The next in order was the Chiroptera, containing the bata, of which there were fifteen species and sub-species known to occur in North China. Of these five had been newly described from specimens recently collected, while the identification of a sixth, namely, the Murina from Manchuria, was as yet doubtful. There remained, however, plenty to be done in the collection of bats, for, owing to the difficulty of securing these lively little animals, with their nocturnal babite and effective way of con-coaling themselves during the day, it was more than likely that many species had as yet escaped notice. Of the Insectivora the species known in North China included four hedgehogs, fourteen species and sub-species of shrews, and six species of moles. The latter were most difficult to secure and in many districts the lecturer had come across evidences of their existence without being able to obtain specimens.
The Cat Family.
The cat family was represented by some nine species, large and small. The tiger still existed in North China proper, but owing to the disappearance of the forests it was now very rare. It was known to inhabit West Shansi and the Imperial bunting grounds of Chihli. It was still common in Manchuria, but was only plentiful in the, as yet, unexplored and unexploited forests of the Amur and Ussuri basins.
The leopard was still plentiful throughout the mountainous regions of Chihli, Shansi, Shensi, and Kansu, but the speaker could not say with authority that the snow leopard (Felis uncia) actually occurred in Chinese territory. Of the five smaller species of cat little need be said. They were all small, and, with the exception of the common striped wild cat, were more or less spotted and very similar in general appearance.
The dog family was represented by five species, including the Chinese wolf, Chinese fox, wild dog, racoon dog and Corsae fox.
Wolves & Wild Dogs.
The wolf, said Mr. Sowerby, is too well known to call for more than a passing remark, though as a matter of fact it is an animal well worth studying. It does a great deal of damage in North China. In Mongolia it is represented by 3 larger and lighter-coloured animal. The skin of the latter fetches a good price in the fur market.
Judging from the enormous number of fox skins exported from
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