EMYS RUBRIVENTRIS. 57 



The Sternum is red, generally clouded with a dusky shade. The inferior surface 

 of the marginal plates is also red, with dusky spots running into one, at the 

 junction of the plates. The wings are sometimes barred with black. 



The head and neck are dark brown above, with obscure red lines; the jaws are 

 horn colour, with a red line beginning below the nostrils, and running through the 

 upper to the lower jaw; two others begin at the back of the orbit of the eye — one 

 extends to the neck above the tympanum, the other passes beneath it. The throat 

 is dark, marked with large bands of red; one of these begins midway between the 

 chin and the articulation of the jaw; another begins at the chin, but soon 

 bifurcates; and between this bifurcation is a third and shorter line. 



The anterior extremities are dusky bro^vn, with two reddish lines on the supe- 

 rior surface, these lines are in some individuals yellow; the inferior surface is 

 dusky, with similar red or yellow lines. The posterior extremities are dusky, 

 with interrupted liuvjs of red or yellow; the webs are tinged with red, both on the 

 upper and lower suiface. 



Dimensions. Length of shell, 11 inches; greatest breadth, 7 inches; length of 

 sternum, lOj inches; greatest elevation, 4| inches; length of tail, 2 inches. They 

 are sometmies found of sreater dimensions. 



b 



Habits. The Emys rubriventris inhabits streams and rivers of running water, 

 generally preferring those with rocky beds. 



GEOGRApmcAL DISTRIBUTION. Its geographical range is very limited; as yet it 

 has not been found north of the Delaware river, nor to the south of Chesapeake 

 Bay. It is common in the Susquehanna and its tributaries, but is much more 

 abundant in the DelaAvare, especially in the neighbourhood of Trenton. It is 

 frequently brought to the Philadelphia market, from both these localities, though 

 its flesh is not greatly esteemed. 

 Vol. I.— 8 



