MISSISSIPPI: _Lawrence_: KU 47117-19, TU 16956, USNM 7655, Pearl River within 4 mi. of Monticello; TU 17306 (4), Pearl River, 9 mi. S Monticello. _Marion_: USNM 95133-34, Pearl River, Columbia. _Perry_: MSC uncatalogued (3), 3 mi. SE New Augusta. _Rankin_: UI 31071, Pearl River, Roses Bluff, 14 mi. NE Jackson. _Records in the literature._--MISSISSIPPI: _Forrest_: no data. _Jones_: Crawford Bridge. _Lowndes_: Columbus, Lake Park (Cook, 1946:185). NATURAL HISTORY Habitat Most writers who describe the general habitat of soft-shelled turtles mention large rivers and streams having some current, and large permanent, quiet bodies of water having soft mud or sand bottoms, but note the general avoidance of temporary water. The impermanence of water in the ponds and "charcos" of headwaters of streams may preclude the presence of softshells from these otherwise suitable habitats. Seemingly, soft-shelled turtles are not restricted to particular local situations or microhabitats in a continuous aquatic environment as are some kinds of fish, which seem to be more or less confined to riffle areas or deep holes. Certain activities of softshells such as burying themselves in soft sand in shallow water or seeking crawfish and other food over a gravel-rock substrate or one that is débris-laden, are best carried on in different habitats. Repeated observations of turtles that are probably engaged in a specific activity in a restricted area may lead to erroneous general conclusions regarding the over-all preference for a specific habitat. Perhaps this accounts for Conant's statement (1951:156) that "In the lower portion of the Scioto River [Ohio] it appears that the present species [_muticus_] is abundant while _spinifer_ is almost entirely absent."