The Tortoises 



hours, seldom deviating an inch, this way or the other from 

 imaginary lines, though daily, they appear to change the routine 

 of their marching. On one day the larger specimen traversed 

 the centre of the room in circular fashion. In the centre of 

 the circle, which measured about eight feet in diameter, was a 

 small table. Around this object the tireless reptile continued 

 its seemingly aimless journey for hours, its bluntly-clawed feet 

 clicking regularly upon the hard-wood floor. On another 

 occasion the writer dropped a small book and neglecting to imme- 

 diately pick it up, was attracted to it a moment later by hear- 

 ing one of the tortoises crawl over it. A minute later, the tor- 

 toise recrossed the book. When a third time the writer's at- 

 tention was called to this sound, he watched the creature. 

 It had changed its previous line of march to a straight course, 

 up and down the room, which trail led directly over the book — 

 and this was clambered over with some effort. Fourteen times 

 the eccentric reptile stepped the length of the room in a straight 

 path, turned deliberately at each end and on its return clambered 

 over the book, which lay in a well cleared area. The book was 

 removed and developments awaited. When the tortoise re- 

 turned and reached the spot where the book had been, it paused 

 in what appeared to be deep thought, then continued as before 

 and for half an hour longer marched up and down, when it re- 

 turned to its favourite corner (near the heater) to sleep. 



What reason the reptile has for these peculiar promenades, 

 the writer is unable to guess. Certain it is that these creatures 

 pace over certain areas with the regularity and persistence of 

 caged cat animals. 



Like the other species of tortoises inhabiting the United 

 States, this reptile walks upon the claws only, of the front feet, 

 while the hind feet are planted flat, exactly like the feet of an 

 elephant. It is by no means sluggish in its actions, but its 

 activity depends upon warmth. In a temperature of from 85 

 to 95 degrees Fahr., it can get over the ground as fast as a man 

 at a slow walk. Unless kept very warm and dry, it never dis- 

 plays such vivacity. If these desert creatures be placed in damp 

 quarters, though the temperature be high, they cease feeding 

 and die within a few weeks. The writer's specimens are very 

 fond of lettuce, celery, berries and bananas. They also eat 

 clover and begin by picking out the blossoms. 



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