EMYS MOBILENSIS. ' 73 



bouring plate; in the centre of each blotch is a yellow spot, with two concentric 

 lines of the same colour; below these is frequently a black bar; the supplemental 

 plates are also marked by a black blotch. 



The head is dusky brown above, marked with longitudinal yellow lines; one 

 begins at the snout, and runs along the crown of the head to the occiput; smaller 

 lines run on each side of this; another line begins at the superior and inferior 

 border of the orbit; this increases till it becomes a band, and runs along the neck; 

 two other lines come from the orbit, one runs to the neck, above, and the other 

 below the tympanum, where it is continuous with a larger line that comes from 

 the lower jaw. The throat is ash colour, marked with three broad, yellow hues; 

 one beo^ins at the chin, and soon bifurcates, and in this bifurcation is included the 

 third hne. 



The anterior extremities are dusky in front, with longitudinal yellow lines; the 

 margins of the web are yellow; the posterior surface is marked with blotches and 

 bands of yellow. The posterior extremities are dark in front, with longitudinal 

 lines of yellow; on the inferior surface the yellow colour prevails over the dusky. 

 The tail is dusky, with longitudinal yellow stripes. 



Dimensions. Length of shell, 15 inches; greatest breadth, 91 inches; length of 

 sternum, 142 inches; greatest elevation, 6 inches. 



Habits. I have had no opportunity of observing the habits of this animal; 

 but from the shape and form of the extremities, it would seem to be eminently 

 aquatic. 



Geographical Distribution. As yet, Alabama is the only state in which this 

 animal has been found, though it doubtless inhabits others. It is numerous in the 

 neighbourhood of Mobile, where it is greatly esteemed as an article of food. 



General Remarks. This is a fine species of Erays, being next to the Emys 

 Vol. I.— 10 



