120 



This turtle oeciiis from Canada to the Ohio river and Northwest. 

 Nash records a specimen caught in Lake Erie. It is therefore liable 

 to be found in this State in Erie county and in the tributaries of 

 the Ohio river. It is not liable to be common in any portion of this 

 region as it is mostly a western species. 



"This turtle is wholly aquatic, since they leave the water only on 

 rare occasions. They delight to remain about the roots of trees 

 which have fallen into the water, or in drifts of timber. Here they 

 can watch for prey and not be observed by any supposed enemy. 

 Away from such means of concealment, they are accustomed to 

 bury themselves completely in the sand, leaving only their heads 

 exposed. Since tlieir heads do not differ much in color from the 

 sand it is difficult for one to recognize them, even when the eye is 

 directed to them. When air is required it is obtained by stretching 

 out the neclc until the pointed snout reaches the surface. The head 

 is then again withdrawn. This species enjoys a truL' a(|uatic res- 

 piration." Hay, p. 552. 



The flesh of the turtle, like that of the frog, has the property of 

 absorbing oxygen from the air breathed and storing it for some 

 length of time. This is why these animals which, although com- 

 pelled to breathe air by means of lungs, are able to live such a long 

 time under water. 



'^The eggs are spherical in form, about | of an inch in diameter, 

 and have a thick, but brittle, calcareous shell. They are deposited 

 in the sand on the shores of the rivers where the adults live. The 

 young are flatter and more nearly circular than the adults." Hay. 

 p. 532. 



Unfortunately, we have no specimen of this species collected in 

 Pennsylvania, but they are supposed to survive upon insects, fishep. 

 water snails and similar small animals. Agassiz found the larvae 

 of Neuropterous insects in their stomachs. Others report their 

 having eaten worms, snails, fruits and even hard nuts. Hay says 

 that if there are potatoes growing near water, the turtles find their 

 way to them and devour their stems," of which they are very fond. 

 We hope to receive specimens of this species, which may be found 

 in any of the streams in the western portion of this State. 



Genus Aspidonectes: There are two species belonging to this 

 genus liable to be found in Pennsylvania. One is known as the 

 Common Soft-shelled Turtle, and is distinguished by the dark spots 

 on the lower part of the body and feet, while the other is Agassiz's 

 Turtle, and is to be distinguished by the uniform white color on the 

 lower part of the body and feet. 



