerous on this coast. The large
ones generally keep well off shore, in from 7 to 12 fathoms of water,
and the fishermen do not care two-pence «bout them, except to cut
their fins off, and sell them for export to China. I cannot help
suspecting that there must be local causes for the reported ferocity
of the Calcutta sharks. -Possibly the throwing of dead bodies into
the rivers may have something: to‘say to it.
One of our sharks, Carcharias tricuspidatus, is said to reach
twenty feet long further north. I have not myself seen any here of
half that length.
The genus Lamna is closely allied to Carcharias (if really separate
at all), but has only one species here, though represented in the
Atlantic by the famous ‘‘ White Shark,’’ and many others.
Another genus, ‘‘ Galeocerdo,” contains the “ tiger-sharks,”’ so
ealled from their markings and bad temper; they are said to be
59 NATURAL HISTORY.
much dreaded down the coast, and to one species is attributed the
curious practice of laying itself out for dead, to tempt smaller fishes,
which come to dine, and find the tables turned on them. I have
not got any specimens here.
Next come the “ hammer heads” and “ shovel-heads,” both of the
genus Zygena, most hideous brutes, named according to their
respective deformities. A monster-gooseberry paragraph went round
the Indian papers lately, about some huge ‘‘shovel-headed sharks,”’
spotted like the pard, and capable of taking their prey without
turning over, seen in the Red Sea. Curiously enough some one went
to the trouble of suggesting “ Stegostoma tigrinum,” which is indeed
striped (no shovel-headed shark is) but is a ground-shark, or rather
dog-fish, and seldom exceeds 5 feet long.
All sharks, and the shovel-heads as much as any others, must
either get over their prey, or turn on their backs to seize it from
below, and they prefer the former manceuvre themselves, but as they
are usually observed at the surface, the latter is best known to the
public.
The Zygenas are credited with great ferocity, chiefly, I suspect,
from their ill looks. As a matter of fact the conformation of their
head, jaws, and breast, is against this, and indicates an approach to
the rays, and a life at the bottom, supported on prey of comparatively
small size. They have nothing like the gape of Carcharias.
The Scyllide proper are small and comparatively sluggish and
harmless Selachoids, feeding mostly at the bottom upon carrion,
molluscs and crustacea, spineless, and usually spotted or striped.
Some have two barbels. We have several species, the most notice-
able here is the Stegostoma tigrinwm above referred to, a curious and
quite harmless creature, which could not bite a man, unless he put
his finger in its mouth. We have two specimens in our Museum.
We have none of the spined Dog-fishes in our seas, ‘hey are a
very plague to the fisheries of the British Isles, and are also not-
able as being ovo-viviparous. I do not know whether any Indian
shark has this character. Their place is taken here, as hinted
above, by the fry of the large Carcharude.
The second sub-order of the Cartilaginous fishes is that of the
Batoidei, or saw-fishes, skates, and rays. ‘hey are all more or less
flat-chested; and some of them even broader than they are long
(omitting the tail). They all have their gill openings below, and live
as arule, mostly at the bottom, though sometimes they come to
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 23
the surface, and “ squatter” along it in a curious way, or even leap
high out of the water, apparently for their own diversion. The
mouth is usually small, and except in the upper jaw of the saw-fish
the teeth are small, blunt, and close set, often forming a sort of
pavement. The jaws of most of them are very powerful, and
between these they crush and grind the shell-fish and crustacea
which are, in most cases, “ the chief of their diet.”
The first family among them is that of Pristide, or Saw fishes,
called by the Marathas “ Son4la,” and by Huropeans often (incor-
rectly, of coarse,) ‘‘ Sword-fishes.” In these the snout and upper
jaw are prolonged into a flat round-ended beak, about one-fourth of
the whole length of the fish, which sometimes exceeds 20 feet.
Both sides of this are set, rake-fashion, with long flattened horny
fangs, and the fish is said to use this formidable weapon by
swimming rapidly past the victim, so as to deliver a sawing cut
with all the teeth on one side in succession, or by writhing so as to
strike side-ways with the points of so many teeth as may bear upon
the object at once, inflicting a series of punctured wounds, and
perhaps retaining the victim (if small) impaled upon the teeth.
The former manner of fence is said to be used upon large fish,
porpoises, and even men, and the latter upon small fish. The
fishermen of the coast hold these saw-fishes in great fear (though
they make no account of sharks).
The general shape of the saw-fish is not unlike that of a shark,
but he is clumsier and flatter. The fins, which are very large and
powerful, are exported as “ shark-fins.” Several species ascend
rivers, and in sandy streams go far above tide-marks, but they have
no great chance of doing this in the Konkan.
After them comes the curious family of the Rhinobatide, which
have something the figure of the saw-fish, but broader, and in
most species of their two genera (Rhynchobatus and Rhinobatus),
the snout is prolonged into a sort’ of triangular shovel. This, how-
ever, is above the jaw, and is unarmed, the mouth is that of a true
skate, with a pair of rasps for jaw. The fish of this type are known
to the Marathas as “ Lanja.” One species at least (Rhynchobatus
djeddensis) is very common on our coast, and grows to at least 6 feet
long. The only round-snouted species, which is called “ Mivii” (R.
ancylostomus) is exceedingly rare. I have only once seenit. It
exceeds six feet. The Rhinobati are said to be rather larger, but they
are all timid creatures, and the principal evil reported of them is a
24, NATURAL HISTORY.
taste for peari oysters. Their flesh is said by Dr. Day to be
“‘ considered nourishing,” but is not much thought of here; the
iarge liver is used te make oil of, and the fins pass for shark-fins in
the trade.
After them comes the wonderful little family of the Torpedos, or
electric rays. ‘These have very much the outlines of a somewhat
flattened tadpole, and nothing could suggest electricity less than
their appearance. But they can give a shock sufficient to make a
man sing out.
We have but two species, Astrape dipterygia, which is brown and
white, and has one dorsal fin, and Narcine timlet, with two dorsals,
and asort of dull tortoise-shell coloration. We have both in our
Museum, and I have had living specimens of both. They appear
to live on the edges of reefs, feeding on small crustacea and molluscs,
and I do not think that they can have much use for their curious
power in foraging. It may, of course, protect them to seme extent
against larger fish. Neither species gets beyond eighteen inches
jong. I doubt if Astrape ever exceeds a foot.
The native fishermen call both species “ Gingina,”
which is their
name for any tingling sensation, such as that caused by a blow on
the nerve of the elbow, or, as we say, the ‘‘ funny-bone.” ‘The
name may therefore be translated “ tingling-fish.” They use the
creatures, characteristically enough, in a time-honoured practical
joke, concealing them amongst other fish in a bucket, which is then
handed over to one of the boys who are always marauding about
the ports. ‘The small boy is sure to stick his hand among the fish,
and as sure to drop the bucket with a yell, amid the roars of his
neighbours. Then all the little boys get together, and try to take
the torpedo out of the bucket, just as you may see boys at home,
who have got a toy electric machine, doing with a sixpence in a
basin of water. The fish soon exhausts his battery, and can then
be handled with impunity.
After these torpedos come the Raiida, or rays proper, represented
in India by one fish, Platyrhina schonleini, which I have not
- found here ; and then an important family, the Trygonide, or sting-
rays, called in Maratha ‘‘ Phakate.” These are all lozenge-shaped
creatures, generally broader than long, bar the tail, which is long
and whip-like, and often armed with one, two, or three caudal spines
long, sharp, and barbed all down both sides hike some sort of a
canvibal harpoon. The natives say that they wind the tail round
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 28
eee
their victims and then stab them to death with this case of daggers,
which always reminds me of an Arab or Makrani swash-buckler with
three jambiyas in one sheath. So far as I can observe, however, the
tail is not really in any way prehensile, and takes no more hold than
a very supple cane or whip would. It is apparently very liable to
accident, a perfect tail is as scarce amongst veteran rays as amongst
Bombay “Biles” at the end of the season. But I did get one fine
specimen of the typical species (Trygon Uarnak), in which it seemed
perfect, and the measurements were as follows :—maximum diameter
6 feet, length without tail 54 feet, tail 85 feet. The tail spine had
been broken off and lust, the stump was one inch acress, and from a
number of measurements of other spines I find that their length is
to diameter in a proportion that varies from X 7 to X 10. This
Spine, therefore, cannot have been less than 6 inches long, and may
have been 10. I could hardly blame the fishermen for breaking it
off before getting the monster aboard. They dread these rays
almost as much as the saw-fishes.
Dr. Day allows this species a tail three or four times its own length,
so my friend might have had a tail 22 feet long, but the longest of
which I have good record on this coast is one mentioned in the
“ Tanna Gazetteer” as of 134 feet. Several other 'l'rygons, and the
allied genera Tenicura and Pteroplatea, are as big, and as well armed.
They live mostly on muddy bottoms, hunting erustacea and molluscs
but at times, as noted above, rise and play and leap on the surface,
In the next family, Myliobatide, this habit is still more common,
and some have spines on the tail, but in the first genus, Myliobatis,
they are not universal. It is represented on this coast, I think, by
the “ Hanwatia” or “monkey-skate,” a small unarmed fish
frequenting the edges of reefs, and handsomely spotted, probably
Myliobates maculata.
The rest of this family are more orless hideous and monstrous,
but the palm belongs to the “Bat-ray, or Devil-fish (Dicerobati
eregoodoo), called in Maratha “ Piwri.” This monster is twice as
broad as he is long, reaching 18 feet across the wings and 9 from
the snout to the root of the tail, which is 14 times the length of the
body, if not shortened by accident. On his head he has two
projections somewhat of the shape of hare’s ears, directed forwards.
He appears usually to swim high, and I have seen one jump a good
six feet out of the water. The only good thing to be said about him
is that he has no spine in his tail.
4
26 NATURAL HISTORY.
These big skates are no doubt amongst the wonders of the sea,
P)
and make one think of the ‘‘ Kraken. ” But the best story of one
that I know is ina book called “ Blue Water, ” the author whereof
maintains that he saw at sea a skate which he took to be seventy feet
across the wings, ‘ Noo, ”’ as the Scotchman said, ‘‘ we'll see what
can be dune aboot the breadth of the skate.” In the first instance,
the writer, a Mr. Keane, was at one time known in Bombay as the
author of a very quiet and “ verisimilous ” narrative of a pilgrimage
to Mecca, contributed to a daily paper here. Secondly, in the same
book, he deals with other fishes in a style free from exaggeration or
romance, and indeed his remarks upon sharks are very valuable, on
account of the care taken to strip the subject of its usual envelope
of tall talk. Finally, his description of the big skate’s proceedings
is clearly taken from observation of a big skate on the top of
the water, the opportunity for which, and the power of using it,
are not very often found. The monstrous dimensions that I have
assigned to the Bat-Ray are taken from Sir Walter Hlliot’s mea-
surement, and are well known to be equalled by some American
Batorder. .
It appears to me that, making every allowance for the fact that
Mr. Keane’s Kraken did not stop to be measured, he may fairly be
credited with a breadth of 40 feet, and if his proportions were those
of Dicerobatis (which is about the shortest tailed of the family),
his tail may have been 80 feet of a total length of 50, allowing for
its curtailment by accidents in his necessarily long life.
Such an animal, swimming and playing near the surface, would
account for any amount of sea-serpent stories, and especially for those
in which the serpent attacks a whale, represented by the body of the
fish. There is nothing im the nature of things to prevent the large
Batoid fishes from ranging from 4 feet long to 50, any more than
in the case of the cetacean mammals, which do so on this very
coast. I have shown cause above for believing that the sea-serpent,
whatever he is, belongs to no known type of marine Ophidia.
As my penultimate fish is the biggest on record, my very last
shall be one of the smallest, if indeed it be a fish at all. In the
water, it is simply a black dot with.a silvery rim or edge. But on
removal, this is seen to be the eye of a purely transparent gelatinous
creature having the shape of a very narrow sole, but swimming up-
right, quite symmetrical, and about 3 inches long (in the largest
specimens). On immersion in spirit it assumes a dead semi-opaque
ON BOTS (LARVAL @STRIDZ) OF THE HORSE AND CAMEL. 27
white colour, and seems to show some trace of a vertebral system.
Several specimens are in our collection.*
ON BOTS (LARVAL (STRID 2) OF THE
HORSE AND CAMEL.
By Vererinary Surceon J. H. Sreez, A.V-D.,
Superintendent, Bombay Veterinary College.
I wisu, in the following short paper, to contrast the external con-
formation of Pharyngobalus cameli with that of Gastrophilus equt ;
in other words, the larval gadfly of the camel with the less maggot-
like larva of the common horse gadfly.
I trust from this slight study to deduce results of no small interest
and general importance, as well as to indicate some points on which
I have not been able to assure myself, and concerning which perhaps
other workers may be able to enlighten me either at once or as the
result of investigation.
These bots are maggots which live in the alimentary canal. They
differ much in appearance from each other and from ordinary mag-
gots, and in the details of structure they are, respectively, excellently
adapted to the situations they occupy.
Practical observers have long noted “maggots” coming from the
- nose of the camel, a little different from ordinary maggots. But
the noses of camels, especially, are liable to’ lacerated wounds, from
the nose peg and other causes, which in a tropical climate and on
active service are sought out by the common fly and soon become
the seat of development of common maggots innumerable
* Angling in the Konkan is so very poor a business that no one need go out of his
way for it. But a fair evening’s~sport can sometimes be had with a fly-rod of 12 to
15 feet and fine tackle, a light small float, and a small hook on strong gut. The
best bait is made of the dwarf or fry barbels, cut short behind to not more than an
inch long; and hooked through below the spine ; under the shoulder. The method of
fishing is as with live-bait. There should be a grain or two of shot on the trace,
and the bait should be about half way to the bottom. A landing net is desirable. A
private correspondent referring to my remarks on the Barbels of the Deccan (Vol. t
p- 100), saysthat the typical European Barbel, though usually found in comparatively
still waters in England, does on the Continent of Europe (and specially on the Upper
Rhine) frequent rapids like our mahseers. Also that the allied fish referred to by
me as called “ shell-fish”” in German must be this species, “* Burbot” and ‘ Burbolt,”
being both names of the English “eel-pout,”’ a fish of another family altogether.
Further that this name (the German equivalent of “ shell-fish,’’ whatever it may be)
is assigned in German dictionaries to salf-cod.
A correspondent in Bombay has promised to add to my list of Konkan water-fowl ;
and I shall be very glad if any one else will do so too. The notes of any single
observer must necessarily Jeaye much room for such addenda.
283 NATURAL HISTORY.
Inspecting Veterinary Surgeon Burt in his recent Report on the
operations along the Nile, says that maggots in the nostrils caused
great inconvenience, an offensive discharge tinged with blood, and a
fontinual shaking of the head, the camels being dull, off-feed, and the
maggots larger than those in woundsand “ more resembling a grub.”
I, V. 8. Oliphant records their frequent oceurrence in Afghanistan
during the 1878-79 Campaign and V.S. (1st Cl.) Rayment noted their
frequence in the Soudan. V. 8. Fenton brought me some specimens
when he returned from Suakim this year with the Madras Troops,
from these specimens I derive the following conclusions :—
The camel bot is half as big again as that of the horse, is much
softer and more tapering towards the hookless extremity, whereas
it is blunter and much more compressed towards the hooked end
while the section of the horse bot is evenly oval, that of the camel
bot is flattened on the lower surface. In both the body-ring
bearing spines are nine in number and the spines point from the
hook end. The following contrasted list of characters may best
be given in the tabulated form :—
Horse Bor. CameL Bor.
Spines—Small, hard, sharp, very numer- —Spines.—Fleshy and in single row, very
ous on each ring and largest on the large, teat-like, and blunt. The
central rings. Small extra spines
alternate with the main ones and are
situated behind and in the intervals
between them, forming as it were,
two rows in eaeh, circle. The bulging
parts between the rigs are smooth. *
Hook-end.— Hooks brownish-black and
sharply divergent, short and much
curved, situated inferiorly near the
extremity of a long narrow hook-end.
A central organ of chitine is midway
between the bases of the hooks, and
there are a few spinelets above and
on either side of two well marked
largest ave in the central rings
but not markedly so. The maim
spines vary im size and tend to
eolleet into groups with spaces be-
tween them. Those on the lateral
parts of the lower surface tend to
deyelope into temporary feet. On the
most projecting parts of the segments
between the rings of spies are small
spinelets which below are very numer-
ous and form continuous bands. In
the different parts of the body the
teat-like spines vary in relative posi-
tion (vide diagram).
Hook-end.—Hooks black ; diverge at an
acute angle and are slender, long, and
little curved, situated below the
anterior extremity and beneath a 6-
lobed mass surrounded above and on
each side by irregular eirelets of
spinelets whieh communicate at each
extremity with the first zone of
Bors or tHe Horse anp CAMEL.
CESTRUS CAMELI (ESTRUS EQUT
I Hook end
a First segment
& First circle of spines.
Antr. 7] Diagrams of the arrange-
hook
end ment of spines in the two
mens species, also in the Camel
Postr. showing false feet formed
s
Bere on lower surface especially
at hookless end.
Ill Comparison of central seg-
ments (under surface).
IV Hookless end showing ori-
fice & its labia
a. Seen directly
- Seen from upper side
. Last segment
- Last row of hooks
V General
appearance of the
Jarvee (lower surface) ap-
proximately natural size.
* These segments are a little too wide in the drawing, they should be closer.
4 Peron
Capea ERE Jol
4 eee L,
' i Ki i i ers
4 it Ay ae) or iy he » jal de
9 Sop ohare daanatigaay pe aetpeee (ed ie oe i -
iy i al L ust)
\ ths ath he le
: ars i
MATa aU? Ri Obl
ie" ‘, ‘a
Bia a my
ON BOTS (LARVAL @STRIDH) OF THE HORSE AND CAMEL. 29
sense organs “(situated above the hooklets above and below. This first
hooks). These sense organs are zone is avery irregular one. There
all but sessile. The first row of is no chitinous organ between the
spines is complete. hooks. The pigmented sense organs
are on long peduncles the bases of
which are connected by a_ band.
There is another transverse band
below the hooks. The first row of’
spines is deficient inferiorly.
Hookless or orifice end.—Opening ob- Hookless or orifice end-—Opening an
long. Its cavity black throughout. almost cireular cavity, black only in
Its lips transversely bifid and the lower two lateral spots, upper lip semi-
one much larger than the upper. circular and with four well marked
The upper one continuous laterally angles, lower bifid, consisting of a
with the side lobes. The last tuberons part elongated transversely
segments are arranged telescopically and also of two bifid protuberances
and bear noappreciable spinelets. each bearing a mammillary process.
There are spinelets on the two latter
and on the lower lip. The general
aspect of the opening is upward. Last
segment irregularly telescopic.
The characters amply prove that the camel bot serves as a
connecting link between the peculiar tough horse bot and ordinary
maggots, they show that the strange leathery spines of the horse
bot are not chitinous or horny nails but true papille, they show
that these papilize tend to arrange themselves in groups and some
develope into foot-like organs while the others lose their importance.
By contrast of these organisms with common maggots we may infer
what features of structure are necessary for a grub that lives in the
stomach (as the horse bot does) and what for a resident in the
pharynx (as the camel bot). The latter it will be noticed is softer
and less irritant than the former and probably, as having rudimen-
tary false legs, a much better traveller. He makes his exit from
the body through the nose, whereas the stomach bot of the horse
passes through the anus. The difference in position of the hooks
is interesting ; the camel parasite has them arranged like a pair of
delicate anchors, which he can throw down when he wishes to obtain
a grip sufficing to prevent his being swallowed with food, whereas the
horse parasite has much stronger grappling hooks arranged like the
horns of a stag beetle and suited to enable him to hold tight in
whatever direction the churning motion of the stomach may drag
him.
30 NATURAL HISTORY.
The posterior orifice-lke cavity is considereé a respiratory sac,
but what the black material in it is [am not prepared to state. Why
does the camel parasite have stalked eyes and the horse parasite
stalkless ones? Why has the latter only the chitinous organ between
the hooks? And why should the lips of the orifice of the camel
parasite develope into artistically. arranged lobes while those of the
horse bot are severely devoid of ornaments? All these and many
other problems suggest themselves in the study of these peculiar
creatures.
The continuous irritation produced in the nostrils and pharynges of
our poor camels exiled to the shores of the Red Sea, the probability
that a certain amount of their now historic exhaustion depended on
these bots, and the certainty that in future Campaigns where camel
transport is used these parasites must be remembered and got rid of,
give the Mstrus Camelt a considerable practical veterinary
interest.
PARASITES IN THE WILD ASS OF CUTCH.
By V. 8. Jonn Henry Sruet, A.V.D.
Superintendent, Bombay Veterinary College.
TuroucH the kindness of Messrs. Sterndale and Phipson I was,
in July of the present year, placed in possession of the carcase of a
young wild ass from Cutch. The animal had been strangled in
attempts to ship it for England.. The skin was handed over to the
Society for preservation, the hoofs and skeleton have been retained
by me, and I examined the carcase carefully for parasites. This was
all that could be done under the circumstances, our dissecting room
being then uot ready for use and our_operations in post-mortem
examination conducted under a downpour of rain, inthe open. The
investigation showed beautiful development of the muscles (and
especially their tendinous portions) of the limbs, and the lesions of
strangling were well marked. As concerns parasites J wished
especially to make careful examination because I had _ recently
opposed the popular view that these beings do not occur in wild —
animals to such a degree as in domesticated, and that in the latter
they must be considered pathological rather than in their natural
habitat. I thought if horses standing in the open have more
parasites than those more carefully tended, surely animals in the
PARASITES IN THE WILD ASS OF CUTCH- 51
jungle should still more be invaded by the various Entozoa. In the
case under examination everything was against my being able to
establish my theory; the animal was young, and old animals
though they suffer least from parasitic invasion are more often the
victims of it than young, the ass came from a part of the country
wherein salt marsh is frequent and, as is well known, salt pastures
are prejudicial to most forms of parasite.
The result, however, was as follows :—
A. Stomach.—Cysts, and spiroptera either from these cysts or of
the species which inhabits the stomach cayity.
Bots.
Ascaris megalocephala.
B. Small Intestine—Ascaris megalocephala, in enormous num-
bers, some seventy of these very large round worms
being obtained from the stomach and small intestine.
C. Ccecum and commencement portion of the Colon.—Cysts with
small white worms both in them and in the cavity of
the bowel.
Strongylus armatus.
D. Rectum.—Oxyurides—a few.
HK. Anterior Mesenteric Artery,—One immature Strongylus
armatus.
Liver, lungs, and peritoneal cavity apparently free from invasion.
Thus five localities were infested, the parasites found being of at
least six different species and some forms of them extremely
numerous. Thefollowing points seems to me worthy of comment :—
(1.) The parasites above enumerated must be obtainable by
animals out on natural pasturage. This is likely to be a useful
hint as regards their prevention in domesticated equines: whether
these species are obtainable in spite of saline pasturage or no it is
impossible to say, but one feels inclined to consider such a view
supported by the circumstances of the case; at any rate it is a point
worth investigation in the future.
(2.) It is evident that parasitic invasion is not by any means
an infliction on animals following solely in the train of domestication,
It has been authoritatively stated that Strongylus armatus is never
found in the wild ass, although it is of almost constant occurrence
in old domesticated donkeys, my observations distinctly prove this
to be an error, probably at some other season of the year the
anterior mesenteric artery would have been found crammed with the
oe NATURAL HISTORY.
immature worms, but the single specimen I found there amply
suffices to establish my position.
(3.) The absence of the following common species of equine
parasites should be noted :—Fasciola hepatica, Strongylus micrurus,
Filaria Papillosa, Hydatids, and Amphistomes.
(4.) The numerical preponderance of Ascarides is interesting,
for these parasites are, according to my observations, rather rare
in domesticated equines in this country.
(5.) Cysts with small white worms in the large bowel are rare.
They were very numerous and did not resemble the immature Str.
tetracanthus. Indeed they rather reminded one of the Spiroptera
found in the stomach. I have not made a detailed examination of
the specimens, but if they be Spiroptera from the ccecum, this is re-
markable, as also would be the absence of Str. tetracanthus, so
frequent in domesticated equines.
(6.) It is interesting to observe that the parasites which infest
the wild ass are of the same species as those found in the
domesticated horses.
DESCRIPTION OF THREE NEW SPECIES OF
HYDROPHIS FROM THE BOMBAY HARBOUR
AND THE MEKRAN COAST.
By James A. Murray.
_Hypropnis Purrsom. Sp. Nov.
Heap scarcely distinct from neck; rostral pentagonal, as high
as wide; length of nasal 14, its greatest width; vertical subtrian-
cular in front, tapering behind, and fitting into a nearly triangular
furcation between the occipitals; the length of each occipital is
twice its greatest width. %8—4 temporals on the side of each
occipital, the anterior the largest and separated from the 6th upper
labial by anintervening shield, 7 upper labials, the 3rd, 4th, and
5th underthe eye. 9 smalland 2 large lower labials, the Ist on each
side in contact behind the triangular mental, the 8rd, 4th, 5th, €th,
and 7th have three large shields below them. ‘Two pairs of chin
shields in contact with each other. One pre and one post-
ocular, the latter in suture with the superciliary, occipital,
anterior temporal, the intervening shield between the 5th and 6th
upper labials and the upper edge of the 5th labial.
APUHECTLEL UO: 86,
HYDROPHIS PHIPSONIL. (Arq
Alescubes adel & Litho.
oa
aay rae
THEEE NEW SPECIES OF HYDROPHIS. 33
Scales carinate mesially, the carina strong on the vertebral
region and breaking up into tubercles posteriorly ; laterally the scales
are feebly carinate. Scales round the neck in 86—38 series ; round
the highest part of the body in 40—42 series. Ventrals entire,
twice the size of the adjoining scales and bituberculate.
Colours.— Yellowish ochrey, with a wide black dorsal stripe, a
faint one on each side of the body, and a fourth one along the
whole extent of the ventrals—the lateral stripe gradually disappears
with age. Head black, with a horse-shoe shaped yellow band from
the frontals to behind and above the gape. Tail black.
Length.—80 inches, of which the tail is 2 inches.
Hab.—Bombay Seas.
I have mach pleasure in associating with this species the name
of our worthy and energetic Secretary, Mr. H. M. Phipson, in whose
collection the first specimen of this interesting species was found.
HypRopuis GuTrata, Sp. nov.
Head longer than broad, scarcely distinct from neck; body stout ;
4() series of scales round the neck, 54 round the highest part of the
body, and 17 on each side of the tail. Scales imbricate, keeled, each
- keel interrupted in the middle; posteriorly on many scales they are
bituberculate. Rostral 5-sided, lobuliform below, with a deep notch on
each side. Nasals higher than wide, in contact laterally with the Ist
and two-thirds of the 2nd upper labial ; frontals in suture on each side
with the single preocular and posterior third of the second upper
labial; vertical hexagonal, pointed behind and rather longer than
its greatest breadth; each occipital as long as broad ; a large scale
between the furcation of the pair. Temporals three, the hindmost
largest; the first longer than wide, obliquely placed and in contact
with the post oculars and two large shields above the 7th, 8th, and
9th upper labials. Upper labials 9, the 4th and a subtriangular
shield above the 5th and 6th labials enter the eye. One pre and
two post-oculars. Superciliary one on each side, but mesially in its
upper third and grooved below. No chin shields ; 12 lower labials ;
two obliquely placed elongate shields twice as long as broad, below
the 4th and 5th Jabials, and a quadrangular one between the 6th
and 7th ; 19 scales between the 1st lower labial and Ist ventral shield.
Ventrals 265 in number, bifid, and arranged opposite to each other, ©
They are scarcely as large as the adjoining scales. 3 enlarged anal
shields; 43 series of scales along the lower edge of the tail to the
terminal notch.
5
34 NATURAL HISTORY.
Length,—42 inches, of which the tail is 5 X 1% inches.
Colowrs.—Y ellow, becoming ochrey beyond the middle of the trunk.
Head olive. Forepart of trunk with 10 ovate black spots on the
vertebral region, separated by a single series of yellow scales ;
laterally these 10 interspaces are divided by a narrow brown line
and a dark spot; beyond this the broad bands run down on the
sides to about one-third the distance from the ventrals, the alternat-
ing dark spots of the forepart of the trunk cease, and begin on the
ventrals instead, along which there are 33, of various forms and
sizes, including the one on the anal region.
Tail completely encircled with 5 black bands ; tip of the tail black.
Hab.—The Mekran Coast.
The present species evidently belongs to that group of Hydro-
phidee classed by Dr. Gunther in his Feptiles of British India, as
having small imbricate scales in 43 to 47 series round the neck,
ventrals split into two. It, however, differs from the group in
having large scales, and in the number of scales round the neck
being 40 instead of 45—47, and from the only species showing these
characters, viz. Hydrophis Stokesi, it differs in having the 4th
labial and a detached shield under the eye and 33 large black
blotches along the ventrals, The number of ventral shields is not
given by Dr. Gunther, nor the number of black cross bands on the
trunk and tail. The colouration partly agrees with the description
of H. Stokesi, from the Northern Coasts of Australia, but the
differences are sufficiently marked to separate it from any known
described species.
It may be mentioned that although Dr. Gunther at the time of
writing doubted the occurrence of H. Stokesi in the China Seas
and in the Hast Indian Archipelago, Mr. W. T. Blanford in
P. Z. 8., 1881, states that two specimens from Singapore examined
by him must be identified with it.
Hypropuis phumpra, Sp. nov.
Rostral 5-sided, triangular at apex and reaching the upper surface
of the head. Nasal wider than high, in suture laterally with the
first two upper labials. Frontal, as wide as high, rounded behind
and in suture with the upper preeocular and superciliary. Vertical
hexagonal, subtriangular in front and tapering behind. Occipitals
o-sided, the length of each twice the greatest breadth. Temporals
three on each side of each occipital, the anterior largest and nearly
entering the labial margin. Upper labials 8, the 4th under the eye,
LIST OF THE BOMBAY BUTTERFLIES IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTIONS. 35
the 6th and 7th small and about one-fourth the size of the 8th. 10
lower labials. 30 series of scales round the neck. Scales of the body
keeled. Ventrals 230, the Ist separated from the posterior pair of
chin shields by 4 scales only. First six ventrals wider than high,
and four times as wide as the adjoining scales, the rest decreasing
in size from three times the size of the adjoining scales till at four-
fifths the length they are scarcely larger than the adjoining series.
Colowrs.—Plumbeous dorsally on the upper third, with faint dark
brown cross bars, of which there are 32 on the trunk and 2 on the
tail. Scales above and below the tail, and on the half of its terminal
length black with some white scalesintermixed on the latter. Sides
and abdomen white, with faint indications of the dorsal bands
running down on the sides. Upper and lower labials also the
rostral, mental and chin shields of a salmon colour ; a faint dark streak
in front of the eye, and asalmon-coloured spot on each side behind
the gape.
Hab.—The Mekran Coast. Both this and the preceding (H.
guttata) were collected by Capt. EH. Bishop of the I. G. 8. Patrick
Stewart.
A LIST OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE BOMBAY
PRESIDENCY IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTION.
With Nores py H. H. Arrxen.
(Continued from page 218, Vol. I.)
PAPILIONING,
73. Ornithoptera minos.—Athough there is no specimen of this
butterfly in the collection on which these notes are based, I will
include it here, having known three instances of its occurrence in
the region with which they deal. On the 5th of June 1873, I caught
a fine female in Poona’and on the same date six years after I saw
one at Karanja. In the intefval'the Rev. Dr. Fairbank had taken
one, also a female, in his garden at Ahmednugger. For an insect
with such powers of sustained flight a journey of a few hundred
miles, with the wind, must be a small matter, and I imagine these
specimens drifted from the Canarese or Malabar Coast, among the
beautiful backwaters of which the species is so abundant that a
Collector in Calicut told me he slew every ove that came within his
reach, regarding them asa nuisance. I felt sorry for the victims,
but more so for their murderer.
36 NATURAL HISTORY.
74. Papilio agamemnon.— This is very common both in Bombay
and the Deecan and on the hills too, and to the young collector it
has a peculiar fascination. It flies fast and with a good deal of
style and is rarely seen to settle. When it does alight it selects a
shady spot and rests with wings closed. Sometimes on a hot day it
will spend a long time flitting up and down under a shady tree as
if on sentry duty. The larva feeds on the custard apple and must be
sought on very fresh leaves in the shade. It rests on the upper side
of the leaf, like all papilio larvae. Itis the most difficult of caterpil-
lars to rear. It will remain on a faded leaf and starve sooner than
move to a fresh one and cannot be transferred without injury as it
carpets the leaf with silk and hooks its feet toit. I have never
succeeded in rearing one from the egg.
75. Papilio sarpedon.—This, the most sprightly of all our
butterflies, is found only on the hills; very common there about
the end of the year. Jt is swift, restless, very hard to catch, and
when caught generally breaks its wings in the net. It is very fond
of sipping the moisture from damp ground.
16. Papilio nomius.—I have never seen this species alive. The
specimens in the Society’s collection were sent by Mr. Davidson and
Mr. Wroughton from Khandesh and the Ghauts which lie between
the Tanna and Nasik Districts. Iam told it frequents ravines and
flies very swiftly.
77. LP. ertthonius—The commonest of the genus, occurring
everywhere and appearing almost throughout the year. The larva
feeds on various trees of the orange tribe, but in Bombay forsakes
them all for the most offensively odoriferous garden rue.
78. P. pammon.—This is nearly as abundant as the last, the
polyctor form of the female being decidedly the most common.
There seems to be nothing seasonal in the appearance of the differ-
ent forms. I have reared all three from eggs laid by polyctor, in
the same week. ‘The larva feeds, ike that of the last, on various
species of the orange tribe, refusing others. I have never found it
on the pummalo, nor on the rue, of which the last species is so fond,
but a sweet lime in my garden now can scarcely keep a fresh leaf,
anda small Japanese orange is sadly ravaged. Another favourite is
the curry-leaf—Bergera koenigui— on which I have never found the
larva of the last species. The pupa is green when it forms in the
midst of green leaves and brown when attached to the trunk of
9
A LIST OF THE BOMBAY BUTTERFLIES IN THE SOCIETY'S COLLECTION. 37
———
tree. In neutral circumstances the colour seems to be optional !
I have seen a green and a brown pupa on the same pane of glass.
79. P. polymnestor.—I do not understand the distribution of
this butterfly. It is absolutely unknown in Bombay and I imagine
throughout the Konkan, but becomes one of the most familiar
objects as soon as we reach a level of 2,000 feet. Ido not think it
occurs in the Deccan generally, but in Poona it frequents the old »
gardens inthecity. Again it abounds all along the Malabar Coast at
the level of the sea. Its chief season appears to be the latter half
of the monsoon, but a good many come out in March and some may
be met with all through the hot months. The larva feeds on lime
and orange.
80. P. helenus.—I found this not uncommon at Mahabaleshwar
last March, but have never met with it elsewhere. I know it occurs
occasionally at Khandalla. This and the last two species have the
habit of going regularly round a certain circuit, so that by taking
one’s stand at a spot where it has passed once one is pretty sure to
meet it again every half hour or so.
81. P. dissimilis.—This is either very rare in the Presidency
or passes so easily for Danais limniace that it escapes notice,
but last year in November and again in February I found a good
many larvae on a tree near my house which proved to be Tetran-
thera apetala, rather. an uncommon tree in Bombay. The larva
grows to a very large size, but just before becoming a pupa it
voids a transparent membrane, like a bladder filled with air, which
reduces it considerably. One end of this is attached by a fine black
cord to the surface on which the larva rests and the other merges
in a large gathering of excrement. ‘The pupa is a much more re-
markable example of mimicry than the perfect insect. Its resem-
blance to a withered twig broken off short being perfect in every
detail. Distant in his magnificent work quotes more than one
authority to the effect that the flight of this butterfly is very strong.
My observation does not confirm this. On the contrary I have been
more than once struck with the degree to which its mimicry of D.
limniace was supported by the similarity of its lazy flight and
attitude.
82. P. clytiu.n—Among the larvae of the last species, which I
reared, was one, not distinguishable from the rest, which to my
astonishment turned into this. I am quite satisfied that the two
are one species. I have never recognised another specimen of
38 NATURAL HISTORY.
panope in this Presidency, but have little doubt that I have often
let it pass for H. core.
83. P. diphilus.—This species is not rare in Bombay, but has
its home on the Deccan plains, where throughout the cold season
one finds every babool tree, early in the morning, decorated with
hundreds of them torpid with cold. They always rest with wings
expanded. ‘The larva feeds on Aristolochia bracteata, a common
weed in black soil. The flight of this species, like that of most
protected butterflies, is notably feeble.
84, P. hector.—I have found this in Poona, Bombay and the
Islands of the Bombay harbour, but it is rather a scarce butterfly in
this Presidency. It seems to be much commoner some years than
others.
PIERINA.
85. Hebomora glaucuppe-—I have never seen this at Poona, nor
in Open country anywhere, but in hilly country it occurs down to
the level of the sea. One specimen in the collection was caught on
Malabar Hillin Bombay, and it is not uncommon across the harbour.
On the Ghauts it is very abundant in March and perhaps throughout
the cold season. It flies very fast, but often stops at a flower, rest-
ing, like the next four or five species, with its wings half open and
drooping.
86. Jxias mariamne.—This occurs every where and at all
seasons, frequenting hedges and small jungle. It is equally abund-
ant on the hills and on the plains.
87. I. pyrene.—Perhaps not quite so plentiful as the last, but
equally ubiquitous, I believe in only two species of Javas in this
Presidency. ‘Those who describe under a new name every specimen
in which their practised eyes detect some minute diversity in the
position of a spot or the breath of a margin, seem to me to assume
an invariability of specific coloration which has no parallel elsewhere
in the animal kingdom, and the argument that the varieties so
described are constant loses all force to the plain man’s mind when
he finds that one expert rejects half the species founded, or accepted,
by another.
88. Teracolus danaé. This species seems to require a dry
chmate. I have found it pretty common in Berar and Cutch and it
occurs in Poona, but not ordinarily in the Konkan, though Col.
Swinhoe took it in Bombay during the famine year.
89. T. etrida. I have not yet seen any reason to believe that
\
A LIST OF THE BOMBAY BUTTERFLIES IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTION. 39
all the orange-tipped teracoli in this Presidency constitute more
than one species. It is subject, like most of the pierine, to very
wide variation, which does not seem to depend much on climate or
season. I have reared very different varieties from larvee taken at
one time in the same spot, if not on the same plant. The larva
feeds on a small climbing caper which is very common on the hilly
parts of Bombay. (Young plant of C. horrida?) Itis nearly cylin-
drical, slender and of a uniform green colour, with the rough
surface characteristic of the larve of Catopsilia and Terias. The
pupa has a sharp transverse ridge above, at the junction of the
thorax and abdomen, which extends well beyond the general out-
line on each side, forming a pointed lateral process. From this a
dorsal ridge runs out into a similar point just over and behind the
head. The colour is light green, with a triangular patch of yellow-
ish white on the anterior side of each lateral process and a similar
patch covering the top of the head. This species is in season at the
commencement of the hot weather.
90. TT. cyprea. This occurs sparingly in Bombay, butis common
in May and again at the close ofthe year among the salt works on
the mainland across the harbour, where I have found the larva in
November and December feeding on a tree, called by the natives
Sairt, fond of briny situations. I have persecuted the Botanical
Section for its name without success.* It is slender, cylindrical and
rough on the upper surface like the larva of Terisa. On examina-
tion with a strong lens this roughness proves to be due to minute
tubercles, out of each of which grows a short black bristle. Hach
side, above the base of the legs, is fringed with somewhat longer
white hairs. The colour is grass green above, with a dark blue
dorsal line very narrowly bordered with yellow. The under side
is a paler bottle green, a lateral yellowish line separating the two
tints. The pupa is very similar in form to that of Terias and of
a dingy whitey-brown colour. The aspect of this pupa confirms
my general impression that this species is much nearer to Terias
' than to some of the species with which it has been lumped under
the name Teracolus.
91. TT. dynamene. Mr. Newnham sent a number of these from
Bhooj, and I found it common at Kharaghora on the borders of the
Runn of Cutch in the hot season.
_* Avicennia tomontoso—A white-flowered variety of Mangrove.—K, B, KirtiKar,
Botanical Secretary.
4.0 NATURAL HISTORY.
92. 7. puéllaris. I found this also at Kharaghora in company
with the last. They were always flitting about the wild caper (C,
aphylla) which formed the most prominent feature of the vegetation
in that wilderness, and I have no doubt now that they were laying
their eggs on it.
93. T. protractus. Wor our specimens of this we are indebted
to Mr. Newnham at Bhooj.
94, 1. fausta. I found this at Kharaghora in the rainy season.
We have it from Bhooj too. This and the last three are purely
desert insects and are out of place in this collection ; but the few
butterflies we have from Cutch have been temporarily included
in the collection representing Bombay and the Deccan.
95. TT. fulvia. There is one specimen of each without
96. LT. tripunctata. hehe of locality.
97. Appias libythea. This is very common in Bombay about
the beginning of the hot season, that is to say in “spring.” TI have
found the larvee in April on more than one common plant of the
caper tribe. It is at first sight like that of 7. etrida, but the anal
extremity tapers slightly and ends in a bifid projection. The pupa
is exactly like that of 1’. etrida in form, but different in colour,
being pale watery green with numerous dark spots.
98. Belenois mesentina. This is pretty common everywhere,
and long ago I found the larvee of it on a plant which from my
recollection of it must have been Cadaba indica. Capers are
evidently wholesome to the pierine constitution. Unfortunately
I kept no notes then, but I recollect the larva as clothed sparingly
with soft hair, like that of D. ewcharis.
99. Huwphina phryne. This is. another species which from my
point of view has been most needlessly spht up. It is one of the
few species of which it may with truth be said that it is in season
all the year round. It is as common on the hills as on the plains.
100. Delias eucharis.—This is common all the year except
during the months of heavy rain. It rises early in the morning
and flies high, but not fast. The larva feeds on the common
mistletoe, Loranthus longiflorus, which grows on mango and most
other trees everywhere. Unlike nearly all other butterflies and hke
moths, this species lays its eggs not singly, but together, in regular
rows. ‘The larvee are gregarious when young and soon clear a
small Loranthus of its leaves, and the habit which they have of let-
ting themselyes down by their silk when disturbed is no doubt
A LIST OF THE BOMBAY BUTTERFLIES IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTION. 41
connected with the necessity so often imposed on them of travelling
in search of fresh pastures. I do not think birds eat them, but
they are the victims of a dipterous parasite, in appearance not
unlike a house fly. Immediately after the caterpillar has become
@ pupa, the larve of the parasite, of which there may be half a
dozen, undergo the same change within its shell and the beautiful
bright yellow pupa at once turns black.
101. Nepheronia gaea.—This is very common in Bombay at the
close of the monsoon and for some time after. It frequents lanes
and hedges, especially where there is water and plenty of verdure.
102. Pontia eiphia.—This comes out about the close of the rainy
season and continues all through the cold months. About shady
lanes and hedges it is sometimes very abundant, flying low and
settling constantly. I think it occurs throughout the Presidency,
wherever there is sufficient moisture and vegetation.
103. Cuatopsilia.—This perplexing genus is poorly represented
in the collection, and I must annotate on it as a whole, never having
been able to form an opinion for myself as to how many distinct
species there really are (I mean in nature, not in museums). Pyranthe
keeps itself quite distinct, laying its eggs on a small annual shrub
(Cassia occidentalis); but the larger species fly high and fast, are
indistinguishable on the wing and appear to feed indiscriminately
on several leguminous trees, and as the larvee resemble each other
strongly, it is almost impossible to settle anything by breeding
unless one could induce the insect to lay its eggs in captivity, which
I fancy would be difficult.
This genus differs from all the preceding in cne point of attitude,
namely that, when at rest, it sits upright with wings firmly closed.
The habit of migrating westwards has often been noticed. I have
observed these migrations in September, and always I think in the
face of a strong west wind.
104. Terias laeta.—This species, though by no means so abun-
dant as the next, is common enough about Bombay at the end of the
rainy season and for some time after. It varies little compared
with the next.
105. VT. hecabe.—Till some one arises with leisure and abilty to
rescue this genus from the chaos into which it has been plunged
by reckless species-making, everything which is not /aeta must go
as hecabe. Iam disposed from my own observation to believe in
a third species, smaller and more dusky than hecabe, which swarms
6
492 NATURAL HISTORY.
about grassy plains during the monsoon, laying its eggs on a
minute leguminous weed among the grass. Hecale proper feeds on
several leguminous plants, but seems to forsake all else for Sesbania
aculeata, already mentioned as the food of Tarueus plinsus,
HesrPeRiipa.
The Hesperiide seem to me to be very much over classified.
Nothing is gained by dividing a group of butterflies so mach ahke
im all stages of their existence into such a multitude of genera, and
¥ very much doubt whether it will not be found necessary, as our
knowledge of their life history advances, to re-arrange the whole
family, dividing some of the present genera and uniting others,
106. Gangara thyrsis—I do not think I have met with this
species out of Bombay, and there it is capriciously distributed, being
common in some gardens and absent from others. It comes ont
before dawn and after sunset, and is always at flowers, particularly
those of lilies.
107. Pratapa alezis—This species is very abundant im the
country surrounding Bombay during the rains. I have found it also
in fields of lucerne grass in Poona during the hot weather in
company with the next. It feeds chiefly in the morning. As the
stout thorax indicates, itis one of the strongest of butterflies on
the wing.
108. Badwmia exclamationis.—This is common everywhere while
the rain lasts, swarming about duranta and other plants with small
flowers, especially in the early morning. When erossing the Bom-
bay harbour about the month of September one meets handreds of
hespertide flying over the sea, this being one of the most plentiful.
110. Parnara naroda. —I know little about this. We have
two specimens.
P. bada.— We have only one specimen.
110. C. mathias.—This is about the commonest of the family
during the rains. The larva feeds on a common grass, stitching the
edges of a leaf together so as to form a tube, in which it lives,
coming oat to feed at night. It passes the pupa state in the same
shelter.
111. €. agna.—I believe Ehave bred this on rieee The larvee
has the same habit as the last.
112, Suwastus gremins.— This is not wucommon in Bombay and
Poona, being very similar in habits to the last two.
OE a, _
& LIST OF THE BOMBAY BUTTERFLIES IN THE SOCIETY'S COLLECTION. 43
a re en
113. Isoteinon nilgiriana,—The specimens in the collection were
contributed by Mr. Wroughton, I believe, from the Tanna District.
I know nothing about it.
114. Telicota augias.—We have one specimen only, caught by
Mr. Wroughton at Nasik.
115. Padraona dara.—The same gentleman contributed this
species from the Nasik District.
116. Astictopterus salsala.—There are a few specimens of this,
without note of locality. I have found it in Bombay.
117. Taractrocera ceramas.—I got a few specimens of this at
Keutpoora in October. ;
118. Ampittia. coras.—This is not rare anywhere during the
monsoon, but difficult to see and more difficult to keep sight of, as
it flies fast, but very low, and alights on the ground.
119. Udaspes folus.—This is chiefly a hill species, very common
on the ghauts in shady lanes early in the morning.
120. Pyrgus galba.—There are specimens in the collection from
the Tanna District and also from Cutch, the former being conspi-
cuously larger and darker than the latter. I have never met with
it.
121. Abaratha ransonettii.—We have only one specimen, which
I caught at Egutpoora in October 1885.
122. A. Tissa.—Our.two specimens of this were caught by Mr.
Wroughton at Bansda between the Surat and Tanna districts.
123. Pterygospidea angulata.—I saw two or three specimens
of this at Mahabaleshwar last March and caught one. They
were flying about at noon and resting on flowers with wings
expended.
124, Plesionewra amberesa.—This comes outin March and in
suitable situations is very abundant. I have found it in Bombay, on
Karanja Island and at all the hill stations. It is quite a moth in its
habits, taking shelter during the day in the house and flying by
night.
125. P. Alysos.—I caught a single specimen of this at Maha-
baleshwar last March. It has no business to be in the same genus
as the last. It closes its wings when at rest.
126. Sarangesa purendra.—This is a miniature of P. ambaresa
in all respects. Like that species it frequents rocky places and
when resting on a stoue is difficult to detect.. It is to be found
almost everywhere.
44, NATURAL HISTORY.
127. S. Dasahapa.—Mr. Wroughton took two specimens of this
at Bassein in the Tanna District.
In concluding these very superficial notes I must acknowledge
my indebtedness to Mr. L. de Nicéville and also to Colonel C.
Swinhoe for that assistance:in naming specimens without which
a mere collector like myself could not have proceeded many steps.
NOTES ON “THE WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA.”
By Mr. J. D. Inverariry.
“ The interesting article on the above subject by Keswat in the
October number of the Society’s Journal induces me to send you a
few rough notes taken from my journal which I think will prove
that some of the birds mentioned by Keswat as not occurring in
the Konkan are to be found there.
The Indian Golden Plover.—This bird, I should say, is fairly com-
mon about the salt lands and rice fields bordering the numerous
creeks that run up from the Bombay Harbour. The first I remember
seeing, were on the Bombay flats in October 1877. I saw three and
shot a couple on the site of the present race-course. In a sub-
sequent year, | think March 1883, I saw a flock of about a dozen close
to the race-course one evening when I was riding. I approached
quite close to them two or three times, and have no doubt they were
golden plovers.’ I have also shot them as follows :—February 1878,
45 couple near Panwell; December 1878, 15 couple on the Tanna
creek ; November 1880, 2 couple near Tullooja; February 1881, 24
couple near Panwell; February 1884, 1 couple near Panwell; Nov-
ember 1886, 2 couple near Penn. In fact, I may say, I have seen
some every year I have been shooting. I was at home in the cold
weather of 1879-80, 1882-83 and 1884-85, which accounts for my
having no note of them in those seasons,
The Fittern.—The large true bittern I have shot several times,
though in some years they don’t put in an appearance. In Oc-
tober 1877 I shot one on the Bombay flats close to the site of the
present James Greaves Spinning Mill; January 1878, saw one on
the Bhewndy Tank ; February 1878, shot one at Panwell ; February
1881, one shot at Panwell; November 18838, two shot at Tullooja ;
December 1883, two shot at Deo near Panwell; February 1884,
NOTES ON “ THE WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA.” 45
one shot at Panwell. I have seen two or three others besides of
which I have no note as to dates.
The Chesnut Bittern (Ardetta cinnamomea)—is fairly common.
I have seen several, but have seldom fired at them. I have shot
them at Gorebunder, and shot one near Penn on November 28th,
1886. , /
The Stone Plover (Bastard Florican).—Rare. I have only shot one |
at Panwell and don’t remember having seen another.
The black-tailed Godwit.—I have only once seen one, a solitary
bird. I shot it in February 1884 among the salt pans at Penn.
The Avocet—does not occur, I think, about the Bombay Harbour.
I have seen several and shot a few in the creeks near Udwara and
Billimoria,
The Purple Coot.—Large numbers are to be found on the Bhewndy
Tank. I saw three and shot one on the Vehar Lake.
The Bald Coot.—-Quite common, large flocks on the Bhewndy
Tank,} Panwell Tank, Vehar Lake, on several small tanks near
Callian, Panwell, Penn. Bald coots are always to be found in
the cold weather ; not having visited them at other times of the
year, I can’t say if they remain there.
_ Farls and Crakes.—A large variety are to be found in the paddy
fields across the harbour before the rice is cut. J am unable to
particularize them as I have seldom fired at them. The spotted
crake (Porzana Maruetta), I know, is pretty common; I have shot
it occasionally,
Curlew.—lI saw a curlew on the Bombay race-course on Septem-
ber 26th, 1886.
The Cotton Teal.—This duck certainly bred this year in the paddy
fields near Indune. I shot several, some of them young birds, of
this year on November 38rd, and also saw a young one alive, unable
to fly, im the possession of a villager who had caught it.
The Nukta.-—A young bird of this year was shot by Mr. Leslie
Crawford in my presence ona small tank not far from Penn on
November 28th. It wasa solitary one. I have not seen the nukta
here before. On the same tank, at the same time, I shot a tufted
pochard, also a solitary one. I sent the latter to the Society. It
had a bright golden eye, sol am sure it was the tufted pochard.
Mr. Aitken at first thought it was a white-eyed pochard.
The Scaup Duck.—I shot a female on a small tank near Panwell
on January 13th, 1884. I believe this is the only instance of a scaup
46 NATURAL HISTORY.
duck being shot in the Bombay Presidency, though I believe a few
have been procured at Kurrachee.
The following ducks have all been shot by me about Bombay :—
The whistling teal, the shoveller, the gadwall, the common teal,
the garganey teal, the pochard or dun bird, the white-eyed pochard,
to which list may be added the nukta, the tufted pochard and the
scaup mentioned above. The shell drake, the Brahminy, the
mallard, the spot-billed duck, the pintail and the wigeon, I have
not come across near Bombay.
The whistling teal and cotton teal, I think, breed in some tanks a |
few miles from Narel; as least I have seen large numbers there.
The pheasant-tailed Jacana.—I have seen numbers of these birds
on the tanks at Callian.
The Woodeock.—One was shot near Tanna in 1878, I saw the skin.
(See Stray Feathers, Vol. 7, p. 525).
I hope that other members of the Society, who have more time at
their disposal than I have, will send to the Society’s Journal any-
thing worth recording that they may have observed.
SOME FURTHER NOTES ON ABNORMAL HORNS.
By tHe Eprror.
One of the most interesting cases of abnormality that has come
before me lately is that of a doe-antelope, A. bezoartica, of which I
give an illustration. The females of this species, as in the case of
most of the Cervide and Antelopinw, are hornless, but this
specimen exhibits a pair of very symmetrical horns, ringed, but not
spiral, situated on well-formed bony cores and diverging outwards,
downwards, and forwards like those of a wild sheep. The horns
are thin, about 1 inch in diameter, and about 22 inches in length.
They belong unmistakably to a doe, and not to a young male,
The skin has well-defined traces of the mammee. The animal was
shot by native shikaris, and the head and skin, which are the
property of H. H. the Maharajah of Jodhpore, were sent here for
inspection. It is to be regretted that we had not the creature
in the flesh, for dissection would probably have shown abnormal
conditions, either hermaphroditism or ovarian disease. In the Linn.
Transactions, Vol. II., it is recorded that a female doe with a single
horn resembling that of a three-year old buck, was found on dis-
section to have the ovary of the same side scirrhous, An interesting
ABNORMAL SAMBAR HORNS.
NEW SPECIES OF FISH FROM KURRACHEE AND THE PERSIAN GULF. 47
fact regarding the production of malformed horns has recently
been brought to my notice by Dr. A. Barry, at present Superin-
tendent of Matheran. It bears on the probable influence that
certain injuries may exert on the growth of antlers. We know
that a common operation will stop the growth in the young male, or
cause a deteriorated horn in the adult, which remains permanent, and
is not shed annually. Dr. Barry had a tame Cheetal stag, with fine
horns of normal shape. He had a severe accident, breaking one of
his hind legs; the following and successive years the antler on the
side opposite to his injured leg was deformed. Now against this
I bring forward a case of another Cheetal stag in the Kurrachee
Gardens. ‘This creature jumped out of a window, and broke one of
his fore legs, the injury had no effect whatever on his horns. In
Dr. Barry’s stag the injury was probably communicated sympatheti-
cally to the internal organs, and such cases may be more frequent
in the jungles than we imagine, and so lead to the numerous
examples we have collected of abnormal antlers. I have figured on
stone, from watercolour sketches by Major G. R. R. Poole, of the 12th
Lancers, two very curious Sambar horns, very massive and large,
which he saw hung up in the outer Court of the Jeypore Museum.
He wrote—‘ The thick ten-pointed one is a Sambar, without
doubt, the other eight-pointed oneis, I believe, a Sambar. I knowthe
Kashmir stag well, and do not think it was one. ‘T'he heads were
hung so high that I could not get at them, but should say the massive
one was about 40 inches, or getting on forit. The other seemed two
or three inches longer.” It is doubtful whether the latter is not an
immature horn of Cervus Cashmirianus, but I am inclined to think
not from its size. If, therefore, it be a Sambar, it shows a curious
progression from the Rusine to the Cervine or Hlaphine type, the
bez-tines being of perfectly normal shape and size it only requires
the addition of a tres-tine to make it an Elaphine antler. I have
written to enquire further about these horus.
Fee Abs Ss
NEW SPECIES OF FISH FROM KURRACHEE
ANDY THESPERSLAN GULF.
By James A. Murray, LATE Curator oF tor Kurracuee Museum.
SALARIAS PULCHER—Sp. nov.
Heap vertically rounded in front with a pair of inter-orbital ten-
tacles, none on the nape; eyes placed forward, the orbital ridge
48 NATURAL HISTORY.
in front projecting, and the inter-orbital space above the tentacles
concave. No crest on the head. The maxilla reaches to below the
middle of the eye. No canines. Dorsal fin divided by a notch and
with 13 spinesand rays, not continuous with the caudal ; 8th to 11th
spines of first dorsal with free rays projecting beyond the membrane.
Anal fin with 20 rays; caudal with free rays. Head 4th of the
total length; height of body a little more than qth. Pectoral laid
forward reaches a little beyond the hind edge of the eye.
Colors.—Anterior two-thirds chocolate brown; posterior third
golden yellow, with 5—7 vertical dark bars. Caudal pale yellow
slightly edged with brown. Dorsal fin with a dark spot on the
upper edge between the Ist and 2nd spines; a second also on the
upper edge between the 2nd and 3rd spines. A third ovate spot
mesially between the 5th and 6th spines; a fourth at base of 7th
spine ; a fifth on the upper edge enveloping the 7th and 8th spines,
a sixth also on the upper edge enveloping the 9th, 10th, and 11th
spines. Base of 1st dorsal brown; 2nd dorsal unmarked ; pectoral
pale yellow; anal white anteriorly and pale yellow posteriorly ;
slightly bordered with brown.
A second specimen agrees with the above description in every
particular, except that there is only a spot between the 2nd and
3rd spines, and another on the 7th and 8th spines, the others being
absent, owing probably to age.
Hab.—Kurrachee, Manora.
SALARIAS OPERCULARIS—Sp. nov.
re
D. 7; Anal 18-19.
The highest part of the body equals the distance between the
snout and hind margin of the branchiostegals, and is 43 to 43
times in the total length. The forehead. does not project in line
with the snout. A pair of simple tentacles at the nostril, another
above the orbit. A curved canine on each side of the lower jaw
behind the series of small teeth. Inter-orbital space concave, its
width less than the diameter of the eye; the maxilla extends to below
the middle of the eye. Jorsal fin notched and not continuous with
the caudal, both portions of nearly equal height. Anal fin not as
high as the body.
Colors. —Body pale fleshy with seven vertical brown bands extend.
ing to the upper edge of the dorsal; 1st dorsal with a dark spot on
the upper edge between the Ist and 2nd spines. Anal rays ciliated
DESCRIPTION OF NEW LIZARDS FROM THE DANGS, 49
and narrowly edged with brown. A dark patch on the opercle and
an oblique streak below it behind the maxilla, and another vertical
one immediately below the middle of the eye.
In the adolescent and young these streaks are continued to below
the chin, and in the interspace between these two lines are two
subtriangular dark spots.
Hab.—Kurrachee (Manora rocks).
PSEUDOCHROMIS PERSICUS—Sp, nov.
B. 5 D. 3%; Vent ¢; Pect. 18; Ll. #3, not continuous; Anal ,3;
lL. T, 15. The height of the body equals the distance between the
snout and the extreme hind edge of the preopercle, and is 44 'times
in the total length.
Length of snout equal to the diameter of the eye. Opercles scaly.
Dorsal and anal fins produced posteriorly and pointed. All the rays of
the anal, pectoral, ventral, caudal and the posterior rays of the dorsal
branched ; caudal fin covered with scales for one-half its length.
Colors.—Pale fleshy on the body. Head and snout brown, two
longitudinal pale bluish white lines on the preopercle ; a black spot
behind the opercle with a vertical bluish white line through it, in
its anterior third. Body covered with scattered blue spots. Dorsal,
anal, and caudal fins with faint blue spots, not*unlike broken up
undulating lines. The young has a dark brown line running from
the snout through the eye to the end of the dorsal fin, which dis-
appears with age.
Hab.—-The Persian Gulf. I am indebted to Captain Bishop, of
the I. G. 8. Patrick Stewart, for specimens of this fish, which
were collected by him in the Persian Gulf, when repairing the
Indo-European Telegraph cable.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW-LIZARD FROM THE DANGS.
By F, Gieapow.
Hemipacytus Murray, Sp. nov.
Digits quite free ; free distal joints of digits long ; dorsal tubercles
strongly keeled ; nol more than 8 lamelle under the inner toe and
1] under the median toe; 5 (4A—6) lamelle under the inner, and
8 (7—9) under the median toe. Tubercles in 16—20 (14—22) longi-
tudinal series.
Males with 6—8 femoral pores on each side.
7
50 NATURAL HISTORY.
Snout Jonger than distance between eye and car opening, about
Ji the diameter of orbit. Forehead concave. Har opening oblique,
less than half the diameter of the eye. Digits moderately dilated,
the inner well developed. Rostral grooved, slightly broader than
high. Upper labials 10—12. Lower labials 9-10. Nostril between
the rostral, first labial, and three small tubercles similar to those
on the muzzle. Back of head, and between eye and ear-opening,
granular, with scattered conical or rounded tubercles. Hyelid
distinct, granular. Pupil vertical. Chin-shields two pair, the first
largest and in contact with the triangular mental and first labials.
Second pair smaller opposite the second labials, reaching their
posterior suture, but sometimes touching the first-labials. Mental
broader than the rostral. A row of decidedly enlarged scales along
the lower labials, followed interiorly by others diminishing in size.
Chin and throat with small granular scales. Upper labials bordered
by a distinct row of tubercles slightly longer than those on the
muzzle, Tubercles on the muzzle closely packed, smallest in front
of the eye. Scales across middle of abdomen in 32—36 rows, each
scale minutely 3—10 dotted. Back covered with granular scales
interspersed with 16—20 (14—22) rows of keeled trihedral tubercles
more conical on the flanks, and allless than half the diameter of
the ear-opening in size. Limbs with scattered keeled tubercles.
Tail longer than head and body, verticillate, grooved medially above,
as far as 10 or more verticels. he first few verticels with 8—4
sharp conical keeled tubercles on each side, decreasing in number
and size towards the tip. Sub-caudals enlarged, about 50—60 in
number to tip of tail. Femoral pores 6—8 on each side, interrupted
in the middle. The foreleg laid forward reaches nearly the nostril.
Inner toe with 5 (4—6) lamellae below. Median toe with 8 (7—9)
lamellee.
Color grey, with several dark bands across the back, the bands
shaped somewhat like two crescents back to back, thus >.
Markings frequently variable or indistinct. A dark streak from
nostril to eye, with three others diverging behind the orbit, the
upper one sometimes produced over the shoulder; underparts
white ; tail banded.
Length—Head and body 65 mm. (2? in), tail 75 mm. (3 in).
The above description is taken from 24 specimens, 8 males and 16
females, forming a nearly pure gathering from two localities, Pimpri
and Garvi, in the “ Dangs,” a forest and mountainous region of
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 51
about 1,000 sq, miles, with a rainfall of about 100 inches, at the
north-west extremity of the Syhadri or Ghat range, between
Khandesh and Surat. The animal inhabits both trees and houses,
living under loose bark, and in nooks and crannies. Its habits are
chiefly nocturnal, though it may be caught in the day time, I
believe I have it also from the town of Surat, but this locality
requires confirmation.
I desire to name this new species after Mr. J. A. Murray, to whom
I am indebted for a great deal of willing assistance during the past.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
DELPHINUS LENTIGINOSUS. I have received a letter from Mr. Sinclair
announcing the capture of a fine Delphinus on the Alibag Coast, which apparently
is lentiginosus, and if so it is a very fine specimen, the skin of which is an acquisition
to our Museum. The average length of this species is from seven to eight feet. I
give Mr. Sinclair’s careful measurements and description :-—
Adult Male—Leneth between standards .........s.sssseseeseseeseeeee 10’ 6”
* Greatest height exclusive of dorsal fin........0....sesecscesereeeeces a piekl ig tity
Greatest circumference of pectoral region exclusive of fins ...... 4 3”
Pera RAMU AGERE, Was cease dears cacsce see vos sop co Gcieacoactaaee see 8”
Baseveneth of dorsal, true harizontaly...slcc2.s0ss<ssee0nderces..ace 2 8"
extreme length of flipper, from front of axilla to tip .........6 i 3f
Greatest depth of fluke parallel to spine ......sseseescesseccsceeseetes gl
Brees GN UATISE OL PMBCS ua. san icgat ists o-an osavaptassueessaewssy D0 oF
(Note that this is identical with base length of dorsal fin.)
Length of rostrum (restricted) 8”. Spiracle single, fairly large, cresentic. A
vertical line drawn through its posterior angles would cut the anterior angles of
the eves. Teeth numerous in both jaws, conieal, not yet counted.
The shape is that of the genus; the caudal region is very much compressed, and
its inferior and superior surfaces produced into what might be called rudimentary
anal and dorsal fins. fe
Colour—Above (and below behind the anus) rather pale leaden gray, with
numerous long drop-shaped spots. Of these the majority, especially on the
rostum, limbs, dorsal fin, and flukes, are pure white, the rest dark slate color
or black.
Below, from the anus forward the general ground colour is white, much mottled
on the belly with the dorsal ground colour, less so on the breast, and the mental
region almost pure white; but there are a few black spots.
* This of course would be much greater in the water, the weight of the animal in
shore depressing the anterior parts,
52 NATURAL HISTORY.
Contents of stomach a few small crustacea.
The specimen was caught in a drift net in the offing of Alibag.
The dental formula which he sent me in a subsequent letter gives $4 — 35.
The specimens reported on by Professor Owen had 33 — $3 = 129, which differs
somewhat, but I find that much stress must not be laid on the teeth in Dolphins.
Delphinus gadamu varies in individuals from 96 to 108 teeth.
R. A. STERN DALE.
NEST AND EGGS OF CINNYRIS LOTENIA.
As far as I know there is nothing on record about the breeding of this sunbird,
and since I went to Uran on the so-called Island of Karanja, where the bird is
not uncommon, I have been on the watch for its nest. It is a permanent
resident, frequenting the sides of the hills, and incessantly uttering the loud
cheery note which serves at once to distinguish it from the other members of its
family. It seems fonder of flowers than either asiaiica or zeylonica, and often
hovers over them like a hawkmoth, inserting its long tongue.
In October I suspected strongly that a pair had a nest somewhere in a well-
wooded slope close to my house, but I did not sueceed in finding it. Later on I
saw a pair followed by two young ones, and my heart sank within me. But the
birds themselves came to the aid of science, and, about the beginning of November,
made a beautiful nest in the middle of a small tree close to my verandah. I had
to watch it carefully, for there was a pair of zeylonica in the garden. However,
the birds were not shy, and I soon had abundance of opportunity of assuring
myself about the ownership of the nest. As I frequently saw the female going in
and out, I concluded the eggs were not yet laid; so I waited a week and then one
morning I went cautiously up and touched the nest with along stick. In a
moment the bird darted ont and flew round and round me, screaming and calling
all the birds of the neighbourhood together. It is one of my rules not to take
nests in my own garden, but on this occasion I thought the rule would be more
honoured in the breach than the observance, so I mounted a chair and cut the
nest down. What was my horror on discovering that it contained one egg and
one young one, just hatched. I plunged the other egg at once into cold water,
and left it im it for five minutes in order to kill the chick, if there should be one.
Alas! next evening, thirty-six hours after, this egg too was broken, and a little
naked thing was struggling to get out. I have therefore only the broken shell
of one egg and the nest for my spoil. The nest, as you see, is remarkably long,
measuring fully ten inches. Otherwise it is very similar to that of zeylonica,
having the entrance near the top, protected by a portico. It is constructed of
fine fibres and grass, and covered all over with small pieces of bark and other
rubbish, chiefly that favourite material with all sunbirds, the woody refuse with
which wood-boring caterpillars cover the entrances of their holes.
The egg is not an ornamental one. The ground colour is a dirty brownish
white, the smaller end being thickly covered with dull brown spots, which pass
into larger confluent blotches and form a cap on the other end.
E. H. AITKEN.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 53
THE CAT AND THE SQUIRREL—A FOSTER-MATERNAL FREAK.
We have all heard of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf and
similar, and perhaps better authenticated, stories. But until a few days ago I
never had the chance to see a cat nursing a squirrel.
First I must tell the adventures of the eat, the heroie of the tale. One evening,
when dressing for dinner, I threw a garment into my dirty clothes basket. Out
bounced a cat to my great surprise and temporary discomfiture. Hearing faint
squeaks from the basket I looked in and saw three little kittens snugly nestled in
the folds of crumpled shirts and other things. The outraged mother, a cat of
decent appearance, with perhaps a dash of Persian blood in her, had belonged to a
friend next door, but on his departure, had been Jeft behind, as cats too frequently
are, to become a homeless vagabond. Though keenly sympathising with the cat
and her troubles, it was out of the question that she should be allowed to make
my clothes basket a lying-in hospital. Her feelings towards me were no doukt
similar to those entertained by Calverley’s cat towards the pot boy who
‘ Peep’d with a scared wan face ;
Then sent a random brick-bat down which knocked her into space.
Had I, as some cats have, nine tails, how gladly would I lick
The hand and person generally, of him who heaved that brick.”
However I did not heave a brick at her. Ionly had the kittens firmly but
tenderly ejected, and sent off to the back premises of the next house, where the
eat was supposed to bave her domicile. But the cat had National League ideas,
and was not going to submit tamely to eviction. On my returning from dining
out, there she was again with all her family complete in my clothes basket.
The process of eviction was then repeated, the kittens deposited as before
in the verandah of the cook-room next door. To make re-entry impossible, I put
the lid on the basket, shut the door and window of my dressing-room, and went
to bed. I certainly thought I had got rid of the family this time. But the old
cat was not to be done so easily. ‘Give up? give up, be blowed,” said she. Next
morning cat and kittens were found calmly estabiished on a pile of magazines on
a book shelf in my office. Summary eviction was again necessary, but this time
my wife interceded, and accommodated the family with a box in the verandah
close by ; there a few hours afterwards one kitten died, and a fourth was born
and took its place. a
Why the cat had such strong opinigns as to the propriety of bringing up her
vagabond progeny in my house I can’tconceive. We had never taken the slightest
notice of her, and her appearance, before this episode occurred, would certainly
have resulted in her being introduced to a couple of fox-terriers, whose manners,
in the presence of cats, are more forcible than polite.
Now comes the squirrel part of the story. On the day following the installation
of the cat in the box in the verandah, my wife found a tiny baby squirrel
(Sciurus palmarum) clinging to a creeper in the porch. It had no doubt tumbled
out of its nest somewhere in the eaves. It looked the picture of misery, shiver-
ing and woe-begone. Happy thought! Put the little waif in with the kittens. As
the old lady was out on the rampage at the time, no sooner said than done.
a4 NATURAL HISTORY.
Whether the eat would welcome the intruder seemed very doubtful, and until her
return the fate of the foundling trembled in the balance. The eat might say—
‘“They call me cruel. Do I know if mouse or squirrel feels ?
“T only know they make me light and salutary meals.
‘‘ And if, as ’tis my nature to, ere I devour I tease ’em.
‘© Why should a low-bred gardener’s boy pursue me with a besom?”
Our suspicions of what the cat might say or do wasgroundless. An hour later
the foundling was seen comfortably sucking the cat, going shares with the _
kittens, and holding its own, as if the whole place belonged to it. The cat was
purring contentedly and seemed to think it all right. _ Pour whole days have passed
since the foundling made acquaintance with the Amah, and it appears to be sleek
and thriving. It certainly gets its fair share of the cat’s attentions, and although
not a quarter the weight of its foster brothers, 1s much too ’cute and active to be
crowded out at meal time.
The cat has made one attempt since this addition to her family cares, to regain
her old stronghold, the clothes basket. She deposited one of her kittens on the
floor close by the basket. She couldn’t get in as the lid was shut, but she left the
kitten down below it, asa last mute appeal to our good feelings. But we were
obdurate, and replaced the kitten in the box. At present she appears outwardly
satisfied, but I have no doubt she'll try it on again, if ever she finds the cover off
the basket.
G. VIDAL.
Poona, 2\st October 1886.
Editor’s Note.—Mr. Vidal in a subsequent letter informed me that the interesting
family had come to an untimely end, owing to his dogs having discovered
the box.
RoAsws:
NOTES ON THE HABITS OF NEPITA CONFERTA.
Among all orders of insects are fourd many very interesting habits with relation
to self-preservation. The insect in question is a small moth of the family
Lithasude.
Having lately bred several specimens, I was much struck with the manner of
preserving the chrysalis from the attacks of ants. The larva of Nepiéa Conferta
is a small hairy caterpillar of a dull brown colour, having a creamy mark on the
3rd and 4th segments. It feeds on mosses» and may be found on the walls of
almost any house where a damp spot encourages their growth.
When full grown the larva ascends the wall, and in a very prominent position
makes a slight web interspersed with its own hairs.
The change from larva to pupa takes place within this web. Now a chrysalis
which was merely enclosed in so slight a protection would soon be destroyed by the
numerous ants, who are ever on the prowl. To guard against this evil, before
making the light web, the larva encloses a small space with a wall of hair.
This wall is constructed in the following manner :—
The hairs are placed on one end, with the other end pointing outwards, one hay
having been placed, and made fast to the wall of the house, another is placed
we
Uc
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
erossing it, also haying its end pointing outwards. In this way the insect continues
until a space is enclosed by the wall thus made, any body who may be incautious
enough to touch this wall of hairs with their hands will repent, for the hairs having
fine sharp points at once enter the skin, and becoming detached from the wall
remain in the skin causing an intolerable itch with great swelling.
T had a box with one of these cocoons in it, Which was tightly closed and placed
in an inner room. On going into this room one day, I was surprised to find a great
many confertas busily flying round the closed box ; on opening it, to find out the
cause, I found my moth had just come out a perfect female ; all those flying in the
room were males.
Apart from the extraordinary fact of the males having found out that there
was a female there, their mode of ingress was curious, as to get ito the
room they had first to pass through a doorway opposite which a chick was
suspended, they had then to cross the outer room and go through another door-
way before they were in the room which contained the prisoner. I made good use
of this habit by leaving her where she was and selecting the best specimens of
males in the room.
This habit of finding out and coming to a female in captivity is even more
strongly developed in one of our English moths, which is commonly known as the
Oak Egger.
On one occasion in a single day I captured over thirty male Oak Eggers with
one female, and have no doubt I could have taken fifty. There is yet another use
to which Nepita Conferta apparently puts thehairy wall, for I have seen several
cases of the femule laying her eggs on top of the deserted cocoon.
The perfect insect is on the wing during June, and another brood appears in
August.
CaRwark, H.S. WISE.
September 1st, 1886.
BIRD-NESTING NOTES FROM CUTCH.
I can corroborate Mr. Littledale’s assertion that C. affints (the Indian swift) takes
possession of the nests of H. erythropygius (the Red-rumped Swallow) for on
March 6, in Bhujia Fort, I caught two of these swifts in separate nests of
H. erythropygia. One nest contained two fresh eggs, but the other was empty.
C. affinis is not the only bird however that avails itself of the ingenious nest of
H. erythropygia. On April 25 I took 3 eggs of P. flavicollis (the yellow-throateg
Sparrow) out of one of them. To make quite sure of its identity, I shot one of the
parent birds. Also ] am nearly certain that some eggs which my shikari brought
me last year out of anest of Ploceus munyar (striated Weaver bird) must have
belonged to this species, t.e., P. flavicollis, but I never had an opportunity of seeing
the bird. April 15 I shot a pair of Strix Javanica (the Indian screech owl) which,
as far as I know, has not been recorded from this province before. The female on
dissection showed no signs of nidification. Since then I have seen a third.
Within the last month, z.e., April I have seen Peregrine Falcons on two occasions,
and also C, aeruginosus (the Marsh Harrier). Surely this is very late for winter
visitants to be stopping, unless they are breeding. May 21 found a partridge’s
nest in a very unusual situation. It was placed in a hole in the rock about 10 feet
56 NATURAL HISTORY.
from the ground. Iclimbed up and fonnd it contained eggs, and as far as I
could feel with my hand, there was no attempt at a nest, the eggs being laid on the
bare sand. IT may mention that I sawthe bird to be the ordinary grey partridge,
P. pondicerianus. April 25 I first observed T. pagodarum (the Brahminy Mynah)
which I had been looking out for for some time. I have never seen them in the
cold weather, so 1 conclude they only come here to breed. Last year I took four
of their nests.
A. NEWNHAM, 10th N. L. I.
THE TWO SHAMAS.
Mr. Hume, speeking of the Shama (476 Cercotrichas macrura), says:—‘* Well
might Jerdon doubt that Philipps’ Shama described as perching on walls and
breeding in houses, could be this species.’
“ Shama”? is the native name for the Brown Rockchat (494, Cercomela fusca)
throughout the Central Provinces, and it is this bird that Philipps was writing
about, and not our delightful Indian songster.
“ Perching on walls and breeding in houses ” is a concise summary of its habits.
H. EDWIN BARNES.
MERGUS MERGANSER.
It will interest the ornithological members of the Society to know that I shot a
goosander (Mergus merganser) at Shewa just across the Bombay harbour, on the
2nd instant (December). It was a female or immature male, and was playing along
in a shallow sheet of salt water which formed the reservoir of one of the salt works.
I believe this is the most southern point in India from which the bird has
been recorded yet.
E. H. AITKEN.
LIST OF BIRDS FROM SIND.
PRESENTED BY COLONEL SWINHOE.
, No. of
Lue English name. Scientific name. speci- | Locality.
Np; mens.
11 The Lagger Falcon...... Falco juggur U Hyderabad,
227 EP Rheshikeras aerecesas-mes Astur badius 1 Kotree.
76 The Spotted Owlet ..... Carine brama ......... u Sehwan.
89 | The Indian Sand Mar-| Cotyle sinensis......... 1 | Sehwan.
tin.
123. | The Indian Roller ...... Coracias indica........ 1 | Jacobabad.
129) | The White-breasted| Halcyon smyrnensis . 1 | Jempeer. .
Kingfisher,
136 | The Pied Kingfisher ...| Ceryle rudis............ 1 Sehwan.
148 | The Rose-ringed Paro-| Palzornis torquatus. . 1 | Shikarpoor.
quet.
182 The Pale golden-backed| Bachypternus dilutus 2 | Kotree.
Woodpecker.
212 The Pied-crested Coceystes melanoleu- 1 | Knurrachee,
Cuckoo. cos.
254 | The European Hoopoe.|) Upupa epops .....-... 1 Kotree.
256 | The Indian Grey Shrike.) Lanius lahtora......... 1 | Kurrachee,
257 | The Rufous-backed Lanius erythronotus. . 1 | Kotree.
Shrike.
260 | The Bay-backed Shrike.| Lanius hardwickii .. 1 | Kurrachee.
262 | The Pale Brown Shrike.| Lanius arenarius...... 1 | Sehwan,
265 | The Common Wood} Tephrodornis pondi- 2 | Sehwan.
Shrike. cerianus.
The Indian Serine: “|
LIST OF BIRDS FROM SIND. of
ane : No. ot
F ees Fs English name. Scientific name. speci- Locality.
Ne. -.
mens
| 1 | Hyderabad.
278 | The King Crow ........| Buchanga atra......... 1 Kurrachee.
432 | The Bengal Babbler. Malacocireus terri- 1 Kurrachee.
color.
436 | The large Grey Babbler.| Malacocercus mal- 1 | Sehwan.
celmi.
438 | The Striated Bush} Chatarrhoea caudata. 1 | Ketree.
Babbler.
480 | The Brown-backed In-| Thamncbia cam- 1 | Sehwan.
dian Robin. bayensis.
481 | The White-winged Pratincola caprata ... 2 | Kotree.
Black Robin. !
483 ! The Indian Bushchat...| Pratincola indica ...... 2 | Sehwan.
489 | The Pied Stone Chat ...| Saxicola picata ...... 2 | Hyderabad.
491 | The Red-tailed Whea-| Saxicola kingi ......... i) | Kure:
ter.
492 | The Black-throated Saxicola deserti ...... 1 | Kotree.
Wheater.
497 | The Indian Redstart ...| Ruticilla rufiventris.. 1 | Snkkur.
514 | The Indian Blue-throat.; Cyanecula suecica ... 1 | Kotree.
660 dis | The Brown-necked Corvus umbrinus...... 1 Larkhana.
Raven.
674 | The Commen Indian) Dendrocitta rufa...... 1 Kotree.
Magpie.
68L | The Common Starling...| Sturnus vulgaris ... 1 {| Sehwan,
686 | The Southern Dusky) Acridotheres fuscus. 2 Kotree.
Myna. |
690 | The Rose-colored Star-| Pastor roseas ...... 2 | Jempecr.
we ling
694 | The Common Weaver-| Ploceus baya ......... 1 -| Kotree.
Bird.
695 | The Striated Weaver] Ploceus manyar ...... 1 | Hyderabad.
Bird,
703 | The Plain brown) Munia malabarica ... 2 | Kurrachee.
Munia.
706 | The House Sparrow Passer domesticus ... 1 | Kotree.
721 | The Black-headed Bunt-| Huspiza melanoce- 2 | Hyderabad.
ing. phala.
756 | The Red- winged Bush) Mirafra erythropteva. 1 | Kotree.
Lark.
794 | The Little Brown Dove.| Turtur cambayensis . 1 | Kotree.
799 | The large Sand Greouse.} Pterocles arenarius... i! Jempeer.
$18 | The Black Partridge ...| Francolinus vulgaris . 1 Jempeer.
822 | The Grey Partridge Ortygernis pentice- i | Jempeer.
rianus. :
829 | The large Grey Quail...) Coturnix communis... 2 Jempeer.
849 | The Indian Hinged) Adgialitis dubia ...... 1 | Sukkur.
{ Plover.
852 | The Black-sided Lap-| Chittusia gregaria ... { | Narra.
wing. pe
856 | The Yellow wattled| Sarciophorus bilobus. 2 | Mulleer.
Lapwing.
872 | The Jack Snipe .........} Gallinago gallinula ... 2 | Kotree.
884 | The Common Sand-; Tringoides hy po- 1 , Kurrachee.
piper. leucos.
901 | The Pheasant-tailed | Hydrophasianus chi- 1 | Munckur.
Jacana. rurgus.
903 | The Bald Coot.. ses) MUNA ALTA tc. .ceceesee 1 | Munchnr.
904 | The Water- cock . .eo.e---| Gallicrex cinereus ... 1 | Sehwan.
907 | The White-breasted Erythra phoenicura. 1 | Fukkeer-ka-Gote.
Water hen.
952 | The Whistling Teal...... Dendrocygna —_java- 2 | Kotree.
nica.
957 | The Shoveller .. Spatula clypeata... 1 | Munchur.
965 | The Biue- winged Teal. Querquedula circia ... 1 | Jempeer.
995 Rhynchops albicollis. 1 | Hyderabad.
58
NATURAL HISTORY.
LIST OF SOUTHERN INDIAN AND OTHER PLANTS.
PRESENTED BY JAMES A. Murray.
Anaphalis neilgherriensis ...0+.00-++seseceeess eee oes
5 MOLOMIAWA ses cecieventeenircdare se
Budlea diseolor
Centranthera humifwsa ...-.cocesesscsees soe vessecces
Sophubia sp.
Alsycarpus longifolius ...scsseee-see
Desmodium congestum oo.eorcereerccscescveees severe
Hatifolieniay sec sterserwiece es
coe cco oo
©02000 007608 070008 T0F DOS BOLOOS DOT MAH 000
090080088 090000080808 T08 G00 eereceersecoseo
ope sccece cee eee
woe ree ccesco
37
rs reeurvatum
008 Coo BOB DOH LOE CORDES OOH OOD
ee eee coe ere cores
' CUUSUEMeesteateatetereiests
QANGELICUM .. voreeseoe severe coneeeces oes
os tVIQUETTUMT ...-creee cee serecreescoonee ove
5 ZYLANS..cece ces cee one
poe Cae Coe toe oosece coe
Lonicera Leschenaalti ...
Viburnum eapitellatum
Pothos scandens
Gomphostemma Heyneanus -..soscesccscesceseoeees
800 809000808 008 FOF OOO Nes DOK
P08 COC Oe O00 O2 BEE OOF COSTE
00s 800 008 Cer COB leT EEE DET BEEOES CHE OOD
Dicerma biarticulatum ...ccsocccvees
e 08 S00 60k C88 boo
= pUlehellurn....c. seccreseeoseee see ceecescorace
ZOYNEA SP.sceecreeecsscerssscosveeces oes ccsaee oes cescvseee
Sesbania igyptiaca 10. wrscorrcresens soessoner cee vos
Tephrosia hirta ....scocsscersscovsoetessersvewee ces
jy | PUTPULEAsce--ncecensscoves'sn.onseracewesvve
of SUIDCLOSH fecceericcciccsiscslesete calseicdeles sleesteee
Atylosia neilgherriensis ....ssseeseeseerersessoesee tes
JONESIA ASOCA ..ceccdeverserete ceveseevcees server cen yee
Acacia pulchella ......ccrsseseccesesves soeseceveee cee
39. BODUStAL.ccecevcssefecvorsaragecesere ves csvces ces
xo Vertieillata: ....0.ceeres
© 00 200 S7e COD EOe ETS BOO ees BOD
» Godonzfolia ......
gx LONGTFO]IA — sae scoesecesscceoreee can ceeees coeees
Gnetum funiculare.....0....ceeccceeeses eu ectasmincees
Eenistalutea cccccceccssscccsececs te sersesassiecticcsere
Clerodendron infortwnatwUmM .....0cercoessvecessevoe
pooseosecroreoe CHT 0008 He
Cinnamomum ovalifolium ...
Coe eee coo eee sot son Oe
Indigofera linifolia «6. ....++42:-.
eee cero coeooeee
Cajanus Indicus ..... Sa dweinde ancora
Indigofera cordifolia .....+.ssseceeeeeeeeescoreeeees
» pentaphylla.
eco tot eee ee Seooressoereoror ore
Grotalaria Walliehiana, .........00066
ceeeres see sso ree
Fi rubiginosa. we...
aoe teeter woe taeeen eee
~ anthylloides ..c...+.-
Loeality.
Neilgherry Hulls.
29
Wynaad.
Poolachee.
Bermuda.
Annamallays-
ba)
”
Jubbulpoor.
Madras.
Moulmein.
Rangoon.
Ootacamund.
Coonoor..
Anamallays.
Neilgherry Hills.
Madras.
St. Thome.
Venkatagherry.
Neifgherries.
Juggiapet.
Neilgherry Hills.
Condapilly Hills.
Ootaeamund.
97
Neilgherry Hills.
o
Madras.
Neilgherry Hills
Waltais.
Cr
ee
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER.
Locality.
MOVOPAl Arig TRIMER Sen cakcancsecsteoecs:festosnseesseng Neilgherry Hills.
