990 18. TESTUDINIDA 
“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 post- 
erior spaces are closed by the feet, and in this way all vulner- 
able points are protected by impenetrable armor. In pre- 
paring the specimen, I found on each side, between the flesh 
and carapax, a large membranous sack filled with clear water; 
I judged that about a pint ran out, though the animal had 
been some days in captivity and without water before coming 
into my possession. 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 tortoises and 
aware of this fact, need have no fear of dying for immediate 
want of water.” 
Meek gives the following note by Heller regarding six 
specimens secured north of Daggett, in the Calico mining 
district. “They had apparently just emerged from their 
winter hibernation, some being taken within a few feet of 
their burrows. The burrows were usually made in light, 
gravelly soil, in which they were sunk obliquely to a depth 
of about two feet. In this locality (2,500 to 3,500 feet 
altitude) they were found on a peculiar slate-colored soil 
in the lower part of the tree yucca zone. Soon after a shower 
they are said to be usually common, but during the hottest 
months, when most of the vegetation is dormant, they retreat 
to their burrows and hibernate.” 
Mr. Camp who observed this tortoise near Goffs, 30 
miles west of Needles, writes: “About a mile north of Goffs 
station a number of desert tortoise burrows were found, some 
of which were occupied. The holes were dug slantingly into 
the rather firmly packed sand and gravel, usually at a grade 
of about 45 degrees. Often the places chosen were under 
creosote bushes and in the banks of small dry washes. The 
tunnels were from two to eight feet long, with a slight 
