The Terrapins 



midway between the spotted turtle and the wood terrapin — 

 one quite aquatic; the other addicted to roaming over swampy 

 areas. Mulenberg's Turtle is partial to clear, narrow streams, 

 which spread at intervals, forming marshy patches. All f)f the 

 specimens taken by tiie writer were discovered in the latter 

 situations. When alarmed, the reptile makes for the water 

 and endeavours to secrete itself in the aquatic vegetation. Its 

 movements are not very quick and it is readily captured. Un- 

 like the spotted turtle it feeds as readily out of the water as it 

 does beneath the surface. In this respect it appeals to the 

 wood terrapin, and like that species feeds largely upon tender 

 green food, insects and worms. As a captive it is hardy, taking 

 chopped meat, earthworms, mealworms, lettuce and berries. 



THE WESTERN POND TURTLE 

 Chelopus marmoratus, (B. & G.) 



When fully mature this western species is about eight inches 

 long. The general proportions and structure of the shell appeal 

 to the spotted turtle, (C. guitatus). Young specimens have a 

 single, blunt keel upon the centre of the carapace. This usually 

 disappears altogether with maturity. 



Colouration. — Carapace, dark olive, brown or blackish. 

 Each shield encloses an aggregation of yellow dots or dashes — 

 if the latter these tend to radiate from the centre of the shield. 



The central portion of the shields of the plastron is yellow. 

 These shields are bordered with black, particularly about the 

 margin. The limbs are brown, closely spotted with black — 

 sometimes yellow; the head is similarly marked. 



Dimensions. — Adult specimens are from six to eight inches 

 long and quite smooth. 



Distrihuiion. — This is the only fresh-water turtle of the 

 Pacific Region — with the exception of a species in Lower Cali- 

 fornia. It occurs commonly in ponds and rivers in Washington, 

 Oregon and California, west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada 

 Mountains. 



Habits. — Similar to the Eastern spotted turtle. It is quite 

 aquatic and very shy; specimens are commonly seen sunning 

 upon logs and rocks but drop into the water at the least alarm. 

 These turtles often take the hooks of fresh-water fishermen. 



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