EMYS GUTTATA. 83 



on their upper surface; there are five toes, fully palmatcd, four only of which are 

 furnished with nails. The tail is of moderate length, and slightly compressed. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of this animal, the head as well as the 

 extremities, is black, beautifully dotted with orange-coloured spots. These spots 

 vary greatly in disposition and number, but are always present; generally there 

 are three or four on the head and neck, and one on each marginal plate; they are 

 most numerous on the lateral plates, varying^ometimes from three to nine. The 

 jaws are horn-colour, sometimes yellow. Besides the dark colour that prevails so 

 universally, there is frequently a strong tinge of brick-dust colour or red on the 

 throat and extremities. The under surface of the tail is reddish, spotted with 

 brown; around the vent is red. 



The sternum varies much in colour; in some it is yellow, in others dusky; in 

 general the centre and borders are yellow, while the middle of each plate is 

 marked with black blotches. 



Dimensions. Length of shell, 4^ inches; greatest breadth, 3 inches; length of 

 sternum, 4 inches; elevation, 1 uich 8 Imes. 



Habits. The Emys guttata is timid and gentle, and can be easily domesticated. 

 It lives in ponds, brooks and rivers, feeding on such animals as it can seize, as 

 tadpoles, young frogs, &c. It takes to the land frequently in search of food, 

 devouring earth-worms, crickets, grasshoppers, &c. 



Gkographical Distribution. The Emys guttata, like the Emys picta, is widely 

 extended. Leconte, who is good authority, says "over the whole United States." 

 I have observed it on the Atlantic border, from lat. 43° to Florida, but have never 

 seen a specimen from the western or south-western States. 



General Remarks. Although in the specific character of this animal the shell 

 is described as smooth, yet there is a variety where the lateral plates are marked 



