130 Species of North American Tortoises. 



northern states have not been sufficiently examined. What 

 are the large tortoises to be seen at all times in the Mohawk 

 river, and what were those observed by Major Long's party in 

 the tributary streams of the Missouri, and which at hazard are 

 stated to have been the geographica ? Time will undoubtedly 

 add to the number already known ; I have only offered my 

 humble contribution towards the increase of our knowledge ; 

 others may perfect what I have begun. 



' Alius alia potest invenire : nemo omnia. — Aus. 



NOTE. 



Since writing the foregoing observations, the author has 

 seen the second volume of the new edition of Baron Cuvier's 

 '* Rpgne Animal." He wishes it to be distinctly understood, 

 that he is not answerable for the errors and mistatements there 

 introduced, into the account of the tortoises of this country ; 

 and he appeals to the names which he gives to the species, and 

 the synonyms which he quotes, as a direct proof that so many 

 contradictions could not have originated with him. Whether 

 he has been misunderstood by M. Cuvier, or whether the 

 names which he furnished have since been accidentally or wil- 

 fully changed, it is needless to conjecture. It will be conceived 

 that the author does not wish to enter into a more detailed ex- 

 position of the matter, suffice it then to point out what these 

 errors are.* 



* See Cuvier, Reg. An., n. ed. Vol. II. p. 11, note (2.) 



