XIX. Contribution to the anatomy of hatteria (rhynchocephalus, Owen)

Abstract

The remarkable Saurian which forms the subject of this memoir, appears to have been first mentioned in a diary by Mr. Anderson, the companion of Captain Cook, to whom “a monstrous animal of the lizard kind” was described by the two New Zealand boys who joined the expedition whilst staying in Queen Charlotte’s Sound (Cook’s Third Voyage, 2d edit., 1785, vol. i. p. 153). Polack (New Zealand, 1838, vol. i. p. 317) speaks of it as a creature well known to the settlers. “The gigantic lizard or guana exists principally in the island of Victoria. Some are found in the isles of the Bay of Plenty. The natives relate ogre-killing stories of this reptile, but doubtless it is harmless.” Dr. Dieffenbach has the merit of having first made us acquainted with it. In his 'Travels in New Zealand,' vol. ii. (1843) p. 205, he has the following notes:—“I had been apprized of the existence of a large lizard, which the natives called Tuatera, or Narara, with a general name, and of which they were much afraid. But although looking for it at the places where it was said to be found, and offering great rewards for a specimen, it was only a few days before my departure from New Zealand that I obtained one, which had been caught at a small rocky islet called Karewa, which is about two miles from the coast, in the Bay of Plenty. From all that I could gather about this Tuatera, it appears that it was formerly common in the islands; lived in holes, often in sand­hills near the sea-shore; and the natives killed it for food. Owing to this latter cause, and no doubt also to the introduction of pigs, it is now very scarce; and many even of the older residents of the islands have never seen it. The specimen from which the description is taken I had alive, and kept for some time in captivity; it was extremely sluggish, and could be handled without any attempt at resistance or biting."