170 W. Theobald — On Indian and Burmese Species of Trionyx. [August, 



muslin in the Stacy group are garments which were unknown to Greek artists. 

 Doubtless the art displayed in the two pieces of sculpture is superior to what 

 we are accustomed to in other parts of India at a later age, but such of the 

 ancient sculptures of Mathura as have come to light along with these, and 

 which are thoroughly Indian in subject, are not much inferior to them, 

 and making due allowance for the decayed character of the Udayagiri, 

 Sanchi and Amaravarti sculptures there is nothing to show that those who 

 designed and carved them could not produce the Mathura figures. 



" With reference to the third question, I regret to have to differ from 

 Mr. Growse in the opinion that the stones were intended for bases of pillars. 

 When I first received his paper, I was led to think that he was right, and 

 accordingly wrote to him to say that I would have to give up the opinion 

 which I had before expressed of the stones being fountains or tazzas. But 

 a thorough study of the subject induces me to revert to my old opinion. 

 The top of the Stacy stone is carefully cut into a shallow circular cup and 

 polished, so as to indicate that it was intended to be kept exposed and hold a 

 fluid. Such a cavity could never be intended to serve as a receptacle for the 

 end of a pillar. The Indian mortice is a square hole roughly cut and never 

 polished, and this is the case with every stone that has been yet discovered in 

 Muthura, and the tenons are always in keeping with it. There is nothing 

 to show that there ever was a departure from this rule in any case, and a, priori 

 it may be said that as a mechanical contrivance the shallow cup would never 

 be equal in strength and security to a square mortice. I have not had an 

 opportunity of seeing Mr. Growse's stone, but from the drawings and photo- 

 graphs sent by him the outline of its top appears like that of a shallow basin, 

 which I imagine it to be. The stones are besides so shaped as not to be at 

 all fit for stylobates. Their flatness, with carvings on two sides, would unfit 

 them for such a purpose. As ornaments for a garden or courtyard, as 

 fountains or tazzas, they would appear much more appropriate and 

 befitting, and I am therefore disposed to take them for such." 



2. — Observations on some Indian and Burmese species of Trionyx, with a 

 Rectification of their Synonymy and a Description of two New Species. 

 By W. Theobald. 



(With Plates 1$, III, and IV.) Y" 



Since the publication of my observations on Indian Trionychcs in the 

 Proceedings for 1874, I have obtained additional materials for the study 

 of the group, which, after due comparison with specimens in the Indian 

 Museum, Calcutta, and with specimens previously in my own possession, 

 suggest certain important modifications of the synonymy of our Gangetic 

 species. 



