The Gopher Tortoises, (Testudo carolina), are large, thick-shelled, clumsy creatures, which burrow in holes in the sandy southern regions where they live. Once they were common in southern Florida, but their edibility has resulted in a great decrease in their abundance.
The South American Tortoise, (Testudo tabulata), is a good representative of the smaller tortoises from various parts of the world. It is common throughout tropical South America and attains a maximum length of shell of about 14 inches. The shell is elongated and blackish, each of the shields having a yellowish center. Like all of the tortoises, this is a herbivorous reptile.
The Marine Turtles.—At the New York Aquarium, situated in Battery Park, and managed by the New York Zoological Society, will be found a fine collection of such large sea-turtles as the Loggerhead, Green Turtle and Hawksbill, which require salt water.
The Soft-Shelled Turtle, (Aspidonectes ferox).—As to living relatives, this strange genus seems apropos of nothing. Like some of the marine turtles its shell is greatly reduced in weight, so that it can float more readily; instead of being solid bone, it terminates in a wide, thin edge of cartilage, which is so soft that when properly boiled it constitutes palatable food.
THE CROCODILES AND ALLIGATORS.
The Order of Crocodilians.—This important Order, the members of which are widely distributed throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of the world, contains nineteen species. At this point it is well to correct certain very general misapprehensions regarding crocodilians.
Crocodiles are not confined to the Old World; at least three species being found abundantly in tropical America.
The “movement” of a crocodile’s jaw differs in no manner whatever from that of an alligator.
Only a few species of crocodiles are dangerous to man.
There is no authentic record of the loss of a human life through our common alligator.