214 Annals of the South African Museum. 



towards the collar, 25 to 33 in a straight longitudinal series ; no 

 gular fold. Collar even-edged, composed of 8 to 13 plates. 



Scales on body roundish or oval-hexagonal, smooth, 40 to 60 across 

 the middle of the body, 2 and 3 on the side corresponding to a ventral 

 plate. Ventral plates in 6 or 8 longitudinal series, those of the second 

 series from the median line the broadest, and 25 to 34 transverse 

 series. Praeaual region covered with several irregular shields, or with 

 two large shields one in front of the other. 



A series of 6 or 7 transversely enlarged plates on the lower surface 

 of the fore limb. Scales on upper surface of tibia smaller than dorsals. 

 11 to 16 femoral pores on each side. 25 to 31 lamellar scales under 

 the fourth toe. 



Caudal scales forming whorls of nearly equal length, upper rather 

 narrow, the median pair often broader, rather strongly keeled, truncate 

 or very obtusely pointed behind, with more or less distinct sensory 

 pits. 



As in the preceding species, the markings differ very strikingly 

 according to individuals, and some at least of the different patterns, 

 on which species have been founded, perhaps indicate local forms or 

 varieties. I here enumerate those with which I am acquainted, be- 

 ginning with the most primitive : 



A. (L. taeniolata, Smith). Eight white streaks on the back and 

 sides, sometimes nine on the nape and anterior part of back, separated 

 by black streaks ; the outer dorsal light streak extending to the fourth 

 supraocular, the upper lateral, originating just above the ear, some- 

 times broken up into spots. Posterior part of back and tail brown 

 above, the latter inclined to red near the extremity and with a blackish 

 lateral streak. Lower parts white. " Grassy districts of Cape Colony," 

 Smith ; Little Namaqualand ; Pine Town, Natal (South African 

 Museum). (PI. VII, fig. 6.) 



B. (L. livida, Smith). Back with light and dark streaks as in the 

 preceding, or pale buff behind with black vermiculations ; sides black 

 with numerous small white spots, which form irregular vertical bars 

 on the temple and neck. " Northern parts of Cape Colony," Smith ; 

 Little Namaqualand ; Deelfontein. (PI. VII, figs. 7, 8.) 



C. (L. tessellata, Smith ; T. ornata, Gray). Neck and anterior part 

 of back black, with 3 or 4 white lines above and very regular 

 white vertical bars on the sides ; posterior part of body grey or pale 

 buff, with more or less distinct black bars on the sides. Feet and 

 tail coral-red or reddish, at least in the young. " Eastern parts of 

 Cape Colony," Smith ; Clanwilliaui, Calviuia, Worcester, Klipfontein, 

 in Cape Colony ; Zambesi (Sir J. Kirk). (PI. VII, figs. 9, 10.) 



