E M Y S . — Brongniart, Dumeril et Bibron. 



Genus Emys. — Characters. Shell depressed, solid; sternum broad, solid, 

 immovably joined to the shell, and covered Avith twelve plates; extremities 

 palmated, anterior with four, posterior with five nails. 



Remarks. The animals of this genus are exceedingly numerous in the United 

 States, fifteen different species having already been described by Naturalists. 

 The reason for this great abundance, must be sought for in the physical 

 geography of the country, covered as it is with great lakes and rivers, with 

 their tributaries, and abounding in smaller ponds and marshes, the favourite 

 haunts of the Emydes. In countries that are dry or elevated, these animals are 

 seldom seen. 



EMYS iMUHLEXBERGII.— Sc7iOf/#. 



Plate IV. 



Characters. Shell oblong, a little contracted at the sides, entire, slightly 

 carinate, dark brown, witlj blotches of obscure yellow and sub-radiating lines on 

 the lateral plates; sternum emarginate behind; a large orange spot behind the 

 head, on each side. 



SrNONYMES. Testudo Muhlenbergii, Schoepff, Hist. Test, p. 132, tab. 31. 

 Chersine ]Muhlenbergii, Merrem, Syst. der Ampbib., p. 30. 

 Emj-s jNIuhlenbergii, Schiceigger, Prod. Arcb. Kunigsb., torn. i. p. 310. 

 Emys bigultata, Say, Jour. Acad. Nat. Scien., vol. iv. p. 212. 



