EMYDA PUNCTATA. 
approach to that group, in the increased extent of the sternum, in the union 
and consolidation of the ribs throughout their whole length, and in the mar¬ 
ginal bones. Besides these obvious affinities in the osseous structure, the power 
which the animal possesses of retracting and concealing its posterior extremi¬ 
ties constitutes another marked approach to the group in question. Here, 
then, it is met by the genus Chelys , in which we observe the prominent, cylin¬ 
drical and soft rostrum, the long flexile neck, the inability to enter wholly 
within the shell, and other characters which in a higher degree characterize 
the Trionychidce. 
Of this species I have received several specimens from India, all"of which 
had been long preserved in spirits; and it is probable that the colour of 
the specimen from which the present figures were taken was considerably 
changed. 
