The Terrapins 



of the carapace is quite smooth, with a dull lustre, although 

 blunt ridges are discernible on the sides. 



Colouration. The carapace is dull olive, or brownish above, 

 with a few coarse and indistinct yellow lines. On each of the 

 shields is one or two large blotches of black or dark brown. These 

 blotches impart a characteristic appearance and greatly assist 

 in separating the species from the Map Terrapin, although the 

 much heavier and tubercular keel is another strong character. 



The marginal shields of the underside of the carapace show 

 the dark, concentric blotches like the former species. The 

 plastron is immaculate yellow; occasionally marbled or lined 

 with gray or brown. 



Head markings. The head is large, with sharply-pointed 

 snout and the colouration is quite distinct. There are but few 

 lines on the top of the head, which is dark olive or black. The 

 lines are vivid yellow. One of these begins at the snout and 

 extends backward for a little distance past the eyes where it 

 abruptly terminates. Behind each eye is a bright yellow mark 

 in the form of a crescent, which connects with parallel lines 

 extending along the head and neck. Behind the crescents are 

 finer markings, which on many specimens, fork in vein-like 

 fashion. The limbs and tail are brightly striped. 



Dimensions. Length of Carapace of inches 



Width of 7j " 



Length of Plastron 8J 



Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron . . 4! " 

 Width of Head 2 



It will be noted, on comparing the different measurements 

 that the head of this species is proportionately large. The 

 measurements are of a female specimen. It was taken in Illinois 

 and weighed exactly four pounds. Specimens like it were sell- 

 ing in the eastern markets in November at $1.25 each, under 

 the title of "Sliders." 



Distribution. Valley of the Mississippi River. The species 

 occurs from Ohio to Mississippi, inclusive. 



Habits. Captive specimens are delicate and live but a 

 few months. They do best if supplied with running water, 

 with means of leaving the same rockwork or a log. Market- 

 men tell the writer that to keep a large number of specimens 

 alive for some time, it is necessary to keep them very cold at 



45 



