154 



MR. A. LOVERIDGE OX 



A constant feature in the coloration of the Lumbo specimens 

 was the black specklings on the lower labials and chin region 

 which was only fonnd, and then but slightly, in two specimens 

 (Morogoro) from other localities. The two specimens referred to 

 were taken on the Ulnguru Mts., 3000 ft. above Morogoro ; they 

 differed from the specimens collected elsewhere in the very dark 

 ventral surface which is usually white. 



The colouring of Lumbo specimens noted at the time was as 

 follows : — Above of a pale or dark bronze, back variegated with 

 black spots, sometimes tipped with white. In one male three 

 somewhat indefinite white dorsal lines. White stripe commences 

 at nostril, unites with white upper labials at end of mouth, passes 

 beneath eye and through ear, and continues along side, where it is 

 particularly clear and distinct, as far as hind-leg, where it ends. 

 Distinct reddish tint in lumbar region and base of tail. The 

 whole under surface of body and tail pure white. Throat white, 

 freckled at chin and lower jaw region with jet black spots." 



The following notes were made on present females : — - 



21.iv. 17. Kongwa. 7 eggs containing minute embryos, 



eggs 8x6 mm. 



17. vi. 15, Nairobi. 4 eggs containing large embryos, eggs 



12x8 mm. Embryos 1 5 -f 1 0 mm. 

 11. vii. 18. Lumbo. 5 eggs measuring 9x6 mm. 



5 „ „ 10x?mm. 



„ 7 ,, „ 10x10 mm. con- 



tained large embryos. 



Mabuia striata (Peters). 



Blgr. Cat. Liz. iii. 1887, p. 202. 



Twenty-six specimens were collected at Nairobi, Morogoro, 

 Duthumi, Dar-es Salaam, and Lumbo. This lizard was seen at 

 almost every place through which we passed, as it is so common 

 and unmistakable a large series was not collected. It adapts 

 itself to any situation, arboreal or terrestrial. I have seen a 

 pregnant female basking on a palm leaf ; the Dar-es-Salaam 

 specimen was obtained running down a palm-tree trunk. The 

 grass-huts of natives are a favourite spot, but it adapts itself to 

 the stone-built dwelling of the white man, emerging from holes 

 in the masonry to bask on window-sills or on the galvanised-iron 

 roof. In one house in which the writer lived they used to make 

 a great racket in the roof-guttering, where they could chase each 

 other. On jDutting on my slippers on one occasion, I found one 

 in the toe, where it had evidently retired for the night, as it was 

 evening. Rockeries and rubbish-tips afford good refuges, and 

 they fall easy victims when found inside old tins in the latter 

 situation, which is often the case. 



The largest male, 8| inches (97"125 mm.), was taken at Lumbo, 

 also the largest female, 9| inches (108*130 mm.). The colour varies 

 a good deal. At Handeni I observed some large specimens basking 



