64 Mr. Ord's Notes on the Box-Tortoise of the United States of America. 



surface of the ground has been hardened by them, and these have, doubtless, 

 occasioned the death of the embryos. 



" It should seem that the late summer did not prove sufficiently warm to 

 favour the production of these singular animals ; for with all the advantages 

 which our garden affords, (and it lies well exposed to the sun,) out of upwards 

 of twenty eggs, but four brought forth mature young. One of these four 

 escaped from the inclosure some days ago : the remaining three I have placed 

 near some old tortoises ; and have spread hay over the latibulum, to guard 

 them from the rigours of winter." 



In the month of March, 1833, I removed to the country; consequently I 

 lost the opportunity of making any further observations on the tortoises which 

 remained at the city residence. I learned, however, that the young ones re- 

 appeared in the spring with the adults, and lived in the garden for several 

 years. 



Philadelphia, September 26, 1840. 



