t 4 THE ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN. 



genus, 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 delib- 

 erate 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 use- 

 less 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 odor which 

 it exudes. 



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

 though this coloring 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 prac- 

 tical acquaintance with its powers. The jaws of this animal are sharp-edged, and re- 

 markably 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 odor 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 few 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, 



