95 



Close Tortoise (Testudo Clausa). 



The Close Tortoise obtains its name from the un- 

 usual manner in which the under part of the shell is 

 applied to the upper, being continued in such a manner 

 round the margin, that when the animal withdraws 

 its head and legs, it is enabled accurately to close all 

 parts of the shell entirely together, so as to be in 

 a complete state of security ; and so strong is the de- 

 fence (says Shaw, in his Zoology) of this little animal, 

 that it is not only uninjured by having a weight of 5 or 

 600Hbs. laid upon it, but can walk in its usual manner 

 beneath the load. It is a native of many parts of 

 North America, being chiefly found in marshy places. 

 It is principally sought for on account of its eggs. 

 It feeds on beetles, mice, and even serpents, which 

 it seizes by the middle, and draws into its shell, and 

 thus crushes them to death. 



Concentric Tortoise (Testudo Concentrica). 



This species is a native of North America, and is 

 sold in the market of Philadelphia and elsewhere, by 

 the name of Terrapin, it is an inhabitant of waters, 

 and is said to be a wholesome and even delicate food. 

 It is also found in Jamaica. 



Snap or Snake Tortoise (Testudo Serpentina). 



This species, first described by Linnaeus, appears 

 to have been obscurely known. It is a native of North 

 America, where it inhabits stagnant waters, growing 

 to the weight of 15 or 20tbs. and preying on fish, 

 ducklings, &c. Whatever it seizes in its mouth, it 

 holds with great force, and will suffer itself to be rais- 

 ed up by a stick rather than quit its hold. This ani- 

 mal conceals itself In muddy waters, in such a man- 

 ner as to leave out only part of its back, like a stone 

 or other inanimate object, by which means it the 



