EMYS DECUSSATA. 
humeral. In older individuals they entirely disappear, and the sternum some¬ 
times becomes irregularly clouded with brown. 
Few species of the genus have been more frequently offered to me for 
purchase than this; and it is strange that it should have remained so long 
undescribed. I have possessed many of them living, and have had as good 
an opportunity of observing their habits as the change of their condition 
would permit. They are voracious, like their congeners, tearing in pieces and 
greedily devouring meat, frogs, small fish, or any other food of this kind. On 
being teazed, they snap at any object held near them with considerable quick¬ 
ness and force. One of this species which I kept some years since, exhibited 
a peculiarity in the manner in which it took its food, which does not appear 
to belong to the species generally. On a portion of meat being presented to 
it in the water, its fore legs were stretched out directly forwards, the palms 
being placed outwards, and the feet were then agitated with a sort of vibratory 
motion, during which the head was suddenly darted out to seize the prey. 
I have not been able to ascertain from what part of America my specimens 
were brought; but I have reason to conclude that they are found in various 
parts of the United States. 
