132 'Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology. 



upon crayfish. The matter might be settled definitely by the 

 examination of a large number of stomachs. 



Breeding Habits. — Aspidonectes begins to lay as early as June 

 10, somewhat later than other species. The females are very 

 wary in their choice of times and places for laying. At one place 

 near the lake shore men are accustomed to harvest hay early in 

 July or late in June. The shore near the hay fields is sandy and 

 sloping and affords an ideal nesting ground for "soft-shells." 

 They will not approach the shore, however, until the men leave 

 for the noon-day meal. Then they crawl out cautiously, dig their 

 nests and deposit their eggs before the return of the harvesters. 



They also frequent a sandy road that runs for nearly a mile 

 along the water's edge. A new road has been made farther back 

 from the shore, leaving the "old road" almost without traffic. 

 This abandoned road affords a sequestered retreat for the female 

 *' soft-shells," and they nest there in large numbers. So many 

 use this place for nesting that regular run-ways are worn through 

 the tall grass that occupies the strip of land between the road and 

 the shore. One can sometimes detect the presence of tortoises 

 by the waving of the grass and this is often a useful signal for the 

 observer to seek concealment and watch developments. 



One soon learns to expect the females to seek a nesting place 

 during the warmest part of the day, as they seem to avoid leaving 

 the water in the cool of the morning or evening. 



The female "soft-shells" come to the surface many yards from 

 shore and seem carefully to reconnoiter before coming ashore. 

 They then swim shoreward beneath the surface, coming up at 

 intervals to see if the coast is clear. On reaching the shore they 

 crawl out upon the sand and, before proceeding further, they 

 extend the head to its full height and remain motionless for some 

 time, the very emibodiment of alertness. At this time the slightest 

 movement or sound of a suspicious character alarms them and 

 they dash back into the water. If undisturbed, however, they 

 proceed slowly and cautiously to the nesting ground and begin 

 operations without delay, working more rapidly than other species. 



The following was jotted down in my field note book as I 

 watched one specimen nesting: 



June 22, 1903, 1 1. 10 A. M. — A warm sun-shiny day. Place: the "old road'' about ten feet from 

 the water's edge and concealed from view on one side by tall grass. A large female Aspidonectes has 

 just emerged from the grass and is commencing to make a nest. No time is lost in selecting a spot. 



