328 ORDERS OF REPTILES— TORTOISES, TERRAPINS, AND TURTLES 



in outline, and its scales are marked by inde- 

 pendent black patterns composed of many geo- 

 metric figures, placed one within another. A 



wood-" turtle" (Chelopus insculptus). 



Back rugose. An exception to the rule of Smooth- 

 Shelled Terrapins. 



specimen with a plastron seven inches long, and 

 weighing a pound is a large one. Formerly the 

 great majority measured between 4 and 5 inches; 

 but now, it is difficult to find one large enough to 

 make a " count " by the old standard. A " count " 

 Terrapin must measure 5 inches (in some mar- 

 kets it is fi inches) in the length of the lower shell. 

 Beyond reasonable doubt, the continual de- 

 struction of the largest specimens will erelong 

 render the species unproductive, and it will cease 

 to exist. The persistent destruction of fathers 

 and mothers will soon wipe out the strongest 

 species in existence. It is reported, however, 

 that in the South there are several terrapin 

 " farms " on which this species is being bred and 

 reared for the markets, in large numbers. 



THE SNAPPING TERRAPINS. 



Chelydridae. 

 The Alligator-Terrapin, 1 of Louisiana, and 

 other states bordering on the Gulf between Flor- 

 1 Mac-ro-chel'ys tem-minck'i. 



ida and Texas, is, when adult, a huge, rough- 

 backed, big-headed creature, weighing from 100 

 to 125 pounds, and even attaining on rare occa- 

 sions to 150 pounds. This is the largest terrapin 

 in North America, and also the ugliest. The 

 broad and rather flat table of its upper surface 

 rises in a series of brown hillocks, earthy-looking, 

 and often actually covered with moss. 



The head is of huge proportions, and the 

 strength of the jaws is very great. The tail is 

 very long and fleshy, — which is rather unusual 

 in Chelonians. Notwithstanding the rough ex- 

 terior of this creature, its flesh is eaten by many 

 persons who share its habitat. 



This remarkable reptile is found only in the 

 semi-tropical fresh-water bayous and streams of 

 the South. A specimen now living in the Rep- 

 tile House at New York measures as follows: 



Length of head and neck 12 in. 



" " shell 23 " 



" " tail 19 " 



Total length 54 " 



Width of shell 18 " 



Weight 113ilbs. 



It is a shy animal, and if not permitted to live 

 under the crocodile's raft which floats in the pool, 

 it will not eat its usual daily ration of raw meat 

 or fish. It never attempts to leave the water, 

 and can remain submerged, without breathing, 

 for periods which are so long we can only describe 



ALLIGATOR-TERRAPIN. 



From Louisiana. Weight, 113£ lbs. 



them as "indefinite." In its home, this burly 

 reptile feeds upon fish, frogs, and other water- 

 animals. 



