In most of the species of _Terrapene_ the carapace has a pattern of pale markings on a darker background; however, unicolored individuals are the rule in certain populations (for example, at the western edge of the range of _T. carolina_ and in _T. ornata luteola_) and occur as occasional variations in other populations (in _T. yucatana_, _T. mexicana_, and, throughout the range of _T. carolina_, albeit more commonly in the southeastern part of the range). Personal observation of interspecific and ontogenetic variation of color patterns of box turtles has convinced me that a basic pattern of more or less linear radiations is the one from which all other patterns (including spots, blotches, rosettes, and the unicolored condition) can be derived, and, that the radial pattern is generalized and primitive for _Terrapene_ (possibly for all emyids and testudinids as well). In the light of this conclusion, the radial pattern of _T. ornata_ may be considered generalized. I suspect, however, that the pattern of a living species most closely approaching that of the primitive ancestral stock of _Terrapene_ is the pattern of fine, wavy, dark radiations (on a paler background) present in young examples of _T. coahuila_. Box turtles in general have lower reproductive potentials (as indicated by fewer eggs and longer prepuberal period) than do most aquatic emyids. This low potential seems to be compensated for by a lower rate of postnatal mortality (especially in adults) due to the protection afforded by the closable shell and the ability to recover from serious injury. _Terrapene o. ornata_ and _T. c. carolina_ are the only box turtles the life histories of which are known well enough to permit significant comparison. The reproductive potentials of _T. o. ornata_ and _T. c. carolina_ seem to be much the same. [Illustration: PLATE 15] Aerial photograph of Damm Farm (July, 1954). Numbers and letters on photograph denote the following: 1. Main pasture with subdivisions a to c, respectively, northwest corner area, house pond area, and southern ravine area; 2. Wooded area; and, 3. Cultivated area. [Illustration: PLATE 16] FIG. 1. A water-filled ravine in the northern part of the pasture at the Damm Farm (June 28, 1958). The subdivision of the pasture referred to in text as "northwest corner area" can be seen sloping into the ravine from the west (left background). FIG. 2. A cow path leading southward away from a ravine, at the Damm Farm (June 28, 1958). Ornate box turtles used such paths as routes of travel in the course of their daily activities. [Illustration: PLATE 17] FIG. 1. Grassland on crest of hill at Damm Farm with northeastern corner of main pasture in background (June 29, 1958).