THE PYXIS. Pyxis arachnoidet. 



PYXIS. Under side with closed shell.) 



WE now come to a group of Tortoises called TERRAPINS. 



These creatures are inhabitants of the water, and are mostly found in rivers. They 

 are carnivorous in their diet and take their food while in the water. They may be known 

 by their flattened heads, covered with skin, sometimes hard but often of a soft consistency, 

 and their broad feet with the toes webbed as far as the claws. 



The LETTERED TORTOISE is, together with its companion, an American species of the 

 large genus Emys, examples of which are found in various portions of the world, and of 

 which nearly fifty species are known to zoologists. All these creatures have their heads 

 covered with a thin but hard skin. 



The Lettered Terrapin is very common in Northern America, and is found in the rivers, 

 ponds, lakes, or even the marshy grounds, where it can obtain an abundant supply of food. 

 It is fond of reptiles, and causes great destruction among the frogs in their earlier stages of 

 existence. It also has a great liking for worms, and, like the green crab of our own coasts, 

 is very apt to take the fisherman's bait, and exasperates him greatly by making him pull 

 up nothing but a little Tortoise when he thought he had caught a fine fish. Eegular 

 anglers therefore bear an intense hatred to this Tortoise. 



It is easily kept in captivity, and will then feed on many substances, preferring those 

 of an animal nature, and being very fond of various reptiles. It will also eat vegetable 

 substances, and one of these Tortoises was fond of purslain (Portulacea oleracea). 



In colour it is very pretty, though rather variable. Generally, it is dark brown 

 above, and the edges are boldly scribbled with broad scarlet marks, something like the 

 letters of some strange language. Below it is yellow and the head is yellow and black. 



The CHICKEN TORTOISE is also found in North America. 



It is very common in the ponds, lakes, or marshy grounds, and though very plentiful, 

 and by no means quick in its movements, is not easily caught, owing to its extreme 

 wariness. Hundreds of these Tortoises may be seen reposing on logs, stones, or the 

 branches of fallen trees, where they are apparently an easy prey. But they are very 



