THE PUBLIC AQUARIUM 321 



The food of some species consists largely of the buds of sedges 

 (Cyperus), while with others it is chiefly small water mollusks. 

 Some of the turtles are active fish eaters and will do well if supplied 

 with live minnows. The " wood " turtle and other species that forage 

 on land as well as in the water are fond of berries, mushrooms, and 

 many kinds of fruits and vegetables, while nearly all kinds will eat 

 grubs. The tortoises eat berries, mushrooms, and some garden 

 vegetables as well as grubs and worms. 



Turtles should be provided with a variety of foods until the 

 kinds suited to each species are ascertained. Many species of 

 turtles feed only under water, consequently it is absolutely necessary 

 for them to have access to it when fed. If their surroundings can 

 be made to appi-oach natural conditions — that is, if they can have 

 access to a compartment in their quarters where there is dry sand, 

 earth, and sods, where grubs, worms, and other food can be thrown 

 in abundance — success in keeping them will be more likely to follow. 



Most salamanders and frogs, while leading strictly aquatic lives 

 during their gill-breathing stages, eventually develop lungs and take 

 to the land. In keeping them provision must be made for the life 

 out of water but with water a few inches deep accessible. A roomy 

 aquarium with a sod-covered platform in one end will enable them 

 to lead their amphibian lives with fair chances for survival in 

 captivity. Frogs will spend much time in the shallow water, but 

 salamanders usually will seek hiding places under damp moss or 

 leaves. Both are carnivorous and may be fed on earthwoi-ms. meal 

 worms, insects and their larvae, small crustaceans, and mollusks, 

 with bits of meat and fish. 