Gomphocarpus fruticosus ...coeceeeessesseeeessseeee Madras.
MEBESSals MIAULIO WE coeicdae ale cote nan sires bates cee vap'easides 7
Olea robusta .reseecceesseesececrereessecerssecvesseers Neilgherry Hills.
Ot MIN Uc orn apicen ea siancseonnwosani<senseies caus obs =
Melaleuca lencodendron.........+0+sesersececcevesees Madras.
Tetranthera ligustrum .....s.ssseesseeseseseveeeees Neilgherry Hills.
Litsaia ceylanica ....1..esseeewssseressessaeere seseee eee ae
Gyrocarpus OdOrata ws seeseesssceeseesssces nee cesses sy
Laurus CINNAMOMUM .....c000 cee eoesesteseseceseeseee Ankapelly.
Efatelia WAtCMS. ncavetienwisee cesses. cnusdeovecs eaares ea) LUT AS
BICMOS CRITE Ane colcnsee dees secicecimsicewecsiocs scpseeicsercs A
Galium asperifelium ......scccccssssessseeeecsseroeee Neilgherry Hills.
PRISER OUP UME D foras « oasaia See nsainecossinanieunn aamicasies Re
Hymenidictyon obovatum .......cccssscseesesereeee is
PL USSCCTA A ATONGOSA:. ec nos-cacioes covsseesn codecs onsets #
PRENG Wa COR YIRDONE <n nn newsitors eens. eueeeesen oe 1
PAVE bbE UUNOIIS) | nin.crcacciccscacectaccrseecacescesae, WOlMDALOOE:
Txora parvitlora ..0.00.00ceessesecccecosseccssccsveseee Madras.
95 .G0CCINEA ee .e0. seivanlceelsioaidesiceoinaaeteresodeers 3
NM OER veo a pce seisne Sones Skids b aa scenes /enin/ MMAGTAS:
Eugenia Arnettiana ...ccreseseccersccreosevesssees Neilgherry Hills.
Serpe AIM OLAUINTIAS <=. eo since Sonneccsa states saccess) Madvas:
Hucalyptus perfoliata... .occosesreesecreeccceeoseseee Neilgherry Hills.
Valeriana brunoniana.... oo. secesscoscecese cee ccvece see $3
PUI MMNANHIACH Canejcenecscacidaresnesewide sewsvesesnwon) Madras.
Hydrocotyle rotundifolia ...-2.ssscosrescsseeseeree Ootacamund.
Goughia neilgherriensis ........seeeeceeeserseveeee Annamallays.
Macrea Gblongifolia .2.... 00.00 ser ceccee serves coe res *%
Newrocalyx Hookeriana ........0seccessce senses ces Wynaad.
Ophiorrhiza munghos ........0-ssseseseseereeeeeeee Annamallays.
Total 73—species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING
THE QUARTER.
‘Tne usual monthly meeting of this Society took place on Monday, the 4th Octeber,
and was largely attended. Dr. D. Macdonald presided.
The fellowing new members were elected :—Mr. R. Roberts, Mrs. John Jardine,
Mr. Jamsetjee C. Jamsetjee, Mr. Cawasjee Day Limjee, nad Mr, D. D. Opiumwala.
68 NATURAL HISTORY.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then read the following list of contri-
butions received since last meeting :-—
| ico
Contribution. Descriptions. | Contributor.
% Monkey-mouthed Shark...| Stegostoma tigrinum ......| Mr. H. H. Aitken.
1 Wart Hog’s Skul .........| From Somali Coast ......... Capt. W. Avis.
1 Koodoo’s Head. ............ Lo, (WON = lle cet Do.
1 Armeacditlors Sicimivarres.c Do. COM menD Weecieceae: Do.
1 Tortoise Shell.s...0....2.. 00 De. Glo aon ie Do.
a GazellenGilivie)) -csecmelnsna. Do. do. sectaniatetes Do.
A quantity of Snakes...... Do. do. coarneGlese Do.
A quantity of Fish .-.......¢ From Aden ccciicsccceses eee Do.
Viel BEN T=) eeeBAOODBAEIEST ECE OE. ODOUEe|h bose Mabbeate Mmctganceoncarce||, Aulrds (Or, Mays nays
A quantity of Sea Shells DD ON arot ote bee arecinaoete ctr Mr. Jas. Mason.
and Birds’ Nests.
t Large Horned Owl (alive).| From Lanowli ..,............} Mr. 8. J. Sarjant.
Nestiand Hoes i. ie. cuescc> |) Pring Ste Wwartiis Wessnsetcnee Mr. R. Wroughton.
Deka (allitvie) antes Prom Alibag \escsss sere) Dire We Hensmclanms@eiese
A quantity of Fish, Crus- Do. Esnjustelonstesmesti Do.
taceans and Marine
Animals.
¥ Chameleon (alive) ........, Chamelio yulgaris....... ..-..— Mr. H. Barrett.
DO SWACO. Rearecenaecyseweeee sae SAG COKOOlee tennessee: Mr. F. Kirby.
2 LiZaNdSirencccer-sceseestseeeel! Olina LOndiceniane chess elvor EL. Wi eebnos rms
1 Long-tailed Forest Squirrel) Sciurus Maerournus from} Mr. G@ H. Hampton.
Ceylon. .
TORS HOTCLT Soo cosodgoooEganbaodaca I Sak ee ibascaddranedeaton Victoria Gardens,
3) SMAKES) ss.vesneasetnarweriees oni} HOM SAUSOR, Crt veces utes Mr. H. H. Barnes.
1 Bustard..ac.csessccstsoees--.| Brom Malegaon.........+.....| Mx. H. Anderson:
Minor ContRIBuTtioNs,
From Miss Johnstone, Mr, Daley, Mr. R. Roberts, Dr. Weir, Captain EK. F. Becher,
and Mrs. A. K. Oliver.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LiIBRARY-
‘“ Amnals and Magazine of National History ” (No. CV.), by Mr. H. Littledale ;
“ Catalogue of Birds in Lucknow Museum,” by Mr. G. Reid; “ Proceedings of the
Linnean Society of N. 8. Wales (Vol. I.) ; and “ Catalogue of the Library of N.S.
Wales.”
Mr. EH. lL. Barton exhibited several heads of tiger, panther, and markhor, mounted
by him, which were greatly admired.
In an adjoining room, which the Anthropological Society had kindly lent for the
occasion, an exhibition was held, showing the different kinds of fruits and vegetables.
which are obtainable in Bombay at this season of the year, The collection consisted
of 175 different varieties,
Mr. H. M. Phipson acknowledged having received the greatest assistance from
Dr. Kirtikar, Mr. W. F. Sinclair, and Mr. Nanabhoy F. Davur, in purchasing, arrang-
ing, and naming the specimens. Many of the exhibits came from private gardens,
and a vote of thanks was proposed to the following gentlemen who had sent in
specimens for exhibition :—
Mr. Frank Jefferson, the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Birdwood, Mr. Cowasjee M.
Dadabhoy, Mr. Sorabjee D. Dubash, Mr. Nanabhoy F. Dayur, Mr. Kaikabad D.
Ghandy, Mr. P. B. Brunton, Dr. Weir, Mr. J. Anderson, Mr. N, 8. Symons, and the
Superintendent of the Victoria Gardens.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER. 61
Dr. Kirtikar then read out a list of the natural orders of the vegetables obtained
by the Society from the Crawford Markets, incidentally touching on those sent up
by some of the members of the Society individually. He briefly explained the uses
of some of the vegetables and fruits. Beginning with the grass-order, Dr. Kirtikar
said, there was a very well-developed stalk of Jowari or Sorghum vulgare, exhibited
by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Birdwood, which showed to what height it could grow
under favourable circumstances. It went up as high as 12 feet before it threw out
the ear of corn. Side by side with the Jowari plant was a beautiful specimen of
sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), grown on the “ Kutchra”’ ground of the Muni-
cipality. Dr. Kirtikar dwelt on the importance of using “made ground” for
cultivation purposes, the decaying animal and vegetable matter from which, he said,
afforded much nutritive matter to plants, at the same time serving as an effectual
method of the disposal of refuse matter. Végetation, he hoped, thus carried on
would remove some of the offensive odours which have been the characteristic of
the Byculla Flats. There was one special kind of vegetable belonging to the grass-
order which he said was entirely unknown to many. It was the tender off-shoots of
the Bamboo (bambusa arundinacea) known among the Hindus as vasota, which made
very good pickle with the juice of sour limes, and common salt. He must not omit,
he said to mention that there were a few rice-bearing stalks of the Oryza sativa,
which formed the staple food of the Hindus of the Konkan and Deccan. He next
described the uses of lemon grass, known as ola chah, “ green tea,’’ or Andropogon
citratum, used principally by the Parsees for flavouring their tea, Oilis also manu-
factured from it. He next described the uses of some of the Arads available now,
such as the Amorphophullus campanulatus (Sooran) and Colocasia antiquorum (aloo),
the acridity of which was removed by the use of garlic and ginger, and by boiling
in salt and water before making up the dish. Touching the Natural Order Musaceze
he remarked that though there were several: specimens of plantains in the day’s
collection, it was not a season for plantains. There was one remark, however, he
wanted to make, he said, regarding a special variety of the plantain which came from
the village of Agashi in Bassein Taluka. This variety of plantain was the only one
that could be dried in the sun for preservation. The plantain, he said, was peeled
and dipped in honey and exposed to the sun for seven or fifteen days. It was an
industry which was confined to Agashi only. Several attempts were made in the
surrounding villages to improve the trade by growing this special variety of plantain,
but the results had not produced plantains worth preserving. Why this should be, Dr.
Kirtikar observed, was a problem to botanists to solve. Referring to the Borassus
flabelli-formis (fan-leafed palm), he remarked that the fruit was very tender and
delicate eating, a great favorite among children. The water it contained was delicious
and refreshing. Regarding the Areca catechu (supari) and Piper betel (pan), he observ-
ed they made the usual dessert of the Hindu after his meal, and formed the vida
when eaten with a little catechu, chunam, a few grains of cardamoms, some cloves, a
bit of nutmeg or mace. Among the Anacardiacz were the Kajoo and Charoli, both
used dry, the latter for adorning Burfi, made by boiling milk with sugar over a gentle
fire, and thickening it, and the former for sweetmeats and curries. There was a
specimen of mango from Bangalore—smellless and perhaps tasteless ; steam commu-
nications had rendered it available now. In former years one could not imagine
getting a mango in these days. Among the Euphorbiacee there were the Cicca
disticha and Phyllanthus emblica, the latter of which was very largely used in Poona
for making an excellent preserve. Among the Solancez were the Loveapple and
62 NATURAL HISTORY.
Brinjal, both very delicious vegetables. There was the Carica papaya, two varie-
ties of the fruit of which were exhibited, one growing as usual from the tree bear-
ing female flowers only, and the other growing on a plant bearing both male and
female flowers. The former was readily distinguished from the latter by its short
and thick peduncle or pedicel, the fruit growing from the later having a long curved
and slender peduncle, and several flowers on it, the peduncle often branching and
giving off other fruit-bearing flowers. The papaya is largely used now as a digestive
agent, and makes good pickles. The ripe fruit is also good. The Umbelliferze were
represented by the Carrot (Dauous carota), Parsley and Celery. There was also the
green needle-shape leaved tender plant grown from Anethum sowa, which goes among
the Hindus under the name of Shepu, and is used as greens. Coming to the natural order
Cucurbitacez, he said it was the plant of the season giving some of the finest and
most delicious dishes a vegetarian could command. A specimen of Tricosanthes
palmata {Kaundal) was exhibited by a member alongside of the edible vegetables, but
it was bitter and used for poisoning cattle. It was beautifully red when ripe, but utterly
useless except medicinally or as poison. Among the Leguminose, he said, there
were many which supplied abundant vegetables; the Dolichos Lablab (Papdi) was
good in curries, the Dolichos sinensis (Chowli) was very pleasant and delicate eating.
Everybody knew the pea. The peculiar four-angled, fringed pod of Chowdhar when
cooked in thin slices with butter, salt, and pepper afforded an agreeble tender dish.
The tamarind supplied the place of vinegar in Hindu household economy. On
account of the lateness of the hour it was impossible to enter into the details of the
several other orders. But he hoped that on some future occasion he would be able
complete his observations and supply a few notes on the economic aspect of the
various fruits and vegetables growing and procurable in and around Bombay.
THE usual monthly meeting of this Society was held on Monday, the 1st November,
and was largely attended.
The following new members were elected :—-Messrs. F. D. Parker, H. W. Barrow,
Charles Taylor, A. W. Morris, Alexander Descubes, W. M. Daly, 8. Hornidge, H.
Litchfield, W. C. Taylor, H. J. Hemming, and HE. L. Luard.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then acknowledged the following con-
tributions to the Society’s collections :—
Contribution. | Description. Contributor,
A quantity of Fish, Lizards| From Carwar......s0s00.| Mr. H. S. Wise.
and Bats.
A quantity of Insects ..... Do. ned dansdacscoas Hao Do.
1 Sarus Crane .. teal ALEVIG) Sane venese irs vasoseeee| Mr. H. Barrett.
A quantity of Shells .. Farcacon|) /arqovsal Mauritius... seseseeeee| Mr. Alex. Descubes.
Sn aNc@ rat sbspissiosisleniesaiesaes elt | Typhlops brahminus. gesqneace Do.
68 Birds’ Snare ee From Sind ..,......seesse+esee.| Col. Swinhoe.
A large collection of Butter-
flies and Moths.
Skin of Red-bellied Flying
Squirrel.
Skin of
Squirrel.
Skin of Leopard Cat...
1 Bear’s Skull.. ve
1 Australian Red Parrot. ate
1 Monkey Mouthed Shark...
1 Eel.. ; ies
A quantity of Coralines |
Grey Flying
.| Ursus labiatus ......
..| From Alibag ......
From Bombay
Pteromys magnificus
Pteromys fimbriatus-.......
Felis Bengalensis ............
ANWR) agcecon9cns . eo i:
Stegostoma tigrinum soaie
Sp. Murzena
eaneoecceee
A number of the new Spe-| From Mahableshwar ieee
cies of Balanophora.
Mr. Fraser Hore.
.| Major G. Poole.
Do.
Do.
Mr. E. L. Barton.
Mrs. M. C. Turner.
Mr. W. F. Sinclair, C.S.
Do.
Do.
Mr. W. H, Hart.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER. 63
Minor Contributions.
From Mr. W. W. Squire, Mr. H. Sinwald, Mr. R. N. Mant, Mr. James Conroy,
Mr. F. L. Maguire, Mr. H. Hatch, Mr: M. C. Turner, Colonel Walcott, Mr. R.
Gilbert, Mr. P. R. Wilson and Dr. Weir.
CoNTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
* Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, New York,” in exchange ;
“ Annals and Magazine of Natural History” (No. CVI.), H. Littledale; and “Journal
of the Asiatic Society of Bengal” (Nos. I., II., III.), in exchange.
EXHIBITS,
Tigers’ skins, with four unborn cubs, and two panthers’ skins, Mr. Sarjant; one
head and skin of doe antelope, with horns, 22} inches in length, His Highness the
Maharaja of Jodhpore ; and one wild Buffalo’s head, mounted by Mr, E, L. Barton,
and shot by Mr. J. D. Inverarity.
The Honorary Secretary announced that H. H. the Maharaja of Rutlam had sent
a donation of Rs. 50 to the Society.
Owing to the indisposition of Dr. D. Macdonald his paper on Cobra-bites was
postponed.
Mr. J. H. Steel (Bombay Veterinary College) then read the following paper,
illustrating his remarks with diagrams and spirit specimens :—
I wish to introduce to you this evening a number of zoological characters who
have a more or less bad reputation, and, because they love darkness rather than
light, are presumed to be workers of evil. Whether the bad name these organisms
have received; and the aversion with which they are looked on by their fellow-
animals, men, is just or no, will be explained in the sequel, let it for the present be
remembered that doubtless parasites from their own particular point of view are
highly respectable characters. As even the study of criminal tribes and outcastes
has a value and much interest, and the pursuit of such specimens of humanity is
not pleasant except for the zest of the chase and love of danger, which most men
experience more or less, so the shikar of parasites of higher animals is at first not
pleasant ; but when employed in this way soon one forgets any offensiveness of
surroundings and feels keenly somewhat as does the foxhunter while the covert is
being drawn, or the shikaree when the beaters are at work. And this research has
high value, for, strange as it may seem to some of you, these small inhabitants of
our bodies are more dangerous foes to the lives of higher animals than are even
the tiger or the cobra. For very numerous and fatal diseases are due to parasites;
thus the rot of sheep, which often ruins sheep-farmers, is due to “ Flukes”’ in the
liver; the “ Pip,’ which carries off poultry, depends on worms in the windpipe ; and
the Trichina, which mankind obtain from pork, and which often kills the human
being unfortunate enough to obtain it, is a small round worm barely visible to the
naked eye.
“We really know less of the habits of internal parasites than of the formidable
‘denizens of the jungle,’ whereas common sense and policy would suggest to us to
know more with a view to their avoidance and extirpation, as they are our more
bitter foes. I wish to direct your attention to the way in which these creatures
‘live, move, and have their being,” and with a view to introducing the subject: have
selected what to parasites is a geographical region, the equine organism or system
of the horse. It is, as concerns our internal parasites, not a very favourite country
64 NATURAL HISTORY,
as compared with the canine organism or the bovine organism, and yet it is fairly
well frequented, and the inhabitants are of various castes and manners. The
country is a fairly hot one, and very uniform in temperature, the thermometer
constantly standing at about 100° F., with a range of not more than a couple of
degrees. A moist country, moreover, in most parts, but not without fairly dry
spots, which are sometimes frequented. The air varies very much in different parts.
On the large canal known as the alimentary, it consists principally of carbonated
and sulphuretted hydrogen. In the passage known as the respiratory it is beauti-
fully fresh, but very moist, and with a genial warmth about it. Fortunately for the
inhabitants of this geographical region, they can utilize the oxygen contained in the
surrounding fluids by absorbing it through the skin surface; they, therefore, are not
concerned as to whether their atmosphere is good or bad, and having neither lungs
nor bronchi do not dread either asthma or pneumonia. This is rather fortunate for
them as, we shall shortly see, they are apt to be abruptly turned out into the cold.
A wonderfully disturbed region is the alimentary canal above-mentioned, sometimes
narrow, sometimes expanding into broads, and always agitated by a peculiar. churning
motion most aggravating to a parasite, were it not that it is thereby saved the trouble
of going far to seek food. One can hold fast in such a place by means of anchors and
pincers, as received through the beneficent foresight of Providence, and in ease and
luxury collect the beautifully prepared morsels which are brought to cur mouths by .
the constant movement of our canal home in ever fresh supplies. We can adopt the
tactics of the oyster, but our food is better prepared than his, and we do not need
even the lazy motion of arms to grasp it, or the waving to and fro of nets to catch.
A jovial life the inhabitant of the alimentary canal leads until in an unguarded mo-
ment he happens to let go his ho!d; then he is pushed from his broad residence
through numerous narrows probably filled with food offensive to his palate, and at
last is by cruel fate expelled even from the equine organism, and left to do as best
he can when suddenly exposed to the terrible influence of a temperature of but 60° FP.
Happy is the worm who before becoming the victim of so tragic a fate has made
provision for the future of his race, and can die happy in the assurance that his ova
will resist those influences to which he has succumbed, and that, in due course, his
progeny will enter the region he has Jost and carry on his life’s works! Let us take
some few of the inhabitants of the equine organism, and see what manner of beings
they are. The alimentary canal of the horse has on its.course a large pouch called
the stomach, in which we are almost sure of a “‘find,” in India especially. On cutting
open this pouch we note its lining membrane to be of two parts, one quite white, the
other reddish white. On the former part we shall probably find what the uninitiated
would call maggots, but what are commonly called “ Bots’; on the latter part
we shall very likely see innumerable small thread-like worms really of two kinds
called ‘great mouths” and “little mouths” (spiroptera), and probably some
“abodes” which they have made for themselves. (1) The Bots are maggots of
the Gad fly, that is they are the young of certain winged insects for which Nature
has found a most comfortable abode in which they may develope. When they
wish they can hold on by two black prickle-like hooks which they have at one end,
and when they want to move on they can do so after the manner of worms, joint
by joint, gaining a grip on the surface over which they are travelling. As the
part of the mucuus membrane to which they are attached is very smooth, each joint
has on it numerous horny spines which give a good grip. These bots are not harm-
less tothe horse. A few cause him little inconvenience, but.many may even cause
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER. 65
his death. I have known cases where they were sufficiently numerous to causea
blocking up of the passage from the stomach into the bowel. Recently I treated
unsuccessfully a pony which had an abscess in the loins, caused by bots which had
pierced the walls of the stomach. In other cases severe indigestion is caused. If
inthe autumnorearly spring your horse falls away in condition, eats earth or white-
wash, or likes to lick anything cool ; if he frequently straightenus the head ont and turns
the upper lip inside out, and is “‘ foul’ (to use a term well-known to horsemen), he
probably suffers from “‘ worms,” not improbably bots. Now itis one thing to put medi-
cine down a horse’s throat and into his stomach, but quite another thing to get the worm
to take his share of the dose, so bots are often difficult to get rid of ; however, it ig
possible to make them very uncomfortable for a few days by giving the horse doses
of turps, salt, or green vitriol, and When this hes made them thoroughly discon-
tented with their surroundings, clearing them out by a dose of aloes. Bots are
representatives of what are termed ‘“‘ partial parasites.” Their residence in the
horse lasts very much longer than the other phases of their life. Whenever by
accident.or in the course of their life’s work, they pass from the body and fall to
the ground. they wriggle into grass or loose soil, and become Chrysalides, and in
due course the gadfly escapes. It is a most pertinavious insect, which deposits its
eges on the long hair of the legs of horses. The eggs adhere by akind of glue
which seems somewhat acrid in its character, for the horse constantly bites and licks
the part on which the eggs are attached. His warm saliva loosens the gummy
substance, and the eggs (or larve) are carried into the mouth and in due course
down to the stomach, where the young bot escapes as soon as convenient by lifting
up an operculum or lid at one end of the shell. A few bots give little if any trouble.
2. ‘the Spiroptera, ‘‘ great mouths ”’ and “‘ little mouths,” are extremely frequent
in this country, but not often seen in England. They are Nematodes or round
worms, and of considerable importance to owners of horses. The“ little mouths”
live free in the cavity of the stomach over the soft part of the mucous membrane,
which they cause to become thick and congested, and covered with a very thick
veisid mucus, worms and mucus together forming a wriggling, seething mass. A
harness horse which I owned some four years ago, wasa victim to these small
termenters. Feed him as we would, we could get no flesh on his bones, nay rather
he continued to fall away, although he used to eat voraciously and with depraved
appetite. He showed a peculiar crankiness of humour, sothat at times no amount
of persuasion would cause him to go. Finally he was destroyed, and the soft part
of his stomach was found to be quite concealed by myriads of these small round
worms.
The “ large mouths” construct themselves residences in the stomach, which have
been formed into ‘‘ abodes” or “ nésts’”; these are abscesses in the wall of the
stomach, practically between the mucous and muscular coats which become matted
together as a result of inflammation and form a single or divided cavity in which is
much pus, and which opens by one or more “ mouths’ into the cavity of the stomach.
The “ large mouths” seen to live on pus, the small mouths on mucous and perhaps
stomach contents. Ina considerable proportion of horses opened in India there are
found gastric abscesses, or the remains of the ‘ cysts,”
as caused by the great-
mouthed round worm. Sometimes the cysts are of enormous size, and it may be
easily understood what an amount of pain must have been cansed in the formation
of these abscesses, and that many an obscure case of colic or indigestion may be
traced to this cause. Proper care in cleansing the food of horses is an important
9
bb NATURAL HISTORY.
———— a=
means of prevention of invasion by these parasites, a liberal salt ration with the
feed, and occasional doses of worm medicines will prove beneficial. The pus-eating
‘“ ereat mouths” in their cysts are the most difficult to get at; cases of rnpture of
the stomach, which are not an infrequent occurrence among horses in India, are
often due to the weakening of the coats of that organ as caused by this parasite.
3. The large headed ascaris (A. megalocephala) is an enormous white round
worm, found generally in the small intestine, sometimes in the stomach His im-
portance as causing disease is in no way proportioned to his size. He probably gets
into the stomach simply by making a journey of exploration from the intestine.
The male is smaller than his spouse, and decidedly of second-rate importance in the
domestic circle, a very common feature among entozoa. When the syce lugubriously
brings one of these worms in the morning and urges that his horse wants medicine,
no apprehension should be excited in the owner’s mind, but the horse will be the
better for a course of iron tonics. Yet these worms, though some of the largest,
are among the least formidable to which horses are liable. Only when they are
present in very large numbers do they cause mischief, and then purely in a mechani-
cal way, by blocking up the bowel; the wild ass recently examined by me had over
one hundred in him. They are rather rare among stabled horses in India.
4. No part of the alimentary canal of the horse has a richer fauna than the
cecum and commencement of the colon. Three species are specially frequent
there ; among them we will first of all notice a blood-sucking parasite, which, though
small in size, does much mischief. He can’t be mistaken ; like a British infantryman
he is known by his red colour. His looks betray him, and enable us at once to distin-
guish between him and the armed strongyle of which we shall speak directly. He
is armed with four spines (Str. tetracanthus), which enable him to “ tap” the small
blood vessels of the bowel when he is thirsty, a small red spot indicating where he
has been carrying on his operations. His development is shown to us in a very
remarkable manner. If you examine the mucous membrane of the ezcum you will
find it dropsical and pulpy, as a result of irritation caused by these worms, and if
you peel it off and held it up to the light, you will find the offenders. in many cases
in enormous numbers, simply curled up in the substance of the membrane, some
scarcely visible with the naked eye others almost as large as the adults. They were
first described as “ Trichina-like’” organisms. These blood-suckers cause fatal
diarrheea in colts, and may be considered among the most formidable to which the
horse is liable; fortunately adult stabled horses do not much suffer from them.
In one outbreak over one hundred ponies are reported to have died from this cause.
5. With these last are liable to be confounded the ‘“‘palisade” or wandering
armed worms which occur in their adult form, especially in the caecum and colon:
they are larger and stiffer than the blood-suckers, and have a black line instead of a
red one running up through them; this is because they feed on the dark contents of
the bowel. They are, therefore, much less troublesome as adults than their red
companions, Their principal importance arises from their adventurous youth, during
which they wander strangely. Sometimes the young strongyles are seen in the eye,
but another species is much more frequent there, as we shall see directly. An armed
strongyle may turn up in almost any part of the body, but is extremely frequent in
the arteries of the bowels, where he gives rise to disease (aneurism),. You can
seldom open the body of an old ass without finding in his bowel-arteries either young
armed strongyles, or traces that they have been there, depending on the time of year.
These aneurisms are considered a frequent source of colic in the horse, at any rate
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER/ 67
they must ¢ause the animal considerable pain, and interfere with proper nutrition,
especially of the bowels. The young strongyles are able to travel about, in conse-
quence of the boring apparatus on their heads, but generally prefer a much easier
method of progression. ‘hey bore into the blood vessels, and are carried by the
blood current to different parts of the body, and so we can easily understand how
they may turnup anywhere. The very young and the adult worms live in the
alimentary canal of the horse; the latter escape from the bowel and discharge eggs
which are hatched by natural influences, and the young escape into the soil,
and enter the bodies of small snails, where they reside comfortably until the snails
are swallowed with food by the horse. They then escape into the stomach and
intestines, and bore their way through the walls of the alimentary canal. The adults
can be expelled and killed by ‘worm medicines,” especially santonin.
6. The “ wandering eel-like worms” (Filaria papillosa) must not be mistaken for
armed strongyles. We seldom open a horse in this country without finding wrig-
gling about in the warm moist cavity of the abdomen one or more long white worms,
the males with corkscrew tails, but smaller than the females. But one of the most
familiar appearances of these creatures in an immature form isin the eye of the
horse, occasionally of the ox. The eel-like worm of the eye of the horse can be seen
quite plainly at first disporting himself in this natural aquarium, but very soon he
gives rise to so much irritation as to cause complete clouding over of the eye and
often permanent loss of sight. A surgical operation for removal of the worm has
to be resorted to, and very frequently proves quite effectual. The parasite is much
more frequent in low-lying marshy districts than in others, and in India notably
occurs in Lower Bengal. It is remarkable that worm in the eye is practically never
seen in England, and therefore its treatment is a speciality of Indian Veterinary
Surgery. In other respects this worm is known to cause serious inflammation of
the organs of the abdomen.
The England “ Flukes” or flat worms (Fasciola hepatica), like those which cause
rot in sheep, are not uncommon as cause of diseased liver in horses and asses. In
India this species seems rare, but a near ally, the Amphistome, is very common and
rather important. On opening the cacum and colon we not unfrequently find
enormous numbers of small reddish bodies, like grains of barley, mixed with the
bowel contents. These on examination prove to have a sucker at each end of the
body, which used to be mistaken for mouths, hence their “ mouth at both ends.”
They cause a good deal of irritation, and iu their effects resemble and are nearly as
serious as the blood-sucking strongyle, than which they in India are more frequent.
Liberal salt ration is the best preventative of them, and, indeed, a measure to which
all horse owners in this country should constantly resort, care being taken that the
horse, not his syce, obtains the benefit “of the salt. These amphistomes like other
flukes are remarkable for the complex and numerous developmental stages through
which they pass. At one time swimming freely in tank water in all the glory of a
long tail, at another ignominiously encysted in the body of snail, finally settling
down not uncomfortably to a fat living, enjoying otiwm cum dignitate in the cecum
or colon of the horse. There are many animals that have a much worse time of it
than a fluke! Individual flukes, unlike strongyles, contain both male and female
organs.
8. Tapeworms are not frequent in the adult form in vegetable feeders, although
among the principal parasite torments of flesh-eatersand man. Yet we do see small
teeniz in the large bowel of the horse ; in su far as my experience goes, very rarely
68 NATURAL HISTORY.
in India. They are so short and peculiar in appearance as to be hardly recognizable
as tapeworms. They give rise in some cases to severe irritation in the bowels.
What is the source of the most frequent tapeworm of the horse is not known, but
our knowledge of the development of other Tapeworms gives us some clue.
9. Thus the horse like other herbivora (but not nearly so frequently as the ox
and camel) has often in his liver and iungs, what are known as Hydatids or Hydatid
cysts. These look like white tumours, sometimes bigger than a cricket ball, in
other cases no bigger than a peas When cut into liquid contents squirt out with
force often into the eyes of the enthusiastic student of Zoology. These contents
are watery for the most part, but have little white grains in them which, examined
under a low power, are found to be tapeworm heads ; the tumours, in fact, are the
cystic or bladder stage of development of the tenia which, more than mankind,
deserves Shakespeare’s description, a one individual ‘in its time playing many
parts,” its acts bemg seven ages—
1. First the “ Ovum” with its shell expelled into the world,
2. And next the ‘ sixhooked embryo” wandering free,
Then boring through the tissues of the host becomes a “ Cyst,”
wo
4, Which nurse-like from its inner coat developes young,
5. The “ Scolices,’’ on heads which bear a ring of hooks
6. Hydatids swallowed by flesh-feeders lose their coats, but many heads
7. Develope into fruitful Tapeworms and each segment bears ova in many
thousands to preserve the race.
I have rever known a horse die from Hydatids, but cattle suffer much from them.
10. The sharp tails (Oxyurides) must for the present complete our imperfect
enumeration of equine parasitic organisms. They are probably the most familiar,
because they reside in the terminal portion of the alimentary canal and are expelled
often in enormous numbers. Almost every horse brought in from the districts has
some of these worms. They are feeders on excrement, cause little mischief, and can
easily be recognised by their having a round firm body, and a soft tail-half to it. They
are something like a thick whip with lash as stout almost as and not longer than the
handle. Although not very serious they cause irritation, and many a tail spoiled by
rubbing is due to the presence of these worms. One of the most common and dis-
tinctive indications of their presence is a brownish white deposit around the posterior
outlet of the alimentary canal, and sometimesa specimen will be found to have become
entangled in its passage through the opening. Syces bring specimens with great
triumph as proof of the necessity for a native worm medicine of considerable value,
Palas papra seeds. The best treatment. however, for the form of parasitic organism is
Injectio Terebinthinze. The larvae of Oxyurides hatch out in the earth, then enter
some animal in which they become changed into the hermaphrodite form. Those of
Ascarides and Filariz lie eneapsuled in some animal, and with it pass into the
digestive system of some other animal-form in which they become adult; those of
Strongyles live in the earth, and assume the adult condition in some animal (Von
Linstow). Such are some of the remarkable variations in metamorphoses shown by
Nematodes.
I trust my brief sketch has established my position that internal parasites are
worth studying by the naturalist, to whom nothing should be common or unclean!
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY DURING THE QUARTER. 69
TuE usual monthly meeting of this Society took place on Monday, Dec. 6th, Dr. D.
Macdonald presiding.
The following new members were elected :—Mr. Proctor Sims, Mr. R. D. Hare,
Mr. A. Conroy, Mr. J. S. Ashby, Mr. C. Sykes, Major Elliston, and Mr. H. Gonne.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then read the following list of contri-
butions, received since the last meeting :—
Contributions. Description. Contributor.
20 Birds’ Skins ...............|Collected at Simla for the} Capt. W. R. L. Anderson.
Society.
A quantity of Insects.........| From Belgaum .............4. Mr. H. E. Andrews.
Lizards and Snakes............] From Cutch .......:...0.6...-| Mr. A. Newnham.
MG iveti Cah cs. ccb8ls. tec sctsoer Vivera malaccensis ......+.. Mr. Thos. Lidbetter.
1 Bronze Winged Jacana. | letra hab Coe Cee becooecdedanee Senger Major Lyons.
An Herbarium (containing| Bombay Flora ........ ......| Mrs. Suecaram Arjoon.
180 specimens.)
1 Black Buck’s head ......... Hromeybinrda,i@ic2.)) Sesesenae Mr. Alfred Walker.
i Chinkara’s Head. .....5....5- Do. Do.
Mm SNakesecdcseeeredccivesense..|) Hrom Monlmein sons... Mr. M. GC. Turner.
PMS EMS evo eh cds dock veces a) Mw) abs Mr. M. H. Nazar.
A 4-legged Chicken ......... | From Shahabad ..........604- Mr. A. Witt.
MERGES. <cocd-p.ssncsctnense.s.| Prom tho, Punjab. .-.<.5<0.9.| Major aes RewA\e
MG ATS. crete seen ce sts vet nes Do. Do.
1 Civet ‘Cat (alive) ............ Vivera megaspila............; Capt. W. H. Walker.
Teeth.ot Sperm Whale. .....) 0 sses0s Do.
A Collection of Moths and| Wy peste cua srreesecaced.) COL OWI BOE.
Butterflies.
Skin of Red Cat Bear. ......| From Nepaul.............«+..| Mr. Chester Macnaghten.
HSPOLCMPIRE HASH AW, scescorc:] |» soeinss Mr. E. M. Slater.
peeiickepucks Heads...) 0 0. sesinee Do.
1 Chameleon (alive) ......... Chameeleo vulgari............| Capt. F. B- Peile.
1 Large Bee’s Comb ..... ..| From Govt. Dockyard ...... Mr. W. J. Killen.
1 Fresh Water Tortoise) Satie Miss Langley.
(alive).
1 Snake ..... Simotes Russellii ............ Mr. John O’Connell.
2 Lesser Civet Cats (alive) Vivera malaccensis .........| Mr. T. W. Cuffe.
Blind Fish from the Caves; Proteus anguinus .........- | Dr. H. J. C. Godfrey.
of Adelsburgh.
Sewers BirGs. SKINS, o.1se0ce|. iy) ekigy« - Haesere Mr. J. D. Inverarity.
Nest of Loten’s Sun Bird. | C. lotenius ..........0.. ...+--| Mr. E. H. Aitken.
Minor ContrRIBurIONs.
From Colonel Portman, Captain L. Herbert, Mr. ©. W. L. Jackson, Mr. Burwan
Jayram, Dr. Temperley Grey, Mr. C. R. Brendon, Mr. E. C. Crawley, Mr. G. B. Reid,
C.S., Mr. M. C. Turner, Mr. J. Wallace, Mr. W. R. Hamilton, and Mr. F. D. Parker.
EXHIBITS.
“A long-tailed Japanese Cock” with a tail measuring 8 feet 9 inches, Mr. F. D.
Parker ; ‘‘ A Lion’s Skin” (shot in Kattiawar), Captain W. P. Kennedy; “ T'wo Ovis
Poli Heads”’ (from Yarkand), Mr. R. A. Sterndale.
CoNTRIBUTICNS TO THE LIBRARY.
“ Plora of British India’’ (Hooker) Part XIII., from the Government of Bombay ;
“ Portraits of the Game Wild Animals of 8. Africa” (Harris), Mr. Dhunjeebhoy H.
Wadia; “Butterflies of India” (Marshall and de Niceville), Vol. II., purchased ;
“Indian Silk Culture” (T. Wardle), from the author; ‘‘ Glossary of Vernacular Names
of Drugs” from Dr. Dymock ; “ Zoological Society of London,” Reports, 1883-4-5
from the R. Z. 8. of London ; ‘‘ Geological Survey of India Record,” Vol. XIX., part
4, from the Registrar.
70 NATURAL HISTORY.
Mr. R. A. Sterndale exhibited two splendid Heads of the Ovis Polii which had been
sent to him for sale at Rs. 200 each. Mr. Sterndale dwelt upon the rarity of this
giant sheep, which inhabits the loftly snow-clad mountains north of Kashgar and
Yarkand. No English sportsman had, he said, ever succeeded in shooting one of
these animals, and it was consequently of the greatest importance that the Society
should, if possible, secure one of these heads for its collection, as such an opportunity
might not occur again.
A feeling of regret was generally felt that the funds at the disposal of the Com-
mittee were not sufficient to enable them to purchase either of the heads.
Dr. D. Macdonald then read the following paper on
Cobra Bires.
Members of the Society may have noticed more than two months ago in the daily
newspapers the announcement that the stuffer at the VY. and A. Museum had been
bitten by a tame cobra, and that he died in consequence of the bite. As there are
some points of scientific as well as public interest, I have thought it advisable to
bring the case before the Society.
The snake was purchased for the Museum six weeks before the unfortunate acci-
dent took place. As usual the fangs were extracted, and in order to make the snake
if possible more completely harmless, part of the poison duct was cut out as well.
There are three principal parts in the poison apparatus of a cobra-—(1) the gland
which secretes the poison; (2) the perforated fang, which pierces the body of the
bitten animal, and at the same time permits the poison to pass along its canal, into
the wound made by the fang; and (3) the duct along which the poison passes from
the gland to the hollow tooth.
As may be seen in the illustrations here there are several reserve fangs, very
small, varying in size, lying loose in the surrounding flesh, and in a loose capsule.
Each of these, one after the other, moves forward to take the place of the perfect
fang, when that becomes broken or injured, and becomes firmly united to the maxil-
lary bone. Some months are required for the full development of these extra-
ordinary or supplementary teeth, but whenever one of these moves forward to
take the place of an injured or extracted tooth, it is capable, as soon as it can
penetrate the skin of any animal, of inflicting a wound as poisonous as that inflicted
by the full grown fang; for, the gland which secretes the poison is first as active
as ever. In the special case referred to, the stuffer took the cobra from the hands
of the skinner, who had fed the snake with milk; but, against all rule, incautiously
seized the animal with the hand unguarded. It must have been held loosely, for the
snake managed to wriggle round a little, and got one of the new fangs, which was
still very minute, into a fold of the skin of the forefinger. The stuffer called out
for pincers, and some delay took place. At last the assistant took a quill and simply
pushed the small tooth out, and the cobra was then restored toits cage. The stuffer
at first made light of the bite, but some carbolic acid was put on the puncture, and
he was at once sent to the J. J. Hospital. The well-known symptoms of snake-
poisoning were already showing themselves, and active measures were at once taken
to counteract the effect of the poison, Too high praise cannot be given to the
house-surgeon who continued during the whole of the night to keep up artificial
respiration; and next morning there was marked improvement, which went on until
all signs of snake poison completely disappeared. In speaking of the first night’s
experience the stuffer afterwards related how he was able to see, hear, and feel
perfectly, although quite incapable of speech or movement. Hvery one began to
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCTETY DURING THE QUARTER, 71
feel certain that the stuffer was going to make a good recovery: and when it is
remembered that every symptcm of snake-poisoning had disappeared, it must be
admitted that there was good cause for this opinion. Unfortunately, on the third
day feyer set in, and also inflammation of the lungs, and the stuffer slowly sank
under these and died on the fifth day, in spite of everything that skilled medical
aid and constant and faithful attendance and nursing could do.
As to the temporary recovery from the actual effects of the poison, it will be
evident that the amount of poison must have been less than in an ordinary bite.
Indeed, remembering that the ducts had been partly excised, it may surprise any
one that poison entered the wound at all. But this is accounted fur by the fact
that, although the duct was partly excised, the gland is still active, and the poison
which it secretes can make its way from the duct into the mouth, were it mixes
with the saliva, and becomes diluted. In the case of the stuffer the small fang was
kept in the wound in the fold of skin for some minutes, during which the poisoned
saliva could act on the punctured wound. Had the snake been removed at once,
my impression is that very little, if any, poison could have entered the wound, and
certainly not enough to do any serious injury; but as the snake was kept in this
position for some minutes, with the muscles compressing the gland, and forcing
the poison into the mouth, it is not difficult to account for the poison which entered
the wound, and, through it, the system.
And here an important question arises. One of the daily newspapers in referring
to this unfortunate case, expressing its disapproval of poisonous snakes being kept
in the V. and A. Museum. saying that any one might see any day, in the streets,
the same reptiles rendered safe and harmless. The writer either did not know, or
did not understand, that the snakes were believed to be harmless: that not only
were the same measures adopted which are taken by the snake-charmers to render
harmless the cobras exhibited in the public streets, but an additional safeguard was
adopted in excising part of the ducts. And the question I refer to is—are the
snakes exhibited in the streets perfectly harmless ? I do not think they are. No-
thing save the complete removal of the glands which secrete the poison can render
a poisonous snake harmless. lt is true, that the perforate tooth, the hypodermic
syringe, as it is termed by Mr. Aitken in the chapter on the Hypodermatikosyringo-
phoroi in his “ Tribes on my Frontier,” is not there; but, as the poison is still
secreted, and as it must make its way through the duct or fistula into the mouth, a
bite with even the ordinary teeth, may be dangerous. I believe that such a bite has
resulted in death, and there are cases on record in which death has taken place after
such a bite. Since the unfortunate accident occurred at the Museum we have given
up altogether the practice of keeping live cobras, and [ should advise every one who
sets some value on life to give cobras a very wide berth, no matter how positively
it may be asserted that any particular specimen has been rendered harmless. You
may see from these drawings how difficult a matter it would be to deprive a cobra of
its poison glands. They lie deep in the tissue at the side of the head, covered over
by the muscles which, by their contraction, compress the glands, and thus squirt the
poison in the gland through the duct, and along the perforation of the tooth, into
the wound, just at the moment when the animalstrikes. Even without the perforated
teeth, there is still the poison gland, and although the poison, by mixing with
saliva, is less powerful than when undiluted, it is still there, and with all its dreaded
power to destroy life.
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pia - 5
JOURNAL
OF THH
PS CUS Ary
dlatunal History Society,
No. 2, ] BOMBAY, APRIL 1887. LVol. Ht.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA,
Part 11].—Txe Konkan anv Coast,
(By a Member of the Society.)
We now come to the aquatic invertebrates, creatures not only
‘in themselves difficult to examine and describe ; but as yet not dealt
with in any handy local text-book.* The following notes, therefore,
will net be very scientific :—
To begin with the Mollusca, or ‘ shell-fishes ’
we find at their head the Cephalopoda; Nautili, Cuttle-fishes and
Squids ; the most of which have no visible sheil at all; and only one
> and their allies ;
has a real shell.
This is the Pearly Nautilus, the sole survivor of an enormous
number of “shelled cuttle-fish ” having 4 gills, numerous rather
short arms, and no ink-bag.
I never got but one specimen here; a dead shell very muck
the worse for wear, which may have been hove overboard from
some ship.
Next, for convenience, I shall take the so-called ‘“‘ Paper Nautilus.”
This was the Nautilus of the ancients; but we now distinguish it as
- 6 Argonauta.”
* My friend Mr. Murray is engaged upon a Monograph of ovr crustacea, to appear
in his Periodical, which is badly wanted.
10
7
74 NATURAL HISTORY.
The animal has an ink-bag, eight arms and only two gills. The
female only has a shell; and this, looked upon as a shell, is a fraud ;
being really no shell at all, but a sort of nest that she makes to hold
her eggs in. It is true that she begins early; young female
Argonauts themselves leave the egg with the beginning of a shell
about them; much as the human female nurses a doll before she gets
out of the nursery herself.
The male has no shell at all; and is a common looking little
“ octopus,” not a quarter the size of the female.
T got one “shell” of the “Paper Nautilus” at Alibag, which bad
been taken in a drift net with the animal in it; but the latter had
“‘ dropped out’? according to the captor. This was probably true;
there is no muscular connection between the animal and_ shell
(as there is in all true shells) ; and there was no more reason why
the Argonaut should not leave the shell in the fisherman’s hands,
and do very well without (until, as she probably would, she had
secreted a new one) than there is against a hen bird’s leaving her
nest. This shell is m our Museum.
The rest of the eight-armed cuttle-fishes, ugly creatures, hve, on
this coast, mostly about the reefs. Out of water they can only
crawl; but when the weight of the blob-like body is taken off the
arms by the water, they pass over the bottom with what can best
be described as a rapid striding motion of arm after arm, or drive
themselves stern foremost by spurting water out of their “ funnel,”’
at the same time closing the arms together, and letting them stream
behind, so that the whole creature looks like some sort of tadpole, |
or big-headed vertebrate fish, .and not a bit like one’s idea of a
“ cuttle-fish.”’
Some of them have a sort of membranous fins (but I have not
got any of these here), and all have an internal rudimentary shell,
usually in two pieces, very small and rather hard to find.
The next group is that of the Decapod cuttle-fishes and squills,
all of which, besides the eight arms allowed to the Octopods, have
two “tentacles” considerably exceeding the arms. Of these we have
several species of Sepia and Loliga.
The Sepia, or true cuttle-fish, lives chiefly near the shore, but in
pretty deep water. I never saw one caught between tide-marks
here. He comes, too, much more off the bottom than the Octopus ;
and can swim head foremost upon occasion, by means of fins
extending along the whole of each side, though he prefers travel-
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 79
ling backwards. These fins, and the muscles that move theni,
derive some support from the so-called cuttle-bone, which is really
an internal shell consisting of a leaf-shaped spongy mass with a
very hard sharp curved point at the rear end.
The cuttle-bone, though you can crush it between your finger
and thumb, has considerable durability. It survives all the rest
of the cuttle-fish, except his beak, in the stomachs of large fish and
Cetaceans; and must often pass through these, or, in case of
cuttles dying a natural death, remain after the flesh has been eaten
by small marine scavengers of one sort or another. At any rate,
it isa common object of the sea-shore here; and is used in native
medicine as an astringent, with what effect I don’t know. In old
Huropean practice it was a known antacid, whence the name of the
commonest European species, Sepia officinalis; and also, in a
powdered state, was “pounce,” which was used to dry writing
before blotting paper came into fashion, and to some extent, f
believe, in metallurgy.
The next division of Decapods is that of Calamaries or Squids
(Zoligo), distinguished from the cuttles by containing a rudimentary
shell (sometimes two or three of them) in the form of a thin horny
transparent blade, commonly known as a “ sea-pen.”
The fins are rather caudal than lateral; and the squids make
better head-way than any of their kin; though they, too, seem to
prefer travelling backwards asa rule. They are much the most
active of the order, some of them can jump out of the water, and
are known to sailors as sea~arrows (the tail fins present something
the figure of an arrow-head).
All the Calamaries prefer deep water, and the surface of it,
though they are by no means helpless at the bottom. They are
common on this coast.
Indeed, there is hardly any sea where you will not find octopods,
euttles, and squids, eating, and heing eaten by, most other marine
creatures ; including the marine variety of Homo Sapiens. We have
here none of the class capable of catching a man alive; the largest
cuttle bones I have got were not 13 inches long, and I never found
any squid of these parts exceed 3} feet {including the tentacles), nor
are any monsters of the class reported by the native fishermen here,
But the Hnoploteuthis of the South seas is said to reach 6 feet long
of head and body alone, and Architeuthis of the North Atlantic is
“certainly known to attain a length of 15 feet or upwards to the
vat) NATURAL HISTORY.
ie se ee
body and head; and from 30 to 40 feet or more im the long
tentacles.’ That is to say, this amiable creature is as big asa small
boat, and has a spread of yard-arm that would do credit to a good-
sized ship.
It was lucky for Victor Hugo’s hero “ Gilliaté”’ that he only fell
im with a “ piewvre,” and not with an arehiteuthis, the more so as
most of these large squids are pretty well provided with sharp
hooked claws.
Some fossil Cephalopods were as long as a man (or more) in the
body, but these were probably Tetrabranchiate ; and (so far as we
have any means of guessing) inferior in activity and in length of
arm.
On the other side of the question, men certainly eat most sorts of
squids, cuttles, and octopods ; and I can myself vouch for some of
them being fairly good eating. The ink should be got rid of before
cooking. I remember once getting, in Italy, a dish of small
octopods, which would have been very geod, if at every stroke of
the fork the ink had not spurted out, till the whole mess looked as
if the sauce had been made of blacking.
Pretty nearly every sea fish eats every cephalopod he can catch;
and gulls sometimes capture squids on the surface. The Marathas
call cuttles ‘‘ Makuli,” squids ‘ Sit-Makuli,” and oetopods
« Au-Makuli.”
The Konkan coast, with its basaltic reefs and muddy water, is not
so rich in shells as might be expected of a tropic shore, and the best
that I can do here is simply to indicate those that I have observed,
following Woodward’s classification as closely as possible.
Every beach seems to vary ; and there are many Konkan shells in
our Museum that I have not collected here; but, writing in the
jungles, I cannot refer to the catalogue.* We have few native
Strombide, the chief is Rostellaria curla.
My next shell is a Murea, closely resembling the English M.
erinaceus; and called by children “ Aswalia” or “‘ Bear-shell.”
These children’s names are rather useful, as grown up natives here-
abouts have but few names for shells. A big univalve is Kuba, and
a little one Kubi; and bivalves in general are “ Shipi,” or some
* For instance, the pretty blushing Hemristoma seems to be abundant just north
of Bombay ; and is often brought into the city in road material, but I have never
gob it in, or sonth of the harbonr.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. Th
derivative thereof. I have also got other Murices, and a Fusus
(probably J’. colus), a Pyrula, and others unidentified.
Of Buccinide we have a good many handsome sorts Eburnea
(spirata?), a Terebra, species at least, and I think a Nassa. Our
finest shell is a Dolium, as big as a boy’s fist, which makes a pretty
ornament when the dull brown epidermis has been scrubbed off; a
thing that often happens, to some extent, during the creature’s life-
time.
We have, I think, two purples, and I get a great number of
dead shells of Olives ; but have never secured alive specimen. They
are amongst the prettiest shells we have. Cones are numerous,
some of them over two incbes long, partly or wholly covered when
alive with a bristly epidermis concealing the markings. The litle
boys call them “ Kuttrya” ( = dog-shells.)
I have once or twice received Mitres, dead shells, and constantly
receive living cowries of three species, the reticulated Cypree
Arabica, a larger species spotted “ like a pard,” and a small species
seldom exceeding an inch in length. This shows a great variety
of very beautiful spots, speckles, and marblings and colours varying
from marble yellow to very deep brown. The specimens, however,
when placed side by side show such a gradation that I think they
are all of one species. The young are very unlike their elders,
little wheat shaped shells, with a long foraminated, turned-up spike
at each end.
The money cowry occurs locally on this coast as a dead shell in
considerable numbers ; and wherever this happens, you will generally
be able to trace it to the wreck of a dhow from Zanzibar. I know
two such cowry mines myself.*
Ihave only got Natica and Lamellaria as dead shells. A Pota-
mides is common in the mangrove swamps; but perfect specimens
are rare; they seem to get broken at both ends during life.
A handsome pied Nerita takes the place upon our reefs that the
periwinkle does at home, and is, like it, a favourite food of the poor.
* The little boys call cowries ‘‘ Dukari ” (=pigshell). It is curious that a small
shell of the same family is called ‘‘ piggy” or “ pigshell” in the British Isles.
Colonel Yule (I think) says that Porcellana” (with the same meaning) is the name of
an allied Mediterranean form amongst Sicilian children ; and that probably this gave
the languages of Europe their name for porcelain, the texture of that material, when
first imported, being fairly enough compared to that of theshell. (Porcelain was little
or not at al] known to the earlier Greeks and Romans.)
I may add, that probably a similar name was applied in France to some shell or
other, and may be still. It is certain that the earlier French Canadian discoverers
called shell wampum “ porcelaine.”’
43 NATURAL HISTORY.
Along with it are some very pretty little Navicelle of different
shades of blue, with white spots.
Among the Turbinide (top-shells), two species yield “ appayas,”
that is, solid opercula fit for cheap jewellery (studs and so forth):
The first is an Imperator, much resembling I, imperialis, a little grey
pyramidal shell warted upon every whorl, and nacreous (mother-o’=
pearly) throughout, except the grey outer skin (epidermis).
The operculum, or valve, which closes the mouth of the shell, is
also ‘‘ mother-o’-pearly,’’ and looks, in fact, hke alittle pearl, purple
or violet-edged, and in shape like one-half of a tiny split bean. The
largest of these opercula does not exceed 7 of an inch in length.
The second species is, I think, a seta closely allied to M.
labio. It is a good-sized shell, nearly as large, in the finest speci-
mens, as a billiard-ball, covered outside with an olive green epider-
mis, handsomely mottled with a darker green and with a deep
erimson. The whole structure of the shell is nacreous; but the
operculum is porcellanous (which is rather curious, but is the case
with some other T'uwrbinide). It (the operculum) is about 3 of an
inch across in the largest specimens ; and much of the shape of half
a split pea. The colouring is green or Spanish brown, or both ; with
shades of white, pink, or pale orange.
This species has long been used in India for buttons, bracelets,
and the like, though not very commonly ; but I believe that I myself
was the first to use the operculum of an Imperator for such purposes.
Some species of Turbo from the Pacific and South Seas are
much more beautiful than ours; and at one time were a good deal
worked up in Paris.
In the same family come le handsome pyramidal T'rochi, gene-
rally marked crimson and grey. All the T'urbinide can be stripped |
of the epidermis by steeping them in dilute acetic acid (or common
vinegar), and then show as entirely of mother-o’-pearl.
In the next family (Haliotide) we find the Ormer or Venus’s ear,
the largest, perhaps, and most beautiful of British shells. One or
two small dead shells of a similar species have been brought to me
here; but I could not find out where they had been got.
We have here, however, a remarkable member of this family, viz,
an Ianthina, or Oceanic snail, or “ Violet shell.” ‘The connection
of this creature with the Ormers is perhaps a little overstrained.
hey are rock-creepers. Tanthina, on the contrary, is at home on
: ;
; where ib congregates in great
the surface of deep “ blue water’
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 79
fleets, each snail floating in his own inverted shell. I have some
doubts as to whether they can sink at all. It is certain that they
cannot do so when breeding, as they have then in tow a sort of raft
that they make of glutinous air-bubbles, with their eggs hanging
underneath it; and there is no means of withdrawing the air from
this float. Moreover, the spire of the shell, which wouid be the
upper part if the snail could crawl on the land or on the bottom, 1s
always of avery pale blue, almost white, and the base (or what .
ought to be the base) is of a deep blue, which coloration, in a
marine animal, is good ground for supposing that the light side is
the bottom, and the dark side the top, in its regular trim.
When stranded, the Ianthina is perfectly helpless, cannot crawl
an inch, and seems to die almost at once. I never could get a
stranded one to live. As for catching them alive, to do that one
must find out their fine weather quarters, which are probably, as far
as we are concerned, on the other side of a good stretch of herring-
pond; for the winds that bring us Janthina fleets are north-
westers, occurring from August to September ; and the snails must
be brought by them from the Arabian Sea. But to be in that sea,
N.-W. of Bombay, at that time, they must have got up on the
S.-W. gales of May, June, and July from somewhere far to the
S.-W., probably the neighbourhood of the Seychelles and north of
that. If their head-quarters were much further east we should get
them with the early south-westers. I shall have more to say about
these winds and currents later on.
We have one pink specimen of Ianthina, probably unique, and
as probably coloured by disease. I picked it up myself, dead and
empty ; but its colour cannot well have been the result of weather-
ing. It was perfect, and long before so fragile a shell as lanthina
could bleach upon the “‘ thundering shore’? where it was found the
waves alone would have smashed it to pieces, to say nothing of
frequent traffic, I find ‘it difficult to secure a perfect specimen,
except by having a watch kept on the shore (for this and other
matters). When it is reported that “blue flower-shells” are
coming in, I go or send at the moment of high water to pick them
up. Being very light, they are always stranded along the high
water mark only ; and in an hour after the first of ebb the delicate
tissues of the animal are withered; while a little blue stain on the
sand often marks the discharge, in the last agony, of a blue fluid,
which may perhaps be. used for concealment, like the sepia of the
30 NAPURAL HISTORY.
cuttle-fishes, by this otherwise defenceless creature. When the
surf of the next tide (if a higher one) has passed over the dead
shells, it seldom leaves one perfect. Those cast ashore at the top
of springs may be long enough to bleach; but they always bleach
blue-white, the colour of their own paler portions.. If, however,
there were a pink species of Ianthina, it would probably have
been discovered before this. At any rate, it is a rare and lovely
hittle shell.
The animal of Ianthina is remarkably pig-headed. I do not
mean to impuen his morals or intelligence; but merely his profile,
He is said to live upon some gelatinous things called velelle and
other acalephee, whereof I shall have more to say further on; and
certain it is that although I often find them without him, I never
find him without them.
Our common limpets resemble those of Europe. I have not
here got any of the queer “ key-hole limpets,” ‘* Bonnet limpets”
and. cup and saucer shells, Jtssurellide and Calyptreide ;
but no doubt they could be found by a collector with more
leisure and knowledge, nor have I any of the extraordinary multi-
valve Chetons.
A very small Dentalium, or Elephant’s tusk shell, is found on the
sands in large numbers.
One of the beauties of our shores is a little sea-snail, Rotella vesti-
aria, which (or rather whose shell, as I never got a live one) occurs
in countless numbers ; sometimes colouring the beach in bands two or
three feet wide and many yards long. How many species of [otella
there may be I know not; but we have three marked types of colour,
viz., an uniform dark crimson, an equally uniform coral pink, and a
mottled pattern in which the ground colour runs from crimson to
white; and the markings are of various shades of brown. The
largest I get are a little bigger than common “ pearl”’ shirt-studs,
but some in our museum are double as big.
The land and fresh water univalves are not particularly interest-
ing, and differ little from those of the Deccan; except the
Cremnoconcht previously noticed ; and a prettily-shaped Auwricula
inhabiting salt marshes and the like places, whence it is often
washed out to sea and cast on the shore, where it passes for a
sea-shell.
The Dorids, or sea-slugs, are pretty numerous; and one or two
species reach at Jeast three inches long. hese large ones seem
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 8]
to haunt pretty deep water, as 1 get them mostly from fishing-nets
worked some way from shore. Qne reef-species about two inches
dong is of a deep crimson; another of the same size pale orange ;
and one which seldom exceeds an inch in length is cream-colcured,
with crimson and black markings. As a general rule, however,
their colours are rather dull greens and browns.
‘Of ‘Brachiopeds I have got none, except dead single valves of
what I suppose to be a Lingula; but in trae, or Lamellibranch ©
Bivalves, we are well off. The oysters naturally take precedence.
Between the common :eatable oyster of these parts and that of
the North Atlantic I find two principal differences—(a) that the
former 7s a deal less expensive, and (b) that,.as the University has
not yet taken his education in hand, he cares no more for the
Jetter R than Mr. Jorrocks-did for “‘a haitch.” He has, however,
a calendar of his own,-based npon the Hindu Almanack, and -
asually frem the Mirgsél to the Diwali, that is, from about June te
‘October, both ameclusive, you will do well to abstain from oysters
an these parts, as the fishermen do.
‘This, however, is not a law of the Medes and Persians. When
the monsoon was late, I ‘have been assured by the fishermen that I
might safely eat-oysters until there was plenty of fresh water in the
sea; and have done so, both I and my house, without any ill effects,
antil well ou in -June.
It is however necessary to tuke great care bow the oysters are
kept. They should be m-clean sea water, and this should cither
be changed at least twice a day, or still better, changed every
moment by the natural method, @e., by simking the basket
or other parcel of eysters ina tideway. They should always be
kept “this side up, with care.” This side is the flat, or slightiy
concave, external side, which never shows any white scar, as the
oyster always rests on, and meors by, the other or left valve, convex
externally and concaye internally, so that it can retain a little
water. ‘his is of the highest importance tothe oyster, especially if
left out of water by the ebb, or removed from at by violence; and
an oyster turned wrong side up iv a basket or barrel is just as hkely
to live asa man hang by the heels. This is the secret of oyster
packing. But in any case, tropical climates are ill-suited for the
transport ef marine bivalves, and a good deal of care is necessary
whenever that is undertaken, and at the end of it there is always
a great deal of risk to the oyster and some to the man who eats him.
i
89 NATURAL HISTORY.
On the Coast, per contra, the danger of oyster-eating almost?
always arises from gross carelessness on the part of some one or
other. Nobody gets poisoned with oysters at the Clubs, or at the
Apollo Bunder, where proper care is taken m the matter. In one
case that came under my notice, I myself, and my household,
ate safely of a basket of oysters for three days, at almost every
meal; and a man who had eaten them there was afterwards
‘poisoned ” with oysters out of that very same basketfal, only im
the meanwhile they had passed out of my hands.
As for “ copper in oysters,’
supposed to be derived from roeks,
it is a fact that the juices of oysters do, at least oecasionally, con-
tain # trace of copper, but a dose of copper hkely to affect a man
would probably be enough to kill a whole keg fall of oysters, certainly
far more than enough for any nunsber of oysters that the mam
could hold. If any gentleman doubts this, let him mix a dose of
verdigris with the water of an aquarium, and see how long any oyster
or any thing else, lives in the poisoned water.
The fact is that nothing is so hatefal to shell-fish, and especially
to the Conchifera, as the exide of copper ; and that is the reason why
it is useful on a ship’s bottom. Sir Humphry Davy prevented the
copper on a ship’s bottom from rusting (by a galvanic experiment
which need not be deseribed here), and the result was that that ship’s
bottom immediately became foul; the Conchifera and Barnacles
having no further reason to fear it.
We have several other oysters here; one has the lower valve plaited,
making it look something like a bird’s foot. This is little eaten.
Another smal! and rare species, of the creeks has the valves long,
narrow, and rounded like dinner-knife blades, seldom exeeeding 13
inch in length. I have not got here the ‘Mangrove oyster’
(Dendrostrea) which “ grows on trees.” All oysters, or nearly all,
will grow upon dead wood. The connection of ‘oyster poisoning ”
with Mangroves is a mare’s nest.
Of the so-ealled Pearl-oysters, Placuna Placenta, the Window-
oyster, is common here ; and is still sought after as containing seed-
pearls. It seldom produces large pearls; and since it ceased to be
used as a substitute for window-glass, its value has fallen off. I
once got here a single small fresh valve of the true Pearl-oyster
(Avicula margaritifera). It must be very rare. _
Our Scallops are small and unimpertant; and we have, I think,
only one small Spondyle, conspicuous by its orange colour; but
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 33
I may have classified it wrongly. I have only got loose dead
valves of this shell. We have several Arks, usually found as dead
shells on the sands, and prettily marked.
We have one very fine sea-mussel, Mytilus smaragdina, the
Emerald-mussel, which earns its name by the green internal border
of its valves. There are larger mussels here and there, but taking
the average, it is a handsome species. It is here a shell of the
reefs, less gregarious than the Huropean Mytilus edutis, and
not commen enough to be, like it, an important article of human
food or bait. We have one specimen in our Museum with a rough
pearl in it. This came to me alive from the Alibag reefs.
The true Mediole are less common, and our basalt rocks are
generally too hard for Lithodomus ; but 1 have found the latter in
large old dead oyster shells.
We have at least two of the Unionide or fresh-water pearl-
mussels, the same, apparently, as in the Deccan. One is rather thin
m the shell, and of a pale olive-green externally (i.e., in the
epidermis); the other is larger, thick and strong, with a black
epidermis, very like the British fresh-water pearl-mussel. I have
got no pearis in either here. They are pretty common; and the
thin-shelled species, at least, is eaten.
Of the strange and monstrous Trzdacnas, Woodward gives one of
the queerest forms, Tridacna squamosa, as from Bombay, on the
authority of Chemnitz. I never got it here, nor can my fishermen
recognize the figure. (They are usually pretty sharp at that.) A
good many animals can be collected in Bombay that were borna
long way off, as we know, if any body does.
The great Tridacna is commonly imported into Bombay from the
China seas, as an Ornament for gardens, and is said to be used as 2
font in some Catholic churches. 1 don’t happen to be a Catholic,
and do happen to object to making sights of Churches, so I don’t
know whether this is true or not. The shellis quite big enough to
immerse a whole baby, but it belongs to the coral seas.
Cockles we have, a few; but they seem to want the flavour of the
North, and are most used in making lime to eat with betelnut.
1 have not identified any Cyprinidw, but a better conchologist
probably could. We certainly have one at least of the Veneride, a
shell very like Cytherea Dione, only locally common. One of this
order is rather famous, the Venus mercenaria of the Atlantic States,
also known as a “clam,” and by the Red Indian name of ‘ Qua-
S84 NATURAL HISTORY.
Kaug,” (pronounced quaw-hog). The best “ Wampum,” was made
of this shel], whence the scientific name, and it is still useful, not as
eomage, but as forage.
It may here be observed that the commercial and gastronomic’
term: “clam ” does nob now admit of scientific classification. Venus
mercenaria, aS jast thentioned, isa “clam,” and Mya APenar ae
(quite as different from it as a black buck from a bison) is a
)
‘‘sand-clam,” and so forth.
As for “ elam-chowder,” it is very nice; but [ faney the clam has
nearly as much to say to it as the limestone had to the limestone
soup in Lever’s story.
A “clambake,” is a “stupendous and terrible spree,” in which
you bake everything you can think of along with the clams, eat the
other things, drink everything you can think of, and leave the clams
to be eaten by any one who has no better to do, bar one or two,
just to satisfy your soul. There is nothing on earth so hypoerstical
asa “eclambake,” but it is a fine spree for alk that, or because of
it, the hypocrisy is so very transparent that 16 does’nt hurt any
one’s conscience much, and the clambakers go away laughing at
each other like Cicero’s augurs. I wish some one would introduce
elambakes into Bombay.
“Tam not sure that we have any Mactras, though the accommoda-
tion is good for M. Stultorum.
Of Tellinide, I think I have got broken valves of 7. plantssima
and diphos; dead, of course. We have a Razor-fish (Solen),
which I cannot distinguish from the British Solen Siiqua, except
by its inferior size. It is, like the British species, to be got in
the sand at low-water of spring tides, and it may be worth saying
that the Razor-fishes are equal, as eating, to scallops. Like seallops,
they should be cooked. Boiled Razor-fish is good enough, but
“au gratin,” or “& la Hollandaise,” 1s better ; looks lke Macearoni,
and is much more to the purpose-
Cultellus politus of the same family isa very pretty shell ; common
(as a dead shell) on our shores.
Passing over some families not well represented here, we come to
the Pholadide, or boring molluscs, who compel our attention, like
dynamiters, by threatening our hyes and public buildings, such at
least as they can get at, namely, ships and piers, and the like.
The type of the family is the English Pholas dactylus or Pid-
dock ; and one species of these seas, Pholas bakert, requires a better
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA, 85
Naturalist than I ai to distinguish him from the same. The shell
is long, oval at one end, and at the other tapering off into a sort of
duck-bill shape. The heavy end is covered with toothed ridges,
and although, ata glance, the whole shell appears to be one of the
most delicate and fragile of the Coast (the thin purts are translucent),
an attempt to scratch it with a penknife shows that it is of very
hard stuff.
To borrow for an instant the special slang of the Mineralogists, |
most sea-sheils are of something lke Calcite, but the Piddock and
his breed house themselves in Arragonite, a very much harder form of
lime. Such a statement, of course, requires to be taken with a good
deal of allowance for a “‘allotropism”; and other Mineralogical
and Chemical details that would be ont of place here; but in the
main it is as true as that horses are shod with wrought iron and
“jumpers” with steel. ‘‘Jumpers,” be it known to any reader that
didn’t know it before, are tools lke crowbars, used for boring holes
in stones ; and of the same use 1s the shell of the Pholads.
The ‘ Piddock” himself, though the chief of the family, is not
its most active member; piercing chiefly clay and chalk or such
comparatively soft substances. He locks, too, like a shell-fish, has
the regular two valves of the Conchifera, (there are really five
plates, but three are inconspicuous) and nothing very striking
about him at first sight, except that fully half of him, the foot, is as
transparent as ice. He works like an awkward boy beginning to
use boring tools; by half turns right and left; blowing out his
sawdust at intervals; if one may use such a word where the
respiratory medium is water.
As we proceed with this family, we find, in some, the bivalve shell
httle more than rudimentary, not covering more than one-twentieth
part of theanimal. This is the case with the Teredos or ship-worms ;
so-called because at first sight they look a good deal more like
worms than “ shell-fish.” In others the shell has four or five valves,
easily distinguished, and coverin g the whole, or most, of the animal.
Speaking generally, the long “ ship-worms,”’ work with the grain
of the wood that they attack. They line their tuunels with concrete,
and have a sort of miner’s law amongst themselves, in virtue
whereof they never invade each other’s “ claims.” They usually
bore in wood, sometimes in mud. The mud-boring species have
been lately sufficiently dealt with by another member of this
society, under the name of Kuphus.
86 NATURAL HISTORY.
The short, completely shell-clad species, Xylophaga, Martesia,
&c., attack wood, oyster-shells, and stone. They do not line their
tunnels, and they have no regulation as to boundaries, boring with
or across the grain, cutting each other’s lines, and sometimes, to
judge by some specimens that [ have seen, cutting through each
other’s shells. It is probable, however, that the shells so cut
through were empty.
Both groups are numerously represented here. Native vessels
suffer little from them, partiy because they are usually teak-built,
and well protected with the peculiar compound called “ chopan,”’
but still more because they are very frequently beached and any
long exposure to the air is unpleasant, not to say fatal, to the
Pholads. European vessels are usually either coppered or iron-
built, and the ship-worms are therefore not now a terror of the sea.
But both the long “ worms” and short shell clad borers still play
havoc with piles and the like on this Coast.
It is not very long since we had a honey-combed block of wood
in our rooms sent in by the Department of Public Works, with an
accusation against certain sea-anemones inhabiting the holes. These,
however, had certainly been made by at least two Pholads; one a
Teredo “stealing by line and level” as already described ; the other
probably a Martesia; burrowing at his own sweet will, and “jumping
the claims” of his brethren and predecessors without remorse or
ruth.
Both had abandoned the pile before it came into our hands
(having probably eaten all the soft wood in it) and the burrows
had been colonized by sea-anemones and crabs.
The most remarkable exploit of the Bombay Pholads was the
piercing of wrought-iron pipes at Hog Island, for positive evidence
of which I am indebted to the courtesy of another member of this
Society. The pipes, containing water at a very high pressure, were
served and parcelled with yarn and so forth to protect them from
the water, and this covering, probably, first attracted the Pholad,
one of the short fully-shelled species, probably a Martesia.,
When he had got through the covering he went on with the pipe.
The holes were like clean countersunk holes, and were most likely
drilled, by a movement similar to that already described as used by
the “ piddock,” but their clean appearance, and the exposure of the
grain of the iron, give reason for suspecting thatthe mollusc had the
aid of an acid ; which, in that case, he must have secreted himself.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 87
Of course, the moment that any hole reduced the thickness of
the pipe so far that it could not longer bear the tremendous pressure
of the water within, the remaining diaphragm of metal was burst
out, and the miner driven out of his own burrow like a shot from
a gun, so that, although we have the “‘ corpus delicti” plain enough,
the corpus delinquentis is not likely ever to come to hand (in the
case of a finished hole). But an oyster shell in the Society’s
Museum shows a small Pholad dried in his burrow, who is probably
near of kin to the miner of Hog Island. The story is perhaps one
of the most remarkable in the modern history of Molluscs ; and with
it I close my remarks on those of the Konkan.
Having, so far as in me lies, treated of the true Molluscs, I have
to deal with the other Invertebrates, under especial difficulties.
Very few men, not being professional naturalists, really understand
the multitudinous and multiform canaille of the waters; and as for
books, I am now in a remote jungle, dependent on one Nicholson’s
“Manual of Zoology.” I write, therefore, very much subject to
correction, and shall have done all I can hope to do, if I happen to
help any one who knows less than myself. So far as possible, I
shall follow the classification of the standard work noted above; and
shall draw on it for some of my facts ; as, in respect of the Mollusca,
I have depended mostly on Woodward.
Of the higher tunicaries, the Ascidians seem to be rare here;
at least I have got very few, and those not remarkable. These are
the creatures about whom it passed for a joke, some years ago,
to say that ‘‘the Darwinians believed themselves to be descended
from a marine Ascidian.”
The truth of the story is, that a Mr. Kowalefski considered
himself to have discovered, in the larve of certain Ascidians,
structures analogous to those characteristic of vertebrate animals.
In this he was supported by other naturalists, and, amongst them,
by the late Mr. Darwin, who,, moreover, stated that he had, long
before Kowalefski’s publications, made similar observations on
certain Ascidians at the Falkland Islands (where, it may well
be supposed, he had not the best laboratory in the world).
The whole matter, as regards the Ascidians, comes fairly within
the scope of this paper; but it need hardly be said that I do not
propose here to take up such a subject as the doctrine of Evolution.
It may fairly be said that many competent naturalists consider the
supposed vertebrate affinities of the Ascidian larve to be merely su-
88 NATURAL HISTORY.
perficial ; that the adult Ascidians show no trace whatever of such
affinity; and that as things now stand, an amateur naturalist may
most safely assume the Amphioxus or Lancelet fish of the
Mediterranean to be the lowest known vertebrate.. I think it
possible that the little transparent fish, mentioned at the end of my
iast paper, will be found to represent the Lancelet bere. But I am
sure that it will supply no missing link, having bright and
distinct eyes, whereas those of Amphioxus are rudimentary, or
little better.
[ have received and sent in to our Museum a few creatures that
I took for Salpe.
Of the Polyzoa, I have sent in several specimens of at least two
forms of Flustra (Sea-mats, or Sand-corals): these abound on the
coast; they are very beautiful, and abominably brittle. Their
growth is extremely rapid under favourable circumstances. We
have in our Museum one very large specimen. It is (I write
under correction, as the thing is very brittle; and goes on diminish-
ing every time it 18 moved) over 18 inches long, 15 wide, and
8 deep.
This grew on an iron buoy that I scraped and painted (partly
with my own hand) and sent to sea at the end of September 1885.
The buoy was landed in May 1886, and the men who did that job
preserved for me the Flustra, which was therefore of under 8
months’ growth.
Of the aquatic insects little can be said here, The entomologists
justly claim a monopoly of their extremely intricate subject; and
any one else touches it at his: peril. I have already noted that
certain water beetles are food for crocodiles, and every one knows
the great water beetles that fly against the lamps of the Byculla
Club, andlook “as big as sparrows.” As I write, a small bright
green species lies in heaps, like pebbles, on the banks of a tank
before the tents ; and for some reason is untouched by the numerous
crows and other birds feeding about. Certain beautiful tiger
beetles haunt the sands, and a species (apparently) of beetle skims
the surface of the sea in calms, like the ‘water boatmen” (ho-
tonecta) of Hnglish fresh-waters (which, however is not a beetle).
During the height of the South-west monsoon, the life-boats
cruising off the coast see coloured butterflies at sea. But whether
they come from Africa, or Madagascar, or the Mauritius, no man
knows. This much is certain, that they appear very much at home
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 89
in a whole gale, not at all so helpless as one might imagine; and I
know from other observations that in light winds a butterfly can
weather on any ordinary sailing-boat, and will do so, going to
seaward. What his motive may be I don’t pretend to explain.
One can hardly credit a butterfly with the ideas of a Columbus.
In Crustacea our waters are rich enough. We have no true
lobster (Homarus), but the lobster’s place and name are taken on .
our tables by several marine cray fishes. There is a certain confu-
sion about the popular names of the long-tailed crustaceans which
I shall try to clear up, so far as may be. A lobster is a long-tailed
marine crustacean having claws big enough to be worth eating, a
hard, black, calcareous shell, and a long serrated horn on his fore-
head. A river cray-fish (Astacus) is a sort of dwarf lobster. His
English name is derived from the French (Herevisse), and he has
cray-fishes,”’ which differ in having
no claws big enough for the table. Among these are the French
Langoustes (which in France are considered better than lobsters, the
opposite doctrine obtaining in England) andthe “lobbishta” of our
butlers. In these the horn, as well as the claws, is absent, or much
smaller than in Homaries, and is also apt to be squarer in section.
cc
stood godfather to a lot of sea
A prawn isa dwarf lobster, with the regular horn, and sometimes
with the broad heavy claw. One of our common species here is a
perfect miniature lobster in shape. But the prawn’s shell is entire-
ly or mostly horny; and more or less translucent. A shrimp,
again, has nohorn or claws to speak of. The whole group, however,
are very closely connected with each other, and are known to
science as “ Macrurous Decapod Crustacea, ”’ that is, “ long-tailed,
ten-legged, shelly creatures.”” The prawns in particular are
extremely numerous here, and many of them are very richly
coloured, though unluckily the colours do not last in spirit. Most
of them, after death (no matter how caused) turn red, or reddish-
white. One small marine species appears to be born boiled. We
have several fresh water species. A very small one haunts mountain
springs with the Alpine carps and loaches. A very fine one is found
in all our rivers, and is a source of great annoyance to the angler,
unless he is hooked, which is very difficult to manage. However,
as the capture of the prawn requires far more skill or luck than that
of any vertebrate fish in our waters, and ashe is very much superior
to these for the table, an angler sometimes gets a good deal of com-
fort out of him. The prawn swims low, never more than three feet
12
90) NATURAL HISTORY.
above the bottom, and usually on it. His presence is easily dis-
covered, as he pulls the float to and fro, or round in circles, and
finally walks away with it, with a motion easily distinguished from
that of any fish. You can get rid of his attentions by shortening up
the trace under the float; but if you want to catch him you must use
the smallest and toughest bait, such as a bit of sinew, and leave the
point of the hook well bare. Such a bait he will probably take into
his mouth, after fumbling about it a good deal with his claws, and
then a smart stroke will drive asharp hook through his shell. He
will fight for about a minute, and sometimes cuts the line with his
claws. A good prawn will measure 9 inches from the tip of the
horn to the tip of the tail, whereof 6 inches are good eating, and
amount to one good help of lobster. The length of the great claw-
bearing legs is the same as that of the animal. The other pairs are
short and feeble. The claw-points cross each other when closed,
and inflict a nasty little wound. They, and indeed the whole claw-
bearing (cheliferous) limbs are somewhat calcareous or crusty and:
opaque, showing an approach to the lobsters and cray-fishes, but the
rest of the shell is horny and translucent.
The Anomura (or eccentric-tailed crustaceaus) form a group
between the long-tailed lobster tribe and the crabs. The com-
monest of them here are the Hermit crabs, all closely resembling
the Huropean Pagurus Bernhardus. Tbe anomaly of their tails is that
they are naked; and in fact the whole animal of Pagurus may be
likened to a prawn half-shelled. What shell he has, however, is
stony and not horny. By way of shelter, the Hermit-crab takes up
his quarters in’ any empty univalve shell that he finds handy, coiling
away his naked tail in its spiral chamber, and making fast with
a sort of sucker that he has-ad hoc, so well that you may pull him
to pieces easier than make him let go. p
The Hermit-crabs are exceedingly numerous here. Their small fry,
in thousands, inhabit dead shells of Rotella; and the larger those
of whelks and murices, &c. A very favourite shell with them is
that of Potamides. They give rise to some disputes between me
and wy collectors, who are led to expect higher prices for shells
containing the living animal, and always pretend not to know that
the Hermit-crab is other than the proper inhabitant of the shell.
Another group of the Anomura are the so-called “‘ crab-lobsters,”
(Porcellanc) which are not very common here.
The true Crabs are classed as Brachyura (or short-tailed), and
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 91
vV—x—_———————
invariably carry their tail tucked between their legs; nor is it of
any great use to them, except that the females carry their eggs be-
tween it and the body. They are extremely numerous and various in
our seas and fresh waters. Racing crabs (ocypoda) are not common
in extra-tropical countries. The Irish, indeed, have a proverb, “ Ye
may be a racer, but ye don’t look like it; as the Devil said to the
crab,” which indicates a want of acquaintance with this group. For
the ocypods not only are racers, but do look like it. Another family, —
the Gelasimi, “calling,” or “ laughing crabs,” may be described as
large claws with small crabs growing atone end of them. They are
numerous wherever a mixture of sand or gravel with mud exists be-
tween tide-marks; and in such places you will often see from afar
the bank covered with as it were white pebbles, which suddenly dis-
appear as you approach. These are the claws, which are mostly
white, with more or less red, black, or blue; and they have retired
into their burrows.
Some small burrowing crabs cover many miles of the sands with
the “spoil’’ (engineers call it) from their burrows, made up into neat
little pellets, and removed from the holes in a fashion that looks like
bead-work, arranged in a pretty vine-leaf pattern. Others only make
a rough spoil heap near the burrow, and the work of both is easily
mistaken for that of worms.
- Then there are spider-crabs, and “ peacock-crabs” (mhor pakhi),
so called from their coloration, with three ocelli like those on a
peacock’s tail, There aremany native names for them, “ kenkad” is
a general one “ Dhaw-more”’ (running-crabs) are the ocypoda and
gelasimi; “ Sawa-more”’ are queer grey crabs with feathery legs
- found in the creeks, but not common. ‘‘ Chimbore” are another estu-
arine species, and “‘ Mute’’ are land-crabs. The giant of the Crusta-
ceans, Birgus latro, the cocoanut-crab, is not found here ; and indeed
I must confess that all our crabs are wanting in size as compared with
those of northern seas. [have some Hurope crab-shells in which I get
the Indian crab baked ; and have arrived at an equation as regards
our largest eatable species here, viz., that they are to the British
crab exactly as a tailor toa man. They have their seasons, and are
not always wholesome ; but the natives can generally be trusted
to report upon that.*
* Note.—The Land Crabs (Gecarcini) are said to be unwholesome in the hot
weather, and other species at the change of the shell. I do not know whether the
famous soft-shelled crab of the United States is a separate permanently soft species
or not, It is certainly by no means poisonons, ;
92 NATURAL HISTORY.
Another group of crustaceans is parasitic upon fish, and very
often kills them. The salt-water catfishes are the commonest
victims. Ifthey had enough sense to deliver each other, as the
monkeys do, they could very easily turn the tables on their
tormentors; which are ugly flat white creatures, sometimes as
big as a sixpence, or bigger.
The most curious, perhaps, of our crustaceans are the hideous
‘‘Mantis-shrimps” (Squilla), which get their name from their
peculiar claws, deeply-toothed, but not fitted with nippers, some-
what resembling those of the Mantis insect (the Indian Daddy-long-
legs, that does say his prayers, chiefly grace before meat). Our
largest species (8. oratorio) grows to more than a foot long, and
appears to be very sluggish. Some that I kept lay all day half
concealed amongst stones and weeds, but with the claws free and
ready for action; and’ this may, perhaps, be their method of captur-
ing live prey. It is likely however that, like most crustacea, they
live a good deal on carrion. Several smaller species are very
active. In one of these the armed claws are absent, and the
principal legs end in what look like rudimentary nippers, indicating
an approach to the lobster’s claws.
I have not got any King-crabs here, but they may very well be
here. They are queer-looking round creatures, with thin legs
completely concealed beneath them, and a long sharp spine in their
tail; and are not, indeed, really crabs at all, but more akin to the
fossil trilobites ; some naturalists say to the Scorpions.
The last of the crustacea are the barnacles and acorn-shells (balant)
which no one, to look at them, would take to be crustaceans at all.
Almost every one has seen the common ship’s barnacle, a little ©
delicate shell, with several valves, attached by a long worm-like
stalk to ship’s bottoms, or any other floating matter; and nearly
every one knows the old story of how these barnacles developed into
geese. They are very common here; one species is of a bright
orange colour, but loses its complexion in spirit. They don’t
usually attach themselves to stone, with one curious exception, viz.,
Pumice stone. And in the matter of wood they prefer what is afloat
to piling or other fixed timber.
The Sessile cirripedes (commonly called Acorn-shells), on the other
hand, prefer stone and fixed timbers, but are not exclusive. They
are sometimes wrongly called limpets, but are easily enough
distinguished ; little conical hard shells, with a hole in the top,
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA, 93
looking like a tiny model of a volcano with its crater. On close
examination the cone is seen to consist of several plates, and if the
creature be alive there will be seen a second cone inside the crater,
which is the ‘‘operculum” or door valve. A small white species is
very common on rocks between tide marks, and some of the outer
reefs have a very fine species, with an extremely massive shell,
which grows in great clusters as big as a man’s two fists.
Individual shells are often an inch and more long; the colour is a
dull red or black, which weathers, after death, to pink and white.
In this condition the shell looks something like a large flower bud
turned to stone; and is very effective in the rockwork of a fernery,
or the like. It is occasionally called a “ tulip-shell,” an appropriate
name enough.
We get another species on turtles, which is not calcareous
but horny, and looks very much like an old-fashioned great-coat
button ; the colour is a dirty white. Specimens from, the under-
side of the turtle seem to some extent lighter in colour, perhaps
because they are less exposed to light. We have some such
specimens in our Museum. They don’t do the turtle any harm;
hiving on what they get from the water. Some barnacles are
said to attach themselves to Whales and Porpoises, but this I have
not seen myself. All of them begin life swimming free, and only
settle down as they age.
The Annelides, or leeches and sea-worms, are pretty well-known.
Leeches of several sorts exist in our tanks, but are not here a pest as
in some other tropical countries.
