68 
The Indian Crocodile is the typical member of this araily, and 
at the same time one of the most fierce. It would be quite possible 
for a man to go amongst a number of full-grown alligators and receive 
no hurt ; but to go unarmed too near a single specimen of a crocodile 
would result in disaster, especially if it were of the above species. 
This monster inhabits the whole of India and the adjacent islands, 
living exclusively in fresh water. Its food consists of any animal it 
is strong enough to master, terrestrial victims being dragged under 
water and drowned before they are eaten. When the dry season 
conies round these crocodiles aestivate, burying themselves in the mud 
during the drought, where in a state of torpor they await the refilling 
of the water-holes {12 to 16 feet). 
Brazilian Tortoise.— This species is one of the most handsome 
of all the tortoise tribe. The shields of the carapace are of a golden 
yellow in the centre, bordered by a broad margin of a brown or 
blacki-.h tint. The head and legs are also of a d.ark colour, but 
relieved by a number of bright red spots. As its name implies it is a 
native of Brazil and the warmer parts of South America. There >t 
dwells in the forest jungles, living on herbs and fruits (i J to 2 feet). 
Grecian Tortoise. — In the late spring and early summer months 
it is a common sight in Lo don, and other large towns, to see a 
number of these creatures displayed in bird-.shops and on barrows in 
market streets. 'I'here they spend their lime in slowly and laboriously 
crawling over one another, or surveying the situation with c.alm 
indifference. Under such conditions they look anything but attrac- 
tive. I f, however, a specimen be required it may be made to become 
a really interesting and active creature In choosing a tortoise of 
any kind take it up and carefully ex.-imine its eyes, refuse it if they 
are not glossy black and wide open. Then look to its neck and legs, 
and be satisfied that they are in no w.ay lacerated. The shell, both 
carapace and plastron, should also receive attention, as .specimens 
are not infrequently b.adly cracked in transit. When satisfied as to 
its external condition its head or one of its legs, which are sure to be 
h.angingout, should be touched. If that member be sharply withdrawn 
it is a sign of good vitality, if the reptile remains indifferent to such 
liberties it is usually in weak health. After a satisfactory purchase 
has been made it should be taken home and bathed in tepid water, 
when if a healthy one it will become far more lively. After .scrubbing 
its shell it .should be dried on a cloth, and put in such a position that 
it can freely drink. Sometimes Grecian tortoises will drink for an 
hour or more. When it has been satisfied on this point a little fresh 
lettuce or dandelion leaf should be offered it. It nmy refuse to eat 
at first, but if the weather be warm healthy hetbivorous tortoises 
seldom refuse lettuce. Under such conMitions land tortoises will soon 
become anything but inactive and uninteresting (12 to 15 inches). 
Dentated Hinged Tortoise. — This reptile is a native of New 
Guinea where it serves as a “ table delicacy ’ to the natives. A very 
interesting point concerning this tortoi.se is the natural hinge with 
which the hinder part of its carapace is furnished. Our photograph 
clearly shows this flexible ligament. It .allows the creature to 
securely close at will the cavily through which the hind legs usually 
protrude. The .animal is .also quite .safe from a frontal att.ack when 
the head is withdrawn anil covered by the hard scaly- fore legs. 
*riiis species, like the Brazilian 'I orloise, wdl do well in Itnglish 
gardens rltlring the summer months if regulaily* fed with such food 
as lettuce, gooseberries, and cherries (14 to 16 inches). 
