Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/198

160 heavy weather in the China Seas.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

"—On Sunday, Aug. 18th, 1901, at 11.20 a.m., as the Chinese Customs cruising launch 'Lungtsing' was steaming at half-speed heading for Boddam Cove, Tungho Island, in lat. N. 22 deg. 8 min. 30 sec. and long. E. 113 deg. 48 min. 40 sec, at about ten cables' length from the Chuk Chao Islands, I sighted a dark object on the surface of the water one point on the starboard bow, which looked to me like a rock. I at once gave the order 'full speed astern,' and vessel passed about thirty feet clear of the object, which, to my surprise, was a large serpent, lying in a round coil, with its head raised two or three feet, and slightly moving. Stopped engines and lowered starboard gig. I despatched Mr. Kuster, second officer, in gig with orders to kill the monster, if possible. Mr. Kuster stood in bow of gig with a boathook ready to strike. The serpent had now lowered its head again, but on approach of the gig suddenly struck out, hitting blade of one of the oars, turning the sailor turtle-back. It then raised its head to a level of launch's davit, about 15 ft., at a distance of not more than 10 ft. from the gig and 30 ft. from the launch where I stood. The crew of gig were scared, and prepared to jump overboard. Mr. Kuster, still standing in bow of the gig, prepared to strike with the boathook; but, before he could do so, the monster suddenly dived and made off. Its action in swimming was like that of an ordinary water-snake; the water being clear, the reptile could be plainly seen a few feet down. It dived very quickly, and made considerable disturbance of the water.

"We judged the serpent to be from 40 to 50 ft. long, and about a foot in diameter. It had a kind of crest on its head, and two fins high up on the neck, just behind the jaws. The thickest part of its body appeared to be about 15 ft. from the head, tapering both ways. Its head was as big as a Rugby football, with large eyes, and mouth opened wide when striking. It was of a very dark colour on the back—striped and mottled, but lighter on the belly.

"As soon as the serpent disappeared, and we on the launch had recovered from our first surprise, I ordered the ten-barrelled Nordenfelt to be loaded, and launch moved round slowly for fifteen or twenty minutes, in hopes that the reptile would reappear; but, not doing so, vessel proceeded on her way to Boddam Cove. (Signed) Officer in charge C.L. 'Lungtsing,' Aug. 21st, 1901. Witnesses: (Signed) Second Officer, and seventeen Chinese."