A Serpula, very like one common at home, covers stones on the
beach, oyster-shells, and so forth, with long white winding tubes. A
large Terebella is pretty common on many strands. It collects shells
and sticks, and more particularly bits of grass, to make a tube for
itself to live in under the sand; and sometimes goes by the name of
a ‘‘Sea-caddis.” The use of the grass seems to be to anchor it in the
sand. The whole tube, as it lfes lialf exposed, looks more like the
root of some plant than the dwelling of a worm. We have some
very long smooth ribbon-like sea worms (which may be Nemertida),
and one hairy species, looking very like a hairy caterpillar which
takes up its quarters upon floating wreck or the like; but doesn’t
make itself fast in any way. The “lobworm” and “hairy bait”
seem to be much the same as those at home; but they don’t often
come to hand, because they are not used here as bait, and there-
O4, NATURAL HISTORY.
fore nobody has any motive for hunting them. Ihave not got any
«« Sea-mouse ”’ here.
Of the Nematelmia, the most noticeable is the guinea-worm
(Filaria medinensis) which is unfortunately very abundant. How
it gets into the human body is not -yet certainly known, but one
consideration points to its getting through the skin. It has been
known, though rarely, to attack the horse (and, I have heard, the
dog). Now these creatures don’t usually take as much care about
what they drink as men do; and if drinking water was the usual
vehicle of the guinea-worm, they might be expected to suffer
much more frequently than men. But on the assumption that the
worm gets through the skin, the comparative immunity of dogs and
horses, which have much thicker skins than men (and also hair on
them) is easily accounted for. European authorities consider that
the guinea-worm doesn’t appear until more than ten months or a
year after at effects alodgment. The natives, however, say that
three months is sometimes enough; and the circumstances of a very
bad outbreak in my own camp seemed to point to that period.
Probably the time may vary. Dr. Bastian considers the guinea-worm
to be only accidentally parasitic, and im that case, particularly, much
irregularity in development would be natural enough.
The size of this worm is a good deal exaggerated in conversation ;
one of 80 inches is a good specimen. Nobody has ever seen a male
guineaworm to swear to him; our unwelcome visitors are all
“‘Jadies in an interesting condition”; and the young, even if liberat-
ed in the tissues by the breaking of their parent in extraction, do
not appear to grow. The common belief that they do is due to the
frequent presence of several filarize at one time in the patient, quite
independent one of the other. The breaking of the worm, there-
fore, is by no means such a serious misfortune as people make out.
The worst that comes of it is the prolongation of the business ; and
that, of course, is often quite bad enough. I knew of one case in
which the worm was broken, and the greater part of it never
extracted at all; but the wound healed over, and the patient suf-
fered no more from it. The young, of course, were all or mostly
removed by pressure on the wound.
Amongst the Echinodermata, I have not found here any Holothu-
vedae, or ‘‘ sea-cucumbers.”’ Probably we have some, but their
great head-quarters are in the Coral seas, whence they go to China
under the name of trepang, or Béche de mer, to be turned into sonp.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 95
Feather-stars (Comatula) are tolerably abundant, and so are the
Brittle starfishes (Ophiuroids), but the Asteroids, or fleshy starfishes,
don’t abound here as they do on British coasts; and the sea
urchins don’t appear to be equal in size, variety, or number of
individuals to those of northern seas. In a tide’s work you may
get half-a-dozen each of Hchini and Asteroids, whereas at home you
could fill a basket. J have seen raw sea-urchins eaten in Hurope,
where they are sometimes called “ sea-eggs.”
I have already said that we have no coral-reefs ; and of corals,
commonly so-called, such as Madrepores and Millepores we have but
few; and the specimens are seldom large. The largest I have got
were dead masses which had drifted some way. Some of these
are so cellular that they can actually float; and I have found
-barnacles on them. Living cup-corals will grow upon floating
objects. I have repeatedly found them upon drifted pumice;
and once or twice upon driftwood; and I have one specimen in
which three or four have grouped themselves on a dead broken stem
of an Antipath, with young oysters and Balani.
The Antipathes, or Black corals, are found on some of our reefs.
They are long rod-like things, with a blackish horny stem (sclerobase),
whence they take their name in trade. But when alive this is
covered with what looks like a warty bark, really the colony of
zoophytes in which the life of the thing is. Some of ours reach 7
feet long, and are as thick as a drawing pencil; but elsewhere, and
especially in the Red Sea, the stem attains an inch in diameter. The
living “‘bark” (cznosarc) is often of very brillant colour, red or
yellow ; and a handsome little species in Bombay harbour varies from
orange to crimson. Besides these we have little gorgonias, or sea-
shrubs, seldom (with us ) exceeding a foot in height. One of the
handsomest, which is of a deep crimson, rarely gets beyond six inches.
Others are sulphur yellow, pink, or white. They keep their colour
for some months when dry; but at last the “ bark” dries and chips
off, leaving only the horny stem, which is extremely durable. We
have one very fine specimen from the African coast in this condition,
five times as large as any I ever saw here, and even now a pretty
object.
These things, while retaining their colour, look very well ina
bouquet, a hat, or button-hole; and might be more used in decoration
than they are. Sea-anemones (Actinide) are common on the
reefs and on immersed timbers; and queer-looking mud-anemones
96 NATURAL HISTORY. |
abound in the deep mud of some of the creeks. Others (with better
taste) bury themselves in sea-sand. But none that I have got here
were remarkable for beauty of colour. I might except one crimson
mud anemone; but its shape and surroundings are so ugly that it
is very far from being a lovely object.
In the mud, besides these, we find a rather curious object, look-
ing like an earthworm with a backbone. This on extraction turns
out to be a long calcareous rod, of the shape of a buggy whip,
usually with the point turned or curled over. The creature some-
times reaches a foot in length, and the diameter ofa swan’s quill, and
is probably related to Virgularia. We have many specimens.
The Meduse, or Blubber fishes, are very common. I cannot
myself distinguish those which are genuine from those which are
merely stages in the reproduction of other creatures. A good
many of them can sting and blister the human skin ; and though
the injury is not in itself dangerous, the fright and shock to the
system of a man or boy suddenly stung in the water by an unseen
enemy are sometimes serious. In some cases the sufferer is
confused to an extent that puts him in some danger of drowning.
A set of flannels is a complete protection. On the Irish coast, I
have noticed that those blubbers which are almost colourless are
harmless ; the offending species have purple marginal spots. Here,
-per contra, the fishermen say that the colourless ones are the
stingers, and the spotted innocent.
Another stinging thing is the “ Portuguese man-o’-war,” which
consists of a longish bladder with several “polypites” and long
tentacles and other organs hanging down from it, which steady it in
the water, and do the fighting, feeding and love-making ; in short,
they are the boatswain tight and the midshipmite and the crew
of the Portuguese man-o’-war. It is often driven ashore in great
numbers; the polypites dry up to nothing ; and the dry bladder lies
on the sands till some one treads on it, and it goes off with a pop,
startling if unexpected. Stillcommoner are the Velelle, little round
rafts with a semi-circular sail, and the crew, as before, hanging on
the bottom. The fishermen call both of these ‘‘ Flowers of the deep
sea,” from their beauty, delicacy, and pelagic habits.
Sponges of several sorts are not uncommon on the reefs, but
none of them are of any size or beauty; and none are of any use
for washing oneself with. I sometimes use them for packing
delicate specimens in spirit. From the perforations I find in dead
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. OF
oyster-shells, I think that a parasitic sponge attacks the oyster, but
1 hay’n’t caught him at it. This vermin would probably be allied to
the northern Cliona, which does the same thing at home.
The true Sea-weeds (Alge) are scarce and small here, and most of
them not attractive in appearance. Nor do { know of any alga being
used on this coast as human food or for manure; or in fact for any-
thing at all. I don’t know much about them; and Dr. Kirtikar
and Mr. Birdwood have made the submarine flora of these seas —
their own.
Many years ago, Dr. Carter reported the organism which colours
salt red in our Bombay Salt-pans as apparently identical with that
which reddens snow in the Alpine and Arctic Regions (Protococcus
Nivalis). This is now generally considered to be vegetable ; though
the embryo is free and locomotive.
The hot springs all down the Konkan contain peculiar Algze, pro-
bably allied to those which Dr. Kirtikar found at ‘“ Wazrabai.”
They are most abundant, I think, at Unhere, onemarch from Nagotna,
and not far from Pali. Northerly gales bring a drifting Sargassum
with little bladders that look like berries (and are not) like S.
baceiferum. Like it, too, this species seems to live afloat.
Since I began these papers, Mr. Aitken has added to my list of
birds one duck, Mergus merganser, from Bombay harbour, which,
as he justly observes, is probably its most southern record.
Mr. Inverarity (in accordance with his promise), has added
two ducks, the tufted pochard, which I had but doubtfully recorded,
and the scaup. This lastis probably also a most southern record.
The truth is that we shall never know all about our ducks until
somebody comes with a punt-gun; and this applies particularly to
the more marine species. I got a young duck alive in September,
which I think must have been a spot-bill ; but before the question
could be settled the badger broke loose and ate it up.
Mr. Inverarity also notes the‘true bittern, the little chestnut
bittern, of both of which I have seen local specimens, since I began
these papers, the black-tailed godwit (of which I find avery doubtful
undated note in my copy of “Jerdon” as perhaps shot in Bombay
Harbour), and the golden plover, which he has found in the sort of
ground where I thought it might be, but in far greater numbers
than I should have thought possible.* Clearly it is a regular visitor
* T have shot this bird since in the Kundlira Valley, 7th April 1887,
13 ;
98 NATURAL HISTORY.
to the coast. He has also identified one crake ; there are probably
more remaining for any one who will take them up.
As regards the bald coot, his observation confirms mine, that the
want of water is the only thing that keeps it ont of any part of the
Konkan. Of the three tanks on which Mr. Inverarity saw large
flocks, each is the largest sheet of water in its taluka. I have no
doubt that the bald coots may breed at Vehar, and probably they do
soat Bhiwandi. At Panwell they don’t.
As regards the purple coot, the notice is very interesting be-
cause, for three or four years previous to the famine, I was very
intimate with the Bhiwandi water-works and Vehar lakes. The
former, I should add, was then in its present form a new lake,
having been greatly improved about 1873-4. Now in those years I
never saw a purple coot upon either lake, so they must have been,
at best, but rare visitors. Mr. Inverarity’s notes appear to begin
with the next season ; the earliest date he gives is October 1887 (and
this not for the present bird); and it will be remembered that the -
Deccan famine was followed by serious failure of rain in Gujarat, a -
great country for purple coots. This may have set them wandering
south’ard, until some found out Vehar and Bhiwandi, and stayed
there. I have, since that, seen this bird at Nagotna, and have
noticed it, in Gujarat, to straggle a good deal in May; and
as far as the climate goes, there is nothing to hinder it from
being here, as it is found as far south as Ceylon.
We shall probably have both the coots breeding on the Tansa
lake, if it is only protected.
The tank by the old cantonment at Kalyan has always been a
great place for both species of Jacana; and I have no doubt they
breed there or thereabouts. The Bronze-winged Jacana apparently
breeds at one point near Panwell (on the road to the Kalhe Pass), at
Nagotna, and at Ashtami; for you may see young birds there in all
years. The woodcock shot near Tanna must have been a “ strag-
gler ;” but I should think it possible that the woodcock occurs
along the crest of the Ghats more frequently than we suppose.
T never got one in India myself.
I have, in several places above, alluded to pumice stone as the
abode of barnacles, annelides and corals, which may require expla-
nation. The fact is, that two years after the great eruption of Krakatoa,
pumice stone began to drift in to the Bombay coast in considerable
quantities. It had got to the Seychelles the year before, so probably
SOME BIRDS SEEN IN A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA. 99
what we got had first travelled to that neighbourhood on the §.-E.
trades or some current ; and then turned off with the 8.-W. Monsoon
of 1885. Our largest pieces were about as big as a boy’s head. Those
which came to the Seychelles were much larger, and so numerous
as to encumber passages en the coast, and cause inconvenience
(I was told) to boats.
In 1885, it was also reported from the Maldives, but whether it
was then coming in, or was what had drifted and collected in pre- —
vious years, is not clear. In 1884 it had been seen off the coast of
Ceylon in great quantities,
KESWAL.
SOME BIRDS SEEN IN A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA.
By G. J. R. Rayment, A. V. D.
From Bushire to Shiraz through the Kashgar and Bakhtiart High-
lands to Isfahan, by Ali Gudurz, Burwjurd and Hamadhan to
Sunneh in Kurdistan, thence to Kismanshah.
[As far as possible, Jerdon’s nomenclature has been adhered to.
Birds not identified with certainty are marked thus (?) |
Gyps fulvus.—Large Tawny Vulture.—Throughout the country.
Specially numerous on a small hill, a few miles W. of Kismanshah.
Neophron percnopterus.— White Scavenger Vulture— Distribution
much as above, but far rarer.
Gypetus barbatus.—Bearded Vulture, or ppmersey en asheas
Bakhtiari Highlands, Highlands of W. Persia.
Falco sacer.—The Cherrug Falcon. Nihavand near Hamadhan,
Western Persia.
Hypotriorchis esalon.—The Merlin—Kashgai Highlands.
Tinnunculus alaudarius.x—The Kestrel—Kamaraj and north to
Shiraz, disappearing in higher altitudes of the Kashgai country, and
again being observed in descending towards Isfahan; met with,
though not often, in W. Persia.
Micronisus badius.—The Shikra—Bushive.
Accipiter nisus.—Kurdistan.
Aquila pennata.—The Dwarf Hagle--W. Persia.
Pandion halietus—The Osprey.—Bushire, Daliki,—(Foot of
hills near Bushire) once at Gandaman, Bakhtiari Highlands,
Circus Swainsont.—The Pale Harrier —W. Persia.
100 NATURAL HISTORY.
Milvus govinda—(M. Ater ?) The common Pariah Kite—Between
Bushire and Shiraz, Kashgai Hills and W. Persia, but very rare
everywhere. Blandford in Hastern Persia considers it M. ater not
govinda.
Athene bactriana. Owlet—near Shiraz, Kashgai Highlands. W.
Persia. It has a plaintive little cry, very different to the intolerable
screech of A. brama.
Hirundo rustica.—Common Swallow—Common throughout the
country in summer and autumn, disappearing in the cold weather.
Breeding at Kazerun, 8. of Shiraz, in June.
Hirundo fluvicola.—The Indian Cliff Swallow? H. dawrica)—
Konarthuktah, 1800 ft. between Bushire and Shiraz in June. Blan-
ford in Hastern Persia refers to this bird as H. daurica.
Chelidon urbica.—The Engtish House Martin—Shiraz and South
Kashgai Highlands. Breeding in immense numbers in June. I
am not sure that it was not C. Cashmiriensis.
Cypselus melba.—The Alpine Swift—Shiraz, Kashgai Highlaaes
but rare; not seen in cold weather.
Cypselus alba—The European Swift—Very common in Shiraz
and its neighbourhood; seen in Kashgai Highlands summer and
autumn.
One species of Caprimulgus seen in Highlands between Bushire
and Shiraz, but not identified, probably €. Huropeus.
Merops viridis—The common Indian Bee-Eater.—Bushire and N.
up to 2000 feet.
M. Agyptius —The Egyptian Bee-Hater ? (M. Apiaster) ?—Common
throughout the country in summer and autumn.
Coracias garrula—The European Roller—Hills N. of Bushire,
Kashgai Hills, Isfahan, but rare.
Halcyon fuscus—The White Breasted Kingfisher—Daliki and
Kazerun, N. of Bushire.
Alcedo ispida—Very like A. Bengalensis. The Common Indian
Kingfisher—common on nearly all streams of any size aud in the
Isfahan gardens.
Ceryle rudis—The Pied Kingfisher—Khana Zunian, 6000 ft., near
Shiraz, W. Persia near Kismanshah.
Picus Sancti Johannis—(St. John’s Woodpecker)—W. of Isfahan.
Picus viridis—Shiraz, Isfahan.
Upupa epops—The European Hoopoe—Common throughout the
country.
SOME BIRDS SEEN IN A JOURNEY THROUGH PERSIA. 10f
Lanius tephronotus—Shiraz. Breeding in June.
Cinelus aquaticus—White-breasted Dipper.—Koshru-Shireen, in
Kashgai Highlands, Nargan W. of Isfahan.
Petrocopyphus cyaneus—-Blue Rock Thrush—Hills near Shiraz.
Turdus Hodgsoni—Himalayan Missel Phresh ? Ardakun in
Kashgai Land.
Chatarrhea caudata—Striated Bush Babbler ?—Konarthuktah
and Kazerun, between Bushire and Shiraz. |
Otocompsa leucotis—The White-eared Crested Bul-bul. Bushire
and North as far as Kazerun. Breeding in Bushire in June.
O. galbula—European Oriole—Very common in Isfahan.
Saaicola Ainanthe—The Wheat Ear—Kazerun between Bushire
and Shiraz.
Ruticilla phenicuwra—The European Redstart—Dashtiarjin, be-
tween Bushire and Shiraz, Ardakun in Kashgai Land, W. Persia. —
Motacilla personata—Much resembles M. luzoniensis. The White-
faced Wagtail.—Shiraz, Isfahan, W. Persia.
Motacilla sulphuiea—The Grey and Yellow Wagtail—Common W.
of Isfahan.
Parus major—The European Tit—Shiraz, Kashgai, and valleys,
W. Persia.
Corvus cornix—Hooded Crow—Common everywhere.
Corvus coraz—The Rayen—Common everywhere.
Corvus frugilegus—The Rook—Ali Gudurz, between Isfahan and
Hamadhan.
Pica bactriana—The Magpie—Common all over the Highlands.
Shiraz. Very common, Isfahan.
Garrulus atricapillus—Jay—S. of Shiraz.
Fregilus Himalayanus—The Himalayan Chough—Kashgai and
Kashgai and Bakhtiari Highlands. Isfahan and W. Persia.
Sturnus vulgaris—The Common Starling.—Common everywhere.
W. of Isfahan met with in immense flocks.
Passer Indicus—The Indian House Sparrow.—Common every-
where. I never observed the Mountain Sparrow, so common in
Afghanistan.
Carduelis eleyans.—The European Goldfinch—Common throughout
the country in suitable localities. Breeding in Shiraz in June.
Galerida cristata—The Crested Lark—Shiraz, Lower valleys,
Kashgai country, Isfahan, W. Persia.
Certhilauda desertorum—The Desert Lark ?—Bushire.
102 NATURAL HISTORY.
Columba palumbus—The European Cushat—Common in the hills
S. of Shiraz and Kashgai country, not seen in W. Persia.
Columba livia—(according to Blanford) The Blue Rock
Pigeon—Common everywhere.
Pterocles arenarius—The Large Sand Grouse, common in all
suitable localities. .
Pterocles alchata—The Pintailed Sand Grouse—Near Hamadhan,
in immense flights near Bushire in November.
Pterocles ewustus—The Common Sand Grouse—Daliki,near Bushire.
Francolinus vulgaris—The Black Partridge—N. of Bushire, not
extending to high altitudes.
Caccabis chukor—The Chukor Partridge—Common on all the
higher hills.
Ammoperdiz Bonhami—The Seesee Partridge—Met with on lower
hills, N. of Bushire, Bukhtiari country, plentiful between Isfahan and
Shiraz.
Coturnia communis—The Large Grey Quail—Common throughout
the country, in higher altitudes during summer and early autumn.
Houbara Macqueenti—The Houbara Bustard—Bakhtiari country.
Cursorius gallicus—The European Courier Plover—Bushire,
Kashgai Valleys. Rare.
Vanellus cristatus—The Crested Lapwing—Common in all suitable
localities, more plentiful in winter.
Chetusia leueuwra—The White-tailed Lapwing—Near Shiraz.
Lobivanellus goensis—The Red-wattled Lapwing—N. of Bushire,
Shiraz.
Cidicnemus crepitans—The Stone Plover—Alumabad in W. Persia
Grus cinerea—The Common Crane—W. Persia, 8. of Isfahan.
Scolopax rusticola—The Woodcock—W. Persia, S. of Isfahan.
Gallinago scolapacinus—The Common Snipe—Common everywhere
in suitable localities in winter. First seen on September 4, W. of
Isfahan.
Gallinago gallinula.—The Jack Snipe—W. Persia, Shiraz.
Actitis hypoleuwcos—The Common Sandpiper—Kashgai country,
W. of Isfahan.
Himantopus candidus—The Stilt—S. of Shiraz, W. Persia.
Porphyrio poliocephalus—The Purple Coot—Kazerun Lake S. of
Shiraz.
Fulica atra—The Bald Coot—S§. of Shiraz. Breeding Bakhtiari,
country, June and July.
riots
f ui Bete
g,
ee
OZIS [BINIEN (ABP TOOT) 441009 LoSavl pus WYP vj
q00f aug op your = ayv0g
“AON ‘dS (fouingz) SITINISSIG VN DAZ
ASIANS
A NEW SPECIES OF ZYGHENA. 103
Gallinula chlorophus—The Water-Hen—Kazerun, Lake S. of
Shiraz. Kashgai country.
Oiconia nigra—The Black Stork ?—Kurdistan.
Ardea purpurea—The Purple Heron—W. Persia.
Herodias garzetta—The Little Egret—Common in suitable locali-
ties.
Botauris stellaris—The Bittern—W.. Persia.
Nycticorax griseus—The Night Heron—lIsfahan and W. Persia.
Pheenicopterus minor—The Lesser Flamingo—One specimen seen
at Dashtiarjin, June.
Anser cinereus—The Grey Goose ?—Zargan, N. of Shiraz.
Casarea rutila—The Raddy Sheldrake. The Chukwa.— Common
throughout the country.
Anas boschas—The Mallard—Common throughout the country.
Breeding in June and July.
Querquedula crecea—The Common Teal—Common everywhere,
late in autumn and winter.
Athya nyroca—The White-eyed Duck ?— Dashtiarjin, &. of Shiraz.
Podiceps cristatus—The Crested Grebe ?—Dashtiarjin.
Podiceps phillippensis.—The Little Grebe—Common everywhere in
suitable localities. Breeding in June and July.
Some Pelican seen at Dashtiarjin S. of Shiraz, but not identified.
A NEW SPECIES OF ZYGAINA, FROM THE
KURRACHEE HARBOUR.
By James A. Murray, or THE Vict. Nar. Hisr. Insr.
ZYGZENA DISSIMILIS.—Sp. Nov.
Anterior edge of head sinuately curved. No groove running
along it. Length of the hammer from eye to eye 26 inches; from
the middle 13 inches.-. Hach of its hind lateral expansions 10
‘inches ; its width near the eye 6°5 inches or less than the length.
Eye situated at the upper third of the external edge of the lobe of
the head and two inches below the outer edge of the
nostril. Teeth very slightly oblique, as broad at base as long, with
an indistinct notch laterally and serrated on both edges to near the
tip. They are convex before and behind, with an oblong nodose
prominence mesially at the base on the outer surface. The Ist
dorsal arises from a little more than an inch inside the extreme
104 - NATURAL HISTORY.
hind edge of the pectoral fin; it is falcate in shape and measures
along the curve to tip, 25 inches; the greatest width to hind pro-
longation at the base 15°75 inches. Pectoral fin 18 X 12 inches, or
one-third longer than broad. Second dorsal arises from opposite the
anal ; it is triangularly concave behind, and not straight as depicted
in the plate of Zygana malleus, Blochu and Ztudes in Day’s Fishes
of India, and has also an elongated process at base. Ventral fin
11 X 10°5 inches, also triangularly concave behind, and not straight
asin the malleus. Anal fins 7 X 11 inches, concave behind, the
distance from its insertion to the tip of the elongate process of the
ventral 5 inches. A pit at the root of the caudal, upper caudal lobe
falcate, lower proportionately longer than in the other species.
Colours brownish grey throughout, except a width of 10 inches on
the under surface, where it is white, also the under surface of the
hammer.
The following are the measurements of this species taken in the
flesh :—
Feet. inches.
Total length to tip of upper caudal lobe... 10 ays
Length of upper caudal lobe ............... 3 iS
5 lower ,, om Le BM aemratcnds iL 34
Height of Ist dorsal over curve ............ 2 1
af wy ..bvertical) to tip s.4... 1 9
Width of » to tip of elongate
PROCESS: cc oH ce tee Nat cietsl emohhenaticns ] 3
Height of 2rd’ dorsal ®, diss e.uce cheer nies 0 8
Width ‘of ost Win i cae peso 0.) Ml
lhenwth of pectoral gimh ae) caraies vetnechernee ] 64
Width * Praia Picket cle dun (eevee hie 1 0
Lengthy ofyentral ay piece. nrcmccsasve sen O id
Width | of pM ORMAT CE OAs catrexat souiet sey (as OF 20S
Arnal. fim; Temiciila yeprpen eters reiisnes s4,05,0.5 sioas pes 0 7
pega ALG Meare slate sictste'si ae Farsaipso's ar Fiat O02 aut
Diameter of eye, 1°25 inches; width of mouth, 9°75 inches.
Hindmost (5th) gill opening smallest.
Locality.—Kurrachee. Captured on 20th April 1884.
This species differs from all the known forms, first, by having
its teeth serrated on the edges instead of smooth; and,
second, in having no prolonged groove along the entire front
marginof the hammer. From Z. Malleus by the less curvature of the
NOTES ON PLOCEUS PHILIPPINUS. 106
head and less deep sinuous groove on the anterior edge of the
hammer, also by the length of the hind margin of one side of the
hammer being more than its greatest width near the eye, and also
by the shape and position of the fins, especially the 2nd dorsal and
ventral fins, which are concave behind instead of being straight.
Tt is nearest Z Mokarran (Gunther Cat. Fish B. M.), but the
longth of the hind margin of one of the lateral expansions is greater.
than the width near the eye, instead of being equal as in that species,
and the anterior margin of the hammer does not form a right angle
with the lateral lobe.
This makes the third species of Shark lately described from the
Kurrachee harbour. The first is Carcharias Murrayt, Gunther, the
next, Lamna Guniheri, Murray, and the present one the third. It
is a question now whether these three species extend their range
along the Beloochistan and Bombay Coasts.
NOTES ON PLOCEUS PHILIPPINUS.
By Lisur. H. Epwiy Barnss.
The normal number of eggs laid by the Common Weaver Bird
has been variously stated by different authors ; some give two aa
the correct number, others as many as ten. Dr. Jerdon considered
two as the usual number, and was of opinion that when six or
more were found, they were the produce of two birds; Mr. Hume,
in his Nest and Eggs of Indian Birds, page 438, gives his opinion in
no uncertain terms. He says:—“ With Dr. Jerdon I am perfectly
convinced that two is the normal number of the eggs. I have
certainly examined over a hundred nests, and never found more
than three, and only two or three times more than two.” This
ought to be conclusive.. Personally I have never found more than
seven eggs in a nest, and this ence only, five of them were much
incnbated, and the remaining two quite fresh ; another nest had six,
all fresh. With these exceptions, five is the usual number of
eggs have met with, but I have also taken nests containing single
incubated eggs. This is puzzling, but I believe Ihave found the key
to the mystery ; one day, while nesting in Neemuch, Rajpootana, I
saw, amongst many others, a remarkably fine nest, which I deter-
mined to secure, but as the babool tree, in which it was,
stood well out in a pool of water, it was a matter of some
14
106 NATURAL HISTORY.
— = =
difficulty; it contained five incubated eggs, and on searching
the otber nests on this tree, I found that in each case, .
when the eggs were incubated, the number was five also, any
lesser number proved to be fresh. A few hundred yards away
T came upon another colony, and on searching the nests, I found,
them to contain from one to five incubated eggs; at the bottom
of the tree, lay several good nests, that had evidently been cut
down by squirrels, and in some of these I found eggs; here was
the clue. Every one must have noticed the numbers of half-finished
nests, in every colony, that for some reason or the other have
been abandoned ; what more likely than, the squirrels havmg cut
down a nest, before the full complement of eggs had been laid in it,
the birds should finish laying, either m one of the imcompleted
nests, to be afterwards completed or not, (I have often found eggs
in these half-finished nests), or in one belonging to a neighbour.
This theory accounts for a larger and a smaller number of eggs
than usual being found in a nest. The squirrels were unable to
get at the nests in the Babool tree standing in the water, and in
consequence they had complete clutches of eggs in them. I
mtended watching this tree again during the following season,
but having been transferred to Saugor, I could not do so, but soon
after the breaking of the monsoon, I found not far from Saugor,
a clump of babool trees in a similar situation, and as the bayas
had commenced building upon them, I had an excellent opportunity
of testing my theory, and later in the season, I found, as I had
anticipated that the nests contained five eggs each, in a few cases
four only. I ‘am therefore .fully persuaded that the normal
number of eggs, in Rajputana and the Central Provinces at all
events, is four or five, oftener five than four; this I know to be
contrary to the generally conceived opinion, but I think that the .
facts I have adduced, go far te prove the correctness of my views.
Mr. Hume, speaking of the nests themselves, says :—The long
tubular entrances that the male often goes on building after the
female is sitting reaches in one nest I have preserved to a length
of 11 inches,’’ and again “as a rule these entrance passages do
not exceed six inches in length,’ A nest that I took at Saugor
has the tube 25 inches long, another procured at the same time
and place has it 24 inches, and strarge to say, the lower portion is
incorporated with an unfinished nest, evidently meant to steady it;
this fact evinces more intelligence on the part of these birds,
THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN. 107
(cute as I know them to be), than I should have given them
credit for. Where does instinct end and reason begin? Far
better had the birds trusted to instinct alone, for the very means
used to steady the nest, gave a snake the opportunity to get in it,
for while it was being cut down, one dropped out; and tried to
escape in the long grass, but a smart tap on the back with a cane
_ stopped its further career and it proved to be a Brown Tree Snake,
(Dipsas gokoot).
Its stomach contained a partly digested nestling, showing that
it had been in the nest for some time, and had evidently meant to
stay until its appetite returned, wken no doubt it would have
dined in due sequence off the remaining tkree, quite unconcerned
and apparently ignorant of the dangerous nature of their self-
invited guest. Full measurements of the large nest may not be
devoid of interest to both ologists and ornithologists. The length,
of the suspensory portion which is very thin, is 19 inches, the
bulb 9 inches and the tube 25 inches, giving a total length to the
nest of 53 inches. The diameter of the bulb is 6 inches one way and
4 inches the other.
The tube where it joins the bulb has a diameter of barely 2 inches,
but it widens considerably at the end, and may be described as
bell-mouthed. These nests are of course most of them now in the
Bombay Natural History Society’s Rooms.
A CATALOGUE OF THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR
AND MATHERAN.
By H. M. Brrpwoop.
“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods.”
WHEN offering to the Society the Catalogue of the Flora of
Matheran, published at pp. 206-211 of Vol. I. of our Journal, I ex-
plained why it was so incomplete. It was compiled at a time of the
year when many herbaceous plants were dried up and could not be
recognized. I have now been able to enlarge it by adding the names
of plants, seen, soon after the close of the last rainy season, at
Mahableshwar, where a great part of the Flora is identical with that
of Matheran; as might indeed be expected from. the general simila-
rity of the soil and climate of the two hills. There are, no doubt,
certain causes regulating the distribution of plants which are not
a
i08 NATURAL HISTORY,
equally operative at both places. Mahableshwar is about 70 miles
nearer the Equator than Matheran. The latter is an isolated hill,
rising from the plain of the Konkan, midway between the Western
Ghats and the sea; whereas Mahableshwar is further from the sea,
and is, to all intents, a part of the range of Ghats. The highest
point of Matheran is abont 2,500 feet above the sea-level; whereas
the Mahableshwar plateau is at a general elevation of 4,500 feet
above the sea, and at Sindola rises to 4,700 feet. These differing
conditions are not without their effect. Some plants are found at
Mahableshwar which will not thrive on the lower mountain-top.
Some Matheran plants, on the other hand, find the higher levels of
Mahableshwar beyond their range. I will give here only a few
instances. The most casual observer is struck by the wonderful
undergrowth of brake-fern at Mahableshwar, and of the arrow-root
plant,—which in the months of October and November blooms on
almost every square yard of the jungle,—and by the beautiful pro-
fusion of the Osmunda fern, mixed with brambles and willows, along
the upper stream of the Yenna River. At Matheran, the brake-fern
is scarcely known. Ina few years it will perhaps be extinct; for
it cannot defy the onslaughts of thoughtless fern-hunters who take
away stray specimens to languish and die in Bombay or Poona
gardens. It would be impossible for any number of fern-hunters to
destroy it at Mahableshwar. Even if unmolested at Matheran, it
drags on at best but a feeble existence. ‘he site is too low for it,
the lowest limit of its range in our latitude being probably at a
line at least 2,000 feet above the sea level. The Osmunda again is not
. known at Matheran; nor is the willow; nor the arrow-root (Curcuma
caulina), though other plants of the genus Curcuma are plentiful
enough. I have certainly seen Mahableshwar raspberries in Matheran
gardens; but they were not what raspberries ought to be.
Again, there are some well-known Matheran trees, such as the
Kumbha (Careya arborea), the Malia or Indian Ebony (Diospyros
assimilis) and the Chandara (Macaranga Roxburghit), which do
not grow on the Mahableshwar plateau at all. I have been in
communication on this particular subject with Dr. T. Cooke, who
has made the flora of Mahableshwar and Matheran a special study
for many years, and I hope that he will favour the Society with the
result of his observations embodied in a ‘‘ Note” on this Catalogue,
and give us lists of the more prominent plants on either hill which are
not found on the other. After taking full account of these, it will
.
THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN. 109
still be seen that very many of the plants included in the
Catalogue are common to the two hills. Such a coincidence is
favoured by the similarity of their geological formation and by the
circumstance that there is no great difference in the range of their
mean temperature at different seasons and in their rainfall. Both
Mahableshwar and Matheran are, roughly speaking, huge masses of
trap, capped by a thin layer of laterite. Both are within sight of the
sea. Both are swept by the same dry winds in the cold weather and
by the same monsoon storms, and both enjoy the full benefit of the
monsoon rains. The average mean temperature ranges at Mahablesh-
war from 64° F. to 76°; and from 69° to 78° at Matheran. The
average rainfall at Mahableshwar amounts to 263 inches; and at
Matheran to 242 inches. Under such concordant influences, we
find a general likeness in the forms of vegetation on the two hills,
due to the frequent presence of the same characteristic plants on
both. Everywhere at Mahableshwar, as at Matheran, we find the
Myrtle tribe represented by endless woods of the beautiful
Jambul tree (Hugenia Jambolana), the Melastomas by the Anjan
(Memecylon edule), the Laurels by the Pisa (Actinodaphne Hookeri),
and the Madder tribe by the thorny Gela (Randiadumetorum). There
is the same undergrowth of shrubs and herbaceous plants, the
natural ordersof “‘ Leguminose,” “ Acanthacez ”’ and‘ Composit ”’
being especially and numerously represented. There are many showy
climbers and trailers and creepers common to both hills; as there are
Orchids and Dendrobiumsand other parasitic plants ; while everywhere
the little Silver-fern covers with equalimpartiality every sheltered bank
androck. The flora of both Mahableshwar and Matheran can, there-
fore, be conveniently included in a singleCatalogue. In the present
Catalogue, which contains the names of 493 plants, while the former
one contained only 218 names, I have included a few plants which
are not actually found on either hill, but which are conspicuous
enough to catch the eye of even the most rapid traveller on the
well-worn road from Poona, by the Kartraj and Khandala Ghats, to
Panchgani and Mahableshwar. J could never have prepared so full
a list without Dr. Cooke’s help. Hehas kindly lent me his valuable
Monograph on the Flora of Mahableshwar, of which I have
endeavoured to make good use. He has also revised the proof-
sheets of these pages, and added notes, where necessary. It only
remains for me to add that this Catalogue is framed on the same gene-
ral plan as the former one, and with the same object. It is meant,
110 NATURAL HISTORY.
with the aid of the appended index of vernacular names, to furnish
a ready method of learning the scientific names of plants. Many
visitors to the hills take an interest in learning those names even if
they have no intention of undertaking the serious study of Botany in
any of its various branches. With some, however, the interestthus
acquired leads to further study, which becomes all the pleasanter for
the knowledge which has been gained, without too much trouble,
of the names by which the plants in which they are interested are
known to the scientific world; just as it is pleasanter and more pro-
fitable to study the grammar of a new language after the student
has acquired some portion of its vocabulary, and learnt to speak ita
little, than before. For the use of those who wish to become better
acquainted with the hill flora, and are disposed to correct the Cata-
logue or to add new names and notes to it, I have asked Mr. Stern-
dale to issue a few interleaved copies in pamphlet form, which can
be procured from the Secretary.
CATALOGUE. lili
CATALOGUE.
NOTE.—In the first two columns, the nomenclature adopted for the first 74
Orders is that of Hooker’s ‘‘ Flora of British India,” Vols. I—IV., and Vol., V.
Part I., which do not include Orders 75—99, represented in this Catalogue.
The synonyms in the second column, in the case of plants belonging to the first
74 Orders, are the names under which the plants are described in Dalzell
and Gibson’s ‘‘ Bombay Flora,” or in Graham’s “ Catalogue.’ The words ‘ Herb.
Co.,” after the name of aplantin this column, indicate that the Mahableshwar
herbarium, presented to the Society by Dr. Theodore Cooke, contains a specimen
of the plant. In the third column, the vernacular names are spelt according to
the Hunterian system. The word ‘vel’ or ‘yel, which recurs frequently as a
component part of a name, means a‘ creeper’ or ‘climber. The words ‘lahan’
and ‘dhakta’ (fem. ‘dhakti’) mean ‘small,’ * motha’ (fem. ‘mothi’) means ‘ big,’
*‘ pandhra’ means ‘white, ‘kala’ ‘ black,’ ‘tambda’ ‘red, and ‘kadu’ ‘ bitter.’
‘ The prefix ‘ran’ indicates a‘ jungle’ plant, or, as we should say, ‘a wild plant,
though all the hill plants in the list are probably wild or indigenous on
Mahableshwar or Matheran, with the exception perhaps of the large-flowered’
yellow flax (Reixwardtia trigyna), the Indian raspberry (Rubus lasiocarpus),
the strawberry (Fragaria vesca), the Brugmansia candida, the mulberry (Morus
arropurpurea), and the Jack-tree (Artocarpus integrifolia). The Reinwardtiais said,
however, by Major H. H. Lee, R. E., to be “found truly wild on Varandha Ghat”
in the Satara District. (‘ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency,’ Vol. XIX.
App. A.) The Morus atropurpurea of the Mahableshwar gardens is, perhaps, a
variety of Morus alba, the home of which “is probably China.” (Brandis.)
According to Wight and Beddome, the Jack-iree is “ wild in the mountain forests of
the Western Ghats, ascending to 4,000 feet.’ But Dr. Brandis vemarks that
“ regarding its native home there is yet some uncertainty.”
Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &c.
Division A—VAscuLaREs.—(Plants with woody fibre and cellular tissue).
. Crass_I.—DicoryLEDONEs.*
-- Sus-Crass—l THALAMIFLORA, +
1 Ranuncutaceze (The} Clematis Gouriana, Herb.| Mor-vel, Mor-yel, Ranjai. Travel-
Butter-cup Order.) Co. ler’s joy. Matheran ; Koyna Valley.
le ones ere ae so Wightiana ......| 7b. Mahableshwar.
2 Dilleniacew ......... Dillenia pentagyna ......... Karambel, Dhakta Karmal.
* In the seeds of Dycotyledones there are always two cotyledons at least, and if
there are two only they are always opposite.
+ The differences of the four sub-classes into which De Candolle divides the class
of Kxogens or Dicotyledones “‘ might be, in most cases, expressed thus :—
1. Polypetalous.
Stamens hypogynouS....,..s000100+0e == Thalamiflore.
Stamens perigynous essessseeceeseveee = Calycifiore.
2. Momnopetalous ........cseessessseeesestseteeves == Corolliflore.
3. Apetalous sevseeeee == Monochlamydee,
‘It is, however, to be observed that some of the Calyciflore and Thalamifloras
haye a monopetalous corolla, In this classification, the student proceeds from what
112 NATURAL HISTORY.
‘ : nacul li
Natural Order. Genus and Species. pean Sate: - nee ees
3 Anonaceze. (The| Uvaria Narum ...............] Naram-panal.
Custard-apple
Order).
45 anette ere ree liebensly stone nanos aie
SS ty ype. Bocagea Dalzellii, Syn.| Sajeri,; Har-kinjal.
Sagercea laurina.
4 Menispermacee ...| Cocculus macrocarpus,| Vatoli, Vat-vel, W4tan-yel.
Herb. Co.
A sais tea », Villosus* ....,....] Tan, Vasanvel. Sans. Vasadani.
Se Lost es Cyclea peltata, Herb. Co....| P4r-yel, Padel.
5 Papaveracez ...... Argemone mexicanat,|) Mexican Poppy.
Herb. Co.
6 Cruciferee. (The| Nasturtinm officinale,,; Water-cress.
Cabbage Order.) Herb. Co.
‘eal iiercoee Pacey Cardamine subumbellata
Herb. Co.
7 Capparidee ..,...... Capparis spinosa, Herb.| Indian Caper. ‘The young flower
Co. buds are the capers of com-
merce.”’ (Lee.)
PVA icttes cet a pedunculosa...... Kolisna.
50 snelede wes “5 longispina, Herb.| 1b.
Co.
Hh isd) Uplochaonbar ] horrida ..,........ | Near Alexander Point, Matheran.
8 Bixineee (The Ar-| Flacourtia Ramontchi,t| Tambat Sans. Svadu Kantak.
notto Order.) Herb. Co.
9 Pittosporez .....«...| Pittosporum floribundum,| Yekadi.
Herb. Co.
10 Polygalez......... ..-| Polygala persicarizefolia ...| Mahableshwar Milk-wort.
11 Portulacez .......... Portulaca oleracea, Herb.| Ghol-baji.
Co,
12 Tamariscinez ......) Tamarix ericoides ,,.......|Jao, Sarub, Sardta. TJamarisk,
In the river bed, near Neral
station.
13 Guttiferz .........-..| Garcinia indica ............ Kokam, Ratamba. Wild Mangos-
teen. :
2 Sage aes eae 5, Ovalifolia, syn. Xan-| Haldi. Matheran Gamboje tree.
thochymus ovalifolius.
a seesecseseee| Ochrocarpus longifolius,! Harkia, Surangi.
Syn. Calysaccion lon-
gifolium.
are considered the most perfectly organized Exogens to those which are least so.
Thus all the parts are present and distinct from each other in Thalamiflorss; other
things remaining the same, the stamens adhere to the calyx in Calyciflore; the
stamens join the petals and the petals each other in Corollifore; and in
Monochlamydee, first the corolla disappears, and then, among the most incomplete
orders, the calyx also ceases to be developed.”’ (Lindley’s ‘‘ School Botany.”) “Orders
43, 44, 45 in this Catalogue are placed under “ Calyciflorz,’’ in accordance with De
Candolle’s arrangement. According to the plan adopted by Lindley, these orders
would come under ‘ Corolliflorz.”
* The juice of the ripe berries of the Coccwlus villosus ‘‘ makes a durable bluish-
purple ink. The leaves rubbed in water thicken into a greenjelly. Roots and leaves
used in native medicine.’ (Brandis.)
+ The Argemone is a small American genus, of which this species is “ naturalized
throughout India.” (Hooker.)
{ The wood of Flacourtia Ramontcht “ does not warp, is durable, and not attacked
by insects. Combs are made of it; it is employed in turnery and for agricultural
implements, and though not large, it is occasionally used for building.” (Brandia.)
CATALOGUE. 1?
Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &e.
14 Dipterocarpex .....| Ancistrocladus Heyneanus.| Kardor, Kardori. A handsome
climbing shrub, with large,
smooth, elliptic leaves and hook-
ed branches. Not uncommon at
Matheran.
15 Malvacez. (The, Sida carpinifolia, Herd. Co.| Chikni. It ‘is used to make be-
Mallow Order.) : soms. the twigs being at once
supple and tough.” (Lee.)
6 veeseysseeee] ADutilon polyandrum ......
He Weciesieos ces) UU MEMOAN SINE Dai eesivess >
es seee a eton PEMIDISCESUNICbAS camesidcetes sas
Se rporoncee oe Thespesia Lampas .........| Ran-bhendi, Lahan Bhendi. Wild
Bhendy.
ee rereeeee Bombax malabaricum.| Sivar, Tambdi Savar. Silk-cotton
Syn. Salmalia mala-| tree. Sans. Rakta-sdlmali.
barica. The wood is “used for planking,
packing cases, toys, scabbards,
fishing-floats and for the lining of
wells, * * The calyx of the
flower-bud is eaten as a veget-
able. The fruit is collected before
it opens, and the cotton with
which it is filled is used to stuff
quilts and pillows.’ (Bran-
dis.)
16 Sterculiaces...... ..| Sterculia urens* .,... aneaee Saldhawal, Karai, Kuari.
SU PP es Sonne Pe PUGLALLAL secidesles'e sl Goldor, Gordar, Kukar.
suet as Seer eeeee 3 Colorata s.r. Bhaikai, Khavas, Kaushi. The
bark is ‘‘ made into rope.” (Bran-
dis.)
17 Tiliacez. a Grewia tilizefolia ............ Dhaman. “Made into shafts, shoul-
Linden Order.) der poles for loads, pellet-bows,
handles, masts, oars, employed
in carriage building. From the
inner bark, cordage is made in
Bombay. Twigs and leaves lop-
ped for fodder. Fruit eaten,
of an agreeable acid flavour.”
(Brandis.)
53 duvdecho nes » Microcos, Herb.Oo.
et Renner es Erinocarpus Nimmoanus...} Chaura, Chor, Cher.
a seekecvacacs|| LRMUMALELEA PILOSANS cucnees)sn. Kutre-vandre, 7%e., ‘‘ Dogs and
a Monkeys.”
3 SOR DEICED OO of rhomboidea, Hevb.| Necharda.
Co.
s veesseaeeeee] Elecocarpus oblongus, Herd.| Kasu,Khas. At Lingmala.and near
Co. vata an “Temple Hall,” Mahableshwar.
18 Linew ............| Linum mysorense, Herb.| Bimburti, Wandri. Yellow Flax.
Co.
” ssooseveeeee| REINWardtia trigyna ...... Abai. Large flowered yellow flax.
In gardens at Mahableshwar
and Matheran.
19 Geraniaceze. (The| Oxalis corniculata,Herb. Co.) Nalkarda. Yellow sorrel.
Cranesbill Order.)
* The Sterculia wrens, though not common, is conspicuous on the Matheran Ghat
by its cream-coloured, pink and white, shining bark, the thin, transparent coating of
which peels off “like that of the birch.” Sitars (native guitars), are made of the
wood. It yields a gum which is “sold under the name of katila, katira.” The seeds
are “eaten by Gonds and Kurkus in the Central Provinces.” (Brandis.)
15
114
Natural Order. | Genus and Species.
|
|
|
I
{
|
29 Geraniaces (contd.) Impatiens acanlis, Herb.Co
}
|
|
|
|
a : eA inconspicua ......
Ari in bosdaminioGuntee “f oppositifolia ......
59 ; bf Dalzellii, Herd.
Co.
= EEAnSCOOCOGL S Balsamina, Her®.|
Go.
20 Rutaceze (The Rue) Hvodia Roxburghiana ......
Order.)
_ A ..| Toddaha acnleata .........
Ps sesseevouvee| GlYCOSMIS pentaphyla,|
Herb. Co.
35 ECOCOUGGOOD Murraya exotica, vwr.
paniculata.
1 Spaueoaduaer ; Keenigii, Syn.
Bergera Koenigii, Herd.
0o.
” vent on ree nee Atalantia monophylla,
: Her. Co.
2F Burserace® ......... Boswellia serrata. Syn. B.
thurifera.
oe veveecree| GAYULA PINNALA reeceeeeese
22 Meliacez...... se-| Cipadessa fruticosa, Syn.
Mallea Rothii.
” veer es | SOymida febrifuga ......4..
pobsncuon ...| Chloroxylon Swietenia
”
23 Olacinez ..,.........| Mappia foetida (M. oblonga
in Herb. Co.)
NATURAL HISTORY.
Vernacular or Hnglish name, ase,
habitat, &e.
Lahin Terda, Berki. Stemless
Balsam. Rare at Matheran. Not
so rare at Mahableshwar, where
it grows on wet rocks near
streams. ft is a small but
handsome plant, with large,
pale-mauve tlowers. “Welk
worthy of a place in the con-
servatory.” (Lee.)
Sanmukh patri, Terda.
Yellow Balsam.
Terda, Wild Balsam.
Kirmira.
Pandri, Kunti. Below Chowk
and Hart Points, Matheran.
Rare.
Kadhipat, Kadhi-nimb. Curry
Plant. 7
Makad-limbu, 7.e., ‘‘ Monkey lime.”
Salphali, S4lera, Halera. Frankin-
cense tree. On the Kartraj and
Khandala Ghats, on the road to
Mahableshwar.
Karak. “ Bark employed for tan-
ning, a gum exudes from ib.
The fruit is eaten, raw and
pickled.” (Brandis.} On Mathe-
ran Ghat.
Kartraj Ghat.
Polara. Rohan. Bastard Cedar,
Indian Red-wood. ‘The bark
is bitter, and has been used as
a substitute for einchona bark.’”
(Brandis.)
...| Billu, Halda.
Ganera.
Sup-€nass 2.--CanycrrLoras.
24 Celastrinez (The| Gymnosporia Rothiana ..,
Spindletree Order.)
sf) ceteaenias Pp montana, Syn.
Celastrus montana.
poor ad Hippocratea Grahami......
”
25 Rhamnew (The
Buckthorn Order.)
scserecess.| LIZYPHUS XVLOPYLWS:s..csere
Ventilago madraspatana. .
”
rugosa, Herb. Co.
indica, Herb.
Bee eet eee eee
‘9
Scutia
Co, |
Mothi Yekadi, Yekali, Yenkli.
Yekadi.
Yeoti.
Kan-vel, Lokhandi. 4
Guti, Ghuti. Hart Point, Mathe-
ran; and on the road to Garbet
Point.
Toran.
Chimat, “ Wait-a-bit’’ thorn,
CATALOGUE. 113
Natural Order. Genus and Species. Vernacular VS Ona aes —
26 Ampelideew (The) Vitis discolor, Syn. Cissus} Telicha-vel.
Vine Order.) discolor. -
s FORAGE, aspen CORMONTOR fas eis caelues Shend-vei.
» ei ceckinae » latifolia, Syn. Cissus} Nadena.
latifolia,
» wavesercel. oy SUreculata, Syn. Jangli Kajorni.
Cissus auriculata.
> swusvevs| danceolania .....-......| Kapgolicha-yel.
E. wee..s.2| EEA sambucina, Syn. L.| Dhindi, Dindi.
staphylea, Herb. Co.
27 Sapindaceew (The Hemigyrosa canescens.) Karpa.
Soapweort Order.) | Syn. Cupania canescens
Ay aicdicese Allophylus Cobbe, Syn.) Tipan.
Schmidelia Cobbe. Herb.
Co.
re gexsaceen Schleichera trijuga.* ...... Kosum, Kusam, Koham, Kocham.
+5 wseeseee, Nephelium longana, Herb. Wumb, “Fruit size of a cherry,
Co. reddish «or purple. Aril whole-
seme.’ (Lee). Koyna Valley,
Mahableshwar.
28 Anacardiacez (The) Mangifera indica............j| Amba. Mango tree.
Cashew Order.)
29 Connaracee ........., Connarus monocarpts...... Sundar.
30 Leguminosz.........,| Crotalaria vestita, Hers.
Co.
> aohievenee va = triquetra, Herb.
Qo.
> ariqoemneamey | n nana. Herd. Co.
Me AS AGEN as retusa ............| Ghagri.
oy eater ete = Pelee risuliit Daeli, Dingala.
Herd. Co.
» wevsessreee| LUGIgofera palchella, Herb.| Nerda. Wild Indigo. Near Yenna
Co. Falls, Mahableshwar.
» serves eveess| GeiSsapsis cristata ........4 Barki.
nm eae] » tenella .......,,] Lahdn Barki.
- wsesoseseese| GOrDIa diphylla ............| Nal-Barga, Berki.
a verrveseseee| 40-, VAM. ZeylONeNsis .....5. Barga, Berki,
= 5 weetecereees| SMithia purpurea, Herb.
E 0.
= omiivarea eae 5» setulosa, Herb. Co.
Beteee secre aan » Blanda, Herb. Co.| Mothi Berki.
<< teeueeeeses| Alysicarpus vaginalis, var.,| Dhakta Dhampta.
nummularifolins.
<p ee =< lengifolius ...| Dhampta.
Ss weeveeseevee| Desmodium parviflorum,
Herb. Co.
» veeeeseeeees| HVYthYina indica ............| Pangara, Paramga.
% wweersietees| Butew Lrondosat . uve: seas. Palas, Khakra. Sans. Paldsa.
2. The ‘‘ Flame of the Forest.’””
= Spoccreaace Gicere ee aving, Herb.| Mungir.
ont:
* In many parts of India, lac is produced onthe young branches of the Schleichera.
*‘In Ouadh, this tree is lopped, and the twigs and leaves are used as cattle-fodder
during the dry season. Oil is extracted from the seeds in South India and Ceylon.”
( Brandis.)
+ The leaves of the Palas tree are given as fodder to buffaloes. The flowers are
made, with alum, into the yellow dye used at the Holi festival. (Brandis.) This
tree gives its name to the memorable plain of Palasi, vulgarly called ‘“ Plassey.”
(Birdwood’s Vegetable Products.) It yields a kino anda lac. (Ib,)
{ This plant is common throughout India. ‘‘ The Seeds, said to be rich in nitro-
genous principles, were largely used by the famine-stricken people.” (Lisboa’s
Useful Plants).
ie
116
NATURAL HISTORY.
Natural Order. Genus and Species.
30 Leguminosze(contd.)| Vigna vexillata, Herb. Co.
Atylosia lineata, Herb. Co.
Cylista scariosa. Herb. Co.
strobilifera,
.| Flemingia
Herb. Co.
.-«| Dalbergia latifolia :........
sympathetica ...
volubilis
es Jaytiate so neite zt paniculata.........
...| Mezoneurum cucullatum...
Wagatea spicata ......... 0.
v2 | ASSlactiStullamuneteceen eens
3) eve toe Pet wos 99
wee teeeee
y eee teneon oe >
.| Bauhinia racemosu ...
Bauhinia malabarica ......
ie SARA CGTeE + WV alla i ea eeetnssacte
.| Acacia catechu.....,.........
CONGINMA .....6..e
aoeeenaes “5 Intsia, Herb. @o..
_ -sseeeseese.| Albizzia stipulata
amara
Bea eon estas »
see roe ees
bor eee ee ve y
31 Rosacew (The Rose} Pygeum Gardneri, Syn. P.
...| Siras.
Order.) zeylanicum, Herb. Oo.
» s....| Rubug moluccanus, Syn. R.
rugosus, Herb, Co.
» anac0a 009 NK Ft lasiocarpus ......
Sn Macop-Babadns Fragaria vesca, Herb. Co.
32 Crassulacew (The! Bryophyllum calycinum.
Stonecrop Order). Syn. Kalanchoe pinnata,
Herd. Co.
33 Rhizophoree. (The
Mangvove Order.)
34 Combretacez. ...| Terminalia belerica
Carallia integerrima
” we si, chebula*
Fr ee iB arjuna gs
» xe 5 tomentosa, var.
typica, Syn.
T. glabra 90
> ...| Calycopteris floribunda,
Syn. Getonia floribunda.
.| Combretum ovalifolium ...
30 Myrtacex, (The| Eugenia caryophyllza,
Myrtle Order.) Herb. Co.
» aH * Jambolana, Syn.
Syzigium Jambolanum
Fierb. Co.
» ...| Careya arborea 5a
Vernacular or English name, use,
habitat, &e.
Birambol, Halula, Halunda.
Indian Sweet Pea.
Ran Tar.
Ran Ghevda.
Bondar,
Sisu, Siswa, Sisam, Tali. Black-
wood tree.
Pendguli-yel, Yek-yel. Ek-vel.
Alei.
Phansi. Matheran Ghat.
Ragi.
Vagati,
Bahawa, Garmala. Indian Labur-
num.
..| Apta, Wanraj.
Kanchan.
Chambnili.
Khair. Catechu is manufactured
from the wood.
Chikakai, Shikakai.
Lullei, Laeli. :
Sans. Sarshapa. Near
Alexander Point, Matheran.
“The seeds smell strongly of
prussic acid. The kernels of the
fruit said to be used for poison-
ing fish.” (Lee.)
Indian Blackberry.
Mahableshwar Raspberry.
Strawberry.
Panphue, Panjad.
i BhenreiaWaldslackinee!
Beheda, Vehela.
...| Harda. Chebulic Myrobolan tree.
Arjuna.
Ain.
Bagvel, Yakshi.
Mad-vel.
Jambul, Jambn. Jambul
tree.
Sans.
Kumbha.
* “The Myrobolan tree is found throughout the Satara district; but in special
abundance in the Mahableshwar forests, the hill
to its growth.
soil apparently being well suited
The fruit, the Chebulic Myrobolan of commerce, is about the size of
a damson, though more pointed at one end, of a deep green colour and contains a
hard seed ; when dry, it becomes blackish and very hard and shrivelled. It is not
edible in its natural state ; but when mixed with the Beheda and Avia, the powder
is taken asa stomachic and mild aperient.
dyeing. ** Tt is also used * * in making an ink.”
Vol. XIX., Appendix B, Note.)
The fruit is much valued in tanning and
(Dr. W. MeConaghy, “ Gazetteer,”
CATALOGUE. 117
i Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &c.
36 Melastomacez. Memecylon edule, Herd, Co.) Anjan. Jron-wood tree.
37 Lythracee. (The} Ammania baccifera Herb, ‘6 Rocks near water on the Ghats.
Loose-strife Order.) @o. This is the plant so commonly
called ‘ Heather’ by visitors at
Mahableshwar.” (Lee.)
.| Woodfordia floribunda,| Dhauri, Dhatt.
Syn. Grislea tomentosa .
.| Lagerstroemia parviflora...| Nanah, Benteak tree,
»
i eat 49 lanceolata ......
ss me Pah Flos-Regine ...| Taman.
38 Samydacee .........| Casearia graveolens . ..| Bokhada.
3 esculenta saeco Mori.
39 acunimacess ‘(The Trichosanthes palmata,| Kaundal.
Gourd Order.) Herb. Co.
a ea try Cucumis trigonus ......... Kat-vel.
- .....-| Zehneria Baueriana, Herb.| Warali. Mahableshwar Bryony-
Oo.
a veel. 5, UMmbellata, Herb.) Gomati,
Co.
40 Begoniacez ........, Begonia crenata, Herb, Co.
ATA wo malabarica ne.
41 Tanase (The Fig-) Mollugo hirta, Herb. Co.
Marigold Order- ie
42 Umbellifere ... .. Hydrocotyle rotundifolia.
Ria te POR ti Se 6 asiatica. Herb.| Kaérivana, Khopri, Kadu Karan-
Co.* da. Sans. Bhrahmi,
ah ......| Pimpinella monoica, Herb.| Bhalea.
Co.
” ...es-| Peucedanum grande, Syn.| Baphli.
Pastinaca grandis.
Ra elie Se wNosiend Heracleum concanense,| Pandi, Pinda. Near Elphinstone
Herb. Co. Point, Mahableshwar.
43 Rubiacez. (The| Adina cordifolia. Syn.| Hed.
Madder Or ee Nauclea cordifolia.
» abs .| Stephegyne parvifolia.| Kalam. Near One ‘Tree Gill,
Syn. Nauclea parviflora.| Matheran.
33 secreseeeeee| Wendlandia § Notoniana.
Herb. Co.
os sesseeeeesee| Oldenlandia corymbosa,} A small, much branched herb, with
Herb. Oo. slender, pubescent stem and
branches, linear, sessile leaves,
and small white flowers. Very
common at Mahableshwar on the
sides of paths in October.
(Cooke.)
= fietseseote.|| QMOtIS © earnosa, Syn.
Hedyotis carnosa.
3 Fevee hers LLU SSeen da Engels Berne Bhutkes, Sarwad. Near Simpson
: Lake, Matheran.
os Pea eoat ‘Randia a ea Herb.| Gela. The fruit is used instead
Co.t of soap by the hill people;
and the pounded bark for
poisoning fish. (Lisboa).
* An infusion of the leaves of this plant was used by the late Dr. Bhau Daji in
his treatment of leprosy. The juice of the leaves is sometimes prescribed, in native
medicine, for Epilepsy ; and is also popularly believed to be a cure for stammering,
and to stimulate the intellectual faculties, if taken daily.
+ This showy shrub is not very common at Matheran. It can be readily identified
by its conspicuous, white, calycine leaves and its small, golden-yellow flowers.
{ The Gela is very common on the hills. It is variable in size, sometimes a small
tree, generally a shrub, with numerous stiff branches armed with spines, and large,
fragrant, white flowers slightly tinged with greenish-yellow.
118
NATURAL HISTORY.
Natural Order.
Genus and Species.
a
43 Rubiaceze (contd.)| Canthium umbellatum,
Herb. Co.
» angustifolium ...
...| Vangueria spinosa, Syn.V.
wee een eee
reeterie,
eee eee ees
Boe eeeeee
Foe rceres
Set eerres
edulis, Her. Co,
Ixora migricans) .....css.+.-
Pavetta indica, Herb. Go.
> hispidula, var. si-
phonantha.
Psychotria truncata ......
Rubia cordifolia, Herb. Go.
Centratherum _ phyllole-
nam, Herb.
Co.
+ arbres) Sosncnoec
Lampracheenium micro-
cephalum.
Adenoon indicum, Herb,
Co.
Vernonia cinerea .........
» divergens. Syn.
Hupatorium divergens,
Herb. Co.
Adenostemma viscosum,
Herb. Co.
Ageratum conyzoides,
Herb. Co.
Dichrocephala latifolia,
Herb. Co,
Cyathocline lyrata ..
Conyza,_stricta...............
Blumea glomerata, Syn.
B. holosericea.
Gnaphalium luteo-album .
Vicoa cernua SOO Cd 0.00s
Wedelia urticefolia, Syn.
Verbesina biflora,
Wollastonia biflora.
Spilanthes Acmella ......
Bidens pilosa, Syn. B.
Wallichii.
Tridax procumbens, Herb.
Co.
Artemisia parviflora, Herb,
Co.
Gynura nitida, Syn. G,
simplex, Herb. Co.
Notonia grandiflora. Syn.
Cacalia Kleinii.
SONECIO, LAW -ssccusssseses
Pee ATU OO essa oae.
», belgaumensis, Syn,
Madacarpus bel-
gaumensis.
Calendula officinalis .....,
Tricholepis glaberrima,
Herb. Co.
Lactuca Heyneana ..,..5+5
Vernacular or English name, use,
habitat, &c.
Arsul, Tupa.
Chip-vel,
Ala. Indian Medlar.
Lokhandi, Atkura.
Papat, Phaphat. Matheran Coffee.
Itari. Indian Madder. The roots
furnish the dye called Manjit.
(Balfour’s Botany.)
Kusamb, Mothi Sonki.
Mothi Sadori, Sahadevi.
Bondar.
Jirao, Jangli Jirao.
Gangotri.
Bhamburda.
Sonki.
Dauni.,
Dahn. Sow-thistle.
Cabbage tree. Khandala Ghat,
near Mahableshwar.
Sonki.
Makmal. Marigold. Kartraj
and Khandala Ghats.
Motha Bur, Bur. Fitzgerald Ghat
and near Bombay Point, Maha-
bleshwar.
Wild Lettuce.
CATALOGUE, 119
Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. _ Habilat, ko:
45 Campanulacez...... Lobelia trigona, Herb. Co.
> vee e-| Lobelia nicotianzefolia,|; Dhiwal, Deynal. A tall, erect
Herb. Co. plant, with hollow stems, and
large, light-green, lanceolate
leaves, and a dense terminal
raceme of white flowers. Seeds
small, ellipsoid, acrid.
.«+..| Cephalostigma flexuosum..
Wahlenbergia gracilis ..,!
”
Sus-Crass 3.—CoroLbirLor &.
Atki, Atak.
46 Myrsinez ............| Moesaindica, Herb. Co....
Waiwarang,
Embelia ribes, Syn. HE.
glandulifera, Herb. Co.
s ewiesives aes 3 robusta, var.
ferruginea, Syn. UH.
Basaal.
Ambti.
ereabes SPS cxdacatecses
” oe ”
47 Sapotaceze............| Sideroxylon tomentosum,
Syn. Sapota tomentosa,
Khapri Yel.
Kanta-Kumbal.
Herb. Co.
ops 3 .| Bassia latifolia ...............] Mavra, Mohova. Mowrah Tree,
Matheran Ghat.
idee ei atescacanse Mimusops Elengi............ Bokul, Bakuli. Below Simpson
; Lake, Matheran.
48 Hbenacez ............ Diospyros montana, Syn.} Goindn.
D. Goindu.
je Renticnenticat rf assimilis, Syn.) Malia. Indian Ebony.
D. nigricaus.
49 Styracee ............) Symplocos Beddomei Syn.
Hopea racemosa.Herb.Vo
Hura, Lenda. Koyna Ghat.
BO) Oleacew: © ...seeeeesss Jasminium arborescens.| Kusar. Matheran Jasmine.
var. latifolium, Herb. Co.
= sceseeveree-| Olea dioica ...-........-.....| ParJémbul, Pérjam. Wild Olive.
= weeeoeees)| Ligustrum neilgherrense,| Lokhandi, Mersingha. Mahablesh-
Herb. Co. war Privet.
51 Apocynacese. (The, Carissa Carandas.. ......... Karvand, Corinda. Corinda Bush,
Dogbane Order.)
5 saseeseeesee| Rawolfia densiflora, Herb.
Co.
op Wedede Nopeesc Holarrhena antidysen-| Kuda. Sans. Kutaja. The seed.
terica. is called Indrajava (Sans.
Indrayava) and is used as a
: vermifuge and febrifuge.
ss ere Taberneemontana dichoto-| Taital.
ma.
iy eeaitea toa: 9327 crispa_ ......{| Pandhra Kida.
Kala Kuda.
Limtini. Dr. MacDonald’s ‘‘ Seed-
Traveller.” See the Society’s
Journal, Vol. I., p. 237.
.| Bui, Ark. Madar.
.| Wrightia tinctoyia ,........
.| Anodendron paniculatum.
52 Asclepiadew. (The! Calotropis gigantea .....
Milkweed Order.)
” Peeteaeee
Gymnema silvestre.*Herb.| Kaoli, Pitani, Dodi, Dudhroli
Co. Sirdoli.
* The leaves of this climber have the property, when chewed, of neutralizing
for a time, the taste of saccharine substances. It may be identified by its slender
green branches and numerous dense umbels of yellowish green flowers rather
than by its most common vernacular name, Kaoli, which is applied to many of the
twining asclepiads. (Cooke.)
120
Natural Order.
NATURAL
Genus and Species.
HISTORY.
Vernacular or Hnglish name, use,
habitat, &c.
52 Asclepiadeze
(contd.)
”
54, Gentianacese
eee seneas
”
56 Convolvulaceze
”
93
”
57 Solanacee.
Potato Order.)
Foo VOL oeeres
eeettt ioe
Pee eaetetees
...| Dischidia bengalensis
....| Leptadenia reticulata
| Buddleia asiatica, Herb. Co.
...| Canscora diffusa ....
.| Swertia decussata
.| Paracaryum
Dregea volubilis Herb. Co.
Hoya retusa ............600..
3) Waghbius Sym. EH.
pallida.
Trichodesma zeylanicum...
Syn. Cynoglossum czeles-
tinum. Herb. Oo.
(The Solanum nigrum ...
.| Nicandra physaloides
denticulatum, Herb.
Co.
giganteum,
Co.
» indicum, Herb. @o..
”
Herb.
”
.| Dhakti Ambri.
ceelestinum.|
Kaoli. Near the top of the Ro-
tunda Ghat and at Babington
Point, Mahableshwar.
Golden Fringe.
Ambri, Dudh-yel. Wax plant.
.| Khaér-Khodi.
Strychnos colubrina ...... Kanal, Kajar-vel. Strychnine
Creeper. Near Simpson Lake,
Matheran.
» potatorum ............| Niwali, Nirmali. Near Hart
Point, Matheran.
Exacum bicolor ............
by Tiaiwalll, vce ., Jatali. Mahableshwar Gentian.
Very common amongst grass in
October; dies very soon after
the end of the rains. (Cooke.)
* petiolaret ......+.
/Common along shady roadsides,
both at Matheran and Maha-
bleshwar. (Cooke.)
Kauri. Flowers in November, in
grassy places. Tolerably abun-
dant in the fields between the
Satara Road and Lingmala, Ma-
hableshwar. Used asa febrifuge.
(Cooke.)
Nechurdi. Mahableshwar ‘‘ For-
get-me-not.”
.| Kaémani.
3 malabaricum.
Herb Co.
y Lambertianum.
Herb. Co.
.| Argyreia sericea ............| Gavel.
‘ 5 malabarica ......
Lettsomia setosa, Syn.| Garud-yel.
Argyreia setosa.
.| Ipomea “dissecta, Syn.
I. coptica.
.| Porana malabarica, Syn.| Bhauri. The ‘Snow creeper.”
P.racemosa, Herb. Co. Flowers in October and No-
vember, in many parts of Maha-
bleshwar, and along the Garbet
Road, Matheran. Flowers
small, funnel-shaped, pure
white. The dry scariose calyx
is often seen onthe withered
plants in the hot season. (Cooke).
Common in. gardens
below the bazaar, and below the
lake, Mahableshwar. (Cooke).
Karad Kangoni.
Kutri.
Chiturti, Bhui-vangi.
Datura fastuosa, var alba.
bP) Metel ? foe meceeseeeres
Kartraj Ghat.
Dhotra.
Natural Order.
CATALOGUE.
Genus and Species.
121
Vernacular or English name, use,
habitat, &e.
57 Solanacez. (contd.)} Bragmansia candida, Herb-| Motha Dhotra. (Not described in
58 Scrophularinez.
Co.
Limnophila racemosa
(The Figwort Order)
”
%>
” “.
59 Lentibulariaces ...
ano of gratioloides ...
.../Herpestis Monniera, Herb.
Co.
.| Bonnaya veronicefolia ...
.| Striga orobanchioides* ...
Ramphicarpa longiflora ...
...| Centranthera hispida ......
...| Sopubia delphinifolia,
Herb. Co.
.| Pedicularis zeylanica
Utricularia albo-czrulea,
Herb. Co.
ceerulea
”
60 Bignoniacere tade Hetrophragma Roxburghii,
61 eantnesas
”
”
Herb. Co.
x adenophyllum ...
Scone hee Thunbergia fragrans ......
soe ....| Hygrophila Serpyllum.
Syn. Physichilus Ser-
pyllum, Herb. Co.
Phaylopsis parviflora, Syn.
Aitheilema reniforme.
..s..e--.| Doedalacanthnus purpura-
seens, Syn. EHranthe-
mum nervosum.
Strobilanthes asperrimus..
Heyneauus.
ixiocephalus,
Syn. S. Neesianus.
callosus.
Herb. Go.
3 perfoliatus...
Calacanthus Dalzelliana,
Syn. Lepidagathis gran-
diflora.
Cen ny
eee eneee
ee. ”
eee tenes 33
eh ween ”
asperrima.
......-2-| Barleria Prionitis......:..
_ grandiflora ........
courtallica .........
strigosa, var. ter-
minalis, Herb.
Co.
ee
Ce
..seeeees| ASYStasia violacea ........ :
seoeeeees| Haplanthus vérticillaris.
Herb. Oo.
sssseee--| Lepidagathis
\ Herb, Co.
cuspidata.
Hooker’s “Flora of British
India”).
Flowers in April and May.
Shewal.
Kajutcha-ghas. Not very common.
Grows in patches in the wet
grass near the Dhobi’s Water-
fall, Mahableshwar.
Bladder-wort.
Waras.
Padel.
Eri-yél.
Ran-te wan.
Waiti.
K4rvi. Indian Wattle.
Ankra.
Matheran. Flowers large, purple.
Pahadi-atgan.
Common at Matheran, Flowers
yellow.
Matheran.
Ttari.
Korénti. Flowers in November.
Flowers blue, the tube of the
corolla much paler than the
limb. Stigma purple. A hand-
some, showy plant.
Flowers large, white.
KAla kirat, Kala ankra.
= “a
* This strange-looking little plant may be readily identified by its dark, reddish-
purple stem, branches, and scale-like leaves, and its terminal spike of pink flowers,
which have a white spot at the base of each division of the corolla. It grows on rocks
and is sometimes parasitical on the roots of other plants.
It flowers in November.
122
Natural Order.
NATURAL HISTORY.
Genus and Species.
61 Acanthacec.
9?
3
* Dysophylla gracilis is probably only a tallform of D. stellata,
( contd.)
eoevercce
oGo seeoer
.| Tectona grandis
eeereerer
Coe ree reteey
ooereeroeces
Goa soeeoeres
Creer eee ves
Clerodendron
.| Lavandula Gibsoni ......
Justicia trinervia, Syn.
Adhatoda trinervia.
29 procumbens. ...
Hert Co.
Ecbolium Linneanum, Syn.
Justicia ecbolium.
Rungia parviflora, Herd.Co.
Dicliptera zeylanica, Syn.
D. bivalvis, Herb. Co.
.| Callicarpa lanata, Syn. C.
cana. Herb. Co.
Premna coriacea, Syn. P.
scandens.
..| Gmelina arborea,........--.
Vitex negundo. Herb. Co...
” leucoxylon «s.......
serratum.
Herb. Co.
Plectanthras Wightii ......
Coleus parviflorus P
Pogostemion parviflorus,
Syn. P. purpuricaulis,
Herb, Co.
e
.....| Dysophylla myosuroides.
Herb. Co.
5 salicifolia
75 stellata ......
gracilis. Herb,
Co.*
.| Colebrookia oppositifolia.
Syn. C. ternifolia. Herb.
Co.
Micromeria stellata.
M. Malcolmiana.
Co.
Salvia plebeia ........ icine
Scutellaria discolor. Syn.
8. indica,
Syn.
Herb.
Vernacular or English name, use,
habitat, &c.
Sita. Near Elphinstone Point,
Mahableshwar ; abundant.
Tharambal.
Dhakta-adulss.
Yesur, Eshwar.
Sége, SAgwan.
Chambar-vel.
Teak tree.
Shewan. The pale yellow, close-
grained wood of this tree is
highly esteemed for planking,
furniture, the panels of doors
&c. (Brandis.)
Nigud, Nigadi. Sans. Nirgundi.
The leaves are aromatic. In
native medicine, the bruised
leaves are applied to the
temples as a oure for headache.
(Cooke.)
Koyna Valley.
Borungi, Borsangi, Bh4érang. Near
the dharmsala, between
Mahableshwar and Panchgani.
Khapri. Near Elphinstone Point,
Mahableshwar.
.| Indian lavender. On the GhAts on
the Mahableshwar road.
Pangla, Pangli. As to the use of
the leaves of this plant, as a
supposed cure for snakebite,
see the note at p. 210 of Vol. I. of
the Society’s Journal.
Shewal.
Marva.
Bh&man.
Karwat.-
(Hooker, Vol. IV.
p. 641). The latter plant can be readily known, when in flower in October, by its
linear, whorled leaves, and its slender spikes of minute, closely-packed, dark
purple flowers. It grows in patches on the roadside near Sydney Point, Mahableshwar.
narrow,
CATALOGUE.
123
Natural Order. Genus and Species,
| Vernacular or English name, use,
Anisomeles Heyniana......
63 Labiatzw (contd.) ...
£ OVAEA... serve
»”
”
a Laciicaecueas malabarica ...
»
asceeanves ciliata Herb. Co....
”
Teucrium tomentosum
eee eee teeter
...| Leucas stelligera. Herb. Co.| Guma, Borambi.
habitat, &c.
|
Chaudhaéra.
On the Kartraj Ghat. Flowers
in November. This beautiful
plant can be readily identified
by the snow-white, appressed
wool which clothes its stem and
branches, by its large, thick
leaves and its dense whorls of
pale-purple flowers.
Borambi. Mahableshwar Dead
Nettle. Flowers in the cold
season. Not so common as L.
stelligera. May be identified
by the short, dense, yellowish
brown hairs on the helmet-
shaped upper lip of the ‘corolla
(Cooke.)
Sus-Crass 4,—MoNnocHLAMYDES.
64 Plantaginez......... Plantago major. Herb. Co.
65 Amarantacee ......|Celosia avgentea. Herb.
Co.
Ze ...| Achyranthes aspera. Herb.
Co.
. ...| Alternanthera sessilis.
Herb. Co.
66 Chenopodiacez.
{The Goose-foot
Order.)
@7 Polygonacez. (The| Pelygonum plebejum, . var.
Buck-wheat Order.)| elegans.
Chenopodium ambrosoides
is glabrum
easereee? barbatum. Syn.
P. riyulare.
alatum Herb.
Co.
chinense. Herb.
Co.
»”
5b]
etree see
ee
68 Piperacee............|Piper Hookeri
2 », sylvestre.. ae
a ....| Peperomia portulacoides...
69 Laurinez. (The| Machilus macrantha Syn-
Laurel Order.) M. glaucegcens.
sessereereee| ACtinodaphne Hookeri,
Syn. A. lanceolata, Herb.
Oo.
.| Litszea tomentosa,
Tetranthera apetala.
polyantha, Syn.
-‘Tetranthera mo-
nopetala.
Stocksii, Syn. Te-
tranthera lan-
cecefolia.
FUSCALA seevesees
zeylanica
» Seow eoares
Pet eee ee
»
”?
bb
see eee reneee
be] wee
FOC ree ser ees ”» pateneree
Syn.|
English plantain.
Quail grass.
Sardta. Burr plant.
Dauni-
Sheral. In the lake, Mahableshwar
with the next species.
Dhakta Sheral.
Narali, Paral. Indian Buck-wheat.
Very common everywhere at
Mahableshwar.
Dongri Mirchi, Hill pepper.
| Gtiam.
Pisa.
-
| Kala-Pisa.
124, NATURAL HISTORY.
Vernacular or English name, nse,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &c
» &eC.
70 Thymelacez......... Lasiosiphon eriocephalus,| Rameta. Plentiful on little Chauk
Syn. L. speciosus, Herb.| Point, Matheran, and common
0. on both hills. The bark, which
has a very strong fibre, is used
by the hill coolies for tying bun-
dles of grass and wood. Used
also for poisoning fish.
71 Eleagnacez ......... Eleaguus latifolia, Syn. E,| Ambulgi.
Kologa, Herb. Co.*
72 Loranthacezo (The) Loranthus Wallichianus...) The name Banda or V4nda is
* Mistleto Order.) commonly given to all these
parasitic plants.
5 iaeaas letter ass » obtusatus, Herb.
Co.
Pe ae ot * cuneatus, Herb.
Co.
» seeps ie elasticus, Herb.
Choe
55: Vee Sel Wesiece Loranthus involucratus ...| Bandguli.
3 wiisinee is lageniferus ......
satahindt wastewaters ‘, loniceroides
ee erica. Viscum angulatum, Herb.| Indian Mistleto.
Co.
78 Santalacese ([he] Osyris arborea, Syn. O.| Lotal.
Sandalwood Order.)| Wightiana, Herb, Co.
74 Balanophoree ...... Balanophora ............+.....| The genus is inserted on the au-
thority of Mrs. Hart’s ‘‘ Note on
a supposed Root-Parasite found
at Mahableshwar in October,
1885.” See the Society’s
Journal, Vol. I., p. 75. f
75 Euphorbiaceew (The| Euphorbia Rothiana. Herb.| Didhi.
Spurgewort Order) Co.
5 neoIG 5p nereifolia ....:. Thor.
Tay eT een “ parviflora ......
ws Pian” bytes 7 ACAUINMS tenes Kirkind.
Tele Mowten Homonoyia riparia, Herb.
Co.
my ......| Briedelia retusa, Syn. B.| Hasina, Asana,
montana Herb. Uo.
er bee ada enon Phyllanthus madraspa-| Kanocha.
tana.
re Soop os lanceolanus
Herb. Co.
95 cs a Rar net Fliggea leucopyrus......... Pandharphali.
an Tragia involucrata. Herb.| Kalti. Sting-nettle Creeper.
Oo. -
ahaa Doane Macaranga Roxburghii ...| Chanddra.
* This beautiful species is very variable in habit, taking the form of either a bush, a
small tree or a climber (Hooker). At Matheran, it is generally found as a large
climber and is readily identified by its oblong, elliptic leaves, which are silvery-white
or rusty-red beneath.
+ Mr. W. BE. Hart gives the following description, from memory, of the specimens
collected by him. ‘‘ My specimens approach the description of B. indica nearer than
any of the others”’ (See Hooker, Vol. V. pp. 237,238.) ‘The rootstock was tuberous
or warty. ‘The peduncle-scales yellowish. * * * They lay close on the peduncle, and
* * were imbricate, but separated at the upper extremities. The heads were
certainly globular and 1-sexual, reddish brown in colour. The flowers were diccious,
white in colour. The stamens of the male flower united into a central column of
conical shape. The peduncles were of alllengths from 1 to 6 inches high, and decidedly
thick for their length. The heads were of all sizes from marbles to bagatelle balls.”
CATALOGUE. 125
Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &c.
75 Euphorbiacez | Mallotus sadtigentiaciod Rohen, Ruen, Kapila, Shendri.
(contd).| Syn. Rottlera tinctoria,
Herb. Co.
“i ...+..| Croton hypoleucos .........| Pandurai.
3 Btuaee By SDA WIAMUBN 5. 48s ie Borambi.
te stacss » Yamiflorum .........| Kavala.
¥ .| Ceratogynum rhamnoides. Chickli.
9 ......| Phyllanthus Emblica ...... Awal. Gooseberry tree.
che a meee lanceolarius, | Bhoma.
Herb. Co.
76 Urticez (The| Elatostemma oppositifolia.
Nettle Order).
JUHI ASUS, 0 Fleurya interrupta. .........| Khajoti.
4 sevssese,| Gorardina heterophylla. % Mothi Khajoti, Agia, ee:
Herb. Co.
2) Mo ae rence Splitgerbera scabrella.
rh ..s-sess| Debrigascea longifolia.
A ESE ist .|Trema Wightii, Syn.| Gol.
Sponia Wightii, Herb. Co.
= ERE coe Ficus heterophylla..........
es | iiees ahes », oOppositifolia. ......... Kharoti.
Semis SERS » bengalensis............ Wad. Banyan tree. Below Chowk
Point.
Sd. OTETES vee » Yeligiosa var.? ......| Ashta.*
3 tees sy) “ANTOGLOLIO.* 2:55<2087.%. Kel.
s wee »» YetUsa..-.......-.-.-| Nandruk, Ranekuit.
. soadsoces » Cordifolia ............| Pahir.
Be Weiet.ane seef 59° VOlmbIISs.. 2. LR iees Datir. Climbing Fig.
7 gthas » glomerata............| Umbar. Sans. Udumbar. The
Sycamore tree of the Bible.
= Seateeincs ASPeErTima ......-..-
ee SST ee Morus atropurpurea ...... Situt, Shah-tut. Mulberry.
ge A OE I Artocarpus integrifolia ...|Phanas. Sans. Panasa. Jack-
| tree.
77 Salicaces ............| Salix tetrasperma. Herb.) Walunj. Willow.
Co.
78 Gnetacea............1Gnetum scandens .........! Umi.
Crass I].—MonocoryLeDONEs.f
Section 1.—Stamens epigynous.
79 Orchidez .....,......; Oberonia recurva..
“y sesseesseeee| Microstylis Rheedii. Her b. |
Co.
3 seeceesseees| Dendrobium Lawanum,! Bechu. This name is commonly
: Herb. Co. | given to all Dendrobiums.
3 SOE aoe e a Macrei ......
+ ees Sanwosns: ;;, ° Yamosissi-
mum.
as Recle sitesi +: microbolbon..
9 seoreesaeess iF chlorops ......
ne Sacer ae barbatulum.
Herb. Co.
a5 .eseeeeseees| Cirrhopetalum § fimbria-| The “‘ Umbrella orchis’”’ ; so named
tum. by Mrs. Jerdon.
+ MeLencesdset| Litla; DLACGADAN eeeerarser er cea
* The Ashta is distinguished by the hill people from the Pipal of the plains, of
which it is perhapsa variety. The name “ Ashta’ has no connection, apparently, with
the Sanskrit name of the Pipal, ‘‘ Ashvatth.”
+ In the seeds of Monocotyledones there is generally only one cotyledon. If there
are two, they alternate witheach other. The natural orders in this class are arranged
according to the plan adopted in Part. II. of Loudon’s Encyclopedia of Plants.
126
Natural Order.
NATURAL HISTORY.
: Vernacular or English name, use,
Genus and Species. habitat, &c. :
anne
79 Orchidex (contd.)...
80 Burmanniacez......
8L Scitamines .........
Micropera maculata ......
Eulophia bicolor ..,......... Ambarkhand,
a pratensis. Herb.
Co.
.| Airides crispum .........+6- Rukhsing.
54 Lindleyana.........
st maculosum ........
id Habenaria candida. Herb.) Kalabi.
Co.
> platyphylla. |
Herb. Co. |
.| Platanthera Susanne.| Only one plant of this splendid
Herb. Co. orchis has been found by Dr.
Cooke at Mahableshwar, and
only one at Matheran.
Burmannia triflora. Herb.|On the road to the Governor’s
Co. Bund, Matheran. Near the
Dhobi’s Waterfall, Mahablesh-
war.
Zinziber macrostachyum| Sheri. Nisam. Wild Ginger.
Herb. Co.
7 seeeeeese| Curcuma zedoaria .........| Kachora, Kachola.
ayn. dog gao¢ 4) pseudomontana...| Rén-haldi. White turmeric.
50 eoaaileas Fe caulina,* Herb.Co.| Chavar. Arrowroot.
82 Musaceso ............| Muga ornata .......sesssseee.| Ran-kel, Chawankel, Kawadar.
Wild plantain.
83 Amaryllidee ......| Pancratium parvum........./ Khandalu.
ssc wal Unicenan Cirnum asiaticum ........
- icisee »» brachynema ......| Mahableshwar Lily.
84 Hypoxides ......... Curculigo malabarica ......| Kajuri.
Fete. Beoeecrees ” graminifolia......
85 Dioscore® ..........., Dioscorea pentaphylla...... Shend-vel, Shendon-vel.
Helmia bulbifera ..,......... Kadu-karanda, Nor-vel.
68 Asphodeles .........
9
87 Smilaceze ......+9:
88 Giliacesoa se... .see sa
”
89 Commelinee ......
91 Palme (Palms)
Sxcrion 2.—Stamens perigynous.
Asparagopsis sarmentosa., Ashwal, Asparagus creeper.
Herb. Co.
..| Chlorophytum —_ brevisca-| Kula.
pum.
Bs * Nimmonii,
Herb. Co.
.| Smilax ovalifolia. Herb.| Got-vel.
Co.
Ledebouria hyacinthina ...
Anguillaria indica .........
Commelyna communis
Aneilema axillaris ......... Dhakti Kaju.
% tuberosa ......... Kaju. Spider-wort,
Cyanotis axillaris............
7p JOMeNTOIA, cree
Valisneria spiralis .........
