FAMILY CHELONID&. 3 
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. 
Gen oth weeeae aie eee 23-0. Transverse diameter, ..--- 20°0. 
Horepleopenee eee ceees 13:0. Elindble py sve sacic cases 10°0. 
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. 
(EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 
C. caretta. Hawksbill Turtle. (Hoisroox, Vol. 2, pl. 4.) Orbicular; carinated above. Head very 
large; when young, the nose elongated. Gulf of Mexico. 
C. imbricata. Tortoise-shell Turtle. (Hotsroox, Vol. 2, pl. 5.) Subcordate; scales imbricate, yel- 
low rayed and spotted with brown. Gulf of Mexico. , 
