TORTOISES AND TURTLES 



159 



extent of an alligator's body, to which the carapace of an ordinary terrapin has been united. 

 The common alligator-terrapin, or snapping-turtle, is among aquatic Chelonians an animal of 

 considerable size. The car.ipace alone ma\- be as much or more than 20 inches long, and to 

 this have to be added the thick head and neck and elongated tail, which, taken together, are 

 of almost similar dimensions. 



A second closely related member of this famil)-, known by the name of Tkmmin'CK's SnapI'ER, 

 attains to yet longer proportions, antl is the largest known river-tortoise. The carapace in 

 this species may measure over 2 feet in length, and has three strongly marked longitudinal 

 ridges. The head is rclati\-ely larger and the tail somewh.it shorter th.in in the preceding 

 species. It is a denizen of the southern districts of the L'nited .States, being met with in 

 Te.xas, Florida, and as far north as the Missouri. 



The habits of the two species are stated to be identical. Both of them frequent the 

 rivers and swamps of the areas indicated, preferring the waters that ha\e a muddy bottom, 

 and in some localities occurring in vast numbers. As a rule they prefer lying in deep water 

 near the centre of the river or swamp they inhabit, but they also occasionally ascend to 

 the surface and float in midstream with outstretched necks. Like other water-tortoises, they 

 come on land to find suitable locations for depositing their eggs. The name of Snappers, 

 commonly applied to these tortoises, bears reference to their inveterate habit of snapping 

 and biting viciously at ever\'thing placed within their reach. Even from the egg the young 

 of Temminck's species is wont to display this trait. The animals are somewhat esteemed for 

 food, and are consequently caught for the market. They will take almost any bait, but 

 manifest a predilection for fish. Considerable caution has necessarily to be exercised in 

 dealing with them in the boats, and it is a common custom to decapitate them immediately 

 they are hauled on board, otherwise they are capable of inflicting the most terrible wounds 

 with their powerful cutting beaks on the persons of all or any who may remain within their 

 reach. Bathing in waters tenanted by the pugnacious and distinct!)- aggressive snappers is 

 a risky proceeding, and many cases of serious injuries that ha\e happened to incautious 

 adventurers in this direction have been recorded. 



The food of both the alh'gator and Temminck's snapper consists mainl\' of fish, and where 

 common these tortoises must be ranked among the most potent agencies in denuding the rivers 

 and lakes of their finny denizens. Not content with fish, the larger examples have been known 

 to drag under water and 



devour such large water- 

 fowl as ducks, and even 

 geese. It is stated that 

 the snappers exhibit a 

 surprising amount of 

 agilit}' in the water, and 

 swim after and capture 

 the fish on which they 

 feed. Such a feat seems 

 scarcely credible of a 

 bulky adult individual, 

 while, moreo\'er, it is 

 provided with a remark- 

 able and effective adapta- 

 tion for taking its prey 

 by stratagem. A very 

 fine example of Tem- 

 minck's snapper was for 

 many years confined in 

 a tank in the Reptile- 



A GIANT TORTOISE WITH A COMMON TORTOISE ON ITS BACK 



liluitraiing their comparatfue dimensions 



