CYCLEMYS ORBICULATA. 
the latter and the adult of the present, to suppose that they were specimens of 
an identical species, differing in age. The general orbicular form, the strong 
denticulations of the margin, the distinct carina, and the radiated lines on the 
sternum, as well as the general colour, may readily produce this impression; 
but closer observation will point out, not specific only, but generic distinctions 
between them. The permanent separation of the sternal from the dorsal 
bones, which are only connected by means of a ligament similar to that which 
performs the same office in Terrapene, is sufficiently important to warrant this 
conclusion; and on the other hand, the integrity of the whole sternum effec¬ 
tively distinguishes it from the true Box Tortoises, which have invariably one 
or more transverse divisions of the sternum itself, the lobes of which move as 
on a hinge; whilst in Cyclemys, the only motion of which the sternum is 
susceptible is that of being brought altogether a very little nearer to the dorsal 
shell. In Terrapene europcea, indeed, these two kinds of motion are combined, 
though each of them exists but in a small degree. Placing it, therefore, next to 
the Box Tortoises, we are compelled, by the affinities which I have mentioned, 
to view the Indian form of the genus Emys as that which most closely approxi¬ 
mates to it on the other side, and consequently that which approaches most 
nearly to the Box Tortoises; a conclusion which could not have resulted from 
our previous knowledge of the group. 
The specimens which I possess of this species have reached me from various 
oriental localities; from Madras, Bombay, and China. I have had not less 
than six or seven living, of various ages. 
One of the individuals lived in my possession for many months, feeding 
heartily on raw flesh. Its flattened form and thin expanded margin enabled 
it to swim with great rapidity. 
To the very young state Mr. Gray has in his Synopsis given the name of 
j Emys Dhor , after Dr. Hamilton. The name orbiculata had, however, been 
previously assigned to it by myself; and I retain it not only on this account, 
but because of some doubt which exists as to the identity of Hamilton’s species 
with the present. 
Mons. Bibron has placed this species in the genus Cistuda ( Terrapene , nob.), 
to which, however, I cannot assent. There is no division of the sternum into 
