54- 



that no otlior animal seems able nor cares to feed upon 

 it after it beeomes of fair size, except leeches which are 

 usually found clinging to the fleshy parts of old-timers. 

 It is the most ferocious and omnivorous of American tur- 

 tles, preying upon fislies, batrachians. niollusks. dead ani- 

 mals or even pulling quite large ducks beneath the surface 

 of the water and devouring them: other food supplies run- 

 ning short, it will till its stomacli with any succulent vege- 

 tables. 









A LARGE SNAPPING TURTLE. 



Each individual or ])air seems to have its own particular 

 territory and one seldom encroaches on the preserves of 

 another unless the latter be much smaller and weaker. 

 Passing the greater portion of its existence under water 

 gro|)ing in the muddy bottoms, they nevertheless often 

 m.ikc long ionrneys overland in search of new pastures 

 or ponds for feeding. It is during these wanderings that 

 most of them .ire captured, although occasionally an angler 



