Reptilia and Batrachia of British India

Abstract

MORE than a quarter of a century has passed since Dr. Günther's “Reptiles of British India”¹ appeared. Externally, it has little in common with the present book. Dr. Günther's work is large, and not very handy; but it is adorned with 26 plates, which, as unmatched gems of modern lithography, possess enduring artistic value. Mr. Boulenger's work, which may be taken as a sort of second edition of the older book, is a volume of moderate size, with a number of simply executed woodcuts, which, consisting for the most part of diagrammatic outlines, are intended merely to aid the student in comprehending the structure of the skull and pholidosis. In one respect, however, and that the most important, the two books have a remarkable resemblance to one another. Both trace new paths for the classification of the animals with which they deal.

The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma.

Published under the authority of the Secretary of State for India in Council. Edited by W. T. Blanford. “Reptilia and Batrachia.” By George A. Boulenger. (London: Taylor and Francis, 1890.)