.| Eriocaulon setaceum ..... .| Gondali.
.| Caryota urens ............++-| Bherli-mad. Fish-tail Palm. For
the derivation of the Marathi
name, see the note at p. 211 of
Vol. I. of the Society’s Journal.
* The Curcuma caulina, from which arrowroot has been obtained, grows abun-
dantly everywhere at Mahableshwar. It flowers in October, and seeds freely in
November.
CATALOGUE.
ee ee eS eS
Natural Order.
Genus and Species.
Vernacular or English name use,
habitat, &c.
6S ee
Section 3.—Stamens hypogynous.
92 Graminez (Grasses)) Coix lachryma ............66
93 Cyperacee ..,......| Carex indica
94, rode
”
”
” -
95 Lemnacez.......
”?
.| Panicum prostratum
.| Isachne elegans
.| Oplismenus colonus......
...| Arundinella tenella
seeeee
see recreates
SEPICUD.. .ccane
spicata
29
a2
.| Setaria glauca ......cccse
...| Eragrostis unioloides
Cynodon dactylon
seteee
.| Bambusa stricta ..csesceeees
...| Anthistiria cymbaria
”
balena
Andropogon polystachyus.
eee e eee eee
muricatus ...
Sp. ?
”
Psilostachys filiformis
...| Ischeemum conjugatum ..
tee eee arenes
ECCECEMOOEOC Ariszema Murrayii
ssereeeses{ Amorphophallus
.| Remusatia vivipara
.....| Lemna trisulea_......
Bathratherum molle ....,.
Pollinia eriopoda
Fimbristylis oestivalis......
Cryptocoryne Roxburghii..
ere eaaeee
cam-
pannlatus.
ty PlODOSa pe tisssioeecst ee
...| At Panchgani.
Kasai, R4n-makai. Job’s Tears.
Dinda.
Kurund.
Kolara.
Dirba. Hariali grass.
Vans, Bambu, Udha.
Sans. Venu, Kichaka. Bamboo.
.| Chivari.
Chaki.
Gondal, Elphinstone Point, Maha-
bleshwar.
Wala, Khaskhas. Khuskhus grass.
...| A grass, with the smell of tur-
pentine, near the Neral Station.
Used for paper-
making.
Indian Rush.
SA4mpacha 'khinda, i.e. ‘‘ snake-
root.” Cobra Lily.
Suran.
Rokh-4lu. Wild Caladium.
...| Duck-weed.
Division B.—CrniuLares.—(Plants with cellular tissue only).
95 Filices (Ferns)......
)
eens
.| Acrostichum
Crass I,—Fotiacra#.—(Leafy plants).
Polybotrya appendiculata.] Only one specimen of this fern is
variabile,
Syn.-. Gymnopteris
variabilis, var. Janceo-
lata. Herb: Co.
pS virens. Syn.
Peecilopteris
terminaris,
and Gymno-
pteris sub-
crenata.
.| Asplenium planicaule. Syn.
A. laciniatum.
radiatum, Syn.
Actiniopteris
radiata.
fulcatum ......
~ Iunulatum, var.
trapeziforme.
>
known to have been. found at
Matheran, It has for many
years been in the garden at
“ Underwood.”
Rooting fern. Once plentiful on
several favourite sites at Mathe-
ran. Now almost exterminated
by fern hunters.
Palm fern. Khandala Ghat,
Mahableshwar road.
on
128 NATURAL HISTORY.
Vernacular or English name, use,
Natural Order. Genus and Species. habitat, &¢.
ee ee —————————————aee
96 Filices (contd.) .,.... Pteris aquilina* Herb. Go| Netsa. Brake fern.
ee osu »» quadriaurita, Herb.
Co.
D cesses] 5, ~+-pellucida saceee
= ......| Adiantum lunulatum,| Hansraj, Rajhans, i.e., ‘ Goose
Herb. Co. foot ’ fern. Maiden-hair fern.
: sooiia 5 capillus Veneris.| On wet rocks, near Panchgani.
(Cooke).
a ere Cheilanthes farinosa, Herb.| Patkuri. Silver fern.
Co.
% vs.) O8Smunda regalis, Herb.| Nadicha Mfraid. Below the
Co. lake, Mahableshwar, and at
Lingmala.
56 w.---| Lygodium pinnatifidum,| Hansr4j-vel. Creeping fern.
Syn. L. flexuosum.
ACS Pee TEES Sagenia coadunata. Syn.| Kéjaryache Bashing. Indian Beech
Aspidium cicutarium,| fern.
Herb. Co.
Neem RY eee Polypodium quercifolium,|} Kadik-p4n. Indian Oak fern.
Syn. Drynaria quer-
cifolia.
55h Ole, go wdonee Nephrodium molle, Herb.
Co.
SE al Pu cateie Pleopeltis membranacea,
Herb. Co.
Cran enn” MR ke » linearis, Syn. BP.
Wightiana, Herb.
Co.
Th ue mreod Lastrea filix mas, var.
cochleata Herb. Co.
filix mas, 1a7.| Male fern,
elongata, Herb.
Co.
pfeil me scontd Athyrium filix famina,.| Lady fern.
var. flabellulata, Herb.
Co. |
97 Lycopodines(Club-| Lycopodium imbricatum...
mosses.)
Crass I].—APuynL2x—(Leafless plants.) :
98 Musci (Mosses) ...| Hypnum curratum. .........
ss Boeieet ¥ squarrosum. .....
oh donob: 8 bryoides. .
are wert AU Sabine 59 reflexum. ......++-
99 Fungi ...............| Agaricus campestris. ......| Alamben. Mushroom,
%) .s.as+s-| Lycoperdon pratense ......| Bhuiphod. Puff ball.
em | akeeates Deedalia gibbosa...........--| Kerambi, Paranza.
hg oF sett rp versicolor .........
Fe Se oApontr Polyporus giganteus ......
PER ADI Anisogonium esculentum..| Common on the Yenna, Maha-~
bleshwar.
ree Phu Scccrrt) Leucostegia immersa.......
* The brake fern grows in great profusion all over Mahableshwar. At Matheran:
it is now confined to a single site on the Garbet Ridge. No plants are now to be
found on a site near little Chauk Point, where it grew a few years ago.
INDEX TO CATALOGUE.
INDEX OF VERNACULAR NAMHS.
129
(The references are to the figures in the first column of the
Catalogue.)
Abai .. 8.) Ionerli-mad.::.. aoe
Agarra . 76 | Bhoma 7d
Agia... . 76 | Bhuiphod 99
Ain . 34 | Bhui-vangi ... OW
Ankra . 61 | Bhutkes 43
Alaimben : Om Brin e! ys
mle... Ss .. 30 | Birambol POU
Bae 3 a .. 43 | Bokhada 38
Amba pag ie . 28 | Bokul raed
Ambarkand .,. ane . 79 | Bondar 30, 44
Ambri i .. 52 | Borambi 63, 75
Ambti .. 46 | Borungi swe OZ
Ambulgi . 71 | Borsangi . 62
Anjan 36 | Brahmi . 42
Apta ... 30 | Bur » 44
Arjuna o4
Ark 52 | Chaki 5 ee:
Arsul 43 | Chambaryel ... . 62
Asana 75 | Chambuli . 380
Ashta . 76 | Chandara bony 5.
Atak ... .. 46 | Chap-yel 48
ARK... . 46 | Chaura Pre ON"
Atkura . 43 | Chawan-kel ... Oe
Awal ... 75 | Chawar ro
Cher ... bop Ie”,
Bagvel . 34 | Chikakai YS
Bahawa .. 00 | Chickhi eras,
Bakuli . 47 | Chikni aad 5
Bambu . 92 | Chimat 25
Bambutti / 18) .Chiturti Od
Banda Soe. Chivary mee
Bandeguli . 72 | Chaudhara 63
Baphhi . aeeeChor: ... per ald
Barga . 30 | Corinda w OL
Barki... ajau
Bechu 79 | Daeli... 30
Beheda ; comin) Dalam’. .) 44,
Berki... : 19, 80 | Datir... gaia NOD
Bhaikui : 61) Dannie. ngs 44, 66
Bhalga ; . 42 | Devnal ole wee 49
Bhaman si . 63 | Dhakta-Adulsa =u
Bhamburda ... . 44 | Dhakti Ambri 2
Bharang i . 62 | Dhakta-Karmal cao mae
Bhauri $ .- 06 | Dhakta-Dhampta cae 0
17
130
Dhakti Kaju...
Dhakta Sheral
Dhampta
Dhaman
Dhauri
Dhawal
Dhotra
Hee
Dindi
Dingala
Dodi
Dongri-Mirchi_
Dudhroli
Dudh-ye}
Dudhi
Dunda
Durba
Hriyel
Hshwar
Ganera
Gangotri
Garmala
Gavel
Gela ...
Ghagri
Ghol-ba}i
Ghutt...
Gol ay
Goldor
Gordar \
Gomati ...
Gondal
Gondali
Goindu
Gotvel
Gulum
Guma...
Guti ...
Halda...
Haldi...
Halera se
Halula \
Halunda
Harda
Hansraj
Hansraj-yel
Harkia
Harkinjal
Hasana
SUEIOG es
NATURAL
pee)
Ree Org
. 30
HISTORY,
Indrajav
hari va.
Jambu
Jambul
Jangli-Kajorni
Jangli-Jirao ...
Jao
Jirad ...
Jatali...
Kachola
Kadhinimb ...
Kadhipat :
Kadu-karanda
Kadik-pan
Kaju.
Kaj golitcha- yel
Kajar-vel .,
Kajutsa-ghas
Kajuri ;
Kalabi
Kalam Bee
Kala-Ankra ..
Kala-Kura
Kala-Kirat
Kala-Pisa
Kamani tee
Kauri...
Kanal aime
Kanvel
Kanchan
Kanocha =
Kanta-kumbal
Kaolhi... ww
Kapila ee
Karad- eae
Karak
Karambel
Karat...
Kurund
Karvl... ov
Kardor
Kardori :
Karivana
Karpa
Karwand
Karwat
Kasat...
Kasu...
Kachora t
| atvel
43, 61
Kaundal
Kaushi
Kavala
Kawadar
Kel
Kerambi
Khapri-yel
Khapri
Khas...
Khavas
Khajota
Khakra
Khand-alu
Pihackhedi ..
Kharoti
Khaskhas
XK haushi
Kher ...
Khopri
Kirkind
Kirmira
Koham “a
Kocham
Kokam
Kolara
Kolisna
Koranti
Kosum
Kuari...
Kuda...
Kukar
Kula...
Kulti ...
Kumbha
Kunti
Kusam
Kutre-vandre
Kutri...
Laeli-...
Lahan-terda ...
Lahan-bhendi
Lamtani
Lenda
Lokhandi
fiotal ...
Lullei...
Madar
Madvel |
Makad-linbu
Makmal
Malia... aot
... 25, 43, 50
INDEX TO CATALOGUE.
Marva
Mavra
Mohova \
Mersingha
Morvel
Moryel
Meri ...
Mota Dhelea:
Mothi-Berki ...
Metha-Bur
Mothi-Khajoti
Mothi-Sonki...
Mothi-Sadori
Mothi-Yekdi...
Mungir
Murud
Nadena
Nadicha-Mur “af
Nalkarda
Nal-barga
Nandruk
Nanah
Naram-panal...
Necharda
Nechurdi
Nerda
Netsa
Nisam
Nioud i
Nigadi Sate
Nirgundi
Nirmali }
Niwalz
Norvel
Narali
Padel ..
Pahir..
‘Palas.. us
5 Pondhar phali
| Panhra-kuda...
Pandi=.:
Pandri
Pandurai
Pangara
Pangla t
Panel
Pauphue
Papat
Paral ...
Pahadi: -atgan ;
131
132
Paramga
Paranza
Par-jam
Par-jambul
Par-yel
Patkuri :
Pendguli-yel ...
Phandharphali
Phanas
Phansi
Phaphat
Pinds....
Pisa’ ..
Pitan ...
Polara
Ragi ...
Rajhans
Rameta a
Ran-bhendi ...
Ranekuit
Ran-haldi
Ranjai
Ran-kel
Ran-makai
Ran-tewan
Ran-tur
Ratamba
Rohan sen
Rohen ee
Rokhalu
Ruen...
Rui
Rukhsing
Sag
Sagwan \
Sahadevi
Sajeri
Saldhawal ...
Salera Salphal
Sampacha-khanda ...
Sanmukh-patri
Sonki
Sarata
Sarub PAP
Sarwad Bf
Savar
Shendvel
Shahtut a
Shendri rts
Shewal
Shewan
NATURAL HISTORY.
.. 30
. 99
. 50
Shikakai
Sirdoli
Sisam:, -|
Sisu 5
Situt
Sundar
Suran
Surangi
Sheral
Sheri...
Siras ...
Taital
Tambdi Sear
Taman
Tam bat
Tan
Mei lat ~¥,
Telicha-yel
Tharambal
Thor ss.
Tipan
Terda...
Toran
Tupa ...
Umbar
Umit...
Vagata
Vanda
Vianisi.
Vasanvel
Vatoli L
Vat-yel J
Vehela
Waiti
Wala ...
Walunj
Wundri
Wad-~..
| Waruli
Waras
Watan-yel
Yakshi
Veleliy.ce
Yekadi
Yek-yel
Vola:
Yenkli
Meotus, ea
Yesur ys
eee ae
NOTE ON THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN. 1348
NOTE ON THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND
MATHERAN.
By Turopore Cooke, LL.D. F.G.S.
AN observant visitor to Matheran cannot fail to be struck with
the way in which certain plants disappear as he ascends the hill
from-Narel. The Teak tree (T'ectona grandis), the skeleton of whose
dried leaves is so like lace-work, disappears before half the ascent —
is accomplished. The Stereulia wrens, which looks as if its bark
had been stripped off, and which is a very conspicuous tree along
the ascent, also disappears, as well as the Phyllanthus Emblica,
whose gooseberry-like fruit is used by the natives for pickling.
On Matheran hill itself, many plants are met with which are not
- found on the plains below; and as we ascend to a still higher
elevation and reach the table-land of Mahableshwar, 2,000 feet
above that of Matheran, we find the effect of increased elevation in
the gradual thinning out of certain plants, and the appearance of
new ones. This is particularly noticeable on the ascent from the
Koyna Valley, which is about 1,500 feet below the table-land of
Mahableshwar ; as the paths, by several of which the ascent may be
accomplished, pass along well-wooded slopes.
Ascending from the Koyna, the valuable Ain tree (Terminalia
tomentosa) is very soon lost to view, and the only representative of
the family (Compreracem) on the hill summit is the Terminalia
chebula, which supplies the Myrobolans so sas exported for
the tannin they contain.
In the same way the Grewia microcos and the Wrightia tinctoria
disappear, the former very soon, while the latter is carried up very
near to the plateau on the Ghat Road, near the small village of
Metala. The Casearia graveolens may be found still higher up, but
does not reach the summit, though it grows luxuriantly along the
Ghat Road, not very far below Bombay Point, while the Albizzia
stipulata, which is sucha conspicuous tree at Matheran, with its
dark, reddish-brown, papery pods, and its large, pinkish, brush-like
flowers, ceases abruptly on the Fitzgerald Ghat Road, about 4 miles
from Mahableshwar.
Looking through the list, so carefully and laboriously prepared by
Mr. Justice Birdwood, I would make the following remarks :—
The Reinwardtia trigyna, which, in the introductory note to the
Catalogue, is said to have been found truly wild on Varandha Ghat,
134 NATURAL HISTORY.
I have found wild in the Koyna Valley; at least I have found it
growing luxuriantly in a dense jungle near the Koyna, in a locality
far removed from any human habitations. The Brugmansia can-
dida is not indigenous. It is, I believe, a native of Peru, but it has
found the climate and soil of Mahableshwar well suited to its
development, as it grows most luxuriantly over the hill, and has been
planted along the Fitzgerald Ghat Road. Its large, white, funnel-
like flowers render it a very conspicuous object.
The Clematis Wightiana is not, as far as 1 know, found at Matheran,
nor does it extend much below the summit of Mahableshwar.
Its flowers are large and yellow, but as it flowers in January and
February, when the hill isnot much frequented, its blossoms are rarely
seen. The plants in Orders 2 and 8 do not occur at Mahableshwar ;
the Cocculus macrocarpus does not quite reach the hill summit,
though it may be found just below the Dhobi’s Fall. Polygala
persicaricfolia does not, I think, occur at Matheran, and indeed, is
rare at Mahableshwar. It may be met with on the path leading
from Lingmala Ravine towards the Waterfall. Ancistrocladus Hey-
neanus, though tolerably common at Matheran, does not reach Maha-
bleshwar; nor do the plants of the Order Gurrirsrm, immediately
preceding. Of the Matvacea, neither Hibiscus hirtus, Thespesia
Lampas, nor the Bomaz, and of the Srercuniacem, none of the plants
catalogued are to be found at Mahableshwar. The Triumfetta
rhomboidea is tolerably common, the Hleocarpus oblongus rare.
There is a good tree of the latter in Lingmala garden, and a couple
on the bank of the stream below the house. ‘here is also a solitary
tree in the compound of Prospect Cottage, at the corner of the
Cross Road, just opposite the entrance gate of Temple Hall. Many
of the leaves of this tree turn red, which render it a conspicuous
object among the foliage of the woods, and the fringed petals of its
flowers are very beautiful, the brownish-red calyx appearing through
the interspaces between the petals. All the plants catalogued under
the genus Impatiens are to be found at Mahableshwar, among
them a very remarkable one, a yellow balsam (J. Dalzellit). Hvodia
Roxburghiana does not occur at Matheran, aud is somewhat rare at
Mahableshwar. One tree (a male) may be found on the Panchgani
Road, a few yards beyond the turn to Kate’s Point. There is another
tree at the 4th culvert on the Fitzgerald Ghat Road, and a little
further down the road, close to a culvert, are two trees, a male and
female. A knowledge of some localities where a tolerably rare plant
NOTE ON THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN,. 135
may be found, will be useful to collectors. Neither of the Orders
Borseraces nor Metiacex are represented on. Mahableshwar.
The Manpia fetida is a very remarkable as well as common tree
at Mahableshwar. Ido not think it occurs at Matheran. The odour
of its yellowish flowers, which appear in October, is most offensive,
savouring of carrion. Visitors to the hill are often puzzled by the
strange odour, and unable to account forit. There is a tree in |
the Superintendent’s compound, at the side nearest the Club, and
several trees may be found close to the road, just below the Bund.
Zizyphus rugosa is common both at Matheran and Mahableshwar, and
its white berries are edible, though not very palatable. Zizyphus
aylopyrus does not occur at Mahableshwar, while the Scutia indica
is only found on the higher Ghats, and does not descend to the level
of Matheran. It is known at Mahableshwar as the ‘‘ Wait-a-bit
thorn,”’ as when its hooked-thorns catch the clothes of a rambler
through the woods, there is no going forward till the thorns are
unhooked,—often a difficult process. It may be easily identified by
its native name “ Chimat.”
Hemigyrosa canescens does not ascend to Mahableshwar, nor does
Schleichera trajuga, but the Order (SapinpacE#) is abundantly repre-
sented by the shrub Allophylus Cobbe, which, with its soft, trifolate
leaves and long racemes of small, white flowers, is scattered every-
where over the hill top. The LueuminosH are largely represented
on both hills, but it is a remarkable fact that, while in Matheran,
there are several trees belonging to the Order, there is not a single
tree on Mahableshwar belonging to it. The Crotolarias, Smithias,
Desmodium, Phaseolus, Vigna, Atylosia, Cylista, and Flemingia
are common to both hills; but the only Acacia on the summit of
Mahableshwar is Acacia Intsia.
Ofthe Rosacea, the Rubus lasiocarpus or Mahableshwar Raspberry
is very common and well-known. This plant is indigenous here
and to the highest Ghéts to the Southward. Rubus moluccanus
has been found at Mahableshwar, but it is very rare. It may be
found in a ravine on the road to old Mahableshwar. I found it
very abundantly on the high land (Newera Eliya) in Ceylon.
Of the Rupraces, neither Adina nor Stephegyne occur at
Mahableshwar, the Wendlandia notoniana does not occur at
Matheran; and I have only seen it in Mahableshwar, near the banks
of the stream (Yenna) below Lingmala. Psychotria truncata is a
rare plant, occurring as far as 1 know, at Mahableshwar, in a single
136 NATURAL HISTORY.
locality, which being far removed from habitations and ina dense
jungle, it is difficult to describe. Mussenda frondosa does not ascend
to Mahableshwar, though common at Matheran and in the Koyna
Valley, where its velvety, orange flowers and curious, white, leaf-like
bracts may be seen throughout the woods. Most of the Comrosrra:
are common to both hills, but Hlephantopus scaber does not ascend
to Mahableshwar, though plentiful at Matheran and in the Koyna
Valley, and the same may be said of Cyathvc line lyrata, while I do
not know that Adenostemma viscosum or Adenoon indicum have
been found at Matheran, though common at the higher elevation.
The commonest Composite at Mahableshwar, scattered all over the
hill with the brake-fern, is Conyza stricta.
Of the CampanuLacem, the little Wahlenbergia gracilis does not
grow at a lowelevation. It is not found at Matheran and is very rare
at Mahableshwar, the elevation being apparently insufficient, for at
the high elevation of Newera Hlhya, Ceylon, it grows very
abundantly.
The Sideroxylon tomentosum which is verya bundant at Matheran,
does not seem to thrive at Mahableshwar. It is nowhere found
near the central portion of the hill top, and is confined to its edges.
It is to be met with on the path-way up to Lodwick Point, and also
occurs near Bombay Point. Neither Bassia latifolia nor Mimusops
Hlengi occur at Mahableshwar, while the Order Expenacem® does not
possess a single representative.
Symplocos Beddomei is not met with at Matheran, but is tolerably
plentiful at Mahableshwar. It flowersin the cold season; its blossoms
have the odour of the hawthorn, and its berries, which ripen in May,
are blue. There are one or two trees just opposite the gate of the
Cemetery. The Jasminium arborescens is common to both hills, and
its fragrant white flowers are seen in great profusion in April.
The Olea dioica, which is very common at Matheran, is rarely met -
with in the Mahableshwar woods, while the Ligustrum neigherryense
is very common on the latter hill, and does not occur at all on the
former. Its fragrant white flowers appear abundantly in October.
Of the Arocynace® there is but one representative on the Mahablesh-
warhill, andthatis a rare plant, the Rawwolfia densiflora.. It may be
found in the ravine below the Forest Officer’s bungalow at Lingmala.
Its white flowers appearin April. Of the AscnEpraps, the Calotropis
gigantea does not ascend to the elevation of Mahableshwar. The
most remarkable plant of the Order which occurs there is the
NOTE ON THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN, 137
Gymnema sylvestre, which is an extensive climber, with small yellow
flowers, appearing in the hot weather. The leaves of this plant,
when chewed, possess the strange property of destroying for a time
the taste for sugar, while exercising no effect on the taste for
substances other than saccharine. If two or three leaves be chewed
and the tongue and palate moistened with the juice, the result of
taking a little sugar in the mouth is very curious. It appears just
hke so much sand, while salt or anything not saccharine tastes just
as usual.
Of the Loganiacem, the Buddleia asiatica is the only plant of
the Order at Mahableshwar. It is very rare. There is one plant at
Lingmala, near the out-houses of the bungalow, and I have seen a
plant on the Fitzgerald Ghat. Of the Gunrtans, the little purple
Ezacum Lawii is all over the Mahableshwar hill, in October, amongst
the grass, but dies very soon after the rains cease. The Swertia
decussata is found at Mahableshwar occasionally, but not common
there. It is very abundant on the hill top above the Panchgani
travellers’ bungalow.- An infusion of this plant is used by the
natives as a febrifuge.
The Order BoraGine® is represented on both hills by the genus
Paracaryum.
The Paracaryum celestinum is known as the Mahableshwar
*Forget-me-not.”” It is very abundant both here and at Matheran.
Two other Paracaryums are tolerably common at Mahableshwar,
but as far as I know, do not occur at Matheran. The P. mala-
baricum is the more common, and may be found in large quantities
at the Bund. P. Lambertianum may be found on the cliff, opposite
the Dhobi’s Waterfall, below General Barr’s bungalow. Of the
Soranacem, the Solanum giganteum is very abundant at Maha-
bleshwar, but does not, as far as I recollect, occur at Matheran.
It is to be found everywhere on the former hill, and its bunches
of red berries are handsome. 4.
The Heterophragma Roxburghii, which is very common at
Matheran, does not seem to thrive at Mahableshwar. I only know of
two trees at the latter place,and these are poor stunted specimens.
One of them is just over tke Yenna Waterfall, and the other a few
yards beyond the 30th mile on the Satara Road.
Of the AcanrHacen, Thunbergia fragrans may be found all along
the Panchgani Ghat, and on the road from Panchgani to Maha-
bleshwar, but, strange to say, it ceases at the 68th mile, half way
(18
138 NATURAL HISTORY.
between these stations. It is somewhat remarkable that it does not
extend to Mahableshwar itself, as it is very abundant at the high
elevation of Newera Elliya, Ceylon. The term fragrans is a
misnomer, as its flowers are destitute of fragrance.
Of the Baruurias, B. Privnitis with yellow flowers is very com-
mon on the road up to Matheran, but does not occur anywhere
near Mahableshwar. Barleria strigosa, with large blue flowers, is
common at Matheran, where it may be found in abundance below
Ponsonby’s Spring, but is only to be found on the slopes of Maha-
bleshwar and not on the hill top. It may be seen in flower in the
cold season, on the slope some way down below the Dhobi’s Glen.
Hebolium LIinneanum, which is very common at Matheran, and has
green flowers, is not found at Mahableshwar ; nor is the magnificent
Calacanthus Dalzelluana, which grows in profusion on the wet rocks
on the road up to Matheran, about a mile below the Chauki.
Of the Versenace®, the Callicarpa lanata is common to both hills,
the Tectona grandis does not reach even half way up the ascent to
Matheran, and the Premna coriacea and Gmelina arborea do not grow
at Mahableshwar. Vitex negundo will no doubt flourish on either
hill ; it has been largely planted along the Fitzgerald Ghat, and Vitex
lewcoxylon is to be found in the Koyna Valley. The Clerodendron
serratum is not found on Matheran, nor on Mahableshwar hilltop,
but it may be found about Lingmala Ravine and on the Panchgani
Road ; it-also occurs on the slope below Bombay Pointon the road
to the Koyna. The most common of the Laniars, both at Matheran
and Mahableshwar, is Leucas stelligera. At Mahableshwar, another
member of the genus occurs, Leaucas ciliata, a larger and much less
common plant than L. stelligera. Dysophylla myosuroides is not
found at Matheran, but is common in Mahableshwar water-courses.
It is abundant in the nulla near the Sassoon Point Tennis Court,
just below where the road from the bazaar crosses the stream.
Micromeria Malcolmiana is a smal] plant peculiar to Mahableshwar.
Tt is found along the Yenna, below the Bund, and has a strong odour
of peppermint.
The Plantago major is rare at Mahableshwar, and is not found at
Matheran. It may be found on the banks of the Yenna River.
The Lasiosiphon ervocephalus is common to both hills, and is par-
ticularly abundant at Mahableshwar. The handsome climbing
shrub Hleagnus latifolia, the under-sides of whose leaves have a.
sheen hke silver, and whose pink coloured fruit is edible, is also com-
NOTE ON°THE FLORA OF MAHABLESHWAR AND MATHERAN. 139
mon to both hills. Of the Loranruus family, I have not found either
L. invoiucratus nor. L. lageniferus at Mahableshwar. The Osyris
arborea is not found at Matheran, although growing at Khandalla,
which is close by. It can be readily identified by its native name
“otal.” The Order EvpHorsracez is better represented at Matheran
than at Mahableshwar. The Crotons are entirely absent from
Mahableshwar ; Fileéggea lewcopyrus ascends about half way up the
hill from the Koyna and then ceases; while of the three trees,
Phyltanthus lanceolarius, Briedelva retusa and Macaranga Roxburghii,
the first only oceurs in any quantity in Mahableshwar. ‘Though the
Briedelia does occur in one place, the top of the old Rotunda Ghat,
below Bombay Point, it does not, as far as I know, occur anywhere
else, and should therefore be hardly considered a Mahableshwar
tree. The Macaranga does not grow at Mahableshwar atall, but the
Bhoma (Phyllanthus tanceolartus) (Syn. Glochidion lanceolarium) is
very abundant. Homnoia riparia is to be found in beds of streams
at Mahableshwar, not at Matheran, and may be collected in the bed of
the ravine below the Dhobi’s Waterfall. Of the Urricacrm, Gerardina
heterophylla, a formidable stinging nettle, is common to both hills,
as are also the Splityerbera scabrella, and the Trema Wightii. Fleurya
interrupta is notfound at Mahableshwar, nor is Debrigascea longifolia,
a native of Matheran. Ficus glomerata (Umbar) is common on both
hills, but none other of the genus #%cus is to be found on the: hill-
top of Mahableshwar, except Ficus caricaoides, although F’. asperima,
F. cordifolia and F. infectoria may be met on the slopes. The
Artocarpus integrifolia does not reach Mahableshwar ; it is cultivated
near*villages in the Koyna Valley, and there is one tree at the village
of Metala on the plateau below Bombay Point.
The Salix tetrasperma or Indian Willow does not grow ati
Matheran ; it is abundant along the Yenna River and may be seen in
flower in October. :
With regard to the Orcuipacem, the handsomest one at Maha-
bleshwar is the Mrides Lindleyanum, which does not occur at
Matheran, and the most showy one at Matheran is rides
maculosum, which is not found at Mahableshwar, though it is seen
on the Panchgani Road. The Dendrobium barbatulum is common
to both hills, and is in flower in March and April. Dendrobiwm
ramosissimum is not found on the summit of either hill. Itis very
abundant in the Koyna Valley. Dendrobiwm Macrei, a curious
looking orchid with many large pseudo bulbs, and a single leat
140 NATURAL HISTORY.
growing out of the terminal one, is very rare at Mahableshwar; and
is not to be found at Matheran. It is very abundant in the Koyna
Valley, some of the old trees along the river being literally
covered with this, Dendrobium ramosissimum and the bulbs of the
Cirrhopetalum fimbriatum. A visit to the Koyna Valley will amply
repay a plant-hunter. The ferns and orchids in some parts near
the river are in the greatest profusion, and must be seen to be
appreciated.
Of the two hills, Matheran and Mahableshwar, the former has the
more varied flora, but several plants are found in Mahableshwar
which do not exist at the lower elevation of Matheran. I have
made a rough estimate, which is not correct to a dozen plants or so,
that there are about 140 plants (excluding grasses) which occur
at Matheran, and which do not occur at Mahabieshwar, and that
there are about 130 plants which are found at Mahableshwar, and
not on Matheran, while there are perhaps 140 common to both
hills.
IT regret that I have not had longer time to devote to this short
note, which has been written hurriedly, in order to be in time for the
issue of the Journal in which Mr. Birdwood’s Catalogue is to
appear.
I’, Cooxs.
-— Mahableshwar, April 26th, 1887.
NOTES ON MAHABLESHWAR AND OTHER INDIAN
ARROW ROOT-YIELDING PLANTS.
By Dr. J. C. Lissoa.
There appeared, two years ago, in one of our local papers a short
article in which it was sought to prove that there is no arrowroot
plant indigenous to Mahableshwar, and a correspondent even
attempted to show that a arrowroot prepared there is from Maranta
arundinacea, carried from Rutnagherry to the hill and there culti-
vated. ‘There is, however, no doubt, that the arrowroot prepared at
Mahableshwar is from the tubers of a plant indigenous to that hill,
first described by the late Mr. Graham, of the Bombay Civil Service,
and as yet not found anywhere else so faras I know. ‘The plant is
Curcuma caoulina, Nat. Ord. Scitamineaz, Grah, Cat. Bomb. Pl. It
is very common at Mahableshwar, where it is known to the natives
CURCUMA CAULINA.
ARROWROOT-YIELDING PLANS: 14]
as Chowar. It may be described thus:—Root size of an orange,
sometimes larger, with large oblong tubers, white inside, pendulous
from the fibers. Radical leaves almost opposite, sheathing, short-
petioled, oblong lanceolate, 12-20 by 3-4 in., upper leaves alternate
frequently tinged with a beautiful red; scape central leafy, 3 feet
high. Bracts green, calyx white, and corolla yellow.
It is from the roots of this curcuma that the Chinese ticket-of-leave |
men anda native of Goa, Mr. DeCosta, for many years used to manufac-
ture arrowroot and sell it to the Commissariat and in the bazaars of
Bombay. Dr. McConaghy says that, in 1878, a Huropean prepared a
few hundred pounds of it and sent samples to be tried by Messrs.
Treacher and Co., Phillips and Co., and Kemp and Co. Its colour
and taste were pronounced good, but it was found to be deficient in
nutritive properties. That it is inferior to West-Indian arrowroot
may be gathered from its market value, 5 to 6 lbs. to the rupee.
During the famine of 1877, it was recommended to the suffering
poor, but they never used it except in extreme scarcity.
The process of preparing arrowroot at Mahableshwar is simple.
The root (of which a cooly will gather four or five large basketsful a
day, for as many annas) is scraped, washed and rubbed to pulp ona
grater, as mortars are found to crush the globules. The pulp
is then washed with cold water, and the fecula allowed about
ten or twelve hours to settle; the supernatant fluid is then decanted,
the sediment stirred with the addition of fresh water and again
allowed to settle. The whole process is repeated above twelve
times, till the dark scum and the muddiness of the washings slowly
disappear and the sediment is pure white, when it is allowed to
harden into a cake, which is afterwards reduced to powder. A bas-
ketful of roots yields 3—4lbs. of pure arrowroot. Curewma caulina
flowers at about the end of September. I had planted in pots
during the last monsoon tubers which I had brought from Maha-
bleshwar, and with which I intended to illustrate my paper, which
was meant to be read at the last October meeting. Having,
however, been informed by the Honorary Secretary that the Society
had resolved to hold, as it did, a fruit exhibition that month, I left
Bombay soon after, and my plants had withered when I returned
in the early part of December.
The arrowroot, a specimen of which I have exhibited though
made in a rough manner, is white, and like other kinds of arrowroot
insipid .and inodorous. Examined under the microscope in a drop
142 NATURAL HISTORY.
of water, it is found to consist of numerous granules of various
sizes, somewhat resembling those of maranta and tickar. They may
be described as flat, somewhat irregular broadly ovoid bodies,
round at the larger end, and narrow, almost drawn to a point, at
the other, with a beautiful stratification, consisting of fine concen-
tric lines around the hilum, which is visible towards the narrow end.
To ascertain the proportion of nutriment principles of this arrow-
root, a thorough analysis by a competent chemist is a desideratum.
So far as my enquiries go, no such analysis has been made.
Iam led to believe that arrowroot was obtained by a rough
process by the hill men, long before the Chinese ticket-of-leave
men manufactured it; and is still obtained by the inhabitants of
the hill from the plant, which grows all over. It is now being
manufactured at Gutad, about 3 miles from Frere Hall, and sold
chiefly to natives, hence it cannot be of a very inferior kind, as
stated by Dr. McConaghy. I shall now proceed to describe other
Indian plants which yield various kinds of arrowroot. The best
arrowroot is that which is prepared from the rhizome of Maranta
arundinacea, Rose. Scitam, tab. 25, a herbaceous plant, native
of the tropical parts of America, and of the West India Islands.
A variety of it, named M. Indica Tussac, Rose. Scitam tab. 26,
occurs in Bengal, Java and the Philippines, considered by Grisebach
in his Flora of the British West-Indian Islands to be a species
distinct from M. arundinacea. It is said that the arrowroot
cultivated at first in Brazil, was from the rhizomes carried thither
from India by the Portuguese.
The chief kinds of arrowroot, the produce of Maranta, are from
Bermiuda, Natal, St. Vincent, Jamaica and other West India
Islands, Brazil and the Hast Indies. The latter is prepared from
the tuber of M. Indica above mentioned, and sold pure or mixed
with YJickar Arrowroot, presently to be mentioned. Maranta
arundinancea is extensively cultivated at Dapoli in Rutnagherry, by
Mr. Narayen Ramchandra Gupte. The Commissariat Department
lately gave him the contract for 1886-87 for the supply of arrow-
root to the several military stations in the Bombay Presidency.
The total amount required at these stations in 1886-87 was about
5,000]bs. Mr. Gupte will have to supply this quantity of arrowroot
at the rate of 4} annas per pound. It may be stated here that this
arrowroot on examination, both microscopic and chemical, proves
to be fully equal to the Bermuda arrowroot. It is also cultivated
ARROWROOT-YIELDING PLANT. 143
by Mr. Woodrow, of the Poona College of Science; the produce
is stated to be at the rate of 9 tons of fresh root per acre. When
manufactured by unskilled hands this gives 2,822°4lbs., or 14 per
cent. of pure arrowroot per acre. One of the agricultural students,
Mr. R. S. Joshi, has lately invented a wooden machine which
reduces the cost of preparing arrowroot by almost 8 per cent. The
machine is still capable of great improvement, but its chief merit .
is that any village carpenter can make it.
Arrowroot of all kinds is a favourite article of diet among the
natives, especially for children. The milk-men in Bombay use it to
thicken milk which has been watered.—Dymock. Curewma
angustifolia. Roxb. Tavakhir? (Bomb.) Tickar (Hind.)— This
is an annual plant, springing up at the beginning of the
rains. Bulbs with oblong tubers hanging from the fibres. Leaves
narrow, lanceolate, petioled, striated, with fine longitudinal lines,
from one to two-and-a-half feet long ; petioles, 6-10 inch long; spike
radical, 4-6 inch long ; crowned with a coma of purple bracts ; flowers
yellow, large, expanding in the morning and fading at sunset.
It grows wild in various parts of India, Travancore, Nagpore, &c.
and in the Bombay Presidency at Ramghat. This species is said
to yield portion of what is called Travancore arrowroot. There is
no doubt that Curcuma arrowroot (known in Bombay as Tavakhir,
tickar in the other presidencies, and to Europeans as Hast Indian
arrowroot) is manufactured in Southern India especially in Cochin,
Travancore and Kanara, but in a very rude manner, the granules
much resembling those of Maranta arundinacea ; in fact what is called
tickar arrowroot is often the produce of the latter plant, or curcuma
starch mixed with that of cassava or tapioca plant, the manhihot
being much cultivated at Travancore. Malabar arrowroot fetches
from Rs. 3 to Rs. 4 per quarter cwt. in Bombay. Drury (useful
plants of India, p. 176) says :—‘‘ An excellent kind of arrowroot is
prepared from the tuber of this species (C. angustifolia), especially
in Travancore, where the plant grows in great abundance.” This
is a favourite article of diet among the natives. The flour, when
finely powdered and boiled in milk, is an excellent diet for sick
people or children, It is also much used for cakes, puddings, &c.
though considered by some to produce constipation. In a commer-
cial point of view the East Indian arrowroot is below the West
Indian starch, though similar in its qualities and uses. The exports
of arrowroot from Travancore average about 250 candies annually.”
144 NATURAL HISTORY.
It appears that in 1869-70, 3272 cwts., valued at Rs. 14,152 were
exported from Madras. Drs. Roxburgh and O’Shaughnessy state
that C. rubescens, Roxb. Rosc. Scitam tab. 107, which grows in
Bengal and is there named tickar also yields nutritious fecula.
Every part, particularly the root, has a strong but pleasant aromatic
odour when bruised; but its chief use is for the preparation of
tickar, a fine fecula like arrowroot. C. lewcorrhiza, Roxb. Rose.
Scitam tab. 102, also named tickar, is common in Behar; its
horizontal tubers, long and straight, are of a very pale yellow
colour; they also yield an abundance of fine nutritious fecula used
by the people of Behar and Bhagalpore. Dr. Royle says:—‘ The
pendulous tubers of Curcuma rubescens, C. leucorrhiza and C.
angustifolia yield a very beautiful fecula or starch, which forms an
excellent substitute for the West Indian arrowroot, Maranta
arundinacea. It is sold in the bazaars of Benares, Chittagong,
and Travancore, and eaten by the natives. A very excellent kind
called tickar is also made at Patna and Bagilpore from the tubers
of Batatas (Ipomea) edulis.”
'!he mode of preparing arrowroot at Travancore is as follows:—
“ The tubers are first scraped on a rough stick, generally part of the
stem of the common rattan or any plant with rough prickles to
serve the same purpose. Thus pulverised, the flour is thrown into
a chatty of water, where it is kept for about two hours, all impurities
being carefully removed from the surface, It is then taken out and
again put into fresh water, and so on for the space of four or five
days. The flour is ascertained to have lost its bitter taste, when a
yellowish tinge is communicated to the water, the whole being stirred
up, again strained through a piece of coarse cloth and put in the
sun to dry. It is then ready for use.”—-Drury. The process adopted
at Behar and Bhagalpore is as follows :—The root of C. leucorrhiza
is dug up and rubbed on a stone or beaten in a mortar, and after-
wards rubbed in water with the hand and strained through a cloth;
the fecula having subsided, the water is poured off and the tickar
dried for use.— Roxb.
C. pseudo-montana, Grah. Cat. Bomb. Pl. Sinderwant; sinderbur ;
sindewan; hellewnda. Bulb oblong, with round, small, potato-like
tubers, hanging from the fibres. Leaves, including the petiole 2-3 ©
feet long, narrow at both ends, 6-19 inch broad in the middle, quite
green. Coma of a beautiful dark rose colour, waved. Flowers
yellow, appear in September.
ARROWROOT-YIELDING PLANTS. 145
This plant, which was first described by Mr. J. Graham of the
Bombay Civil Service, is common inthe Konkan, Matheran, &c.,
where it appears at the beginning of the rainy season. The tubers,
which are perfectly white inside, are boiled and eaten by the people
during seasons of scarcity. Perhaps, this plant too, yields a part
of Hast Indian arrowroot; for itis stated that in former times, it
was manufactured at Ratnagherry from its tubers. (See specimens
on the table prepared in Ratnagherry and North-West provinces.)
All the plants described above belong to the Nat. Ord. Scitaminez,
Arisema tortuosum, var. helleborifolium, Schott Syn. Ar. 29;
Prodr. 36; Blume in Rumphia 1-105. Sap Kanda (Khandala name).
This belongs to the Nat. Ord. Aroidece and is met with at Matheran,
Khandala, and other Konkan hills, as well asin the Himalayas, at
Simla, Nepal, Sikkim and Mussooree. In the observations appended
to the plate 5931 in Curtis’ Bot. Mag., Sir J. D. Hooker says that
*‘ the tuberous roots of this and allied species of Arisema are used
for food in times of scarcity by the Lipchas of Sikkim; they are
prepared by burying them in masses in the ground, until acetous
fermentation sets in, when they are dug up, washed and cooked.
By this means the poisonous properties of the roots are in part
destroyed, but not altogether, and violent illness often follows a
hearty meal of ‘ tong’ as this food is called. The nutritious starch,
with which these tubers are filled, might be easily separated by
grating and washing and an aliment as good as Portland island
arrowroot (the starch of Arum maculatum) be thus procured in
quantities.” Though the tuber of this aroid is utilized as food by
the Lipchas of Sikkim, it does not appear to be used as such on
this side.
The plant described under the name Ariseema curvatum by Sir J.
D. Hooker in Cartis’ Bot. Mag. tab. 5931, above alluded to, is in
the opinion of Engher, Araceze, D. C. Monogr. Phaneg, Arisema
tortwosum var. helleborifolium, an opinion which is adopted here.
Sir J. D. Hocker himself appears to have had doubts about the
identity of the species for after stating that it grows in the forests
of the Himalayas from Bhootan to Simla, Nepal and the Kassia
mountains at elevations of 5,000 to 7,000ft. says—a “‘similar if not
identical-species inhabits the mountains of the Konkan in the Pen-
insula of India.”
Ariseema curvatum which is well described in Rox, Fi. Ind. vol.
III. p. 506,-and figured in Wight’s Icon. tab. 788 under the name
19
146 NATURAL HISTORY.
of Arum curvatum grows only at high elevations; and so far as it
is known, on the Himalayas, Nepal, Naini-T'al and Kumaon; its
lamina is pedatisect, leaflets 10-13, sessile, linear-lanceolate, 4-6 inch
by 4-7 inch approximate, accuminate, entire.
A, helleborifolium is a common plant in the Konkan, first described
by the late Dr. Stocks, of the Bombay Medical Service, as well as
ou the Himalaya mountains, Nepal, and Sikkim discovered by Lady
Dalhousie, Wallich and others. I have found it also at Khandalla and.
Matheran, where it is known to the natives as sap khanda. Its
lamina is pedate, 6-12 inch diameter and orbicular in outline: leaflets
13-23, 4-8 inch by 2-33 inchacute, accuminate or eaudate at the pit,
bright green; central distant and petioled, lateral becoming gradual-
ly smaller, shortly petioled or almost sessile. ;
In my book (Useful Plants of the Bombay Presidency, “ Bombay
Gazetteer,” Vol. XXV. chap. Famine Plants) I have stated the
following :—‘ Almost all the species belonging to the order Aroidew
are more or lessacrid and poisonous ; some, like Lagenandra toaicaria,
Vatsunab of the Marathas, Typhonium tribolatum, Surei Kanda of
the Telingas, &c., are deadly poisons. They contain an acrid
principle which appears to be destroyed by the application of heat
or by mere drying of the aroids. During the late famine in Madras
and Southern Maratha country, hundreds of people were seen to
live upon tuberous roots and leaves of aroids known to be poisonous.
It is believed that the washing, boiling and stewing process these -
herbs were subjected to prior to being eaten destroyed their delete-
rious principle, and thus the tubers, &c., became innocuous or rather
wholesome food: The cultivation is also held to modify the poison
both in the case of aroids as in that of cucumbers. The Soorun
(Amorphophalus campanulatus) which is widely cultivated for the
sake of its large root held to be a very nutritious vegetable and
extensively consumed by all classes of people of this country, also
contains a principle, slightly acrid; this is removed by steeping the
sliced tuber in water and by boiling. Nevertheless, not long ago a
paper was read at one of the meetings of the Grant College Medical
Society in which a case of poisoning marked by severe inflammation
of the fauces and throat was described.” There is in North Ame-
rica a species of Arisema named A. atrorubens, of which Dr. Lindley
says :—TIt is violently acrid and almost caustic ; the rhizome when
fresh is too powerful to render its internal exhibition safe. The
acrid principle is extremely volatile, and easily driven off by heat
ARROWROOT-YIELDING PLANTS. 147
when the rhizome yields one-fourth of pure delicate amylaceous
matter,-resembling the finest arrowroot, very white, delicate and
nutritive.
Tacca pinnatifida, Roxb. Nat. Ord. Taccace, known to the
natives of the Deccan by the name of khunda.—It grows all over
India and also in the Malayan Archipelago, the Molluccas and South
Sea Islands, and is cultivated in the Mauritius. I found it very
common at Damaun and the neighbouring villages of Guzerat. Its”
root is tuberous, as large as a large orange, often larger, round
and smooth, intensely bitter when raw, it yields a great quantity of
beautifully white starch, of which it is said the best flour for con-
fectionery, puddings, &c., is made.’’ Drury says:—“ The fecula
much resembles arrowroot and is very nutritive.’ “It possesses a
considerable degree of acrimony,” says Ainslie, ‘ and requires
frequent washing in cold water previous to being dressed. In Tra-
vancore, where the root grows to a large size and is called Channay
Kelimgoo it is much eaten by the natives, who mix some agreeable
acids with it to subdue its natural pungency.” Inthe notes appended
to Tacca artocarpifolia T. 6124, Curtis’ Bot. Mag. Sir J. D. Hooker
states: —‘The tubers of Tacca pinnatifida afford the South sea
Arrowroot, said to be the best of all in cases of dysentery, and its
starch is a favourite article of diet in the shape of puddings and
eake. In times of scarcity, the inhabitants of these islands live on
the fleshy tubers of tacca.”’
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
Hyerip WoLF PRESENTED TO THE SociETy.—Mr. Frank Rose, the donor
of this animal, writes concerning it :—
Apropos of Mr. Sterndale’s ‘‘,Note oz Reversion to Primitive types,”
giving a case of cross-breeding between jackals and dogs, I have much pleasure in
presenting the Society with a Hybrid wolf-whelp—a cross between a village dog
and a wolf, age about 3 months, caught in the 69th mileage, Chickli-Dewalgaon,
Rajah Road, (Buldana Districts, Berar). The mother with five other wolves
(Canis pallipes) and a hybrid are in the vicinity of Javul-Kheira.
The whelp was captured on 12th January, under the following circumstances :
While examining a quarry about a mile from the road, a dog was observed
going leisurely towards a flock of sheep; the latter grazing and looking
uncoucernedly at their apparent protector! But, alas! after a few minutes, an
148 NATURAL HISTORY.
outcry from the shepherd was heard, when to our astomshment the carcass
of a sheep was being trinmphantly carried away by the wolves in fragments, the
Hybrid “ wolf dog,” as he is called, acting as a pioneer (but without the dainty
piece of mutton), heading the marauders. One of them made direct towards
a bush, when the three whelps came out. Chase was given, and on seizing one
it bit a man slightly, when it was soon despatched to its long home! The one
now sent (Ist February) also showed fight, and resisted his capture for a long time,
but was soon coaxed, and secured; the third made its escape with its mother and
her confreres. For the first three days (12 to 15th January) the pup seemed very
unhappy, and sulky, but had a voracious appetite for raw meat. After a time
he gradually became very taine, so mueh so that my children played with him.
This may be considered rather an imprudent act, but he appeared so happy and
eontented in their arms, I concluded, that he had domestie blood in him like
his noble grandfather, the village pariah! The whelp was under domestication
for eighteen days.
From the same pack there were three Hybrids :—
No. 1—brought up by the special magistrate at Mahona—is now prowling
about in that vicinity and Rajah-Dewalgaon, quite domesticated; she will not
reside with her master or in one place; but goes roaming from one village
to another in the vicinity, and does not associate with her parents. She has
never been known to bite any one, but is said to be a renowned thief. I have
always seen her escorted by an intrepid village cur, who seems to be quite
delighted with her agreeable company, in having a charming wife of mixed
parentage !
No. 2 was shot by a Mr. Burns of Berar, when capturing No. 3, early
in 1886, at about the same place as [ got mine.
No. 8 was quite a pet, but very mischievous with her thieving propensities.
She frequently occupied a dark room during the day, and making her exit at
nights; would steal clothes, hats, boots, &c., and deposit them in different
bungalows. The poor thing was killed, wilfully I was told.
From the above, facts, it is possible that within the next 25 years the wolves
in this vieinity may in time become domesticated. The first Hybrid was known in
1885, I believe, and is the one now with the pack. Eminent Naturalists have
decided that the anatomical structure of the wolf, its habits, and physical
development are very closely allied to the dog; especially im its osteology,
which does not at all differ. The only difference is in their oblique eyes,
There can be no doubt that the dog and wolf will readily breed and their progeny
prove fertile. The above will suffice as an instance in India. There is no gain-
saying the fact, that they are mortal and irreconcilable foes, and poor doggie
sometimes provides a dainty morsel to its supposed great grandparents; but
yet they are known to follow domestic dogs in pursuit of smaller mammals. We
are told that two species of the wolf, Canis Lupus and C. latrans—the latter
known as the “ Coyote’—{‘‘ Meesteh chaggonish’’) or “ Prairie wolf”—are the
originators of qll the canine species? Then why could they not breed and be
made tameable and just as affectionate as our domestic dogs— Canis familiaris.
If I remember rightly, it is on record that a lady in Italy had a very tame and
affectionate wolf, which followed her like a spaniel, Business took the lady from
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 149
home for a few days, and on her return the wolf, through joy went up to her,
put its paws on her shoulders, and immediately fell dead !
Tur BusH QuaiL (Perdicula erythroryncha).—The following letter about this
bird has been received from.-Mr. W. Mahon Daly, of Yereand :—
It well known that the attachment of birds to their young is not exceeded
by that of any other creatures.
The boldness and sagacity displayed the other day by a red-billed bush-quail
(828 Perdicula erythrorhyncha) in the protection and defence of its brood, may not
be uninteresting to your readers. A friend of mine caught in his hand a little one
of this quail, and sitting silently under a bush watehed for the mother. The
chicken cried piteously for some few minutes, when, shortly the parent bird arrived,
which seemed immediately to restore life to its frightened offspring. The bush
quail repeatedly pecked at my friend’s hand, and he in attempting to catch the bird
took off a quantity of feathers. It came again and again, and seemed to peck at
his hand beseechingly, rather than hurtfully, till at last it was caught a victim to
maternal love. The mother having fairly won its little one was released,
and in a twinkling disappeared with its ‘‘ chick,”’ and they were soon concealed in the
long grass that this handsome bush-quail generally frequents.
These birds are generally met with in rocky ground with low scrub jungle, and
nearly always in pairs, and not in large bevies as stated by Jerdon. An
accurate observer has remarked that the natural timidity of birds is a great
preservative to them. This quail however is most daring, for I have more than
once seen it fly at a dog in defending its brood, and have often caught a bird off
its nest, which contains generally six to eight eggs.
Norte ON THE IRREGULAR BREEDING OF GRUS ANTIGONE, THE SARUS.
By Lieut. Edwin Barnes.
The normal breeding season of the Sarus is during the latter half of the mon-
soon, but that they frequently breed during the cold weather seems not to be
generally known.
At page 6, “Game Birds of India,” Mr. Hume gives the breeding season as
above, but in a footnote, says :—“ Occasionally, however, they certainly breed also
in the spring.” Quite recently, Mr. Chill wrote to me from near Delhi :—“ Last
‘month (April), my men brought me in a young Sarus, about twenty days old, so
it must have been hatched about the end of March! It is a new thing to me to
find the bird breeding in the spring.”
On the 5th February last year (1885), while duck-shooting at Gangrar, about 60
miles from Neemuch, I found a nest containing two perfectly fresh eggs, and on the
30th March at Jeerun, about twelve miles from Neemuch, I found another pair,
much incubated. This year (1886), onthe 18th February, I obtained from a marsh,
a few miles from Saugor, two more, very slightly incubated; these last eggs are
perfectly white and spotless, and have a considerable amount of gloss, and my
beaters assured me that this was the case with all Sarus’s eggs in the Saugor
District, but as is not unusual with native shikaries, they deviated from the truth,
for the only two pairs of eggs that I obtained later in September, were fairly well
marked.
150 NATURAL HISTORY.
A simple explanation of the cause of some few birds breeding in the spring
might be that they are birds whose eggs have come to grief at the usual breeding
season, and had in consequence laid again later on; but this theory is met by the
fact, that eggs have been found, both by myself and others, in nests from which
eggs had been taken two or three weeks previously, but it is not unlikely that they
may be birds whose half-reared young have fallen victims to one of the many ac-
eidents to which they are liable. The young of the Sarus remain with their
parents much longer than is usually the case with other. birds.
The time at my disposal is very limited, and at most I can only get out for a few
hours occasionally, and that three instances of this departure from the natural
course should have fallen under my personal observation, seems to point to its being
rather a common occurrence, but then, again, seeing that at this season of the year,
the marshes and lakes frequented by these birds are almost daily shot over for
snipe and duck, it does appear strange that such a prominent uest as that of the
Sarus usually is, should escape notice, or it may be that the fact is so common that
it fails to excite remark, although it appears to be unrecorded except in the note
previously quoted.
COLLECTION OF BIRDS’ EGGS.
PRESENTED TO THE Society By Mr. W. M. Gipps.
No. of Jerdon’s
Speci- English Name. Scientific Name. , No
mens.
1 | Indian King Vulture ........ Sate Oborymsicaliviis iemctccneelecnetisn 2
1 | White-backed Vulture ............| Pseudogyps Bengalensis eat 5
2 | Tawny Eagle .......sesscsessenseeees Aquila Vindhiana ....... se teeees 29
2 | Ring-tailed Sea Hag: sesseceeceess-| Haliaetus lencoryphus ......... 42
18 | Pariah Kite ..........s00....e0s0.5. »:| Milvyus govinda ..... sesepeewnenire’s 56
7 | Rock-horned Owl ..........00+ Seseteet Bubo Bengalensis wicsesessereee 69
6 | Spotted Owlet .....:ceeccccsseePeaveee| Carime DrAMA vieveesesseeeesrer ees 76
8 | Common Indian Bee-eater......... Mierops varias cesses secsiecens 17
1 | Common Indian Kingfisher ..,...| Alcedo Bengalensis.............+ 134
5 | Rose-ringed Paroquet ........+6 .| Palaeornis torquatus ..........) 148
1 | Rose-headed as aap ssoveeceeeee| “alaeornis purpureus............| 149
1 | Indian Koel . taseserseceseseveee| Hudynamis honorata ....... Bone eric!
3 | Purple Honey- ‘sucker. jongbensuacdacal| Obuobonpintsy ANSEMeKCE) sosaodeancoosdd) 9 282:
4 | Bay-backed Shrike ..........00..000 Lanius Vittatus c.ccscisessceseres 260
3 | Common Drongo Shrike ............| Buchanga atra......... Boner coCn0. 278
2 | Rusty-breasted Fly- -eatcher ....., Siphia Erythaea ..........0.+.- we] 322
1 | Bengal Babbler ............se++++ee.| Malacocercus terricolor.........| 482
4, | Large Grey Babbler ....... starees Malacocercus Malcolmi ......... 436
5 | Striated Bush Babbler .....,......! Chatarrhzea caudata .......0..| 438
9 | Common Madras Bulbul............| Pyenonotus hemorrhous ...... 462
Ba SindianeOriOle iosapeaeuceneveress sun tet Oriolus Kundoo ....... bbaetcouet 470
2 | Magpie Robin .........seeceeeee+s| Copsychus Sanlaris.............{ 475
1 | Franklin’s Wren Warbler .........| Prinia ETACUIG Mivacteesesves sos vee] ORE
1 | Malabar Wren Warbler ............| Prinia Hodgsoni ...s0.ccevseerss 538
23 | Common Wren Warbler .........,| Drymoipus inornata ........ su) 548
2 | The Jungle Wren Warbler. ......| Drymoipus sylvaticus...........) 545
3; | Pied Wagtaal’ stcdce-cvsess.shs- ..1| Motacilla Madraspatensis ......) 589
7 | Indian Corby ......... saree deqeses«s|| COLVMMMACLOrmyTGhUs) cc... vee 660
L } Common Indian Crow jwise, Corvus splendens siiserveressres 663
BOOK NOTICE. 151
No. of Fetdan’
Speci- English Name. Scientific Name. "2 sia
mens sa:
1 Common Indian MASDIE ea Dendrocitta rufa.........sssee08 3: 674
1 | Common Myna...........0...see+00.0., Acridotheris tristis....... spitoae 684,
1 Bank Myna ......... ssseseeeeeee-| ACridotheris ginginianus ...... 685
7 | Common Weaver-bird | Serr cnees ces) LOCeUssEbILppinus iieracceses| soo
2 | Plain Brown Munia ...............) Amadina Malabarica ..,......... 703
2 Ble BOGk EISCOM, yerventcevesess +n: Columba intermedia ........ eee 788
3 | Little Brown Dove ................../ Turtur Benegalensis ............ 794,
6 | Common Ring Dove i.....0+..00-.-| Turtur risOrius:...........s0+s. wale 496
4 | Common Sand Grouse ...........,| Pterocles exustus .......seseees 802
4 | Common Peacock ..................| Pavo Cristatus.. SpctopRubESOCs 803
2 | Grey Partridge ...-.sscssceeeeeeeees Ortygornis pondiceriana... sedge 822
7 | Jungle Bush Quail .....,...-.-.0.4 Perdicula Asiatica ..... SuscepOnee 826
4 Black-breasted Bustard Quail...) Turnix taigoor ...... weeeesessee eee 832
10 | Red-wattled Lapwing .......... Lobivanellus Indicus .. .........| 855
-3 | Yellow-wattled lea .| Lobipluvia Malabarica ......... 856
4 | Sarus Crane......... Briisieaaae | CERISE AN OIS ONON seslee asta earsaeestoce 863
3 | Bronze- winged Saentian Fees eiies tr | mara hn CCH a Wentecaven ces shaceaeee 909
9 | Pheasant-tailed Jacana . .....| Hydrophasianus chirurgus......| 90L
2 | Purple Coos «2.2. ..csescyeeee- sos ....| Porphyrio poliocephalus......... 902
2 | White-breasted Water ‘Hen Senrcs Erythra phoenicura.........,.0++ 907
1 | White-necked Stork .............. | Dissura @piSCOpa .......50seeser een 920
1 | Large Bgret........000. vecuoce rica sss Herodiasiallba is. dec scs-ssss+ee0a9-| O20
LT | Little Bgret oo. -cc..ceceee eee veces Herodias garzetta ..... aeaaiestan 927
4 | Cattle Egret .......00-see08 oee-.-| Bubulcus Coromandus ..,......) 929
at Pond ELoeon ) 0.57. csetieoes ges acaaren] eATOSO key Git jcc eauaGr. adee+ee3 930
@ |) Pelicanilbisecnce:.stess-c+asscees?ss| Lantalus lencocephalus: v..... 5. 938
2) | Spoonbill vos...-<0-0s-cncee-vses--sa2--| Elabalea: lemcorodta,, <.<....0... +50 939
A | Shell [bis ..... -..seccscsccceeseeese| ANASLOMUS OSCILANB... yore seen 940
Sears VV Tho UIs veeet Cieltenens teste ueee ne Ibis melanocephala ......... ss. s:|) 94k
i: Flamingo .. sesseeseeeeeess| Phoenicopterns antiquorum ... 944
2 | Black- backed ‘Goose. viseeesesteeeee| Sarcidiornis melanonotus ......} 950
1 | Large River Tern ..................] StEVNA& SCEONA ....eseeeeeeceeseoees 985
2 | Lesser Cormorant ....é.s.escecceves Phalacocorax carbo...............| 1606
14 | Indian Snake Bird.....,......... | Plotus melanogaster ......se008 1008
All the above were taken in the Kaira District with the exception of the Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus antiquorum) which came from the Persian Gulf.
BOOK NOTICE.
The book under notice * refers to work done ten years ago, but was only pub-
lished in England late in the year before last. Mr. Hornaday was commissioned by
Professor Henry A. Ward, the proprietor of a great Taxidermical Establishment at
Rochester, in the State of New York, to travel for two years in the East in search
of fish, flesh and fowl] ; but chiefly of the larger mammals and reptiles. He started
for Europe early in 1876; and is probably the only traveller of this generation
who has produced a really readable account of a trip from a great European or
American port to Bombay. He landed at Londonderry, and began his adven-
* Two Years in the Jungle, the Experiences of a Hunter and Naturalist in India, Ceylon,
the Malay Peninsula, and Borneo. By William T. Hornaday, Chief Taxidermist, U.S.
National Museum ; late Collector for Ward’s Natural Science Establishment. London ; c
Kegan Paul, Trench & Co. 1885,
152 NATURAL HISTORY.
tures among the giant mammals of the Old World by “skeletonizing four old
donkeys” in the county Down; for which the finest pisanthry on a fruitful sod
“‘came at him with longhandled spades” and “ boycotted him in a cabin” till
the siege was raised by H. M.’s Royal Irish Constabulary. ‘The motives of his
proceeding and of their resentment are obscure; unless we conceive that old
donkeys are so rare in the State of New York, that a traveller can profitably spend
money and time on their purchase and dissection; and that the patriots, on the
other hand, considered the victims to be their own next-of-kin ; and the slaughter
to be good cause for a blood-feud. Anyhow Mr. Hornaday ‘‘ came off with whole
bones—mine I wean, not the donkey’s,’ and upon the whole prefers Dyaks to
Irishmen.
He got to Bombay after, as we have said, the only amusing trip thither of the
last 20 years ; and was disappointed with the contents of the Victoria Museum ;
but found the Crawford Markets a happy hunting ground; and arrived at the
conclusion that there were ‘‘ few marine animals in the neighbourhood of Bombay,
exeept the fishes in the grand Market.’’ Upon this head we feel justified in observing
that Mr. Hornaday generalized from a very imperfect experience. He was a week in
Bombay, and does not appear to have visited the neighbourhood of it at all.
His next halt was at Allahabad, whence he proceeded to Etawah and spent some
time living ina boat on the Jumna and shooting gavials (Gavialis gangeticus), i.e.
jong-snouted fishing crocodiles there abundant, but not found in our local waters.
Our author had one great advantage over the ordinary sportsman, namely, that
almost every creature that he saw was capable of being turned into the almighty
dollar at Rochester, N. Y.; and he was therefore armed against the scorn with
which old shikaris treat the griffin who has killed something that is ‘‘ not shikar.”’
If he didn’t find a gavial any morning, he found a jackal, or a vulture, or a stork ;
anatomised him ‘straight away’ and enjoyed immensely a trip which would
probably have rather bored the sportsman of Philistia. He points out very well the
peculiar charm of crocodile-shooting, which is that above all other forms of the
chase it requires the use of straight powder; often under considerable difficulties
and at long ranges. And, like a good many other people, he did not catch a river
porpoise (Platanista) but he says he will do so yet.
After this he went out “into districts” with an Executive Engineer and his wife,
and fell into the usua! delusion of the globe trotter, that the life of a Mofussilite
family under canvas is ‘‘a continuous picnic,” which is of course based upon
the not very recondite fact that his host and hostess did all they could to make it
so to him. Picnics of this sort, however, are apt to pall a little upon the soul of
him with whom they have been “continuous” for 20 years or so; and who has
had to make them pleasant for himself in despite of the powers that sit in cool
places.
Our picknickers, at any rate, introduced Mr. Hornaday to the black-buck,
nilgai, and gazelle, and appear to have informed him that this last was ‘‘ not found
south of the Godavari,’’ which shows that the Britisher can occasionally “ring in
fun” even upon Professor Ward’s young men: The Indian Gazelle (G. Bennetti)
was to be seen every day near Poona, by any one with eyes in his head, at the time
he wrote this, and is scattered all over the Deccan Districts and others, far
southward, though nowhere so abundant as in parts of Khandesh and Gujarat.
BOOK NOTICE. 153
The finest gazelle horns the present writer ever saw were reported by the
owner to have come from near Kolhapur, and to be 16 inches long, and looked
st; but were hung too high to be measured.
To return to our traveller. He went from Etawah to Caleutta without any
adventure worth noting; except perhaps the pangs he seems to have felt at seeing
seven score monkeys fed in Benares, whereof he might not skin so much as one:
and a disappointment in the Taj Mahal of Agra. He got to Madras in the middle
of the famine, and moralised quaintly upon the Relief operations. ‘‘'The natives
look upon the British occupancy of their country as a punishment inflicted upon.
them by the gods for past misdeeds * NS % * They had better pray
for their gods to punish them some more in that way.’ We further approved highly
of the Madras Museum, and especially of its stuffed fishes.
Madras, however, was no place for him, and he went, naturally enough, to the
Nilgiris, where he found that “ every prospect pleases, and only man is vile.” He
did, however, get introduced to the sambar, bison, and elephant at home, and
thought that the last was “the most stupid animal he ever tried to approach.”
This opinion, based upon the conduct of a single herd, he afterwards saw reason
to modify considerably, and eventually came to the conclusion, that the elephant is
much cleverer than the dog. He also was thanked by a Hindoo for a kindness.
and doubts whether “any Anglo-Indian will believe it really occurred ;’’ from
which it will be perceived that Mr. Hornaday’s acquaintance with the featherless
bipeds of India was limited to specimens hardly worth preserving as types. Fur-
ther on he ‘‘ is not ashamed t9 say that he hates the gentle Hindu.”
It is to be regretted that a writer evidently intelligent and energetic should
permit himself such a license of expression about a set of people with whom he
could not converse even in Hindustani; on the strength of his acquaintance with
a few low-caste servants and hunters, who, upon the whole, seem to have served
him fairly well. ;
After the Nilgiris, Mr. Hornaday shot in the Anamalai Hills with great success;
but his shooting was much like that of the ‘‘ Old Forest Ranger,’ the “ Old
Shikari” (whom he suspects, as some other people do, of having had a very
slippery foot-rule) and other great Nimrods. It is weil described, but there is
nothing new about the story to most of us; and it is rather matter for the Field
than for this Journal. At the end of his account of it isa short treatise upon
elephants, worth reading by any one who has never read a treatise upon elephants
before. The most noticeable item in it is his insistance, for cause shown, upon
the specific distinction of the Ceylon elephant.
From Madras he went to Ceylon, ard landed sick with fever at Colombo; where-
upon the Colombiads took him to be drunk. As, by his account, part of the
accommodation of a Hotel in Colombo was a special room for gentlemen past
taking themselves home, perhaps they were not much shocked.
However he found a doctor who cured him of the fever by a prescription which,
for the benefit of all future patients, Mr. Hornaday records. He thinks, however,
that it isn’t all right; and we can affirm without fear of the faculty that any
gentleman who brewed it according either to the text or to the explanatory note,
would be in possession of a cure for all earthly ills.
20
154 NATURAL HISTORY.
en
It provides for a quarter of an ounce of strychnine per diem, for 4 days
running.
But it cured Mr. Hornaday as easy as he would have cured a tiger-skin.
Colombo, according to our author, is the most beautiful city of the tropies.
The only ugly thing about it is the name of an Esplanade. It furnished him with
lots of fish and marine invertebrata, and with the curious fact that the Hchini of
Ceylon and Malayana lose their spines unless soaked in spirits before drying, where-
as those of the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the West Indies can be dried
without soaking, and the spines will not fall off. Most or all of our Bombay
Echini ave certainly the better for the spirit-bath. - On the British coasts some can
dispense with it.
The Government of Ceylon charged Mr. Hornaday spirit duty on his methy-
lated spirits, and would not refund it, which seems hard. At leastit may be confi-
dently affirmed that no Indian Custom House would charge on such spirits. The
other side of the story is not, however, before us.
Here comes in a digression upon the immunity which Naturalists enjoy, it appears,
in the enlightened republic of Venezuela; where their outfit and supplies are free
of duty, including arms, rum, and salt. This isa very good idea, and we think
that this Society might very well address the Government of India with a view to
a similar exemption. Doubtless other learned bodies in the other Presidencies
would support us; and natural science will become popular—except with the
Commissioner of Customs. By this time, doubtless, every living human being in~
Venezuela is a Naturalist—more or less,
Mr. Hornaday travelled pretty nearly all round Cevlon, halting at various
uncomfortable places to collect marine animals, chiefly.
He rejoiced greatly over a specimen of Rhamphobatis (Rhynchobatus) ancylos- —
tomus, the rare “* Mivil”’ of our coast, called in those seas ‘* Cululava’’ and ** Man-
nuluva’; and in preparing it he found 180 spines of small sting-rays sticking about
its chops; each representing, as he concludes with great probability,
the last futile remonstrance of the sting-ray against being devoured by its big
cousin. He also got a monkey shark (Stegostoma tigrinum he says) over 6 feet
long; but the description and plate'seem to indicate some other fish ; possibly a
new species; as any one may see by comparing them with Dr. Day’sin our Library,
and with our specimens in spirits. Stegostoma is not so rare a fish as
Mr. Hornaday seems to have thought. After that he got Urogymnus Asperimus,
a fine poreupinish ray, of whose skin some Malayan savage men make shields
occasionally, corals, birds, and crocodiles. These last were of our broad-snouted
species, the “ Mugger,” which, in Ceylon, Mr. Hornaday calls Crocodilus palustris,
as we do (following Gunther), though in India he calls it C. bombifrons. He
remarks on its power of standing with the belly clear of the ground, walking, and
even running; and this he observed in specimens eight feet long. The present
writer has seen it in half-grown and young specimens. It is certainly rare
amongst the Crocodilia, which is probably the meaning of our author when he
says that he “never observed it in other saurians.” This taken literally, is
nonsense ; and in contradiction with the context.
He shot 44 flying foxes with five shots; and skinned them; and didn’t die of
it; and he got a Manis pentadactylus; or as we sometimes call it a “ scaly-
BOOK NOTICE. 155
ant-eater’ (Marathice “* Kaul-manjar’’) and was told by the Sinhalese that this
creature (of which he gives a beautiful vignette) curls himself around the elephant’s
trunk and suffocates him!
He went to Point de Galle, and found a very rare animal in that port, viz., an
honest ‘‘ Moor-man,’’ who sold him real stones at reasonable rates, under the
name of Muhammad “ Ossen’”’ (presumably “ Hasan” or “ Husain.’’)
And then he shook the dust off his feet against the Government of Ceylon and
sailed to Singapore which he calls “the Hub of the Far East.”
In Singapore he found little to collect, having come at the wrong season, though, .
on a subsequent visit the Malays brought him marine miscellanea “ by the boat-
load.”” Amongst many specimens of Homo sapiens he found three Americans, the
Consul and his two daughters ; and thinks it worth while to record that the first
was “‘ loyal to the back bone, and devoted heart and soul to the interests of the
Government he represents,’’ which one would hope is hardly a rare character
amongst Consuls; although the maintenance of a Consul to look after his own two
daughters in a port where no other resident specimen of the nation was to be
found, seems to be a diplomatic luxury on the part of the ‘“ Government he
represents.”
However, two more arrived during Mr. Hornaday’s stay and satisfied him
“in spite of the Scotch blood ”’ of one of them.
He found that the Europeans drank more brandy and soda than was good for
them, which isa common complaint with him, as with other temperate men who
make it a custom to frequent fourth-rate hotels in seaport towns. ‘‘Of the social
life of Smgapore he knew nothing,” but “ from what he was told’ thanked God
for America, as a better place to know something of society in.
Having contemned what he “knew nothing of’ to his heart’s content, and
visited the private Menagerie of the famous Mr. Whampoa; Mr. Hornaday
started for Selangore, and wisely made friends with the Superintendent of Police,
by whose advice he went toa place called Jerom, on a “‘night of the kind
especially made for boating” (a good phrase),and there he proceeded to catch
Crocodilus porosus, which he calls the sea-crocodile (also a good phrase),
although he only once saw the species out at sea, as it seems to be rather an
estuarine reptile. He shota few; but his best specimens were caught with the
** Alir,”’ an ingenious Malayan “ trimmer ”’ which he describes and figures. He saw
monkeys (Macacus cynomolgus) picking up small crustacea at low water; and
captured a Hydrosaurus similarly employed. Also he had a great hunt in the
mud after a jumping fish (Periopthalmus schlossertt) which any one who pleases
may reproduce in Bombay Harbour if he will be content with our
allied ‘“ mud-fish” (Boleopthalmus Boddaarti). Centipedes swarmed in his bed
and clothes, and he didn’t care. Moreover he cured a man of the stab of a sting-
ray, which had quite perforated the hand, with tincture of arnica, “ divine stuff,”
as he calls it. After this he returned to Klang, the Capital of Selangore; and
started thence for Kwala Lumpor, the centre of the tin mines of that district.
Here the most wonderful thing he found was ‘ Jules Mumm’s best at 60 cents
a quart’’ (—Half a crown a bottle); but a little ahead of this he discovered
the ‘‘ Durian’’? (Durio zibethinus) and appears to have been the first white man
who ever fell in love with that remarkable fruit (a cousin of our jack-fruit) at
i TT
Se
156 NATURAL HISTORY.
first sight. Durians are nearly as large as jacks, and sold at this period, 17 for
a dollar, and our hero invested a dollar in them then and there.
The durian groves were tended by Malays, who lived, for fear of wild beasts,
in platforms on the trees, such as we should call ‘ Machans.” Further on
Mr. Hornaday met with “ Junglies” called Jacoons; who had never housed in any
other way; and whom he supposes to be descended from emigrant Bornean
Dyaks. These primitive folk live (or lived then) on game and forest produce
alone, specially bats swarming in certain caves, obtained by the simple process of
knocking them down with sticks, which the present writer has found pretty
efficacious at Ajanta in the like case. “ Fortunately they knew the value of
money” and became shikaris to our author and his comrade; and assisted at the
slaying of an elephant. Here Mr. Hornaday obtained a dead python ; and here he
digresses to observe that throughout the Indies he found serpents as scarce “‘ as in
Ireland ;’ which “was disgusting, after all the big snake stories I had heard.”
The only snake he saw in Selangore was “a vicious little viperine affair, which
I killed with a prayer-book in Captain D.’s drawing-room, while kneeling at
prayers one Sunday evening.”
From Singapore Mr. Hornaday was bound for Borneo; but the Singaporeans
couldn’t or wouldn’t tell him much about it. However he fell in with one of the
District Officers of Raja Brooke, and accompanied him to Sarawak, as we eall it ;
but on the spot people call it Kuching, which is to say “a cat.”
He admired the Raja’s government, and proceeded to collect specimens, and get
ready fora trip into the interior. The Raja pays rewards for the slaughter of
crocodiles (C. porosus), on a graduated scale, by the linear foot, and
Mr. Hornaday gives the statistics of 1878 for two rivers. During that year 266
crocodiles were brought in to be measured and paid for. One was 13 feet 10 inches
long, two others exceeded 13 feet, two more 12 feet, ten were over 11 feet, and 18
over 10 feet. The majority were between 7 and 9 feet long. The application of a
foot-rule has a singularly dwarfing effect upon the dimensions of reptiles. Besides
the estuarine crocodilus porosus, Borneo has a rare gavial (Tomistoma Schlegelli)
which Mr. Hornaday did not see in the fiesh, but he got a skull 3 feet 3 inches
long.
The District Officers gave him a ‘passage to the Sadong River, and quarters in
the “ Government House,” or, as we should call it, the ‘* District Bungalow,”’ from
whieh he hunted for several days, but got nothing to speak of; so acting on
information obtained from the Dyaks of the Simujan he started up that river in
his own boat, in company with a Government writer, Mr. Eng Quee. Here he
made acquaintance with a Dyak ‘ long-house,” a whole village under one roof,
and over one floor (the whole supported on piles), and at the first attempt he
shot three ourang-outangs in one day.
This shikar was accomplished in a canoe, paddling in a forest flooded with
several feet of water, yet dense and lofty enough to allow the ourang-outangs to
travel from tree to tree at a great height from the ground. As ourangs can’t swim,
they have to stick to the tree-tops.
From August to December he lived amongst the Dyaks; occasionally meeting
with the Raja’s officers, or accompanying them on their tours. Then he packed
up and went home. This last part of the book, dealing with Borneo, its beasts
y
PROCEEDINGS. 157
and its people, is very much the best of it. The author really did make acquaint-
ance with the country and people, and his observations about both are valuable,
very unlike his hasty generalizations on Indian matters. He killed gibbons and
ourang-outangs and “ proboscis monkeys,”
and collected more strange creatures
than we have space to enumerate.
Altogether his book is better worth reading than any recent book on the. Far
East and the part of it dealing with his own adventures and special subject is as
good as it can be; the “ obiter dicta,”
hasty, and, we regret to add, occasionally in the very worst taste.
as we have already remarked, are frequently
The illustrations are of very various degrees of merit. Those by the author’s
own hand would make Mr. Ruskin stare and gasp, but have a certain quaint
verisimilitude. Others, borrowed (always with acknowledgment) or executed for the
work by professional artists are of high quality.
PROCEEDINGS.
THE usual Monthly Meeting of the Society took place on Monday, the 10th January
1887.
Dr. D. Macdonald presided.
The following new members were elected :—Mr. W. W. Barr, Rey. E. S. Hall, Mr.
John Wallace, Major T. T. Leonard, Mr, W. F. Melvin.
The Honorary Secretary, Mr. Phipson, reported receipts of contributions to the
Society’s Collection, amongst which were two Birds of Paradise from H. H. The Maha-
raja Holkar; Lizards and Snakes from Mr. F. Gleadow ; a large collection of Fishes
&c., from the Red Sea and Perim from Capt. Aves ; a collection of Butterflies from
Col. C. Swinhoe ; and one of plants from Mr. James Murray.
To the Library were contributed :—Magazine of Natural History, Vol. 18, Nos.
107-108, from Mr. H. Littledale ; Two Years in the Jungle (Hornaday), from Lieut.
W. A. Connop, R. N.; Useful Plants of the Bombay Presidency (Dr. Lisboa), from the
Author ; Journal of Comparative Medicine and Anatomy, Vol, I.; Journal of the
Brovelle Society of Natural History, Nos. 1 and 2 Proceedings of the Linnzean Society
of N.S. Wales, Vol. I., Part 3. ,
Mr. Murray, late Curator of the Kurrachee Museum, exhibited a collection of
Marine Algz consisting of 212 species, from the Coast of Sind, and described the same.
Dr. Kirtikar read a paper on Marine Algz collected by the Hon’ble Mr. Justice
Birdwood on the Ratnagiri Coast. Mr. Sterndale exhibited a fine head from his
own collection of Cervus maral, the Persian stag, and described the differences between
it and the Cashmere stag,
Tux usual Monthly Meeting of the Society took place on Monday, 7th February
1887.
Dr. D. Macdonald presided.
The following new members were elected :—Lieut. W. A. Connop, R.N., Mr. H. T,
Silcock, C.8., Mr. Lonis Berg], Col. G. Merewether, 8.E., Dr. J. H. Irving.
21
158 NATURAL HISTORY.
Mr. BR. A. Sterndale was unanimously elected Vice-President in the place of Dr,
Maconachie, who had resigned.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then reported and gmt con-
tributions to the Society’s collections and library.
Mr. R. Gilbert exhibited a broken piece of a Sambur’s horn, measuring 443 inches,
which he had shot off an animal in Asirgarh. The fracture had taken place above
the brow antler, so that the horn must have been of extraordinary measurement.
Colonel Charles Swinhoe then read a most interesting paper on “ Mimicry in
Butterflies for protection,” illustrated by many beautiful examples from his private
collection. This paper will appear in the next number of the Society’s Journal.
The March Meeting of the Society was held on Monday, the 7th, when upwards of
seventy members were present.
Mr. R. A. Sterndale presided.
The following new members were elected :—Sir M. Melvill, K.C.I.E., Mr. T. Walker,
Mr. N. F. Surveyor, Mr. Pherozeshah Merwanjee Jeejeebhoy.
Mr. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, acknowledged various contributions to the
Society during the past month, and also the following books for the Library :—
Bulletins of the California Academy of Science, Vol. II., No. 5; Record of the Geolo-
gical Survey of India, Vol. XX.; Verhandhengen des Zoologisch Botanischen ; Gesell-
schaft in Wien XXXVL., Band III.-IV., Quartal; Journal of Comparative Medicine
and Surgery, Vol. II., No. 1; Life of Frank Buckland (Bompas), from Mr. H. C. K.
Ollivant, C. S.; Sport in India (Aberigh Mackay), from Mr. J. A. Murray ; Annals
and Magazine, Natural History, from Mr. H. Littledale.
A collection of 40 specimens of snakes lent by Mr. G. W. Vidal, C.S., were exhi-
bited, also a rug made by Mr. E. L. Barton out of 15 Afghan fox skins.
The Secretary announced that through the generosity of a dozen members the
Society had been able to purchase for Rs. 150 the splendid pair of Ovis Polii
horns which had been exhibited in their rooms,
Mr. J. H. Steel, A.V.D., Principal of the Government Veterinary College at
Parel, read a paper on “The Horse, a Zoological Study,” which will appear in the
next number of the, Journal.
Mr. Sterndale exhibited, through the courtesy of its owner, the Agent of the
Waterbury Watch Company, the now-celebrated white monkey, which so nearly
came to a tragical end in the great fire at Madras. He stated that it was a female
albino of the common bonnet monkey, Macacus radiatus.
A further description of this monkey, with a plate, will be given in the next
number.
-
. te
eer
JOURNAL
OF THE
BOWS Ay:
dlatual History Society,
No. 3.] BOMBAY, JULY 1887. [Vol. Il.
THE WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA.
Part IV.—Gusarat.
(By a Member of the Society.)
From the Konkan northwards to the tropic of Cancer hes the
province of Gujarat, bounded on the east, at first by the northern
extremity of the Sahyadris, up to the Kondai Bari Pass. Just
north of this, the last elbow of the chain turns sharply eastwards
to form the plateau of Nizampur; and for about 25 miles, as the
crow flies, the boundary between Gujarat and Khandesh in the val-
ley of the Tapti is an imaginary line. I am here using “ Khan-
desh” as a Geographical expression only. Politically it extends
some miles to the westward in a country called the Nowapur Peta.
But the most convenient physical boundary mark is the “ Haran-
pal” (or “ Buck’s leap’’) on the Tapti; the more so as we are
here dealing with water. “Thisis a rock barrier over which the river
forms a cascade in fine weather, though in flood it is said to be
merely a rapid.
All the waters of Khandesh proper pass over this fall, no matter
where they come from; but the district officially called Khandesh
has some outlying villages on the Deccan plateau, draining into the
Godavari, and also includes a tract called the Akrani Pargana in the
valley of the Nerbudda (Narmada).
The Nerbudda also has its “‘ Haran-pal” corresponding to that of
the Tapti; and an imaginary line drawn through the Satpura
22
160 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,
Mountains between the two will serve for a prolongation of our
eastern boundary, and may fairly be protracted through the western
branches of the Vindhyas to the tropic of Cancer.
This last makes an excellent northern limit to a province which
has none precisely defined by nature; and it happens, too, to coincide
very well with the northernmost limits of British Gujarat; and the
points at which the rugged country to the east and the plains to the
west begin to show the characters in man, beast, and soil of Raj-
putana. The Deccan trap in the hills begins here to give way to
other formations ; and the plains assume more and more the charac-
ter of the Indian Desert. I am aware that some naturalists have
recently included the Deesa region, and even country much further
north, as Gujarat—chiefly, it would seem, because the Bombay Army
has garrisons there. An ideal boundary for an ornithologist would
perhaps be the death-scene of the northernmost Painted Francolin
and southern green pigeon (Crocopus chlorigaster) ; but the tropic is,
on the whole, the best boundary, and coincides pretty closely with
those of native geography and ordinary English conversation.
To the west of Gujarat proper lie the Peninsulas of Kattywar
and Kutch, which, in geology, flora, and fauna, may be assigned
to the desert region, with the south-western parts of the Ahmeda-
bad District such as Gogo, where we get tertiary fossils on Piram
Island. To the south of these lies a shallow and sandy sea, pro-
longed, east of them, into the Gulf of Cambay. In the rains, when
the great and little “ Rans” of Kutch fill and communicate with
the “Nal” of Viramgaum, and this again with the Gulf, no doubt
the fleets of the Royal Canoe Club might circumnavigate them tothis
day.
Gujarat proper, as I have defined it, has two very well marked
regions. Under the hills it is broken and wooded, drained by
small rocky streams which run nearly dry in the hot weather. In
the extreme south, indeed, there is no marked line between Gujarat
and the Konkan, but here begins a plain, which gradually widens,
between the wooded hill country and the sea. The rivers,
especially those rising in the western ghiats, resemble (while in
the rough ground) the streams of the Konkan. But at Surat we
come upon the Tapti and at Broach upon the Nerbudda, both
members of the second class of Indian rivers and already great
perennial streams when they enter this province. North of these we
have the Mahi and Sabarmati—streams far inferior to them, but
‘WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 16]
still respectable—and all four flow for a great part of their course
in wide sandy channels between high alluvial banks, as much resem-
bling in appearance the great river-beds of the Deccan as their local
tributaries and lesser neighbours do those of the Konkan.
