146 



prominent hook. Dusky, with irregular markings above; marginal 

 plates with much red; plastron red or partly yellowish; head and 

 neck brown, with numerous parallel stripes all of which are yellow; 

 variable. Length about twelve inches. Shell serrated at rear mar- 

 gin. 



Holbrook says this turtle is met with in "^running water, prefer- 

 ably with a rocky bed." Tliis differs materially from some of the 

 other turtles which prefer decidedly quite, muddy water. Eugene 

 Smith says ''The Slider is much used as a substitute for the real 

 Diamond Back Terrapin now that the latter is becoming scarce." 

 We have no specimens of this species, and would ask for both 

 specimens and notes on observations of its habits. 



Species 11. Pseudemys hieroglyphica (Holbrook). The Hierogly- 

 phic Tnrtle. 



This turtle has no distinctive common name other than that which 

 refers to the specific name given it by Holbrook. This refers to the 

 hieroglyphics or peculiar markings on its back. It is a turtle about 

 which comparatively' little is known, and comparatively few speci- 

 mens have been seen in this State. It occurs from New York to 

 Wisconsin and southward. It is decidedly limited in its distribu- 

 tion, having only isolated regions here and there in which it appears. 



The Hieroglyphic Turtle differs from P. rubriventris in lacking 

 the serrations of the jaw and in having the carapace smooth, olive- 

 brown, variously marked with reticulated or concentric yellowish 

 lines, plastron yellowish, and a dark blotch on the border of each 

 marginal shield. Shell, when twelve inches long, only three inches 

 high. 



"Nothing is known about its habits. It 1% undoubtedly entirely 

 aquatic." — Hay. 



As we have had no opportunity to examine specimens of this 

 turtle we cannot give any personal observations nor can we find 

 any definite statement published concerning its haunts and habits, 

 6ggs, young, food or economic features. 



Species 12. Chrysemys picta (Hermann). Painted Turtle. 



The Painted Turtle has been variously called Mud Turtle, Pond 

 Turtle, Chequered Tortoise, Painted Terrapin, Yellow-belly, Yellow- 

 bellied Terrapin, Painted Tortoise, and Chequered Terrapin. While 

 it is a mud turtle, this name is applied to several species and it 

 would be better to set it aside for only one species and thus avoid 

 confusion. It is best known as the "Painted Turtle", not only on 

 account of its bright colors, but also because the specific name, 

 "picta" means "painted" and refers to this feature. 



