CHAP. 



KEPTILES. 



389 



The Amphisbaenidae, which, in the opinion of Dr. Giinther, 

 are all comprised in the genus Amphisbcena, inhabit Spain and 

 Asia Minor, North and Tropical Africa, South America as far as 

 Buenos-Ayres and the West Indian Islands. 



FAMILY 29. LEPIDOSTEKNID^E. (3 Genera, 6 Species.) 

 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. 



The small family of Lepidosternidse has nearly the same 

 distribution as the last, indicating a curious relationship between 

 the Tropical parts of Africa and America. Lepidosternon and 

 Cephalopeltis are American genera, while Monotrophis is African. 



FAMILY 30. VAEANID^E. (3 Genera, 3Cf 'Species.) 



GENERAL DISTRIBUTION. 



The Varanidae, or Water Lizards, are most abundant in the 

 Oriental region, whence they extend into the Austro-Malay 

 Islands as far as New Guinea, and into Australia. Several 

 species are found in Africa. Psammosaurus (1 sp.), is found in 

 North Africa and North-western India ; Monitor (18 sp.), 

 has the range of the family ; while ffydrosaurus (8 sp.) ranges 

 from Siam to the Philippines, New Guinea, and Australia. 



