The reported proclivity of softshells for a strictly aquatic existence has been over-emphasized; they are no more confined to aquatic habitats than some chelydrids (including kinosternids). In fact, there is a general parallel in habits between members of the two families, namely, a tendency toward a bottom-dwelling existence, and a burrowing habit. The alligator snapping turtle (_Macroclemys_) is probably the most aquatic fresh-water turtle in the United States. The common snapping turtle and some kinosternids are known to migrate overland. Kinosternids and trionychids bask frequently, and trionychids have been observed moving overland. Cox (1894:50) reported a _spinifer_ attempting to climb a narrowly-stepped, 12-foot dam on Mud Creek at Ravenna, Nebraska; the turtle failed after repeated struggles, once reaching a height four inches shy of the brim before tumbling back into the water. Duellman and Schwartz (1958:271) commented that adults of _ferox_ are often seen on roads bordering canals, and informants have told me verbally of similar observations. Conant (1930:61) reported an individual of _ferox_ that was "... walking across the main street in Venice [Sarasota County, Florida]." Softshells will travel overland in search for suitable nesting sites; Newman (1906:130) wrote that _spinifer_ will climb "steep railway embankments with considerable ease, in order to reach a sand pit some fifty yards from the water." From an analysis of species-composition of large reservoirs and lakes and their adjacent smaller ponds in southern Illinois, Cagle (1942:162) concluded that softshells "travel overland far less often than do ..." other species, but that they are "probably the first to move as the water level falls." On the basis of further observations in the same region, Cagle (1944:15) wrote that softshells rarely move overland, and once trapped in a pool of water, they bury themselves and remain there. He related instances of several individuals having been dug from dried mud where the last remnants of a water pool had evaporated and he concluded that the home range is probably confined to one body of water. That fluctuations in water level affect the movement of softshells is suggested by Mr. William E. Brode's comment that a commercial fisherman trapped numerous softshells in the Pearl River, south of Monticello, Mississippi, in unbaited hoop-nets in late May and June when the water level was receding after heavy rains.