248 [May, 1845. 



diately behind it are six or seven small imbricated and carinated scales; 

 there are eighteen or twenty oblong quadrilateral labial plates in each jaw; 

 eyes of moderate size, lids covered with numerous small and whitish gra- 

 nules, which are smooth ; auditory foramen large; the tympanum is situated 

 at some distance within its orifice, which presents upon its superior and 

 lateral margins a series of small and pointed spires; a row of pointed spires 

 is observed behind the ear, commencing at the angle of the lower jaw, and 

 extending a short distance upon the sides of the neck; besides this row, 

 which is well defined, there are several smaller rows and clusters of spires 

 upon the sides of the neck and posterior parts of the occiput ; the tongue is 

 triangular, slightly bifid in front, deeply notched behind — it is covered with 

 numerous pointed papillae posteriorly, smooth in front ; there are three in- 

 cisors and two canine teeth in the upper jaw; these are separated from each 

 other by a wide interval; in the lower jaw there are two small incisors, 

 having on each side two canine teeth placed obliquely ; there are seventeen 

 teeth on each side of the lower and as many in the upper jaw- ; there are two 

 folds under the neck, the anterior is much larger than the posterior, and re- 

 presents a V in its middle, there is also a fold upon its side ; upon the back 

 of the neck is a small crest, extending from the occiput as far as the shoul- 

 ders ; the posterior part of the head is covered with numerous hexagonal 

 imbricated and carinated scales of nearly equal size ; neck, body, and upper 

 surface of extremities and tail covered with quadrangular, imbricated, and 

 strongly carinated scales ; the carinas extend the whole length of the scale, 

 each terminating in a sharp point ; the points of those upon the neck and 

 occiput are directed forwards ; those upon the body and extremities are di- 

 rected backwards ; the scales upon the body are arranged in oblique rows, 

 the fine edge of the scale looking upwards and backwards ; scales upon the 

 chin, abdomen, and under surface of extremities, smooth; there are no femo- 

 ral pores ; a series of pores in front of the anus ; tail conical, large at its 

 base, covered with imbricated and carinated scales, much larger than upon 

 the body, each ending in a point. 



Colour. — Head, chin, throat, and under surface of abdomen and extremities, 

 of a light olive colour; body, upper surface of extremities and tail, present- 

 ing generally a tinge of green mingled with olive. 



Dimensions. 



Length of head, 



Length of anterior extremities, - 

 Length of posterior extremities, - 

 Length of neck and body, 

 Length of tail, 



Habitat. — Liberia, West Africa. 



This specimen, with a number of others, were sent to me by the Rev. 

 James Matthias, formerly Governor of Liberia ; they are said to exist in 



