Turtles Reptiles 
THE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLES 
These look much like animated pancakes, and are 
often kept in aquaria. They never leave the water 
except to lay their eggs. They should be provided 
with a deep tank, and some object upon which they 
can crawl out of the water occasionally; this should 
be of smooth wood. The bottom of the tank should 
be covered with three or four inches of fine sand. 
They may be fed with chopped fish, or minnows, 
chopped raw beef or earthworms. 
THE TORTOISE 
The tortoises may be distinguished from the turtles 
or terrapins by their webless feet and large clubby 
nails. They live entirely upon the land, being fond 
of sandy barrens; they make burrows in the ground 
into which they retire. The gopher tortoise, well 
known in our Southern States, is the best known of 
the American tortoises. It thrives in captivity, but 
must be kept in an atmosphere of from 70° to 80° F., 
and in absolutely dry quarters. It will soon learn to 
eat from the hand of the master, and should be fed 
upon tender vegetables, like celery, lettuce, and all 
kinds of fruit. It will also eat raw meat. The 
European tortoises are ordinarily kept in gardens. 
HOUSE 
For the water and pond turtles an aquarium, con- 
taining a few inches of water, and a piece of log 
projecting above the surface is necessary. Such an 
aquarium should be placed in a sunny window, for 
the turtles need the sun to keep them healthy and 
happy. Specimens of different sizes should not be 
kept in the same aquarium, for the large ones will 
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