144 



The carapace is ovate, broadest behind, margin flaring, not 

 strongly convex, phites usually with concentric grooves and stripes; 

 l)lastrou covering under surface, plates with concentric grooves and 

 radiating stripes. Color of carapace greenish or dark olive, rarely 

 black, the plates sometimes marked at center with yellow. Lower 

 jaw without spoon-shaped dilation. 



The Diamond-Back is found frequently in salt or brackish streams 

 of the marshes, near the sea shore. It buries in mud in the winter 

 and is taken from the mud in the fall, winter and spring at the time 

 when it is fat and in the best possible condition for the table. They 

 are now becoming rare and generally some less desirable turtle is 

 substituted for them, as the price is very high. This has always 

 been considered the most delicious of our turtles and in fact one of 

 the most desirable kinds of food for mankind. 



Fig. 7. Diamond-back Turtle. Figures showing dorsal, ventral and left side 

 views of shell. (One-half size of original.) Drawn by W. R. "Walton, in office 

 of H. A. Surface, State Zoologist. 



Holbrook says, "It lives in salt water and in salt marshes, where 

 it hibernates; far from these it is never seen. It is timid, easily 

 disturbed, and hides on least alarm. Swims with great rapidity 

 and moves quickly even on land. Is easily taken at time of egg- 

 laying. Flesh is excellent at all times, but most popular during 

 hibernation period." — Holbrook, p. 90. 



It is said that this trutle is systematically reared for market, 

 although it is doubtful if such business would become profitable on 

 account of their slow growth and multiplication, as this species 

 lays only 6 or 7 eggs at a time. 



''It is found in the salt marshes of New Jersey, scarce and rather 

 difficult to procure. They crawl out of the creeks on the advent of 

 frost and seek winter-quarters by hibernating in the black mud 



