328 ILLINOIS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 
laboratory. All were from a farm or two along the Embarrass 
River about three miles east of Charleston. Others have been 
reported from this restricted area and none from any other 
about Charleston. One of these snakes, about 3 feet long and 
with eleven rattles, has been kept alive for nearly a year and 
without food, which it refuses. It will kill mice and other 
small living animals but will not swallow them. It drinks 
water readily, 
All of the four snakes were large; one was 44.5 inches long. 
Garman (’92), says that it is common throughout the state 
in hilly forest regions, but it is being exterminated rapidly. 
Platypeltis spimifera (LeSueur), Soft-shelled Turtle. Quite 
common in the larger creeks near Charleston, and a few have 
been seen in the Embarrass River. Garman (’92), records it 
as throughout the state. 
Chelydra serpentina (Linn.), Snapping Turtle. This is one 
of the most common reptiles in the region, where it is common 
about streams and the larger, more permanent ponds. In late 
spring examples are frequently found wandering remote from 
water, probably looking for places to lay eggs or looking for 
bodies of water after the process is completed. A farmer, 
whose land is cut up by a small stream system where these 
turtles occur, says that he sometimes plows up eggs that seem, 
from his description, to be of this species. They are found in 
the lowest portions of fields. 
Chrysemys (species?), Painted Turtle. A few have been 
seen about drainage ditches on prairies, but none have been 
taken. 
Emyboidea blandingii (Holb.) Blandings Turtle. A 
fine large specimen was taken in a prairie pond on April 15, 
1914, some four miles north of Charleston. The specimen 
was lost; nevertheless, there can be no doubt as to its identity. 
Garman (’92) says of the species: “Throughout the state, 
commoner north; formerly abundant on the prairies, but rare 
at present.” 
Terrapene carolina (Linn.) Box Turtle. Sometimes 
found in woods, especially in wooded ravines. In June, of 
1912, three were found together on the bank of a small stream; 
more often they are solitary. 
