TESTUDINATA. 763 



the projecting mucros or the step-like notches described above. In the 

 T. laticuneus I have observed the tarsus and metatarsus. The latter is com- 

 posed of much shorter bones than the corresponding ones in Stylemys, lead- 

 ing to the supposition that it has the shoi-t phalangeal series of the family 

 Testudinidce} The positive determination of this point remains for future 



investigators. 



Testudo cultratus Cope. 



Paleontologioal Bulletin No. 15, p. 6, August 20, 1873. Annual Report U. S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., 1873 



(1874), p. 511. 



Plate LXIII; figs. 1-3. 



Parts of two individuals of this species were obtained by my expedi- 

 tion of 1873. 



This is the smallest of the five species of Testudo, having about the 

 average size of the Stylemys nebrascensis. This is indicated by the costal 

 and marginal bones which accompany the portions of plastron of both speci- 

 mens. The width of the lip at the base is also less than that of any of the 

 other species, but the length and thickness are remarkable as compared 

 with the other dimensions. The width and thickness at the base of the lip 

 are nearly equal; both dimensions diminish to the apex, which is obtusely 

 acuminate. The superior face of the lip is gently convex in both dimen- 

 sions. The inferior surface is plane anteroposteriorly ; transversely it rises 

 to the external edge, which is subacute. The suture of the gular scutum 

 is directed posteriorly, giving the usual triangular form. The thickness of 

 the Hp is abruptly reduced above, where the surface descends to the meso- 

 sternal bone. 



The lip of one of the specimens is fissured deeply, in an eccentric 

 manner, on both sides of central core. Whether this or the unfissured con- 

 dition is characteristic of the species or not, is uncertain. It appears to be 

 homologous with the dentation in the lip of T. laticuneus. 



The marginal bones are robust, and are much thickened below. The 

 edges of those of the posterior margin are acute, while those of the anterior 

 border are obtuse, thus differing from those of T. laticuneus, where they are 

 acute. At the points where the dermal sutures reach the margin, both 



'See page 109 of this work, where the families of Testudinata are characterized. 



