32 COPEIA 



course of evolution in a group can never be demon- 

 strated by analytical systematic work, synthetic results 

 can only be relied upon when supported by a knowledge 

 of the geographical history of the group, and environ- 

 mental relations are a potent factor in geography. It 

 may also be pointed out in conclusion that while fewer 

 species will be obtained by the collector in the intensive 

 study of a small area, this work may be depended upon 

 to yield large returns not only in habitat data, but also 

 in information on habits, life histories and individual 

 variation, and is the most efficient way of obtaining a 

 comprehensive knowledge of the fauna of a locality. 



AN EXTENSION OF THE RANGE OF 

 CLEMMYS MUHLENBERGII. Dr. Harold L. Bab- 

 cock. 



The northern limit of distribution for Muhlenberg's 

 Turtle, Clemmys miihlenbergii (Schweigger) has been 

 considered, heretofore, to pass through southern New 

 York State. It is therefore of interest to herpetologists 

 to report a hitherto unpublished record of occurrence 

 of this turtle at Newport, Rhode Island. In 1902, Mr. 

 Alexander Agassiz took three specimens (two males 

 and one female) at Newport, Rhode Island, and pre- 

 sented them on September 23 to the Museum of Com- 

 parative Zoology at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where 

 they now are. While it is possible that these were 

 escaped caged animals, it is not at all likely. This 

 turtle is not generally abundant throughout its range 

 and often occurs locally as in this instance. As several 

 southern New York records exist it is probable that the 

 range extends through southern Connecticut as well, 

 although there are no published records as yet. 



Muhlenberg's turtle often leaves the water to lead 

 a distinctly terrestrial existence, but is found usually in 

 swampy localities near clear running streams. It is 

 able to swallow food without submerging the head. 



This record not onlv establishes a new northern 

 limit of distribution for this species but adds, as well, a 

 new member to the chelonian fauna of New England. 



SOME NOTES ON THE BREEDING HABITS 

 OF LOCAL CATFISHES. Henry W. Fowler. 



The white cat (Ameiurus catus) spawns in early 

 summer, or over a period of about one week in duration. 

 About Philadelphia the usual time is between May 23 

 and June 4. The nest is a hollow depression, scooped 



