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 
w r oon-“ turtle” ( Ckelopus 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 6 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 113^1bs. 
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, 1134 lbs. 
them as “indefinite.” In its home, this burly 
reptile feeds upon fish, frogs, and other water- 
animals. 
