REPTILES 305 



which, because of its striking coloration, is known to every 

 lover of nature. The black, yellow-spotted shell is a rather 

 conspicuous object as the creature basks in the sun, and it 

 is not strange that it should often be kept in the vivarium. 



The Wood Turtle (C. insculpatus) , although closely 

 allied to the foregoing, is easily distinguished by its brown- 

 ish coloration and terrestrial habits. This turtle often leaves 

 the water, and is found in damp localities, where it feeds 

 on vegetable matter. At this point, it should be noted that 

 because of the helplessness of this species and the Box 

 Turtle, when met with in their terrestrial wanderings, their 

 numbers have become so reduced as to make their total 

 extinction a matter of a very short time. For this reason. 

 New York State, at least, has passed a law forbidding their 

 capture or possession at any time, except as allowed by 

 special permit issued only to responsible persons. 



The Box Turtle (Cistudo Carolina) is well named, from 

 its ability to close the hinged parts of the lower shell so 

 tightly as to make it entirely impregnable to the attacks of 

 its enemies. This species, although still retaining the evi- 

 dence of aquatic habits, is now entirely terrestrial. It is 

 found in dry forests, where it feeds on worms, grubs and 

 vegetable growths. Both this and the preceding make ex- 

 cellent pets, as they may be allowed to roam at will in an 

 enclosed garden or an improvised pen, but the stipulations 

 of the law mentioned above must not be forgotten. These 

 turtles may be fed on meat, lettuce and soft vegetables. 



Of the Soft-shelled Turtles {Trionyx), several 

 species are found in eastern North America. All agree 

 in having the shell soft and leathery, instead of hard and 

 bony, as in other turtles. They are grayish or brownish in 

 coloration, sometimes marked with dark spots, but never 

 with bright colors. Although apparently defenseless, they 

 are savage fighters, and well able to care for themselves. 



