640 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NEW JEESEY. 



AEOMOOHBLYS, Gray. 

 A. odoratus, Latr. {Ozotheoa, Ag.) Musk Turtle. Stink-pot. 



Head large; jaws strong; lobes of plastron incapable of 

 closing shell, though movable ; posterior lobe narrower, longer 

 and truncate, with pointed a,ngle3 ; carapace dusky, clouded or 

 spotted ; two yellow stripes on each side of head ; musky odor. 

 Length, 6 inches. 



"This disagreeable species is probably the most abundant 

 representative of the turtle tribe in the' State. Every creek and 

 mill-pond seems tp abound in them, much to the annoyance of 

 the angler." 



Family CHELYDRIDiE. 



Snappers. 



CHBLYDRA, Sohw. 

 O. serpentina. Common Snapping Turtle. 



Shell highest near front ; head and neck large ; jaws hooked 

 and powerful; tail with a crest of tubercles; plastron small, 

 cross shaped, with narrow bridges ; fierce and voracious. 



" This species is abundant throughout the State wherever the 

 water is quiet, the mud deep and soft-finned fishes abundant. 

 Mill-ponds and creeks, formed by the draining of extensive 

 meadow lands, are their favorite localities ; although they are 

 frequently met with in small brooks and ditches, at a great 

 distance from any water-course of any size. They have no 

 habits that make them obnoxious to the farmer." 



Family TRIONYCHID^. 



Salt-\rateT turtles. 

 Soft>shelled Turtles. 



ASPIDONBCTBS, Wagl. 

 A. spinifer, Le S. Common Soft-shelled Turtle. 



Body flat, round ; carapace not ossified to margins, covered by 

 a leathery skin; head long, pointed, with flexible snout; feet 