All four are subject to violent floods; and once they top their
banks, the flat nature of the country lays it a good deal at their
mercy.
The great characteristic of the waters of Gujarat, however, is
that its plain is, especially to the northward, a country of tanks.
The rainfall (which in the hills is high, reaching 100 inches, and
probably much exceeding that on some hill tops) is here moderate,
and the great thickness of the alluvial soil often makes it impos-
sible to get water in a well of reasonable depth.
The natural remedy is found in tanks, and it will make my later
remarks clearer if I describe a typical Gujarat tank. Where the
ground slopes sufficiently for the water to know which way to run
(which is not always the case), a great crescent-shaped ditch is
dug with its horns, of course, pointing against the stream and
the convex side downwards. The earth out of this is thrown out
on the outer or convex side, and forms an embankment of which
the crest ought to be perfectly level tapering in thickness towards
each horn ; and if the measurements are true, meeting the natural
slope of the ground at the points. As the greatest pressure is
expected on the centre of the crescent, this is naturally the most
massive part of the dam; and that pert of the trench which is its
balljast-pit will naturally be widest and deepest. But, besides this,
ambitious engineers in old days went on digging on theinside of their
trench long after the dam was big enough, throwing up the spoil
into hills, often into islands, some of them quite high enough to be
conspicuous from afar in so flat a country. Such mounds are apt to
be crowned with a Hindu temple or Musalman tomb, having
usually a few trees around it, and, when isolated, are naturally very
favourite spots with waterfowl and crocodiles on account of their
safety from disturbance. I have here described a large first-class
tank, which would have 30 acres or upwards of water when full.
There are many such, and more modest ponds are innumerable in
the northern plains. These are so liable to inundation that, in
practice, at least once a year, a fish can change his quarters in almost
any direction he pleases, following drainage channels which, in the
dry season, can only be detected by careful survey,
162 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
When full, such a tank as I have mentioned is of course a_half-
disc of water; and as it dries, this becomes more and more cre-
scentic, till, when the water is near the original level of the soil,
the undug centre is a marsh surrounded by a crescent of deep water.
This is the best time for water-fowl, the waders taking up their
quarters in the marshy central promontory while the swimmers feed
around its shore, and especially in the horns of the crescent.
During the heat of the day they will sit upon its point or, if there
be an island, around that, or float quietly in the centre of the
widest water.
It will be seen at once that on such a lake the best point for
stalking a flock will probably be at each horn of the embankment ;
but, once the birds are up and flying about, the points of vantage
are on the internal promontory and islands, if any.
The angler’s best place, on the contrary, is in the centre of the
outer curve of the water and inner curve of the dam, as there the
water is deepest and there will be the biggest fish.
If, as often happens, one is encamped upon the tank, this
is all very convenient, as the best trees are sure to be
at the outside of the centre of the crescent which has
the most permanent water-supply. On very large and old tanks
the embankment is often well planted at this point. Now, it is
pleasant to fish near the tents,‘ but better to shoot out of range of
them. It may here be remarked that if the camping ground is
S.-W. of a large tank, it is often dangerous in the cold weather
(especially for women and children). The cold land wind, blowing
over shallow water and marsh, seems to strike deadly chill; and
if one must camp in such a place, the north face of every tent
should be carefully closed pretty early in the evening, and extra
precautions taken in the matter of clothing and bedding.
Such a camp, if one is not inclined to shoot near the tents,
gives in any province great opportunities for watching the birds
with the help of a good glass. They get pretty well accustomed
to natives and cattle, and, after a day or two, to the tents.
I have often been able to watch the coots, jacanas, sand-pipers, and
towards the end of the cold weather, snipe, at very close quarters ;
and the other day I had a painted and a “ full” snipe together
in the focus of my glasses for 15 minutes, within 20 paces. The
difference in their practice is noticeable, the painted snipe feeding
in the water a few inches from the mud and the “ full”? snipe in
WATERS OF WESTERN INDTA. 163
the mud a few inches from the water. Both “ dibbled’’ in
the mud for a perceptible time, making repeated strokes without
quite withdrawing the bill. * The sand-pipers, on the other hand,
feed equally in the water and in the mud, but they peck once only,
withdrawing the bill immediately with a very rapid motion and
elevating it to swallow almost as quickly, something like a hen
drinking.
I focussed lately a group of two spotted sand-pipers and a bronze
winged jacana, which was lovely to see, the brilliant metallic colours
of the latter fairly blazing in the tropic morning and his somewhat
clumsy figure contrasting strongly with the graceful forms and quiet
colouration of the sand-pipers. The one looked like some Japanese
work in two or three metals; the other two like a sketch by some quiet
Huropean artist.
Besides the tanks we have (here alone in Western India) numer-
ous natural lakes, not widely distributed, but gathered in groups
here and there in the north.
The largest, the “Nal” of Viramgaum, has nine miles by nearly
six of open water in December, and an equal area of marsh. It i
brackish, but not too much so for freshwater fish, and it is a very
paradise of water-fowl. The water is nowhere mucb more than six
feet deep, generally much less, which is all in their favour, but
causes a nasty little sea to get up quickly, the more so as the low
desert shores afford no shelter.
The islands are mostly wooded with acacias 15 or 18 feet high,
enough to cut a figure in such a country. About 35 miles north of
this are some salt lakes or marshes, much smaller and chiefly
remarkable as great roosting places for wild-fowl.
Again, 100 miles away in the north-east are the lakes of
Parantej], beginning with the ‘“ Bokh,” an ancient river-bed
now appearing as a huge trough in the plain, with a string
of pools down its centre. ».The Jargest of these, the ‘ Great
Bokh,” is of about 140 acres, if I recollect right, and the next, the
“Tittle Bokh,” of 80; but I have no details here. There are several
smaller pools, and they swarm with fish and fowl.
A group of smaller pools lies within a few miles of Parantej, east
of the Hathmati canal, and another, near Dehgaum, in the Gaekwar’s
country, north of the direct road from Ahmadabad to Harsol. The
* Note.—** Full” snipe, when quietly pat up under these circumstances, often rise
silently, without the usual alarm-note, and with little or no “twist” in their flight.
164 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
largest is between Harsol and Morasa, and is said to consist of 360
lakelets. I shouldn’t wonder if there were really more, but not one
of them is itself of any great size. The Khara Lake, which is the
largest, may have an area of nearly 100 acres in the rains, but
is nowhere 6 feet deep.
NOTE ON HESTIA MALABARICA.
By Carr. T. Macpuerson, Bo. S.C.
As nothing is known regarding the early history of Hestia Mala-
barica, it may interest members of the Natural History Society to
learn that I have succeeded in rearing it from the eggs. On the
28th of February last, 1 was in Camp at Devimani on the Kanara
Ghauts. On the afternoon of that day, whilst walking through a patch
of evergreen forest, I noticed a Q Hestia, apparently intent on find-
ing aplace to deposit hereggs. I therefore stood still and watched
her. She fluttered about for a considerable time round a tree that
was thickly covered by a creeper with large cordate leaves. At last,
when I was almost tired of watching her, she settled on one of these
leaves and deposited an egg on the under surface. This I quickly
secured, and on a careful examination of a number of other leaves
of the same plant I discovered some 8 or 10 more freshly deposit-
ed eggs (I give illustrations of the egg, the full grown grub and
the pupa). The egg is always deposited singly on the under sur-
face of the leaf; it is white, oval, about 7, inch long by 4,
broad, attached to the leaf by one of the small ends and marked
with about 22 longitudinal rows of hexagonal indentations. The
eggs hatched out in from 6 to 7 days, and about 2 days before the
grub emerged its black head could be distinctly seen through the
thin shell. The larva emerges from a litile to one side of the apex
of the egg, eating only a small hole sufficient for its exit; it then
eats its cast off shell for its first meal.
Onemerging the grub is about inch long, skin transparent
pale yellow, head and feet black, and through the skin are visible
the white rings of the more mature grub, also the two black dots on
the back of the 2nd segment. It has 4 minute pairs of fleshy ,ten-
tacles arranged asin the more mature grub.
In a few days the first skin is cast and the grub then assumes the
colours and markings which it retains until it changes to pupa. It
eats its cast skin in the first two changes only.
ty
00,80
9gte
SED
WOVE:
The Eggs, Caler pillar and Chrysalis of
HESTIA MALABARICA.
INDIAN ROCK SNAKE, 165
The young grub has the peculiar habit of eating holes in the centre
of the leaf instead of from the margin inwards, as with most cater-
pillars, but this habit it gives up as it increases in size. It conceals
itself generally on the under surface of the leaf. In from 20 to 25
days it attains to full size, and is then about 2 inches long by + inch
broad at the centre, cylindrical, slightly tapermg towards the ex-
tremities, provided with 4 pairs of black fleshy tentacles about ¢
inch long, one pair being on each of the following segments—3, 4,
6, and 12, skin smooth, glossy, head black, 2nd segment white
with two small black dots on the back ; all the other segments white
with a broad band of black round the centre of each; legs black.
Segments 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 have on each side on the black
ground small round patches of bright scarlet, particularly distinct
on the 6th and 11th segments ; belly black.
On attaining its full size the grub spins a small pad of silk on the
uader surface of a leaf, attaching its last pair of legs firmly to this
pad and hanging thus freely suspended head downwards; it remains
thus for about 24 hours, when it casts its skin and changes to pupa.
The pupa is naked, hanging freely suspended from its oval seg-
ment as in all the Nymphalide; it is 1 inch ong by 7% broad;
colour golden yellow, with large patches of bright metallic gold, the
black spots on the wings of the butterfly showing through the
yellow parts of the chrysalis.
In 12 or 18 days the pupa loses its brilliant colouring and metallic
lustre and turns black, and about 24 hours later the butterfly
emerges. _
I have given a few specimens of the pupa to the Natural History
Society, so that if my description is faulty it can be corrected.
The food-plant I was unable to define, but I left some leaves with
the Society, and perhaps they have been classed by this time. The
creeper was unfortunately not in flower, nor could I find any seeds.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FEEDING, &c., OF THE
INDIAN ROCK SNAKE (PYTHON MOLURUS)
KEPT IN THE SOCIETY’S ROOMS,
From 27th May 1886 to 20th May 1887.
By H. M. Pureson, C.M.Z.S., Hon. Suc., B. Nar. Hisr. Soc.
Tue following particulars, showing the amount of food consumed
by the Python in the Society’s Rooms in one year with the varia-~
166 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
tions of its temperature during the period of hybernation and other
details will, I think, be of interest to the members.
During the twelve months between 27th May 1886 and 20th May
1887, the snake ate 23 rats, 3 hens, 3 crows, and 1 kestrel, all of
which were given to it alive. Itis worthy of note that the rats on
being placed in the cage appeared to take little or no notice of the
snake. They would frequently run over its coils in their efforts to
find a way out of the cage, and on occasions, when the snake re-
mained quiet for a time, they would frequently approach it, smell it,
and even bite it. The hens appeared to have even less instinctive
fear of the snake, and would, if left to themselves for a short time,
commence scratching and picking up grains in the cage. The
crows, on the other hand, showed considerable apprehension of the
danger.
It will be seen that during the hot months the period of digestion
averaged about eight days, whereas in the cold weather it became
much slower, the two rats eaten on 21st December being retained
until 28th February.
During the cold weather, from 21st December to 13th April,
a period of 113 days, the snake refused food and remained in a very
sluggish, sleepy condition. During this period of hybernation the
temperature of the reptile fell from 82° (normal) to 73°, a fall of 9
degrees. Taking the temperature was a matter of considerable
difficulty. The snake is very strong, and it often required as many as
six persons to hold it still while the thermometer was inserted.
The results are, however, of particular value, as such observations
cannot be made in Huropean menageries, where artificial heat has
to be used.
The snake cast its slough four times during the course of the
year: three times in the hot weather, at intervals of 2 months, and
once after it had recovered from its hybernation.
Date when | Description of Date of So os Temperature] Tempera-
Fed. Food Defcecation Casting taken ture
sore A ¢ Slough. f 3
He
1886. 1886. 1886. 1886.
27th May ......| 1 Kestrel ...... 8rd June ...|27th May 0.) sewers
7th June ...... 1 Rat .....0s.- Wad chapibatspeenn Pier rocnaae.! wi) cud dad
22nd yee 1 Crow...... r]
See pee 1 Rate ig. Vihaee ee | ee
PBtH yy eee ces |e) LUGS connie 17th July .../17th July...... severe
20th July ...... 1, Rat... sos \ Lab Atel he EPA NE
Tess caeleos LM ser reese
BREEDING OF THE KENTISH RINGED PLOVER. 167
Date when | Description of Date of a oi of Temperature] Tempera-
Fed. Food. Defcecation. Bi: gees taken. ture.
ough.
1886. 1886. 1886. 1886.
28th July ...... Da Crowe decent lee si ae I i gutsca tea fT Met, Wibslece
ee fGen oe t oe
2nd August...) 1 Rat........ ?
4th Nin vail Oe. DROibeoceeebas .|22nd August.| ss... Al SEP MSAK, :
6th Aa TU RaGt ccc cess
26th Pe bos etd eh incrtercna sa e-tale bass: ) 0.0 Seo he actctr at
30th Fo. cose de kee e
10th September] 1 Rat......... (27th Sept. ...|27th Sept. . His,
28th = o} eat... ....,|L4th October.| oF elu uresaves
13th Gctober...| 1 Hen ...... U} ana Nov
21st Shihs, he Die eat Sa, saab |: ope eee oe e a
30th teen e; | een: veces. >) 9th Noy. 82 o
8th November] 1 Rat......... { ie
qe Necembar | T Bat SACRMIGOK cel WeKees 28th ,, 793
19th in ipl hihAee er Eee | Wi Uss7s
21st = | EINES Cagneone Aside. Gagl| aergoae PIE Metre
1887. 1887. 1887.
13th April 1 Rat.........,. /Thrown up....{L0th April...) 3rd January} 754
24th , t pluAgeceeen sca USt Meaveeasc|| © om edata. Zot 73
10th May -| 1 Rat.. rea OGLEEsiiecscoa NEB. stars 20th Feb. 78
20th ,, a let 0 8 Ves ce aeoe te, Asian aprerecdes seesee 7th March 2
NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF THE KENTISH RINGED
PLOVER (H4GIALITIS CANTIANUS ) WITHIN
INDIAN LIMITS.
By Lizur. H. H. Barnzs.
Many years ago Captain (now Colonel) Vincent Legge found
the Kentish Dotterel breeding in numbers on the banks of the salt
pans in the south-eastern portion of the island of Ceylon.
Mr. Hume having received eggs and a skin from Captain Legge
writes as follows in Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds :—
“Two of these eggs sent me by Mr. Legge measure respectively
1:23 and 1:2 by 0°87 and 0°85, and therefore in dimensions corre-
spond precisely with those of the next species,* as, indeed, they do
also in colour, shape, and markings.
“Mr. Legge also favoured me with one of the old birds, which he
considered to have belonged to the eggs. It is clearly Cantianus,
but it is in entirely non-breeding plumage (though killed on the
7th July) without either black or rufous about the head. He
also informs me that all the specimens killed by him at that time
were similarly in non-breeding plumage.
* 849, Mgialitis dubia.
23
168 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCTETY.-
“The bird sent me is a young bird, a year old or thereabouts,
and I cannot help fearing (every one who has taken their nests in
Europe knows how difficult it is to catch them on their nests) that
Mr. Legge’s specimens may all have been young birds that
remained behind when their parents returned to their breeding
haunts, and that the eggs which he attributes to them im reality
belonged to individuals of the next species.”
The following season (1873), Captain Legge again found them
breeding and shot the old birds from the nest, but still Mr. Hume
remained unconvinced,
Up to the present time I am not aware of anything ‘more being
placed on record regarding the breeding of the Kentish Plover
within Indian limits, but Dr. Scully found them breeding on the -
25th April in Hastern Turkistan, and it will perhaps be remembered
that Captain Butler shot a specimen at the island of Henjam, in the
Persian Gulf, in May, with the testes much developed asif breeding,
but he does not say what plumage this particular bird wasin. He
also says that he found the Kentish Plover breeding on the bare
sandy plain at Jashk ; and although he found no eggs, he caught
a young bird unable to fly, about ten days old, and a specimen he
shot at the same time was in winter plumage. .
On the 28th April of the present year, Mr. J. W. N. Cumming,
a young but earnest and reliable fellow-worker in Oology, found a
clutch of three eggs placed in a slight depression in the sand at
the base of a small hillock not far from the sea; on the 9th May
he found three nestlings of the same species, and from his descrip-
tion of the manner in which the parent bird (which he shot)
tried to entice him from their vicinity, there can be no reasonable
doubt of their authenticity.
This skin was forwarded by Mr. Cumming to the Honorary
Secretary of the Bombay Natural History Society, from whom f
received it. It is without doubt a young bird of Alqialitis cantianus,
exactly as Mr. Hume describes; but to prevent any possibility of
error I had the skin identified by Mr. Murray, Manager of the
Victoria Natural History Institute, Mazagon, and for many years
Curator to the Karachi Municipal Museum, who, after a most careful
examination, fully endorsed my identification. Mr. Cumming’s
valuable find has therefore confirmed Colonel Legge’s assertion,
that the eggs he took in Ceylon belonged to 4. cantianus and
not to Al, dubia.
MIMICRY IN BUTTERFLIES FOR PROTECTION. 169
Mr. Hume lays some stress on the fact that the eggs sent to him
by Colonel Legge are much smaller than Kuropean specimens usually
are; but if, as seems certain, only yearling birds breed with or near
as, then their eggs, being ucder the average, need not excite surprise.
The eggs of Ayialitis cantiana, taken by Dr. Scully in Eastern
Turkestan, are about the same size. Below I append a table giving
the dimensions of the two eggs in Mr. Hume’s possession, of four
with Colonel Legge, three of Dr. Scully, and one sent me by
Mr. Cumming. ‘The first eggs of many domesticated birds are often
abnormally small, as every housewife knows, and I have a crow’s
egg, taken from the nest, not much larger than a sparrow’s egg.
I have very carefully compared one of the eggs taken by
Mr. Cumming (which he kindly lent me) with European eggs, and
I find that, except in size, it does not differ: the ground colour and
the markings are exactly similar, but on the other hand it differs
considerably from eggs of AY. minutus, Pall (Jerdoni), of which I
took a large number at Neemuch. The difference is hard to explain
in words ; but when the eggs are placed side by side it is very notice-
able. The markings of the egg of minutus bemg more speckly and
scratchy and not so distinct as in eggs of cantianus, I am myself
quite convinced of the authenticity of these eggs.
Dimension of Eggs of Agialitis cantianus.
Colonel
Mr. Hume. Vincent Dr, Scully. |Mr.Cumming.
Legge.
REMARKS.
ca n S nD sat r= : ao Es = Sos =
melee | ma | ee) ee | se) we | es
5s | 0 ee o =} mite [ugh Se
A |x 2a] 4 (aa) i jaa] =| faa]
1 | 1°23 | 0°87 | 1:21 | 0°85 | 1:24 | 0°92 | 1:25 | 0°87 | Mr. Hume says that
European eggs vary
2| 12 | 0-85] 1:25 | 0-89 | 1:22 | 0-91 from 1°25 to 164
: inches in length and
3 sa 24/1123) (0-089! |b -1-8n 4-090] 0.2.0 47 ... from 0°95 to 0°96 in
breadth.
4 : 1°2 | 0:92 “
ON MIMICRY IN BUTTERFLIES FOR PROTECTION.
By Cot. Cas. SWINHOE, F.LS., B.Z.S., F.E.S.
Tuar butterflies are to be foundall over the world, clothedin colours
and patterns closely resembling their surroundings, has been long
170 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
known. Groups like the Satyrine that are fond of shady places and
live on hill sides and rocky dells are nearly always of a dull-brown
colour ; the Huploeinz that mhabit dark moist dells and live in the
thick undergrowth of forests are all black; the Pierinz that fly
about in the sun in almost any kind of climate are generally white or
yellow ; and the desert group of this family, the Teracoli, that mostly
frequent barren sandy tracts in the hottest parts of the world, have
their white colours tinted and patched with most brilliant sun-spots
of bright yellow and salmon colour ; they only fly about in the hottest
part of the day, and are very difficult to distinguish, Then there are
the leaf butterflies, or Kallimas, and their allies, which, when on the
wing, frequent the tops of high trees; their flight is very swift, and
most of them are of large size. On the upper surface their wings
are often brilliantly coloured, but underneath have the colouration and
markings of various kinds of leaves, and when they settle, you see
them vanish into a tree and become at once invisible. The com-
mon Indian form, Kallima tnachis, for stance, a N.-W. Himalayan
insect, generally settles amongst the dried leaves of a tree, and
perching head downwards with closed wings so exactly resemble a
dried leaf as to be invisible. Many of the Pierine have also mimic
eaves on their under surface. The largest of them are the
Hebomoias. I have only two species of this genus, H. glaucippe,
from various parts of India—very plentiful in Bombay, on Malabar
Hill—and the Nicobar species, Lwepstor fii, and they both represent
excellent imitations of leaves on their under surface. The subject,
however, of the mimicry of one form of butterfly or another form
was first brought clearly before the scientific world by Mr. Bates
in an excellent paper which appeared in the Transactions of the
Linnean Society for 1862, Vol. 33, p. 495, and subsequently Mr.
Wallace brought many remarkable facts on this subject to light.
It was observed by Mr. Bates that imitating species are com-
paratively rare, whilst the imitated are to be found in great numbers,
the two sets living together. The imitated were for the most part
brilliantly coloured insects, and he therefore concluded that they must
be protected from the attacks of birds, &c., by some secretion or
noxious odour, and this has now been abundantly proved, and his
paper on this subject in P. H. 8. 1866, 3rd December, p. 45, is well
worth reading. I do not propose to give just now a paper of scien-
tific deductions. The principle of mimicry has been written about
and argued out by many scientific men since Mr. Bates first brought
MIMICRY IN BUTTERFLIES FOR PROTECTION. 171
the matter to light in 1862. I simply propose to show as many of
the types of mimicry as I can from the examples out of my own private
collection of butterflies. As to how one butterfly comes to mimic
another for protection has been explained by many authors, and not
always on the same theory; but I take it that Darwin’s explanation
that many species of Lepidoptera are lable to considerable and
abrupt variations of colour is the keynote of the whole mystery. Let
us look at Hypolimnas misippus. The normal form of this butterfly
is black, with large white spots on the wings; the female mimics
Danais chrystppus in its colouration and markings, this butterfly
being of a bronze-reddish colour. Now the male of Hypolimnas
misippus is a very pugnacious insect and is very active, and has a
remarkably quick flight, andis therefore capable of protecting itself ;
it is very good food for birds, lizards, &c., and whenever caught is a
delicious mouthful; the female, however, is much slower in flight,
and when heavily laden with eggs is easily captured. Danais chry-
sippus, on the contrary, like all the Danaine group, is a butterfly
that no bird or lizard will touch, and both these species live in the
same places. Now, supposing at some former period, in accordance
with the well-known fact that Zypolimnas misippus in common with
many species of lepidoptera being liable to considerable and abrupt
variation in colour (I myself have a very curiously coloured female
of this group), if a female appeared of a reddish or bronzy tinge (a not
uncommon occurrence with black butterflies), would itnot be probable
that it would have a greater chance of escaping the attacks of birds
and lizards than its black sisters? Some of its progeny would also
probably have a bronzy tinge, and these also would have the greater
chance to escape, and so on, from generation to generation the more
bronzy the offspring became, and the more they resembled the
colouration of the protecting species, the more they would become
protected themselves, until, in the course of ages, the black form of
the female H. misippus would cease to exist andits place would be
taken by the beautiful female mimic of Danais chrysippus; and it is
curious to observe that the protected and protecting forms are
invariably found together. Danais chrysippus is an insect common
in many parts of the world, all over India, Burma, and Ceylon, in
the Philippine Islands, in Turkey, Madagascar, Arabia, and the west,
south, and south-eastern coast of Africa, and in all these places
(I am not sure about Turkey) the protected form, Hypolimnus
misippus, is also to be found. In Aden and in several parts of
172 © BOMBAY NATURAL HiSTORY SOCINTY.
Africa there is a form of Danais chrystppus, called D. aleippus, with
white hind wings, and in all such places the protected form of H.
misippus isfound with white wings; andin Aden, onthe Kutch Coast in
Sind, and in parts of the interior of Africa, there is a form of D.
chrysippus called D. dorippus, without the black apical patch to the
four wings, and in these places the female of H. misippus is also
colouredand marked similarly, This form ofthe femaleof A. misippus
is frequently to be seen in Bombay and other parts of India, and it is
not at all uncommon, though not nearly so plentiful, as the D. chry-
sippus form. On observing this I have for some years collected all
the D. chrysippus I could get together in the expectation of getting
some D. dorippus, and in this I have not been disappointed, and I
have now specimens in my collection from Bombay, Poona, Khandalla,
and from the Punjab. It is, however, nothing like so common as the
female of H. misippus, which mimics this form, reversing the rule
that the imitating species are comparatively rare whilst the imitated
swarm in large numbers; but this only shows that in former ages
in these places the form D. dorippus was a common form, and that
it has gradually been dying out and is now very nearly extinct.
On the principle that mimicry is merely for protection, and that the
protecting butterflies are those most abundant, we would here in
India naturally expect to find the several species of the sub-families
HKupleeinee and Danaine more frequently mimicked than any other
kind, because many of the species of both these sub-families are to
be found in great abundance in most parts of India, and all are
distasteful to birds, lizards, &c., and this is actually the case. It is
very difficult to demonstrate facts*of this nature from a private collec-
tion from want of sufficient specimens, but happily my collection
affords some very interesting examples, and though I cannot in all
cases show the exact species mimicked, some of the mimicking species
being from parts of India, from which I have not many specimens,
still I can show forms sufficiently allied to make the matter un-
derstood. We will first take the Euplosine, of which the common
form is H. core. It has many allies all over India, and its allies are
more or less closely mimicked by several species of Papilio—Papilio
panope, Papilio clytia, Papilio lankeswara, Papilio dravidarum, and
the female of P. castor, also Papilio tavoyana, which exacily mimics
Hwplea aleathoe from the same parts of India, and of which I happen
to have two goodexamples. There is another butterfly the female of
which also mimics the Huplocas—a butterfly called Hypolimnas bolina,
MIMICRY IN BUTTERFLIES FOR PROTECTION. 173
of the family Nymphaline, widely separated from the family
Papilionine. In case No. 2 are also some very interesting mimics
of two other common species of Euploea—F. midamas and H. rhada-
manthus. On the left of the former are two moths called Amesia
aliris, which mimic the male, and three other moths called Amesia
midama (all of the family Chalcosidee) which, raimic both sexes of
E. midamas; and on the right of these Eupleeas are also five excel-
lent mimics, all butterflies of the family Elymniine, LH. leucocyma
and Dyctis patna, the sexes of which mimic the same sexes of H.
midamas. In the next column are some specimens of E. rhada-
manthus of both sexes and to their right area number of Huripus
halitherses, a butterfly of the family Nymphalinz, the males of
which mimic a Danais I do not possess—(I have, however, put in an
allied form from Java to show the pattern), and the female mimics
two forms of Eupleea, EH. rhadamanthus and a black Huploa I do
not possess. Next we will take the red Danaine (case 3), D.
chrysippus, D. dorippus, and D. aleippus. We will there see the
female of Hypolymnas mimicking all these, as before explained,
and Danais genutia you will find in the next column mimicked by
the females of three different species of the family Elymniina, 2. e.,
BE. fraterna from Ceylon, B. caudata from South India, and #,
undularis from Sikkim and Assam. ‘There is a female of the last
named species received last week from Rangoon along with the alhed
formof D. genutia from that part of India, with white hind wingscalled
D. hegisippus, and it is very curious to observe that the hind
wings of this and H. undularis as also whitish. In this case I
also show you another species of this family called Dyctis vasudeva,
which mimics a Delias of the family Pierinz, a gaudily-coloured
common genus which nothing will eat. In case No. 4 are some
white Danias mimicked by various kinds of Papilios, by one species
of the family Nymphalinz, Hestina nama, and by one species of
the family Satyrine, Orindma damaris. Euplea tytia and #,
malaneus beautifully mimicked by Papilio agestor and P. Govindra;
also P. epycides, P. megareus, P. macareus, P. xenocles, and Hestina
nama of the family Nymphaline, all of which mimic various forms
of white Danais, the nearest allies of which to be found in my
collection I have placed in the case for comparison. Finally, in
case No. 5 there are some insects that mimic the common Papilio
diphilus and its allies, a butterfly most distasteful to birds, &c. In
the left is P. paummon, the female of which mimics two species,
174 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIRTY.
P. diphilus and P. hector, and in the Nicobars the female of the
variety Nicobarus mimics the Nicobar variety of P. diphilus, called
P. camorta. ‘Then you will see P. janaka is mimicked by a moth
called Hpicopeia polidora, of the family Chalcoside, and P. aidoneus
is mimicked by another moth of the same genus called H'picopeia
polinora. If we examine into the moths we find numerous cases of
mimicry, commencing with the Zygenide, which mimic various
kinds of hornets, wasps, and flies, but time does not admit of my
going into these. There is another form of so-called mimicry,
which is not mimicry at all. In the family Huplceinee there are
many series of species which in their markings much resemble each
other, but as they are all distasteful to birds, lizards, &c., there can
be, in so far as we know, no reason why they should mimic each
other; but, as has been already shown to you, many of them are
very closely mimicked by various other kinds of butterflies, some
of which belong to families widely separated from each other and
by many moths. All the Indian species of Huploine, except one,
HB. Andamanensis, are coloured black, and it is undoubtedly a fact
that many of them, though differing so much in theshape of their
wings and in their sexual marks as to have caused their separation
into different sub-genera, are so nearly like each other in their
markings as to be hardly distinguishable except to the experienced
lepidopterist. These similarly marked species, in so far as I can
understand it, must have had the same common ancestor, and for
some reason unknown to us, though their markings have remained
similar, the shape of their wings and the sexual brands on their
wings, have become altered in the course of time, to adapt them to
their conditions of life in the great struggle for existence. It isalso
very curious to note how evenly these changes seem to have
occurred in widely separated places, such, for instance, as in
Bombay and Ceylon, where we have the common form, H. core,
a black insect with largish white sub-marginal and marginal spots ;
it has the hinder margin of the fore wings nearly straight, and one
small sexual brand on the fore wings of the male. We also get in
Bombay FH. Kollari, so like it in its markings as to make it seem at
the first glance to be the same insect, but if you examine it carefully
you will see that it is quite different in the shape and size of the
wings in both sexes, and the hinder margin of the fore wing is
deeply curved outwards, and the sexual brand of the fore wing
is also quite different. Now in Ceylon we have a form of H, core
MARATHI NAMES OF PLANTS. 175
called H. asela, also quite common there, differing from EH. core
in having all the spots small; and we also get H. sinhala, differing
from H, Kollari in exactly the same way that H. asela differs from
H. core. The core form is very common, and the Kollari form is
rare, and I believe the latter was the original form; that it is
gradually dying out and has been replaced and pushed out of
existence by the other, which has now become the common form.
I cannot do better than to end this paper with a quotation from
Darwin on this subject; he says:—‘As in each fully-stocked
country natural selection necessarily acts by the selected form
having someadvantage in the struggle for life over other forms, there
will be a constant tendency in the improved descendants of any one
species to supplant and exterminate in each stage of descent their
predecessors and their original parent. ”
MARATHI NAMES OF PLANTS.
WITH A GLOSSARY.
By Bricapr-Surceon W. Dymock.
Moteswortu remarks, in the Preface to his Dictionary, that such
words as 3fal, HB or RAT, Hla, HA, &c., are applied indifferently
to the tree and to the fruit, especially in the Konkan; but that the
Desh-people prefer to say nfeara ars, HBA ATS “c., for the tree
or plant and sitar, ze, Hig, We., for the fruit. (Op. cit. Pref. p. xiii.)
At the same time, when it is desired to distinguish between the
tree and the fruit, it is usual to make the tree feminine and the fruit
masculine, thus, the tree Garcinia indica would be tatat and the fruit
tatar. To this rule, however, there are many exceptions, ec. g., another
name for the same tree and for its fruit is fate, a feminine noun,
whilst the seed is called f4t¢f, also a feminine noun.
Many foreign names, usually more or less mutilated, are to be found
in Marathi books ; these are mostly derived from the Hindi, Guzarathi,
and Canarese languages, and, of course, are most prevalent in the
Northern Konkan, the Hastern Dakhan, and Savant Wari Districts.
We also find that many names are very local and often quite
unknown beyond the district in which they are current.
Some names are applied very loosely to different plants having
similar properties, or resembling one another in appearance; for ex-
ample, 3 and ¥et, the first being used to indicate several of the
24,
176 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Aracee and also various trees bearing plum-like fruits; the second
is the name of Aschynomene aspera, Hibiscus esculentus and several
plants having similar flowers, such as Thespesea populnea, &c.
The Marathi names of plants, like the Hindi and Guzarathi names,
are many of them of Sanskrit origin, and as well as the non-Sanskrit
names, are mostly descriptive of some property or peculiarity of
appearance possessed by the plant; e.g., araaanr (Tiger’s-mouth) is
Gloriosa superba, @eaareuet (Rattle-pod Dingala) is Crotalaria
Leschenaultii, jqrsrét and similar names are applied to nettles and
such plants as irritate the skin, sta or (Fairies’ pumpkin) is Luffa
echinata, &c.
With regard to Sanskrit names of plants their identification is
often a hopeless task, owing to the number of different plants to
which similar names havebeen given. Thus Amara means Euphorbia
Tirucalla and Tiaridium indicum, Amaré Panicum dactylon and
Tinospora cordifolia, Amara-pushpa Saccharum spontaneum, Pan-
danus odoratissimus and Mangifera indica. Amritd, essentially
the same name, means Phyllanthus Emblica, Terminalia Chebula,
Tinospora cordifolia, Piper longum, Ocimum sanctum, Citrullus
Colocynthis, &c.
In this neighbourhood Amarvel, Ambarvel or Amritvel would be
understood to mean Tinospora cordifolia, a plant which really deserves
the name of Amara.
Marathi names are not free from ambiguity; thus we have several
Rats’-ears, Undirachekan or Undirkani, in no way related to one an-
other generically, and such vague terms as “the white tree,” “th®
black creeper,” ‘‘the sour bush” are not infrequent.
Many plants have the same names as cultivated ones, to which
they bear a certain resemblance, with the addition of Jangli, Ran,
Van or Véra, words meaning ¢ wild,’ ¢.g., 37ST AS, TATTTST, TST FHT
aqsrz Wild Bhenda, Wild Lablab Bean, Wild Turmeric, Wild
Jasmine, names applied to Hibiscus tetraphyllus, Cylista scartosa,
Curcuma aromatica, Salisb. and Clerodendron inerme. Other dis-
tinguishing adjectives in common use are ¢q, equivalent to our
Fairy, afz Thorny, #g Bitter, aret Black, arr Salt, ats
Sweet, Sram Four-cornered, giatt Mountain, ataet Red, ytrar
Great, wrazt Small, art Snake-like, gistr White, vert Hill,
faqat Yellow, ae Ground, i.e. procumbent or dwarf ; 7et
Great, att Large, tra Royal, tat and tH Red, em belonging
to Ram, 74 Royal, sart Small, ares Red, fsradt Foreign, Iq
GLOSSARY. 177
belonging to Shiva, qq Sun, ar Golden, fata belonging to
Deer, &c.
Corruptions are not uncommon; the country-people say Hra or
Réra for Véra (Fer), wild. Yél for Vél, a creeper, Héla or Ela for
Wahéla, the name of Terminalia belerica, &c.
Errors of pronunciation have been the cause of many mistakes in
Marathi names when written in Hnglish characters.
In the list of names, which I now present to the Society, I have taken
much trouble to ascertain the orthography of the werds ; Ist, by ex-
tracting all the names of plants from Molesworth’s Dictionary and
from several Marathi books on wild medicinal plants; 2nd, by com-
paring the list thus made with the names found in English botanical
works, the spelling of which I have thus in most cases been able to
correct when necessary. The list thus revised contains about 1,200
Latin names of plants found in this Presidency or sold in the Bazars
with usually two or three Marathi or Guzarathi equivalents for each
botanical name.
There still remain on hand a number of vernacular names for
future identification and incorporation in the Glossary.
GLOSSARY.
Abelmoschus, see Hibiscus.
Abroma augusta, Linn. .........| Hteadats Olaktambol, or sitaaqanale
Olatkambol.
Abrus precatorius, Linn......... wat, Gunj, art Chanoti.
Abutilon graveolens, W. & A.| zatq Muddm.
» indicum, G. Don. ...| Fzpét Petari, qayt Madmi, axet Karandi.
AS » var tomentosum.) =a yer Chakrabhendé.
The seed is sold in the shops as qmatat
Balbij. The capsules of these plants
are called 3zt Mudra, from their resem-
*plance to a seal.
+9 muticum, G. Don.| a fast Kasili.
Acacia arabica, Willd. ......... ap Babhil.
y an. GWA soveee-+-| FSpaqraes Veribaébhul.
bs od Baral! tLeeeesae water Ramakdnta.
5 * seedeyy) 2h. grat Dhémuki.
», Catechu, Willd.......... qed Khadéri, @< Khair.
” ” catechuic acid} Found in cavities in the wood. @care
Khairsar.
178
Acacia catechu, var .......00..-
concinna, DO eee
eburnea, Willd.
Farnesiana, Willd.
ferruginea, DC.
Intsia, Willd.
Latronum, Willd. ......
»» leucophlea, Willd.
», odoratissima, Benth. ...
eoeeeu
», pennata Willd. .........
RRO CEI. | vartecm sc acmexel
os. NOLPUNALA 2: ca lesccve Denichinee
Ay ppp UUM CACUTE Se weeeue cen ses
SS SUNGNAS IO. cece cera
pel) Oana sh doe Nae de.
o77 MEROIREL) 02 ete eter es
Acalypha indica, Linn. .........
Acampe papillosa, Zindl, ......
Acanthodium spicatum .........
Acanthus ilicifolius, Blume ...
Achillea millefolium, Linn.
», Santolina, Linn.
Achras Sapota, Linn.............
Achyranthes alternifolia, Linn.
xs aspera, Linn.
Aconitum ferox, Wall (root)...
heterophyllum, Wail,
(root).
ye sp. (tubers) ......:..
Acorus Calamus, Linn. .........
99
Actinopteris radiata, Linn.
Adansonia digitata, Linn,......
Adenostemma viscosum.........
Adenanthera pavonina, Linn.
Adenoon indicum ..........000.-
Adhatoda Vasica, Nees
Adiantum lunulatum,
eereee oe:
Burm.
et venustum, Don.
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
aeapar Shepiya-khair.
far Shika, the pods faranranrs ShikAkai.
avaaq Marmat.
-..| TAA Guyababhil, aayrt Kankar.
qizerae Pdéndhara Khair.
faere Childr, or faeert Chilhar.
gaara Deobibhul, Faq Bhes.
| gax Hevur, qtett arr Péndhari_ babhil.
Rene Phalphala.
ajat Shembi, {acer Shemberti.
See Albizzia procera.
See Albizzia stipulata,
aHatesr Kamtiya.
saree Lalkhair.
aAltasit Kimaji. (Grah. Cat. 468.)
satranst Akakia (iimpd.)
ait Kupi, @raer Khokali.
crear Rasnd, Hraat Kanbher.
See Blepharis edulis,
araet Mardndi, arereory Mordnnd,
+} apstaa Rojamari.
--| fatairan Biranjasif.
raw Chik, Haz Kayath,
waar Getana,
straret Aghadé, @eisér Kharmanjari.
qaara Bachnab, or qqara Bachnig (¢mpd.)
sara Atis, sfafag Ativish (impd.)
qeqar Vakhm4, faeqar Bikhmé.
aaqe Vekhand, qaqqqe Vachvekhand,
WVSt Fa Gord-vach.,
...| araafaay Mapursik.
acaqraa Gorakhchinch, apeqsasy Go-
rakhamli, arqarqa Vavbab.
TWarat Ranjiren.
are Val, Grcet wat Thorli gunj.
atat arnt Mothi-sonki.
MSS Adilsa, grat Basa, sjzeq Atarusha.
wart Mubarak, Faust Hansraj, qieaity
Ghorkhiri.
Adina cordifolia, H.f. ......... we Edi, or zz Hedi.
Aigiceras corniculata, Blanco.| aiset Kanjali.
GLOSSARY. 179
ZEgle Marmelos, Corr. ......... ae Bel, fae Bil or fazar Bilva.
Brides maculosum, Lindl. ...) ara Ichvach.
arya tanata, “Vase. “) 4-05. foene Arse aa Kapir-madhura.
Aischenomene aspera, Linn....| YF Bhend. The dry stem from Bengal,
used by women to [keep earring-holes
open. The sola hat is made of it.
fEtheilema reniforme ......... See Justicia infundibuliformis.
Agaricus campestris, Linn. ...| syafa Alombén.
be officinalis............ -..| See Polyporus officinalis,
Agati grandiflora .............-.| See Sesbania grandiflora.
qreate Pdilkandé, siaar sara Janeli
anas,
Ageratum conyzoides, Linn. ... rarer Osari.
. waa Priyangu.
qeteeq Maharikh,
ararsg Bagyadhup, He bd.
Arar strate Kal dkol, or stats Ankol.
a Lilai, araat Layali.
faced Shiras, Faarer Chichola.
farce Shiras, Fafaet Chinchindd or Fazar
Chichva.
fHaz Kinai, were Gurr.
RIS Udul, watt Kasir.
Algze sp. var. (pond weeds) .,| 3tarae Sheval.
Aleurites moluccana, Wiild. ...| swe Akhrot, atH@ Japhal.
Agave americana, Linn.........
Aglaia odorata, Lour. ........
Ailanthus excelsa, Rowb. ......
a malabarica, DC.......
Alangium Lamarckii, Thwaites
Albizzia amara, Boivin ...... see
os Lebbek, Benth ......
ie odoratissima, Benth ..
ss, «procera, Benth. "s. sec.
stipulata, Boivin.......
Alhagi maurorum, Desv......... sarat Javdsd, or qarar Yavasa,
vd 5) Manna (impd), aca Turanjabin,
Allamanda cathartica, Linn. ...| zt arazRT Jahari sontakka,
Allium Cepa, Linn..........06--. aniat Kéndd, qa Ul, Tatg_ Palindd, qfars
Piydj, Saat Dungli.
me 2 PORK Finn spacns cee wz Khorat.
SH GQ BAULVUNE,. DIG oo tac sce wea Lahsan, SET Lastin, or 6374 Lashun.
» 8p. (Muscat garlic) ... aitaet Sirebari (tmpd.)
wmaAtet oeaa Ekkanda lahsan, in bazar,
it comes from Gogo.
aitta Tipin, #et Mendri.
sm, Alun, a 3H Téré-alun.
aware Kunvar, artas Korkand, RITHTS
Koraphad.
ufzear Eliyd.
we we
Giarat Tear, Sokotri eliya.
Allophyllus Cobbe, Bl..........
Alocasia indica, Schofé.........
Aloe abyssinica, Lam. .........
3) extract of Pete ase esesssaseee
»» perryi, Baker, extract,
(impd).
180 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOGIETY.
Aloexylon Agallochum ......... See Aquilaria Agallocha.
Alpinia Allughas, Rosc..........) aT Tarak.
5 \Gralemeagie en octane se ale @Bleaat Kosht kulinjan. (The great
Galangal, impd.)
op, :Mlutams, Ftose., sos csc, goraqr Pundchampa, arratraqr Nig-
phanichampa.
” officinarum, Hance ..| qrqatae Pankijar, gfe Kulinjan.
(China Galangal, impd.)
Alstonia scholaris, 2. Br. ...| graefor Sdtavin, aqgfer Saptapamni.
Alternanthera sessilis, 2. Br...) af-aqg Kdnchari.
Althoea officinalis, Zinn. (root)) fear Khitmi (impd.)
9 >» (flowers)| sesaqat Gulkhairo (impd.)
Alysicarpus vaginalis, D. C. ...| ar Chii, wgsrag Ladundi chdi.
Amarantus Blitum, Linn....... Greer Pokald.
» gangeticus, Linn..| ars Math, red kind afagp ars Tambard
math.
olygamus, Linn...| = ;
» polys ? =qrez Choulai.
» spinosus, Linn.. .. Alzarst Kantebhaji, HTzars Kantemath.
tenuifolius, Willd: diz Ghol.
Ammannia baccifera, Linz. ... sfTaat Aginbuti, arabes Bharjémbhil,
safarar Agiyd.
} , See Elettaria Cardamomum.
4 Korarima, Pareira.. aér teat Mothi elachi, as Fess Mothé
veldoré (impd.)
», subulatum, Rozd.... bs - (impd.)
» xanthoides, Wall ...| wa=ft ater Elachi dane (impd.)
Amoora Rohituka, W. & .... tieam Rohitak, stqqrar Haramkhénd.
Amorphophalluscampanulatus, azar Suran.
29
Amomum Cardamomum,
Blume.
9 », Wild kind, syst a@xor Jangli suran, and when dried,
qeqaeq Madanmast.
sylvaticus ...| See Synantherias sylvatica.
Amygdalus communis ......... See Prunus amygdalus.
Amyris heptaphylla ............ See Clausena heptaphylla.
Anacardium occidentale, Linn.) @rs or ATaaiey Kaji or Kaéjvin. (Goa
almond.)
& a (tar) ...) Stay Dik.
Anacyelus Pyrethrum, D. C.| s~qmaqrep Akkalkdrd (cmpd).
(root)
Anamirta Cocculus, W. § A...| qrereér Vatoli, aeat Karvi.
ys e fruit ......) ATHweS Kékphal, Asaqrars Karvavél.
Ananasgsa sativa, Linn. ......... sTaaqaq Ananas, vulg. Stara annds.
Anastatiea Hierochuntina, Linn,
Anchusa tinctoria, Desv. ......
Heyneanus,
Wall.
Andrographis echioides, Nees...
s paniculata, Nees.
Ancistrocladus
Andropogon aciculatus, Reéz...
citratus, D. C. ...
3
glaber, Roxb.
9)
as laniger, Desf......
(Herba Scheenanthi)
5 muricatus, Rez...
3 Nardus, Linn. ...
% scandens, Rozb....
PP Schcenanthus,
Linn.
Anethum graveolens ......... ses
Anenillariv indica’ (.2g0.0..828)
Anictoclea Grahamiana ......
Anisochilus carnosus, Wall. ...
Anisomeles Heyneana, Benth.
malabarica, R, Br.
3 ovata 22 Brjiccd..
Anisonema multiflora’ .........
Anodendron paniculatum, A.D-
C.
Anogeissus latifolia, Wall ......
fe acuminata, Wall...
Anona muricata, D.C. .........
» reticulata, Linn. ......-..
5 squamosa, Danni’: es..!
Anthemis nobilis, Linn. .........
Anthericum tuberosum, Rozd.,
Anthocephalus Cadamba, Mig.
Anthrocnemum indicum, Mog,
GLOSSARY. 181
AAAUTAA Kafemariyam (impd.)
taqata Ratanjot, Tareas Rangebddshdh
(¢mpd.) from China.
waza Khardali, arefet Kardondi or @T-
are Kardodi.
traraaar Ranchimni,
sire fatrsa Olen-kirdit.
atqareqt Shankapushpi.
srear arat Old, chah4, grearare Paliya-
chaha, qrarar aret Paticha chaha.
ataz, Tmbat.
satay Jarimkush, aaqeqtt Azkhir, qt
Khayi.
qr Val, are Vardli, wae Khaskhas,
zatre Ushir.
Saya Usadhan.
artaas, Marvel.
targa Roshegavat, tf#q Rohish.
See Peucedanum graveolens,
arsnors = Markaldi, (Melanthium indicum,
Wall., Pl., As., Rar., 3,259.)
See Tetrameles nudiflora.
ATTST or AITTST, Kapurli or Karpirvalli,
‘qrarar Choronva, qrtfat Panjiren,
sapaqrer Chaudhard.
Tira Gojibha,
apart Gopali.
See Phyllanthus reticulatus.
araartt Lamtini wfeasze Kulivel.
atfasi Dabria apeer Daura,
g@ra Phas.
ararneas Maémaphal.
wane Raémphal.
faarmeas Sitaphal.
ataar Babuna,
fast are Chipli chai, qtatr Phursi, meet
Kuli.
meq Kadamb, 7a Nhyu.
Fare Machol.
Antiaris toxicaria, Leesch.......| @t¢e Chandal, AIeHSt Chandkura.
182 BOMBAY NATURAL BISTORY SOCIETY.
ee
Antidesma Bunias, Spr. .....- 3tazt Amati.
», Ghesembilla, Gdrtn.| air Jondhri.
Antirrhinum glaucum ......... See Schweinfurthia spheerocarpa.
Apium graveolens, Linn. ......| HATHA Karafs, 4tistH4aTz Bori-ajmod.
> involucratum............| See Carum Roxburghii,
Aplotaxis auriculata ..... eee See Saussurea Lappa,
Aporosa Lindleyana ............ arar Sala.
Aquilaria Agallocha, Rowd. ... fedtstae Hindi agar, HeqPMT Krishna-agar.
Arachis hypogea, Linn. ......| 324 Bhuimig, wz3r7 Bhuisheng.
Aralia Guilfoylia ............++ arqarar Tapmart.
Ardisia humilis, Vahl. ......+.. fear Dikna,
Areca Catechu, Linn.........06. aq Supari, ga Pring.
Argemone mexicana, Linn. ...| greet Dérdri, fréafy drat Phirangi-dhotra,
aAl2arar Kantedhotra.
ae ie
Argyreia argentea, Chois. ...... teqqea Mhaisvel.
he elinmtica G.tgee-vene See Lettsomia elliptica.
Op \vsemeea, Dalle.ss ce cst ara Gavel.
sc speciosa, Sweet. ...... waza Samudra-shok.
Ariseema Murrayi, Dalz. ...... aqrar Arar Sarpacha kanda.
Aristolochia bracteata, Retz ...| Wart Gandhati farsrart Kiramar,
if indica, Linn. ...... aaa or BTAs, Sapsan or Sapsand.
is longa, Linn. (root)| Heaaenart Zardwandckalan (impd.)
ss rotunda, Linn.(root)| aqugqemce Zardwandégird (impd.)
af serpentaria, Linn.| ATS taver Kaldvala (impd.)
(root).
Airne nals pee.cs- estes ale cite TaTata Ratanjot.
Artabotrys odoratissima......... See Uvaria odoratissima.
Artemisia Absinthium, Linn...) sHadta wat Afsantiné Rimi (impd.)
» maritima, Linn.| Racarett sitar Kirmani onava.
(flowers ).
» Sieversiana, Willd...) gar Dauna.
“A sternutatoria .........| See Centipeda orbicularis.
», vulgaris, Linn, var. UlaAT Surband, vulg. aay or afar Surpan
indica, or Surpin, derived from qe and Fz, as
it is used to cure bellyache, worms, &c.
Arthrocnemum indicum, Mog..| a=te# Machol, aé Ghuri.
Artocarpus hirsuta, Lam. ...... sweat Anjeli, qrenoTa Patphanas, jaqTa
Rénphanas, Ege" Phanasul.
y incisa, Linn. ...... faaradt were Vildyati Phanas,
Bs integrifolia, Linn...| RTA Phanas.
% Lakoocha, Rowd....| état Lovi, sire Aond, qeq Badhar, araar
Vatamba.
GLOSSARY. 183
Arum nympheefolium ......... See Colocasia antiquorum,
sessiliflorum ............ See Sauromatum pedatum.
”
Arundo Karka, Roxb. .........
Asarum europeum, Linn.(root).
Asclepias curassavica, Linn. ...
Asparagus adscendens, Rowd...
@azq7@ or Fqaqra@ Deonal or Deon.
amt Tagar (impd.), (seldom genuine).
aear Karki, qrmast Kaéktundi.
aaHzaaey Safedmusli, Wasa Dholi
musli.
@etaa_ Haliyun.
waset Shatmuli, qat Zatar, sreaaze
a \ Asvel.
Asphodelus fistulosus, Linn. ..| aq Bokhat, feacarat Bingharbij.
Asteracantha longifolia.. ...... See Hygrophylla spinosa.
Astragalus sp, (gum sarcocolla),! gayz Gujar (impd.)
Atalantia monophylla, Corr. ... targa Ranlimbi, araeiaarett Mékarnim-
boni, araaare Matangnar.
aii Juri.
officinalis, Linn. ...
93
racemosus, Willd...
>
sarmentosus, Willd.
Atriplex hortensis, Linn. ......
Atylosia awit os...sc.s0etea trae Ranttr (A. lineata, W. §& 4.)
Avena sativa, Linn. ............] Pasrarat sraVildyati Jéu.
Averrhoa Bilimbi, Linn......... fafesat Bilimbi.
| Gate Khamrak, Hts Karambal, aca
Karmal,
faat Tivar (A. officinalis, Linn.)
See Melia Azadirachta.
Bs Carambola, Linn. ..
Avicennia tomentosa ....00...0..
Azadirachta indica ............
feta Hingan, feaoyz Hinganbét.
TAT Gajpimpali,
waresatizr Jamalgota (false).
Balanites Roxburghii, Planch.
Balanophora sp............000c6.
Baliospermum montanum,
Mill-Arg. (seed).
yi montanum (root) ...
Balsamodendron _ Gileadense
(fruit).
(balsam)
a ¥ (wood)
Mukul, Hook
(gum resin)
sifaqes Déntimil.
sqaaear Habelbalesin (B. Opoba-
samum (Kunth), (impd.)
qa Balesin (impd.)
TIGA Udebalesén (impd.)
aaa Mukul, a7%e Guggal (¢mpd.)
9) 99
Myrra, Nees. feta Hirdbol mpd.)
(gum resin).
Playfairii Hook. f.
(gum resin.)
Roxburghii, 4rn.
(gum resin).
Ataretar Minaharmd (émpd.)
Sara gruw Mhaisdbol, Guggul,
Bambusa arundinacea, Willd ..) atzare Mandgii.
25
184.
Bambusa Arundo, Klein. ......
a (silica Of) fiit.tabe. fer
a OPE Lie OF ce aa tree See
By stricta, Roxb. .....0-s:
a vulgaris, Wendl.
Barleria coerulea...............
55 wamontana, Weessr),..2us
», courtallica, Nees. ......
i n erionitis, L222) veo:
Barringtonia acutangula, Gértn.
(fruit).
39 9
Basella alba, Linn.........0..se-
Bassia butyracea, Roxb
eo a
as, (yg ellinpticachevten decks. sey
socnen LAbOLIA, , LeOtDieme doe sods
» longifolia, Willd. ......
Batatas paniculata
pit edulis hoes eesat ues ;
Bauhinia purpurea, Linn. ......
3 malabarica, Row. ...
5 racemosa, Lam. .,..
e tomentosa, Linn......
gt) Vialilii,: Winds tak:
» variegata, Linn. ......
Begonia crenata, Dryand.......
Benincasa cerifera, Savi. ......
Berberis Lycium, Royle.
(fruit).
> 49
Be a (extract)
Bergera Keenigii ....... Seas cs05
Bergia verticillata, Willd.......
Berthelotia lanceolata
Beta vulgaris, Mog
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
(wood) ......
| waia Rasot, taqadt Raswanti.
Paar Chivari.
qasraq Vanshlochan, qaratre Tabashir.
Ha Més.
zyrara Udhavans.
.... qroa Kalak, qrar Vansa.
...| anezr Wahiti, aresranizter Kala
Koranta
(B. strigosa, Willd.)
jatar Kolista, Set [khari.
Hoe or Arse, Kalsunda or kagunda, fF-
qarnicizy Pivala kordnta, a@ffsear or
Alfsar, Kolist’ or Kolita,
diac Tivar, Saree Ingli.
aaene Samudraphal, arane Sdthphal,
grains Dhatriphal.
Aare May4l, Fears, Velgond, or Feats
Velbondi.
maar Phalva.
See Dichopsis elliptica.
Arar Mova, aesr Mahua.
arar Mova, aestr Mahua.
See Ipomeea digitata.
See Ipomcea Batatas.
eqataa Devakdénchan, sqqazt Atmati.
malts Koral, staat Amli.
..| sarqzr Apta, sitar Abhité, qazrar Van-
raja.
fqqaerntaa Pivaldkdnchan, sqaxaa_ Ash-
mantak.
ait or Fast Chambitri or Chambili.
aAtaa Kanchan.
afear Mitiya.
mAletaer or vArarer, Kohola
arsats Kushmand.
sjacarapay Ambarbaris.
or Kovhala
aweeee Darhalad.
See Murraya Keenigii.
fears Hintal.
See Pluchea lanceolata.
aHet Chikandar, qraah Palak.
GLOSSARY.
Betula Bhojpattra, Wail. (bark)
Bignonia chelonoides, Lznn...
Bignonia undulata, Rozb. ......
" Spathacea ©... /.ulaee
- stans, Willd ......
5 suaveolens ........-. ie
Biophytum sensitivum, D.C...
Bischoffia javanica, Bl. .........
Bixa Orellana, Linn. ............
Blepharis asperrima, Nees ......
eP eoaligy (Pers. % Sek 33
» Mmolluginifolia, Juss. ...
Blighia sapida, Don. ............
Eames atrita, \<.ioe eee
» holosericea and other
strong smelling
Blumeas.
» Sp. nov. near to B.
eriantha.
Hf. & T.
Boerhaavia elegans, Chois.
Bocagea Dalzelli,
repens, Linn. ......
bn verticillata, Por ...
Boletus crocatus, Batsch, var.
Bombax malabaricum, D. C...
% of (gum)...
Borassus dichotomns, White...
+ flabelliformis, Linn...
Borrera Ashneh... i
floribunda,
re rr
Endl,
(frankincense. )
7 ” (bark) .
serrata, Rozvd.
Boswellia
)
Bougainvillia spectabilis.........
Bovista, sp.
Brachyramphus sonchifolius ...
185
—— ———
araqsy Bhojpatr, za Bliirjpatr.
a7 Kunak, gree Padal.
aT Kunak.
See Dolichandrone falcata.
... fA@Taar ata Vilayati kunak.
See Stereospermum suaveolens.
wtsat Ldjri.
atm Bok.
get Shendri, Hatt Kesri, Hazwaret Kesar
bondi.
sqmer Akra, qretet stata Pahdri-Atgan.
sama Utangan,
mlz atTaAT Kantemaka.
sar Aki.
..| See Lagera aurita,
ytavet Bhambirda, or ytaee Bhambrir.
facet Nimurdi.
araret Sajeri, argv Harkinjal.
armaa Nakbel (seeds eaten).
gaaqar Punarnava, Gra Khaparaé. Gzesr
Ghetuli, qrataa Kalivasi.
waar Satiira.
HKTTaA or HRTANHara Phanasdmba or
Phanasalombé (Isca de Jaca of the Por-
tuguese), .
aract Savar, Arq Mocha.
Araceae Mocharas.
Zaraee Ukhémandal.
are Tar, arzare Tarmir.
See Parmelia kamtschadalis.
faxra Visesh, (impd.) vulg. Fae Esas.
zq Dhip, asm Kashfa (impd.)
wars Salai, azme Guggul, aranet Sal-
phali.
araaita Banberis.
qrearsaast Pataltumbri.
See Lactuca Heyneana.
Brassica campestris, Linn....... faitza Shiris.
186 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Brassica juncea, H. f. § UT. ...| Aregt Mohari, = Rai.
» nigra, Kochial.euin we Rai.
» oleracea, Linn. .........| rat Kobi, az Koi (Port.)
» Rapa; Tinwdtesl sian: aaqa Shalgham.
Brayera anthelmintica ......... See Hagenia abyssinica.
Briedelia: simian! w2ei8 Mies: See Phyllanthus lanceolarius.
» montana, Willd ...... strartr Asin Gatats Phattarphor,
qrazay Palchasan, garrett Hasdni.
aAraaret Kavdori.
See Zehneria umbellata,
qrara Ghayal, graqgra Ghaipdt, gray
Ghaimari. ste-7aEoy ~Aranmaran, qorapst
Parnabij or leaf-seed.
fqare Piydl, are Char, -arfet Charoli,
arcrare Charabor.
Bryonia laciniosa, Linn.........
ga Meumalbe batman! ec)
Bryophyllum calcynum, Salisé-
Buchanania latifolia, Rod.
Butea frondosa, Rowb........... qa@a Palas, @rnt Khakara.
5 3 (um), es q@amre Palasgond, qrntrire Khakara
gond,
553 i (seed)......-.- qe@aqrger Palaspipara,
a parviflora..............., See Spatholobus Roxburghii.
» superba, Rozd..........1 THAIS Palasvdl, faza Tivas, faga Tivat
qatava Béltivas,
Cactus indicus, Rowd............ Mfear Alita.
Cadaba indica, Lam,.............| #Aa Kadhab (Arabic), qregq Balpuvan.
Cesalpinia Bonduc, Rozd...... araearer Sdgargota, zarayr Gajag4.
AC coriaria, Willd...... feratear Libidibi.
3. digyna, Rott. ...... arnt Vakeri.
ue pulcherrima, Swéz.,| atarat Shankasur, Arcfarear Morshikha.
» Sappan, Binge? qaqa Patang.
»» Sepiaria, Rowd...... Fasc Chillar.
Cajanus indicus, Spr. ......... at Tur.
Calacanthus Dalzelliana, 7.) Aaa Motayén.
Anders.
Caladium sp. var........... weve] ST, Alvin (cultivated for ornament).
Calamus Draco, Willd. (gum| fetreq@a Hirddakhan, fetree@t Hirddnkhi.
resin).
» PAMMotane :.. 5.7 eee qa Vet, aa Bet.
Callicarpa lanata, Linn. ......... waz Aisar.
Callitris quadrivalvis,‘Vent, The] =¢@q Chandras, (impd.)
gum.
Calonyction speciosum, ....... ..| See Ipomcea bona-nox, Linn.
GLOSSARY.
187
Colophyllum inophyllum, Linn.
5 ApUrium ,..i. +s
,, tomentosum, Wight.
Calosanthes indica............-.-
Calotropis gigantea, R. Br. ...
= procera, R. Br.
Calycopteris floribunda, Lam..
Calysaccion longifolium
Camellia theifera, Griff,
Camphora officinarum
Canarium strictum, Rozd.......
3? be)
Canavalia gladiata, D. C.......
f virosa, W. & A. ......
Tet or FStor Undi or Undin.
aaa Sarpdn, Arar Kalpin. (C. Wightia-
num, Wail.)
aa Pan, waz Punai.
See Oroxylum indicum.
aiere Mandér, stasr Akré, we Rui, wR
Arka.
...| apeatare Lalmindédr, atraerstarer Tambaré-
Akra.
araet Bingili, gett Ukshi.
See Ochrocarpus longifolius.
rer Chaha, arg Chai.
See Cinnamomum Camphora.
aq Dhap, wae Guggul.
mleerac Kalédamar.
fRaatt Kismdri, saz Abai (C. ensiformis
D. C., the var. virosa is the wild form.)
Hedae Karsambal, qa Kharshingal,
wqtaaat Kharsamuli.
Canna indica, Linn............... ganz Deokéli, farafeay Kimushki, aATATeT
Kamakshi, @zeér Kardali.
Cannabis sativa, Linn.......... at7B hang.
» » (female flowers)| TIT Ganja.
9 vy (resin, |: OTA za Charas.
Canscora decussata, Don....... araae Sikhwél.
Canthium didymum, Rozd....
‘< Leschenaultii .....
i parviflorum, Lam...
3 umbellatum, Wight.
Capparis aphylla, Roth....... =
ge GRE VISPIAR: 2.20 40050.056
grandis, Linn.........
horrida, Linn. f......
pedunculosa.........
» Roxburghii, D,C. ...
» spinosa, Linn. (bark).
Capsicum sp. Var.......+..60---
Caralluma fimbriata, Wall
Carallia integerrima, D. C.....
aevee
Cardiospermum halicacabum,
Linn.
. araat
qzaair Varsangi.
arqaa Chipyel (C. angustifolium, Rozd.)
aArctt Kirni.
stage Urstl, <q Tup.
atte Karil, Her Kérd, Aqat Népti.
Vaghanti, wWiftzr Govinda,
zeylanica, Linn.
qatare Pachovand.
azéy Tarti or azzt Taranti.
aAlt@ear Kolisna.
Tat Purvi.
mac Kabar (2mpd.)
areracat Lalmirchi.
ameter Makarshing.
aadt Phinsi.
drat Bodha, Rraste Shibjal, asiradt Tejovati,
sairasndt Jyotishmati.
C.
188
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Careya arborea, Rozd..........
(immature fruit).
” 9
Carica Papaya, Linn,............
Carissa Carandas, Linn..........
Carthamus tinctorius, Zinn....
ry, (seeds),
Carum Carui, Linn. (seeds)...
bP
copticum, Benth.......
99
» nigrum, Rowb. (seeds).
zs Roxburghianum,
Benth.
” 995 NE EEA fie eyeiee) serps
Caryophyllus aromaticus, Linn.
(buds).
(fruit).
” d)
Casearia esculenta
fs graveolens, Dalz......
‘ [SSVI SUA. weneeometd- last
Ars tomentosa, Roxb. ...
Cassia Absus, Linn. .......2-.--
op. HUAGA, Mi72.. wesces aay Re
» auriculata, Linn..........
Cassia Fistula, Linn......-...-..
» lanceolata, Forsk........
,, occidentalis, Linn.......
» ° pumila, Lam.............
HA SEMA in hes eae a
»» siamea, Lan. 170.
», sophera, Linn..........
TOrA te CANN: scccckepsabs
Cassytha filiformis, Mi@ll.......
Casuarina equisitifolia, Forster.
muricata, Rowxb.......
>)
Cedrela Toona, Rozd....... ...
a&art Kimbha.
araeat Vakumbha.
qrqar Popays.
artet Karanda, atqaqe Karavand, etdet
Harttindi.
agar Kusumba.
ames Kardai, atest Kardi.
fasraar Fret Viltyati jirén.
sTaara Ajwan, strar Onva.
fast: Fat Siah jirén.
sare Ajmod, wmirar Karonz4, trary
Randhani.
Harare Bherlamar.
sata Ardhisupari.
mq Lavang (impd.)
ataaqa Narlavang (impd.)
aret Mori.
aret Mori, Paar Chillé, apqrep Bokhara.
Sar Lainja, areaars Mormassai, (C. escu-
lenta, Roxb.)
Past Chilld, gar= Massai, art Karai.
faat Chimar, arya Chaksi.
arzaeq Daidmardan.
acaqe Tarvar.
arezar Bahavd, wearer Garmélé, qreonizer
Balkanteri.
ataraer Sondmukhi, corruption of Suvar-
namukhi, Sans.
fen Hikal, qmaz Chakramard.
araa Sarmal.
atat wzeacqs Stratibhuitarvar (C obo-
vata.)
mente Kasmod.
Uazimer Raéntankla.
Ztmer Tanklé, aratrar Kovariy4, artrar
Tarota or qatqetT Tarvata.
sara «= Akdsavel, stacqe Antarvel,
sraraaer Akdsmili.
\ faaradr aca Vilayatisaro.
at Tin, aOR Kurak.
GLOSSARY. 189
Cedrus Deodara, Loud ...., ... aeareqere Teliyé deodar.
Celastrus emarginata .,..........| See Gymnosporia emarginata,
3 MOULATIA. .<.¢Seweee See te montana,
A paniculata, Willd...) Ate Kangoni, AT Kangu, fqarar Pigavi.
- Wothiana..... gatas See Gymnosporia Rothiana.
Celosia argentea, Mog. ......... Se Kudra or we Kundrié, aaearer
Muytrshikha.
sy cristata, Dens. peak: Tafa Rijagiri, qatar vulg. aperar
Maytrshikhé vulg. Morshikha.
Celsia coromandeliana, Vahl...) Hzat Kutki, alae Kolahal.
Celtis Roxburghiana............. aaa Brumaj.
Centaurea Behen, Linn,........| qarz aqzaaq Safed Bahman.
moschata, Rovd....... arg TAT Shah pasand.
Centipeda orbicularis, Lour ...| qayf=aqott Nakchikni, SHAT Aphkar.
Cephalandra indica, Naud...... arezar Tondli, faaz Bimbi.
= ‘5 (wild, bitter).| gpa Ran, or AS Kuri, arser Tondii.
Werasus - Pudum |< 2..c0.4-2-055 See Prunus Pudum.
Ceratogynum rhamnoides, fawet Chikuri.
Wight.
Ceratophyllum — submersum,
Willd. and other pond
weeds.
Cerbera Odallam, Gdrin......
pera RE UGUEA, crc ctas wtia nor
Ceropegia bulbosa, Rowb. ......
qWanet aaret Dhakti shevdli.
THT Stikant.
See Thevetia neriifolia.
weqwag Khapparkari, qWraear Gayala.
-| @oTaa Kanvel.
Chameerops Ritchieana ......... See Nannorrhops Ritchieana.
5 jJuncea, Rod,
Re GANICA . op. dans gat eae chess ee
Cheilanthes farinosa, Spr,..... qraget Patkuri.
Chenopodium album, Mog. ... arer Ghanén.
», ambrosioides, Linn.) srpaq Chikvat =eqqzaqr Chandanbatvé
arg Vasukén.
qa Pabh, Famra Chikras.
“See Anthericum tuberosum.
tar Bheriy4, fast Billo, zeecar Halad-
rava.
adr Shévati.
zqmyaaqar Davan-shévati,qraarqat Raishévati,
eat Davanmulgi.
acaqrne Tarsiphal, Srrtt arane Dongri-
mayphal.
See Phyllanthus distichus.
See Piper.
Chikrassia tabularis, Adr. Juss.
Chlorophytum parviflorum. ...
Chloroxylon Swietenia, D.C....
Chrysanthemum indicum, Linn.
» » (small flowered)
Chrysophyllum Roxburghii.
Don.
Ciéca disticha .....00.0 acs.iee.
190
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Cicer arietinum, Linn.
Cichorium Intybus, Linn. ......
Cinnamomum Camphora, Nees.
Cassia, Blume...
yp
x 5 (buds)a:
- iners, Reinw....
- Tamala, Nees...
- - (leaves),
Cissampelos Pareira, Linn......
Cissus: erk neta es pene
Citrullus Colocynthis, Schrad.
“A vulgaris, Schrad.
(watermelon)
i a WARE as hme
Citrus aurantium, Lizn..........
5, decumana, Willd, ....:.:
» Lamonum, Tanin,-rascs so
medica, Linn........0.+-
”
“a a var. acida, Linn.
Clausena heptaphylla, W. & a.
Clematis triloba, Heyne. ......
Cleome felina, DLinn....... .....
Pe viscosa, Linn.:........
Clerodendron inerme, R. Br...
infortunatum,
Linn.
phlomoides, Linn...
zs serratum, Spr. ......
_ Siphonanthus,
R&R. Br.
Clitorea Ternatea, Linn.........
Clypea Burmanni
Cnidium diffusum
Coccinia indica
Cocculus Leceba, D. C..........
» macrocarpus, W.§ 2.
ye Villosns, Dufay 2
aarp Chana, star Harbhara.
Alaar Kasni, (cmpd.)
ATTT Kapur (¢mpd.)
aePadr or erefadt Darchini or Daélchini
(impd. )
Hilo ATA KAlé nigkésar (impd).
waar Darchini aa ‘Taj acat Kurfa.
aarer Tamali.
qaqa Tamalipatra.
qramae Pahdrvel, grea Pdéharmil.
See Vitis.
<araq Indrdyan, $@H@ Indraphal, Searertt
Indravarini, agaeraag Kurdrundavan.
AfsweS or Hfsay Kalingar or Kalingan.
fesqTaT Dilpasand.
area Naringi.
qqaaq Papanas.
fsa Limbt.
| agreéat Mahalung, writ or Hiate Jambhir
or Jambir.
stazfaa. or fesa_Ambat nimbid or limbiu.
ACTH Karanphal.
arcaa Morvel.
SERCEGE Suvarnakshiri.
AITHET or AlAHISt Kénphuti or kanphori,
raat faa Pivali-tilavan.
trate Ranjai, mraaes Koivél.
aiete Bhindir acf Kari.
scm [ran or wey Airan.
areatr Bharangi.
araair Bharangi.
Aare Kajali Trae Gokarni gyet Supli.
See Cyclea Burmanni.
.| See Seseli indicum.
See Cephalandra indica.
agatGudichi.
qzae Vatvel tate Ramrik, cor. of taear
Ramraksha greet Vatoli.
| qaqa Vasanvel qa Parvel zr Tan.
GLOSSARY. 191
Cochlospermum Gossypium,| Watt Gannéri, tapaTe Gunglai.
DE
Cocos nucifera, Linn............| AST are Narali-mar.
Coffea arabica, Linn............. ateat Kahva, aq Bin.
Coix barbata, Rozb. ...........- qiraa Varival.
», lacryma, Linn....... see) TST Ranjondhalé, waqara Rénmaka.
Be s (Seedy. css arazatat Kassaibij.
Solchienm, 27, ..\...-<.scsnenses Wrserearz Gorasurinjan.
Hooker eemmese AS Beara Kart surinjin.
Coldenia procumbens, Lznz, ...| Fret Tripakshi.
Colebrookia ternifolia ......... yifaat Bhaimini. (C. oppositifolia, Sim.)
Coleus aromaticus, Benth....... qrarar sirar Paéndcha onvé,
Colocasia antiquorum, Sctott.
», (several var.)
stz% Alun, sjeqra Alvin.
alaread Kinsdlvat, qtara_ Kénsdhi.
at Teré, Gtste Térdali, ate Mind or atest
Mandi.
wzr Guti.
Hardt Jellosi, arqatea Maddhvel, Fearne
Vérédhaus.
‘3 Wightianum......... drare@ Pilok, (C. extensum, Rozb.)
Commelyna communis, Linn...) Rat Kéni, Fatet Chiroti, fret Nili.
Conium maculatum, Linn (fruit) atearar Kirdaména (inpd.)
Connarus monocarpus, Linn...| Get Sundar.
See Anogeissus latifolia.
>?
Colubrina asiatica, Brogn.......
Combretum ovalifolium, Roxb.
Conocarpus latifolia. ............
Conocephalus niveus, Wight... argar Kapusi, aca Kargil.
Convolvulus arvensis, Linn.| tT Hiranpag.
(gum resin)
Scammonia, Linn.) aHwafarar Sakmiuniyd (impd.)
.| atedt Vamppi.
aratara Mamiran (impd.)
Hareat Mahadevi, farafsa Shivaling.
Cookia punctata, W, & A,
Coptis Teeta, Wall. (root)...
Corallocarpus conocarpa,
Hook. f -
» epigza, Hook.f. ...
Corchorus Antichorus, Reusch
asatats Karvindi.
qenat Bahuphali.
ata Chonchén.
aena@t Bahuphali, eeor@ret Hirankhori,
Aacast Magarmithi.
| fama Chinch, qaqre Banpat.
fi capsularis, Lznn....
=A fascicularis, Zam ...
olitorius, Linn.
os trilocularis, Linn....| HE FAA Kart chinch.
» 2 (seeds).| tratfare Rajjirén.
Cordia angustifolia............... Wrztt Gondani. (C. Rothii, Rom, et Sch.).
55. 5 OL Ae: Gaoe da isieGeads afqeara Sapistan, ate Shel, acae Vargund.
26
192 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Cordia Macleodii, H. f. & T. .| Yaa or faq Dhaivan or Daivan.
> Myxa, Linn.........06 ....| Wat Bhokar, aaqzz Shelvant.
so) Walltchii Soni ieamectcs Waa or aa4 Dhavan or Daivan(C. obliqua,
Willd, var. Wallichii.)
Coriandrum sativum, Linn. ...) Hraate Kothmir, arate Kothimbir,
” », (fruit)....| wer Dhané.
Corylus avellana, Linn, (nuts)| TRea Phinduk or Finduk (cmpd.)
Corypha umbraculifera, Linn.| qsaaz,_Vajrabatt, qaitae Vajrival.
(seed.)
Coscinium fenestratum, Colebr.| Aretzaoe Jharihalad.
Cosmostigma racemosum,| Sdf-Jati.
Wight.
Costus speciosus, Sm.........++. qant arat Khumbari kind, gap Penva,
Araaaqet or arate Vagchavra or Vagrati.
Crataeva religiosa, Forst........ aaaar Vayavarnd, esq Harvarnd, wae
Ramala, Hrcaza Karvan.
Cressa cretica, Linn............- wer Khardi, =a Chavel.
Crinum asiaticum, Herb....... aRTzZaIT or arpz¢ay Nagdavan or Nagdan.
»» augustum, Rowd....... Traeqa Gaidavan.
» ornatum, Wight. ...| qWeetare or wetatmrey Gadanikand or Gad-
ambikdnda. (C. longifolium, Roxb.)
Crocus sativus, Linn. (saffron).| aatt Keshar (émpd.)
Crossandra undulzefolia, Salisb.| stare Aboli, vulg. for sqraret Aboli.
sare or sare Abola or Abolé.
ara Tag, a afta Sanbij.
fewest or fea, Dingli or Dingal, gaar
Dayli. aeuarsTer Kbulkhuldingala.
aot Kila.
4S 5 (flowers).
Crotalaria juncea, Linn.........
es Leschenaultii, D.C.
jo) Notonny! | (We.5. A.
- retusa, Linn......+-. grat Ghagri.
Croton hypoleucos, Dalz, ...... qiett Pandhari.
» Oblongifolium, Rows.) qoraqy Ghansiir.
» sebiferum, Linn...... faqs Pipalgdnk.
» TLiglium, Linn. ...... saarasyzr Jamalgota, waar or Aras
Japal or Jaipal.
> ae £ r
,. tinctorium, Burm. ... aaraa Stirydvarta.
Cubeba officinalis ..........0+...| See Piper Cubeba.
Cucumis Colocynthis,........... See Citrullus Colocynthis.
>» Melo, Linn.w.teennee --| Fag Chibtir.
var utilli ssimus.| q@zef,-ait, or-atrr Tavsi, Tavshi or Tavshin.
2) 99
PW sativa, SLi. os coeens Are Kakari, feqar Khira.
» . trigonus,-Rozd, ...-.. oraz or arrce Karit or Karint, ream
Katvel.
GLOSSARY. 193
Cucumis trigonus,var. pubescens} TRAR or -mt, Takmak or Takmaki.
Cucurbita Citrullus ............
=F Repay (DiC) v2 eere
Cuminum Cyminum, Linn. ...
Cupania canescens............-..
Cupressus glauca, Spr. .........
Curenligo 5.3. See euaeeree
Curcuma Amada, Rowd.........
. angustifolia, Rowd....
B) aromatica, Salisd....
ceesia, Rowbd. .....000.
3 caulina, Grah. ......
longa, cRocOn RS. Sx
> pseudomontana,Grah
Zedoaria, Roscoe...
Cuscuta reflexa, Rozd. ....... oA
Cyamospsis psoraloides, D. C.
Cyanotis axillaris ..............:
Cyathocline lyrata, Cass. ......
Cycas circinalis ............-+
Cyclea Burmanni, Miers.......
8S LENE Tae aCe
Cydonia vulgaris, Pers. ......
Cylicodaphne Wightiana, Nees.
See Citrullus vulgaris.
stat Dangar, ¥rqer Bhopla.
AhHesae Sufedjire.
See Hemigyrosa canescens.
ae Sarid.
See Hypoxis.
staret Amada, araeraret Kajurdgauri.
aaa Tavkir.
was@q Ranhalad, sfazee Ambchalad,
agtzee Vérihalad.
THAT Narkachiar.
=yaqv Chavar.
good Halad, efter Haridra.
fagcat Sindarbar, fa@ataraf Sindervani.
Hal or AMarer Kachora or Kachola, C.
Zerumbet, Roxb. The name Kachura is
often loosely applied to all Curcumas.
Sraraas <Akashvel, sqavga Amorvel,
sjazvae@ Antarvel, STATA AST Akashmuli,
araizaay Sondrvel, Gaza Sonvel.
| stHaraa Aftimin (impd.)
AIT Kasts (¢mpd.)
TWrarar Govari.
See Tradescantia axillaris.
Wairat Gangotri.
aaa sqrt Malabar stipdri. (C. Rum-
phii, Mig.)
grat Pakar.
qt Parel, qreqe Parvel, qrcae Par-yel.
See Pyrus Cydonia.
Garr Pesha.
Cylista scariosa, Att............. WUTAST Rangevara.
Cynara scolymus, Wilid.......
Cynodon Dactylon, Pers......
fata Kingin, asire Kunjir.
Tar Durva, ¢t@ Harala, staat Haryeli.
Cynoglossum canescens......-..| fearaét Liyachardi (C. Micranthum, Desf.)
a ceelestinum,.....| See Paracaryum ccelestinum.
Cyperus bulbosus, Vahl...... ,.| Sat Thegi.
5, pertenuis, Rowd...... areata Nagarmoth, sare Lavala.
E rotundus, Linz.......| aear Musta, arat Motha, afa@ Bimbal. The
name Bimbal is applied loosely to many
kinds of Cyperus.
194. BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Deedalacanthus purpurascens| Taara Gulsham.
T. Anders.
Doedalia gibbosar. .. eseceecveien: amcat Kerambi.
Deemia exténsa, R. Br.......... sary Utaran, sactt Utarni.
Dalbergia lanceolaria, Linn....) $A Dandts, sepeif Hardni, Wap Gengri,
‘s latifolia, Rowd....... arer Tali, aratet Takoli.
5s ougeinensis ......... See Ougeinia dalbergioides.
paniculata, Rov... qrar or Graf Pasi or Phasi.
juli | Sissoy awe Avesta: Tara, Shist, ferarar Shinshapd.
» sympathetica, Mim-| qzreét Pentgili, erat Titdbli, anaes
mo. Yekyel.
he volubilis, Rowd....... stars Alai, aaa Minganvel.
Daphne Mezereum, Linzn....... arairttaa Mazeriy in.
A oleoides, Schred.......| T Pech.
BMRoat or sagt, Akalbir or Akalbar.
aAizqracr Kante dhotara, yaar Dhattura.
qwrt Gharbhuli mpd.)
Datisea cannabina, Linn........
Datura alba, Linn. & fastuosa,
» Stramonium, Linn,
var. Tatula (fruit.)
Daucus Carota, Linn. (fruit)
Decaneuron microcephalum ...
Trae Gajar.
See Lamprachenium microcephalum.
aezare Jadvar (impd.)
araart Traydman, syeqan Asprak, taaars
Guljalil.
Delphinium denudatum, Wall.
a Zalil, ditch. § Helm.
Dendrobium Pierardi............ qfam Patrika. (D. Lawanum, Lindi.)
Desmodium gangeticum, D.C) araaa Salvan, sry Daye, A Salparni.
_ recurvatum ...... traarar Ranginj4, (D. laxiflorum, D.C.)
” triflorum, D. C...) trap Rénmethi.
< triquetrum, D.C.) araatat Kakganja.
Dichopsis elliptica, Benth...... qrarzt Panchoti, gar Palla.
Dichrostachys cinerea, VW. § Al faaamret Sigamkati.
Wigera\ arvensis ..225..00s-casenst See Achyranthes alternifolia.
Dilivaria ilienoha, 2.222464. See Acanthus ilicifolius.
Dillenia pentagyna, Rozd....... aaa Karmal, aa Kanglu, HC
. Karamvel, qrmzraaae Dhakta-kangli,
53 sh SCC LORE oe clatll aaceda ays aAcacey Mothe Karmal, (D. indica, Zinn.)
Dioscorea aculeata, Rowd....... icant Kantekingi, aoa or HTT
Kangara or Kangi.
a bulbifera, Lcnn....... HEAT or MaMa, Karikaranda, or
Karva karanda.
% oppositifolia, Roxs...| ats Manda, greater Pashpoli.
» pentaphylla, Willd...| serey Ulsi, 3tezer Shendvdl.
GLOSSARY. 195
ee
Dioscorea sativa, Willd.......-.. AlARS Konphal, far, Chind.
. tomentosa (?) perhaps,
a variety of D. pentaphylla. | are or req, Chayen or Chain.
vs triphylla, Willd...... are Manda
Diospyros assimilis, Bedd....... aera Mulliya.
‘; chloroxylon, Rowb.| faa Ninai.
i exculpta: Joc. sc.000e5 gactr Temburni, armstaet Makarkhindi,
(D. Embryopteris, Pers.)
oS ss (roots) sTaja-q ware Akshatéché Khor,
melanoxylon, Rowb,| &¥_or faga, Tendé or Tindtka.
“4 montana, Rowd..... Tras Govindu, sant Lohari.
i spe (Wai ced ee a STAT Abnis. (impd.) Ebony.
acazt Tartar,
ataaa Garjanel.
Dipterocarpus turbinatus,
Gdrtn. (balsam).
Dodonxa Burmanniana......| swqat Jakhmi. (D, viscosa, Linn.)
Dolichandrone falcata, Seem...) Hefstaft Medhashingi, atfarait Marshingi.
Dolichos biflorus, Linn......... area Kulithi.
sr) Lablab, Itnn. ...... araarqet Valpapari, qtat Panti, srqet Avri.
” » var. yaqer Ghevara.
35 BINGNSISs << d.ovsieeeses See Vigna Catiang.
Dorema Ammoniacum, Don| ®aay Feshuk, TaH Ushak (‘mpd.)
(gum.)
~ ? (root)... ars Boi (impd.)
Doronicum pardalianches, Lenn| WeTst SHAT Dartinajé akrabi (tmpd.)
(rhizome)
Dregea volubilis, Benth,......| St#t Ambri, aereret Hirandori.
Dryobalanops Camphora,| 4aeaat HIT Bhimseni kaptr (impd.)
Colebr. (Bhimseni camphor)
Dysoxylum binectariferum,) aeat Burdimbi or atq Buram.
Hool:. f.
Ecballinm Elaterium, A. &zch.
(frait).
Ecbolium Linneanum, Kurz....
mlza <zracr Kanteri indrayan.
TWastarety Ran aaboli, yrRzT ASSAT Dhakta
adulsa.
mizaaqH Kaéntéchubak.
Wraart Gaozabin (impd.)
Echinops echinatus, D. C. ...
Echium sp. (leaves and flowers)
Faas saad de THRIZOMA cop ---| Taqara Ratanjot (tmpd:)
Eclipta aiba. Hassk..,...sostxe war or eyrH Bangra or bangraj, Alar or Al-
amet Maka or makri.
Ehretia buxifolia, Rox6......... qrer Pala.
eis i ara Datrang.
196 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Eloeagnus Kologa ........... vee] TET Nargi, saa Ambgil, (E. latifolia,
Linn.)
earet Ruidraksh.
ara Kas, areat Kasso.
aaa Jalpai.
warreat Bhutipal4, araga Tamrij, (EL.
