The Soft-shelled Turtles 



sold in considerable quantities in the markets of both the South 

 and the North. 



Habits of the Soft-shelled Turtle 



Old logs, protruding a moist and slimy surface a few inches 

 from the water, sometimes tempt these creatures from the ele- 

 ment for which they are specially provided. In such situations 

 they lie taking a sun-bath, with limbs withdrawn beneath their 

 flabby "shells" and their long necks stretched to the fullest 

 extent, imparting the idea of as many snakes, emerging from 

 under flat stones. At the least alarm they scramble frantically 

 for the water, but upon reaching it their clumsy movements 

 are instantly transformed. Against the resisting surface, the 

 broad, fin-like feet take great purchase and the frightened rep- 

 tiles disappear with almost the agility of a scurrying school of 

 fishes; 



While displaying the same habits as most reptiles the 

 flight for shelter if the coast be clear the soft-shelled turtle 

 at bay is one of the most vicious of cold-blooded creatures: 

 moreover, the knife-like edges of the jaws of large individuals 

 are formidable weapnos, capable of badly lacerating a man's 

 fingers, or possibly severing a finger if seized at the joint. The 

 soft-shelled turtle darts at the offending object with the rapidity 

 of the serpent's stroke. This vicious nature has elicited for the 

 animal, in many parts of the South, the title of "soft-shelled 

 snapping turtle." It frequently takes the hooks of the fisher- 

 men and in its frenzy to escape is always an object to prompt 

 cautious manipulation. 



The food of the soft-shelled turtle is varied. It is among 

 the worst enemies of fish, frogs and even young fowl. Fresh- 

 water mollusca are devoured in large quantities, particularly 

 by the larger individuals. 



During the early summer, the female leaves the water to 

 seek a sandy spot exposed to the glare of the sun. Once a suit- 

 able place is found she scoops away the sand and burrows into 

 it to the depth of three or four inches until she is completely 

 covered and hidden, with the exception of a small opening 

 through which she pokes her tubular snout. Here she remains 

 for some days, until all the eggs have been deposited, usually 



75 



