The Terrapins 



Dimensions. — The present species is the smallest of the 

 genus. The maximum size is ten inches, and this is consider- 

 ably above the average, which is about eight inches. Speci- 

 mens of the latter size are now becoming rare. 



Following are the measurements of a specimen now con- 

 sidered in the markets to be of fair size, and selling for about 

 |6 each : 



Length of Carapace 7^ inches. 



Width ■■ " 5i " 



Length of Plastron 6^ 



Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron 3i " 



Weight 2 pounds. 



For every half an inch over these measurements, the mar- 

 ket prices soar upward substantially. A specimen slightly over 

 eight inches in length, from the same lot as the specimen measured 

 was marked at |8. The man selling these turtles informed the 

 writer that the prices for specimens over seven inches in length 

 might actually be said to increase $1 for every additional half 

 an inch in length. Specimens under 6 inches are of but slight 

 value in the markets. A turtle about five inches in length will 

 sell for about $1.50. Every year these turtles are becoming 

 scarcer and the prices higher. 



Distribution. — Salt marshes of the Atlantic Coast and southern 

 borders of the Gulf States, from Massachusetts to Texas. 



Habits. — In its habit of persistently selecting salt and 

 brackish waters, this species differs from the other terrapin. 

 It occurs principally in the salt marshes along the coast, but not a 

 few specimens are found well up the rivers, though always within 

 tide line. On the Hudson the writer has taken them as far 

 north as Newburgh. 



The species does not live long in captivity unless provided 

 with salt water. Kept in fresh water its skin becomes infected 

 with fungus which soon kills the reptile. If provided with a 

 tank containing artificial "sea-water" it seems hardy enough 

 and lives for an indefinite period. The water may be prepared 

 by adding common salt until it yields a brackish taste. Chopped 

 clams and oysters are foods of captive specimens, though they 

 will also take small fish and raw meat. They are also fond 

 of the small "periwinkle" snails so common on the mud flats 

 exposed by the shore tides and the writer has observed a wild 



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