Roxburghii.)
qraey Pathri.
qaete Veldore, waa Elchi.
Eleeocarpus Ganitrus, Rozd....
45 oblongus, Gdrtn...
ve robustus, Rozd....
Elzodendron glaucum, Pers.
Elephantopus scaber, Linz....
Elettaria cardamomum, Maton,
Eleusine coracana, Gdrtn...... aratt Nichni, arrest Négli ait, Ragi.
Embelia Busaal ....... sHASERS --| acqzy Barbati, apqet Jondhli, szqzy Ambti,
(KE. robusta, Row.)
» ferruginea, Wall....... sjqzqcqzr Ambat-barbati.
» Ribes, Burm....... arafea Vavaring, acHat Karkani, apfaar
Babirang.
Emex Bp. (plamty. el. TAS Shukai (¢mpd.)
Emilia sonchifolia, D.C......... ardtadr Sddhimandi.
Enicostema littorale, Blume... q#¢sqr Mamijv4, arzararear Naichapdla.
Entada Purszetha ............00- wTI<ar or wreit, Gdrambi or Garbhi, wees
Gardal, (E. scandens, Bth.)
Ephedra Alte, C. 4. Meyer ...) sqaam Lastuk.
"6 vulgaris, Linn......... @rq Hom of the Parsees, supposed to be the
same as the Soma of the Vedas (impd.)
Epicharis exarillata ............ See Amoora Lawii.
Epicarpurus orientalis ....... .-| See Streblus asper.
Eranthemum pulchellum ...... See Dadalacauthus purpurascens.
‘ roseum, Br. ...... Ta staat Ran Aboli, eqrgest Dashmuli,atast
arttat Tambri-koranti.
Eragrostis cynosuroides, Rom.| g{ Darbha.
& Sch,
Frigeron asteroides, Roxb ...... avet Marédi, afar Sonsali.
Erinocarpus Nimmoanus, Grah aa Cherd, arer Choura.
Eriocaulon sexangulare, Linn. ATALEAT Margundiya.
5s’ BEURCEUM.. os. sae pacen wrzet Gondali.
Erioleena Candollei, Waill...... qize Botki, svat Arang.
», Hookeriana, W. & A| at Buti, ata Botku.
Eriodendron anfractuosum, areact Shilmali, aatéter Shamirida, rae
DOC: grat Bhijridhaman,
Ervum Lens, Linn.........-0--- qat Masur.
Erythroea Roxburghii, G, Don.| waza Lantak.
Erythrina indica, Rowd. ......... qtaar Pangra, qTcar Paranga.
Erythroxylon indicum, Bedd....| Trae Deodar.
GLOSSARY. 197
Eugenia aquea, Burm.‘ ........- RaARRyS Tikjambhil.
» caryophylloea, Wight.) stay waa Jangli lavang, wasda Ran
lavang.
» sambolana, Lam. ,..... BIS or Wz, Jdmbhil or Jambhili.
jo, ambos, Lianin3. ices. wtar or air, Jdmba or Jdmbh4, qanquahy
Sakarajambha.
» lanceolaria, Rowé....... qran2t acer Dakti-sheran.
», lissophylla, Thwattes.. arse Pin jambhil.
Eulophia bicolor, Dalz ......... SHaATHT or StAtaT Amberkand or Amarkand.
Eupatorium Ayapana, Vent. ...| STATatt Ayapén.
- GIVETRENS. Fier aces =< See Vernonia divergens.
Euphorbia antiquorum Linn ...| ATA Narse}.
: hirta . See .....{ Tt Dudhi, qrqzp Nayati, (KH. pilulifera, Linn)
3 neriifolia, Linn ...... faazaq Nivaring, faqaant? Nivalkdnté,
faaz Mingut,
by thymifolia, Burm...| TWeaet Nayati, yrazt gat Dhiktidudhi,
saregatal Hazardana.
" Tirucalli, Linn ...... at Sher, waz Thuvar, faze or-wt, Nival or
Nivali.
ki tithymaloides, Willd ae Shend, fanradt wat Vildyati-tuvar.
a (SDL ae aeenRe cee F tata. Farbiyin
Eurya japonica, Thunb ......... 4itr Bhaunrd, apz7 Gonta, aut Devra.
Euxolus polygamus, Mog ...... Sears Ast Chilai bhdji.
Evolvulus hirsutus ............00+ arqaer Shankhaveli, (E. alsinoides, Linn.)
Exacum bicolor, Rord ......... zeitatraa Udichirayat.
HF pumilum, Grised ...... mzrer Jatali.
Exceecaria Agallocha, Willd...) wat Géva, HTS Phungali, g&= Surind,.
. baccata, Mill. ...... carve Kirad.
be insignis, Mull-Arg..| sz Uro.
Fagonia mysorensis .,.......+5. qarar Dhamasa (F. arabica, Linn.)
Farsetia egyptiaca, Turr, ...| qtte-azyp Farid-bati.
Feronia elephantum, Corr, ...! arqz or MATa, Kavath or Kavith.
Ferula alliacea, Boiss. ......... fear Hing (impd.)
» galbaniflua, Boiss.| farya Biriz (impd.)
(guuresin.)
» Narthex Botss. (gum-| feet Hingra.
resin, )
5 sp. (gum-resin)...| Aaa Sagbinaj.
Ficus asperrima, Rowé. ......... weqz or-2¢ Kharvat or Kharvati.
», bengalensis, Linn....... ..| ae Var, 7ST Vari.
»» Carica, Linn...............| Aste Anjir.
» cordifolia, Rod. .........| Y& or Wat Pairi or Payri, ste Ashta.
198 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Ficus dasycarpum, Lam. ...... avqze Bhurvar.
‘demonumesit Rs, qevat Dher-umbar, afqet Bokherd, aisar-
sat Gandydumbar, Hrerszat Kaldumbar
(F. hispida, Lznn. f.)
» glomerata, Rowd. .........| Fqa< Umbar, seat Udumbar.
» infectoria, Willd ......... qearet Bassiri, qraast Pakari, sqeét Ukhali,
wear Lendva.
» Teligiosa, Linn............. FT Pipal, s~yey Ashvatha.
(To be continued.)
THE HORSE: A ZOOLOGICAL STUDY.
By de EE Stun, ASV D:
In whatever way we look at horses they are of interest and
instruction. We may approach them with the critical eye of the
horseman skilled in the judgment of shape, action, and pace; of the
veterinarian, distinguishing the sound from the unsound; of the
humanitarian, viewing with interest one of the most valuable quad-
rupedal friends of man. Or, again, we may approach from another
point, and view the natural history relations and bearings of the noble
animal,{his zoological characters and affinities, and his comparative
anatomy. Seen as a member of the zoological tree, the horse yields
to none in the interest of the considerations it suggests to us, some
of which I hope to touch on superficially this evening.
Hippology has not yet become a distinct science, but we have
sufficient material at our disposal to render it so; and Xenophon
probably had the intention of making a knowledge of the horse
a polite study, and temporarily succeeded in doing so among
the circus-loving patricians of Greece by his work on Hippologia.
A Hippological Association would be out of place nowhere in
the British Empire ; for, somehow or other, horse racing, hunting,
and the like, follow the Union Jack just as cricket does, ‘The
study of hippology from its severest and most recondite aspects
has been pushed with some vigour in Germany, France, Italy,
and the United States. The descent of the horse; his true place in
nature; the true homology of his foot ; the comparison of fossil
horses, and of those of Grecian, Assyrian, and primitive art, with
the horses of the present day; the strict comparison of living
horses now found and their arrangements in species, races, varieties,
&c., have been followed out especially by Owen in England, Gaudry
in France, Ratimeyer in Germany, Kowalewski in Austria, Count
THE HORSE: A ZOOLOGICAL STUDY. 199
Ercolani in Italy, and Marsh and Cope in America. The results
obtained by these observers and philosophical investigators of the
past and of the present constitute a mass of knowledge which, if
it has not yet thoroughly settled down into a well-defined stratum
of scientific information, promises to consolidate into a concrete and
instructive mass of science under the term hippology. |
But there isa more practical branch of this science of the future
(if I be permitted to call it so) which appeals to a much larger class
than scientists pure and simple. In all parts of the world the horse-
supply question is becoming a very large one, and presenting pro-
blems which require to be solved by those who have made the study
of it a special science. The influences of artificial selection and
natural causes on the form and utility of the horseis a phenomenon
which we all have constantly under our eyes in Bombay, where the
Arab, an Oriental horse, meets his Occidental cousin from England
or Australia, and where indigenous horses (Country-breds), Turco-
mans, Persians, and even Burmans, are constantly to be seen and
compared as to shape, value for work, and suitability for the
climate.
One of the most remarkable phenomena of the last fifty years is
the changes which have taken place in the distribution and nature
of horses during that time. In England the thorough-bred is
constantly undergoing change (in some respects not for the better),
the weight-carrying hunter is becoming replaced by much lighter
horses, and the older race of horsemen regret the degeneracy of
horses in the present day; we still constantly hear of the falling
off in horse-breeding throughout England and Ireland, and often of
extinction of useful breeds, such as the Suffolk Punch, and yet we
find our troops -and batteries well horsed, our race horses well to
the front as usual, our thorough-breds bought for high prices,
because foreigners can produce none like them, and our horses
“stay” in the fieldas well as ever, in spite of the pace in hunting
having decidedly become faster of late years. Excluding the feeble
attempts of the French and others to imitate the British Turf, the
efforts of the Continental nations are directed almost entirely to the
adaptation of the horse to war purposes. The colossal studs of Ger-
many, Italy, France, Austria, and Russia constitute a drain on the
resources of those countries which, like the conscription, has happily
not yet extended to England, and from which India, with no slight
effort, set herself free. On the southern and eastern outskirts of
27
200 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
these great nations are found horses which, like their owners, have by
less conscious efforts of artificial selection, indeed almost by survival
of the fittest, become typical light cavalry horses, hardy, active, fleet,
and fearless. The varieties of the Arab along Northern Africa and
Southern Asia, from Algeria to Hyderabad (Deccan), the Cossack horse
in Southern Rassia,and the Turcoman in Central Asia, and extending
southwards into India, are the semi-natural races now referred to,
Further east we come to the zone of ponies of Indo-China and
Australasia, of which the Burma or “ Pegu” is an example—an
essentially natural race of great hardihood, robust physique, but
small size and indomitable pluck. Australia, the Americans, and the
Cape show us the phenomenon of horses becoming highly specialized
by the combined influences of new climate, special management,
and artificial selection. Compare the Waler with the English horse,
whether in shape, temper, or suitability for special work, and you
will see how special influences have affected the race of horses in
the colonies quite as much as they have the men. The most con-
spicuous example of the effects of artificial selection on the horse is
the American 'l'rotter,a grand breed with beauties of “ make” and
powers wholly its own, developed by Yankee energy and skill from
the English thorough-bred race-horse. But I must not allow my-
self to be carried away by this fascinating branch of my subject.
I must now point out to you that the working horse of North Ame-
rica, the pampas semi-wild horse of South America, the valuable
*¢ Waler,” and the horses of New Zealand and the Cape are examples
of diffusion of the European horse throughout the world, principally
the outcome of the last half century. What an extraordinary
expansion of the area occupied by the horse! This would prove an
interesting study for a member of the Statistical Society, but
would be out of place here.
I go on to the horses of the far distant past. Cuvier used to say
that from a fragment of bone he could build up the skeleton of an
animal, and he could actually do so, to an extent. A veteran
savant of Great Britain, the illustrious Owen, has informed us
from fossils what the horse of the past was like, I exhibit an
enlarged copy of his diagram, from which it will be seen that his
materials to work with were a few bones and teeth. He traces
clearly the process by which the three-toed horse became the one-
toed horse of the present day, and gradually lost the first molar in
the course of time occupied in these changes. It is insisted that
THE HORSE: A ZOOLOGICAL STUDY. 201
here we have an actual and paleontologically proved descent in the
course of geological time, ¢.e., since the upper Hocene. A remark-
able confirmation of this has-been contributed from America, and is
well illustrated by Marsh’s diagram, a copy of which Inow exhibit,
together with Oscar Schmidt’s table showing the connection between
the odd-hoofed animals. We may look at these diagrams and allow
our fancy to summon before our mind’s eye the time when the ancestors ©
of our present horses roamed over the marshy plains of the
continent of the old world, and were prevented by their side toes
from sinking in the mud, just as are the tapirs and rhinoceroses of
the present day. We may fancy that the rude pictures found carved
by our own remote ancestors (on theshin bones found in fossiliferous
caves) of horses and mammoths give us some insight of what these
horses of the past were like, and, with Géethe, we may critically
look on the vigorous representations of Grecian horses on the freize
of the Parthenon, and observe that they are not like the war horses
of the present day, they present anatomical indications of their
being but semi-tamed and wholly natural and unartificial in develop-
ment. But we must leave the domain of speculation and returm
to that of careful deduction! Marsh, Cope, and others have clearly
proved a series of hippoid, horse-like, creatures on the slopes of
the Rocky Mountains in the Upper Tertiaries; and yet when the
Spaniards landed in America the horse was an unknown creature, the
mounted warrior was, like the ancient Centaur, worshipped asagod!
The equine animals of America had from some cause, which is at pre-
sent a profound mystery, disappeared from the continent of America.
Events since the discovery of the New World have: tended to make
this fact still more remarkable, for it has been found that both North:
and South America are particularly favourable to development and
increase in number of horses. The question which here arises for
solution in the future is; Whether the hippoid animals of Marsh.
were actually ancestors of horses, or rather had not mammalian de-
velopment been going on on parallel lines:in the old world and the
new, Marsh’s hippoidsin America “ vicariating”’ for horses, as llamas
do for their close allies the camels, and as:marsupials in the Austra-
lasian region long did for mammals of the higher orders in most
parts of the world? Materials are not yet available for solution of
this problem. In spite of these doubts, the value of the facts which,
have been ascertained concerning the descent of the horse to zoolo-
gical science is proved by Oscar Schmidt’s statement, that no
202 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
other mammals in the present day can show so distinct or regular a
pedigree as the horse. ”
Teratology, the study of so-called monstrosities, gives us some
curious results which are worth a short consideration in this con-
nection. Horses are not uncommonly born with three toes on one
or more of their feet. An example of this ‘ recurrence to original
type”? is shown in the diagram now exhibited. Horses of low
breed are especially liable to this peculiarity. History tells us
that Bucephalus, the celebrated charger of Alexander the Great,
was a Hipparion, i.e. had three toes on each foot. The tomb of
this horse is on the north-western frontier of India and is well
known. Whether the bones of Bucephalus still he in it or no 1am
not in a position to state; but if antiquarians at any time get an
opportunity of exploring the contents of this tomb, I trust that any
equine remains will be submitted to examination by a competent
hippologist. I also trust that the desideratum will be made widely
known, in order that, if they be not already lost, the bones of Buce-
phalus be preserved with due honour. The results of Teratology
go further—they show us that at times horses cloven-footed, like oxen,
occur; that horses are sometimes found with small frontal horns; and
that frequently the limb bones of the horse very closely resemble
those of the ox. Natural and ordinary development shows that the
fibula of the horse enters into formation of the hock joint, and that
the ulna extends down to the knee, and these are facts which few
zoologists know. I once had a humerus of the horse, of the large
black Belgian breed used by undertakers in England, which even
well-informed students in veterinary anatomy used to constantly
mistake for that of a bullock. Theso anatomical and teratological
facts by no means alter our accepted ideas as to the degree of rela-
tionship of the horse and the ox, buttheyare indications of similarity
in function; in plain words, that the horse and ox, since they walk
and run to an extent in the same way, have their limbs very similar.
They further give colour to the suspicion'held by veterinary anatomists,
in upposition to the views at present generally accepted among
zoologists, that in the days before the Anchitherium, fusion between
the third and the fourth fingers occurred to produce the large central
toe of the horse. This heresy will, no doubt, give a shock to some
of my hearers who have been led to believe that the functional digit
of the horse is No. 3, enormously enlarged, and that all the other
digits have disappeared or are in course of disappearance. I
THE HORSE: A ZOOLOGICAL STUDY. 2038
cannot enter into detail here, but I must ask you to accept my state-
ment that facts and observations are becoming multiplied to such an
extent as to cause the hitherto accepted view to totter and to need
its defenders to rally round it. Suffice it for us now to look upon
the foot of the horse as a great scientific bone of contention in the
future and a most beautiful piece of mechanism which ensures
our horses treading firmly and progressing rapidly in the present.
There are some horny portions of the limbs which are less interest-
ing practically than the hoofs, but equally instructive and curious to
the enquiring mind. The little knot of horn in the fetlock termed
the Ergot is considered to be a remnant of the hoofs of the two digits
represented by the splint bones. This little organ is rudimentary,
z.€., of no known use in the present day, and it is only found in the
coarser breeds of horses. Another relic of the past, an organ in
process of disappearance, is that piece of horn inside the forearm,
where it is termed the Chestnut, and that inside the hock, where it is
termed the Castor; it corresponds to the finger nail of the thumb
of our hand and of the foot of the five-toed ancestor of the horse
in the very remote past.
A lecturer on the processes of change going on in the body of
mammals, whereby variation is brought about, could find no struac-
ture better illustrative of the phenomena to be described than the
limbs of the horse. “Convergence,” that is, similarity produced
by similar uses, would be illustrated by comparing the fore limbs
with the hind; “ divergence” by showing how these two parts differ.
The sesamoid bones of the fetlock and the navicular bone show how
new bones appear and gradually increase in importance; and the
splint bones, fibula and ulna, indicate the several ways in which
bones disappear. 7.e., by degeneration, anchylosis, fusion, and develop-
mental absorption. The shoulder girdle of thehorse is a specially
interesting study in comparative anatomy ; of the typical three ele-
ments, scapula, coracoid, and. clavicle, the former is remarkably
well developed, the coracoid has degenerated into a single process of
the scapula, and the clavicle has become but a fibrous band in
the substance of the muscles running from the neck to the shoulder.
Tt is a fact not known to zoologists in general that the horse has
distinct indications of a clavicle, and that it is not rare to find in
him rudimentary clavicular muscles. The spine of the horse is in a
singular state of unrest. There is not one of its five regions that
has always the same number of bones. This is a most remarkable
904 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
fact and a most significant one, and, I may add, one on which zoolo-
gists have not hitherto laid sufficient stress. Darwin has taught
us how much may result from individual variety and specific varia-
tion, and he could nowhere have found it better marked than in the
spine of the horse. It will be sufficient if I here state that I have
proved it is not unfrequently seen that the seventh cervical vertebra
in the common Enelish ass has on each side a well-developed rib
connecting it with the sternum; thus this animal is, in fact, the
extraordinary phenomenon of amammal with but six cervical vertebra.
The bones of the back vary in different cases from 17 to 19; of the
loins the number of bones is extremely uncertain, ranging from 5 to
7; the sacrum consists of 5 or 6, and the numberin the coccyx is
quite uncertain; butit has been observed that the tail in well-bred horses
is becoming shorter—a fact which may comfort members of the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals with the knowledge that, -
in the distant future, horses’ tails will have become too short to require
‘‘ docking.” To those who view this subject from an artistic point, and
fear lest in the future the horse may lose altogether his beautiful
caudal appendage, I may give a word of comfort. Instantaneous
photography of horses in motion has proved that the tail has a
raison Wétre as a balancing organ; Nature also will spare it for use
as a fly-flapper !
Time will not permit my passing in review the nearest allies
of the horse and the various races of equines in different parts of
the world. Our country-bred horses show some remarkable indica-
tions of relationship with the zebra, donkey, and quagga and
other equines who are not caballine. We are constantly speaking
of the donkey-stripe of the Kattywar horses and of zebra marks on
the knees and hocks of country-breds. The frequency of mouse-
colour in country-breds and the constant occurrence of parti-
colouration in them are significant in this relation. Another study
of equines which would prove specially interesting and of scientific
value would be the phenomenon of hybridism as exemplified in
the mule, the hinny, and the crosses which have been made from
time to time between the horse and the zebra; not to speak of the
extraordinary phenomenon which occasionally occurs of mules breed-
ing. These hybrids promise to show to the careful student the laws
of transmission of parental qualities ; they afford the most practicable
opening into this hitherto obscure field of enquiry. Comparative
anatomy gives us some information; for example, we find that the
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 205
lower hock bonesare naturally becoming fixed (natural spavin) and the
splint bones are becoming but processes of the large metacarpal
{natural splint), but the study of hybrids tends to give us precise
information as to how we are to breed the exact sort of horse that
we require. It is interesting to observe that horse-breeding, which
has hitherto been empirical, is showing signs of becoming a ductive
science with a certain amount of exactitude in it. I trust this ©
record of a few thoughts about horses will prove of interest to the
Society.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
SNAKE-BREEDING FOR THE GOVERNMENT REWARD.
Tue Government of Bombay recently addressed our Society on the subject of
the rewards paid for the destruction of poisonous snakes in the distriets of Satara
and Ratnagiri. The opinion of the Society was solicited on various points, and,
amongst others, the question was raised as to whether there was likely to be any
truth in the rumours that snakes were frequently bred in confinement by the
people, in those districts, for the sake of the Government reward.
The following is an extract from the reply written to Government by
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Hononary Secretary, on 8th June 1887 :—
** With regard to the last paragraph in your letter concerning the possibility of
snakes being bred in confinement for the sake of Government reward, I have no
hesitation in saying (and in this Mr. Vidal thoroughly agrees with me) that such
a thing is highly improbable.
There are practically only four poisonous snakes, of any consequence, in the
districts referred to, Satara and Ratnagiri. viz.—
1. The Cobra (Naga tripudians).
2. The Gunus (Dadoia elegans).
3. The Phoorsa (Echis carinata). AUS oom ;
4. The Krait (Bungarus arcuatus), of which the latter is by no means com-
mon in those districts. ~*°
The Cobra has, to the best of my knowledge, never been known to breed in
confinement, and it is exceedingly doubtful whether the Gunus and Phoorsa which
are both viviparous, could be successfully propagated except in a most carefully
constructed serpentarium.
The rumours respecting the breeding of poisonous snakes are probably founded
on the fact that snakes’ eggs are frequently picked up by the junglemen, who natur-
ally keep them until they hatch, so as to claim the Government reward in the
event of the snakes being poisonous; but this practice is one that should be
encouraged.
206 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
It is also quite possible that gravid females of the Phoorsa (which is so comimon
in Ratnagiri) have occasionally been kept for a shorttime after capture in order that
the Government reward may be claimed on the young ones as soon as they are
born, but there seems to be little or no harm in such a practice.”
District Officers frequently refer to rumours regarding the existence of such
practices, and as the subject is of interest both to the naturalist and to the economist,
the sooner the truth is ascertained the better.
BOOK NOTICE.
The ‘‘ Marchesa,” an auxiliary screw steam yacht of 420 tons, Mr. C. Kettlewell)
master and owner, * * * left Cowes on the 8th January (1881) and reached
Colombo April 24th, having touched at Socotra and Oolegaum Island (Maldives)
* * *, She proceeded vid Singapore to Formosa; and so far we have only quoted
the author.
In a recent review we had to praise a writer for having written a readable account
of the ordinary outward voyage to the East; but Dr. Guillemard has adopted a
counsel of perfection (given by Horace), ignored a few thousand preliminary
knots altogether, and introduced us to the ‘‘ Marchesa,”’ running in towards the
land to reconnoitre a fort at Nansha, the southern extremity of Formosa. This
particular fort has deserved from the first, as some of our own Isle-forts do
in their old age, the favour even of the Peace Society. For it was erected
not for the fracture of heads, but “as a refuge for Shipwrecked Mariners’;
in virtue of a treaty concluded in 1867, between General Le Gendre, U. S. Consul
at Amoy; and Tok-e-tok, Paramount Chief of the Southern District of Formosa, to
both of whom the acknowledgments of mariners are due. For before that ; Tok-
e-tok’s subjects had been in the habit of murdering all strangers on whom they
could lay hands, and were more than suspected of eating them.
The “ Marchesa” made no experiments upon the improvement in their ways, but
passed on to the low island of Samasana, formerly visited by the famous old
Samarang ; and by the Sylvia (1867). Here, however, her party found nothing im
our line, but many domesticated Formosan deer (cervus pseudaxis) creatures looking
like a cross between the English red-deer and our “chital.”’ It will strike a familiar
chord in the heart of every mofussilite reader to find that here, in what our author
calls “the ultimate of Ultima Thules,” he was waylaid on his return to his boat,
and compelled to examine the school, just as he would have been here. Having
discharged this duty under the slight difficulty caused by his not knowing the
Chinese alphabet quite so well as the junior first form did, he sailed for Chock-e-
day.
The virtue of the land of Chock-e-day, which is on the East Coast of Formosa,
is that its mountains rise 7,000 feet almost sheer out of the sea, as is well shown
* The Cruise of the ‘‘Marchesa’’ to Kamschatka and New Guinea; with notices
of Formosa, Liu-Kiu, and various islands of the Malay Archipelago. By H, H.
Guillemard, M.A., M.D., &c., &c. London: John Murray, 1886.
BOOK NOTICE. 207
in a fine illustration. It must be one of the grandest coasts in the world, but
there is not much pleasure on it, and no anchorage. A party from the “ Marchesa”
landed, well armed, and admired the scenery greatly; but saw only one bird (not
described) and caught nothing but a snake, 9 feet long (not identified). They
saw tracks of deer and wild cats, and on their return to the boats, those of a
native who had been dogging them, possibly with a view to dinner. After which,
the surf having risen, they had to swim off to their boat with the aid of a life-belt
and line ; and made no further attempt to inspect Eastern Formosa, which is entirely |
in the hands of inhospitable and probably Cannibal savages, and likely to remain
so for some time yet.
They therefore proceeded tv the comparatively civilized portion of the island
colonized by the Chinese, landed at Ke-lung, and went overland (partly by
river) to Tamsui; remarking, chiefly, the great variety and beauty of the bamboos,
a thing worth noticing, as these ports lie under the 26th degree N. L. Dr.
Guillemard observes that Aralia Papyrifera, the plant whose pith furnishes
what we somewhat perversely call ‘“ rice-paper,’’ is peculiar to Formosa, “a fact
not generally known.” He notes that the lofty eastern mountains of the island,
catching the rainstorms of the Pacific, make it “a sort of umbrella for the eastern
coasts of China’; and that the detritus constantly washed down from them bids
fair some day to unite the island to continental Asia,
Tamsui and Ke-lung have been a good deal before the public since the
*‘ Marchesa’s” visit, in connection with their occupation by the French; and it is
not, therefore, necessary to quote here Dr. Guillemard’s account of them and their
environs. On the whole, he considered Formosa “a very good country to live out
of ;” and gladly departed for Liu-Kiu (which we used to call Loo-choo).
His researches in that archipelago were such as may best be dealt with by our
“chum” Society, the Anthropological. The Islands, he says, ‘still remain an
almost virgin ground” in respect of natural history; and he brought no specimen
out of them to speak of, except a “ large and beautifully iridescent shell (Avricula
Micropteron) very rare on the Island, and greatly valued for its beauty.” Bird
life appears to be exceedingly poor in Liu-Kiu. Of plants he notices pine trees,
pink lotus, and “feathery fronds of the tree-fern.” It is not easy for the reader
to guess whether this last is the same plant noticed a page or two further on as
“ the stiff-looking Cycas.’’ At any rate, this last is extensively planted, for what
purpose we are not told.* The other vegetation mentioned is all sub-tropical.
The Islands, at the time of the* “Marchesa’s” visit, were passing under Japanese
dominion, and will probably soon cease to be ¢erra incognita.
She sailed from thence to Japan, and here again we have reason to be grateful to
Dr. Guillemard for judicious abstention. He really only bestows a line and a
half upon the “ mousmis ” ; anda page and a half on the whole country ; and
leaves the reader to learn “ all about it” from the works of people who have seen
something more than the hackneyed excursion routes ; reserving himself for the
almost unknown glories of Kamschatka. With these he made his first acquaintance
at Petropaulovsky in Avatcha Bay, memorable chiefly for the fiasco of the naval
expedition undertaken against it by the French and English in 1854.
* Probably Sago.
28
208 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The result of their combined action is still traditionally recorded in the navy in the
words of asailor, too forcible, unluckily, for publication virginibus puerisque.
At any rate, they got well beaten, but returned next year, and destroyed the
place, which the Russians, with their characteristic strategy, had meanwhile
abandoned. Dr. Guillemard thinks Avatcha Bay ‘‘one of the finest harbours
in the world, if not “actually the finest; ”? but the town of Petropaulovsyk had
not atthe time of his visit, recovered from its desertion and destruction; and
was simply a poor undefended fur-trade settlement. Fishing and shooting were
good, and amongst other birds our author notices (and figures) two very quaint-
looking sea-fowl, the Whiskered Puffin (Lunda Cirrhata) and the Tufted Auk (Simo-
rhynchus cristatellus). In the latter the frontal crest curves forward, giving @
strange air of martial swagger to this peaceable little water-fowl.
Ashore, the most remarkable and abundant mammal was the sledge-dog; who
outnumbers humanity, in Kamschatka, by about 400 per cent., and is so far
master of the situation that “ owing to his rapacity, it is impossible to keep sheep,
goats, or any of the smaller domestic animals, and Kamschatka is one of the
few countries in the world in which fowls are unknown.” In mitigation it has
to be observed that except when actually at work, these dogs are never, or
rarely, fed ; and, instead of having kennels, are reduced to burrowing for shelter.
“4 dog’s life,” says Dr. Guillemard ‘is here most appropriately realized.” To
prevent the dogs, when collected for work, from quarrelling, they are picketed one
to each foot of triangles of poles arranged like piled rifles ; and this although the
males are subjected, as pups, to a pacificatory operation.
A party from the “‘Marchesa”’ undertook to march overland from Petropaulovsky
to the Kamschatka river, and descend the latter on rafts, floated on dug-out
canoes of poplar wood ; and accomplished this exploration with success. Their ae-
count of the interior is, in short, that “ every prospect pleases, and only man is vile,”
especially when well crossed with Russian; the aborigines being, comparatively
civil and honest. It is quite clear that the game was not worth the candle, and
that nearly all they saw worth seeing could have been better got at by ascending
the river from its mouth in their own boats.
They shot one bear and one sable (out of season), many ptarmigan, doubtfully
identified as Lagopus albus (no specimens were preserved), Ernes (Haltaétus
albicilla) Phalaropes (L. hyperboreus) and ducks, which our author does not
specify, though he appends a list of Kamschatkan birds, borrowed, with due
acknowledgment, from Dr. Leonard Stejneger.
Of the ducks, however, Dr. Guillemard tells us one thing; a new way of
cooking them @ la kamschatkaine, which he recommends :—‘ The bird is plucked
with care, so as to leave the skin unbroken: and is not drawn. A stick is thrust
down the throat, and the other end stuck into the ground close to the fire. The
effect produced when a party of a dozen are thus cooking their suppers is not a
little absurd; it is as if the camp-fire had burst into a perfect girandole
of naked ducks, who fly quacking from it in open-mouthed alarm.” The party
saw, but did not obtain, the fine sea-eagle of Pallas (Thalassaétus pelagicus). But
the most interesting record of their journey to the naturalist is the notice of the
strange and numerous Salmonide of the Kamschatkan rivers. The number of
BOOK NOTICE. 209
these unhappy creatures is one of the marvels of nature. Ina branch of the Avatcha
18 inches deep, “hundreds were in sight, absolutely touching one another ; and as
we crossed the river our horses nearly stepped upon them. * * ‘hey were for the
most part foul fish * * *, but others in good condition were to be found ,and witha
little trouble I was able to pull out three good ten-pound fish in as many
minutes with a gaff. Any other method of fishing would have been useless.”
A native present ‘“‘went a little way up stream, and soon returned with half a
dozen fish, which were a great improvement upon our own selection ; for I can -
apply no better term to it. * * = The traveller goes down to
hook his supper out of the stream as naturally as he gathers the firewood to boil
his kettle.”
The Kamschatkan population, human and canine, live chiefly on salmon, and
during the summer so do the bears, and in winter horned cattle are foraged on
them. This last curiosity in farming is known in some other countries, and we
in India have seen milch and draught cattle fed on worse things. All the efforts of
man, beast, and bird have no material effect upon the numbers of the fish, and the
proportion consumed by all enemies is nothing to that which perishes from starva-
tion, shipwreck, or disease, and lies in rotting heaps by the banks of almost every
stream.
The commonest species is Salmo Proteus, Kamschathice, “ Garbusa,’”
which, says Dr. Guillemard, signifies “ Hump-back,” and certainly ought to.
This fish starts in life with a good figure and a fine silvery complexion, set off by
a few spots on his tail; but even before spawning his back begins to get humped,.
the natives say from the effect of his efforts in ascending the stream (which
can scarcely be accepted as causa vera et suficiens). At the same time his snout
turus down and his chin turns up, and as a “kelt” he is the very Punch of the
waters, while his coloration, livid, irregularly blotehed with blood red, is rather
that of aClown. This is the most abundant species and least esteemed, thought
eatable enough when “fresh run.” It is chiefly used to feed dogs (and sometimes
cattle), and runs to about 15 lbs. weight.
The largest and best fish is the “ King Salmon,” or “ Tchervitehi,” which attains.
a length of four feet and a weight of 50 or 60 lbs. avoirdupois, and is said sometimes
to exceed these dimensions.
Dr. Guillemard mentions several others, and is rather perplexed about one, called
Gultzi, which appeared to him to be a large char. The name is ascribed by several
writers to a true Salmon (8. calaris), and is probably loosely applied by the natives:
to two or more species. One Kamschatkan Salmon (Onchorhynchus lagocephalus)
turns bright red all over in the ‘‘ kelt ” stage, ¢. e. after spawning. Another, the
“ Kisuchi.”’ (Onehorhynchus Sanguinolentus), is so fat that the natives “ try out’?
the oil by putting heaps of the fish in a canoe beside a bonfire, with water quant.
suff, aud dropping red hot stones im till the water boils and the oil rises to the
surface. The civilization of this Russian dependency must be rather low when
the inhabitants are reduced to this very primitive sort of cauldron close to navig-
able rivers.
The “ Marchesa’s” shore-party made a survey of the chief of these, the Kams-
chatka, and recorded some observations about the fine group of volcanoes near its
210 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
er sal sg | an eee le he tee A
mouth, very well worth reading, and well illustrated from their photographs. The
ship dared not cross the dangerous bar, though a Swedish schooner drawing
10’ 6” had lately done so with some danger, bumping once or twice, even at
high water. “ It appears,” says Dr. Guillemard, ‘‘ that there is only one tide here
in the 24 hours,” a thing about which a seaman would like more positive informa-
tion. The “ Marchesa,” however, had had enough of the place, gut her ‘‘ hberty-
men ”’ on board, and stood away for ‘‘ Bering ”’ Island.
Dr. Guillemard tells us that this, and not ‘“‘ Behring,”’ is the proper spelling of
the name which that unlucky navigator has left to the island in question, as well as
to the more famous straits. It and a neighbouring one called ‘‘ Copper Island”
are the westernmost of the voleanie Aleutian chain that locks in the north angle
of the Pacific. These two belong to Russia, and are called, together, the Koman-
dorski (Commander) Islands, that having been the naval rank of poor Bering
when he perished miserably on the larger, half-buried before the breath was out
of him.
Most of the time of the ‘‘ Marchesa’s”’ party was taken up in interviewing the
fur-seals, or sea-bears (Callorhinus ursinus) ; but the natural history of this animal,
and the fashion in which he is preserved and slaughtered, are not only hackneyed,
put in many details little short of disgusting. One thing Dr. Guillemard records
which is not in the newspaper accounts of the Sealery, videlicet, the young sea-
bears are born with their eyes open. Also he met here Dr. Leonard Stefneger
engaged on the natural history of the islands. The most valuable result of his
researches had been the collection of many bones of the extinct sea-cow (Rhytina
Stelleri), and of some data bearmg on the very recent colonization of these vol-
canic isles by the continental fauna and flora. He thought that the evidence quoted
by Nordenskiold as to the survival of Rhytina to within late generations was
untrustworthy.
From Nikolsky, the capital of Bering Island, the ‘‘ Marchesa” sailed to Cape
Shipunsky, in Kamschatka, to hunt walruses and wild sheep (Ovis nivicola); with
the former she did little good, the shore having been harried by the Swedish
schooner already mentioned, and tlie carcases left lying on the rocks, effectually
debarred the survivors from landing. Now walrus hunting i the water is no di-
version for amateurs. With the sheep the landed party did better, surrounding
many on a lofty promontory, where they shot or drove over the cliffs no less than
ninein oneday. These sheep closely resemble the American “‘ Bighorn” (Ovts mon-
tana), and are fine brutes, some exceeding 40 inches at the shoulder, with a length
of five feet and a half, and horns 35 inches long outside the curve,
Dr. Guillemard gives reasons for maintaining the distinction of the species, by
some identified with the nearly allied O. montana. They have one merit consider-
able in a sheep, very good mutton. A few seals, resembling Phoca vitulina, were
shot here, after which the “Marchesa” returned to Petropalousky, and sailed
thence to Cape Lopatka to get sea-otters (Enhydra lutris). They got two skins,
and the canoe, bow and arrows used in the chase of this rare animal. The eanoe
was like an Esquimaux kayak in form and construction, made of skins of the
sea-lion (Ewmetopias) on a wooden frame, covered in, and further protected by a
loose petticoat-shaped circular apron tied under the arms of the paddlers. One
BOOK NOTICE. Al the
of these canves can be lifted with one hand (though they hold three men) ; and in
foul weather (as they always cruise in company) they are made fast to each other
by means of paddles seized down athwartships, forming a pretty sea-worthy sort
of catamaran.
The bow is mentioned as of “* tough wood,” un-named, strengthened by an outer
longitudinal bracing of plaited hide such as is used by the tribes on the American
coast of the same sea to make up for the want of toughness in the coniferous woods
on which they have to depend. The arrow is of wood, with a long socket of
walrus ivory, which loosely holds a barbed copper head, made fast to a lanyard of
plaited sinew coiled on the shaft, very much as in the fishing arrows of our own
Bhils. The feathers are “rifled,” ¢.e., set on spirally to give a spinning motion to
the projectile; a practice which is reported to exist, or to have existed, amongst
some tribes in the north-east of the Indian peninsula.
From this point Dr. Guillemard, with his usual discretion, gives us a mere
précis of the ‘‘ Marchesa’s ’’ movements in well-known waters, till we rejoin her at
anchor off Lamery, in the isle of Luzon, 40 miles south of Manilla. Near this place
is the lake of Taal, mountain-girt, and probably an extinct crater, 15 miles long.
In its centre rises a mountainous island 2,000 feet high, on the top of which is an
undoubted crater-lake a mile across, ‘he “‘ Marchesa” stayed only a few hours,
and sailed for the Sulu sea. Passing the little isle of Bancoran, it was observed
to swarm with big white “ nutmeg pigeons” (Myristicivora bicolor), which tempted
the travellers in vain. Time pressing, they proceeded on their voyage to Cagayan
Sulu. This island lies pretty wellin the centre of the Sulu sea and clear of the
other islands known by the same name; it acknowledged the suzerainty of the
Sultan of Sulu, subject always to the necessity of submitting to that of Spain,
whenever and so long as enforced by the arms of that power. This seems to have
been the condition of politics throughout the Sulu group at the time of the
‘© Marchesa’s” cruise, viz., 1583.
Dr. Guillemard thought he had never seen a tropic island “more captivating
than Cagayan Sulu.” The party explored it for several days ; especially a strange
chain of three crater-lakes, side by side on the south coast. The sea has broken into
the westernmost and largest lake, Jiwata; but the entrance is only about a cable’s
length across and 3 feet deep, though inside there is 55 fathoms. It is also partly
barred by an islet, a remnant of the crater’s rim. The other two lakes contain
fresh water ; and it is impossible to look at the plan and sketch, illustrating Dr.
Guillemard’s account of them;-without hoping that a civilized engineer may some
day have the chance of cutting through the coral barrier and lava-bar of Jiwata ;
and turning it into one of the sweetest little harbours in creation ; with a good water
supply close by. Until that happens, however, there is a good harbour available on
the north coast, discovered by our voyagers, and somewhat prosaically chris-
tened by them “Yacht Bay.” It hasa sandy bottom, and 15 fathoms water;
but is not further described in the work under review. ‘Animal life ap-
peared singularly meagre’? in the island; but they got a new Muzornis;
a large and very rare fruit-pigeon (Carpophaga Pickeringa); and some better known
birds. The mammals appear to be rats and one monkey, the ‘‘ krah” (Macacus
cynomolgus) a common Bornean species.
Siz BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Here there is a gap in the narrative, which is practically resumed at Meimbun,
in the island of Sulu proper. Here they made acquaintance with the Sultan,
whose authority is apparently nominal, and with many birds, including a green
parrot (Tanygnathus burbidget), peculiar to the Sulu Isles ; and an almost new
sun-bird (Cinnyris juiie) discovered in Mindanao by the ‘‘ Challenger’s” party. A
white cockatoo (Cacatua hematuropygia) has the under-tail-coverts and vent
scarlet ; a single rose-coloured feather forms its crest; and it is, says Dr. Guil-
lemard, ‘‘ perhaps the commonest bird.” Fancya country where ‘‘ the commonest
bird” owns such a figure and coloration as this cockatoo, and is also good in pie V
The Spaniards had a fortified port in the north of Sulu, which is marked by that
name in our charts; but they called it Jolo. Either name is preferable to one now
happily obsolete : ‘‘ Soog.”
It does not appear to be a pleasant place, and gentlemen walking outside the
palisades without escort are apt to get their heads chopped off with a “ parang.”
This is a common word and weapon throughout the Hastern Isles; but the Sulu
pattern, which Dr. Guillemard figures, deserves special notice. It very much
resembles a Ghorkha “kukri” out of curl; and still more the curious short sword
shown in some of our Indian Buddhist paintings and sculptures; which has some-
times, owing to the indistinctness of the latter, been compared to the short broad-
sword of classic warfare.*
Besides their eternal war with the Spaniards, the natives of Sulu are engaged
in continual local, tribal, and individual feuds; and our author thinks that most
of them would die in their boots if they had any. All parties treated the
“*Marchesas” as neutrals;and guests; but on one occasion one of them, probably
mistaken for an “orang Castillan,” (Spaniard) was actually stalked by a native
with a ‘parang,’ whom, however, his countrymen undeceived and quieted. The
principal wild mammal of the island seems to be the pig (species not noted); and
the Sulus showed our voyagers good pig-sticking. Of game birds they seem to
have noticed chiefly Gallus bankiva, (the universal Jungle-cock of the farther east
and probable ancestor of our Game fowls) and Eacalfactoria chinensis, which
Dr. Guillemard calls a button-quail ;.wrongly, of course, (if he has rightly identi-
fied his bird) E. chinensis is the “‘ Blue-breasted Quail” of Indian sportsmen; our
button-quails belonging to the genus Turnix, which has no hind toe; and as these
names were adopted by Jerdou, whose English nomenclature was as systematic
as his Latin, they have a right to stand. If size was the only thing to consider, FE.
minima, the Dwarf-Quail of Celebes, would,put both the Indian birds, as well as
the present species, out of court. It is the smallest game-bird in the world.
Speaking generally, our voyagers found the fauna of the Sulu group to be Philip-
pine in character, and Dr. Guillemard attributes to the Sibutu passage, separating
them from Borneo, an importance, as a Zoological boundary little inferior to
that of ‘* Wallace’s’’ line at the Lombok Strait, at the other side of the Malayan
region.
* Vide for instance plate 37 of Fergusson’s Indian and Eastern Architecture ;
representing a relief from Amrawati; and note that Amrawati was in constant
communication with the Malay Islands.
BOOK NOTICE. 213
From Sulu the “ Marchesa” sailed to the territories of the British North
Borneo Company, Brunei, and Sarawak. They were not able to visit the caves
where the edible swallows-nests are procured in such quantities as to form “by
far the most important’’ export of the country. Dr. Guillemard notes, however,
that the caves are not the only habitat of this swallow. He ‘‘ observed a couple
of nests built close together on the face of a small cliff, barely 10 feet from the
sea-beach.” He does not name the species, and no bird of the genus (Collocalia)
appears in his appendices. The party collected many birds, and a live ourang-
outang, but met with no particular adventure in Borneo, except that our author
found a bird as big as a goldfinch (Mirornis Bornensts) caught in the web ofa
forest spider (Nephila) who, “though evidently somewhat deterred by his un-
usually large capture and the violent shakings of the web, showed no intentions
of flight, and quietly watched the issue of events close by.’ The masculine
gender is perhaps here misplaced. It is probable that no male spider, even of the
monstrous genus Mygale, which Dr. Guillemard found reaching 3” by 1” in size,
could kill a bird. The female is the bigger, as wellas better, half, among the
Arachnide ; and in some species carries woman’s rights so far as to kill and eat her
undesirable admirers.
Aftersome cruising in known watersthe ‘ Marchesa,” on the 9th August, anchored
off Sumbawa; and entered on the study of the Australo-Papuan region, to which
that island belongs by climate and zoology, though the population is of the Malay
breed. The difference in landscape struck the travellers at once, everything was
dry, the jungle scrubby and thorny, and Euphorbias of two or three species
were abundant. In Bombay we don’t require to go to the Papuan region for
these luxuries; but Dr. Guillemard had been for months in Malay proper,
and had come to feel that nothing but a rattan had any business to stop his way
with prickly branches. ‘“‘ The forest trees were unfamiliar, and owing to the
leaflessness of many of them, there was a remarkable absence of colour in the
landscape. Here and there only a Bombax caught the eve; its crimson flowers
conspicuous at the end of the bare branches. The prickly-pear was growing every-
where, and to judge from its abundance, must have been introduced into the
island many years ago. No rain had fallen for five months, and the heat and
dust were intolerable.”” From the above quotation it will be gathered that the
glories of Sumbawa are pretty much such as may be enjoyed by the aid of the
G.I. P. R., and without getting out of range of ice and pomplets.
The birds, however, were 4 little more interesting from the mixture of Indian
and Malayan forms; and one new bird, Zosterops Sumbavensis, was obtained.
At Bima, in this island, the best shooting was about the town graveyard.
From Sumbawa the “ Marchesa” sailed to Gunongapi (or fire-mountains), a
voleanic isle, where her collectors secured a new button-quail (proper) which they
called Turniz Powelli, after one of their party. They also noticed a species of
Borassus ; not so common, says Dr. Guillemard, in the islands further west, which
flowers but once, and dies immediately afterwards, like the bamboo and some
other big endogenous plants.
From Gunongapi they sailed for Macassar in Celebes, where they found “ dress-
coats de rigueur, but a frock-coat or even a cut-away may be worn without
214 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
a breach of decorum.” This compendium of Macassarian costume is, as Mr.
Mathew Arnold would say, slightly wanting in lucidity ; and our author saw
nothing of the “incomparable oil, Macassar,” which is reported to be made of
the fruit of a tree very common about Bombay, the “horse-radish tree”
(Moringa pterygosperma, Marathicé Shewga).
If there is no oil, however, there is lots of grog ; “ Port, Madeira, Hollands,
and Bitters,’? and Manilla cheroots abound. ‘The ladies are far in advance of
their Anglo-Indian sisters ”; for why, because they wear ‘‘sarongs” and
“ Kibayas, ” things which the present writer fears to discuss. But from the
context it would seem that if the Holland-Indian sisters advance much further
on this line, their progress will be something like that of the Ivish sergeant’s squad
“advance three steps backward, and dress by the gutter’; a dressing-room
appropriate enough to any further change of costume in the direction indicated.
Amongst the Batavian disciples of Pantagruel and Lady Harberton Dr. Guillemard
picked up a new trick in his own trade, a prophylactic against cholera; which at
any rate, sounds pleasanter than our old friend Mr. Hornaday’s “ fever-cure’”’
based upon strychnine at the rate of two ounces a week). “‘ Float your liver, sir,
keep your liver constantly floating in champagne,”’ was the prescription of thase
whom our author naturally calls “ the wise Dutch.”
He might also well call them the liberal and hospitable Dutch ; and they lent
the “ Marchesa” good charts, the height of friendship amongst seamen. She
naturally, cruised a good deal about Celebes, and Dr. Guillemard admired
the Dutch colonial system, and compared it with English ways, which he considers
inferior. Leaving his generalisations on subjects clearly beyond his competence, it
is a pleasure to accompany him on his proper ground—amongst the birds. In Cele-
bes these are numerous and interesting, few more so than a dwarf dove (Péilopus
melanocephalus), one of many such in the Papuan region, but distinguished by
shining green body and French grey head; velvet black nuchal patch, bright
yellow throat and vent; and under tail coverts of crimson. He also procured
Prioniturus platurus, a racket-tailed parrot, of a genus peculiar to Celebes and the
Philippines, and on the small island» of Talisse two fine species of fruit pigeons
(Carpophaga) in which he noted the enormous power of gape (due to the peculiar
arrangement of the mandibles and quadrate bones) which enables these birds to
swallow entire fruits much bigger than their own heads. Returning to the main
island of Celebes, the “ Marchesas” shot some Babi-rusas, strange pigs whose
extraordinary hornlike development of the upper canine teeth has earned their
Malay name. “ Badi” means a pig in Malay; and “‘Rusa’” a deer. The latter
word we have adopted into scientific Latin as the name of a genus of which
the first specimens came from Malayana; though its finest species, the Sambar,
is Indian.
They also got some pigs ofa species unnoted, and hada great hunt for “‘ Maleos,”
i.e., Megapodes, or “Brush-turkeys”’ (Megacephalon maleo). These birds, which
sometimes weigh over 33 Ibs. lay their large eggs in the sand of the sea-shore, like
turtles, at which operation our sportsmen surprised them, and found that if they
a Ucn
* The natives asserted that the Babirusa could ascend trees (easy trees of course)
and the ‘“ Marchesa’s” hunters actually saw one try to do so.
BOOK NOTICE. 218
advanced with great speed and demonstration the poor ‘‘turkeys” flew into trees
and sat there to be shot down in succession. But if slowly approached they ran
off into the jungle before giving a shot. The genus is Australo-Papuan, and
Dr. Guillemard agrees with Mr. Wallace in considering its extension to the Nicobars
as due to human agency. Another westernmost form was a brush-tongued lory
( Trichoglossus ornatus). The genus is strong in Papua and Australia ; and one
species (Z'. pumilus) is one of the various ‘‘love birds” of our aviaries.
The party procured two specimens of the Sapi-utan (Anoa depressicornis), which —
is not a monkey, but a forest-bull (as the Malay name implies); and left
Celebes for Ternate. Here, in the aviary of a Dutch District Officer, they were
introduced to many Papuan birds which, at a later period of the voyage, they were
to see at liberty.
One of the strangest of these was the heavy Black Cockatoo (Microglossus
aterrimus) the only bird whose beak is strong enough to crack ‘“* kanari nuts”; and
another the strangely vulturine parrot Dasyptilus Pecqueti. There were birds of
Paradise too, but no reviewer has space to quote the eloquence with which the
sight of these lovely creatures alive inspires the dullest traveller.
From Ternate the “ Marchesa’’ sailed to Batchian and Obi; where the thing best
worth mentioning, perhaps, was a racket-tailed king-fisher (Tanysiptera obtensis).
It is strange how this peculiar form of tail-feather hangs about the skirts of the
Malayan region, occurring in birds of very various diet and habit, from India to
New Guinea. Another bird peculiar to the group, Lortus, flavo-palliatus, was
shot while feeding on wild figs. It is ‘* crimson and olive, with a splash of golden-
yellow in the centre of the back,’? whence the name. The Malay hunters carry
valuable spoil of this sort slung across their breasts, a good plan, as a light bird
so carried would probably suffer little damage to its feathers.
On a small island called Bisu they obtained the Nicobar pigeon (Calenas
Nicobarica) which, says Dr. Guillemard, is generally distributed, yet rare, in the
Eastern Isles. Its somewhat helpless bulk and terrestrial habits (in accordance
with which its appearance is very gallinaceous) induce it to prefer remote islets
unfrequented by man and other predatory mammals.
In this group they got their first birds of Paradise, the ‘‘ Standard-wing”’
(Semioptera Wallacei); the only Paradiseid found out of the Papuan Islands, as
restricted, and extremely aberrant from the rest of the family.
They also assisted at a deer-hunt, which seems to have been a scramble of many
men and “ pie”? dogs; and saw sago being made.
On leaving Batchian, they touched’at the desolate Weda Islands to shoot Nicobar
pigeons, and saw none, but got many other pigeons, including Carpophaga Myrts-
ticivora “hitherto supposed to be confined to New Guinea and the true Papuan
Islands” (page 247) and described as of “shining green plumage.” It is not to be
confused with Myristicivora bi-color, mentioned on page 2 of the same volume,
which is mostly white and Bornean in habitat. They got a new red lory (Hos
insularis); and a fine coloured plate of him is the frontispiece to the second
volume. But the Weda isles have no anchorage, and the party had to re-embark,
and sailed for the New Guinea group. Here they remained until December,
collecting birds of Paradise chiefly ; and other things too numerous to mention;
and then returned home by way of Sulu.
29
216 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The book is throughout extremely interesting; and about as well got up as any
book of its sizeand class has ever been. Many of the illustrations are extremely
beautiful, especially the studies of trees. There is a double-barrelled sketch of
jack fruit (Artocarpus integrifolia) at page 6 of the second volume; which for
truth and beauty is very much to be preferred to the living fruit; and has the
further advantage of not smelling nasty, as that does.
There is but one thing to regret about “ the Cruise of the Marchesa,” videlicet,
that none of the ship’s company seem to have thought it worth while to notice any
fisk which did not lend itself to being “selected”’ with a gaff out of half a yard of
water, except by eating it.
PROCEEDINGS.
List of contributions acknowledged at the Meeting held on 10th January 1887,
omitted in the last number :—
Contribution.
2 Birds of Paradise
1 Monkey (alive)
1 Manura (alive)...
ae JAK sscresoose
A Manaul Phonan
(Dp {SMe eS} Bogsonsogssanen ebho0050
BO Lizards) oi... vaessenee eee
L Hamadryad ..........:00:000s
Tenn ao ls} IDFSIeIEP Bor ekqosanqgodadcdOT
1 Octopus (alive) Soups eokdan
2 Snakes
3 Bats
1D Olli esceee ee ouaaueogaasere
Sp relia dst: ea ae baa heceoaden coca
Scorpion and Centipedes .
A large collection.of Fish ...
A collection of Butterflies...
63 VEEN! Sosonoaagauanoeuedasa0o"
2 Snakes Pale a cecenue mate cenatenetnie
A collection of Plants..
Ce ee er
1 Cockatiel . Heenan Ooo
1 Gazelle . wowisejeeceMernes
A eeiletrion! GE Pines basncosad
1 large Turtle ........ decades s03
ab eReyebel Pe waoige Aagyadeddocadceosa
ZYSMAKES etd ccctssuecaceese
1 Snake ae
A quantity of Coralines ‘and
Marine Animals.
2 Jackals’ Heads with Horns
Description.
Paradisea apoda
Macacus radiatus .......06.
Paradoxurus musanga
Bombay Harbour ...
INoyan [SwATAIEy “Goacggoaqeon009 300
From the Dangs...........++.-
Do. mado
Ophiophagus elaps ........
From Shevaroy Hills
Octopus vulgaris ........6...
Brom Aiba s..cccnsssns ces:
Do. sSosgaoug HONsIEaS
Sotalia plumbia........0..0+
From Perim Island
OO mony
eevee eee
eect nearee
From Afghanistan... .....+
From: Persian Gulf .........
Kron S Cun Curedcenten cee sence
Gazella Bennetti
From 8. India ..... aisechicutre
Chelonia Virgata .........+0.
From Singapore........... 5980
From Kennery Island
From Alibag .......scsseeneres
eoeres
Minor CONTRIBUTIONS.
Contributor.
H. H. the Maharaja§Holkar.
Mr. A. S. M. Ritchie.
Do =
Higgins.
H. W. Barrow.
F. Gleadow.
Do.
Capt. A. Gwyn.
Mr. Mahon Daly.
Mr. H. Killen.
Mr. W. F. Sinclair, C. 8.
Do.
Do.
Capt. W. Aves.
Do.
Do.
Col. C. Swinhoe.
Mr. J. A. Murray.
Do.
Do.
Victoria Gardens.
Do.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
| Mr. F. Murray.
Mr. J. C. Anderson.
Mr. M. Hakim.
Mr. F. Kirby.
Mr. W. F. Sinclair, C. S.
Do.
Mr. F. N. Davur.
From Captain Raffin, Captain Street, Mr. F. Kirby and Captain Gissin, R. N.
CoNTRIPUTIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XVIII, Nos. OVII. and CVIII.,.from Mr. H.
Littledale ; Two Years in the Jungle (Hornaday), from Captain Connop; Useful
PROCEEDINGS. O07
Plants of the Bombay Presidency ( Dr. Lisboa), from the author ; Journal of Compara-
tive Medicine and Anatomy, Vol. I.; Journal of the Brookeville Society of Natural
History, Nos. I. and II.; and Proceedings of the Linnzan Society of N. 8. Wales,
Vol. I., Part III.
List of contributions acknowledged at the 5 Meeting held on 7th February 188%,
omitted in the last number :—
Contribution. Description. Contributor.
1 Coco-de-mer...............-..| Lodoicea Seychellarum ...| Capt. A. Moore, R. N.
1 Bird of Paradise ............ Paradisea apoda.......seseeres Mr. Jamsetjee C.Jamsetjee.
Soe Hila MUNI OES! scasecececcer sees Phoenicopterus roseus ...... Victoria Gardens.
2 Tortoises (alive) ............ Testudo elegans...............| Mr. W.S. Price.
Ceylon Leaf Insects .........| Mantis ficcifolia............... H. H. Rear-Admiral
Sir Fred. Richards.
I Snake. wseseeess| Lycodon Aulicus ............{ Mr. F. Kirby.
A quantity ‘of Shells Seeattea From the Andamans ....... Sergt.-Major Webb.
1 large Chameleon (alive)...| Chameleo vulgaris ...csce:| see see eeeeee
Wolf (altve): .22....sc82e0ee.-.||. Prom Aurangabad) S.cgeads Mr. F. Rose.
2 Owls (alive) ..................| H#rom Neemuch...............| Capt. M. B. Salmon.
Fresh-water Sponges ...... From Kurrachee ............| Mr. J. A. Murray.
1 Rock-horned Owl (mount-| Bubo Bengallensis............ Do.
ed).
A quantity of Butterflies ...) From Raipur, C. P. .... Mr. J. A. Betham.
A number of Rats ............ From Sholaptr .......... Mr. H. T. Silcock, C.S.
Carolines ...... ...| From Bombay Coast..... Mr. Framjee N. Davur.
A collection of Shells .. 80 Specimens...........+. Miss Etta Sterndale.
Minor CoNntTRIBUTIONS.
From Mr. C, E. Crawley, Mr. W. W. Squire, Mr. F.D. Parker and Mr, W. J. Essai.
CoNTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XIX., No. CIX. Mr. H. Littledale.
List of contributions acknowledged at the Meeting held on 7th March 1887
omitted in the last number :—
Contribution. Description. Contributor.
A collection of Sea Shells...| 150 Specimens .............+. Mr. G. A. Kittredge.
1 Stinging Bay .. spoAed| dina feed DIE TIN BeeeES cece da: Mr. F. A. Little.
1 Cobra (alive) . bof EAU Y ER! MUCOSUS” = os .c0 dees cacos Victoria Netra
1 Four-horned Antelope. ...| Tetraceres qradricornis ...| '
2 Young striped Hyznaj Hyena Striata, from Am- iiey. R. W. Metcalfe.
(alive) raoti.
A quantity of Fish and Ma-| From Alibag ................-.| Mr. W. F. Sinclair, C. 8.
rine Animals.
1 Mounted Head ofthe Tahr.| Hermitragus Jemlaicus ...| Mr. H. Bicknell.
A quantity of Shells ......... Soriconbnoner Do.
PEPREGEA (GIVE) |). ccesaiscsescecees Bays as tniass Mr. J. S. Agran.
1 Snake’s Skin ...............] Daboia elegans ..... desires Mr. G. F. Sheppard, C. 8.
MiINor CONTRIBUTIONS.
From Mr. R. Baumbach, Captain Bishop, Mr. V. St. J. Cabral, Mr. J.C. Anderson,
Mr. H. E, Andrews and Mr. R. Hemming.
218 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
II., No. V; Record of the
Geological Survey of India, Vol, XX.; Verhandhengen des Zoologisch Botanischen ;
Gesellschaft in Wien XXXVI., Band III., IV. Quartal; Journal of Comparative
Medicine and Surgery, Vol. II., No. I.; Life of Frank Buckland (Bompas), by Mr. E.
C.K. Ollivant, C.S.; Sport in India (Aberigh-Mackay), by Mr. J. A. Murray ; Annals
and Magazine of Natural History, by Mr. H. Littledale.
Bulletin of the California Academy of Science, Vol.
EXHIBITS.
Mr. G. W. Vidal, C. S., sent a collection of snakes on Joan, consisting of 40
speciments; Mr. E. L. Barton exhibited a rug made by him out of 15 Afghan
fox skins.
Mr. H. M. Phipson announced that through the generosity of a dozen of the
members, the Society had been able to purchase, for the sum of Rs, 150, the splendid
pair of Ovis Polii horns which had been exhibited in their rooms.
The usual monthly meeting of this Society was held on Monday, the 4th April 1887 ;
Dr. D. MacDonald presiding. ce
The following new members were elected:—Major R. ©. Greeme, Mr. R. A. Willis,
Mr. A.J. Haslam, A.V.D., and Mr. B, W. O. Thompson.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, acknowledged the following contribu-
tions to the Society’s collections :—
Contributions during March 1887.
Contribution. Description. Contributor.
60 Birds’ Skins ......... From Dharangaon...... Mr. G. Hampton.
1 Rock-horned Owl (alive
A collection of Birds’ Eggs.
1 Double-barrelled Rifle by
Daw.
UVBabn whe
A quantity of Corals sss...
UORGHICHIM ceseeeeh melanie
1 Black Buck .. Manwaneehie
i MMionikeivpenrescracateee
1 Indian Sereech Owl (alive)
20 Crocodile Hggs ...........
Several Snakes s.....sessee.
MBM” hese cehcane.cah capes
2 Sambur Heads, pdpacataveco ase
3 Snouts of Saw Fish..
1 Snake ...
1 Owl Gita)
4 Young Dolphins ..
A quantity of Fish ‘and
Marine Animals.
A quantity of Lizards, Snakes
and Scorpions.
1 Fish (mounted)
Poem ree seares cae toe
From Mr. H. T. Hatch, Captain F, B. Peile, Mr.
From Hurda, C, P.
892 Specimens ..........
Originally made for Major
John Jacob, C.B.
From Mozambique .........
From the Lacecadives
®
coe ver eee sce
Strix Viaivanieasy.cscweckescs
Crocodilus Palustris .........
Chersydrus Granulatus ...
1B Antiquorum | ploralhen
alke opidonotus Plumbicolor.
Strix Javanica rd
Neomeris Tene OH ERSEt Sas
Hn OnawAlllbagens.ssesneessireres
roms an rose aresus
Barbus Malabaricus (163
lbs., caught at Poona).
Minor CONTRIBUTIONS.
Mr. B. W. O. Thompson.
Mr. H. M. Gibbs.
Do.
Capt. Frohawk.
Mr. M. C. Turner.
Victoria Gardens.
Do.
Do.
Mr. J. Malcolm.
Mr, E. L. Barton.
Col. Kincaid.
Mr. T. Bromley.
Mr. HK. T. Leith.
Do.
Dr. Gaye.
Mr. ©, F. Davar.
Mr. W. F. Sinclair, 0.8.
Do.
Mr. A. T, Webb.
Mr. H. M. Phipson.
H. Tootill and Mr. Perey Benn.
PROCEEDINGS. 219
a ee ee hse
EXHIBITs,
Mr. E. L. Barton exhibited 3 heads of Sambur, Neilghai and Panther, mounted
by him for members of the Society up-country. Mr. H. Bicknell also exhibited-
a handsome rug made of the skins of the Silver Fox.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Vol. IV., Part II., No. LV. ; Proceedings
of the Linnzan Society of N. 8S. W., Vol. I., Part IV.; Notarisia (of Venice) Nos. I
to V.; Magazine of Natural History, Vol. XIX., No. III., from Mr. H. Littledale
In the place of the ordinary monthly meeting, on 2nd May 1887, an exhibition of
orchids, lilies, begonias and other choice plants was held.
The following are the names of the Exhibitors :—
Mr. W. J. Best. Hon. Mr. Justice Birdwood.
Mrs. Douglas. Mrs. Chambers.
Mr. A. 8. Panday. Victoria Gardens.
Mr. M. C. Turner. Mr. Furdoonjee Merwanjee Banajee.
Mr. J. K. Johnson. Mr. N. S. Symons.
Mr. Chubildas Lulloobhoy. Mrs. Grattan Geary.
Mr. Cowasjee Dady Limjee. Mr. L. R. W. Forrest.
Mr. D. M. Slater. Mr. H. Knott.
Mr. Walter Lang. Mr M. R. Wyer.
THERE WAs NO MEETING IN THE MONTH OF JUNE.
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JOURNAL
OF THE
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datunal History Soviety.
Po. 4.] BOMBAY, OCTOBER 1887, — [Vol. Il.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA.
Part [V.—Gusarat-——(continued).
(By a Member of the Soctety.)
Tue seas of Gujarat, as has been shown above, resemble towards
the south those of the Konkan ; and northwards belong to the Sind
maritime region, so I need spend no time or ink on them.
In the freshwaters, as hitherto, the only important mammal is the
Otter (Lutra nair). In the matter of birds, the difference between
these waters and those hitherto dealt with is very great. We have
here got to the edge of the tropical region, and while we have nearly
all its Indian forms, the cold weather brings us many of the
Palearctic birds.
Of the Aquatic Raptores, the chief is the Ring-tailed Sea Eagle
Haliaetus fulviventer (leucoryphus), closely followed by the Osprey,
The former certainly breeds herein the rains, but I have not
found an Osprey’s eyrie. The Ring-tailed Eagle preys at certain
seasons at least as much on water-fowl as on fish, its chief victims,
the countless bald coots, being much inferior both on the wing aud
in the water to ducks, are a comparatively easy prey ; and I have
seen, on an island of the Nal, a space of many square yards strewn
six inches deep with their feathers, around an old acacia which the
eagles used as a dining-room, or, as falconers call it, a “ block,”
The Osprey, on the other hand, seldom touches feather.
1
222 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
The Brahminy Kite, a bird much less restricted in matters of
diet than his human godfathers, is also abundant; and Spilornis cheela
is found in the eastern woodlands, often near water, but by not
means confined to its neighbourhood. ‘The birds of prey of this
region seem to require a little more attention than they have
hitherto received, but I do not myself think that they will be found
to include any forms not found in either Khandesh or the desert
region. I have not met with the grey-backed or the white-tailed
Eagle on the fresbwaters.
Limnaetus Cristatellus is not uncommon in Eastern Gujarat, but
in spite of its watery name it is not a water eagle but essentially a
forest bird.
One fish Owl (Keéupa) occurs in the eastern streams, probably in
greater numbers than might be supposed from the scanty record
as yet published.
The Great Blue Kingfisher (H. Leucocephalus) haunts similar
waters. The other two Blue Kingfishers (H. Smyrnensis and Alcedo
Bengalensis) and the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) abound, but the
region is not generally favourable to the rarer species that belong
to or approach the Malayan fauna.
Of Cranes we have three. The huge Sarus is a permanent resi-
dent, and a familiar object, as few people ever molest him. In one
flock of these cranes, which I had repeated opportunities of watching
there was a half-grown bird who used often, and of his own accord
to swim short distances, The common and demoiselle cranes are
cold-weather visitors, coming in huge flocks, especially to the north-
western plains. They roost in great numbers in certain marshes on
the edge of the desert; and. as they fly eastwards in the early
morning over the cultivated lands, they seem like an aérial army
with banners and trumpets. Hach corps keeps clear of its neigh-
bours, but the whole army advances almost in line, and sometimes
the flanks are out of sight on each horizon. But the whole force
seldom takes more than a few minutes to pass. These two species
are eagerly pursued, but generally take very good care of themselves.
All the southern species of Plovers are abundant here. Of the
more northern Vanellinas (or Lapwings proper), Chettusia gregaria,
the Black-sided Lapwing, occur in small flocks, and Captain
Butler mentions the White-tailed Lapwing (C. leucura). Both the
“Did-ye-do-its” are common ; and both Stone Plovers occur in
suitable places, and breed. For the certainty of this, in the case
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 223
of the Great Stone Plover, Iam indebted to Mr. Littledale’s paper
in the fourth No. of this Journal. I have myselfseen the bird all the
year round in this region, under circumstances which induced me to
believe it a native; but I have not got the nest. This is by no
means my only obligation to Mr. Littledale and his collaborator,
Mr. Doig. :
The Turnstone, Crab-Plover, and Oyster-Catcher occur on th
coast, and probably breed there.
The Snipes are the same as inthe regions already treated of,
“only more so,” or at least more of them. The Woodcock Wood
Snipe may occur in the Dangs.
The Black-tailed Godwit is common in the cold weather ; its ally,
the Avoset Sandpiper, rather rare. Of the Curlews, the true curlew
is commonest on the coast; the Whimbrel is far more so inland, and
usurps its name in the sporting vocabulary of Gujarat. The Stints
are numerous, especially on the coast. One species (T'ringa minuta,
I think) is fairly abundant in sandy river- beds, even of moderate
size. FE'or instance, I have found large flocks on the Wat-ak, near
the famous tomb of the Sayads, above Mahmudabad. Small as
they are, the Stints are well worth po wder and shot, being, for the
table, barely inferior even to Snipes. Sandpipers are very com-
mon; the Greenshanks and both Redsha nks hardly less so. Totanus
calidris, in a few places, occurs in immense flocks, especially
towards evening, when scattered foraging parties unite, and fly
towards a common roost.
On one occasion, finding out their path to bed, I shot in a few
minutes enough to supply a large camp and might have killed
imany more. The Stilt is common, and the Avoset not rare in
suitable places; but the great abundance of Dueks and Snipe causes
the sportsmen of Gujarat to overlook almost all other water-fowl ;
and they really know less about them asa rule than the shikaris
of less favoured land, who are obliged by necessity to be less
*proudful,” and know something about eatable ‘ Snippets.”
Of the Latitores, both Jacanas are common, and both breed.
The Rails and Water Hens are very numerous, and as yet by no
means worked out. I have litile reliable information about them
myself. The Purple Coot and Bald Coot abound and breed. The
former, as seen strutting’ on the grass near the edge of a tank,
with the sun on its plumage, is a splendid bird, looking like a great
blae pullet. In hand its size shrinks, the plumage seems rather
224. BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
sooty, and itis only second-rate as a table bird, and can take no
rank in presence of so many better birds as we find here.
Of the Cultirostres, we have the great Adjutant and the hand-
some “ Jabira’’ (Mycteria).
The European Stork is a winter visitor, the Black Stork rare,
and, as elsewhere, confounded with the black White-necked Stork,
which is very abundant.
he Herons are abundant. On one occasion I saw a bird which
I took at the time for Ardea sumatrana, but the observation is
doubtful, The grey Purple Herons, the various white Egrets, and
the whole tribe of Paddy-birds, swarm in suitable places; the
European Bittern is not uncommon in the cold weather and at
least one little bittern still less so. Mr. Littledale mentions this as
A. flavicollis, but it is probably not alone.
I have often seen various herons associated with crocodiles upon
(apparently) the most friendly terms, and once a white Egret
(H. minor) appeared actually to pick something off the reptile’s
side, probably a leech or some parasite.
The Spoon-bill is common, usually associated with the White Ibis.
The Glossy Ibis occurs in considerable flocks ; and the Black Ibis
in smaller parties, but more frequently. This bird is here often a
very foul feeder. The Pelican Ibis and Shel! [bis abound. The
three last birds all perch on trees; but I have not seen the Glossy
Tbis do so ; and the White Ibis not often, except at night.
Of the true Natatores, the first is the Flamingo, which abounds in
places in the cold weather, remaining as late (occasionally) as June.
I have not, however, found it breeding. (Where does it breed ? )
The typical Wild Goose, A. anser, occurs in the cold weather,
especially in the north-western districts bordering on the desert
region. The flocks are infrequent, and usually small, and the habits
of the bird appears to be rather nocturnal, so it is but seldom shot.
No other species of Anser (as restricted) has yet been recorded
The Nukta or Black-backed Goose ( Sarkidiomis melanonotus ) is
common, and breeds. The other resident Anatide are the Lesser
Whistling Teal, the Cotton Teal, and the Spot-billed Duck. This last
is commonly called in Gujarat a Mallard, and is, indeed, very closely
allied to the European Mallard, which may perhaps occur in Gujarat
as a rare straggler. I have not seen it there myself.
The Brahminy Duck is common enough, and stays late; but does
not, I think, breed here. The Sheldrake (Z'adorna vulpanser) is
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 225
eR Sn
rare. The Shoveller abounds, but is here little esteemed by sports-
men, because of its familiar habits, It may commonly be seen
daddling in dirty little puddles besides villages, almost as tame as
the Pea-fowl, and not much more particular in its diet.
The Pink-headed Duck of Bengal probably does not occur. The
Gadwall, Pin-tail and Wigeon are abundant; the last two in larger
flocks, and more locally distributed than the first. The common
Teal and Garganey abound, and the latter remains later than any
other migrant duck, quite up to the end of April and even the
beginning of May. The birds just named, with the Spot billed
Duck and White-eyed Pochard, are the ducks most commonly found
in the bag in Gujarat. I have shot the Marbled Tealin Gujarat
and Kattywar, but it isarare bird. The Red-crested and Red-
headed Pochards both occur; but being powerful and wary birds,
and affecting the wider waters, are less commonly shot. The Scaup
may occur asa straggler, and the Tufted Pochard is locally common,
especially towards the N.- W. Frontier.
The Merganser and Scaup are rare stragglers, as is the Crested
Grebe. The Dabchiek is common all over India wherever there
is water. The Gulls and Terns, very abundant in some places, are
the same as those of the Sind region, and are mostly recorded by
Captain Butler. i am surprised, however, to find S. javanica not
noted asa Gujarat bird in his list, as itis not uncommon on the
Subarmati or Ahmedabad river. I have not seen the Skimmer
(Rhynchops albicollis), but I think it has been obtained on the
large estuaries.
The Lesser White Pelican is not uncommon in the cold weather ;
and [ think that the European Pelican will probably be found to
occur at least asa straggler. The Grey Pelican is common, and
breeds. The rivers of Gujarat sometimes flood very rapidly, a sort
of wall of water pouring down the dry bed, and on the crest of
this, or little behind it, amidst a confusion of drift and muddy foam,
the Grey Pelican may often be seen looking almost the spirit of
the deluge.
The Great Cormorant is rare, the lesser and little Cormorants are
common; and the last a permanent resident, as is the Snake Bird.
Of all lands that I have shot in, Gujarat is the best for wild
fowling in a modest way. The number and variety of birds is
less than in many other places, but still sufficient to satisfy any
reasonable sportsman. The multitude of tanks, and the great variety
226 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
eS aD
in their size, enable a busy man to get a few brace of birds in an
hour’s walk with little apparatus and arrangement; and this to a
resident sportsman is worth far more than the power of making a
big bag at the cost of half-a-day, and of preparations made as if for
a battle. The punt-gun is unknown, and the natives, luckily, know
little, in most places, of snaring water-fowl.
The aquatic reptiles and amphibia of Gujarat differ so little from
those of the provinces already dealt with, that no great notice of
them is necessary. Crocodiles (C. palustris) and freshwater turtles
abound. The Crocodiles eat the turtles and the turtles eat what-
ever theycan get. Both attain a larger size in the great rivers than
in the standing waters. The fishes, too, are much the same. I have
not myself procured Barbus tor, the typical Mahseer in this province,
nor in Khandesh, which, as far as river-fish go, is a part of Gajanats
though its water-fowl are those of the Deccan.
In those places in Gujarat where I have fished, the most sporting
Barbele was, I think, Barbus sarana, called by the natives “ Darai.”
I have also often got the “ Kafria,”’ a handsome fish, which I take to
be identical with the Konkan Masheer, and have somewhat doubt-
fully identified with B. pinnauratus,
In the same way the occurrence here of Labeo rohita, the true
Roho or Rahu fish, is very doubtful. Its place seems to be taken by
Labeo cadbasu and two other species, which, I think, must be L. fim-
briatus or Leschenaultit, and LZ, artza; but I am not prepared to
speak with certainty.
Of the sea-fishes there is little new to say, except that in this
province you begin to get the Palla (Clupea iliska) or Indian Shad
running up the great rivers to spawn.
If, however, the fishes of Gujarat differ little from those of our
southern waters in kind, they greatly exceed them in number. A
great many tanks are protected by those communities (very powerful
in Gujarat) which object to the destruction of life, and the weedy
deeps of the lake form natural sanctuaries. During the rains the
flatand flooded country affords ample water-way to fry, and the open
waters are re-stocked from these reserves.
In consequence the number of fish is everywhere very great, and
the Labeos in particular attain a very large size, often exceeding
twenty pounds in weight. There is scarcely any part of the province
where one cannot get a little rod fishing of some kind; andin the
more rapid parts of the great rivers it is sometimes really good.
WATERS OF WESTERN INDIA. 227
Of freshwater crustacea the prawn is apparently identical with
that of the Deccan and Konkan, but crabs are much less common
here than in those provinces; I do not know why.
To make up for this to the birds and fishes, some of the fresh-
water molluscs (gasteropods) occur in vast numbers in particular
tanks and marshes, especially in the North-Western plains. The
Unionidz, however, are not abundant, apparently sticking chiefly to
running water and open gravelly or sandy bottoms. Now few of the
tanks have sandy bottoms, unless occasionally in some one corner
end of the lakes ; I think that the Nalof Viramgaum isthe only one
that is not marshy or weedy all round. Accordingly, I have found
dead shells of a small Unio on its beach. In the eastern streams
there seem to be the same two species as in the former provinces, but
they do not abound.
During the hot weather the water of some tanks and lakes is
affected, by some cause unknown to me (probably the liberation of
gases from the mud), in such a manner that all kinds of fish rise
and float gasping on the surface, and eventuully die in great num-
bers, I have described this phenomenon, as witnessed by me on the
Little Bokh (a lake of the Ahmedabad district), for the Report on
the London Fisheries Exhibition. The fish that die are left to
carrion fowls ; but those only moribund are captured in great num-
bers, and eaten without any ill result. I have repeatedly eaten
them myself, and found them in excellent condition. ‘The cause
of death appears to be asphyxia, and not specific poisoning. I
have mislaid my notes, but to the best of my memory the Ophioce-
phali are not affected ; neither is any aquatic reptile or insect. The
prawns do not frequent the tanks, and I do not think that the
“ hot water,” as the natives call it, is ever observed on any river.
Tt is well known that many bottom fish can be much inconveni-
enced by the mere stirring up of the mud, as by the passage of
cattle or elephants through a muddy stream or tank, but I have not
been able to connect the phenomenon now described with anything
of that sort, It generally lasts for several days, but may be
contined to a small part ofa tank without visible reason for the
restriction.
The freshwater of Kattywar are not materially different from
those of Gujarat, except that there are no large rivers, few small
ones, and by no means so many tanks asonthe mainland. The
chain of lakes and marshes of which the Nal of Viramgaum is the
228 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
chief, lying on and often forming the boundary on the isthmus,
belongs as much tothe peninsula as to Gujarat proper; the chief
difference between these provinces is geological, and outside of our
present subject.
The next peninsula (one might almost say island), the principality
of Cutch, belongs in most way to the region of the plain of the
Indus; and must be considered with it. But its internal freshwaters
are unimportant. The characteristic hydrographical feature of this
part of the country is what we call the Ran, a great hollow separating
Cutch from the mainland, which becomes at times a shallow and
brackish sea. Whether it has any peculiar fishes we do not know,
It might fairly be expected to have some crustaceans of its own, but
IT have not heard of any, and have no personal acquaintance with
that part of it lying north and east of Cutch. The branch called
the Little Ran, extending north of Kattywar to the British frontier
at Patri and Kharaghora, does not appear to have any fishes, except
such as come into it from the surrounding country in flood-time,
all freshwater forms.
It may, however, fairly be hoped that the aquatic fauna of these
interesting peninsulas will hereafter be fully described by some
member better acquainted with them than I am,
MARATHI NAMES OF PLANTS.
WITH A GLOSSARY.
By BricaDEe-SurcEon W. Dymock.
(Continued from page 198.)
Ficus retusa, Linn.......sescese- axa Nandrak.
9 SP. eibeeteeeedconecent BAT Lungar.
», VoOlubile Dalz ..........0 ararx Datir.
Flacourti Cataphracta, Ro«é.| sq Jangam, atqz Tambat.
», inermis, Roxd...... ataz Tambat.
ss montana, Grah ...| sje Atak.
» Ramontchi, L’Herit| arng Kaki, 37a Bhékal.
. sepiaria, Rowb...... saaq Atrin.
Flemingia Grahamiana, W. §:| gtata_ Daudauld.
A.
99 BD ecsevccscce @eosceces WaT Garangeri.
GLOSSARY.
Flemingia strobilifera........
Fleurya interrupta.......0 eee
Flueggea leucopyrus......--.--: |
a ViIrOS& .....-. sa aeete
Foeniculum vulgare, Gdrin.....
Fraxinus Ornus, Linn.(Manna)
Fumaria otkeinalis, Linn......
£ parivflora, Lam .
Gareinia indica, Chots ..,..+-.
(pickled fruit).
a 7 (raw fruit) ..
» Morella, Desrouss. ,...
5 1 (Gamboge)....
» Ovalifolia, Hook. f. ..
»5 Xanthochymus, Hook. J-
” 9
Gardenia florida, Rowd ........
a gummifera, Zinn. f.
latifolia, Ait Asoo:
Qs lucida, Rotd ...+... a.
oe turgida, Rowb ......
Garuga pinnata, Fox, ......-
Géissapsis cristata ...._........
3 Vemellae..fcceeas a ee
Calin sp. Var. J. .2..s0-es
Gentiana lutea, Linn.
s Ser it, tae ton cee
Gerardina heterophylla, Dalz,,
Getonia floribunda ......
Gilinus: latouded S.-- ieee aos
Glochidion lanceolarium..,..
Gloriosa superba, Linn........
Glossocardia Bosvallea. ....
Glycosmis pentaphylla, Corr.,
Glyeycarpus racemosus.
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linn......
Gmelina arborea, foxd......
Gnetum scandens, Roxb,
31
set se
..| arez Bondar.
See Urtica interrupta.
See Securinega Leucopyrus.
See Securinega obovata.
aratq Barishopb, qzarat Varyali.
aitrqed Shirkhist (mpd.).
arazr Shahterah (¢mpd.).
rawaarqer Pittapapara.
tarat or tatare, Ratimbi or Ratambir, Res
Bhirand.
tama Kokam sqqaea Amsani.
tarar Ratamba.
Area Mavarakh.
taaiat (ate Revanchini Shira (¢mpd. fe
aa Tavir, geet Haldi.
ajrs or srg, Aont or Aonsht.
sqqzurq Anandrao, 3144 Ananta.
fsnarat Dikémali,
qr= Pandrd. qrat Paptr, @nTer Ghogari.
femarat Dikémali.
THEI Kiurphendra.
amine Kankar, HoH Kiidak.
atm Barki.
| mara acar Lahan barki.
faaz ara Chini Bee
fadtsarar (inti ina.
WHA Guleghafis. (¢mpd. )
arith wrsitar Moti khajoti.
See Calycopteris floribunda.
See Mollugo hirta.
See Phyllanthus lanceo: larius.
maar Kalalavi, @Sarart Kharyanig, {74
Indaye, AaaaAT roca A.
_ linearifolia, Cass.
gacgar Phattars suva.
facfat Kirmir, t7RT ee ar,
See Nothopegia Colebrookiana.
Sastry Jeshtimadh.
faraa Shivan, was Gimud.
RAG Kumbal, gar Umbali.
230
BOMBAY NATURAL
HISTORY SOCIETY.
Gomphrena globosa, Rowvé .....
Gossypium Stocksii, Masé.....
var. ar-
boreum
ap her_
baceum, Linn.
” 2)
var
var. reli-
giosum,
Grangea madraspatana, Potr...
Grewia asiatica, Linn
>» 3?
Micrecos, Linn. .....
pet. wpilosas Daiis retreats
polygama, Row’ .......-|
,, populifolia, WaAl. ......
salvifolia, Heyne ......
tiliefolia, Pahl... ...
Grislea tomentosa ...........0.0-
Guarea binectarifera ...
Guatteria longifolia .............
A? cerasOldes ......:.00 “i
Guilandina Bondue
Guizotia oleifera
2006 Ot OP Oe eee!
}
Gymnema sylvestre, R. Br..
5 nepaulensis .......000-
zymnogsporia emarginata, Roth,’
montana ...,
Rothiana,
W.
§ A,
Gynandropsis pentaphylla, DC,
39
9)
GynUTASBUAGR 5. soccuss cske ventas
| wrqest Kavli,
Gynocardia odorata, R, Br. =
|
|
|
Habewaria ‘spy Varo. os. wes eeekes
Hagenia abyssinica, Willd. ...
Hamiltonia mysorensis .,.......
Haplanthus verticillaris, Nees..
wR Te Jdferi gundi,
uaargar Ran-kaphsi Wild.).
Seas Argat Hirgindi képisi, qe or
qa Palhé or Palé.
aArceat Kapusi.
STATA Dev kApusi, TaHataT HITT Eksheng
kaptsi. Yields Nankeen cotton.
AarTar Masbipatri.
®z#z2i¢ Phalshi.
| aftzas Shiral, e@taest Hansoli.
wzeqzy Khat-khati,
amret Gaali,
ata Gango.
fase Bihal.
gram Dhaman, Heqmay Karkani.-
See Woodfordia floribunda.
See Dysoxylum binectariferum,
See Polyalthia longifclia.
See Polyalthia cerasoides.
See Cesalpinia Bondue,
wade Rimtil, qrestatae Karlitil. G. abys-
sinica, Cass.
araet Vakbandi, rey
HActaet Kali-kardori.
See Anodendron paniculatum.
sqrt Ingli, sae Ikari, gate Enkol,
aaa Malkangoni.
ser logli, gaygr Ikari.
fasear Tilvan, ataqit Tilparni, arqat
Mabli.
area Dahan.
saraarar Chalmogra, araaaqr Chavalmun-
eri.
| @aa Mhenas.
Hear Kusso.
wrzq Gidasa, H. suaveolens, Rows,
ater Jhinkarea, mre srar Kaéla-dkara,
Arse fRtrza Kala Kirait.
Hardwickia binata, Rowé. .....
Hebradendron Gambogioideso
Hedychium coronarium, Linn:
s flavum, Rowd... ..
