REPTILES OF THE PACIFIC COAST, 37 



recorded from Yuma, Solado Valley, Leach Point Val- 

 ley, Mountains near Fort Mojave, between Daggett and 

 Pilot Knob, California; from Pahrump Valley and the 

 Bend of the Colorado River, Nevada; and from Tucson, 

 Arizona.* It occurs also at Needles and at Crater Sum- 

 mit, California. 



Habits. — Almost nothing is known of the habits of 

 this turtle if we except the following note by Mr. E. T. 

 Cox:* 



"This fellow is found on the basaltic mountains in 

 the most arid parts of this dry country. He is a vege- 

 tarian, feeding, as I am told, on cacti. His flesh is 

 highly esteemed as food by the Indians and Mexicans. 

 You will perceive that his mandibles are notched or 

 toothed. His legs are covered with bony scales, and his 

 front toe nails are made long and strong for digging 

 amongst the rocks, while the hind feet are round like 

 an elephant's. 



" When molested he draws in his head and closes the 

 aperture with his legs by bringing the knees together in 

 front of the head; the hind legs are also drawn in until 

 the posterior spaces are closed by the feet, and in this 

 way all vulnerable points are protected by impenetrable 

 armor. In preparing the specimen, I found on each 

 side, between the flesh and carapax, a large membra- 

 nous sack filled with clear water; I judged that about a 

 pint run out, though the animal had been some days in 

 captivity and without water before coming into my pos- 

 session. Here then is the secret of his living in such a 

 dry region; he carries his supply of water in two tanks. 

 The thirsty traveler, falling in with one of these tor- 

 toises and aware of this fact, need have no fear of dying 

 for immediate want of water." 



*Cox, 1. c. 



