File:Birds and nature (1907) (14750154902).jpg

Identifier: birdsnature51907chic (find matches)
Title: Birds and nature
Year: 1900 (1900s)
Authors:
Subjects: Birds Natural history
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Mumford, Publisher
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Institution Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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in thewater, the entire operation not lasting-over twenty minutes. This method is dif-ferent from that of our other land turtles.Nothing but sand will suit the purpose ofthe snapping-turtle. In order to find asuitable spot for the burial of her eggs,the female is often forced to traverse aconsiderable distance. The sand must bequite dry and exposed to the full rays ofthe sun. The little ones are hatched inJuly. The young run by instinct into thewater. Remarkable stories are told of thelongevity of the turtle and of its tenacityof life. That they live to near a centuryis well authenticated. After the head issevered from the body the head will openand shut the mouth and roll the eyes. Inone case a stick was held between theopen jaws, which closed upon it withviolence, and kept hold of it. Meanwhilethe headless body was crawling on theground. An allied form (Matrochelys lacer-tina) inhabits the tributaries of the Mexican Gulf, extending northward in theMississippi as far as Missouri. 28
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I THE RED FOX. Like the Squirrels, Foxes varyin size and color according tothe countries in which theylive. Their habits are mostlynocturnal, that is to say, theyprowl around after dark. By day the Fox lies concealedin his burrow—if he owns ahouse of that sort—or else in thedepths of some thicket. Towardevening he goes out in search ofsomething to eat—Hare, Rabbit,Pheasant, Mouse, or Bird. Reynard, as the Fox is oftencalled, does not attempt to chasethe Hare, for it would be tooswift for him, nor the Rabbit,for it would quickly dive intoits hole, nor the Pheasant, for itwould fly away. No, indeed!Mr. Fox is too cunning for that.He just quietly creeps to someplace where Hares or Rabbitsor Pheasants are likely to pass,and then as they run by him,out he pounces and secures hisevening meal. AYhen the Rabbit has a nestfull of little Bunnies, shetakes good care to keep them atthe end of the burrow. It is toosmall for the Fox to creep into,so she thinks they are safe. ButMr. Fox finds

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