193 
and even more extraordinary examples than this could be adduced. 
To return to the diseases of the Lizards, I may add, that the tuber- 
cular are the most common. 
Ophidians.—In this division one of the most remarkable and pe- 
culiar diseases is found. It will be remembered that a few years 
since a great mortality occurred among the serpents ; nearly all of 
them died, and I had an opportunity of examining a great many of 
them. The disease, which I believe is highly contagious, consists of 
ulceration of the lining membrane of the mouth, and the deposit of 
masses of semitubercular matter in different parts of the intestinal 
tube, but chiefly in the rectum, blocking up the canal, and producing 
obstruction. With this form of disease there is also a peculiar 
condition of the blood. Some of the reptiles dying of this affection 
were very fat, especially the Puff Adders (Clotho arietans). 
Tubercles in the liver, lungs, and other parts in the Ophidians, are 
very frequently met with. In the Boa which some years ago was 
said to have swallowed a blanket, it will be seen by the drawings 
now exhibited that the lungs and liver were thickly studded with 
small miliary tubercles; but the immediate cause of death was in- 
flammation of the pericardium (heart-bag) : upon this, and hanging 
from it, were large flakes of lymph partly organized. 
Batrachians.—I have had but few opportunities of examining 
specimens of this order soon after death, and therefore cannot speak 
of their diseases, 
I may make one observation respecting the reparative power in 
the reptiles. In many of them it is very rapid. Ina Boa that had 
its tail accidentally jammed off, the part was very quickly repaired ; 
and I have seen many instances of the same kind in reptiles ; and, 
if the accounts are to be believed, the large Salamander (Sieboldia 
maxima) just obtained by the Society will reproduce its extremities 
—bone, muscle, integument, and other parts. 
In bringing this imperfect sketch to a conclusion, I may observe 
that my time and space have been too limited to do justice to the 
subject ; but I trust that the information conveyed will not prove 
altogether unprofitable. 
March 27, 1860. 
Professor Busk, F.R.S., F.Z.S., &c., in the Chair. 
Mr. John Petherick exhibited the head and horns of a rare Ante- 
lope from Central Africa (Antilope leucotis, Licht., Mem. Acad. Berol. 
1854, p. 99). 
The Secretary exhibited an egg of the King Vulture (Gyparchus 
No. 429.—ProceEeDINGs OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
