The Alligator Turtle, (_Macrochelys lacertina_), is the largest fresh-water chelonian in North America. In form and temper it resembles the common snapping turtle of the North, and its home is in the Gulf States. The largest of the two Louisiana specimens on exhibition weighs 115 pounds. The Snapping Turtle, (_Chelydra serpentina_), which is the most courageous and pugnacious of all turtles, is rather poorly protected by its shell, and must therefore fight for its place in nature. The Painted Turtle, (_Chrysemys picta_), is a species of wide and common distribution, and fairly representative of the host of fresh water terrapins and turtles so common throughout the United States in ponds and streams of all sorts. The Box Tortoise, (_Cistudo carolina_), lives on land, and as a means of perfect protection has been enabled by nature completely to withdraw its head and legs within its shell, and by means of a hinge across the middle of the plastron, or lower shell, to close it tightly. The Tortoise and Lizard Yards.—At the eastern end of the Reptile House is a commodious glass-roofed hall, opening into a series of sandy yards. This installation is occupied by the collection of tortoises and the larger tropical lizards. These reptiles do better in captivity, and show to best advantage, if given outdoor sunlight and plenty of room for exercise. The Giant Tortoises are among the most interesting of living reptiles. There are fourteen distinct species, all belonging to the genus _Testudo_. These creatures appear to be survivors of the reptilian ages when reptiles attained colossal proportions. Fossil remains of the great tortoises show these creatures to have formerly inhabited the continents, but the survivors are restricted to isolated groups of small islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Six species inhabit the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Four are found in the Aldabra Islands in the Indian Ocean, and four inhabit the Mauritius-Rodriguez group of Islands. All the species are rapidly becoming extinct. Recent expeditions to the Galapagos Islands have reported that very few Giant Tortoises now survive in those islands. The Giant Tortoises are entirely herbivorous. The specimens exhibited consume great quantities of green food, which varies in kind according to the season’s supply. During the summer months they feed largely upon melons. Among the species exhibited is _Testudo vicina_, represented by our largest specimen, captured in the Galapagos Islands. It weighs slightly over two hundred and twenty-five pounds. Another example from the same islands represents _Testudo nigrita_, a smaller and flatter species. _Testudo elephantina_, the Elephant Tortoise, is represented by a large specimen from the Aldabra Islands, which is growing rapidly. The latter tortoise has a very high shell, and proportionately small head.