red marking on each side of its head. This, too, is sold in the markets;
it is found in the middle western states. The Diamond Back Terrapin is
the most highly prized by epicures--seven-inch-long turtles bringing as
much as $5 or more apiece. It is found in the marshes of the eastern and
southeastern coast states. As the size increases, the price advances.
They are becoming scarce. It always feeds under water. Grows to larger
size in the South. The Spotted Turtle is found in abundant quantities in
the eastern states. It has round yellow spots scattered over its black
upper shell and may be seen near ponds, streams and marshy places. It is
fond of water that is grassy, hiding therein.

THE BOX TURTLES.

This turtle is fitted with a complete suit of armor, into which it can
withdraw and become practically immune from harm. It is not an aquatic
reptile, its food consisting principally of vegetation. It is fond of
berries and is found most abundantly in grassy thickets. It lives many
years. At the approach of winter it burrows into the ground.

[Illustration: BOX TURTLE.]

THE TORTOISES.

The Tortoises live only on the land. The Gopher Tortoise is found from
South Carolina to Florida, and west as far as Texas. It feeds on
vegetation. It inhabits principally the dry and sandy places and makes
long burrows into which it retires from the hot midday sun. The eggs of
this tortoise are buried in the sand and are hatched by the sun's rays
Agassiz's Tortoise, or the Desert Tortoise, is distributed over the
deserts of Arizona and southern California.

THE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLES.

The shells of these turtles are soft and the head has the distinguishing
characteristic of a pointed nose. They are aquatic and are much like the
snapping turtles in habit. Large specimens can do damage with their
sharp jaws. They are popularly known as "flap jack turtles," and they do
not look unlike large pancakes. They are vicious and can make severe
wounds or injuries. Their food is the same as that of the snapping
turtles; in fact, they have so many points in common that they are often
called "soft-shelled snapping turtles."

THE CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS

THE CROCODILIA OR THE CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS.

The Crocodiles and Alligators belong to that order of reptiles known as
Crocodilia. The Alligator's head is broad and blunt; the Crocodile's is
narrow and sharp.

[Illustration:
1. ALLIGATOR.
2. CROCODILE.]

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