1868.] 175 [Allen. 



dij^tribution of the greater part extends far to the southward ami 

 westward, where also the number of species gradually increases, and 

 beyond which they do not appear to exist. One only is marine, and 

 that is but an accidental visitor from the kSouth. In respect to the 

 Ophidians, nearly the same remarks apjily as to the Testndinata, the 

 lowlands of Massachusetts and southern Maine forming the northern 

 limit of distribution of several {Carphophiops ama:7nis, Heterodon platy- 

 rhinus, ScotopJiis aUeghanien^is, ? Bascanion constrictor and perhaps of 

 some others), wliile none seem to reach beyond the next fauna north. 

 Of the Batrachians, both the toads and frogs extend far to the 

 northward, the common toad having been observed at Labrador, 

 whence also one or more species of frogs and salamanders have been 

 rejiorted.^ As yet we are not certain that Massachusetts or any part 

 of southern New England (or of the Alleghanian Fauna), limits the 

 northward distribution of any species of this group, nor that any 

 species exist north of this region that do not occur here. They 

 are generally species of wide distribution, several apparently extend- 

 ing throughout the temperate regions of Eastern North America. In 

 respect to the Salamanders, however, it seems still uncertain what are 

 to be regarded as true species, on account of the very great amount 

 of variation presented by individuals of undoubtedly the same species 

 at the same localities, and by certain slight variations characteristic 

 of different regions of country, — variations which, from tlie gradual 

 transition between different forms through individuals inhabiting 

 the intervening districts, can hardly be admitted as specific. It is 

 very evident, however, that the number of those currently adopted is 

 quite too large. In treating of those of Massachusetts, not having at 

 present the material nor the time for a proper examination of the 

 subject, we have followed the leading authorities. 



REPTILIA. 



TESTUDIXATA. 



1. Glyptemys insculpta Ag. {Emys insculpta LeConte, Stor- 

 er's Report, \). 209.) Sculptured Turtle. Common. In summer 

 is generally found in dry fields remote from streams or ponds. To 

 these it repairs towards autumn, as early sometimes as the last week 

 in August, and passes the winter buried in the mud. Its food seems to 

 be, to some extent, vegetable, Pi'of Yerrill having " found it feeding 



1 See notes on the Vertebrates of Labrador, by Dr. A. S. Packard, Jr., Proc. Boat. 

 Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. X, p. 279. 



