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SAURIA. VARANID^. 



it is the reptile which is called das Adder by the 

 Boors, and which is so much dreaded from its 

 reputed venomous qualities. 



The specimen from which Dr, Smith's descrip- 

 tion was taken was no more than two feet eight 

 inches in length ; but specimens occur which 

 have attained a size nearly double of this. The 

 ground-colour is yellow, variously banded, 

 blotched, and spotted with brown, so as to pro- 

 duce a rich and beautiful effect. 



WHITE-THROATED VARAN. 



The enterprising zoologist who discovered this 

 reptile thus describes its manners : — " It is usually 

 met with in rocky precipices, or on low stony 

 hills, and, when surprised, seeks concealment in 



