- 



48 M. G. A. Boulenger on a new Genus 0/" Coecilia^. 



I have written the above with considerable reluctance 

 first, because it partakes more of the nature of biological 

 controversy than of any acquisition to our knowledge ; and 

 secondly, because I share with my old friend and late col- 

 league, E. Meldola, so much in common in the points dis- 

 cussed and admiration for his sanguine and bold attachment 

 to advanced theories and conclusions, for which his severe 

 training in more than one branch of science and great natural 

 abilities particularly fit him. I still, however, believe that 

 u original work " is distinct from u original guessing," and 

 that the most advanced evolutionist may be excused if, though 

 he bases his conclusions on the first, he withholds his assent 

 to the last whilst in the uncorroborated stage ; and in the 

 present discussion this is neither restricting the u original 



theory 



[the] interpretation," nor does 



it indicate " a retrograde step which few scientific entomolo- 

 gists will be disposed to take." 



VI.—- Description of a new Genus o/*Coecilia3. 



By G. A. Boulenger. 



The following species is the second of the order Apoda dis- 

 covered in East Africa. It is the type of a very marked 

 genus, presenting a curious combination of characters. Its 

 nearest ally I consider to be Gegenopkts, from Malabar, which 

 has likewise the skin scaleless and the eyes hidden under the 

 cranial bones ; but it is well distinguished by having the squa- 

 mosal bones in contact with the parietals, two series of teeth 

 in the lower jaw, and by the structure of the tentacle, 



SCOLECOMORPHUS, g. n. 



Squamosals separated from parietals. A single series of 

 teeth in the lower jaw. Eyes overroofed by bone. Tentacle 

 flap-shaped, situated below and slightly behind the nostril. 

 No scales. 



Scolecomorphus Kirkii, sp. n. 



Teeth very small, subequal. Snout very prominent, 

 rounded. Tentacle on a large oval swelling situated on the 

 lower surface of the snout. " 



Body slender ; 152 circular folds, 

 al and ventral lines. Tail indis~ 



all interrupted on the dorsal 

 tinct, rounded. Dark olive above, brownish olive beneath. 

 Total length 270 millim. ; greatest diameter of body 7 millim, 

 A single specimen, obtained through Sir J. Kirk, probably 

 from the vicinity of Lake Tanganyika. 









