144 'Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology. 



It seems that certain specimens habitually bask in one way, while 

 others adopt the other method exclusively. They also are fre- 

 quently found resting among masses of floating vegetation, such 

 as pond scums, lily pads, etc., by which they are buoyed up and 

 at the same time afforded an effective concealment. 



As swimmers they compare favorably w^ith Graptemys, no 

 marked difference in speed being evident. They spend much 

 more time wandering about on land than any species thus far 

 described, traveling even further for nesting purposes than 

 Graptemys. This tendency to terrestrial life is, however, not 

 restricted to nesting females. I have found young and middle- 

 aged specimens of both sexes traveling about on land, either 

 between the railway tracks or on the open roads. On some 

 occasions I have picked them up at a distance of from a 

 quarter to half a mile from water. 



It was a common experience to find small specimens of both 

 sexes huddled up against the hot steel rails of the railway. This 

 intense love of warmth seems to be a marked trait in tortoises. 

 Gadow describes a similar state of affairs in connection with 

 Clemmys leprosa. Speaking of their behavior in captivity, he 

 says: "They showed an irresistible love for the hot-water pipes, 

 huddling together by the dozens, so that the pipes had to be 

 screened oflF to prevent the creatures getting burnt. Until this 

 precaution was taken they heated themselves so much that the 

 shields and even the bones of the plastron were injured." I have 

 observed that Chrysemys when kept in a steam-heated room will 

 invariably congregate under the radiator and will lie as nearly in 

 contact with the hot steam pipes as possible. 



When captured, Chrysemys is less fierce and sullen than 

 Graptemys, but is more apt to attempt to bite. The bite how- 

 ever, is not at all severe, since the jaws are comparatively weak. 

 If irritated, they retire into the shell and remain quiet for some 

 time. 



Chrysemys is not restricted in its diet, but makes use of any 

 sort of animal food that comes its way. I have observed indi- 

 viduals feeding on dead fish, dead clams, decaying tortoises, 

 worms, meat, and aquatic insects. They even capture the soft 

 and defenseless young of Aspidonectes 



They tear their food to pieces with the jaws and the long, sharp 

 claws of the fore-feet and occasionally engage in an exciting tug- 



