EMYS TECTUM. 
There is scarcely another species of tortoise which stands so completely 
alone in the peculiarity of its form as this. Although agreeing with some 
other Indian species in the character of its sternum, which is perfectly flat in the 
centre, and almost carinated at the sides, as well as in the entireness of the margin, 
it differs from these and from all other fluviatile species in the elevation of the 
upper shell. It is considerably raised in the centre, and descends in a straight 
line to the margin on each side; so that lines drawn from the central ridge to the 
margin, and across from one side of the margin to the other, would form 
nearly a rectangular triangle, of which the latter is the hypothenuse. The 
carina on the three first vertebral plates is very prominent, and terminates, at 
the posterior part of the third, in a prominent spine. There is also a slight 
carina on the two hinder vertebral plates in some specimens. The resemblance 
which the shell bears to the roof of a house, suggested the specific name 
Tectum , which Mr. Gray has, in his Synopsis Reptilium, misquoted “ tecta ” 
covered, or, as he has translated it, “ tented! 
It is now several years since I first became possessed of a specimen of this 
species. Since that time I have obtained six or eight dried specimens, and 
two living ones, which, however, would not feed, and died after they had been 
in this country a few months. Amongst the extensive collection of drawings 
which General Hardwicke had formed in India, and which exhibits a splendid 
example of zeal and liberality in the pursuit of natural science, was one 
of this species, taken from the life, which has since been published in the 
Illustrations of Indian Zoology. This representation is very faulty in the 
drawing, and the colours are by far too bright. 
It may perhaps be worth mentioning, that several intestinal worms, of the 
genus Ascaris, passed from one of the individuals which I possessed. They 
are about an inch and half in length, and rather slender. I know of but one 
other instance of a tortoise being infested by these parasites. 
