288 



into squamiform plates, the largest forming a series along the 

 inner ridge externally; temporals two, the lower lateral and 

 very large, the upper superior and smaller. Diameter of orbit 

 equal to the length of the snout and to the interorbital space; 

 cleft of mouth a little less than half the length of the head ; 

 mandibular symphysis longer than diameter of orbit; a pair 

 of small mental barbels. Neck wrinkled and vermiculated, one 

 time and three fifths the length of the head, the anterior halt 

 with a few erect tubercles above. Limbs with series of scale- 

 like plates above, outer edge of fore limbs with three large 

 tubercles; claws strong and curved, especially the three inner 

 ones, of which the middle one is largest; outer toe with a horn-like 

 plate at the base. Tail rugose, finely vermiculated, with 7 large 

 dermal serrae above, below with irregular scales. Length of 

 carapace 330 mm., plastron 250 mm. (After D. Ogilby, not 

 seen by me). 



Habitat: New Guinea (Fly river). 



A very rare species, known by one specimen only. 



2. Fam. Testudinidae. 



Shell covered with epidermal shields. Head and neck com- 

 pletely retractile; ear distinct. Plastron large; inframarginalia 

 absent; nine plastral bones. Nuchal plate without rib-like 

 processes. Digits short or moderate, with four or five claws. 



Terrestrial or aquatic tortoises. 



Key to the In do-Australian genera. 



A. Head covered with undivided skin, or the skin divided 

 posteriorly in small shields. Digits with a distinct or 

 rudimentary web; metacarpels long; claws long and 

 curved. 

 I. Neural plates hexagonal, the short side in front. 

 a. Alveolar surface of upper jaw broad, with one or 

 two median ridges. 



I. A single median ridge in the upper jaw; choanae 



between the eyes ; fore limbs with five claws. 



aa. Suture between gular shields about half as 



long as that between humerals ; symphysis of 



lower jaw shorter than the diameter of the 



orbit I. Callagtij- p. 289. 



