212 A COLLECTORS EXPERIENCES 



these dainties is generally two of the largest, includ- 

 ing all portions from the rhids to the seeds. 



Quite different are these tortoises from species 

 ordinarily seen. On crowded days, when the fence 

 about their enclosure is lined with visitors, they take 

 an active intei'est in the spectators and stalk about, 

 close to the fence, holding their heads erect to the 

 utmost limit. Frequently they have short combats, 

 snapping fiercely at each other ; and these elephantine 

 combats suggest scenes of the Age of Reptiles. At 

 such times they utter a shrill trumpeting sound, 

 which can be heard for some distance. But these 

 little quarrels are always of short duration, and never 

 result in injury. As sundown approaches they all 

 trudge slowly, one after another, to their favorite 

 corner, where their keeper provides bedding of hay ; 

 in this they turn slowly round and round, until par- 

 tially concealed. By sunset, all have sought the 

 same corner for the night — and thus we leave them, 

 sleeping. 



