1869.] Descriptions of two neio species of Reptiles. 195 



Legs short ; toes rather slender, and shorter, in proportion, than 

 those of V. lunatus. 



Head much flattened, or depressed.* 



Teeth 10 in upper, and 10 in lower jaw, short, conical, and slightly 

 recurved. 



This is a true dry-land Varanus : the only two individuals of this 

 species which I have seen, having been found in the most dry, and 

 dusty places possible, far removed from water ; and both were found 

 in the neighbourhood of Sikandra, not far from the high road from 

 Agra to that place. 



I would here take the opportunity of observing, with regard to 

 Varanus draccena, and V. lunatus, that I cannot imagine why Gr an- 

 ther has called them a Water Lizards," as they have nothing to do 

 with water, and are always found in the driest places ! 



I would also remark that Varanus flavescens has nothing in 

 common with the above species, and should, I think, form the 

 type of a separate genus, or sub-genus, as a link between the 

 true land Varani, and the Hydro-sauri. For, being a decidedly 

 aquatic species, Varanus flavescens has a strong and deep longitudinal 

 ridge or " crest," on the upper side of the tail, almost like that 

 of a Hydro-saarus. The head also is higher and more triangular 

 than that of the true land Varani ; and the scales of the body are 

 larger, and so strongly and sharply keeled and pointed, as to form a 

 most marked distinction. The dentition also is different. 



And V. flavescens, besides, has not the " central — supra-rostral 

 groove," which I before mentioned as distinguishing the true dry- 

 land Varani. Both Varanus dracoena and V. lunatus are very com- 

 mon about Agra ; I have, therefore, had full opportunity of comparing 

 my new Varanus with numerous specimens of those two common 

 species. V nebulosus is not found here. 



I think Griinther is mistaken in ascribing only " ninety" transverse 

 series of scutes, from the gular fold to the loin, to V. draccena ; for 

 all the specimens of that species which I have obtained here, have not 



# The photograph from which the sketch on p. 196 is taken shews the head 

 to be remarkably broad and the snout short, what principally distinguishes this 

 species when compared with V. lunatus, and other known Indian forms. Un- 

 fortunately the photograph is not clear and is was impossible to give much 

 more than a correct outline of the head. (En.) 



