16 
THE ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN 
in the water or swam gently within reach, and then to secure it with a quiet snap of its 
beak. 
Like the lettered Terrapin, already mentioned, it has a vexatious habit of taking the 
angler’s bait, and causes many a fisherman to lose his temper when pulling up a useless little 
Mud Tortoise instead of the fish on which he had set his heart. It seizes the worm just as it 
catches the newts, taking it so quietly into its mouth that the float is hardly shaken by the 
touch. But when the fisherman pulls his line, the Tortoise kicks, pulls and flounces about in 
so energetic a style that it often deludes the angler into the idea that he has hooked quite 
a fine fish. 
This species has a decided smell of musk, a peculiarity which is found in others of the 
same genus, one of which ( Cinosternum odoratum ) goes by the appropriate, though not very 
refined, name of Stink-pot, in consequence of the powerful musky odor which it exudes. 
The color of the Mud Tortoise is mostly dusky-brown above, and chestnut below, though 
this coloring is liable to some variation in different individuals. The tail is thick and pointed, 
and horny at the tip. The head is large, and there are four large warty appendages on the chin. 
The last example of the Terrapin is that singular animal which is appropriately called the 
Alligator Terrapin ( Chelydra serpentina ), from the great resemblance which it bears to 
that reptile. 
It is also an American species, and lives mostly in the water. When adult it reaches 
a large size, often exceeding three feet in length, and as it is very fierce of disposition, lithe of 
neck, and strong of jaw, it is somewhat dreaded by those who have had a practical acquaint- 
ance with its powers. The jaws of this animal are sharp edged, and remarkably strong, cutting 
like the blades of steel shears. Mr. Bell remarks that he has seen one of these creatures bite 
asunder a stick of half an inch in diameter. When caught, therefore, the captors always 
cut off these dangerous heads at once. 
Mr. Holbrook gives the following interesting account of the Alligator Terrapin and its 
habits : — 
“It is found in stagnant pools or in streams where the waters are of sluggish motion. 
Generally they prefer deep water, and live at the bottom of rivers ; at times, however, they 
approach the surface, above which they elevate the tip of their pointed snout, all other parts 
being concealed, and in this way they float slowly along with the current, but if disturbed, 
they descend speedily to the bottom. 
“They are extremely voracious, feeding on fish, reptiles, or any animal substance that 
falls in their way. They take the hook readily, whatever may be the bait, though most 
attracted by pieces of fish ; in this way many are caught for market. It is, however, neces- 
sary to have strong hooks and tackle, otherwise they would be broken, for the animal puts 
forth great strength in its struggles to escape, both with its firm jaws and by bringing its 
anterior extremities across the line. When caught, they always give out an odor of musk, 
more or less distinct ; sometimes in very old animals it is so strong as to be disagreeable. 
“ Occasionally he leaves the water, and is seen on the banks of rivers or in meadows, even 
at a distance from his accustomed element. On land, his motions are awkward ; ne walks 
slowly, with his head, neck, and long tail extended, elevating himself on his legs like the 
alligator, which at that time he greatly resembles in his motions. Like the alligator also, 
after having walked a short distance, he falls on his sterna i to rest for a few moments, and 
then proceeds on his journey. 
“ In captivity they prefer dark places, and are exceedingly ferocious ; they will seize upon 
and bite severely anything that is offered them, and their grasp upon the object wit their 
strong jaws is so tenacious, that they may even be raised from the ground without osing 
their hold. “ 
“ In many cities they are brought in numbers to market, and are esteemed excellei food, 
though I think that they are far inferior to the green turtle, the soft-shelled, or even se ral of 
the emydes. They are kept for months in tubs of fresh water, and feed on such offal may 
be given them, though they never become fat or increase much in weight.” 
