HEPTILliS OF BRITISH BIUMA. 23 



there a pale scale, but no markiugs (that is, in the adult). Ter- 

 minal half of tail yellowish. 



a. Body 1400. Tail 2100. Total 3800. Tonghu. 



Pretty generally diffused in Birma. 



Touug animals are more highly coloured, and are ornamented 

 with yellow ocelli, and dark streaks. 



V. FLAVESCENS, Gray. 



Griinther records this species from Pinaug ; and Major Berdmore 

 has sent it from Mergui 5 but I have never obtained a specimen in 

 Pegu, though it is of course found there. 



Large specimens are not often procurable, as tliey are much 

 sought after by both Birmese and Karens as choice articles of 

 food. They are chiefly hunted with dogs, whose scent enables 

 them to discover the large Yarans in the hollow trees in which 

 they habitually shelter themselves. A Birman, though ordinarily 

 a lazy man, will think nothing of cutting down and breaking up 

 a large tree in which one of these creatures has sought refuge. 

 When captured, if not immediately required, the animal's fore feet 

 ai'e bent round over its back, a few of its toes broken, and the 

 lacerated sinews, partly drawn out, are tied together into a knot, 

 so as to render the animal helpless. The Varani deposit their 

 eggs in the ground, usually selecting a deserted White Ants' nest. 

 The eggs az-e cylindrical, with tapering ends, of a dirty-white 

 colour and leathery texture (those of V. dracesna are two inches 

 long), and, being esteemed an uncommon luxury, sell dearer 

 than fowls' eggs. They are oily and feculent-looking, though 

 devoid of any nauseous odour ; and some Europeans eat them with 

 pleasure. 



Hydrosaurus, Wagler. 



H, SALVATOR, Laur. 



Colour above brownish black, limbs yellow-spotted. Pour 

 transverse bands of yellow rings or ocelli across the back. Base 

 of the tail rather streaky, mottled yellow and black, and then 

 alternately broadly banded yellow and black. Beneath yellow. 

 Throat black-spotted. The markings are clearest in young speci- 

 mens. 



«. Adult. Body 32-50. Tail 45-50. Total 7800. 



Procured by Lieut.-Col. Phayre near Pan goon. 



h. Young female. Body lG-50. Tail 23-75. Total 40-25. 



