26 CHELONURASERPENTINA. 



Habits. The Chelonura serpentina is found in stagnant pools, or in streams 

 where the waters are of sluggish motion. Generally they prefer deep water, and 

 live at the bottom of rivers; at times, however, they approach the surface, above 

 which they elevate the tip of their pointed snout, all other parts being concealed, 

 and in this way they float slowly along with the current, but if disturbed, they 

 descend speedily to the bottom. They are extremely voracious, feeding on fish, 

 reptiles, or on any animal substance that falls in their way. It takes the hook 

 readily, whatever may be the bait, though most attracted by pieces of fish; in 

 this way many are caught for market. It is, however, necessary to have strong 

 hooks and tackle, otherwise they would be broken, for the animal puts forth great 

 strength in his struggles to escape, both with his firm jaws and by bringing his 

 anterior extremities across the line. When caught, they always give out an 

 odour of musk, more or less distinct; sometimes in very old animals it is so 

 strong as to be disagreeable. 



Occasionally the Chelonura serpentina leaves the water, and is seen on the 

 banks of rivers or in meadows, even at a distance from their accustomed element. 

 On land, its motions are awkward; it walks slowly, with its head, neck, and long 

 tail extended, elevating itself on its legs like the Alligator, which at that time it 

 greatly resembles in its motions; like the Alligator also, after having walked a 

 short distance it falls on its sternum to rest for a few moments, and then 

 proceeds on its joui'uey. In captivity, they prefer dark places, and are exceed- 

 ingly ferocious; they will seize upon and bite severely any thing that is offered 

 them, and their grasp upon the object with their strong jaws is so tenacious, that 

 they may even be raised from the ground without loosing their hold. 



In many of the northern cities they are brought in numbers to market and are 

 esteemed excellent food, though I think they are far inferior to the Green Turtle, 

 the Soft-shelled, or even several of the Emydes. They are kept for months in 

 tubs of fresh water, and feed on such offal as may be given them, though they 

 never become fat or increase much in weight. 