> scaposuw, Nimmo
+; Spicatum, Ham...
Hedyotis auricularia, Linz....
= dichotoma. .,....-.....
S Heynitiet i. .nem ees ates
Helianthus annuus, Zinn
Helicteres Isora, Lenn... .... nas
waren
3 »» (fruit)
Heliotropium Eichwaldi Steud.
a indicum, Linn
i > supinum
Helmia bulbifera
eeeser ss eeete
Hemidesmus indicus, &, Rr...
Hemigyrosa canescens:
Thwaites:
Heracleum Pinda, Dalz...,....
Heritiera littoralis, Dryand ...
Herpestis Monniera, H. B. §
Kth.
Heterophragma chelonoides..
» Roxburghii, D.C.
i suaveolens...,
Heynea trijuga, Rowd. ........
Hibiscus Abelmoschus, Linz..
» cannabinus, Linn.
» esculentus
ee efor oortes
,, Subdariffa, Linn.
» tetraphyllus, Rozd..
a tiacens, innt.tu...
Hippion orientale .......0+...06
Hippocratea Grahami, Wight..
GLOSSARY. 931
eesstarq Nhaianjan, qrvate Parsid.
See Garcinia Morella.
grazer Sontakka.
atiazenr Sontakka,
arate Kolar.
aArgtmratt Kaptrkachari (sliced rhizome)
(’mpd.).
Wate Gaimaril.
See Oldenlandia dichotoma,
See Oldenlandia Heynii.
qaranta Suryikint, gars Surydkamal.
Haq Kevan, ataret Varkati, yraoiy Dha-
mani,
aeeaat Murirsheng.
qrqzaqzt Popat-buti.
BATHAS Strydkamal.
qsrart Varastri.
See Dioscorea bulbifera.
sqrars or zqaertt Uparsal or Upalaan,
artar Sariva, TTAGs, Anantamil,
amy Karpa.
fqer Pinda.
oar Stndri.
aia Bamb, atcarer Nirbrahmi,
See Stereospermum chelonoides.
ava Varas, qima Panlag.
See Stereospermum suaveolens.
atae Tistl, fare Limbara.
Mtaty Wer Kastiri-bhenda.
sjargr Ambara.
Wer Bhenda. H. cancellatus, Row6., var. escu-
* lentus, Linn.
sraqz Jasavand. H. floccosus, Mast., var.
rosa-sinensis, Linn.
are siarer Lal ambaird; qzar Patva.
tra yer Ran-bhenda.
aaqer Belpata.
See Enicostema littorale.
wad Yevati.
232 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,
Hippocratea indica, Wild......) Rava Kajhurati, qira~ Taroli.
eqaire Daoshir.
arqas Médhvel, afe@rér Bokhari, saqqa
Haladvel, sqfaazmr Atimukta.
BST or Gretr Het. Kura or Pandhra Kora,
4 obtusifolia, Rowd. .
Hiptage Madablota, Gdr/m. ...
Holarrbena —antidysenterica,
Wall.
” 2 (Seeds). AT FLAT Kard indrajay.
Holeus"cerauus 2 00..54 tae .... | See Sorghum vulgare, var.
s saccharatus ...... .....| See Sorghum saccharatum.
%» Ore huni eee dees See Sorghum vulgare.
a SPICAtie s.e uae ee tee See Pennisetum typhoideum.
Holigarna longifolia ...... .... | Zarate Hilgiri. AH. Arnotteana, H. /-
Holostemma Rheedii, Spr, ,. as_AT Taltdli, germ} Diidurh, fara sy
Shidort.
Hordeum vulgare, Linn ....... mq Jay, aq Yave.
Hoyajuvinidifions: Gi...) «| See Dregea volubilis,
a Wight, Hoobe fy. cress: gaqa Didhvel, statt Ambri.
Hydnocarpus inebrians.. .... amgmHas Kartikavath. H. Wightiana, LU,
arey Bribmi. aritar Karings, arreqar or
ar Karivana.
Hydrocotyle asiatica, Zinn. ..
Hygrophylla spinosa, T\ wrtrer Kordta age Kalsande, anreaeqrar
Anders. Talimkhiana, araarqray Talmakhara.
* Serpyllum, 7.) qaq@ara Rén-tevan.
Anders,
Hy menodictyon excelsum,| Hal wear WKala-karva, ajfcare Bhorsal,
Wall. ae or sear Dandél or Dandéli,
e obovatum.| atéra Sirid,
Wall.
Hyoscyamus seeds..........4. ..| Grerarar staary Khordsani ajvan @icrarar
saat Khordsani onva (impd.).
Hypoxis brevifolia..........+.. bs
ss malabarica . } Fae Misli, Hey Tas Kali-misli,
orchioides, Gdartn. nau Kachiri.
99
agTHTE arate Ziifai-yabis,, (impd.).
aAsyTaicvar Krishnasdrivé, apteaytqey KAnte-
bhouri.
FLYSSOPUS Sp. ...-seccsecercemserees
Ichnocarpus frutescens, Br. .
See Strychnos [gnatii.
arestitqeargs Badidnékhatai (¢mpd.) °
seraacer Lahdntéra
aes Térada,
Ignatia Amara... ....scsce »-avhes
Iilicium anisatum (fruit) .......
Impatiens acaulis, Avn.....,....
3 balsamina, Lnn. ....
GLOSSARY.
Impatiens oppositifolia, Zinn.
Indigofera cordifolia, Heyne..
”
”
enneaphylla, Zinn..
glandulosa, Walld..
linifolia, Retz...
pulchella, Rowd. ..
tinctoria, Linn.....
te (indigo.)...
trifoliata, Linn......
ga, dulois.,. sox.-ss
29
MYLOCAT PAL. - sare eo ates
Tonidium suffruticosum, Ging.
Ipomcea Batatas, Lam
”
”
39
seer esses
Bona-nox, Linn. .....
campanulata, Don. ...
coccinea, Linn........».
GHTRICRIs scan setec cess
seh ep(Seed Ba) «xvi.
digitata, Linn. ... ....
(young tubers),
”
muricata, Jacq...... ss
aoe (Seeds)) ey
PESCAPT Ds os ec.sinee= Scpcaal
Quamoclit, Linn .....
reniformis, Chois .....
reptans :...... pees,
sepiaria, Keen. :........
turpethum, Br.
Vitifolia, Sah See2.
aaaqaf Sanmikh-patri.
qamr Bechaka.
WETS Bhuigtli.
WaTAB AT
Barbed.
Gavacha malmandi, avez
...| Saniaraaaar Javiérichamalmandi, qteqwes
Pandhardphal.
faaner Chimnatti, Frep Nérda.
ag azqaze Bhui tarvar.
ate Nil, wet Guli.
Farear Vekdriya.
See Pithecolobium dulce.
See Xylia dolabriformis.
taqqca Ratanparas.
TCHS Ratalu, arat arr Kangi
Kongi, tqaa% Ratanvel.
or or
aqgmia Chandrakant, amatett, Guichan-
dani. +
Tat Gavali.
zgnqa Ishkpecha.
ataasqt Nilapushi. I. hederacea, Jacq.
araar rar Kala dana.
wearerar Bhuikohola, (qarttayg Vida rikand.
aqeme Asgand.
art Bhauri.
apreer errr Kala dana.
qaigaa Maryddvel, aurea Marjidvel. 1,
biloba, Forsk.
waraaes Ganeshvel, faarsy aa Sita che kés.
sfecarat Undirkani, strat Akhiikarni.
atziat arat Nalichi bhaji, qra¥as Panvela
I, aquatica, Yorsk.
Sazr Amti.
“fasirat Nishotiar, Gg Ter, Saaz Shetvar,
Rare Shetar, eH Phitkari.
aqrazsararaa or arzaet Navalichavel or Natli,
Iris germanica, Linn. (root)...| W@TTHAT Bikhébanafsha (¢mpd.)
,» Pseudacorus, Linn. (thi- arsrrae Pashanbhéd (¢mpd.)
zome.
Isachne elegans, Dalz. w+...
Ischemum pilosum, W7ght ..,
as Dind.
az Nath, @= Ktnd.
204
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,
Ixora coccinea, Linn -..-...0+... qaare Bakora, Gza@ or Yeu Pentgil
”
”
nigricans, Br. ..,..ss00e.
parviflora, VaAl...........
Jambosa vulgaris .........00+1
Jasminum angustifolium, Roxb) qa Revati, craataer Ranmogra,
rh]
”
arborescens, Rowd..
aureum, Don. ......
auriculatum, Roxb.
elongatum .,.....
grandiflorum, Linn.
latifoliunn ......5502
officinale, Zinn
pubescens, Willd...
Sambac, Azton ....
», (double var.)
Jateorrhiza palmata, Miers.
(root).
Jatropha Curcas, Linn..........
glandulifera, Roxd..
Manihot, Willd......
multifida, Linn .....
mana, Dale eis
Johnia congesta 2.03. 1.0.65 soe
Jonesia Asoka ....0. csserees
Juglans regia, Linn, (fruit) ...
Juniperus communis, Lenn.
(fruit)
Jussicea villosa ......... asameciacs
Justicia Adhatoda............-
Eebolium .5. s.snecdoaen
echioides ...... seranates
Gendarussa, Linn, 7 .
infundibu liformis,
Willd.
paniculata ,...0 «slr.
picta, Roxb. eeecae care”
or Pendgil.
AAA Katkira.
aHtaq Kurat, agape Raiktira, araety ars
Makrichejhar.
See Kugenia Jambos,
ez or Hay Kind or Kiindi.
fae we Pivalijui, aiass Sonjii.
srg Ja we Ini.
--| tarer Nevali, J. Roxburghianum, Wall.
aaa Chameli.
HAL Kusar, J. arborescens, Roxb. var. lati-
folia.
Base Sayli.
raq@araar Vikmogra.
arate Mogra.
azarae Batmogra.
ReAAraer Kalimkachari (impd_)
mastery Moghli erandi, weqre Jaipal.
smetecsy Jangli erandi, sfatazap Under
bibi.
arazaraa Savarchayén.
faaz ore Chini-erandi.
HreSt Kirkindi.
See Dolichos biflorus.
See Saraca indica.
sjmre Akrot (¢mpd.)
ajage Abhal, e{anrvet Habelarhar (cmnd,>
qrasaqa Panalavenga. J. suffruticosa Linn-
See Adhotadda vasica.
See Ecbolium Linneanum.
See Andrographis echioides.
faa Teo, arma Bakas.
strarat Aboli, vulg. staraf Aboli,
See Andrographis paniculata.
ate seer Karad-adulsa.
GLOSSARY.
Justicia picta var,, nigricans,
»» procumbens, Nees. .
ee Obrinervies ... uate an
= VOTTICINALAs v5. or se
Kalanchoe laciniata, D. C. ..
a pinnata
Kempferia galanga, Linn. .,
. rotunda, Linn......
Kydia calycina, Roxb. ........
Kyllingiamonocephala, Linn.,
Bablab yulariss..:.. <0. s..s<ns
Lactuca Heyneana..........+. .
» remotiflora, D.C......
» seariola, Linn. var.
sativa
Lagenandra toxicaria, Dalz...
Lagenaria vulgaris, Seringe..
Lagerstremia indica, W.¢.A.
3 lanceolata, Bedd.
a parviflora, Hook.
regins Retz, . ...
Lagera aurita, Scuhltc-Bip....
Lallemantia Royleana, Bth,
(seed. )
Lamprachenium = _microce-
phalum.
Lantana indica, Roxb, .. .2..,.
Lasiosiphon speciosus, Dene,,,
Lathyrus sativus, ZLinn........
Laurus glaucescens............
Launea pinnatifida, Cass,...
Lavandula Burmanni, Benth...
» Stechas, Linn......
Lawsonia alba, Lam,
Her seoar KaAla-adulsa.
arzaaarger Ghati pitpépara.
aq Sut.
See Haplanthus verticillaris,
qatar Parnabij.
See Bryophyllum calycinum,
asaer Chandamula, =eerar Chandhasa
aearer Bhui chaphé, waigr Bhui-
champa.
area Varang, arqaje Varangar, yfz¢ Bhoti,
gizrt Potari.
farast Nirvishi.
See Dolichos Lablab.
aréraréy Sadimandi,
sdiemrar Undirkani.
alg Kahu.
qeqara Vatsanabha.
asa Karubhopla, az aa Katutumbi,
Aas Alabu.
faas 4ét Chini-mendi.
argt Bondar, Haar Kumbiya, ateait
Bondagi, gaxzar Sukutya.
meraar]et Lahn bondar, &c., &e.
aaq Taman.
ATS BAe Jangli-muli.
aaearsa Tukmebalang (¢mpd.).
Aaa? Brabmadandi,
araiy Ghaneri. The foreign species bear
*“the same name.
waar Rametha.
ata Lang.
See Machilus glaucescens.
sqjafazr Almiro, reff Pathri.
arzstr Gorea, sqreqrat Asmani.
RAAT Ustakhudus (‘mpd.).
Hat Mendi,
236 BOMBAY NATURAL HiSTORY SOCIETY.
ee ae rie
Lebedieropsis orbicularis, Mill-| Tere Garari.
Arg.
Ledebouria hyacinthoides...... See Scilla hyacinthoides.
Leea crispa, Willd. .......2..0 wafesr Raidinda.
», hirta, Rows... vevcoe-e-| HH Ma Kakjangha.
» macrophylla, Rowd ......| feet Dinda.
s7aq_—Ss«CAXC thé, «oaaeeneif)=Karkani. Leea
sambucina, Welld,
NN
=qiztaq Chauran.
staphylea. ....00sesee-e.
Leersia aristata, Roxb..........
Leonotis nepeteefolia, Erbe. te aaa Matisul, feqaras Dipmal.
Lepidigathis cristata, Willd... agatsr Bhuiterada, alesa aZaze Kolheché-
chutar.
* grandiflora......... See Calacanthus Dalzelliana.
Ae prostrata, Dalz... | TRU Bakra.
Lepidium Iberis, Linn. (seeds), art Todri @mpd.).
5, BativinM, 270. ..cncs warfear Asaliyd, steadyq Ahaliv.
faq Kip. L. Spartiam, Wight.
waaet Raidori, Fame? Shinguti, qr
Kharkhori
Leptadenia Jacquemontiana ..
3 reticulata, W. g A.
Lettsomia elliptica, Wight... areaa Bondvel, Sart Kedari.
Leucas aspera, Spr. ......0...| Utgerarat Thurduribhaji.
» cephalotes, Spr. ..... aar Tumba.
», longifolia, Benth, .. awrar Goma.
» Sstelligera, Wall........ aeaf Burumbi, atar Goma.
Limnanthemum cristatum,| qarer Khatard, Raz Kumud.
Griseb,
era Dhol, qaqzt Gazdar.
zat Undri, ataéf Bamburti.
See Reinwardtia trigyna.
star Alashi, sq@aq Javas.
tatiaar Ratoliya, qaaRa Vakkan,
farmrea Silaras (¢mpd.)
Lindendergia urticeefolia, Lehm
Linum mysorense, Heyne....
5: LEIS Y DUM ess Neves
» Usitatissimum, Zinn. ..
Lippia nodiflora, Rich... . ...
Liguidambar orientalis, Mller.
(Storax)
Litsvealancifolia, Rord.......,. | Tate Gulchai.
areas Kalejhadr, fear or faare Pisd or
Pishal.
Hermanst Maiddlakri.
famar Chikna.
araaea Kanvel fafaer Chirchiré.
»» polyantha, Juss. ........
5, sebifera,. Pérevicaevie,
», tomentosa, Herb
» Zeylanica,. «Cl 4 q°°emRr,
Lobelia nicotianzefolia, Heyne. zqx@ Dhaval, #7 Deonal,
GLOSSARY.
237
Lodcicea seychellarum, Ladiil.
Lonicera Leschenaultii, Wall..
Lophopetalum Wightianum,
Arn.
Loranthus amplexifolius,
WGA,
» longiflorus, Desz,
», Bp. Var., a general
name for parasites...
Luffa acutangula, Rozd.,,....
Lh 2 var, amayra,
x echinata, Rozd......
- pentandra,..,......6.
Lupinus albus, Zinn. (seeds).
Lycium europeum, Linn.,....
Lycoperdon pratense, Linn ..
Lygodium pinnatifidum, pr.S.,
Maba nigrescens, Daiz..........
Macaranga Roxburghii....... *
Machilus glaucescens....... eoees
Meesa indica, Wall..........
Mallotus philippinensis, Mui.
Malva sylvesiris, Bite oe,
re 33 (fruik,)i-ses
Mangifera indica, Binnie ce.
> » (dried unripe
fruit, )
eS ,, (dried juice
of ripe fruit)
4) sy (See@). 2 sted:
Mappia oblonga, Miers .......
Marsdenia tenacissima, W. 4A.
Martynia diandra, Glow .,..
32
zafaares Daryai naral, settee Jahari-
naral,
eer Hadi.
Hraqrs Bolpale.
Janet Baingiili (Grah. 671).
-.| TTRIST Bandakpushp.
aiar Vanda.
qrarat Ghosali, awe Turai, fetter Shirola.
faraareisat Gilchidorki.
agersat Kari dorki, asararet Kari
ghosali.
fasta Deodingri, RST Kukirvel.
qraret Ghosili, qrat Parosi. L, egyptiaca,
Mill,
fawag Tirmis (impd.)
arar Gangro, Facfaer Chirchitta.
aggre Bhuiphor.
sraaet Jénveli, gatraae Hansrdjvel.
Tmifeer or Ter Raktarohida or Raktarora.
qtgeze Chandvar, qaq Chandar, arare
Chandar. M. tomentosa, Wight.
qaq Gilamb, Ftat Kiuirma. M, micrantha,
Nees.
SzaRt ot strzaer Atki or Atki.
after Kapilé, afrar Kapita, afaar Kamila.
tite Rehin.
faarer Trikali.
warait Khtibazi (ampd.)
sttat Amba, sir Am.
Syaratr Ambosi.
staqtr 9 Ambaptri, » sti, Fars Ambiya-
chesAth.
sttarars Ambabatha.
| az Gir, FaTe Kalgir.
ga Hab.
faa, Vinchu.
238 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
pc Een mann LEE IEE SA
Mathiola incana, R. Br, (seed.)| atzt Todri (¢mpd.)
Matricaria Chamomilla. Linn...) azar Babuna.
Malaleuca leucadendron, Linn| arargzt Kayaputi (¢mpd.)
Coil.) -
\
Malastoma malabathricum>
qrare Pdloré.
Linn.
Melhania abyssinica, A. Rich..
Melia Azadirachta, Linn. ......-
aret Brahri.
faa or faq Nimb or Limb, ayfaqa Kart
nimb, qf@faq Ballimb,
qnray Bakiyan, #H Drek.
fearer or faarey Limbard or Nimbara.
arergat Kala khajir, eqrq ae Karva
khajur.
saHfeagarfewR Aklilulmalik (cmpd.)
aqafaanr Vanmethikd, att Zir.
Aart Maithori.
sta Anjan, grea Yalki, RT Kurka, arqer
Lokhandi.
», Azedarach, Linn... ..00
»» Gubia, Cav. .....-.. wee
” oy) (fruit).
Melilotus hamosa, Link. (pods)
» parviflora, Desf .....
Melochia velutina, Bedd. .....
Memecylon edule, Rozd.. .. ..
Mengia tenuifolia .............. See Amarantus tenuifolius.
Mentha arvensis, Linn, (sweet)
LN) Gerar Pudina, qaerq Vatalay.
» incana, Willd. (Bombay
Peppermint),
Meriandra benga.ensis, Benth-| aeedt Shesti.
Mesua ferrea, Linn... ......008 «-
Michelia Champaca, Linz......
Micromeria stellata. ., ........
Microrhynchus sarmentosus .-
Milletia auriculata, Baker.....
Millingtonia hortensis, Linny..
araaar Nagchampa.
fazer Arar Pivalé chapha,
meqe Karvat.
See Launeea pinnatifida.
fase Jithil.
ataraqaet Nimi chambeli, sqranraraa Akds
nimb.
Mimosa hamata, Willd ....... aware Arkar.
1) pudica, Linn......ceree. crs, Lajili, oratt Lajri.
» Tubricaulis, Linn....... ature Arai.
Mimusopis Elengi, Linn. .. ...| THBt Bakuli, strqaet Ovali.
» hexandra, Rowd..... | Rt Kerni, tay Rénjana craft Raini.
B Kanki, Zznn......... | stsTa Adom (of Goa).
Mirabilis Jalapa, Linn. ......... ma seara Gul Abbds, qempayrett Sandhy
kali. (Hvening flower).
Modeeca palmata, Lam......... Sew Undal.
Molluga hirta, T’hund ., ......
arya Kothak.
GLOSSARY. 239
Molluga pentaphylla...........-- ava Jharas, M. stricta, Zinn.
Momordica Balsamina, Linn.,
ms Charantia, Linn...
- Cymbalaria, Fenz..
ue dioica, Roxb... ...-s.
Morinda bracteata ..........00.--
3 eftrifolia, Zing... ..-.,.
* tomentOS@. ~.ces swceteec
Moringa concanensis, Nimmo.
5 .
pterygosperma, Gdrtn,
”
Morus indica, Zinn, ......... :
Mucuna monosperma, D. C...
a PEmelene a LIC. ono. 20.
a (cultivated.)
Arter sat Karélo-jangro.
AS, RAS, RA, Res, Brae, sas,
Karli, Karvel, Karti, Karlé, Karélo, Omblé,
Meza Kadavanchi.
mizret Karantoli, axetsr Kartoli,
arrast Nagkura. M. citrifolia, var., Linn.
sires Ala, sqra% or stra Alé or Aula, araret
Bartondi,
adr Aséti. M. tinctoria, Roxb. var.
WATT or Paz Rén-shegva or Shégat.
Ways or Bapar Shégat or Shégva.
az Tut, sjqz Ambat.
ast Higet Motbi-kuhilf.
area Kuhili, aAlewatr Kanté-kuyeri.
Wet Hast Gori-kiuyeli.
Mukia scabrella, Arn. ......---| Paget Chirati.
Mundulea suberosa, Benth. ..
Murraya exotica, W. ¢ 4.....
- Keenigii, Spreng......
WMirsa ornata, M006..2...000c00008
» Sapientum, Linn. ........
»» superba, Roxd,..........0
Mussenda frondosa, Linn......
Myrica sapida, Wall.......... -
Myristica malabarica, Lam. ...
a Ae (seed)...
at or adit Supi or Stipti.
Het K inti,
faria Jhirang, wetita Kadhinimb, wretraa
Gorinimb-
araix Kaudir, wake Rinkel, waar
Kavdar
moe Kél.
jaz or aqzq Chavi or Chavin.
yzama Bhitkés, arzaz Lavasat, farazeiat
Shivardoli.
HraKe Kayphal.
tasramne Ran jayphal, wane Rim-
phal.
mane Kayphal.
* is (mace) ...! grqafy RAmpatri.
. moschata, Willd: ..| sane Jayphal.
mS es (mace) ...|*srraqait Jaypatri. (émpd.)
rs ‘ (seed) ...| sypaae Jayphal (¢mpd.)
Myrtus communis, Linn...... | faaraat-adt Vilayati-mendi.
* f (berries)..... gaqaastra Habul-Aas (impd.)
Nannorrops Ritchieana, Wendl| wta Fis.
Nardostachys Jatamansi, D.C.| szratet Jatdmansi, aeat Balchar, gzs
(rhizome)
Simbil (émpd.)
940 BOMBAY NAUTRAL HISTORY SOOIETY.
Naregamia alata, W.g A......| aravaet Kaiptrhhendi, faqs Pittvel
ataqrar Tinpani, Trifolio (Port.)
See Ferula Narthex.
See Anthocephalus Cadamba.
Narthex assafcetida ...
Nauclea Cadamba .....
e4@ecvcscer
5, Cordifolia ..........006.| See Adina cordifolia.
elliptic! feet eee .| orgs Pug or Phij. N. missionis
Wall,
5 PPT VIN OF Recs aekencec
» purpurea, Roxb
Nelumbium speciosum, Willd.,
See Stephegyne parviflora.
@qqaq Deophanas.
mAs Kamal, qratt HAG Poshér-kamal, qq-
Lx
artar Pandkdnda, qraic Posheré, frapnt
Nilophar, geqq Pabban.
*. <5 (seeds)... | HABAAST Kamalkakari, qatzr Pabora.
» 5 (scapes)..| Fatt Bhishi.
Nemedra Nimmonii ......... ..| See Amoora Lawii.
Nepeta ciliaris, Benth. ......... aay Zufa.
Nephelium Litchi, Camé. .....
4 Longana, Camé......
arat Lichi.
gq or stf7, Umb, or Aomb, syryne
Ashphal.
moeet Kanhér, are or aett, Kanér or
Kanéri. ;
wraarqéy Ranpopti.
dara Tambakhu.
Alert Kaléjiré, aarsit Kalonji. N. sativa
Sibthorp.
syazt Ambéri.
Nerium odorum, Solav........0-
Nicandra physaloides, Gartn ..
Nicotiana Tabacum, Linn......
Nigella indica 2. s-5 «wssebereone:
Nothopegia Colebrookiana
Blume,
Notonia balsamica, Dalz. .....
9). COLYMDOSS: | aiceesesass
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Linn,
Nympheea Lotus, Linn..........
Ochrocarpus longifolius, Benth.
fqta Pirang,
qatecqy2zt Vandar roti. N. grandiflora, D.C.
qrfesaraan Parijatak, ewfaraz Harsingar.
sqet-mMaAw Upli kamal, waft Kuni.
TiSt-SSt Gori undi, qarat Punndg, tar
Strangi, ¢tqar Harakia.
# 4 (buds).| afae-araaaet Tambaré-ndgkesar.
Ocimum basilicum, Linn. ......) qasit Subji, staHaqer Ajvald.
99 99 VAP. eeseee SIAM Ajganda.
yy canum, Sims.........
wadsa Rantilas.
wAgee Rimtilas, aesrqoe Malitulas, crag-
adr Ramduti.
aatrert Tikmerihin. O, basilicum, Linn,
~ var, (impd.)
s gratissimum,Zinn..
‘5 PilOSUInt c.g ereee
GLOSSARY. 241
Ocimum sanctum, Linz. ......
Odina Wodier, Roxé.
asa Tilas.
fazt Shimti. ara Moy.
Olax scandens, Rowd........... atest Harduli, sqwSyet Archiri.
» Wightiana, Walbsuacaxc
afar arer Kalagonda.
Oldenlandia corymbosa, Linn.) ) "Tqzt Phapati.
ie dichotoma, Ken.. Pat Kazuri, &aqqzy Kshetraparpati,
s Heynii, Br. ......
Olea dioica, Roxb, .....ssecceese
So LCETURINEM sce scccecsececs ss
Ophelia chirata ....cs<.ccssseses
Sp PCLEPHMS apceteretdayse ce
ei multiflorayes:. cect:
Fo-5 2 PANCION cis. eice eines
2) qizqrz Paripat.
avg Karambu, atta Parjamb.
| vara Khav. O. cuspidata, Wall,
See Swertia chirata,
See Swertia affinis.
See Swertia decussata.
See Swertia corymbosa, var. Lawii.
Ophioxylon serpentinom ..... See Rawolfia serpentina.
Oplismenus colonus .......... _| See Panicum colonum.
Orchis, sp. var, (tubers)..... .. arataag Sélabmisri (impd.)
Origanum marjorana, Linn.,
Oroxylum indicum, Ven? ......
acar Marva.
ez Tet, erfaz Tayitt, ewe Phalpbara
ayer Jagdala.
| ara Bhat, stat Déngar, arét Sari.
| svaaret Ambemohar.
Oryza sativa, Linn... ....c0ce.0s
” ” var.. oreo
”9 ” Willey sccme seers aaa Deobhat.
39 ” (cleaned grain) Siti) Tandul.
Osmunda regalis..........+- 000s: adtar see Nadicha murdr.
aaa Tana).
stazt Ambuti, ygaqzt Bhui-sarpati, arsaye-
zr Ndlkarda, sqaratt Amboshi, tsar
Landaga.
Sce Biophytum sensitivum.
ahrant Dudhika, gaat Diudhani,
Ougenia dalbergioides, Benth,,
Oxalis corniculata, Linn .....-
PAM BOUBINI VE os cnsrccieon sve és
Oxystelma esculentum, Br,.....
ec7aqea Hiranvel.
azaraa Udesdlab, aram@e Mamekh, P.
,. Emodi, Wall.
faaram Jinsing (empd.)
flags Khindalu, ARAS Bhukmal,
. Peederia feetida, Linn .........
Pzonia officinalis .........s0.06.
Panax Ginsing, C. A. Myer...
Pancratium parvum, Dalz ...
agreanter Mahadkanda.
Sraer Kevara, Ram Kétak.
twaaar Ran savé; aan
Kiuriund.
| ate Dhand, P. crus-galli, Linn,
Pandanus odoratissimus, Linn.
Panicum colonum, Lint...
Savak, wee
» coloratum
242 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Panicum flavidum.......cccceees set Burti, P. brizoides, Linn.
» frumentaceum, Rové..| Hyat Kathli, waar Shamula.
»» italicum ...........-...| See Setaria italica.
5, Miliaceum, Linn ......| aftarar Varisava.
», Miliare, Lam. .....0.. yaraara Nelashamalu, Afaar Nainiyd,
ry Pilosum .... 2. seers See Setaria glauca.
» 8p. (Dangali)........ See Pennisetum typhoideum, var.
Papaver Rheas, Linn.......e++ | apar Lald. stare afxant Jangli Mudrika.
» somniferum, Lenn. ...| gaqaty are Khaskhassi che jhar.
BA » (capsules) ...! gyzq Post.
ae > (opium): 3.2 s1q Aphu, stata Aphim.
Paracaryum celestinum, Benth facet Nistrdi.
Paramigyna monophylla,| grapqrHzt or arazt, Khéravdgeti or vaghanti
Wight) geedt-arttet or arazt, Karvi vageti or
vaghanti.
Parinarium excelsum............] areap MAtumba (of Goa).
Parkia biglandulosa, W. & A... qsHs Chendiiphal, wz Gendi, as
Jhendu.
Parkinsonia aculeata, Linn...) Faaraat Ary Vildyeti-babhul, Rati-qare7zwws
Kesri-babhul.
Parmelia caperata, doh. ..... alitan FS Ger Barik dagar phul.
»» kamtachadalis, Lsoh.| Sar Usnd.
» perlata, doh. ........| Ate TTS He Mothe dagar phul.
(To be continued.)
FURTHER NOTE ON HESTIA MALABAHRICA.
By Lioner, pz NickyiLur, F.E.S.
On page 164 of Vol. II. of the Journal of the Bombay Natural
History Society, Captain T. Macpherson has givena very full
account of the transformations of Hestia malabarica, Moore. This
species should, in my opinion, be sunk as a synonym of Hestva
lynceus, Drury, the latter proving to be, the more we know of
it, an eminently variable species. Mr. F. Moore has lately (Proc.
Zool. Soc., Lond. 1883, p. 218), described and named three of these
variable forms from the Malay Peninsula, which Mr. Distant (Rhop.
Malay., p. 405), has very properly sunk as synonyms. To have been
consistent, Mr. Moore should also have described the numerous
varietal forms of Hestia- jasonia, Westwood, which occur in
FURTHER NOTE ON HESTIA MALABARICA. 248
Ceylon, as distinct species, but as that island represents but a
very small geographical area, he very wisely refrained from doing
so. But the object of this Note is not so much to correct the name
by which this species should be known, but to point out that
Captain Macpherson is not quite correct in stating that “nothing
is known regarding its early history.” As far back as 1857, Mr.
Moore published figures of the larva and pupa of this species (Cat.
Lep. Mus. E. I. C., p. 184, n. 267, pl. 1V., Figs. 11, 11a) under
the name of Ideopsis dacs, Boisduval. From these figures a brief
description was drawn up by Major Marshall and myself in “The
Butterflies of India, Burmah and Ceylon,” Vol. I., p. 30. The original
discoverer was a Captain Hamilton, who is said to have found them
on the Tenasserim coast. This identification, however, was an error,
as the following extract from Mr. Moore’s paper in Proc. Zool. Soc.,
Lond,, 1883, p. 220, n. 12, under Hes’ia malabarica, shows:—‘‘ The
larva and pupa of H, malabarica were figured inthe Catal. Lep. Mus,
BH. I. Co., pl. IV., figs. 11, 11a, in error for those of G. [= Ideopsis]
daos. The figures there engraved were stated by Prof. Westwood
to represent the transformation of G. daos; the drawings (now in
the Library of the Entomological Society of London) were reeeived
by him from Capt. Hamilton; and the species in question was
stated to be from the Tenasserim coast.”
“In a letter which I subsequently received from Mrs. Hamilton,
this lady infarmed me that the drawings of the above-mentioned
larva and pupa were made from specimens taken on the Cotiaddy
Pass, in the Western Ghauts of Southern India, not in Tenasserim,
as stated by Prof. Westwood [Proc. Ent. Soc., Lond., new series
Vol. J., p. 35, 1850], This identity is also confirmed by other
drawings of the metamorphoses of the same insects now in my
possession.”
In the last para. but four of Captain Macpherson’s description
there is a stupid mispfint: For “suspended from its oval
segment,’’ read “anal.”
I hope, in conclusion, that the Botanical Section of the Society
has ere this been able to identify the food-plant of Hestia lynceus ;
specimens of it, Captain Macpherson informs me, having been for-
warded to it for that purpose. Should this be so, a note might
be added to this paper giving its name, and the Natural Order to
which it belongs.
244 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIRTY.
LIST or BIRDS Cottectrep sy Carrain F. BABINGTON PELLE
in CASHMERE DURING THE SUMMER OF 1887, AND PRESENTED BY AIM
TO THE
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
a —
No. of
omer 3 Scientific Name, English Name. Spee
mens
121 Merops apiaster, Lin-...... wieaetees | The European Bee-eater ... 3
125 | Coraeias garrula, Lit... 100 The European Roller ...... 2
134 bis.| Alcedo ispida, Lin. ... ...++.e++-...| The European King-fisher 4
150 Palwornis schisticeps, Hodgs ss... The Slaty-headed Paroquet. 1
154 | Picus himalayanus, Jard ..........| The Himalayan Pied Wood- 1
| pecker.
199 Cuculus canorus, Lim srccoccesseovee| LHC CUCkOO .ceecsccccsersseeens 1
254 | Upupa epops, Lin .......cc0sse+eeeee] The European Hoopee ...... 1
273 | Pericrocotus brevirostris Vig. ......| The Short-billed Minivet ... I
280 | Buchanga longicaudatus, Hay. ...| The Long-tailed King-Crow. 2
288 | Muscipeta paradisi, Lin. ............{ The Paradise Flycatcher ... 9
353 | Petrophila cinclorhynchus, Vig. ... 7 Blue-headed Chat 2
Thrush.
44, Hypsipetes psaroides, Vig. .... +++ The eels Black Bul. 1
bul.
470 | Oriolus kundoo, Sykes ........6......| The Indian Oriole ............ 4
483 | Pratincola indicus, Bly. ... .......| The Indian Stonechat ...... 2
505 | Rhyacornis fuliginosus, Vig. ......| The Plumbous Water-Robin L
665 | Corvus monedula, Lin. v.sececceeeeeee| The Jackdaw wiscececeeeseee si 1
667 Nucifraga multipunctata, Gould.., The Many-spotted Nutcrac 1
ker.
672 | Urocissa flavirostris, Bly. ....00.) The Yellow-billed Blue z
Magpie.
748 Calacanthis burtoni, Gould. ...... The Crimson-browed Finch. 9
992 Turtur Pulchratus, Hodgs. .......| The TirtlesDoOVer acess 1
£04 | Lophophorus impeyanus, Lath. ...| The Woy RENW Ganodoscanqsasabobces 3
808 Pucrasia macrolopha, Less, ........ | The Puckrass .........ssseeeree 1
901 Hydrophasianus Chirurgus, Scop ...| The Pheasant-tailed. Jacana. 1
911 Porzana fusca, Lin. .........ce..--| Phe Ruddy Rail ....csuseeeee L
937 Nycticorax griseus, Lin. ......... The Night) Eenon! rece sesee 1
98 4 Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pull ...... The, Marsh Mernccan.cecen es 1
THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF THE BOMBAY
PRESIDENCY.
By H. M. Puieson, C.M.Z.S., Hon. Sec.
(Read at the Society’s Meeting on Sth September 1887.)
A FORTNIGHT ago one of our local newspapers stated that there
were not more than three, or perhaps four, poisonous snakes in the
Bombay Presidency. I felt that we ought not to allow such a state-
ment to pass unchallenged, especially as our own collection furnished
evidence that nine poisonous snakes, at least, are to be found in the
Presidency, and that, according to the greatest authority on the
subject, Dr. Gunther, a tenth, which we have not as yet obtained, is
POISONOUS SNAKES. 245
an inhabitant of the Deccan. I consequently gave the Times of
India a lisi of the poisonous snakes in our possession, ail of which
had been killed in this Presidencey; a list which, I think, reflects
great credit on this Society, when the short time during which the
collection has been got together is taken into consideration. Some
of the measurements we were able to give have already attracted the.
notice of the press in other parts of India, and I therefore think it
would be of interest to the members present, if _ I were to draw
their attention to the specimens we possess of these particular
snakes. We have, you will observe, specimens of the following
poisonous snakes, all of which were killed in this Presidency :—
Colubrine.—1. Ophiophagus elaps. 2. Naga tripudians. 3. Bungarus
arcuatus. 4. Callophis trimaculatus. 5. Callophis nigrescens.
Viperine.—-6. Daboia elegans. 7. Echis carinata.
8. Trimeresursu
anamallensis. 9. Lypnale nepa.
1. We will take, first, the great Colubrine snake, the Ophiopha-
gus elaps, the “ Hamadryad” or “ King Cobra,” which is probably
the largest poisonous snakein the world. I say probably, as thereis
ene in New Guinea, dachesis mutus, a viperine suake belonging to
the Urotulidee, which is said to reach 14 feet inlength. Fortunately,
the Hamadryad is not very common. Dr. Gunther, the well-known
ophiologist, says that the Hamadryad is found in all parts of the
Indian Continent, in the Andamaus (where, I hear, it is eaten by the
natives), the Philippines, Java, Sumatra and Bornec. As its name
implies, it feeds principally on snakes and other reptiles, Owing to
the fact of its expanding a “ hood” it is frequently mistaken for a
cobra, but, as you will see by comparing the specimens before you,
the plates or shields on the head ef the Hamadryad differ materially
from those of the cobra. According to Sir Joseph Fayrer, the natives
of Bengal call it the ‘“Sunkerchor,” a “ breaker of shells,” but he
gives no explanation of thif name. The snake-men about here do
not appear to know the Hamadryad, but it is, undoubtedly, an
inhabitant of this Presidency. We have received a skin of one from
Carwar measuring 12 feet 6 inches, and another from the Goanese
Ghauts which is 15 feet 5 inches in length. Major Beddome,
of Madras, says he has killed one nearly 14 feet near Cuttack in
Bengal, where itis common. A few years ago one was caught
in the Konkan by Mr. Bulkley, who tried to take it to England
alive, so we have ample proof of its occurring in this part of India.
33
246 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
2. Naga tripudians, the Cobra,is too well known to need descrip-
tion. It is found all over India up to 3,000 feet in the Himalayas.
There are a great number of varieties, differing in colour and mark-
ings, many of whichare, you will see, figured in Sir Joseph Fayrer’s
Thanatophidia of India. The natives, who give separate names to
these varieties, maintain that they are distinct species, and that they
differ considerably, not only in appearance, but in their habits. The
natives are, I need hardly say, profoundly ignorant in such matters.
For instance, many of them insist that all the hooded cobras are
females, and that the male has no hood and is harmless. Their
“ male cobra’ is nothing more than the common Dhaman (Piyas
mucosus), the Indian Rat Snake. They also state, in support of
their theory, that the Dhaman is proof against the poison of the
cobra, but this has been shown over and over again not to be the
case. The cobra lays from twelve to twenty eggs, once a year,
during the rains, and the young show signs of their venomous
power at a very early stage. Those hatched in this Society’s rooms
last year killed a small Malay python (P. retuculatus), which was
placed in their cagea few daysafter they were born, They attacked
it at once, biting it viciously across the back. ‘The Python showed
great signs of fear, but made no attempt at retaliation. It was at
once removed to another cage, but died in about twelve hours.
We have, as you see, many specimens of the cobra in our collection,
amongst which is a young one preserved in the act of emerging from
its egg. In this specimen, the foetal tooth with which the young
snake cuts its way out of the strong parchment-like egg, can be
clearly seen with a magnifying glass. This foetal tooth is shed as
soon as it has served its purpose, and is, in fact, expelled the first
time the snake darts out its tongue, which it usually does directly
its head appears from the egg. Some of these little cobras thrived
for several months on young lizards, but the others would uot feed
and died in about two months. They measured 73 inches when
born, and were very fat. At the end of the two months they had lost
all their plumpness, but had increased their length by nearly 13 inches.
It is very extraordinary that the original nourishment obtained from
the egg should be capable of sustaining them for so long a period.
The cobra is an exceedingly tamid snake, but it can be easily tamed
with kindness, as you know from the living specimen in the Society’s
rooms. Itis worthy of note that the cobrais about the only poisonous
snake which those arrant impostors, the so-called “ snake-charmers,”
POISONOUS SNAKES. 247
ever have anything to do with, I neverlose an opportunity of fra-
ternizing with these gentlemen in the hope of obtaining specimens we
are in want of, but on no occasion have | ever seen any other poisonous
snake in their baskets except the cobra. The explanation of this
lies, I believe, in the fact that the cobra is the only poisonous snake
which can be easily and safely handled. You have only to attract
its attention with one hand, while you seize it in the middle of the
body with the other, and the snake is yours. It strikes in every
direction, especially at any moving object, but it never seems te occur
to it to turn and bite the hand that is holding it, asalmost all other
snakes would de at once. The snake-charmers have from time
immemorial made great capital out of the knowledge of this simple
fact. Their performances with the cobra are known to you all,
The snake is taken from the basket, when a slight slap across the
back brings it at once into its striking posture. Jt is the constant
movement of the musical instrument in front of the snake that keeps
ét erect, and not the noise produced. Snakes have no external ears,
and it is very doubtful whether the cobra hears the music at all.
The vipers, which are far less timid, cannot be frightened in this
manner, and consequently they are not ased for these performances.
The snake-men will tell you that the Daboia, the largest viper, or
adder, of the East, is a dull snake with no ear for music, and it is
interesting to note that they have evidently been repeating this
nonsense ever since the time of David—vide Psalms LVII[I.—“ like
the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; which will not hearken to the
voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.”
The cobras in the Society’s rooms feed freely on young rats, birds
and toads.
3. We next come to the Krait (Bungarus arcuatus), which is
also a very well-known snake. Itis exceedingly poisonous, and is
common in nearly ail-parts of India. We have a number of
specimens in our collection from’ the Bombay Presidency and from
Bombay itself, I have lately received two from Malabar Hill. The
one contained a “ brown tree snake” (Dipsas gokool), and the other
a Dhaman (Ptyas mucosus), so that we have good evidence of its
snake-eating propensities. The dark variety of the common and
harmless Lycodon aulicus is, you will observe, very like the Krait
in outward appearance, but you can readily distinguish the Krait
by the large hexagonal scales down the centre of the back. The
Burmese Krait (Bungarus fasciatus), of which we have several
248 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
beautiful specimens, is not found, 1 believe, in any part of this
Presidency, although it occurs in parts of Bengal and Lower India.
4. Our fourth poisonous Colubrine land snake is the Callophis
trimaculatus, which does not possess any popular name that I am
aware of. It is a ground snake, and lives chiefly on other small
snakes. Dr, Gunther says that the Calamaria, which they much
resemble in appearance, are their principal food. This snake,
although so small, is undoubtedly poisonous. We have two speci-
mens, one from the Konkan and the other from Bandora,
5. I have just received a telegram from Mr. G. W. Vidal, C:S.,
to the effect that the specimen of Callophis nigrescens, which he
deposited some time ago with the Society, was found by him in
arwar, thus adding another poisonous snake to the list of those
found in this Presidency. The upper parts of this sn ake are black
and the lower uniform red. It grows to about four feet in length.
6. We now come to the Viperine snakes, first and foremost of
which is the deadly Daboia elegans, the Gunus of the natives, known
to Europeans in India as the Chain Viper and in Ceylon as the Tie
Polonga. It is common in the Island of Bombay, and is, I believe,
found in most parts of the Presidency. According to Sir Joseph
Fayrer’s experiments, the poison of this snake, although very
different in its action, is almost, if not quite, as fatal as that of the
cobra. It has, as you will observe, exceedingly long fangs and a
good supply of spare ones behind ready to take the place of those
in front should they be broken. From its sluggish habits, its
fierceness, and the great length of its fangs, it is to be dreaded;
I think, more than any other snake in this country. Most of the
authorities give 50 inches as its. length, but we have the head of
ene killed by Mr. J.C, Anderson, in Hurda, Central Provinces,
which was 614 inches. Judging from the size of the head, and the
evidence of the piece of string with which the snake was measured,
there is little doubt that the correct length has been stated. Like
most of the vipers it is difficult to keep in confinement, but itis
very tenacious of lite, and has been known to Jive for a whole year
without food. It is an exceedingly handsome snake, especially
when young, as you will see from the specimens before you.
7. The only other true viper in this country is the Hchis carinata,
known here as the Phoorsa and in Sind as the Kupper. We have
received it from many partsof the Presidency, and insome districts—
Rutnagherry for instance—it is found in great numbers, I have
POISONOUS SNAKES. 249
eee
never heard of its being killed in the [sland of Bombay, although
the harmless “ browa tree snake”’ (Dipsas gokool), which somewhat
resembles it, is often sent to me as a Phoorsa. You will readily
distinguish them, as the head of the Hchis, like all vipers, is
covered with scales, whereas that of the Dipsas gokool has plates
or shields. Dr. Gunther was, when he issued his book on the
Indian Reptiles, under the impression that the bite of this little
viper was not absolutely fatal, but it has since been proved
that in certain districts the mortality from the Phoorsa is very
great.
8. The Green Tree Viper (Trimeresurus anamallensis) belongs
to the family of Crotalidze, or Pit Vipers, so called from a curious
pit or cavity between the nostril and the eye, the use of whichis
not known. The dreaded rattle-snake of America belongs to the
same family. There are eight species of Trimeresuri in India, buf
we have, at present, in our collection, only 7’. anamallensis from
the Bombay Presidency. It appears to be common on the Ghauts,
as we receive many from Khandalla, Egutpura and Mahableshwar.
Dr. Gunther states that another species, 7’. strigatus, is found in the
Deccan, and I hope before long some of our up-country members
will be abla to send us one in order that we may have specimens of
the ten poisonous snakes, which are now known to belong to this
Presidency.* It is just possible that an eleventh, Peltopelor
macrolepis, may also occur in the Canarese jungles, as it is said to
be common a little further south.
9. We now come to Hynale nepa, or the Carawala, which was
found in Carwar by Mr. G. W. Vidal, C.S. Its head-quarters are in
Ceylon, where it is greatly dreaded, but, like so many of the Ceylon
fauna, this snake is to be found along the Malabar Coast, but
probably not further north than Carwar.
I have to-day only dealt with the poisonous land snakes of this
Presidency, but all the true sea-snakes are, as you know, poisonous,
I may state that we have at present in our collection specimens of
the following species :—
Hydrophis diadema. (Gunther,)
Hydrophis robusta. (Gunther.)
Hydrophis curta. (Gunther.)
Hydrophis aurifasciatus. (Murray.)
* A specimen has since been received from Mr. H, §. Wise, which was killed in
Carwar,
950 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Hydrophis Phipsoni. (Murray.)
Hydrophis Guntheri. (Murray.)
Hydrophis Lindsayi. (Gray,)
Hydrophis chloris. (Daud.)
HEntrydrina bengalensis. (Gray.)
Pelamis bicolor. (Daud.)
THE INDIAN HEPATICA.
By Surczon K. R. Krrrixar, I, M. D., Fellow Soc. Myc.
(France), M. R.C. 8.
(Read at the Soctety’s Meeting held on 5th September 1887.)
On various former occasions I have brought to the notice of the
Society that the subject of Indian Cryptogamia, or flowerless plants,
has yet to be investigated; that in exhibiting before the Society,
from time to time, my specimens of fungi and alge growing in and
around Bombay, I have failed to derive any assistance from works on
Indian Botany ; and this I repeat on the present occasion. This
fact is borne out by the independent testimony ofa distinguished
Indian Botanist, Dr. Wellington Gray, whose observations on the
Botany of the Bombay Presidency, as embodied in Vol. XXV. of the
Bombay Gazetteer, recently published, contains the following
remark :— He says, ‘‘ The species belonging to the indigenous flower-
less plants have never yet been fully described or investigated, and
there are doubtless multitudes of new species still to be discovered.
And _ thisis literally true. Take up any book on Indian Botany,—
Professor Oliver’s ‘‘ Indian Botany,” for instance. Considering
that Professor. Oliver has never visited India, and that the book
written is from dried Herbaria, and from species of Indian plants
growing in HEngland—in the Kew Gardens—the work is admir-
able. In that book containing nearly four hundred pages, however
the Cryptogams are disposed of in twenty pages. No mention is
made of the order Hepaticee, specimens of which are exhibited this
evening. In Gregg’s text-book of Indian Botany, recently prepared
for the Hooghly College in Bengal, a merely passing allusion is made
to the order Hepaticee. In Roxburgh’s “Indian Flora,” recently edited
by Mr. Clarke, there is a chapter added on the miscellaneous Cryp-
togamia. No mention is made of the Hepatic. Now,I do not
mention all this to show the magnitude of the result of my researches
in that neglected branch of Botany, but rather the magnitude of the
difficulties I have had in investigating the subject. I have to depend
on my ownresources entirely, Considering that one is accustomed to
oe es ee «mre
: Normal size
Riccia No. 3. var. ?
Fic. IV.
Pleurococcus Vehar.
in masses X 500
K. BR. K. et 1. B. del ad nat.
PLATE II.
Fia. III.
Polygonal
One of the lobules
enlarged X 500
with chlorophy!! granules.
ALG&® rrom Veuar Water 1837.
Fic. V.
Nostoe Minima
x §90 6.
& @@
se &
id
4Ga
4 @ 7° @ a6
® e 83,008
S s%3%e
® ©
Protococeus Vehar
x 509
I ——
INDIAN HEPATICAZ AND VEHAR ALG DESCRIEED >
BY Dr. KIRTIKAR.
re
Fronds Brown Spores
Normal size magnified x 60 x 590
Riccia No. 1
variety?
Pie. Li.
Circular frond-arrangement a
Normal size = b
Riccia var. ? No. 2. 4. * a. Enlarged lobule x 500
Tile-arrangeinent of fronds -b. Stomate of Riccia No. 2.
ce. Polygonal cells with chlorophy!!
granules,
k. R. K. et 1. B. del ad nat.
ee
INDIAN HEPATICA. DESCRIBED BY Dr. KIRTIKAR,
Bee A
a
+
THE INDIAN HEPATIC, 251
have information at second-hand in this country, where original facts
have to be recorded, great care and caution, and accurate and repeated
observations are necessary. I urge the fact of the absence of all
previous information more in extenuation of the defects of my own
paper than a desire to show what others have left undone. I urge
this point also with a view to rouse the interest of those members of
the Society who are given to Botanical pursuits, inasmuch as there
appears to be an unending field for very entertaining and useful
research. For the materials one has not to go very far. In the
rainy season we tread these plants under our feet, the carriage
wheels daily pass and repass over them near our stable door and our
garden gate. They invade our eyeas westand by the garden wall,
with the rich beautiful green of their foliage which the artist’s
pencil can never imitate. ‘They grow on the outer side of our flower
pots in isolated or close packed circlets. On dilapidated walls they
are more constant, growing from year to year, drying after the
monsoons. This, then, is their habitat. A moist ground or a
damp spot is necessary for their growth, and they are in their prime
in the monsoons. The ground may be clayey, sandy or chunam
mixed. With regard to their general appearance they are leafy
expansions—foliaceous. The roots of these plants are delicate and
silky so entering the ground as to form a web or network, thin and
friable, matted with the ground, rendering it difficult to preserve
the plant or set it free from the matrix-earth in which it grows,
Why the order to which the three plants belong is called hepatics
IT do not know. It is possible that from the lobed condition of the
frond and its resemblance to that organ in general shape the name
hepaticee might have been given. Otherwise there is nothing in
common between the liver and the liverworts. The natural order
hepatice is allied to the mosses from which it differs in many
respects, mainly in this, that in most of the liverworts there is no stem
but simply a patch of green membrane spreading over the ground,
whereas in the mosses there is a stem often much branched. The,
hepaticze are sub-divided into the liverworts or marchantiacez, the
scale mosses or Junger-manniacez and the Crystlworts or Ricciacea.
The hepatics, especially plants of the last sub-division, are often con-
founded with lichens, but the lichens can be easily distinguished by
even a cursory microscopic examination. The plant depicted in Fig. L.,
Pl. No. I.,is of dark green colour. The surface markings of the frond
are visible distinctly under anordinary magnifier. Under the micro-
252 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
scope the frond presents a reticulated surface, on the upper surface
of which there are open spaces representing the “ stomata,” or
breathing spores. The frond is elongated and presents a deep
groove, dark green in colour, and corresponding to the midrib of
the leaf of a phanerogam. ‘The fronds branch dichotomously, and
a vertical section presentsa figure of eight appearance. The cells
are compressed, spherical, and give the appearance of a hexagon by
mere optic illusion. There are abundant chlorophyll granules in the
cells, closely packed. The roots arise from the lower surface of
the mid groove, They are soft and filamentous. There are
also some fine radical hairs; the fronds are succulent and
not imbricated. The margins are entire. The sporangium which
contains the spores is situated in the frond and is ovoid in form,
containing thickly-packed brown black spores of a very definite
character. ;
In other parts of the frond there is the commencing formation of
the sporangium, where the dichotomous cell division is well marked.
The full formed spores are honeycombed in appearance. No elators
or spiral fibre, have been seen at all the examinations of the plant.
The plant is therefore consigned to the sub-division or * Alliance,”
as Lindley calls it, of Ricciaceze the diagnosis lying between this
sub-division and Marchantiacez, in which elators exist as a matter
of necessity. The plant depicted in Fig. II., Pl. No. I., is also consign-
ed to the sub-division Ricciacees. The colour is brighter than that of
plant Fig. I. The fronds are more delicate and less succulent, The
margins are crenulate and lobed, ‘The stomata are visible on the
upper surface even to the naked eye. ‘The roots are finer and more
numerous, coming not only from midribs, but also from the under
surface of the frond asa whole. The fructification of the plant has
not been observed. Under the microscope the structure of the
chlorophyll cells is much more delicate and oval. The stomata
are strikingly sharp and hexagonal. The plant depicted on Pl. No.
I., Fig. ILI., is peculiar in its arrangement, the tendency being to
form circles by the growth of fronds all round froma central point.
The colour is dark green, tinged brownish yellow. The tissue
is crisp and friable, midway between that of plants figured Nos. 1
and 2. The margins are crenulate, and the greater the number of
fronds packed the greater the amount of crenulation, The cells
forming the substance of the frond look polygonal and compact,
having large thickly set chlorophyll granules in various stages of
WILD HORSES. 2538
development. This plant also belongs to the Alliance Ricciacea.
The three plants require naming.
WILD HORSES.
Br Vererinary-Sugceon J. H. Sresr, A. V. Dy
( Read at the Soctety’s Meeting on 1st August 1887.)
In bringing forward for consideration by the Society some
further questions abort herses, I trust that 1 shail not be thought
to unduly ferce a hobby on my hearers. I feel assured that to a
large number of cur members there is no lower animal more
interesting than the horse, and none about which details will be
more acceptable. Viewed from the high scientific standpoint no
animal-being, save perkaps man bimself, could be studied with
more prospect of sound results and valuable generalisations. The
horse is to us the best representative of hoofed animals and
vegetable feeders, and to anatomists he is what Oscar Schmidt
describes in the following passage:—“The best known example of
this kind ofan isolated form of mammai is the horse and its
relatives, the genus equus. ‘The descriptive zoologist places it by
the side of the two-hoofed animals. Yet the difference between
the one-toed horse and the two-toed oxen and stags remains
completely unexplained. Besides this the more perfect dentition of
the borse stands in sharp contrast with the reduced dentition of
most of the ruminants, which lack the upper incisors; the only
point of cennection would seem to be the camel, which again has
a much fuller dentition, Nevertheless, the horse remains a
phenomenon so peculiar within itself that descriptive zoology
has always classed the horse .in the order of the two-hoofed
animals.”’
This evening I want to consider wild horses, in some of their
practical and scientific bearings, and naturally the first question
which arises is, whether there is any such creature asa wild horse ?
This is rather a startling question when we consider that in
at least four out of the six continents horses in a free state are
found living only to a very limited degree influenced by man
and most certainly not ina state of domestication. The mustang
34
254 BOMBAY NATURAL UWISTORY SOCIETY.
of Mexico, the wild horse of the Pampas of Southern America,
the brumbie (or ‘“ Scrubby’’) of Australia, and the terpan of
Tartary are to all intents and purposes “wild,” but it is very
doubtful whether, in the naturalist’s sense of the term, they
are truly feral. Asregards the brambie of Australia it is certain
that he is the descendant of imported horses which strayed
within recent years; the enormous numbers of horses of the
Americas are known, from historical records, to have resulted from
animals imported by the Spaniards and others from Hurope. The
horse of Tartary or Central Asia has no such historical record, and
yet we fiod that naturalists of good scientific reputation almost
without hesitation state that he must have resulted from domesti-
cated animals which had strayed. Y ouatt says his origin has been
clearly traced to horses that were employed at the siegeof Azof
in 1657, but it is doubtful if he refers to the true Mongolian wild
horse. Certainly therearein this region large horse runs, the property
of the Imperial Chinese and other Governments, and undoubtedly
under not very perfect management horses stray and become lost
or are enticed away by their free comrades, as is the manner of wild
horses (though Youatt says, I know not on what authority, the wild
horses of Tartary quickly destroy any domestic horse which comes
into their power), but we have no distinct and definite evidence on
this question as to whether in Cantral Asia the original wild stock of
horse still exists in the condition of its native proprietors. We
may consider the evidence fairly conclusive concerning the horses
of America and of Australia, but in the case of those of Central
Asia it is not proved whether the breed has descended in unbroken
pedigree through ancestors which never have been tamed, or
whether at some time or other in the history of his race it has
yielded to the power of man. ‘Tradition and scientific surmise (we
cannot speak of it in stronger terms) point to Central Asia as the
aboriginal abode of the horse, but this can by no means be proven,
and it is certain that fossil horses are found in both Europe and
America equal in age to those of Asia, thus tradition dating even
from extremely remote periods can have littile importance attributed
to it, anditis much to be doubted whether the scientific view which
has hither to been adopted will hold ground against some most recent
observations in this connexion. Darwin’s statement that ‘‘no
aboriginal or truly wild horse is known to exist” must still be held
as explaining the exact position of this question, but we must supple-
WILD HORSES. 255
ee a
ment it by stating “ it is not certain that truly wild horses do not
exist,”
Our evidence in elucidation of this matter must, as we have
seen, be brought to bear on Central Asia ; unfortunately, it cannot
be accepted as conclusive, being based on the statement of travellers,
which are in each case that I can find only second-hand and
through an interpreter, who possibly was well aware his employer
would be very glad to hear there was such a thing as a wild horse.
The latest information on this subject apparently is that in Preje-
valsky’s Mongolia, from the English edition of which, edited by
Yule, we find that Father Hyacinthe, writing of Middle Mongolia,
speaks of wild camels, wild mules, wild assas and wildhorses. Sir
D. Forsyth, in a printed report of his last mission to Kashgar, men-
tions, apparently from native information, wild horses mixed with
wild camels. These “ horses” were probably Kulans (Turki for
Kyang) “this equivoque is probably at the bottom of many mentions
of wildhorses ; but I wouldnotsay so positively.” (Yule.) Thus Dr,
Bellew in his “‘ Kashmir and Kashgar, ” p. 400, speaks of a place
ealled Kulan Uldi, which means “The wild horse (ass ?) died”; and
elsewhere he speaks of meeting a herd of six or seven Kulapn or Kyang.
Jerdon tells us that Cunningham calls the Kyang the wild horse,
and states that it netghs. Now the Kyang or Kulan is an anima.
about which there is much debate as to whether he is a horse or an
ass. He his bigger than most asses, has a voice which some obser-
vers call a neigh and others a bray, his ears are much smaller than
those of most asses. He is described by Prejevalsky as “in
appearance closely resembling a mule.’ His importance to us at
present is that we must distinctly understand that he is not here
considered a wild horse, and al! the statements of travellers
who seem to have considered him as such must be excluded from our
evidence. It would almost be right, if practicable, to exclude all
hearsay evidence, for it seenfs that in Central Asia the Mongols
often confuse the wild ass and the wild horse, and mention the two
animals under the same name, just as in some parts of India there
is only one name for sheep and goats. The only fairly exact and
positive evidence I can find is that of Prejevalsky (p. 169, vol. II.),
who says:—“The natives repeatedly told us of the existence of both
wild camels and wild horses, and described them fully ... Wild-
Horses, called by the Mongols dzerlikadu, are rare in Western
Tsaidam, but more numerous near Lob Nor. They are generally in
256 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Jarge herds, very shy, and when frightened continue their flight
for days, not returning to the same place fora year or two. Their
colour is uniformly bay with black tails and long manes hanging
down tothe ground. They are never hunted owing te the difficulties
of the chase. * * * The plains of Tsaidam are 1,700 feet below
Kokondi, and on this account the climate is warmer, ‘The absence
of water aslo tends to increase the heat.”
Thus we must conclude that the evidence is slightly in favour of
the existence of wild horsesin Central Asia, but we have no evideuce
xs to his pedigree in relation to domestication.
The Shetland pony is praetically the wild horse of the British
Isles, and illustrates on a small scale the peculiarites of horses
which have gone wild. He is evidently not the British horse
exported by Julius Czsar as “being powerful, and by stature and
training well suited to war.”
Tho question now arises as to whether all horses of the present day
have come from one original stock or have been developed on parallel
lines. Wild horses certainly existed in the distant past, and it
behoves us to inquire in what respect they resembled and how
they are related to those of the present day and also our domesti-
cated horses. The original horse may not now exist in a wild state,
but he must be lineally represented by our horses, and his com-
parison with them must result in important observations, The
question of origin of the horses of America is soon settled. As
Oscar Schmidt shows, the Paleotherium soon disappeared in South
America, but became very numerous and eontinuously developed in
North America as in Europe and Asia. Marsh considers that a true
equus appeared in the upper Pliocene, and this in the post-tertiarieg
roamed over the whole of North and South America, but very soon
became extinct. Schmidt concludes that “ the true horse of our
day never existed in America before its importation.” The primi-
tive equine forms of America are thus supposed to have been crushed
ont by the ice formations of the Diluvium. Among the forms thus
Jost must be included Equus andium (Branco) as found in the
voleanic tufa of Ecuador, probably also the coeval diluvial pampas
horse, the cave horse of Brazil, and the Hquus curvidens (Owen).
In Equus andium it has been observed that the eyes must have
been situated much deeper than in Equus caballus, in which the
orbit, has moved further back. Altogether, concludes Schmidt, the
American members of the genus horse haye never advanced so close
WILD HORSES. 25%
to our present horse as the diluvial members of the European family
did. Forsyth Mayorshows that Equus stenonis of the quaternaries
of Upper Italy contains all the intermediary stages between Hipparion
and Equus. Schmidt continues the argument on this important
subject, on which he is not always quite clear, by drawing attention to
Goethe’s observations on the backward position of the eye inthe
horses of the Parthenon ; theyare far back against the ear, and, says
Goethe, this was, though the artist may not have known it, the
condition present inthe primeval horse.* It must be remarked,
however, that evidence tends to show that of the cave horses some
had eyes far back and some in the position of those of the present
day. ‘These cave horses were useful to man but not domesticated ;
they lived in the reindeer period, and found their most deadly foe
im man, who pursued and killed them for flesh food. As yet all
conclusions as to theirmake and shape seem to be derived trom the
vork of a Landseerof the stone period, who drew a picture of a
man, horse, anda mammoth in recognizable outlines on pieces of
ivory. The horse seems rather a small one and has a big head,
This curious record of art in the nursery stages of the world’s
history must not be considered from the severely artistic point of
ee
* Youatt’s views on conformation of the Parthenon horses will be read with interest
as bearing on the text :—
‘*There is a considerable difference in the form and action of the two horses. The
right hand one, and the foremost of the two, is sadly defective in the portions of the
forearms which we are permitted to see, The near one is poorly supplied with muscle.
The off horse is out of all keeping. The large ears placed so low ; the clumsy swelling
of the lower part of the neck ; the bad union of it with the breast ; the length and
thinness of the barrel compared with the bulk of the fore parts, notwithstanding the
natural and graceful position of the hind legs, show no little want of skill in the
statuary. The more animated head of the left and hinder horse, the inflated nostril,
the opening ofthe mouth, the form and prominence of the eye, and the laying of the
ears, sufficiently confirm the accounts which we have of the spirit—sometimes un-
tameable—of the primitive horses. The neck, however, is to short, even for one with
these immense forehands ; it springs badly out of the chest, the shoulder is very defec-
tive ; but the forearms, their expression aud their position, are exceedingly good ; the
long forearms and short leg are excellent; and so are the off fetlock and foot ; but the
barrel is deficient, the carcase is leagthy, and the hind quarters are weak coMpared
with the forearms. The beautful execution of the riders * * * shows that they were
portraits, as probably the horses were to avery great extent. These animals remind
us of some of the heavy ones of tha present day partioularly ; they have the beauties
and defects of many of the modern Holstein horses ; they are high, but perhaps heavy
actioned ; courageous, sprited, possibly fierce. hey exhibit the germs of many
future improvemente, and, taken altogether, may be examined with considerable
pleasure, remembering that they are horses of nearly 2,300 years ago, Art has done
much for the horse since that period, but the countenance and figure of the human
being were at that time perfect. These horsemen have not even the switch to guide
the animal ; but they are holding by the mane with the left hand, and are evidently
directing the horse by pulling the mane, or pressing the neck with the right hand
a little higher up.”
It looks more as if the mane were not held at all, but guidance made by pressure
with the forefinger of either hand on the corresponding side of the neck. Youatt
seems slow in giving the artist credit for as much faithfulness in representation of
the horses as of the men ; of courre, he may not hayes been an “ animal ” artist.
258 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
view, but much as we would a child’s production in the present
day, in no way detracting from the credit of this earliest of the
world’s known artists.
It seems to be generally accepted by British naturalists that the
horse of the present day came from one original stock. This was
the view of Cobbold. (Museum of Natural History.) Martin Duncan
says : ‘ All true horses are descended from Nquus caballus, a well
established species,” and soon, Schmidt combats the view of the
domesticated horse having a single origin from the original wild
stock. He shows reason to believe tbat, perhaps, some of the
slighter breeds of the present day have resulted from the taming of
the broad-browed horses of Southern Germany, but certainly some
of the tamed thin-boned horses of the bronze period were of Asiatic
origin and introduced by nomads. Hecker also considers that of the
two breeds of German horse described by the Roman writers (Cesar
included), the small and hardy native race was indigenous, but the
Equus caballus germanicus (of Sanson and Piétrement), the heavy
horse of Central Germany, was an imported animal, probably of
Asiatic origin, tamed and introduced by nomadic tribes in pre-
historic times.
Two groups of domesticated horses have been distinguished : (1)
the Oriental, with well developed cranium, forehead broad, face
small, inner side of crescents of upper molar with but few enamel
folds, limb bones graceful and firm ; the Arab, for example. (2)
The Occidental (Franck of Munich), face much larger as compared
with cranium, long narrow skull, forehead narrow, rims of orbits
somewhat forward, enamel folds of crescents of upper molars very
complex, limb bones thick and massive, and of less dense structure
than those of the Oriental. Nehring shows that the diluvial horse
of Central Germany—found at Westenregeln near Magdeburg, at
Thiede (Brunswick), also along the Rhineinthe neighbourhood of
Remagen—presented all the characteristic features of the Occidental
horse. Fraas has described a Schussenried breed of fossil horses,
found in S, W. Wurtemburg, with very broad foreheads and grace-
ful limbs. In France, Sanson and Piétrement have arrivedatsome
very interesting conclusions with regard to the horses in relation to
the domesticated races of the present day. Piétrement shows that
itis untenable that the horse of Solutré (a primeval form of the
reindeer period, which aboundsin caves near Macon, north of Lyons)
was tamed and domesticated, but Schmidt concludes that in it we
WILD HORSES. 259
very likely have one of the races which subsequently became domes-
ticated, and which left descendants that probably still exist, such
as the long-headed Ardennes horse and the Carmague small
semi-wild horses of the Rhone delta. Also in Alsace there is a race
of large ponies which Schmidt thinks probably the last offshoots of
a race of t!is kind; they have large and ugly heads, well formed
bodies (although no care whatever is exercised over their breeding)
and their limbs are powerful. They are good-natured, docile, and
very strong in moving weights. The sum of these observations and
arguments is hardly conclusive as establishing that horses were
domesticated locally ; yet it seems to be clearly established, however,
that there were at least two well-marked varieties of the cave horse,
the large-limbed, narrow-headed form and the small-limbed well-
shaped, broad-skulled animal. These variations we must to a very
large exent put down to local conditions; the experience of breeding
domesticated animals, even during the short period of halfa century,
shows that the large size of the variety and narrowness of the skull
depend on the amount of food obtainable within a limited range
of grazing, whereas compactness of bone, smallness of face, and
greater relative development of the cranium result from opposite con-
ditions, as may be illustrated by comparison of the skull of a Lincoln
sheep with that of a Southdown. The result of scientific research
so far has, we may conclude, supported what we may term the
commonsense conclusions with regard to horse domestication. Of
the methods of capturing the horse or wild ass in the present day®
almost all would not be practicable to our earliest horse-taming
forefathers, for they naturally could neither adopt the corral nor
lassoing system; also they had nothing on which to ride down horses.
Wither they captured the very young, or else they cured animals
captured alive after being maimed with axes, arrows, or
other primitve weapon. . Certainly they got many horses for food
in those days, and probably, as the Bikanir hunters are described
as doing now, they caught the foals and tamed them. Doubtless,
® Mehods of capture of wild horses:—
Corraled; thrown by means of lasso round fore legs, saddled, bestridden, and
then let go and spurred until controllable.
Loose wild horse lassoed and jerked off legs, then ridden,
. Ridden down by relays of horses,
Bewildered by falcon flapping wings in the eyes.
Brought down and stunned by a rifle shot behind the ear.
Capture and rearing of foals or of wounded horses.
_—
°
oe eR ep
260 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
ee
from the earliest times migration of equine animals have taken
place; it is supposed that in the period of the early terliaries such a
migration occurred to America, and that there was aleo a very early
migration from Central Asia in other directions, as to the western
limits of Europe. Doubtless also early human migrations influenced
the spread of the horse in such a way that even the special races of
different countries have from time to time had constant admixture
of foreigen blood both in the pre-historic and historic periods. Yet
we cannot believe that so obvious a process as domesticating horses
did not take place simultaneously in different countries and so act as
an important factor in the production of local breeds. All methods
of the present day are but modifications of those of the past; in this,
as in other matters, ‘‘ there is no new thing under the sun.” I
cannot conceive that given men of a number of different races with
horses to hand and constantly killed as food, it would occur only to
the Mongolian to endeavour to domesticate so tractable an animal !
Martin Duncan shows that the domesticated horse was first known
in the Swiss Lake period, and must have been driven in the bronze
period, for bronze bits have been found in France and Italy. He
quotes Hamilton Smith’s conclusion that the first domestication of
the post-diluvium horse was achieved in Central Asia, or commenced
nearly simultaneously in the several regions where wild animals of
the horse form existed; the latter seems the most tenable view.
With regard to clumatic and physical conditions under which wild
horses live, the Steppes of Tartary are described as great treeless
plains at considerable elevation. The Kyang inhabits the Thibetan
plateaux some 15,000 to 16,000 feet above the sea-level, and the
Mongolian wild horse of Prejevalsky is found on the plains of
Tsaidam, some 1,700 feet below the Kokonor Stepp. In Bolivia -
the llanos are described by Spence as a series of enormous level
tracts watered by navigable rivers and covered by verdant turf,
where vast numbers of mules, horses and asses pasture, These
tracts are subject to floods during which the horses take refuge on
table-lands, which form, as it were, islands in the flood, and the
mares (with their foals) may be seen swimming about in the water
browsing on the tops of the long grass projecting over the water.
Wide plains of pasture, undulating and even hilly, are suitable for
the wild horse, running streams and perennial grass are advantage-
ous to him, but he at times undergoes great straits both for food
and water. The arguments with regard to the nature of the land
WILD HORSES. 261
on which the fossil horses were found have been rather in a circle.
It has constantly been assumed that the occurrence of remains of
horses implies vegetation and climate resembling those of the
Steppes or, again, that wide grassy plains imply suitability for
horses. As a matter of fact, we know that horses thrive in a
remarkable variety of climates and on many soils, but a tendency to
dryness with heat is favourable, heat with moisture and an alluvial
soil are conditions unfavourable in the extreme, and indeed often
suffice to produce extermination. Whenone comes to think of it
and to compare America and Australia with South Africa, the
question naturally arises, why have not horses gone wild in the
latter place, where many must have escaped, just as in Australia
and America? If we may judge from the presence of the zebra,
quagga, and Burchell’s zebra, the climate and soil is everything
that could be required for the production of a wild race in South
Africa, and yet one has not appeared! It seems to me that
this is the result of one of two causes or, perhaps, of a combination
of each. The South African territory was originally occupied,
indeed fully populated, by equines before importation of the horse,
and the latter has had to contend with that terrible enemy, the
Horse Sickness, not to mention animals of prey and such small bat
serious foes as the T'setze fly. Youatt seems to have had a suspicion
that wild horses were found at the Cape. He had probably heard
the Dutchmen and other travellers talking of the Wilde Paarde,
the Boer name for the zebra. He says : “At the Cape of Good Hope
we find that the horse, if a native of that country, is only oceasion-
ally seen in its wild state. * * * The wild have long disappeared
from the colony, and we have no authentic record that any of them
were even taken and attempted to be domesticated.’ This was
written about fifty years ago. Darwin noted some curious facts
about the non-spread of horses in the Falkland Islands to the
degree that might have been anticipated. Virstly, he attributes
some influence to the fact that the hoofs, on account of softness of
the soil, become overgrown, and so limit progression; secondly, the
stallions insist on the mares accompanying them often before the
recently born foal is able to move sufficiently fast. Wherever
the horse runs wild, there seems to be what we may fairly consi-
der as a recurrence to ancestral manners. Hach stallion has his
following of mares ranging from a few up to forty or even fifty,
and these parties may be separate or banded together into
35
262 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
herds of considerable size—sometimes, it is said, 400 strong. The
young and weak males remain with butascanty oreven no following.
The stallion has to maintain his supremacy by frequent combats, which
especially occur at certain seasons of the year. Youatt mentions
frequent combats between different herds, but the general evidence
tends only to the occurrence of contests for supremacy between
different stallions. The animals are suspicious in the extreme, swift
of flight, but bold in defence with tooth and heel in emergency.
They range extensively in scarch of pasture and water, and wher
hard pressed by danger or famine, the herds break up. It is said
that each troop has a leader and implicitly obeys him, he is the first
to face danger and to give the hint to fly ; when hard pressed, the
horses form aring, with the mares and foals in the centre, and
defend themselves vigorously with their heels, or they close in on
their opponent in a dense mass and trample him to death, A
favourite proceeding of these animals seems tobe the tempting of
domesticated horses to join them, a source of much annoyance to
breeders in Australia, as also is the invasion of their runs by wild
stallions, which vitiate select breeds in a most annoying manner.
Wild horses are sagacious in avoiding sportsmen, keen of scent, and
vigilant. Many wild horses in America are found with saddle marks,
and I have seen the skull of an unfortunate individual with each
side of the lower jaw almost cut through by pressure from a halter
which he wore when as a youngster he escaped from captivity.
With regard to shape, it is much to be regretted that from Job
even unto Byron; our authors and travellers have thought advisable
to view the horse in a state of nature from the poetic rather than
from the practical side. We have very few “' horsemen’s descriptions”
of these animals in so far as I can learn, and the pictures given us
are either over-artistic, evidently taken from stuffed specimens or
not reliable. The brumbies are described by Anthony Trollope as
“perfect marvels of ugliness,” and elsewhere we are told that they
are small, hardy and remarkable for the excellence of their feet,
but seldom worth the trouble of capture and training. The picture
before us of the wild horse of Tartary looks like that of a youngster.
Its most striking features are a most ugly head, with coarse Roman
nose and convex forehead, short muzzle, little cranium ; head badly
set on, no shoulder, deficiency of barrel, ugly quarters, round short
hocks, upright pasterns, and great length below the knees and hocks.
To counteract these bad points there is power in the quarters, arms,
WILD HORSES. 263
and thighs ; the animal is well ribbed up and the feet look good.
The picture of the mustang exhibited reminds us of a thorovgh-
bred circus horse let loose, and is evidently a flight of imagination
on the part of the artist. Youatt, in speaking of the wild horse of
South America, mentions bim as possessing much of the form of the
Spanish horse from which he sprang, as not remarkable for speed,
but wonderfully enduring, and knowing no pace between a walk and
a gallop. Spence, in his “Land of Bolivar,” speaks ef them as
“small, strong built, and capable of enduring any amount of fatigue.”*
Unsoundness of hoof of the wild horse is not often seen, but its
general infrequence under natural influences contrasts markedly
with the terrible frequency of foot lameness, in spite of all care,
among domesticated horses, It teaches us the important lesson to
get the natural wear and bearing as much as possible, but must not
be misled, as by some, into teaching that the domesticated horse
should go unshod. According to the latter argument pushed to its
logical conclusion, our horses should be fed enly on grass and never
be groomed!
The original colour of the horse has been a subject of much
debate, and seems to have been pretty generally accepted that the
primitive horse was dwn. Martin Duncan says the evidence on
this point dates back as far as the time of Alexander the Great:
that the wild horses of Western Asia and of Hastern Europe are
dun, and that the duns much predominate among some unmixed
breeds, such asthose ef Hungary and Norway.t it will be seen that
the arguments of the learned professor are weak in the extreme.
Whether or not the historians of Alexander the Great saw wild
horses I can’t say, but I consider it extremely probable that they
saw only wild asses of Persia, Assyria, Sciude and even, possibly,
the Kyang in the Punjab. Again, I doubt very much whether
colours were recorded with as great discrimination by those histo-
eee eR a ee eae es ere era ee
* There was nearly half a century between when Youatt and Spence wrote; the
stamp of the South American horse may materially have altered in that time.
+ Iam indedted to Mr, F, Stockinger, Consul-General fer Austro-Hungary in
Bombay, fer the following interesting information on Hungarian horses, as conveyed.
to mein a letter received since the paper en ‘Wild Horses” was read :—*‘The Hungarian
is certainly one of the best mixed breeds on the surface of the earth, as the Government
and private persons have fer more than a century imported Arabs, English, Spanish,
Norman, and other blood for breeding purposes; in fact, half to three-fourth of
the blood in the Hungarian horse is foreign. A commission of landowners and
officers visits periodically every part of the country and selects the stallions best
suited for the place. The thoroughly Hungarian city of Debreezin owns a stud
in which they pride themselves to have preserved the original Hungarian horse in
its primitive state unmixed with other blood, I have visited that stud * * and found
that the herses are, without exception, bays or brawn,”
264 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
rians as even by our travellers of to-day, and it is probable that the
names of the colours of their so called wild horses were first con-
fused by the language of the natives of the country in which such
animals were found ; secondly, rather mixed up in the Greek; thirdly
again confused in translation into English, either directly or through
the Latin. It is certain, that mere descriptions of colour are rather
limited in valuc even when there are no obscurities of language.
Darwin noticed that roan and iron-grey predominated among the
wild horses of the Falkland Islands as descended from horses left by
the French in 1764. Youatt says of the Tartary horse that he is
* generally of a red colour with a black stripe along the back.” -
Martin Duncan considers him mouse-coloured, and agrees as to the
dorsal stripe, and he speaks of these horses as the “ nearest example
of the stock from which the domesticated horse was derived.”
Prejevalsky mentions the wild horse of Central Asia as bay, and
elsewhere we hear him described as of a “ rufous tinge.” Any one
who has had to describe properly a number of battery or transport
mules, or even of country-bred horses, will ciearly enter into the
colour difficulty, and uuderstand how naturalists for scientific exact-
ness would need some such standard colour scalesas those introduced
by Broca for anthropological observers, He will also have observed
how wide embracing and indefinite are the vernacular colours kwmait
and lal! In India we have in the Kattywar horse, which comes
from a locality, the geographical position of which secures to an
extent purity of race, an example in favour of dun being the origina 1
colour, and among country-bred stock we find many duns and
mouse-coloured horses. We observe a great tendency of prevalence
of the donkey mark along the back, and even slightly a cross mark
on the shoulders, also pale colour of limbs and markings on the
knees and hocks, zebra-marks. The frequency of parti-colouration
is simply the effect of natural crossing ; it is seen among all semi-
wild stock and low-caste varieties of the horse. As regards colour
of original horses, I think we can come no nearer a conclusion than
that the grcundwork varied somewhat in the different localities
according to prevalent colour of soil, probably from very light dun
through mouse-colour and chestnut to bay-brown, there being a
well-marked donkey stripe and small cross bands, occasionally also
faint stripes about the knees and hocks of a darker colour ; the
limbs, lower part of the belly and muzzle generally somewhat lighter
than the rest of the body. All the darker colours, all parti-coloura-
WILD HORSES. 96D
tion, and marks have probably resulted from domestication. A
few of the original breed also probably were Albinoes.
With regard to shape, all the evidence tends to the belief that in
all the points which render a horse useful to mankind, domestication
has improved him, though he probably has been rendered less endur-
ing and more liable to disease. The cave horse, whose portrait has
been handed down to us carved on horn, hada large head, thick
neck, big mane, and coarse and clumsy points (Duncan); but we have
seen that the artist cannot be absolutely relied on for proportions.*
If we be permitted to imagine, on the basis of what we know of the
oldest wild horses and of the least cared-for breeds, we may describe
the original horse as follows :—Head large, fine or coarse in the
muzzle, badly put on, eyes far back, ears large, neck thick and
coarse, shoulder small and upright, forearm muscular and short,
tendons a little deficient below the knee, pasterns upright, feet
blocky and good, back rather short, girth moderate, loins muscular,
quarters round, tail set on low, hocks big and compact but very
short, thighs very short but muscular.
Now, such a horse is not at all what we would try to buy for any
domestic purpose, but it is the unspecialised form which in the zebra
aud wild ass we find compatible with fair speed, remarkable endur-
ance, and other high qualities. I, as a horseman, criticising the
works of Nature, must not be supposed to be indulging in ridiculous
fault-finding with perfection. ‘lhe wild horse is suited admirably to
the wild free life for which he is intended, but he cannot compete
either in speed with the race-horse (although his speed is not
inconsiderable), in strength with the draught horse (though he can
perform collar work moderately well with little training), nor is he,
until brought under the controlling influence of man for several
generations, and influenced in a particular direction by artificial
selection, specially suited for any domestic purpose. The adapt-
ability for work shown by tlfe descendants of horses which have
recently gone wild is wonderful. The little training the Australian
and American horses receive to enable them to work proves that
they have not yet outlived the inheritance of the useful quality of
obedience to man, That a traveller should be able to cross South
America by impressing wild horses successively to carry him is
extraordinary.
In size there can be no doubt that (though an enormous fossil
* One of his ponies is not a bad shaped one, the other is like a Tapir,
266 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
horse is supposed to have lived in South America) the tendency of
domestication has been towards increase. All the writers, with
charming indefiniteness, speak of the wild horses as “ small, strong,
and not fast. ””
We have rather more accurate information as to their powers of
endurance, Which are undoubtedly considerable; it is not uncommon
for an animal to be captured, ridden sixty or seventy miles straight
off, and then the animal, tired, not “‘done up,” to be enlarged; this
work on grass feed is not bad. In some of the revolutions in South
America these wild horses have been used extensively and in rather
extraordinary ways. Thus Paez, the cavalry leader of Bolivar, broke
in wild horses and so mounted a very considerable force, with which
on one occasion he performed the extraordinary feat of capturing
gunboats in midstream, the men swam their horses in and jumped
on board from off the animals’ backs. The aquatic powers of horses
in this part of the world are remarkable, and it is peculiar that
white horses are there thought most of as being the best swimmers.
It is really wonderful how horses can adapt themselves to emer-
gencies. ‘Those of Central Asia, for example, have often to live like
reindeer, eating snow for drink and gathering a scanty feed by
scraping away the snow. Darwin tells us what a hard time of it
horses sometimes have in South America. Cattleand horses in time
of drought become so exhausted, that when they rush into rivers
they are unable to crawl up the muddy banks, and thus are drowned.
‘All the small rivers become highly saline, and this caused the
death of vast numbers in particular spots; for when an animal
drinks of such water it does not recover. Azara describes the fury
of the wild horses on a similar occasion, rushing to the marshes,
those which arrived first being overwhelmed and crushed by those
which followed. He adds that more than once he has seen the
earcases of upwards of a thousand wild horses thus destroyed.”
The distinguished naturalist comes to the conclusion that a geologist
unacquainted with the occasional occurrence of this phenomenon
would draw some conclusions of not altogether satisfactory stability
from discovery of a breccia of horse bones.
Yet, in spite of adverse influences, rapidity of spread of horses is a
phenomenon of which there can be no doubt. The diffusion of horses
which in Mexico escaped into the woods and savannahs northward
to the Rocky Mountains and to the sources of the Columbia, is, as
Low points out, remarkable, yet not to be compared with what has
WILD HORSES. 267
— NT
taken place in the plains of La Plata and other parts of the South
American Continent. Darwin shows us that whereas the first horse
was landed in America at Buenos Ayres in 1537, in 1580 (less than
fifty years) the Patagonians had horses. This spread is, of course,
not to be compared with the wonderful increase in numbers of horses
in general in Australia which has recently been witnessed, but it
may be remarked as an illustration of how wild horses spread,
that in New South Wales, in 1875, 7,000 wild horses are recorded as
having been shot without extermination, and the horse pest has
attained such importance as, I believe, to have received legislative
notice in some parts of Australia. Oar members ought to be able to
give us some luteresting laformation in this matter. There is evi-
dence that even in South America the numbers of horses have been
materially lessened by the requirements of man recently.
Some curious eccentrict:tes of wild horsas deserve a passing notice.
Darwin remarks on the extraordinary fact that without any apparent
reason, and though there is no appreciable difference in climate and
soil between the western and eastern parts of the Falkland Islands
on which he saw horses, they had never left the eastern part.
