LETTEES EEOM ALABAMA. 
99 
the stout limbs, and especially to tlie long and 
thick tail flattened sidewise, and surmounted by a 
saw-like ridge of stout elevated plates. 
Another Tortoise of even greater size and ^qual 
ferocity is the Soft-back [Trionyx ferox). It is 
spoken of as rather rare, but as being occasionally 
met with in the Cahawba River, where its habit is 
to squat on fallen trunks and logs, like the Mud 
turtle, watching for fishes, which it pursues and 
devours, as it does also ducks and other water-fowl. 
Its flesh is much esteemed, and hence it is cap- 
tured for the table by those who are acquainted 
with its haunts. They bait a strong hook with a 
living fish, as it is necessary that the prey- should 
be in motion to attract the Turtle. Care and 
caution are needful in landing the game when 
captured ; for it darts its head in all directions, 
seeking to bite its enemies, and frequently inflict- 
ing severe wounds, from the remarkable suddenness 
and agility of its movements. 
This large and fierce Turtle is chiefly remarkable 
for having only the central portion of the back 
covered with a shell of horny plates, the remainder 
of the upper parts being protected by a marginal 
flap-like expansion of leathery texture, the edge of 
which is free, and helps the animal in swimming ; 
the feet also, which are armed with strong hooked 
claws, are furnished with large swimming flaps of 
like leathery substance. 
