414 



NA TURA L HIS TOR Y. 



shells for protection, the snapping-turtles are incapable of such defence 

 and have therefore to depend upon their jaws. Their shell is so small 

 that the head and legs cannot be completely concealed as in most common 

 forms, while the long, scaly tail projects far from the body. The strong 

 jaws serve not only for defence, but are often used as organs of offence. 

 While must turtles are of a timid disposition, these are always warlike ; 

 and it is said that the moment the}^ emerge from the egg their jaws are 

 viciously snapped, much as in the adults. The old and large specimens 



y- y z*^^ 



Fig. 357. — Box-tortoise (Cistudo Carolina). 



ZM"**"* 



are very strong. They lurk in ponds, preferring localities along the weedy 

 shores, where they lie in wait for frogs and fishes, their favorite food. 

 When one ventures too near, there is a sudden extension of the neck, a 

 snap of the jaws, and all is over. These jaws are so strong that they can 

 easily cut off a finger of a man, and Agassi/, states that he has seen them 

 bite off a piece of a board an inch thick. This species grows to a length 

 of about three feet, and furnishes very good meat. 



The alligator- turtle of the south is still larger, but owing to a strong 

 musky flavor the flesh is not good for food. The largest specimen of 



