146 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY 



the soft, leathery character of the shell, and by the proboscis-like snout. 

 They are thought by some to be the most palatable of all our turtles 



FIG. 98. Common soft-shelled turtle, Aspidonectes spinifer; dorsal and ventral 

 views, and lateral view of head. ^. (After Surface, Economic Features of Turtles 

 of Pennsylvania.) 



with the exception of the diamond-back, and, as a large specimen may 

 reach a length of 18 inches, they furnish, in some sections, quite 

 a valuable supply of food. 



