THE REPTILES OF NORTH CHINA, &c. 167 



and hind feet, which are also webbed. These turtles bite savagely 

 and have to be handled with great care. They are carnivorous and 

 may be caught on a hook and line with flesh bait and worms. I have 

 frequently seen them sunning themselves on river banks and pro- 

 jecting rocks. They are very alert and dive into the water at the 

 least sign of danger. I have often shot at them, but have only twice 

 succeeded in securing specimens when shot. Even these revived after 

 a little while, and though full of pellets lived on until they were 

 placed in alcohol. Perhaps there are no animals so tenacious of life 

 as turtles and tortoises. A turtle's head will bite hours after it has 

 been severed from the body. 



