262 . 



X<ttrix k'beris Linn, is rare in Turkey Lake, but common in Lake Tippeca- 

 noe. Twelve is the highest number of embryos taken from any one specimen. 



Embryos taken August 5 contained a considerable amount of yolk ; probably 

 enough to nourish the embryo for a month or more. 



Natrix s'pedon Linu. is the most abundant of snakes found in this region, 

 but not the most prolific, E. sirtalis standing ahead of it. Thirty-four was the 

 highest number of eggs taken from any one si)ecimen. One snake which was 

 kept in confinement gave birth to fourteen young the third week of September. 



Among the buUrushes is a favorite abode for this snake, and also under any- 

 thing whatever that happens to be lying along the margin of the lake, especially 

 if it happens to be lying partly in the water. 



Sistnirus catinatus Kaf. This snake is very common around Turkey Lake 

 and also around Lake Tippecanoe. Several specimens were secured and others 

 killed. It lives chiefly in the swamps. 



A specimen taken August 6 contained five eggs and the embryos were seven 

 inches long. 



Storeria delai/i Holb. Only one specimen of this was secured. It was 

 taken along a highway running by the side of a swamp. 



Testcdinata. By C H. Eigexmann. 



Turtles are at all times and everywhere abundant. They frequent especially 

 the shallower portions of the lake. Many specimens of all ages were preserved. 

 The number of variations in the shields is large. I present here simply a list with 

 notes on their abundance and breeding habits. 



Chelydra serpentina Linnffus. This species is abundant in Turkey Lake, and 

 reaches a larger size than any of the others. It is caught for the markets. It is 

 much shyer than the other species of turtles and is not frequently seen. It inhabits 

 the shallower muddy parts of the lake, being abundant in the kettle and about 

 Morrison's Island. No eggs were found. 



Trionyx spiniferus LeSueur. The soft-shelled turtle is very abundant It is 

 the second in size and is caught for the markets. Its round eggs 'are laid in the 

 sand and gravel near the water's edge during June and July. On June 26 one 

 was seen digging a nest in the gravel banks at Syracuse, and on the 27th we 

 obtained eggs from five nests about Ogden Point and other places about the kettle. 

 Other fresh nests were found July 9. The time of hatching was not determined. 



