[ 59 ] 



VIII. Notes on the Habits of the Box-Tortoise of the United States of America, 

 Cistuda Carolina, Gray. By George Ord, Esq., F.L.S., S^c. 



R«ad November 2nd, 1841. 



J. HIS animal is common in Pennsylvania, where it is known under the names 

 of Land-Tortoise and Land-Turtle. It appears to be more attached to dry 

 situations than to those which are wet ; and when found in the latter, it may 

 be conjectured that some favourite food had attracted it thither. In the 

 swamps where the night-heron {Ardea nycticorax) breeds, we may be sure 

 of finding the Land-Tortoise feeding upon the remains of the fish which lie 

 scattered under the trees inhabited by the herons. This tortoise seems to 

 prefer animal food when in a putrid state. Insects and worms, and the va- 

 rious kinds of tender mushrooms, are its common fare. On strawberries, 

 raspberries, and soft peaches it feeds greedily. 



The flesh of this harmless animal is excellent ; but our farmers seldom eat 

 it, through a prejudice similar to that which prevents them from eating frogs. 

 Some few years ago, a retired naval officer took up his abode in the county of 

 Bucks, Pennsylvania. This gentleman, being an epicure, commissioned the 

 boys in the neighbourhood to procure him bull-frogs and land-tortoises. 

 This strange attachment to heathenish food was the occasion of our officer's 

 conduct being viewed with suspicion : indeed some gossips ventured to affirm 

 that the poor man had lost his reason. 



The Box-Tortoise hibernates in the earth. About the middle of October it 

 retires to its winter-quarters, which are well selected in regard to convenience 

 and warmth, a loose soil and a southern exposure being desirable. A heap 

 of decayed brush-wood is not unfrequently chosen as a cover to its retreat. 

 In severe winters some of these animals perish, in consequence of not having 

 penetrated the earth to a depth beyond the reach of frost. About the 20th of 

 April the tortoises reappear. On emerging from their hibernacle they are 



i2 



