130 'Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology. 



but more often the head is withdrawn into the carapace and only 

 occasionally extended to the surface. 



This method of warming up is practicable only in regions where 

 the banks slope gradually and afford shallow water. Where the 

 banks are steep and no shallows are available they come out upon 

 logs, and even upon the shores and bask in the regular chelonian 

 fashion, but they are extremely alert and cannot be taken unawares 

 while out of the water. 



Methods of Lofomo//ow. —Aspidonectes is exceptionally swift, 

 whether on land or in the water. It is almost impossible to over- 

 take them in boat or canoe, while other species are easily captured 

 in this way. When pursued, they immediately head for deep 

 water, swimming with powerful and rapid strokes. 



On land they move in a manner that belies their name "tor- 

 toise." I have seen them scramble down a bank and into the 

 water faster than I could follow, while on a level piece of road 

 they can move nearly as fast for a short distance. Although essen- 

 tially aquatic they climb steep railway embankments with con- 

 siderable ease, in order to reach a sand pit some fifty yards from 

 the water. 



Methods of Self-Dcfense. — Although their ability to elude 

 pursuit furnishes them with a most efficient method of defense, 

 they are not limited to this alone. Their bite is vicious in the 

 extreme. When captured they hiss violently and thrust out the 

 head, snapping vigorously with a sudden precise darting move- 

 ment. Their aim is accurate and if the objective point is within 

 reach they seldom miss. One learns to grasp them by the tail, 

 as this is about the only part of their body that is beyond the reach 

 of their fierce jaws. 



Unlike other species they keep the eyes uppermost when snap- 

 ping at objects back of them. They refuse also to retire into the 

 carapace when captured, but continue to struggle violently for 

 some time. After an exhausting struggle, however, they seem to 

 become discouraged and lie quietly as long as they are watched. 

 If confined in a room they never wander around, but remain in 

 some dark corner, watching one's actions with an alertness quite 

 characteristic. 



When first captured there exudes from the inguinal glands a 

 thick yellow semi-fluid excretion resembling in appearance the 

 yolk of an egg. This substance has no perceptible odor, but is 



