JQ2 . EMYS GEOGRAPHICA. 



breadth of shell, 6 inches; length of tail, Sj inches; length beyond the vent, U 

 inches. 



Habits. The Emys geographica is bolder and more active than the anunals 

 of this class generally; those that I have seen approaching even the Chelonvu-a in 

 their disposition to bite when disturbed. 



Geographical Distribution. This animal was first observed by Lesueur in 

 the marshes about Lake Erie; and Troost has smce seen them abundantly m 

 Cumberland river, Tennessee, and other western waters. And recently, Mr. 

 Haldeman has furnished me specimens of the Eniys geographica from the Susque- 

 hanna river, so that the animal has a much wider geograpliical range than was at 

 first supposed. 



General Remarks. When this animal first came into my possession, I believed 

 it had never been described, and called it Emys megacephala, from the great size 

 of the head. My error arose from having at that time seen only one individual, 

 and that with the lines on the shell very indistmct — almost imperceptible. I am 

 now, however, satisfied, after the examination of many specimens, that it is the 

 real Emys geographica of Lesueur, and have, consequently, restored to it its 

 proper appellation. Indeed, the plate first given has only been altered, in having 

 the lines on the shell added, which were so indistinct in the specuncn I first 

 received from Troost; and this alteration has been done from a beautiful animal 

 furnished by my friend Haldeman. It will now be seen that it bears the greatest 

 resemblance to the plate of the Emys geographica of Lesueur, done by himself — 

 in form of shell — shape and colour of jaws — lines and marking on the carapace; 

 and that it agrees equally well Avith his description. And furthermore, I have now 

 in my possession an animal that agrees in the minutest particulars with the one 

 here described, that was found in the state of New York, sent to the Garden of 

 Plants in Paris many years ago, and marked Testudo geographica — done, as I 

 was informed, by Lesueur huuself. 



