FUKIEN AS A FIELD FOR BIOLOGICAL EXPLORATION
In connection with the Biological Expedition headed by Mr. F. T. Smith under the auspices of "The China Society of Science and Arts," it is interesting to note that the province of Fukien, through which the expedition will pass, is one of the richest and most important faunistically in China. In the first place, owing to the fact that several of the earliest workers on the natural history of China made large collections in this province, from which a great many species of new birds, boasts, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates were described, it forms a very important type area. Swinhoe, Styan and La Touche all made important collections there, while they taught and used as collectors the mambo's of the well-known Tang family. Tin latter have continued to make collections on their own, disposing of them when and where they could, so that most large museums in Europe and America have collections from Fukien made by experienced collectors. From these collections further new species of animals have been described from time to time.
Fukien was also one of the areas visited by the famous botanist Robert Fortune, who brought back many new species of plants. Secondly, the fauna and flora of this part of China show a remarkable connection on the one hand between the Eastern United States and China, and on the other between the Himalayan area and China. Further it is the meeting and mingling ground of the Painaretic East China fauna and flora and those of India, which belong to the Oriental faunal zone.
In recent years this province has been visited by such biological explorers as Mr. A. de C. Sowerhy on behalf of the United States National Museum and Mr. R. C. Andrews on behalf of the American Museum of Xaturnl History, both making large collections there which have yielded further new species. Mr. Harry R. CaIdwell, the well-known missionary, has also made extensive collections in the province with fine results, while at the present time Mr. Clifford Pope is making extensive collections of reptiles, amphibians and fishes in the same region for the American Museum of Natural History.
The rickness of the fauna in this province is such that we may confidently expect good results from Mr. Smith's present undertaking.
unless otherwise indicated