92 PHRYNOSOMA CORNUTA. 



Harlan next described this animal as a new species of Agama, luider the 

 specific name cornuta, which must be retained. His description was taken after 

 comparing three specimens in Peale's Museum, also brought from Missouri, all of 

 which I have ascertained, from frequent examination, to be perfectly similar: they 

 all have carinated scales on the abdomen, and all have the nostrils opening Avithin 

 the superciliary ridge. 



Wiegraann did wrong in changing the specific name of cornuta first given to 

 this animal by Dr. Harlan, for that of Harlani; especially as he was aware, as 

 may be seen by his reference, that the anmial had previously been described as 

 the Agama cornuta. If it were meant for a compliment to our herpetologist, 

 however well he may deserve it, it is badly timed, and is paid at the expense of 

 science; it is taking away a name well applied and significant, and replacing it by 

 another that cannot be continued, but must in the end give way to that first 

 imposed. 



Dumeril and Bibron are equally wrong in adopting Wiegmann's specific name, 

 mstead of that given by Harlan, which has the undoubted right of priority. 



