FAMILY CHELONID^E. » 



Description. Shell smooth, slightly keeled in the centre ; composed of thirteen plates, viz. 

 five vertical plates which are hexagonal, and four lateral plates on each side. Marginal plates 

 twenty-seven ; the anterior broader than long ; the posterior pointed behind, and the last two 

 emarginate. Sternum convex, composed of six pair, with three supplementary ones on each 

 side. Head elongated, compressed at the sides. Fore feet in the shape of fins, longer than 

 those behind. Two nails, flat, 0-75 long, on the anterior edge of each fore foot ; two similar 

 but shorter nails on the posterior feet. Tail very short, conical. 



Color. A dull greenish, inclining to olive brown. 



Length, 23*0. Transverse diameter, 20 "0. 



Foreleg, 13-0. Hind leg, lO'O. 



The above notes were made from an individual which came on shore near my residence, 

 September, 1840, on the northern coast of Long Island. It is certain that this species is a native 

 of the tropical seas, and of course such an occurrence must be considered as purely acciden- 

 tal. In reference to the geographical distribution of animals, the enumeration of this species 

 as an inhabitant of the waters of the coast of New-York would lead us into error, by enlarging 

 unnecessarily its ordinary geographical limits. In preparing, however, a work designed to 

 illustrate the Fauna of this State, and for the instruction of the student who may accidentally 

 meet with other specimens, we have deemed it useful to insert this brief notice. My friend 

 Mr. I. Cozzens, a well known practical naturalist and excellent observer, informs me that he 

 has, on several occasions, seen them in the New- York Market, which had been captured off 

 Sandy Hook, and near Coney Island. 



The Green Turtle is well known to the epicure for its delicious steaks, and the savory 

 soup which it affords. Along the coast of Florida, it approaches the shores in the early part 

 of summer, and deposits its eggs in a hole scraped in the sand, where they are hatched by the 

 heat of the sun in the course of two or three weeks. 



(EXTRALIM1TAL.) 



C. caretta. Hawksbill Turtle. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 4.) Orbicular ; carinated above. Head very 

 large ; when young, the nose elongated. Gulf of Mexico. 



C. imbricata. Tortoise-shell Turtle. (Holbrook, Vol. 2, pi. 5.) Subcordate ; scales imbricate, yel- 

 low rayed and spotted with brown. Gulf of Mexico. 



