SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIES. 201 
third, and fourth vertebrals much longer than the anterior and posterior sutures; vertebrals 
much narrower than costals; posterior margin of carapace slightly 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 width of the carapace; the posterior lobe a trifle wider than the 
antetior, its length much less than the width of the bridge; abdominal suture longest, equaling 
those of the pectorals and femorals together; humeral suture shortest; 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; alveolar surface broad, with a 
deep notch behind on the median line; symphysis 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 abruptly 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 tympanum; a line on the symphysis of the 
mandible bifureating on the chin and a third median line originating on the chin a short 
distance behind the fork, the three continuing parallel down the under side 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.”” SreJNEGER, 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 limestone cavern within the town of San An- 
tonio de los Bafios. 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 delicious, 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 already 
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. 
