INTRODUCTION. 



The chief object in preparing the present Catalogue has lieen to give at one xiev,- a 

 complete account of all the species of the Shielded Reptiles {Cataphracta) no^x' in the 

 British Museum, and of those species known to exist in other Cabinets, but which are at 

 present desiderata in the Museum, to enable travellers, collectors and others to assist in 

 completing the national collection. 



An indication of the separate locality of each specimen is given ; its sex and state are 

 also noticed. 



The figures of the new species contained in the Museum Collection have loeen drawn on 

 stone by Mr. Ford, so well known for the beauty and accuracy of his pencil. 



JOHN EDWARD GRAY. 



British Miisevm, December 1, ISoii. 



