TORTOISES AND TURTLES 
159 
extent of an alligator’s body, to which the carapace of an ordinary terrapin has been united. 
The common alligator-terrapin, or snapping-turtle, is among aquatic Chelonians an animal of 
considerable size. The carapace alone may be as much or more than 20 inches long, and to 
this have to be added the thick head and neck and elongated tail, which, taken together, are 
of almost similar dimensions. 
A second closely related member of this family, known by the name of Temmixck’s Snapper, 
attains to yet longer proportions, and is the largest known river-tortoise. The carapace in 
this species may measure over 2 feet in length, and has three strongly marked longitudinal 
ridges. The head is relatively larger and the tail somewhat shorter than in the preceding 
species. It is a denizen of the southern districts of the United States, being met with in 
Texas, Florida, and as far north as the Missouri. 
The habits of the two species are stated to be identical. Both of them frequent the 
rivers and swamps of the areas indicated, preferring the waters that have a muddy bottom, 
and in some localities occurring in vast numbers. As a rule they prefer lying in deep water 
near the centre of the river or swamp they inhabit, but they also occasionally ascend to 
the surface and float in midstream with outstretched necks. Like other water-tortoises, they 
come on land to find suitable locations for depositing their eggs. The name of Snappers, 
commonly applied to these tortoises, bears reference to their inveterate habit of snapping 
and biting viciously at everything placed within their reach. Even from the egg the young 
of Temminck’s species is wont to display this trait. The animals are somewhat esteemed for 
food, and are consequently caught for the market. They will take almost any bait, but 
manifest a predilection for fish. Considerable caution has necessarily to be exercised in 
dealing with them in the boats, and it is a common custom to decapitate them immediately 
they are hauled on board, otherwise they are capable of inflicting the most terrible wounds 
with their powerful cutting beaks on the persons of all or any who may remain within their 
reach. Bathing in waters tenanted by the pugnacious and distinctly aggressive snappers is 
a risky proceeding, and many cases of serious injuries that have happened to incautious 
adventurers in this direction have been recorded. 
The food of both the alligator and Temminck’s snapper consists mainly of fish, and where 
common these tortoises must be ranked among the most potent agencies in denuding the rivers 
and lakes of their finny denizens. Not content with fish, the larger examples have been known 
to drag under water and 
devour such large water- 
fowl as ducks, and even 
geese. It is stated that 
the snappers exhibit a 
surprising amount of 
agility in the water, and 
swim after and capture 
the fish on which they 
feed. Such a feat seems 
scarcely credible of a 
bulky adult individual, 
while, moreover, it is 
provided with a remark- 
able and effective adapta- 
tion for taking its prey 
by stratagem. A very 
fine example of Tem- 
minck’s snapper was for 
many years confined in 
a tank in the Reptile- 
