UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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lurking in every thicket. These birds frequent the ponds, rivers and 

 creeks, during the summer; build in tar trees of the swamps, and 

 those of the islands in the ponds; they construct their nests of sticks; 

 the eggs are of a sky blue colour, and from six to eight in number. 



ZOOLOGY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

 CLASS AMPHIBIA. 



The Soft-shelled Tortoise is the largest of the Testudo genus found 

 in North America. When full grown it weighs upwards of 40 pounds. 

 Its flesh is very delicate. It is fierce, and when attacked defends 

 itself by biting. They are found in Florida, and are common in many 

 parts of South America. Of the Tortoise, commonly known by the 

 name of Tarrapins, there appears to be several species. Those 

 brought from the Susquehannah are the largest, being from a foot to 

 18 inches in length. The head, claws and sides, are black, with 

 bright yellow lines ; shell, gibbous, oval, and of a dusky 'brown co- 

 lour. Those which are found near Egg Harbour, and on the eastern 



"Frequently called the horn make, from a blunt horny point, half an inch in length, which terminates 

 the tail. This appearance has misled some writers to class it among the crotali under the name of tho 

 u-ater rattle snake. It is very venomous. 



Vol. II. 



