140 
Annals of the Transvaal Museum. 
Genus Scapteira, Wiegm. 
Bouleng., B. M. Cat. Ill, p. 107. 
S. depressa , Merrem. 
Bouleng., 1. c. p. 110: Werner, Kept. Ampli. Schultzes Reise, p. 336. 
7 examples from the Namib Desert, and the sandy plains between the 
Great and Little Karas Mountains. Localities: 317b (juvenile), Wasserf all; 
3263, Luderitzbucht ; 3264-3268, Groendoorn. 
In colour the specimens from the two localities differ : those from, 
the Karasberg District are coppery-brown above, that from Luderitzbucht 
is greenish. The juvenile individual shows the markings as cited in the 
Brit. Mus. Cat., but differed in life in so far as the dark stripes were quite 
black, and slightly broader than the light stripes : these latter were, 
moreover a light saffron or buff in colour : the limbs were inclined to 
pink, and the tail was lemon-yellow. 
Genus NuCRAS, Gray. 
Bouleng. B. M. Cat., Ill, p. 52. 
N. tessellata , Smith. 
Bouleng., 1. c., and Ann. S. A. Mus., Y, 1910, p. 474: Hewitt, Ann. Transv. Mus., II, 1910, 
p. 107, and III, 1911, p. 48. 
4 examples : 3169-3171 at Kraikluft in the Great Karas Mountains at 
5000 feet : 3172 between Nakeis and Groendoorn. All agree with the form 
referred to by Boulenger as typica : buff or sand colour above, head and 
neck darker ; on sides dark vertical bars as far as the groin. Largest 
specimen 243 mm. long of which the tail is 177 mm. 
This species was found to frequent sandy places. 
Family GERRHOSAURIDAE. 
Genus CORDYLOSAURUS, Gray. 
Gray, P. Z. S., 1865, p. 641 : Bouleng., B. M. Cat. Ill, p. 126. 
C. trivittatus , Pet. 
Bouleng., 1. c. : Werner, Kept. Batr. Schultzes Reise, 1910, p. 341. 
6 examples. 3269-3273 from Quibis ; 3274 from Narudas Biid ; 
another individual was also seen at Kraikluft, altitude 5000 feet. They 
were found under stones usually in rocky or stony localities. They were 
extremely rapid in' their movements and very readily dropped the tail 
when seized. 
The colour of this animal in life is exceedingly rich and beautiful, 
the effect being very striking in the bright sunshine. A broad jet-black 
stripe passes from a point just behind the rostral, over the lmad and back, 
and along one-half the length of the tail : on each side of this stripe is one 
which is narrower, pale buff or light ochre on the head and the anterior 
three-quarters of the back, a brilliant coerulean blue on the hinder part of 
the back and on the tail. There is also a black lateral stripe on each side. 
The digits and under parts of the limbs are reddish.* 
* I was told by some bastard Hottentots who accompanied us that this animal was 
greatly valued by them as a remedy against snake bites : at the same time they looked upon 
the creature as very poisonous (to eat apparently) : after some discussion as to the merits of 
this little animal and of its comparative rarity one of my informants solemnly proposed 
buying a specimen from me for a sovereign — the usual market price for these things I believe. 
It was with much reluctance that I had to refuse such a tempting offer. — P.A.M. 
