South African Zoology. 31 



edges of the temples. Scale* of the hack and helly disposed in transverse 

 rows ; those of the tail, in spinous rings. Femoral pores distinct, and ar- 

 ranged in one or two rows. 



A. Scales forming the transverse rows contiguous or over -lapping , of a 

 squarish form, and smooth or carinated ; sides of the neck armed with pro- 

 jecting spinous scales ; most of the scales of the tail carinated, and many of 

 them, particularly those on the sides, terminated by strong sharp spines ; fe- 

 moral pores in one row, and in the male only. Cordylus. 



C. griseus, Seba. Back with about 26 transverse rows of quadrangular 

 scales, the latter smooth towards the dorsal line, but, on the sides, carinated. 

 Anterior edge of ear concealed by two or three slightly projecting semicircu- 

 lar horny scales. Above, colour brown, or brownish black, below, light brown. 

 The back, in many individuals, is variegated with irregular black or light 

 reddish brown spots, and in some there is a reddish brown line, following the 

 course of the spine. Femoral pores generally 7 on each side. Length from 

 6 to 8 inches. 



C. polyzonus. Back crossed by about 40 bands of quadrangular scales, 

 the latter smooth, except on the sides, where they are slightly carinated. — 

 Anterior margin of ear covered by several thick, projecting, pointed scales, 

 the lowermost of which is largest. Temporal scales slightly carinated, and 

 each with a faint aculeus. Above, brown or black, sometimes brown varie- 

 gated with spots of a darker or lighter tint; below, livid brown; on each 

 side of the neck, immediately behind the ear, an oblong black blotch. Fe- 

 moral pores 12 on each side. Length, from 8 to 10 inches. 



C. nebulosus. Back with about 16 transverse rows of quadrangular scales, 

 the latter smooth on the middle of the back, but strongly carinated and spi- 

 nous on the sides. Ears defended by four large projecting scales. Sides 

 of neck armed with strong spinous scales, directed outwards. Temples ve- 

 ry prominent, thereby giving a great breadth to the hinder part of the head. 

 Scales of the tail terminating in very strong spines. Colour above, brown, 

 below, yellowish brown, clouded with black spots and stripes. Length, from 

 6 to 8 inches. 



The diagnostic characters of the foregoing species are nu- 

 merous. They may all be readily distinguished, simply by 

 reckoning the rows of scales, which are nearly uniform in the 

 individuals of each species ; but should this not be considered 

 sufficient, other discrepancies will easily be discovered. On 

 comparing specimens of Cordylus griseus and C. polyzonus, 

 it will be found that the rows of scales are much narrower in 

 the latter than in the former, and that the scales of the tail 

 in polyzonus are never so strongly armed as in griseus; besides, 

 the latter never attains to the same size as the former, nor does 

 it ever exhibit the oblong black blotch, which occurs on the 

 side of the neck of polyzonus. C. nebulosus is again easily 

 to be distinguished from both the last, by the breadth of its 

 hind head, the great size of its scales, their superior strength, 

 and the very strong and lengthened spines, with which the 

 greater portion of the tail is armed. The black variegations 

 upon the chin, throat, and belly, are also peculiar to it. 



