THE ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN. 217 



muddy places, where it searches for aquatic insects, and 

 sometimes even fish, on which it lives. It also vexes the 

 angler by taking hold of his hook, and remaining so quietly 

 sucking in the bait, that only when he hauls it up, and the 

 tortoise begins to pull and kick violently about, does he dis- 

 cover his mistake. 



It is remarkable for exuding a strong musky odour, from 

 which circumstance it has obtained the name of " stink-pot." 



THE ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN. 



This giant of its tribe, from the great likeness it bears to 

 the alligator, has appropriately been called after the huge 

 saurian. It has a large head covered with a hard wrinkled 

 skin, and a long thick neck, over which are scattered a num- 

 ber of projecting tubercles. On the shell of the adult animal 

 there is a depression along the centre, which leaves a sort of 

 keel on each side of the central line. 



The creature is exceedingly voracious, feeding on fish, 

 reptiles, or any animal substance. It generally inhabits stag- 

 nant pools or sluggish streams, living mostly at the bottom. 

 Occasionally, however, it rises to the surface, and elevating 

 the tip of its pointed snout above the water, floats along 

 with the current. Sometimes, indeed, it lands, and makes its 

 way to some distance from the river ; but its motions are very 

 awkward, not a little resembling those of the alligator. 



A considerable number are taken by strong hooks, and, as 

 the flesh is esteemed for food, are sold in the market. 



THE SNAPPING TURTLE. 



Although the last-named creature is sometimes called the 

 snapping turtle, the animal to which the name appropriately 



