42 • CHELONIA. 



Bataqur dhongoka. The Dhongoka. 



Emys dhongoka, Gray, Illustr. Ind. Zool. ii. tab. 



duvaucellii, Dum. ij- Bibr. Erpet. gen. ii. p. 334. 



Batagur dhongoka, Gray, Shield Rept. p. 36. tab. 18 (young), & tab. 36. fig. 1 (skull). 



Although this species is very similar to the Kachuga, it may be easily distinguished by 

 several constant characters. The differences between young and old indiAiduals are the same 

 in both species, wherefore we need not repeat them. The Dhongoka is rather more de- 

 pressed in its general form than the Kachuga, especially in the hinder third of the shell, 

 which is much dilated. There is a slight notch between the caudal plates ; hind margin 

 distinctly serrated in young specimens, the serrature becoming obsolete with age. An inter- 

 rupted keel along the middle of the vertehrals. Sternum flat, with lateral keels in young 

 individuals, truncated in front. 



Plates. — Nuchal plate triangular, broadest behind ; the first and second vertehrals longer 

 than broad ; the second as long as broad in young specimens ; the fourth much longer than 

 broad. All the vertehrals are more or less distinctly keeled, the keel on the second and third 

 vertehrals terminating in a prominent elongate knob. Caudal plates longer than broad. 

 Gulars as broad as long, the suture between them being equal in length to that between the 

 postgulars. The hind margins of the postgulars form a straight line. Pectorals shorter than 

 postgulars, abdominals, or praeanals. Anals quadrangular ; the suture between them is as 

 long as their hind margins, which are concave. 



The soft parts of this species appear to be very similar to those of the Kachuga. 



Colour. — Vertebral ridge and an interrupted stripe on each side of it black. A yellow line 

 runs from the nostril to the upper part of the tympanum. 



This species is found in the Ganges at Sultanpoor (Lahore), in Nepal, and in Assam. The 

 shell of the largest specimen I have seen is 15 inches long and is entii-ely ossified. 



PLATYSTERNUM, Gray. 



Shell entirely bony, comparatively small, much depressed ; sterno-costal 

 suture covered with a series of three plates. Head very large, covered with 

 u thick, hard, horny case ; jaws strong. Tail very long, covered with rings 

 of subquadrangular shields. Head, tail, and limbs not capable of being 

 retracted within the shell. Toes moderately webbed ; claws strong, five 

 anteriorly and four posteriorly. 



