70 Dr. A. Giinther on the Fauna of Madagascar. 



the proportions of the body, and the distribution of the orna- 

 mental markings; but what is yellow or whitish in H. semi- 

 spinosus is of a bright light chestnut-colour in this species, 

 and the middle of the chest and abdomen is black. 



In the only specimen available at present the fur is very 

 thin and consists on the side of the abdomen of thin woolly 

 hairs, sparsely mixed with very slender bristles. The crest 

 across the nape is formed by less numerous spines, which, 

 like all the spines on the back, are of a deep orange colour. 

 Thinner black bristles are mixed with the hair as in the allied 

 species *. 



The dentition is that of an adult animal and formed by the 

 permanent teeth. On comparing it with a specimen of H. 

 semispinosus of the same size, no great difference can be 

 observed as to the general shape and relative position of the 

 teeth. But the molars are of conspicuously larger size and 

 are less broad transversely, with the exception of the hind- 

 most (fourth) molar, which is rudimentary. The distance of 

 the canine from the front incisor is 4 millim., that between 

 the canine and second premolar 7 millim. 



Only one specimen was obtained ; the skin is 140 millim. 

 long, and the head measures 40 millim. to the front margin 

 of the ear. 



The Reptiles consist of specimens of Sepsina gastrosticta, 

 O'Sh. ; Chamo?leon lateralis, Gray ; Chamceleon brevicornis, 

 Gthr. ; Chamceleon globifer, Gthr. ; Chamceleon nasutus, 

 Gray ; and Chamceleon Willsii, sp. n. Among the Snakes 

 specimens of Ptyas infrasignatus, Gthr. (1882), are of special 

 interest, inasmuch as they prove that Dromicus Stumpffi., 

 Botrg. (1881), and Dromicus Baroni, Blgr. (1887), are indi- 

 vidual variations or modifications of age of the same species |. 

 Dipsas colvbrina is represented in this collection and seems 

 to be generally distributed. 



A species of Liophis I believe to be undescribed, and, 

 finally, Mimophis madagascaricnsis, Gthr., occurs also in 

 this district. 



* I may here mention that Hemicentetes nigriceps, Giinth. (Ann. & 

 Mag. Nat. Hist., Aug. 1875), has since been renamed by Jentink Hemi- 

 centetes variegatus, var. Buffoni ('Notes from the Leyden Museum,' 

 1879, p. 150). I am afraid that Dr. Jentink will he still less inclined to 

 acknowledge the form now described as a distinct species. 



f Dromicus madagaseariensis, Gthr., proves to be very distinct, although 

 it has a similar coloration. Its head is much shorter and broader, the 

 eye smaller, and in all specimens known the abdomen is unspotted, as in 

 pome of Ptyas infroswrvitvs. 



