SEPTEMBER 193 



plant, and split down the back. From this 

 split skin will emerge a dragon-fly, limp 

 and flaccid at first, but soon stiffening up 

 and flitting away to enjoy his sunny time 

 of life. 



TURTLES ARE DIGNIFIED REPTILES 



" Mind your own business and keep your 

 own secrets" is the turtle's motto. Of all 

 our reptiles he is the most inoffensive. 

 Snakes almost every one fears or hates; 

 lizards give most people a decidedly creepy 

 feeling; but no one fears the turtle. He 

 goes quietly on at his own slow gait, harm- 

 ing no one and harmed of none. The 

 lizard scurries for his life at the first strange 

 noise. The snake slinks quietly from the 

 pathway of the traveller, or perhaps, if 

 venomous, lies in intense quiet waiting the 

 need for a stroke. But the turtle does not 

 even interrupt the tenor of his way, but 

 continues walking or feeding until you fairly 

 kick up against him, and then he simply 

 pulls in his head and legs, curls his tail 

 about himself, and lies by until the danger, 



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