SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIES. 201 



third, and fourth ^•ertebrals much longer tlian the anterior and posterior sutures; vertehrals 

 much narrower than costals; posterior margin of carapace shghtly serrate, each of four pos- 

 terior marginals on each side being faintly emarginate; carapace broader behind than in front, 

 the posterior marginals flaring out considerably; plastron less than two thirds and more 

 than one-half the greatest witlth of the carapace; the posterior lobe a trifle wider than the 

 anterior, its length much less than the width of the bridge; abdominal suture longest, equaling 

 those of the pectorals and femorals together; humeral suture sliortest; gulars projecting, 

 cut off squarely anteriorly; plastron slightly emarginate behind; axillars and inguinals large, 

 latter largest; head moderate; snout short, pointed, feebly projecting; upper jaw with a very 

 slight median notch, no cusps; jaws feebly denticulated; aheolar surface broad, with a 

 deep notch behind on the median line; symphjsis of mandible as broad as one-half the long- 

 est diameter of the orbit; digits connected with broad webs. Color (in alcohol) of carapace 

 above nearly uniform tawny olive; plastron yellowish, with obscure dusky symmetrical 

 sinuous markings all over; top of head without markings ; yellowish lines narrowly edged with 

 blackish on sides and under surface of head and neck, one from the nostrils crossing the 

 upper jaw obliquely and ending abniptly at the posterior angle to the mandible, another from 

 above the nostrils, crossing the eye to the lower posterior edge of the orbit, and thence 

 obliquely down and backward to the corner of the mouth, continuing backward under the 

 tympanum down the side of the neck; two fainter lines, one between the two just described 

 and one above the transocular line, crossing the tjanpanum; a line on the symphysis of the 

 mandible bifurcating on the chin and a third median line originating on the chin a short 

 distance behmd the fork, the three continuing parallel down the under sitle of the neck; two 

 similar but wider lines on the upper side of the fore legs and two on the under side of the hind 

 legs." Stejneger, Ann. rept. U. S. N. M. for 1902, 1904, p. 711-713. 



In spite of popular belief there is but one species of Jicotea found in Cuba, 

 which is also found in Jamaica, Haiti, Porto Rico, and the Island of Pines. So 

 far no separation has been made of individuals from these several localities, 

 although it is by no means improbable that in the future it may be determined 

 that valid, recognizable races occur upon each island. 



The Jicotea is found in suitable situations all over the Island. In the 

 larger rivers such as the Rio Cauto it is abundant although it is constantly 

 diminishing in numbers since many individuals are killed and eaten. In western 

 Cuba large numbers may be seen in Lake Ariguanabo and in the river into which 

 it empties only to disappear in a hmestone cavern within the town of San An- 

 tonio de los Banos. The Jicoteas are sensitive to the least cool weather and are 

 only seen at their best when basking in the torrid rays of a vertical sun. Their 

 flesh is deUcious, and if measures for their preservation are not taken it is prob- 

 able that the march of time will see them exterminated. The species is aheady 

 far from common in Porto Rico and Jamaica. 



In the market place at Guantanamo they bring from ^.40-^.60 each. They 

 are often caught by submerging a deep pouch of chicken wire held open by an 

 iron ring. This hangs from a pulley operated from some overhanging limb. 



