sometimes the thin edges are indented; but in most, the anterior part of the upper mandible is deeply notched; and on each side of this notch is a tooth, or rather angular prominence, while the tip of the lower mandible fits into the intermediate notch. Sometimes the upper mandible closely resembles that of the falcon.

In one important point the Cryptodera differ remarkably from the animals included in the second tribe, or Pleurodera. The pelvis is articulated to the internal surface of the carapace, by a cartilage corresponding to the os sacrum, while with respect to the plastron it is free; a circumstance which permits most of the marsh Tortoises of the tribe Cryptodera, to move slightly the latter portion of their osseous box; and this, accordingly, has a less degree of solidity. In the Pleurodera, on the contrary, the pelvis is firmly fixed, on the one part to the roof of the carapace, and on the other part, to the floor of the plastron.

The Cryptodera are divided into many genera, and of these we shall first notice the genus Cistudo, containing the Box Tortoise.

GENUS CISTUDO.

In this genus, the fore-feet have five toes, the posterior four; the plastron is broad, oval, and attached to the carapace by a cartilaginous union; a transverse hinge divides it into two moveable portions or valves, by means of which the whole body may be completely shut in: it is covered with twelve horny plates.

The CAROLINA TERRAPIN, or Box TORTOISE, (C. Carolina.)-This remarkable species, both in its habits, in the vaulted form of its carapace, and in the structure of its feet, which are but slightly palmated, forms the link between the marsh and the terrestrial Tortoises; being more particularly allied, on the side of the latter, to the genus Cinixys. In the genus Cinixys, the feet are less clubshaped than in other land Tortoises, the carapace is more

depressed, and the hinder part of the carapace (not the plastron) is moveable.

The Carolina Terrapin inhabits North America, from Hudson's Bay to the Floridas. It is not aquatic in its habits, but, like the terrestrial Tortoises, lives exclusively on the land, giving preference to woods, and dry situations, where it digs burrows for its winter dormitory, and also shallow excavations in which to deposit its eggs. Its food consists both of vegetables and insects. Though its flesh is occasionally eaten, it is but in low estimation; the eggs, however, which are about as large as those of a pigeon, are accounted excellent, and are much sought after.

Of all the marsh Tortoises, this species has the shortest and most convex carapace; and a sort of keel runs down its centre. Nevertheless, it is subject to many variations, not only as it respects colour, but even general form; in some individuals it is oblong and somewhat depressed, and ornamented with large yellow spots, of an irregular form, blending into the ground colour, which is brown. In others the spots of yellow are distinct, and the form of the carapace is hemispherical. Others, again, have the carapace and plastron black, mottled with orange; and others, the carapace much depressed, destitute of a keel, and of an olive green colour.

The AMBOINA BOX TORTOISE, (Cistudo Amboinensis.) -This elegant species, of which we give a figure, (see engraving,) is a native of Java and Amboina, but nothing is known of its manners. Its carapace is oval, moderately elevated, and keeled above; the top of the head is of a yellowish brown, bordered with black, but the sides of the head, the jaws, the sides and under part of the neck are of a rich bright yellow, relieved by a black line beginning behind each eye, and running to the neck; a black and yellow line also advance from the eye to the nose. The carapace is brown with a yellow line along the

centre, and a yellow margin. The plastron is yellow, each plate having a black mark at its posterior angle.

The EUROPEAN BOX TORTOISE, (Cistudo Europea.)— Like the Carolina species, the present example is subject to great variation in the form of its shell, and hence some degree of confusion has arisen, in consequence of varieties having been mistaken for distinct species.

This pretty Tortoise is very widely spread, and might, no doubt, be naturalized in the southern counties of England. It is found not only in Greece, Italy, and the adjacent islands, as well as in Spain and Portugal, but it inhabits the south of France, Hungary, Germany, and even Prussia. Every where it gives preference to still waters, lakes, ponds, and marshes, in the mud of which it delights to bury itself. Sometimes, however, invited by the sun, it comes to the surface, where it remains for hours motionless, in the apparent enjoyment of the warmth. Its food consists of aquatic insects and larvæ, and particularly of small fishes, to which it gives chase, or which it seizes as they unwarily approach within reach. These it kills previously to devouring them, but rejects the air sac, which rises and floats on the surface; and the people of the countries where this Tortoise is found, are accustomed to judge of the plenty or scarcity of these animals in any pool or sheet of water, by the numbers of these floating air sacs. The flesh of the European Box Tortoise, though not very delicate, is nevertheless eaten on the continent: it is said, however, to be greatly improved by feeding the animals, for some time, on grains, bran, and other vegetable aliment.

When about to lay her eggs, the female seeks a dry place, near the edge of the water, and there scoops out a shallow hole, in which she deposits them; they are of a white colour marbled with grey.

On the approach of winter, these Tortoises leave the water, and retire into holes about the bank, or in sheltered nooks, and there bury themselves, passing the