151 



scales small, almost equal. Neck long ; nuchal scales large, 

 conical, about as large as those on the snout, separated from 

 one another. Back covered with somewhat smaller keeled scales, 

 larger than those of the flanks; a strong fold along each side 

 of the neck and between axilla and groin. Ventral scales 

 feebly keeled, a little smaller than the dorsals, separated by- 

 granular interspaces, in So — 97 transverse series. Tail com- 

 pressed, almost as long as the body, covered with keeled 

 scales, the lower scales largest; a very low doubly toothed 

 crest above. Limbs strong, but rather short ; digits strong 

 with very strong claws; scales of limbs large, especially those 

 on the anterior part of the fore limb. 



Dark brown above ; tongue yellow. Total length reaches 7 M. 



Nom. indig. Buaja darat (= land crocodile). 



Habitat: Komodo Island; Flores I (Labuan Badjo). 



According to the discoverers, this species lives exclusively 

 on land, where it makes holes under stones, in which it remains 

 at night. The animals can move with great rapidity, not 

 touching the ground with their bodies. 



Note: In the Leyden Museum I examined a skin and 

 skull of this large Varanus, (the skin measuring 2.66 M.) which 

 were received there some time ago. As the skin was in a very 

 good condition, it was stuffed, distinctly showing the peculia- 

 rities of the scales. Having no other specimen preserved in 

 spirit for comparison , some details of the outer form are 

 doubtful; so it is uncertain, whether the caudal keel begins at 

 the base of the tail or at a short distance from there, and 

 whether the base of the tail is compressed or rounded. As soon 

 as another specimen has been purchased. Dr. van Lidth de 

 Jeude will give a full description of this remarkable species. 



12. Varanus prasinus (Schleg.). 



Monitor prasinus^ Schlegel, Abbild. 1844, p. 78, pi. XXII, fig. 5. 

 Varanus prasinus^ Boulenger, Cat. Liz. II 1885, p. 321. 



Snout depressed at the end, as long as the distance between 

 the anterior border of the orbit and the ear; canthus rostralis 

 indistinct; nostril round or oval, slightly nearer the tip of 

 the snout than the orbit ; teeth sharp, compressed. Head-scales 

 large, flat, largest between the orbits ; a series of three or 

 four transversely enlarged scales on the supraocular region. 

 Nuchal scales smooth. Body covered with large, oval scales, 



