The Tortoises 



or ten would frequently be counted within a radius of one hun- 

 dred feet. 



The location of a burrow is easily noted by the mound of 

 sand that has been thrown to the surface. From the height 

 and diameter of this mound, the depth of the burrow may be 

 estimated. On these "sand hills," but three or four inches 

 of the surface is dry and shifting; beneath this slight depth, 

 the sand is damp and well packed. Through the damp strata, 

 the Tortoise extends its burrow in a gentle slope from the sur- 

 face, and, curiously enough, in the exact shape of a transverse 

 section of the creature's shell. 



The footprints of the Tortoises are readily followed, and 

 by this method a number of specimens were captured. If a 

 Tortoise has not emerged from its burrow since the night pre- 

 ceding, the fact is made evident by ambitious spiders, which 

 daily spin their webs over the mouths of the shafts. Several 

 of the burrows were measured by running a slender pole into 

 their depth, and were found to extend, in a gently sloping down- 

 ward direction, for a distance of fourteen feet and over. Re- 

 cently, investigations have been made of the homes of these 

 creatures and energetic digging was rewarded with results at 

 least interesting to the entomologist, for several species of beetles, 

 belonging to a family popularly known as "rolling beetles," 

 or "tumble bugs" were found living upon the excreta of the 

 tortoises, arid, strange to explain, these beetles proved to be 

 a species entirely new to science. It has since been demonstrated 

 that they inhabit only the burrows of this species of tortoise. 



In captivity the Gopher Tortoise is hardy and thrives for 

 an indefinite number of years if given the proper care. Captive 

 specimens are fond of such tender vegetables as lettuce and 

 celery; they take all kinds of fruit voraciously and will also eat 

 raw meat. They soon learn to recognise the one who feeds them 

 and take dainty morsels from the fingers without signs of fear. 

 Considerable warmth, and absolutely dry quarters are the 

 most important factors in keeping these reptiles in good health. 

 Without sufficient warmth (from 75 to 85 degrees Fahr.) they 

 will not feed, and the least bit of dampness brings on symptoms 

 that resemble an ordinary cold, when they gradually become 

 weak and die. They display little inclination to burrow and 

 hide, in captivity. 



68 