Another peculiar point is noticed by Azara, the preference of wild
horses for the dropping of excrement in or near roads. This, carried
out on a large scale, in South America, has an important influence
on the procuration of fodder along the main tracks.
Darwin comments on the extreme difficulty of driving large bodies
of horses over the South American plains. One remount officer who
left Buenos Ayres with 500 had under 20 on arrival at his destina-
tion. The animais are excitable, and the approach of a puma, or even
a fox, during the night will cause the horses to disperse in every
direction, and even a storm will have the same effect (‘‘ Voyaye of the
Beagle”). This tendency to wild heedless bolting of large numbers
of horses is a phenomenon not unknown to our cavalry officers and
those of other nations, I°know of one stampede of horses of a
cavalry regiment mounted on Walersin this country, and two serious
stampedes occurred among the Guards’ horses and those of the Queen’s
Bays at Aldershot at the first autamn manoeuvres. Paez in Bolivia
turned this tendency to valuable account in the War of Independence,
for he used to stampede bands of wild horses against the enemy at
night. Finally, we may observe that, as the equine animals in South
Africa have been noticed to havea curious tendency to ‘‘chum”’ with
the Gnu and other ruminants, the wild horse also has been observed
268 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,
=
on terms of settled friendship with the larger ruminants of the plains
on which he is found.
The puces of the horsein a natural condition are the walk and gallop.
As regards other paces, the amble and the canter are undoubtedly
artificial, but it has been much discussed as to whether the wild
horse trots. We need not enter into the arguments in detail here.
‘The question has received much attention in America, and Hiram
Woodruffe has concluded that the trot is a natural pace for young
untrained animals ; also zebras and other wild equines trot. There
are evident fallacies in this argument, but to debate on the paces of
the horse here would take too much time and trespass too much on
the patience of the meeting.
Finally, in estimating the influence on mankind of the wild horse
in the present day, we find a difficulty in separating him from the
numerous herds of semi-wild animals which in most parts of the
world are utilised as reserves of horse supplies, such as those of
the great breeding establishments in Hungary,* Russia, and even
in Chinese Tartary. A description of one of the latter by
Prejevalsky may prove of interest: ‘The great Steppe country
through which we passed from Dolokvor is the pasture land
of the Imperial horses. Every herd (dargu of the Mongols) num-
bers 500, and is under an officer ; asuperior officer is over all.” They
supply remounts in time of war. hese horses are under ‘the average
* Mr. Stockinger writes : ‘‘ Hungary certainly has large breeding establishments
which I have mostly seen more than once, but you will not find any animal even
approaching the semi-wild state. The largest stud is called Mero Hegyes, which
belongs to the Government, and covers an area of about 45,000 acres, numbering
between 4 to 5,000 horses, :
“They are divided according to breed, age, and sex into small herds numbering 80 to
100 at the utmost. Each herd is driven out to the pasture every morning by two to
three well mounted men with long whips. and brought back in the evening into large
separate enclosures, each of which contains a shed entirely open on one side.
“ They are all perfectly tame, and one could hardly imagine a prettier sight than
being surrounded by a flock of thorough bred or half-bred yearlings searching your
pockets for bread,
Th» stallions are kept in stables all the year round, do the carriage and saddle-work
of the superintending officers, and are about as peaceful and tame creatures as one
would wish. I have never heard a scream or a kick in a stable containing perhaps 50
or more stallions.
“Large landed proprietors have studs kept very much on the same system ; the stal-
lions are either private property or beloag to Government, who let them out for the
season.
“ The small landlord and persant breeds horses as a domestic animal more like the
Arab. They are about the house or farm ; the boys jumpon their backs as soon
almost as they can stand on their legs; and he follows his master about like a dog.
You will very often see a farmer drive about the country with the offspring and
relations of his team after him, I know a good many books contain still accounts
of the wild Hungarian horse, but these are things long, long gone by.
“ The very natural and surest prof of this is that I have met very, very rarely with
an ill-tempered or vicious horse, and then it can be almost invariably traced to bad
treatment,”
LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHT AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. 269
height, their legs and neck thick, head large, and coat long
and shaggy, possess wonderful powers of endurance, remaining
out in the open in extreme cold, and contenting themselves with
the scanty herbage, or, if there be none, with such coarse stuff
as camels feed on. In winter the snow serves them for water.
They roam almost at liberty over the pasture lands of Northern
Kalka and the country of the Chakbars, The larger herds are
usually broken up into smaller troops of 10 to 30 mares, led by
a stallion, who guards them with the greatest jealousy and never
lets them out of his sight. The leaders of them have pitched
battles with one another in the spring. Darwin observed a tribe
of Indians which was gradually changing feom hunters on foot
to hunters on horseback, a neighbouring tribe lending them old
and inferior horses to prevent their being absolutely starved
through want of success in the chase.
The wild and semi-wild horses constitute together a grand reserve
of remounts for the world’s requirements. They are absolutely
necessary for travelling in many parts; they even constitute a source
of food supply to mankind; they give scope for reckless energy of
certain classes of mankind which might otherwise find a less legiti-
mate outlet; in some countries, as in primitive ages, skin, hair,
hoofs, milk, and bones of horses are found useful. There is donbt-
less much waste in capture and breaking-in, yet the supplies scem
almost inexhaustible, thanks to rapid propagation and wide range
over suitable country. Even viewed as a feral animal, there are few
quadrupeds more useful to man than Equus caballus ; as a domes-
ticable being he is one of the grandest of presents of Nature to
mankind, ;
J. H. 5S.
Bombay Veterinary College.
ON THE LEPIDOPPERA OF KARACHI AND ITS
NEIGHBOURHOOD. (Parr L)
By Cou. C. Swinuosg, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &.
TaErRk appears to be no record of any collection of Lepidoptera
ever having been made in Karachi or in Soutbern Sind, beyond a
short paper of my own, which appeared in the Proceedings of the
Zoological Society of London for 1884, p. 503.
I collected at and about Karachi, from December 1878 up to
August 1880, employing (as I always do) the services of a trained
36
270 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
native collector, and recorded his captures daily in my journal.
There was no sweet water in Karachi then, and but very few and
feeble attempts at gardening— little but sand everywhere, and conse-
quently the Lepidopterous fauna was very limited, and mainly
limited, as might be expected, to desert forms.
With the introduction of the Mulleer Water Works the whole face of
Karachi is rapidly changing—gardens are springing up everywhere,
all kinds of new trees are being cultivated, and this change is bring-
ing a number of fresh species of butterflies and moths into the neigh-
bourhood. I received a number of new things from Mr. Murray in
1882, after an unusually heavy rainfall, and during my stay there
from the 30th March 1885 to 21st September 1886, I captured many
more fresh species, and I now purpose giving a complete list of all
the lepidoptera within my knowledge taken at Karachi and its
vicinity up to date.
The list of species is still very limited; it will no doubt go on
increasing every year with the growth of vegetation, until it some-
what resembles that of Bombay, but in consequence of the sandy
nature of its surroundings, Karachi will always contain many desert
species, and will lack many of the species which thrive in the moist
atmosphere of the Bombay coast. Tor instance, the genus Ixias, so
plentifully represented in Bombay, is entirely absent from Karachi,
as also the ewcharis group of the genus Callosune, very abundant
in Bombay, is nowhere to be seen about Karachi, whereas, on the
other hand, the dulcis group of the same genus, and the dynamene
group of the sub-genus [dmaisto,be met with in abundance in one
or other of its species all the year through at Karachi, are only repre-
sented in Bombay by very rare specimens of Callusune taplini
Swinhoe, and Idmais cypreea, Fabr.
| PART I.
~ RHOPALOCERA.
NyYMPHALIDA.
HurLorina.
1. Tirumala limniace.
Papilio limniace, Cramer, Pap. Exot. i., pl. 59 f. D. H. (1779)
July 1882, in great plenty after heavy rain, and is now quite a
common insect during the months of July and August, since the
introduction of the Mulleer water into Karachi and the consequent
increase of vegetation,
LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. OTF
_-—
2. Salatura genutia.
Papilio genutia, Cramer, Pap. Exot. iii., pl. 206, f. C. D.
(1782),
Is also now becoming a common insect at Karachi during the
months of June and July and August.
3. Limnas chrysippus.
Papilio chrysippus, Linn., Mus. Ulr., p. 268 (1764).
Common everywhere in Sind all the year round.
4. Limans dorippus.
Eupleu dorippus, Klug., Symb. Phys., pl, 48, f. 1-5 (1845).
Never common ; an odd specimen taken occasionally all the year
round,
5, Limans alcippoides.
Limans aleippoides, Moore, P. Z. 8., 1883, p. 238, pl. 31, f. 1.
Same note as above.
SATYRINZ.
6. Melanitis leda.
Papilio leda, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1., 2, p. 773 (1767).
A rare insect at Karachi. I took one in 1879 and one in
July 1886.
¢. Melanitis ismene.
Papilio ismene, Cramer, Pap. Exot. i, pl. 26, f. A. B. (1775):
Rare ; one taken by me in May 1886,
8. Ypthirna asterope.
Hipparachia asterope, Klug., Symb. Phys., pl. 29, f. 11-14
(1832).
I took one-in May 1886; it is identical with specimens in my
collection from Arabia identified by Mr. A. G. Butler of the
British Museum.
NYMPHALIN &.
9. Atella phalanta.
Papilio phalanta, Drury, Ill. Exot. Ent. i., pl. 21, f. 1, 2
(1778).
This is also a rare insect in these parts. I got one at Karachi
in July 1882, and received one ina small collection made by Sir
Oliver St. John in Kozdar, Beloochistan.
10. Pyrameis cardui.
Papilio cardui, Linn., Faun. Suec., p. 276 (1761).
Common throughout the year.
O7¢
272 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
a
a1. Junonia lemonias.
Papilio lemonias, Linn., Mus. Ulr., p. 277 (1764).
Taken in November 1885.
12. Junonia hierta.
Papilio hierta, Fahr., Ent Syst, Suppl., p. 424 (1798).
Not observed in 1879 or 1880; is, however, becoming commor.
It was plentiful in several months of the year in 1885 and 1886.
13. Junonia orithya.
Papilio orithya, Linn., Mus. Ulr., p. 273 (1764).
A few taken in April and May 1879 and 1880, but is becoming
quite common, and was taken in great plenty in June, July and
August 1885 and 1886.
14. Junonia asterte,
Parilio asterie, Linn., Syst, Nat. i. 2, p. 76. (1767).
One taken in November 1880.
15. Junonia almana.
Papilio almana, Lian., Mus. Ulr., p. 272 (1764).
The commonest species of the genus appears in January, April and
November.
16. Hypolimnas bolina.
Papilio bolina, Linn., Mus. Ulr., p. 295 (1764).
T'wo specimens in July 1882, one in July 1836, and one in the
following month.
17. Hypolimnas misippus.
Papilio misippus, Linn., Mus. Ulr, p. 264 (1764).
Common from June to December. The female mimics Limnas
dorippus more commonly than ZL. chrysippus.
Lyea@nibz&.
18. Polymmatus beticus.
Papilio boeticus, Linn., Syst. Not. i. 2, p, 789 (1767).
Common in every month of the year.
19. Lampides strabo,
Hesperia strabo, Fahr., Ent. Syst. ii., p. 287 (1793); Lycena
kandarpa, Horsfield, Cat. Lep. E. 1. C., p. 82 (1829); Lampides
asoka, Kollar, Hug. Kasch. iv., p. 419, 6 6; Lampides didda,
Kollar, Hiig. Kasch iv, p. 420, &.
Common in July and August.
20. Catochrysops cnejus,
Hesperia cnejus, Fahr., Ent. Syst. Suppl., p. 430 (1798),
Common during August, September and October.
‘LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. - 873
21. Catochrysops contracta.
Lampides contracta, Mr. Butler, P. Z. S., 1880, p. 406, pl.
34, f. 3.
Common from May to September. Butler’s type came from
Kandahar ; the Karachi examples are identical with the Kandahar
form.
22, Catochrysops ella.
Catochrysops ella, Butler, P. Z. S., 1881, p. 606.
Common in December and January.
23. Tarucus nara.
Lycena nara, Kollar, Hug. Kasch. vi. 2, p. 421 (1848),
Common from April to August. A species allied to T. nara with
attenuated markings on the wings below occur at Karachi in June;
it appears to me to be distinct and has yet to be described, I
have examples taken in June 1879, in June 1885, and in the Hubb
River, taken by Captain Becher, R. A., in September 1885.
24. Tarucus extricatus.
Tarucus eatricatus, Butler, P. Z. S., 1886, p. 367, pl. 85, f. 2.
Taken in May, October and December 1885, and in January and
April 1886.
25. Tarucus plinius,
Hesperia plinius, Fab., Ent, Syst. iii, 1, p. 284 (1793).
Common in May, June and July.
26. Zizera trochilus.
Lycena trochilus, Freyer, Neuere. Beitr. v., pl. 440, f. 1
(1844).
June 1885, and taken by Captain Becher on the Hubb River in
September 1885.
27. Zizera karsandra.
Polyommatus karsandra, Moore, P. Z. 8., 1865, p. 505, pl. 31,
fd.
The commonest Lyceena in Karachi. It occurs in great plenty
in April and May, and again in countless numbers in November
and December.
28. Zizera mora,
Zezera mora, Swinhoe, P. Z. 8., 1884, p. 506, pl. 47, £. 2.
June 1879 and June 1882,
274 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
29. Zizera pygmeea.
Lycena pygmea, Snellen, Tijdscher., Hot. xix,, pl. 7, f. 3
(1876).
July 1882.
30. Chilades putli.
Lycena putli, Koolar, Hiig. Kasch., p. 424 (1848).
Mugger Pir. August, 1880.
31, Azanus Zena.
Lyceena zena, Moore, P. Z S., 1865, p. 505, pl. 31, f. 9,
Common from July to November.
32, Azanus uranus.
Azanus wranus, Butler, P. Z. 8., 1386, p. 366, pl. 35, f. 1.
Three taken in August 1886, and one taken by Captain Becher
in the Hubb River in September 1885,
33. Spindasis trifurcata,
Aphneus trifurcata, Moore, P. Z. §., 1882, p. 251.
Several taken in the Hubb River by Captain Becher in Septem-
ber 1885,
34. Spindasis acamas.
Lycena acamas, Kliig., Syst. Phys., pl. 40, f. 7-9 (1834).
Common in January and February 1880 and July 1881. One
taken in July 1885.
PAPILIONIDAL.
PIERINE,
80, Terias leta, ;
Terias leta, Boisduval, Sp. Gen.i., p. 674 (1836).
One taken in June 1879 is a common insect at Karachi, and is
very plentiful in May and June.
36, Terias hecabe.
Papilio hecabe, Linn., Mus. Ind. Ulv., p. 249 (1764).
Common from April to August,
37. Terias hecabeoides.
Terias hecabeoides, Men., Cat. Mus. Petr. Lep. i., p. 85, pl. 2,
f, 2 (1855).
Is also common during the summer months. It is doubtfully
distinct from the preceding, its only difference being a heavier
marginal border, and in the forewing this border extends further
in on the hinder margin.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. 975
38. Terias estope.
Tertas wsiope, Men., Cat. Mus. Petr. Lep. i., p. 85, pl. 2, f. 3
(1885).
July and August. This insect is also doubtfully distinct, the
two former are free of all red markings on the wings below.
TL. esiope has red apical patch, below the wings above with its deep
border being almost identical with 7. hecaleoides,
39. Tertas curiosa,
Terias curiosa, Swinhoe, P. Z. S., 1884, p. 508, pl. 47, £. 3.
August, 1879.
40. Terias eacavata.
Terias excavata, Moore, P. Z. S., 1882, p. 252.
August to January.
Al. Terias purreca.
Terias purreea, Moore, P. Z. S., 1882, p. 252.
November to January.
42, Terias asphodelus, Butler, P. Z. S., 1883, p. lol, pl. 24, f. 13,
November to March.
43. Terias irregularis.
Lerias irregularis, Moore, P. Z. S., 1882, p. 258, pinta a:
January, 1886,
The last four species al! have red patches on the wings below;
some Lepidopterists think they are all varicties of one species.
This may be the case, or else they may be seasona! forms, but
they are not difficult to separate, and a long series of them will
show very few intermediates.
44, Terias venata.
Terias venata, Moore, Cat. Lep. H. LC. i., p. 65, pl. 2a, F. 2
(1857). -.
Observed for the first time-at Karachi in July 1886, when I took
four ; it will probably become as common in a year or two with the
increase of vegetation as it is in Bombay.
45. Idmais fausta.
Papilio fausta, Oliver, Voy. Europ. Atl., pl. 38, f. 4a. b.
(1801).
Never common at Karachi, but an odd one taken occasionally
from May to August. The males of this species have a sexual mark
on the forewings in the form of a small embessed patch,
276 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
46. Idmais protractus.
Teracolus protractus, Butler, P. ZS, 1876. p, 137.
A rare insect here, one taken in Karachi in January and one
in March 1879; it is common on the Hubb River from July to
November, and in great plenty on the banks of the Indus at
Hyderabad.
47, Idmais vestalis,
Teracolus vestalis, Butler, P. Z. 8., 1878, p. 135, pl. 7, f. 10,
and 1882, p. 609.
In great plenty from April to June.
48. Idmais puellaris.
Teracolus puellaris, Butler, P. Z.S., 1876, p. 136, and 188],
p: 609.
Scarce at Karachi. Common in the interior; an occasional speci-
men to be taken from May to August.
49, Idmais chreipennis.
Teracolus ochreipennis, Butler, P, Z.S., 1876, p. }36, pl. 1881,
p. 609.
Plentifal in December.
50. Idmais peclus.
Tdmais peelus, Swinhoe, P. Z. S., 1884, p. 439, pl. 39, f. 9.
Taken in May and September.
51. Idmais dubia.
Teracolus dulius, Swinhoe, P. Z. S., 1884, p. 439,
July, August and September.
A key to the last six species may be useful.
Above they are all more or less similar, except that I. puellaris
and I. dubia have the marginal black bands on the hind wings
deeper than in the other species; their distinctive differences are
in the colouration and markings of the wings below, as under.
T, vestalis, Butler, and I. puellaris, males; both wings below sul-
phur yellow, forewings with three black spots near outer margin,
below the median branches; in I. vestalis the centre spot the largest
in I. puellaris with lowest spot extending downwards and expand-
ing upon the hinder margin; females very similar in appearance, bnt
the band on the hind wings above in J. puellaris is, as iu the males,
deeper than in I. vestalis, below the markings are very much as in
the male, but the hind wings are flesh colour, the colour bemg
darker in I. puellaris than in [. vestalis.
LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. 277
I. ochretpennis, Butler, below both sexes with the three spots in
the fore wings as in I. vestalis; hind wings in both sexes flesh colour:
I. peelus, Swinhoe, is like a yellow I. vestalis.
I. dubia, Swinhoe, is like a very large I. vestalis, with all the black
markings much deeper above and below, with a discal series of large
reddish brown spots in the hind wings below.
I, protractus is marked like I. puelaris above and below, but is of
adeep salmon colour above. There are several other differences
between the various species, but by these alone they can be easily
separated, and these characteristics appear to be quite constant.
52. Idmais dynamene.
Pontia dynamene, Klug., Symb. Phys. pl. 6, f.15, 16 (1829);
Teracolus carinfer, Butler, P. Z.8., 1876, p. 138, pl. 7, 8,
89.
Very common all the year round.
53, TIdmais calais.
Papilio calats, Cramer. Pap. Wxot. i., pl. 53, f. C. D. (1779).
One taken by Captain Becher at Karachiin June 1885, and is
identical with my Aden specimens identified by Mr, Butler.
54, Callosune dulcis.
Teracolus dulcis, Butler, P. Z.8., 1876, p. 157, pl. 7, £18 ;
Teracolus dirus, Butler, 1. c £. 11; TPeracolus eboreoides,
Butler, 1. c. p. 1858, pl. 7, f£ 12; Teracolus immaculatus,
Swinh., P. Z. S., 1884, p. 443.
Common from April to August.
Typical specimens of all the above can easily be separated, but
there are so many intermediates, it is impossible to separate them
as distinct species. O. dulcis is the common form, the hind wings
below have a complete whorl of small discal brownish spots, and C.
immaculatus, C. eboreoides, and C. dirus are larger butterflies. Below
on the fore wings are two black patches on the outer margin near the
hinderangle. In C. eboreoides, the discal spotson the hind wings are
double, prominent, complete, and very black; in C. dzrus these large
spots are only represented by two or three pairs from the costa
downwards, andin OC. immaculatus they are entirely absent, there
being many only one pair of spots on the costa.
5d. Collosune subroseus,
Teracolus subroseus, Swinhoe, P, Z,8,, 1884, p. 443, pl. 40,
f. $7.
July to November.
37
278 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOOIETY.
A good and distinct species, but of this, as of C. dulcis, there
appear to be some varieties more or lessconstant. One form has the
hind wings below pure white, and in another form the hind wings
are shaded with pale purple. I have a long series of all these forms
in my collection with many intermediates. C. subroseus in its typical
rose-coloured form is a very common insect at Ahmedabad.
56. Callosune etrida.
Anthocaris etrida, Boird., Sp. Gen. Lep. i., p. 576 (1836).
Teracolus purus, Butler, P. Z. S., 1876, p. 160, pl. 7, f. 14, 15,
Common from April to July.
57. Callosune pernotatus.
Teracolus pernotatus, Butler, P. Z. 8., 1876, p. 159, pl. 7, f. 1.
July, August and September.
58. Callosune farrinus.
Teracolus farrinus, Butler, P. Z. 8., 1876, p. 159, pl. 7, f. 2.
May to September.
59. Callosune limbatus.
Teracolus limbatus, Butler, P. Z. 8., 1876, p. 161.
June 1880 to October 1885.
C. etrida has the underside of the hind wings immaculate, C. lim-
batus (common in Ceylon) is similar, but has the black band on hind
wings above entire and not macular.
C. pernotatus has a whorl of pale blackish rather diffused discal
spots on the hind wings below, and so has C. farrinus, but the
latter is a larger insect, and has all its black markings deeper; the
inner black band of the orange apical patch on the fore wings above
is broad, and the black macular marginal band of the hind wings
above consists of large spots, sometimes like black patches.
I am inclined to think there are only two, not four, species ; but
the types of each are very distinct in appearance, and until proof
can be produced they must stand.
60. Callosune bimbura.
Teracolus bimbura, Butler, P. Z. S., 1876, p. 161, pl. 7, f. 3, 4.
December, January and February.
The type came from Bimbur in Cashmir, but it is common during
the cold weather in the plains all over Western and Southern India ;
above it is like a finely marked C. etrida; below the hind wings
(excepting the discoidal cell) are pinkish suffused with brown atoms,
the discoidal cell standing out pale whitish in the pinkish brown
colouration. .
LEPIDOPTERA OF KARACHI AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. 279
ee een ee ee ee
61. Belenois mesentina—
Papilio mesentina, Cramer, Pap. Exot iii., pl. 27 f--As Be
(1782).
Pieris lordaca, Walker, Entom. v., p. 48 (1870).
Belenois auriginea, Butler. P. Z. 8., 1886, p. 374.
Common from February to June.
The females are mostly of the B. lordaca form. Mr. Butler has
lately split the Indian form of this species into three species, but
I cannot follow him, with a very long series from all parts of India,
including many from the Punjab, from whence his types of B.
lordaca and B. auriginea came. I cannot separate the three forms
though I can pick out typical specimens of all these. The only
conclusion to arrive at appears to me to be that B, mesentina is a
very variable species.
62. Catopsilia pyranthe.
Papilio pyranthe, Linn,, Mus. Ulr., p. 245 (1764).
May to August common.
63. Catopsilia ilea.
Papilio ilea, Fab,, Ent. Syst. Suppl., p. 426 (1798).
May and June.
64. Catopsilia philippinia—
Papilio philippinia, Cram., Pap. Exot. iv., pl. 361, f. C. D.
(1782).
Common from September to January.
65. Catopeslia crocale.
Papilio crocale, Cram., Pap. Exot. i., pl. 55, f. C. D. (1779).
One taken in 1879, another in July 1882. It is now more
common during the months of June and July.
PAPILIONINA,
66. Menelaidesar istolochia.
Papilio aristolochie, Fab., Ent., Syst., p. 443 (1775),
Paplio diphilus, Esper., Aus], Schmitt, pl. 40, B. f. 1.
(1785-98).
Very common in July and sera
67. Ophides erithonius.
Papilio erithonius, Cram., Pap, Exot, iii., pl. 232, %, A. B.
(1782).
Common all the year round.
280 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
HasPERID2&,
68. Parata alexis.
Papilio aleais, Fab., Syst. Ent. p. 533 (1775),
One example, July 1882,
69. Badamia exclamationis.
Papilio exclamationis, Fab., Syst. Ent. p. 530 (1775).
One example, June 1885.
70, Chapra midea.
Pelopidas, midea, Walker, Entom. v., p. 56 (1870).
Common at all seasons. ‘This is the large pale form of Chapra
mathias, Fabr. I have received it also from Khozdar in Beloochistan
from Sir O. St. John. Walker’s type came from Turkey,
71. Parnera bevant.
Hesperia bevant, Moore, P. Z.58., 1878, p, 688.
July 1887 and October 1885,
72. Gegenes karsana,
Hesperia karsana, Moore, P. Z. 8., 1874, p. 576, pl. 67,
f. 6.
April to October.
73. Pyrgus galba.
Hesperia galba, Vab., Ent. Syst. ili, 1. p. 352 (1793).
Prygus superna. Moore, P. Z. 8., 1865, p. 792.
June to September.
74 Pyrqus evanidus.
Pyrgus evanidus, Butler, Ann. and Mag, Nat. Hist. March
1880, p. 223.
January, February and March.
75. Gomalia litoralis.
Gomalia litoralis, Swinhoe, P. Z. S., 1884, p. 518, pl. 47,
fA.
July 1879.
LIST OF BIRDS’ EGGS IN THE SOCIETY’S COLLECTION,
a
Je rdon’s,
a Scientific Name, Popular Name, eae
ee SS I
2 | Otogyps calvus, Scop... sss: «| The King Vulture ...... 1
4 bis,| Gyps pallescens, Hume secscees «| The Long-billed Pale. Brown 1
P Vulture,
5 | Pseudogyps bengalensis, Gm ...... The White-backed Vulture...... 4
6 |N eophron ginginianus, Lath...... The Scavenger Vulture......... 1
11 | Falco juggur, J. BE. Gre ......s0ee] The Jugger Falcon........, 1
23 Astur badiug, Gm, soe Pee eeh err eagnee The Shikra setateores 2
29 | Aquila vindhiana, Frank] ......| The Tawny Hagle. \veideei aaeaanes 2
LIST OF BIRDS’ EGGS,
281
Jerdon’s
No.
Scientific Name.
Popular Name.
No, of
Eggs.
385
389
397
432
435
436
438
452
460 dis.
462
468
470
475
Nisaétus fasciatus, Vieil]. ......+6.
Limnaétus cirrhatus, Gm. .....+0
Haliaétus leacoryphus, Pall.......
Butastur teesa, Frankl. .........008
Milvus govinda, Sykes w.....ss.e0e
Bubo bengalensis, Frankl,...... s.
Bubo coromandus, Lath... ....0060
Carine brama, Tem.
Hirundo filifera, Steph ......+++..
Hirundo erythropygia, Syke
Hirundo fluvicola, Jerd.......-.4.
Ptyonoprogne concolor, Sykes..
Cypsellus affinis, J. BE. Gr...,...6..
Colocalia unicolor, Jerd.......06..,
Caprimulgus asiatica, Lath. ......
Caprimulgus monticulus, Frankl.
Merops varidisy Litis.ciescs, cssisss oe
Merops philippinus, Lin, .........
Merops apiaster, Lin... e000
Coracias indica, Lin. .........0. cides
Coracias garrula, Lin. ...... 000...
Halcyon smyrnensis, Lin. .........
Alcedo bengalensis, Gm. ....0
Ocyceros birostris, Scop. ........
Paleornis torquatus, Bodd. ..,...
Paleornis purpureus, P, L. 8. M.
Picus mahrattensis, Lath..........
Yungipicus nanus, Vig ......sc000
Megalesma inornata, Wald
Coccystes jacobinus, Bodd, ......
Eudynamis honorata, Lin. ........
Centrococcyx rufipennis, Ill,.,,...
Cynnyris asiatica, Lath.......... .
Lanius lahtora, Sykes..........00.8.
Lanius erythronotus, Vig. ..... «.
Lanius vittatus, Valenc.... . .....,
Tephrodornis pondiceriana, Gm .,
Volvocivora Sykesi, Strick]. ......
Pericrocotus peregrinus, Lin..,...
Pericrocotus erythropygius, Jerd.
Buchanga atra, Herm, ............
Muscipéta paradisi, Lin... ...sec 00.
Leucocerca aureola, Vieil. ........
Myiophoneus temmincki, Vig....
Geocichla cyanotis, Jerd. ...,.....
Ped
Pyctoris sinensis, Gm. oeecesscseee
Alcippe poiocephala, Jerd. ...,..
Dumetia hyperythra, Frankl, ...
Malacocercus terricolor, Hodgs.,.
Malacocercus somervillei, Sykes.
Argya malcolmi, Sykes ......,,
Chatarrhcea caudata, Dum.
Ixus luteola, Less ,...
Fe Pe tes oeeree
Otocompsa fuscicaudata, Gould, .
Molpastes, hcemorrhous, Gm. ...
lora tiphia, Lin. ............. aauiegs es
Oriolus kundoo, Sykes.......scse0c00
Copsyc¢ hus saularis, Lin, TCOOR peg oes
The Crestless Hawk Eagle......
The Crested Hawk Eagle ...
The Ring-tailed Fishing Eagle.
The White-eyed Buzzard ......
The Pariah Kite See eee ree nes see tee
The Rock Horned Owl ..... ...
The Dusky Horned Owl.........
The Spotted Owlet 2.0... ..cccecee
The Wire-tailed Swallow
The Red-rumped Swallow
The Indian Cliff Swallow ,,,...
The Dusky Crag Martin.........
The Common Indian Swift
The Edib’e Nest Swiftlet
seetee
see ees
On ee ees ee res
ootoce
The European Bee-eater
The Indian Roller .........,.....
The European Roller ...,........
The White-breasted King-
fisher.
The Indian Kingfisher ,,,.....,
The Common Grey Hornbill...
The Rose-ringed Paroquet
The Rose-headed Paroquet......
The Yellow-fronted Wood-
pecker.
The Southern Pigmy Wood-
pecker.
The Western Green Barbet......
The Pied Crested Cuckoo
The Indian Koel...........
The Indian Coucal ..,......
The Purple Honey-sucker ,,,,,.
The Indian Grey Shrike...,,,...
The Rufous-backed Shrike ,,...
The Bay-backed Shrike ..,.,, %
The Common Wood Shrike ...
The Black-headed Cuckoo
Shrike,
The Small Minivet ........,
The White bellied Minivet
Phen kaings Crowes ere ee
The Paradise Fly-Catcher ......
The White-browed Fantail......
The Idle Schoolboy ........... ase
The White-winged Groun
Thrush,
The Yellow-eyed Babbler ......
The Quaker Thrush ...... SAT
The Rufous-bellied Babbler .
The Bengal Babbler aneisee
The Rufous-tailed Babbler......
The Large Grey Babbler .......,
The Striated Bush Babbler......
The White-browed Bush
Bulbul.
The Southern Red-whiskered
Bulbul.
The Common Madras Bulbul...
The White-winged Iora.,........
The Indian: Oriole j.3:s6cseee ace
The Magpie Robin sieves
_
SOLO Se PR EOD RNAP NEP aATPOAIaANNyee
_
Ss DRO orb HOO DOT A bo
RFOOCONRE NNR
et
bh 03 WY CO bo
282
Le
Jerdon’s
No.
ee Ee eS SS
479
480
505
530
535
538
539
543
545
516
551
582
589
631
660
63
674
682
634
685
687
694
699
703
706
756
760
765
788
794,
795
796
g02
803
808 oct.
314
819
822
826
830
832
839
943
gb55
R56
858
859
863
900
901
902
903
905
907
909
913
920
925
926
927
929
930
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
Scientific Name.
soeceeres
Thamnobia fulicata, Lin,
Thamnobia cambaiensis, Lath...
Rhyacornis fuliginosa, Vige.ee «
Orthotomus sutorius, Forst ......
Prinia stewarti, Bly, .....esesseee
Prinia gracilis, Frankl, ........0++
Cisticola cursitans, Frankl.
Drymeca Inornata, SPSGEW ceased
Drymeeca sylvatica, Jerd,........
Drymceca negleata, Jerd. ..,......
Franklinia buchnani, Bly....... nce
Sylvia affinis, Bly. .....
Motacilla madraspatensis, Gm. ..
Zosterops palpebrosa, Tem. ......
Corvus Macrohynchus, Wag], ...
Corvus splendens, Vieill .........
Dendrocitta rufa, Scop ...
Sturnus nitens, Hume... .........
Acridotheres tristis, Lin. ......40.
Acridotheres ginginianus, Lath. .
eeareares
Sturnia pagodarum, Gm. ..,......
Ploceus philippinus, Lin. .., .....
Amandina panctulata, Lin. ......
Amandina malabatrica, Lin. ..,...
Passer domesticus, Lin. ..........
Mirafra erythroptera, Jerd. ,.....
Pyrrhulauda grisea, Scop.........
Spizalauda deva, Sykes. ........,
Columba intermedia, Strick,
Turtur cenegalensis, Lin. .....,..,
Turtur suratensis, Gm, ......,.....
Turtur risorius, Lin.......,...,....
Pterocles exustus, Tem............
Pavo cristatus, Lin. ..............,
Megapodius nicobaricus, Bly, ...
Galloperdix spadiceus, Gm...,..
Francolinus pictus, Jerd. ........,
Ortygornis pondicerianus, Gm...
Perdioula asiatica, Lath, .....,...
Coturnix coromandelica, Gm. «
Turnix taigoor, Sykeg ........5.0
Sypheotides aurita, Lath......,.. :
Glareola lactea, Tem................
Lobivanellus indicus, Bodd.......
Lobipluvia malabarica, Bodd, ..,
Aisacus recurvirostris, Cuv. .....,
Aidicnemus scolopax, §. G. Gm.,
Grus antigone, Lin.....,........0.6.
Parra indica, Lath......... rca50000
Hydrophasianus chirurgus, Scoh.
Porphyris poliocephalus, Lath...
Hulica patra, ineencneecne,
Gallinula chloropus, Lin. .........
Erythra pheenicura, Penn. ......
Porzana maruetta, Leach ,
Hypotinidea striata, Lin. .......,.
Dissura episcopa, Bodd...........,
Herodias torra, B. Ham. .........
Herodias intermedia, Huss ..,,.,
Herodias gazata, Lin.......,...,
Bubulcus coromandus. Bodd
eeeces
‘ Ardeola grayi, SYKeS, 64 .cc3er ceeeer
Popular Name.
The Indian Black Robin
The Brown-backed Indian
Robin.
The Plumbeous Water Robin...
Tho Indian Tailor Bird.........
Stewart’s Wren Warbler ......
The Malabar Wren Warbler...
The Rufous Grass Warbler ...
The Common Wren Warbler...
The Jungle Wren Warbler ...
The Allied Wren Warbler......
The Rnufous-fronted Wren
Warbler.
The Lesser White Throat ......
The Pied Wagtail ...... Soenmee ee
The White-eyed Tit ...........
The Bow-billed Corby .....,
The Common Indian Crow ...
The Common Indian Magpie. -
Hume’s Starling ............600008
The Common Myna a0
The “Banks Myvia ss cecescneneans
The Black-headed Myna ......
The Common Weaver Bird ...
The Spoted Munia...... apaada:
The Plain Brown Munia.........
The House Sparrow ......-..00.
The Red-winged Bush Lark
The Black-bellied Finch Lark,
The Small Crown Crest Lark,.
The Blue Rock Pigeon ...... 40
The Little Brown Dove .........
The Spoted Dove.........-s0csesss
The Common Ring Dove.........
The Common Sand Grousu ...
Phe Pea-HOwl « vccsevelseclssaeaane
The Nicobar Mound Bird ......
The Red Spur-Fowl] .......00.0:
The Painted Partridge .........
The Grey Partridge ............
The Rock Bush Quail............
The Black-breasted Rain Quail
The Black-breasted Bustard
Quail.
Therlikhiy. Tea. eee RASA rE
The Small Swallow Plover ...
The Red-wattled Lapwing......
The Yellow-wattled Lapwing.
The Large Stone Plover...... Wee
The Stone Plover) <.dics.cecees
The Sarus: Mamenaeccee ree
The Bronze winged Jacana ..,
The Pheasant-tailed Jacana ..,
The Purple Coot 0.1.4 esseseeeee
The Cootistees saceadmaseenncnte
TherMoorklensescs cee
The White-bellied Water Hen.
The Spotted Crake-Hen .
Tbe Blue-breasted Rail ......,.,
The White-necked Storke...,.,
The Large Egret.....,....se0cce.0s
The Small WW Sveh ie seeedsscsscces
The Little Egret FOR POO ree reeves toe
The Cattle Hgret....c.... cc cceces
The Pond Heron
@, TOR TO Tee ree oe8
oe)
bh
Orme BON Ww
~
Or HOP Re We DD ODS
=
Danny =e tom 1b) Dd bo
—
DOR WWHE eK OWE KORN HE OW Ne
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES, 283
jeep Scientific Name. Popular Name. No, of
933 Ardetta cinnamomea, Gm. ......| The Chesnut Bitter tm ....ccseevee 4
937 | Nycticorax grisea, Lin...........| The Night Heron ..,.++.ee.e- ees 3
938 | Tantalus leucocephalus, Forst . ..| The Pelican Ibis «....... se: ss0see 1
939 | Platalea leucorodea, Lin. ..,..... | The Spoonbill Heron .,....++ 00 7
940 Anastomus oscitans, Bodd. 4, Lol Eve Shell bis: OS, Ec acres cece 6
941 | Ibis melanocephala, Lath. ...... The White Ibis ..,.......66 cee. 7
944 | Phoenicopterus antiquorum,Tem| The Flamingo — ......ssessecerees 1
950 | Sarcidiornis melanonotus, Penn.} The Comb Duck . LM aeas J
969 Fuligula nyroca, Guld. ......... .| The White-eyed Pochard pa Aes: 2
975 Podiceps MINOP |G Me essecee ees elie Lhe: WabChiCkie Gesceterrscroclceees> 7
984 | Hydrochelidon hybrida, Pall. Je|| hep Mareheennpieescessrs-t-seess 2
985 | Sterna seena, Sykes ... .......) The Large River Tern. Seciveanes 6
988 ter.) Sterna saundersi, Hume. ........, Saunder’s Little Term ............ 3
1004 | Pelecanus philippensis, Gm. ......| The Grey Pelican © .......:..seese 4
1008 | Phalacrocorax fuscicolis, Step..| The Lesser Cormorant ........ 2
1008 | Plotus melanogaster, Penn. ..... | The SnakerBindely4 ke cesseeeee 5
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
NOTES ON A HORN ON THE MARGIN OF A GOAT’S EAR,
By Veterinary-Surgeon J. H. STEEL, Superintendent, Bombay Veterinary
College.
THIS specimen, presented by Colonel Biddulph, was obtained in Deoli (Rajputana).
The head is a fine one of black colour and having two spiral horns well developed,
of even twist and backward and outward slope; the earsfare long, broad, and pendant,
covered externally with short black hair and internally havinga fair quantity of
long straight hair near the margins. The peculiarity affects the posterior margin
and both the surfaces of the right ear at about the middle third of the margin, a
distance of some three inches from the tip. On the outer surface a semicircle of
the skin about half an inch in diameter has undergone warty change, forming an
irregular horny mass, the area of which is extended by the gircular base of the horn
which grows from the inner surface. The base of the horn is about 13 in, in dia-
meter, it has hairs growing from among the horny material and a small irregular
projection like the commencement of another horn ona smaller scale. The horn is
in the main conical, about 5 in. in length, and curls slightly outwards at its tip, its
growth is by concentric rings and its texture is distinctly fibrous, but less regular
than that of ordinary horns. Its attachment to the ear seems firm enough, but only
by a very small portion of its base, and looks so imperfect that the Honorory
Secretary, in handing me the specimen, implored me, whatever I did, not to let the
horn come off the ear. The base is not quite circular, being prolonged somewhat
supero-internally. The growth seems’a genuine natural though irregular one,
and we are informed in the letter which accompanied the head that there was
284 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
another irregular horn on one of the limbs; thus the animal seems to have hada
tendency to such growths (keratogenous diatheses). There are many such cases
on record both in man and in the lower animals, but irregularities of this nature
are always worthy of careful examination and record, for irregular horns may be
of several different kinds:—
I.—Commemorative or Atavisms.—Recurrences to original type, as when indi-
viduals of hornless breeds of cattle develope horns ; true frontal horns as occusion-
ally seen in horses may serve to illustrate affinities or possibilities of future
development,
1l.— Degenerated Crgans,—Horns about the limbs are generally of this nature,
and somewhat resemble the ‘‘warts’” of the fore and hind limbs of the horse, the
rudimentary claws of cattle, It would have been of interest to know whether the
horn of the limb of this goat was a degenerated limb or not.
I]I.—Accidental displacements of normal horns,
IV.—Simple warty growths.—Thickenings of the epithelium assuming a horny
character, and physically compelled to become conical in forms known to cutaneous
surgeons as cornua.
V.—Compensatory.—Developed as atonement for logs of these natural means
of offence and defence ; asin the case of which I show a drawing made by me
from the original in the Museum of the Royal Veterinary College of London.
The horn of a cow was broken, and from the side of the stump shot out at right
angles a true young hollow horn, a phenomenon of sprouting which is most
remarkable in an animal so high in the scale as the ox.
Vl.—Physiological—Such as the natal collosities of the monkeys (seen also in
old and ill-tended dogs) and the horny pads of the knees, stifles, elbows, and
brisket of the camel,
In the case in question the horn is neither commemorative nor a degenerated organ,
for it is not natural to any animals allied to the goat to have horns on their ears,
It, is not compensatory, for the ordinary horns of the animal are well developed ;
we have no reason to believe it could have been produced to meet a physiological
emergency. It might have been a horn the skin to form which had accidentally
before birth become transferred by grafting from the frontal region to an ear
resting against it, but in that case the ordinary frontal horn should be deficient
or defective, which is not the case. Loose frontal horns of cattle are very common
especially in the more improved breeds and in females, rather than males, the
core of the horn then degenerates at its root into a simple ligament or disappears,
altogether, and the organ may be far detached from its normal position. We have
no evidence of such being the case here, but the reverse, for the ordinary horn
occupies the usual position. We are thas, by exclusion, compelled to fall back on
the view that we have to deal with a keratoma or horn tumour, an epidermal growth
assuming the form ofa conical horn, I have found recorded among my notes a
case of “a horn on thetip of a cow’s ear,” as described by a professional friend of mine
who saw the animal alive, which probably was of the same nature as this. Warts
on the ears of cattle are by no means rare and keratoid growths are often dealt with
in works on surgery and of the skin. Bland Sutton has recently brought out an
interesting paper on the subject in the Journal of Comparative Medicine and
Surgery.
[tencceemonerca
CUTANEOUS HORN
GOAT.
DOMESTIC
A
EAR OF
ON THE
Received from Col. J. BIDDULPH, Deolt, Rajputana.
PROCEEDINGS, 285
NOTES ON THE FOOD OF THE PANTHER (FELIS PARDUS).
The following notes on the fool of the panther may be of interest:—
When walking through a jungle in the district of Canara I came upon the fresh
tracks of a panther, and following these tracks a short way, I found some fresh
panther’s droppings, embedded in which were the remains of a large black
scorpion. It was evident from the way in which the scorpion’s remains were
embedded inthe droppings that the panther had eaten and partly digested the
scorpion.
On another occasion Ihad a chance of noting the food of panthers. A male
panther was shot measuring 7 feet from the tip of nose to end of tail, while the
girth measurement behind the fore legs was less than that of another panther, a cub,
measuring something under 6 feet. The panther was in miserable condition, the
cause of which seems to have been the presence of three porcupine’s quills
embedded in his body. Of these quills one was in the ball of the right forefoot,
one ashort distance up the left fore leg, and the third between the ribs close
behind the shoulder. The quills were all broken, a length of about 3 inches
remaining in the wounds, Around each wound the flesh was much inflamed.
Panthers will also eat rats, and are very quick at catching them, which they do
with both mouth and paws,
H, §. WISE.
NOTES ON THE CHEETAL.
A Poona correspondent wrove to us as follows, in July last:—
** T have a few Cheetal, or Spotted Deer (Asis maculatus) in an enclosure in my,
garden, very tame, and they breed regularly. A stag fawn was bornin the month
of May last, and, with its dam and companion, would come up and literally beg
Tising on its hind legs for bread, biscuits and vegetables, offered by any visitor.
Last week the river rose, the banks fell, and it became necessary to remove the
deer from their enclosure to my stables. Tha fawn followed its dam, being left
out of its enclosure, when something startled the little fellow and he jumped into
the raging stream just opposite the Boating Terminus called Roshervil/e. Carried
off his legs he swam vigorously across, and, so faras we could see, landed about a
quarter of a mile below on the Rosherville bank. It was sundown, and we gave
the animal up as lost. “All we could do was to send round and warn the vil-
lagers and police. In the middle of the night,I heard the dam calling, and in the
morning learnt that our little friend, who must have gone rightup to Holkar’s
Bridge for the purpose, had swam across, dbout 2a.m., and joined his mother
to the great alarm of the sentries, who thought it was a panther visiting them.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 4TH JULY 1887,
The Hon, Mr, Justice Birdwood presided,
The following new members were elected:—H. H. Prince Joravarkhanji of
Bajana, Mr. E. yon Hantelmann, Dr, W. Kay, Mr, A. C. Walker, Mr. F. E. Dempster,
Mr. F. L. Charles, C.8., Mr. W. N. Fleming, Capt. EH. G. Reilly, Mr. C. F. Whyte,
Mr. G. de Soane, Mr, G. Sutton Jones, Capt, Pentland, Capt. Butler, and Mr. A. de
Gama.
38
286
BOMBAY
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOvIETY’sS COLLECTIONS.
Mr. H. M. Phipson,
contr)
Contribution.
2 Tigers’ Skulls ...sece...
1 Panther’s Skull
1 Snake (alive)
1 Snake (alive)
1 Snake (alive) ..sseeeoere.
1 Black Bear (alive) ......
D2 Veil WING! geaaenona cate
1 Four-horned Antelope
A quantity of Insects......
1 Snake (alive) ,..
1 Pintail Grouse (alive)
A quantity of Butterflies.
TP Bamthe el eacecses
1 Snake
LSnakes iA.
A quantity of Butterflies.
Birds’ Eggs and Nests ..
EMBO aKke: Cer cicseacesccansseeet
1 Spotted Owlet (alive) «.
A large piece of Coral ...
2 Snakes S00 soo anoNed coODCA SAC
Leb lack i Buck esessiscceeder:
SCeBirdss Sking ieswestceseecee:
1 Crested Serpent Eaglo :
1 Jungle Cat’s Skin........
Ue Chinkarayeenesesee cece
1 Snake 000 eo rcor-ese0
1 Foetus of Black Buck ..
1 Skull of Black Bear,,,
A quantity of Reptiles. 200
A Skin and Skull.......... 50
A curiously deformed Hind
Foot.
1 Snake ..
Possi Tooth of a 1 Mastodon
A number of other Fossils
1 Lizard
eeetorrn
eer eeo terre
oor cote:
er ce)
Marine
COC reg een cerceneeseg
1 Lizard 000 roe vce tes cee O8baes
1 Stuffed Albatross
A quantity of
HESS cence
8 Bketches of the. Talipot
Palm.
1 Goat’s Head .........
ese tee
Snakes’
1 Skin of Spotted Deer ..
A fine Specimen of Coral.
1 Golden Pheasant cate)
13 Birds’ Skins «00... -..08
L Musk Deer’s Skull
1 Turtle (alive)
1 Python (alive).
1 Sooty Tern ....
1 Striped Hyzna .........
1 Black Buck’s Head
sous
Oar eewor eer
eee
Description.
HeliSthion i Sieeeerrsatenss ee:
Felis pardus ............ sg00a0
Depdrophis picta.........++
Zamenis fasciolatus .. ...+-
Dipsas gokoo)
Ursus labiatus ......
Golunda elliotti ...........
Tetraceros quadricornis...
From Belgaum
Python molurus
Pterocles alchata... +s...
Wivormay (emai, (Ch, Foren osanes
Molisipardasn.smalesscc ate
Gongylophis conicus ......
Lycodon aulicus ........ ...
HromiCeylonuennnceecss:
From Saugor, C. P..........
Onychocephalus acutus ...
Carine brama
From the Red Sea ......
Naga tripudians ............
Antelope bezoartica........
From Cutch ..... Gadd b006e08ac
Spilornis cheela
From Alibag ..
OOO rr
Cece r sorcerers
Poeeeesesces
Gazella bennetti . soe
.| Bungarus arcuatus .......
.| Antelope bezoartica........
Ursus labiatus ,........
From Upper Burmah ,
Of Black Panther .
Of Black Buck ocepien
Hchis earinata v...cccsscset
From Bhowlugger .,,...+.
O.
Sitana minor ........
From the Mergui Archi-
pelago,
Bungarus arcuatus and
Dipsas gokool.
Eublepharis hardwickii ,..
eoeceece
Tropidonotus quincuncia-
tus,
Corypha umbraculifera ,,
With a 6-in. horn on tip
of the ear.
AXiS MACUIAtUS seereeceress
From the Red Sea .........
From Shanghai oe. ..eroree.
Do.
Do.
Caouana olivacea seererss,
Python molurus ,.,.
Sterna fuliginosns ....600.
Hyena striata: ii.s.yrivicetes
Horns, 24 inches COP OEQVOC ro:
ee eer aay
the Honorary Secrctary, then acknowledged the following
butions to the Society’s collections since the last meeting :—
Contributor,
Capt. T. Macpherson
D
0,
Mr, F. Gleadow.
Mr. T, Maclurean,
Mr. M. C. Turner,
Mr, A. C. Walker.
Mr. F. Gleadow.
Victoria Gardens.
Mr. H, BH. Andrewes.
Mr. C, i a Lester.
Mr. J. z prey
Victoria Gardens,
Capt. J. B. Peile.
oO,
Mr. A. P. Green.
Lieut. H, E. Barnes,
Mr. H. Johnston.
Mr, M. H. Starling.
Mr. F, Kirby,
Victoria cane
H. H. the Rao of Cutch.
Mr, W. F, Sinclair, C.S.
Do.
Mr, EK. von Hantelman.,
Capt, J. B. Peile.
Do.
Dr. Bridges,
Signor L. Tea.
.| Col, W. Peyton.
Mr. R, A Straw.
Mr, E. von Hantelmann,
H. HK. the Lady Reay.
Do.
Father Dreckmann.
Mr, F. J. Daley.
Mr. T. Bromley, Jun.
Lieut. H. E. Barnes.
Mr. C. F, Davur.
Mr. Thos, Hayter.
Mr. T. A. Le Mesurier.
Col. J. Biddulph.
Mr. E. von Hantelmann.
Mrs, Goldwyer Lewis.
Mr. Thos. Lang.
Mr, A. J. M. Inverarity.
Do.
Mr, W. F. Sinclair, 0,8,
Father Dreckmann.
Mr, W. F. Sinolair, Cc, Ss.
Vietoria Gardens.
Mr, T. Le Mesurier.
PROCEEDINGS. 287
ne ee a a oe
Contribution. Description. - Contributor.
PS er alt. Seaview Ae ie Nes) | PLAN EGS 90 wire tele eae ee te
1 Panther’s Skull .........| Felis pardus.......-- Mr. G, F, Blackwell,
A quantity of Snakes ...... From Pindi and Lahore... Major Yerbury, R.A.
3 Hedgehogs (alive) ...... Erinaceus collaris ......++ Do.
1 Spotted Hyzena’sSkull .| From Somali Coast ........| Lt. H. G Swayne, R.E.
A ay of Snakes and} From Aden ............++...| Capt. W. Aves,
Fish.
A quantity of Shells.........) From Perim Island......... Do.
Skull and Hornsof Oryx...) From Somali Coast......... Do.
A quantity of Sea Snakes| From Persian Gulf..,......) Capt Bishop.
and other Marine
Animals,
2 A VOCCUSecaccaenoee Aa aay ee Recurvirostra avocetta ...| Mr. EH. F. Ansell.
1 Slender Lovis .4......... Loris gracilis ... ...........| Victoria Gardens.
1 Snake ............ ..e.0e| Bungarus arcuatus ......... Mr. John Fleming.
6 Birds’ Eggs .........e0e+..| From Yercaud .......6...+-.| Mr. Wm, Mahon Daly,
A number of Fish and
Marine Animals. From Alibag ... ......0..., Mr W. F. Sinclair, C.S,
a SS
CONTRIBUTIONS TO: THE LIBRARY.
Manual of Scientific Terms (Stormonth) , by Mr. F. Gleadow.
Magazine of Natural History, Vol. 19, Nos. CXII. to OXIV, by Mr. H, Littledale.
Vertebrate Zoology of Sind (Murray) , by Mr. E. 8. Johannes.
Insect Transformation, by Major Yerbury, R.A.
Entomologist’s Text Book (Westwood) , by Major Yerbury, R.A,
Papillons Exotiques (Cramer) , by Major Yerbury, R, A.
Monograph of the Callidryas (Butler), Do.
; Transactions of the Zoological Socy. for 1886, Do.
Reise in Nerdost Afrika (Henglin) , Do.
Bulletin of American Natural History, Vol. I. No. 8(in exchange).
Baffon’s: Natural History, by Mr. J. A. Betham.
Records of the Geological Survey (in exchange),
Minor contributions received from, Mr. A. 8. Panday, Mr R. Wylie, Mr, A. 8. M.
Ritchie, Mr. Kirby Johnston, Mr. Geo. Ormiston, Mr. J. Leask, and Mr, E.
Calthrop.
Mr. J. H, Steel read a noteon the hoad ofa domestic goat which had a large.
cutaneous horn on the ear, received from Col. J. Biddulph. This note will be} found
in Zoological Notes, on page 283 in this number, which also contains a sketch of the
head,
He also read a note on a deformed hoof of a Black Buck, received from, Mr. R. A,
Straw, appearing under Zoological Notes.
Mr. Steel made the following remark—
ON THE DEFORMED CANINE TOOTH OF A TIGER,
Here we have ina tiger's skull, exhibited by Mr. G. Sutton Jones, of Deoli, another-
illustration of the effects of injuries on wild animals. I take it that a consider-
able time ago this tiger broke his canine tooth off rather short and had avery bad
tooth-ache as a result. Wecan see the surface of the fracture althowgh it had
been smoothed off at the edges by friction during the long period since the original
injury. We can also see that after the injury the tooth grew thicker than is natural,
less smooth and regular, and: the tooth socket became enlarged and the bones
around it swollen. These are indications that both the tooth-producing membrane
and the bone near it were inflamed. Gradually, since this disease subsided, there
288 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
has been a return to normal conditions, yet even now the socket is larger and
not quite the shape of its fellow, the bone around it is swollen, and the canine tooth
is very different in appearance from an uninjured ove, although certainly more
formidable to the eye and probably little less efficient for use.
Dr. Kirtikar, in referring to Mr. Steel’s paper ov the adventitious horn from the
ear ofa goat, said that in his opinion Mr. Steel's remarks regarding its origin were
correct. The growth was of epidermal origin—arising from the layer of cells cover-
ing the true skin. There wasa specimen of such a growth occuring in human
beings in the Museum of Grant Medical College. The growth was shown as
distinctly horny in one of Tuson’s wax models which adorn the College Museum:
Whether Tuson prepared it from an actually living specimen, or whether it was
merely diagramatic, he was not prepare| to say. It was on the back of the forearm
just alittle above the wrist juint, and appcared to be of epidermic origin.
That such errors of nature have the horny element in them is undoubted. It was
merely a modified form of the epithelial tissue.
VEGETABLE LIFE IN VEHAR WATER.
Dr. Kirtikar next showed under the microscope two specimens of algae from Vehar
water. Oneof them was the Plewrococcus Pleugialis and another contained the
Protococcus pluvialis and a minute variety of Nostoc. They were both magnified
five hundred times.
During the course of his observations Dr, Kirtikar remarked that the first spec'men
of Plewrococcus plurialis, Fig. 4, P1. 11, was obtained from the Vehar pipe in the
Jamsetji Jijibhai Hospital. It first appeared soon after the first fall of rain in Bombay
and its suburbs, and has been since seen floating as green matter in the water served
at the Jamsetji Hospital through the Vehar pipes. Whether the plant came from
the Vehar Lake itself as a fresh growth from old plants, or whether the rainfall had
introduced it afresh, or whether it was from the special pipe of the hospital, he was
not prepared to say. He had just been kindly promised by Dr. Weir, who was then
among the members present, that a supply of water direct from the Vehar Lake
would be submitted to him fora further microscopical examination, to elucidate that
point, The algz, Dr. Kirtikar observed, were visible to the naked eye as irregular,
floating green masses. Under the miscroscope their full structure was apparent
Beautiful green masses, circular, but some hexagonal by pressure, covered over with
a fine hyaline coating congregated in masses, hence being called “ pleurococci,”
containing gonidia, in the shape of brilliant green granular matter. The masses were
like families ” collected, and held together by a hyaline mass of cellular matter
distinct and irregular in shape. There was some among the individual plevrococci
which were like the figure eight, distinctly showing the process of multiplication by
jission—one cell dividing into two, each of these again sub-dividing further. In the
condition of the plant the present gonidia had not separated or escaped from the
teguments, so it was not possible to determine whether the gonidia were ciliated
or not.
With regard to the next specimen, Fig. 5, Pl. IJ., Dr, Kirtikar observed that he had
searched through the illustrations of Kutzing, the German Alyologist, and through the
Plates recently published by Cooke; but that he had failed to find such minute
arrangement of cells forming the filaments of the Nostoc, The protococcus which was
seen in the field of the specimen was a Variety of the ordinary Protococcus. plurvialis but
the Nostoc was of 4 rare beauty aud structure. It didnot come direct from the Vehar
PROCEEDINGS. 289
water, but wus found growing along the sides and bottom of 2 bottle in which Vehar
water had been stagnant for some days. The bottle was originally clean and the
Water was used for wetting postage stamps. Where the plant came from it is diffi-
cult to say. The trichome (filament formed from a stringed arrangement of minute
unilocular cells—green in colour) was included in a very fine sheath, highly trans-
parent. The filaments were not branched. The extreme minuteness of it was the
point of interest about it, so that the Vehar Lake was not only important to its being
a good supplier of excellent water, but that it was of interest to the man of science
also,
Dr, Weir thanked Dr. Kirtikar for his contribution and expressed a hope that it
would not be his last microscopic examination of Vehar water, but that from time
to time he would give the Society the advantage of his repeated examinations.
The Hon'ble Mr, Birdwood concurred.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON IsT AUGUST 1857,
Dr. Kirtikar presided.
The following new members were elected:—Mr. Arthur Crawford, ©.8., Mr. H. R.
King, Captain M. J. Meade, Mr. B. Robertson, C.S.and Mr. KR. A. Straw.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, acknowledged the following contribu
tions to the Society’s collections:-—
Contribution. Description. Contributor.
WAWiater\ Tortoise... cer.-026 From Persian Gulf........., Mr. H. B. Hooper.
A number of Hemipterous} From Belgaum .......... | Mr, H, HE. Andrews.
Insects.
1 Chameleon ..................| Chameleo vulgaris........| Mr. J. C. Burke,
1 Snake (alive) ..............-| Dipsas gOkOo] ..........00+--| Mr. J. Fleming.
Foetus of Goat wc. .es.ses0s 00s Curiously deformed ..,..| Dr. T. Weir.
1 Lizard (alive) ............| Varanus draccena .......| Mr, Alfred Walker.
1 Snake’s skin .............| Python reticulatus from) Messrs. Searie, Lamb and
Mergui Archipelago. Pickard.
2 Croco liles (alive) ..,......| Crocodilus palustris .....| Mr. E. P, Close.
3 Jerboa Kats (alive) .... a Do.
be LET 0 ee toad sone nner Rents Sergt.-Major Webb.
A quantity of Fishand Ma-| From Alibag ......+...+...) Mr. W. F. Sinelair, C.8.
rine Animals.
49 Birds’ Skins ...............{- rom Cashmere .....5...++ Captain J. B. Pcile.
A quantity of Reptiles......| Do. Do.
7
a eT AL RAST I LL, AE IE SE I EI OR NL EN OL AE ALOT OLE LEIS, PRACT COI GENE AE:
Mr, J. H. Steel, A. V. D., then read a very interesting paper on Wild Horses, which,
will be found on page 253 in this number.
Dr. Kirtikar proposed a vote of thanks to Mr, Steel for his able paper.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD ON 5TH SEPTEMBER 1887,
Dr. D, Macdonald presided,
The following new members were elected: —H. H. the Thakore Saheb of Lathi,
Mr. M. Scott Stuart, Mr, 8. D. Sassoon, Dr. Anna Moreshwar Kunte, Veterinary-
Surgeon C, W. Nuthall, A. V. D, and Mr, N, Miller.
290 BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
eee
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then acknowledged the following con-
tributions to the Society’s collections since last meeting: —
ee a ea Se
Contribution s, Description. Contributor.
See SS ee eee
4 Birds’ Eggs.......s.s+00-+-| Merula nigropilea ........,, Mr. J. Davidson, C.S.
5 Sea Snakes ........... ..eeee| From Bombay Harbour...| Capt. W. Aves.
1 Pangolin (alive) ...........| Manis pentadactyla......... Mr. H, M. Phipson.
12 Rosas icjjeceaco.asersees-ss|) rom, Raipur, ©. Eos cs: Mr. J. A. Betham.
1 Foetus of a dog .........../ Curiously deformed.........) Mr. R. Tarkhad.
1 Peacock ...... itesseeeenss|) Mountede vex, Pee irks sap Dr. Kirtikar.
A quantity of Fungi.........| From Bombay ......:1..0+. Do.
A quantity of Fish, Shells, ?
Corals and other Marine) © From Alibag...........| Mr. W. F, Sinclair, 0.5.
Animals. ,)
Skeleton of a Dolphin...... Do. ones Do.
A quantity of Turtles’ Do. Sad 6c Do.
Eggs.
2 Muntjacs’ Heads .........| Cervulus aureus............ Do
A number of Hermit Crabs.) From Aden .......0 ...:-..| Mr. D. Bennett.
2 Flying Squirrels ......-..) From Cashmere .......++..- Capt. F. B. Peile.
24 Birds’ Hggs .rscaseeceeres Do. Sen: Do.
1 Snake .........e000-see008| Bungarus arcuatus... .... | Dr. Hojel.
1 Sea Snake ......s.00:es..| Enhydrina bengalensis...) Mr. F. Grieves.
AIGA DoD ostsrcne: sctecssnecseeel. Se we meses Victoria Gardens.
Several Bats . ......:4. +...) Megaderma lyra ...........| Mr. W. F. Sinclair, 0.8.
1 Domestic Duck (alive) ..| With curiously deformed| Mr. H. Bulkley.
feet.
1 Mongoose (alive) .........| Herpestes griseus ..y.++oe Mr. W. W. Saunders.
1 Manura ..... vecovesseceeese.( Paradoxurus musanga ...| Mr. H, P. Close.
a nae
Minor Contributions.—From Mr. Fraser Hore, Miss Warner, Mr, J. Greenwood,
Dr, Weir, Mr. G. H. Colomb.
Contributions to the Library.—Journal of Comparative Medicine and Surgery, from
the editor, “‘Verhand lungen des Zoologisch Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien,”’ in
exchange.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, the Honorary Secretary, then read a paper on the * Poisouous
Snakes of Bombay,” which will be found on page 244 of this number.
The Rev. Fr. Dreckmann, §.J., made some remarks about the distinction of the
poisonous from the non-poisonons snakes. He first drew attention to the erroneous
but widely spread opinion that all poisonous snakes have a broad triangular head and
a slender neck. This was, no doubt, a characteristic of the viperine snakes, but they
had it in common with the perfectly hamless tree-snakes, whilst the Elapide, which
include the most deadly snakes in existence, in this respect looked very innocent
The list of poisonous land snakes in the Bombay Presidency, about which there could
be any doubt, was happily a very shorts one. There could be no difficulty about the
cobra or the rare Ophiophagus, The two species of Callophis were so rare, led such
an obscure underground life, and were so sluggish, that it was practically impossible
to be bitten by them accidentally. For the others, the Bungarus, the Vipers and
Tree-vipers, he proposed the following “ rule-of-thumb” :—
1. Head broad, triangularand very distinct from neck.—(a) Those with head
covered with large shields or plates are harmless, (+) Those having the head covered
with small scales are poisonous.
2, Head scarcely distinct from neck.—(a) Head covered with large shields and sub
caudals (shields beneath the tail) single, poisonous, Ch) Hither head covered with
PROCEEDINGS. 291
eet ae EE SSS
shields and sub-caudalg double or head covered with scales and sub-caudals single
harmless.
Dr, K. R. Kirtikar read a paper on the ‘‘ Indian Hepatic,” which is printed on
page 250 of this number.
Dr. Macdonald, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Phipson for his very interest-
ing paper on the poisonous snakes, remarked as to the extreme practical importance
of the subject, With reference to I'r. Kirtikar’s note, he observed that much new
matter had been clearly put together and well observed facts had been given, and that
it rested with the members of the Society interested in the subject of Botany to still
further investigate the subject.
A vote of thanks was proposed to Dr. Kirtikar for his contribution, after which the
meeting dissolved,
at
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THE
PLL LL ILSDL SILA TR ALLL DDS
OF THE
| Bowpay NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
>
2
: EDITED BY
1) R A. STERNDALE, anv E. H. AITKEN. |
| oe |
ae oe bir Ne arene
poe ee ate
ae With Rules and List of Members.
3 eo
uf .
: No) TexVOL. IE :
oy ‘
; | pe
ay Ce ee Wee
5 a.
oy ie Pombar:
sig ; PRINTED AT THE
. EDUCATION SOCIBTY’S PRESS, BYCULLA.
5 : ; 4837,
‘ JOURNAL
yan
CONTENTS OF THIS. NUMBER.
a NY
Waters or Western Inpia, Part I1]—The Konkan and - the
Coast. (By a Member of the Society) ......... pain seer teen Re
On Bors or tHp Horse anp Came. (By Veterinary Surgeon J.
EL. Sioa A SVD) cai oh tekb arcs ateetn ol noe esce bien pelea ee
PaRASITES IN THE Witp Ass or Curcu (By Veterinary Surgeon
J./H, Steel, As Vs Dyed kas etgiiaie oh Settee s<o.e0 be ah oie eae SEE aa oEM
Turee New Species or Hyproruis (By J. A. Murray) ......... Pa
BUTTERFLIES OF THE Bombay PResipency.—Notes, c&c. (By E. H,
Aitken)... K@SeseOC sere OSes eSseeerorOGeeovsoeorere "OSL eer eer eesesesset ees eesOOee OPeee
Notzs on “Warers or Westurn Inpra.”’—(By Mr. J. D. Inver-
New SPECIES” or Fish FROM KurRacHes AND PURSIAN Gut (By
oc WA, Maar rpy.) Selects isdn yaaa cite uaiceusewakagkbnege Pe ask ete
Descrietion oF aA New. Lizarp From THE Danes. (By F.
Clea dow yc wcoussssrece cuneate tune taeek teens Deka veniat cwusSany piaevah tes
Zootocican Notes—
Delphinus Lentiginosus—R. A, Sterndale .............. te paeier eae
Nest and Eggs of Oinnyris Loterna—k. H. Aitken ....... BE a
Cat and Squirrel—A Foster-Maternal freak—J. Vidal .........
Notes on the Habits of Nepita Conforta—H. 8. Wise .......+.
Bird-Nesting Notes from Cutch—A. Newnham, 10th Bo. I..
The Two Shamas—H, E. Barnes \chvaesa tp seoedpnnemdaeme nuns bi anes! Ay
Mergus Merganser—E, H. Aitken. esesteessersersesceteeeceenatens
List of Birds from Sind—Col. Swinhoe NERF errr OKs op
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOOLETY, Soe issesenvelecocesrencaneqpessetes deme a.
PAGE
Pphoan
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cite
47°
49
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56
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166,
59.03
Hombay Aatural History Society.
LIST OF OFFICE-BEARERS.
*resivent.
_H. E. the Right Honorable Lorp Reay, C.1-H., LLeD., F.R.G.S.
Vice- Presidents.
Dr. D. MacDonald, m.p., B.sc., ¢.M.
The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, m.a,, tL.u. (Cantab.)
Mr. R. A. Sterndale, r.z.¢.8., F.z.s.
How. Seeretarp-
Mr. H. M. Phipson.
How. Crevsurer.
Mr. F. G. Kingsley.
éditors.
Mr. R. A. Sterndale and Mr. E. H. Aitken,
Ist Section. — (Mammals and Birds.)
President—Mr..R. A. Sterndale, F.r.c.s., 2.2.8.
Secretary—Mr. H. H. Aitken.
2nd Section.—(Reptiles and Fishes.)
i President—Mr, G. W: Vidal, c.s.
Mido ali H. M. Phipson.
3rd Section. —( Insects. )
Presiderit-—-Colonél C. Swinhoe, ¥.z.8., F.L.S., F.E.S
Secretary—Mr. E. H. Aitken.
| 4th Section.—(Other I. nvertebrata.)
~ President—Dr. G. A. Maconachie, M.D., C.M.
Secretary—Mr. J. C. Anderson.
dth Section.—( Botany.)
_.» . President—The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, M.A., LL.M. (Cantab.)
Boe Seoretary—Surgeon K, R. Kirtikar, BS. M, Eras) ) HRC,
OF THE
BOMBAY Lia HISTORY SOCIETY,
a Sala:
. te
t. The Society shall be called the ‘““NaruraL History Soomns or
‘Bombay.’
2. Its object shall be the promotion of the pursuit of Zoology, Botany
and Geology in all their branches.
3. Members shall be proposed, seconded, and elected by. ‘ballots We pete
majority of two-thirds of the members who vote. shall be required to. gaat
secure election, ee ne ae
4, Members shall pay an annual * subscription of Rs. 15, payable oS ee
advance. Ifany member’s subscription remain’ unpaid for more than
three months, hig name shall be Hable to be removed from the list ,of
members after due notice given by the Secretary. Ai ‘3
5. Members absent from India shall not pay for the - ‘period of ae
their absence. Sie
6. A President and three or more Vice- Presidents eae be elected
from among the members resident in Bombay. hee
7. The President shall take the chairand conduct the business at all |
meetings of the Society, or in ‘his absence, one of the Vice- Presidents. x
If neither is present, a Chairman shall be elected by the meeting, 4 rete
8. A Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected from among the :
members resident in Bombay, ad
9. It shall be his duty to record the rainutes and proceedings of all ae
meetings of the Society, and to conduct ail the details of bose and
carry on the correspondence of the Society.
10, The Secretary and Treasnrer shall prepare an account ‘oe hig: Rees
receipts and disbursements of the Society to be Lapa at the ee a
meeting which shall be held in the month of January. e
A, “The ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held in Honea ‘oh
the first Monday of each month. foe
12. The chair being taken, the order of business sliall be as follows :— Poet
(a) The minutes of last meeting to be read and confirmed. %
(b) The announcement and election of new members.
(c) The reading of letters and the discussion of any ordinary busmvaee Pe et
the Society which shall be before'the meeting. — a ae
¥
(d) The announcement of presents and donations. NR ho Ra aa
(ce) The remainder of the time at the disposal of the meeting Shieh Be: CMe
devoted to the reading of papers, communication of ‘Interesting GaN
facts, exhibition of specimens, dc. A ao ent
13. Members having ‘anything of this nature to bring pitane: ‘the pas 7
Society, shall give the Secretary intimation before the commencement of —
the meeting (in the case of papers a full week before). The subjects” of
which such intimation shall have been given shall be taken’ up in such De
order as the Chairman may think best. (sap
14. If necessary a Committee of Management shall hereafter be cleoted wis
from the members of the Society residentin Bombay.
15. These Rules are provisional and may be amended or added’ to. at
some future time. One month's notice of any pipes to alter the Hale ier
shal! be given to the Secretary. Cas Ns
ee — — — ———— nmn—-—-—— Oooo
* For the calendar year.
Ara
‘Bowgay Narurat History Sociery.
EDITED BY :
: ; R. A, STERNDALE: :
With three IlMustrations.
Bombay: : .
| PRINTED AL THE Saas
EDUCATION SOCIETY'S PRESS, BYCULLA,
1887.2"
.- Sn ie
“
Be BS
Pe REEL PRL AP PLL OLR AOL SLD. POG LSI NI SN ANS AD OM OPO INP pt ARs i >
3
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
Warers or Western Expra, Part 11.—The Konkan and Coast.
(By a Member of the Society) 2.0.22. c.secsescenceee sendseees gape a
Some Birps Seen w a Journey Turovcn Pursra. By G. J. RB.
Rayment, A, V. D.)
peoewetere Forete @ovretesevoretrnacdreocastSsesscteooe
A New Species or ZyemNA VROM THE Kurracuex Hanpour.
(By James A. Murray, of the Vict. Nat. Hist. Inst.)....2.......
Norges on Procevs: Puiniprinus (By hient. H. Edwim Barnes)..
A CATALOGUE. OF THE FLoRA oF MAvaBLEsHWAR 44D MaTHERAN,
with PreraTtorY Note aNp VeERNacoLA® InpEx. (By the
Hon'ble H. M. Birdwood)
Nore on THE FiLors or MAHABLESHWAR AND MaTuHEran. (By
Dr. Theodore Cooke) LL.D., #. G.S.
Notes on MAHABLESHWAR AND OTHER IypIay AnrowrooT YIELD-
ING Puants.. (By Dr. J ©. Lisboa). 1. icine deeds speveses ses ceveess ‘
ZooLocicaL Noves—
Hybrid Wolf presented to the Society by Mr. F. Rose.........
Note on the Bush Quail, by Mr. W. Mahon Daly
Note on the Irregular Breeding of Grus Antigone, the Saruns—
By Lieut. Edwin Barnes.......... Pe hyis oor eee Eis weey a as
Collection of Birds’ Eggs.— By W. M. Gibbs ..........000 Caer
Boox Notice
weer eet Ore oseee
eooecce TOMS e ro HOH ESOL DE Spore sEeerE teres eroHrarelerersEFOGs oHteee
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY
QOH KOK OOHME KL TH+ Ter eneere Teecotveecesalserece
99
“AGB oe
10d. 733 ae
Bombay Natural Pistory Society.
EIST OF OFFICERS AND SECTIONS.
President.
H. E. the Right Honorable Lorp Raay, ¢.1.8., LL.D., F.R.G.S.
Vice- Presidents.
Dr. D. MacDonald, m.p., B.sc., CM.
The Hon’ble Justice Birdnood, M.A., LL.M. (Cantab.)
Mr. R.A. Sterndale, [email protected]., F.Z.3.
Hon. Sectetarn.
Mr. H. M. Phipson.
Hon. Creasurer.
Mr. F. G. Kingsley.
Gnitor.
Mr. R. A. Sterndale.
@
1st Section.— (Mammals and Birds.)
President —Mr. R, A. Sterndale, r.R.4.s., F.z.8.
‘Secretary—Mr. E. H. Aitken. :
2nd Section. —(Reptiles and Pe )
~ President—Mr, G. W. Vidal, c.s.
“peer pay H. M. Phipson.
- 8rd Section —(Unsects. )
-President—Colonel C. Swinhoe, JiZiS.; -FL,8.,~ F288.
Secretary—Mr. EeH. Aitken.
4th Section.— (Other Invertebrata.)
_ President—Dr. G. A. Maconachie, M.D., OM.
eae JG: Anderson.
5th Section o(Halany. ye:
President—The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, M.A., LL.M. (Cantab.)
. = 2 Secretary—Surgeon K, ‘R. Kirtikar, e.s.u. (France), P-R.c.s.
RUDeS
OF THE c : here Ree ¥Z ae
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, =
_ 1. The Society shall be called the ‘Natura History Socrery oF
BomBay.”’ : E
2. Its object shall be the promotion of the pursuit of Zoology, Botany aa
and Geology in all their branches. Bees ee, Po 2
3. Members shall be proposed, seconded, and elected by Balla: ee i mee
majority of two-thirds of the members who vote shall be re quired to | ase
secure election. ets
4. Members shall pay an annual * subscription of Rs. 15, payable in ey
advance. Ifany member's subscription remain: unpaid for more than e -
three months, his name shall. be liable to be removed from the Bats of
members after due notice given by the Secretary, ; oe .
5, Members absent from India shall not pay. for the potion of :
their absence. Rage
6. A President and three or more Vice- Presidents shall be elected
from among the members resident in Bombay. Seta x al“
7. The President shall take the chairand conduct the business at alk eee ele :
meetings of the Society, or in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents. =
If either j is present, a Chairman shall be elected by the meeting, Beg ies eee
8. A Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected from among the
ynembers resident in Bombay. Bebe eee ray
9. It shall be his duty to record the minutes and proceedings Pe all” Be Tee
meetings of the Society, and to condact all the details of business and ;
carry on the correspondence of the Society,
10, .The Secretary and Treasurer shall prepare ‘an account of tbe .
receipts and disbursements of the Society to be presented at the annual
ie
meeting which shall be held in the month of January, ~ us : ve eae
11. “The ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held in Bonibay' 0 on Rot. s
the first Monday of each month.
12. The chair being taken, the order of business shall be as follosy rs — x
(x) he minutes of last meeting to be read and confirmed. st
(b) The announcement and election of new members. - es Ce oS
(c). The reading of letters and the diseussion of any ordinary business of att lee a
the Society which shall be before the meeting.
(d) The announcement of presents and donations,
(ec) The remainder of the time at the disposal of the imeetimg shall be.
devoted to the reading of papers, communication of “interesting is
facts, exhibition of specimens, &c. aes
13. Members having anything of this nature to bring before the CE AEs
Society, shall give the SAor ‘etary intimation before the commencement of”. ae
the meeting (in the case of papers a full week before). The subjects of. Sah es
which such intimation shall have been given shall be taken up in such oie
order as the Chairman may think best. We Has st:
14, If necessary a Committee of Management shall hereafter be elected)
from the members of the Society resident in Bombay. ae
15. These Rules are provisional and may be amended or added to oe
some future time. One month's notice of any preabe* tG alter the Rules
shall be given to the Secretary. é
oS Seats
* Ror the calendar year.-
JOURNAL
OF THE
EDITED BY-
LIE] HON, SECRETARY,
wW ith an Illustration.
No: FH -eVOL > EE.
- Bombav:
PRINTED AT THE
EDUCATION SOCIETY’S PRESS, BYCULLA.
=e
1887,
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
ees
Waters or Western Inpia, Part VI1—Gujarat. (By a Member
OF UHC BOCTELY) iG. pamaseay.tale cote acess ccntehce cate Cal dencue tec tieen igplans
Nore on Hestia Mauaparica. (By Captain T. Macpherson,
Os 5s Oe) ce cent oes vores poensatvamsedess ais aby aiveceaicsmiees vege RNS 2
OBSERVATIONS ON THE Feepine &c. or THE InpiAn Rock SNakE,
(PyrHon Mouurvs). (By H. M. Purrsoy, C. M. Z. S. Hon.
Secretary).......+0 SR caw sdhios ccaetac Ban vikapbsmncleueceusa tena metas ea beeeye
Nores on THe Brexpinc or THE Kentisu RinceD Puoyer (Ac1-
ALITIS CANTIANUS) within Indian Limits. (By Lieut. H. E. _
Barnes)’. ciaceces ne Baie pects SOB ee Pee see saves
On Mrnicry iy Burrerriies ror Prorection (By Col. Chas.
Swinhoe, 2 G:S. ; FZASs, PG Sais eos eee Bisa awes cos {deisel
Maratut Names oF Piants. WitH A GLOSSARY. By Brigade
~ Surgeon W. Dymock.....5.....ceescesecsceeenes Gsivinse segay eves eve vane
The Horse: A Zoological Study (By pe: Surgeun J. H.
heel AL Ns De) noc ites scetecdeentearse soda eees so oeakape wens ines sie
ZooLogican Norss— 7
Snake breeding for the Government Reward .............010++0
BOOK NOTICE cop cicccdecsydehyasssusrtess eaves was o'eVebs pangs Woes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE WOOTEN oc wascasoes sce chara vandstbvenct cwscoawanit
165
"167
169 :
175
198
yy ra. estes mee. fick oA A ae
‘ Pat
py See £4
Se SF a ee ae Sle ES Mes ce
CME Re Ia RE Te Bt nee aS Sets
an ee
ae
= oe te ars Pinte fab
a
OA, Mel Mee yn on
RAC
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Hombay Hatural History Soviet.
LIST OF OFFICERS AND SECTIONS.
President.
H. H, the Right Honorable Lorp Raay, ¢.1-2., LL.D., F.R.G.S.
Vice- Presidents.
Dr. D. MacDonald, u.p., 3.s¢., ¢.M.
‘The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, m.a., tn.M. (Cantab.)
Mr. R. A, Sterndale, r.z.G.s., ¥.z.3.
Hon. Secretary.
Mr. H. M. Phipson, ¢.m.z.s.
Pow. Treasurer.
Mr. E. M. Slater.
Editor.
The Hon. Secretary.
Ist Section.—(Mammals and Birds.)
President—M. R. A. Sterndale, ¥.R.G.s., F.Z.s.
Secretary—Mr. E. H. Aitken.
2nd Section.—(Reptiles and Fishes.)
President—Mr. G. W. Vidal, o.s.
Secretary—Mr. H. M. Phipson, c.M.z.s.
3rd Section.—( Insects.)
President—Colonel C, Swinhoe, F.Z.8., F.L.S., F.ES
Secretary—Mr. E. H. Aitken.
4th Section.— (Other Invertebrata.)
President—Dr. G. A. Maconachie, M.p., o.M.
Secretary—Mr. J. €. Anderson.
5th Section,—( Botany.)
President—The Hon’ble Justice Birdwood, M.a., 11.m. (Cantab.)
Secretary—Surgeon K. R. Kirtikar, r.s.m. (France), F.R.0.s,
RULES :
OF ‘THE |
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
1. The Sicuy shall be called the aN tena History Society ey
BoMBAY.”
2. Its object shall be the promotion of the pursuit of Zoology, Botany
and Geology in all their branches.
3. Members shall be proposed, seconded, and elected by ballot. re fu
majority of two-thirds of the members who vote shall be required to x
secure election.
4. Members shall pay an annual * subscription of Rs. 15, payable in %
advance. Ifany member’s subscription remain unpaid for more than
three months, his name shall be liable ‘to be removed from the list of
members after due notice given by the Secretary.
5. Members absent from India shall not pay for the period — of
their absence.
6. A President ai three or more Vice-Presidents shall be elected :
from among the members resident in Bombay.
”.- The President shall take the chair and conduct- the business a all
meetings of the Society, or in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents. — ;
If neither is present, a Chairman shall be elected by the meeting, |
8. A Secretary aud Treasurer shall) be elected from among the
members resident in Bombay.
9. It shall the Secretary’s duty to oa the minutes and provesien = oe
of all meetings of the Society, and to condactall the details of business and ed
carry on the correspondence of the Society.
10. ‘The Secretary and Treasurer shall prepare an account of the
receipts and disbursements of the Society to be presented at the ee
meeting which shall be heldin the month of January.
11. The ordinary meetings of the Society shall be held in Bombay on
the first Monday of each month.
12. The chair being taken, the order of business abatt be as follows : ane
(a) The minutes of last meeting to be read and confirmed.
(b) The announcement and election of new members.
(c) The reading of letters and the diseussion of any ordinary business Ae
the Society which shall be before the meeting. »
(d) The announcement of presents and donations.
(ec) The remainder of the time at. the disposal of the meeting shall be oF Sa
devoted to the reading of papers, communication of nies ee
facts, exhibition of specimens, dc.
13. Members having anything of this nature to bring before the ere
Society, shall give the Secretary intimation before the commencement of —
the meeting (in the case of papers a full week before). The subjects of ©
which such intimation shall have been given shall be oe up in suche
order as the Chairman may think best.
14, If necessary a Committee of Management shall Lidpenttor be elected
from the members of the Society resident in Bombay.
15. These Rules are proyisional and may be amended or added to ae
‘some future time. One month's notice of any proposal to alter: the Halas
- shall be given to the Secretary.
* Tor the calendar year,
OY ekg
ee rage Wins ey NY ed
OPS GATED PAN ot ee oe ee eM om : C sioszivitce Ne
SITE Cooke PAP 8 EES Ae SES POTN 1) aie! 2a RNR, i SO Ned ae Sa ee TR yO aS PET ST Cee
JOURNAL
OF THE
Bowpay Natura History Soctery
EDITED BY
THE HON. SECRETARY.
Yn
a See ee
No. [V.—VOL. If. -
Bombay :
35 PRINTED AT THE
EDUCATION SOCIETY’S PRESS.
1901,
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER. i
: a ae | er 2
Warers or Westery Inpra, Part 1V.—Gujarat. ibe a Member |
of tha Society) ... Se) ide nese ae Nes Aas 221 /
Maratar Namus or Puanrs. With a Giossany. By Brigade : Ks : af as “
Surgeon W. Dymock ... aes a Ups ba acd sac Bae oe thas
-Fortaer Nore on Hestia MataBarica. (By Fine) de ee = Se a
List oF Binks collected by. Capt. F. Babington Paile: in Cash: <gene
mere during the Summer of 1887, and. presented by ae to - Se ee
the Bowsay Naturat Hisrory SociETyY 2... one Peat ot
‘Lue Porsonous SNakes or THE Bombay Presipency.(Dy H. M. ee Soe ;
Phipson, C. M. Z. 8, Hon. Sec. ye ret we Rash ae ae |
Tue Inpran Hepatice. (By Dr. R.R. Kirtikar, F, SM. (France), eG. a
M. Ri. 8.) bee ye Seah Oe Tone va ars - ee nt Sead
Witp Horsss,’(By Veterinary Surgeon J, H. Steel, ARNE Dae 253
On THE Lerrpoprera or KaRACRI AND irs NEIGHBOURHOOD. — ae op, ia
(By Col. C, Swinhoe, F. L. B,,FoZ. Sy &e.).2
List or: Binns Ea@a@s IN THE SociEty’s CoLrzction |
o.
ZOOLOGICAL No1tvEs— : 2
Notes ona Horn on the margin ot: a ‘Goat 5 Ear
Notes on the Food of the Panther ( Felis Pardus )
Notes on the Cheetal
PROEEDENGS OF THE SOCIETY
pi
hie Bal :
Ow hh if oN.