2 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 
It contains about one hundred and thirty species distributed throughout the globe, and has 
been divided into several families by various systematists. It is susceptible of division into 
two principal groups, which may be thus designated : 
1, Apalodermata. Outer shell coriaceous or cartilaginous ; 
2. Sclerodermata. Shell hard and bony. 
We recognize but one family. 
FAMILY CHELONIDE. 
Body covered by two bony or cartilaginous plates, the one above formed by an expansion of 
the vertebra and ribs ; the other, by a similar expansion of the sternum, which, in some 
genera, is divided into several movable pieces. Jaws with cutting edges, but no true teeth. 
Feet with 2-5 claws, sometimes wanting, occasionally fin-shaped. 
Oss. The animals of this family are carnivorous or herbivorous. They are strictly ovipa- 
rous ; hiding their eggs in sand, and leaving them to be hatched by the heat of the sun. Some 
are exclusively aquatic ; others exclusively terrestrial ; whilst others appear to live equally on 
Jand or in the water. 
Thirty-five species, arranged under nine genera, have been described by authentic writers 
as inhabiting the United States and its territories. In this State, we describe eighteen species. 
GENUS CHELONIA. ; 
Feet fin-shaped, elongate, depressed, not retractile, beneath the shell. Shell covered with 
horny plates. Aquatic ; living in the ocean. Some of the species useful as food to man ; 
others employed in the arts. 
THE GREEN TURTLE.* 
CHELONIA MYDAS. 
Testudo mydas. L, Syst. Nat. 
T. viridis. Scuneip: Schild. pl. 17, fig. 2. 
Green Turtle. Catessy, Car. Vol. 2, p. 38. Aup. Orn. Biog. Vol. 2, p. 370. 
Tortue franche. Daun. Hist. Rept. Vol. 2, p. 10, pl. 16, fig. 1. Griffith’s Cuv. Vol. 9, p. 15 and 88. 
Chelonia mydas. Hotproox, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 2, p. 25, pl. 3. 
Characteristics. Shell sub-cordate, pointed behind. Scales either carinate or imbricate. 
Two claws on each foot. Length 2 - 6 feet. 
. 
* The word turtle, originally corrupted from tortoise, has now grown into such general use, as its equivalent, that it would seem 
pedantic to avoid employing it. By Turtle, we would more especially designate the Marine Tortoises, although by usage it is 
applied to a few others. 
