1879. Were they Mound-Builders ? 637 
correct.. The weight of the animal, taken soon after its death, 
was 765 pounds; as much, perhaps, as the half dozen specimens 
I have alluded to would average. 
It follows, therefore, that these were but a little more than half 
grown, or that 1200 pounds, the estimated weight of an adult, as 
given by Dr. Holbrook, is much too large. A further examina- 
tion of the specimen, which was fortunately secured by Prof. 
Cope, will, doubtless, decide the matter. In the meantime, a few 
of the more prominent characters pertaining to the animal may 
be profitably referred to. For. instance, the mode of respiration 
in Sphargis is peculiarly marked. This is apparently effected by 
inflating the throat with air until it is much enlarged, and then by 
closing the nostrils and contracting the throat, suddenly forcing 
the air back into the lungs. That this pumping process is com- 
mon to all the Testudinata is known, but that it effects respira- 
tion is denied by Drs. Mitchell and Morehouse, who ascribe this 
function to the axillary and inguinal muscles, 
A much wider difference is found in the skeleton. Thus, in 
Sphargis the vertebral column is entirely independent of the car- 
apace, while in other genera it is co-ossified. It differs also in 
having the carapace disconnected with all the other parts of the 
skeleton. Another peculiarity consists in the carapace being com- 
posed of a vast number of small bony irregular tesserz joined 
by minute suture. The plastron is also more rudimentary than 
that of other turtles, being represented by a mere oblong ring of 
bones. Of course these embrace the more prominent features. 
It is not improbable, however, that a careful study of the animal 
will develop other points of equal interest, in which event the 
Cause of science will be profited. 
— 
WERE THEY MOUND-BUILDERS? 
BY S. L. FREY. 
HE question as to whether the mound-builders extended their 
occupation as far east as Eastern New York is an open one; 
and while some relics recently discovered have led some writers? 
to the conclusion that they had, I think that we need much 
Stronger proof before we are warranted in drawing this inference. 
It is but fair to conclude, however, judging from analogy, that 
‘Wm. L. Stone, Magazine of American History, September, 1878; Prof. Geo. W 
Perkins, Portland Meeting of the American Association ; Smithsonian Contributions, 
Il, p. 58. 
