FAMILY CHELONIDE. | 
The Soft-shelled Tortoise was not generally known as an inhabitant of New-York, until 
after the completion of the Erie canal, connecting the Great Lakes with the Ocean. Pre- 
vious to that period, it was supposed to belong exclusively to the southern and western waters. 
The description given above was taken several years since, from a specimen obtained in the 
Mohawk river. Subsequently, several individuals, as I understand, have been taken from the 
Hudson river near Albany. The specimen, as I then thought, varied so much from any 
description of the ferow within my reach, that I considered it to be new, and named it ocel- 
Jatus. An examination of many specimens, both of ferow and muticus, (which I suspect to 
be identical,) since that period, together with a recent reéxamination of the specimens in the 
Cabinet of the Lyceum, satisfies me that my ocellatus was nothing but the young of the ferox, 
the premiére variete of Lesueur (Op. sup. cit. p. 261). It is, however, so peculiar, that I 
deemed it worthy of being drawn. The color of the adult is of a uniform dusky brown, 
occasionally with a few obsolete darker spots. 
T am not acquainted with any other locality in this State, though I have heard of their being 
taken in Chautauque and Cayuga lakes. I have been assured by persons in Cattaraugus 
county, that they have been taken in the Allegany river, a tributary of the Ohio. Major 
Le Conte informs me that they are abundant both in Lake Ontario and Eric. Dr. Kirtland 
mentions this species as very abundant in all the streams both of the Ohio and Lake Erie. 
In calm weather, during summer, he observes, great numbers may be seen floating near the 
surface of the water. At such times, they were closely followed by several of the black bass 
(C. ohioensis); but he could not ascertain what attracted this usually coy fish about them. 
It is much esteemed as a wholesome and nutritious article of food. They are said to feed 
on fish, and the smaller aquatic reptiles. The statements regarding their ferocity, which has 
given them their specific name, appear to vary. According to Mr. Speakman cited by Say, 
itis only the young who attempt to bite; and Major Le Conte observes, that they are not 
more inclined to bite than any other species. Dr. Eights, on the other hand, asserts that he 
saw ‘‘a large one from Cayuga lake dart out its head ferociously at a dog which had been 
““ purposely brought near, and take from its side a mouthful of hair in the attempt.” They 
are chiefly taken with a hook baited with flesh, and sometimes speared. When they show 
themselves above water, they are killed by the rifle. 
(EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 
T. muticus. (Les. Mem. Mus. Vol. 15, pl. 7. Hons. Vol. 2, pl. 3.) Shell elliptical, confounded 
with the neck, not tuberculated or spmous in front. Sternal callosities four; the two hinder large, 
united. Length 7 to 8 inches. Ohio River. 
T. bartrami. (Le Conrer, Ann. Lyc. Vol. 3, p. 96.) Head and neck furnished with retractile tuber- 
culated appendages. East Florida. 
T. harlant. (Brix, Monog.) Body more ventricose, and the soft portions of the shell less extensive 
than in the other species. East Florida. 
