BY CHARLES W. DE VIS, B.A. 319 



Compressor cloacce (fig. 13 — c. c.) — Rises by two heads; one 

 from the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth caudal vertebrse, 

 the other from the processes of the seventh and ninth ; they descend 

 side by side over the femoro-caudai and lower lateral caudal 

 column, and are inserted into the side of the cloacal outlet. 



Sphincter cloacce. — Composed of transverse fibres on the posterior 

 aspect of the cloaca. 



Transversus peronei (fig. 13 — t. p.) — A strong mass rising from 

 the epischiatic ossicle, inserted into the ileoischiatic ligament 

 contiguous to the insertion of the semimembranosus. 



Observations. 

 The result of the examination, is on the whole somewhat disap- 

 pointing. The fact ascertained that the mechanism of the frill is 

 served by special though feeble muscles, as well as by a large 

 extension of the functions of some ordinary ones, is nothing sur- 

 prising to an eye witness of its use. Our knowledge of that use 

 has not been much advanced. The muscles specialised for the 

 purpose of assisting in the elevation and depression of the hood do 

 not of themselves indicate very clearly that the appendage is in a 

 strict sense an auditory conch. But since they certainly do not 

 forbid the idea generated by the presence of the cartilage and by the 

 observed actions of the animal, that the hood may serve to arrest 

 sound and direct it towards the ear, we may, if we can overcome 

 our disinclination to attribute an auricle to a reptile, recognise this 

 as part of its office without prejudice to its supposed use as an 

 engine of terror to assailants. With this conclusion, we must for 

 the present rest content. Still less satisfaction in the way of 

 discovery has been derived from the second division of the enquiry. 

 We may fairly be allowed an expression of surprise on finding that 

 the semierect attitude and plantigrade gait of the creature are not 

 facilitated by any additions or modifications in the hind quarters 

 and limbs. Thus it is, however; — all is strictly lacertine. There is 

 no approach towards the conditions existing in warm blooded 

 bipeds. The so-called glutsei for instance, are still in front of the 



