M THE ALLIOATOK TERRAPIN. 



which had to be ejected from a large basin of a fountain because they killed the newts 

 which inhabited the same locality. Their movements in the water were so deliberate that 

 it was not until they were detected in the very act of biting the newts that their 

 delinquencies were discovered. Their mode of attack was simply to creep under their 

 victim as it balanced itself in the water or swam gently within reach, and then to secure 

 it with a quiet snap of its beak. 



Like the lettered terrapin, already mentioned, it has a vexatious habit of taking the 

 angler's bait, and causes many a fisherman to lose his temper when pulling up a useless 

 little Mud Tortoise instead of the fish on which he had set his heart. It seizes the worm 

 just as it catches the newts, taking it so quietly into its mouth that the float is hardly 

 shaken by the touch. But when the fisherman pulls his line, the Tortoise kicks, pulls and 

 flounces about in so energetic a style that it often deludes the angler into the idea that he 

 has hooked quite a fine fish. 



This species has a decided smell of musk, a peculiarity which is found in others of the 

 same genus, one of which (Kinosternon odoratum) goes by the appropriate, though not very 

 refined, name of Stink-pot, in consequence of the powerful musky odour which it exudes. 



The colour of the Mud Tortoise is mostly dusky brown above, and chestnut below, 

 though this colouring is liable to some variation in different individuals. The tail is thick 

 and pointed, and horny at the tip. The head is large, and there are four large warty 

 appendages on the chin. 



THE last example of the Terrapin is that singular animal which is appropriately 

 called the ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN, from the great resemblance which it bears to that 

 reptile. 



It is also an American species, and lives mostly in the water. When adult it reaches 

 a large size, often exceeding three feet in length, and as it is very fierce of disposition, lithe 

 of neck, and strong of jaw, it is somewhat dreaded by those who have had a practical 

 acquaintance with its powers. The jaws of this animal are sharp edged, and remarkably 

 strong, cutting like the blades of steel shears. Mr. Bell remarks that he has seen one of 

 these creatures bite asunder a stick of half an inch in diameter. When caught, therefore, 

 the captors always cut off these dangerous heads at once. 



Mr. Holbrook gives the following interesting account of the Alligator Terrapin and 

 its habits : 



" It is found in stagnant pools or in streams where the waters are of sluggish motion. 

 Generally they prefer deep water, and live at the bottom of rivers ; at times, however, 

 they approach the surface, above which they elevate the tip of their pointed snout, all other 

 parts being concealed, and in this way they float slowly along with the current, but if 

 disturbed, they descend speedily to the bottom. 



They are extremely voracious, feeding on fish, reptiles, or any animal substance that 

 falls in their way. They take the hook readily, whatever may be the bait, though most 

 attracted by pieces of fish ; in this way many are caught for market. It is, however, 

 necessary to have strong hooks and tackle, otherwise they would be broken, for the animal 

 puts forth great strength in its struggles to escape, both with its firm jaws and by bringing 

 its anterior extremities across the line. When caught, they always give out an odour of 

 musk, more or less distinct ; sometimes in very old animals it is so strong as to be 

 disagreeable. 



Occasionally it leaves the water, and is seen on the banks of rivers or in meadows, 

 even at a distance from its accustomed element. On land, his motions are awkward : he 

 walks slowly, with his head, neck, and long tail extended, elevating himself on his legs 

 like the alligator, which at that time he greatly resembles in his motions. Like the 

 alligator also, after having walked a short distance, he falls on his sternum to rest for a 

 lew moments, and then proceeds on his journey. 



In captivity they prefer dark places, and are exceedingly ferocious ; they will seize 

 upon and bite severely anything that is offered them, and their grasp upon the object 

 with their strong jaws is so tenacious, that they may even be raised from the ground 

 without loosing their hold. 



