256 OUR HOME PETS 



their nature, they do show intelligence, and 

 even affection. 



The alligator, which accompanies home near- 

 ly every traveller to Florida, and often per- 

 forms the journey by himself in a box by 

 mail, should have both water and dry land, so 

 that he can choose for himself where he will 

 abide. I have seen one kept in a tub of water 

 unchanged till it was offensive, and another 

 who had absolutely no access to water at all. 

 Both these treatments were improper and 

 cruel. A good way to make an alligator com- 

 fortable which we are bound to do if we 

 snatch him from his home and deprive him 

 of liberty is to prepare a large box that will 

 hold water, with a board running up out of 

 the water that he can occupy if he desires. A 

 little pile of rocks, behind or within which he 

 can hide, will be a welcome addition to his 

 quarters. For food, place oysters or cut raw 

 beef where he can get it. He usually prefers 

 to eat in solitude, but his keeper must be sure 

 to remove the remains if there be any the next 

 day. The water should be changed often and 

 kept sweet. 



Turtles should be accommodated in a simi- 



