C HE LONIACARETTA. 47 



greater size, weighing even, it is said, sixteen hundred pounds. The young animal 

 varies considerably from the adult in shape and colour; the shell is shorter and 

 broader proportionably; the vertebral plates have each a tubercle, which forms 

 a distinct carina; the laterals have similar tubercles, but smaller, and these finally 

 disappear as the Tortoise advances in years; the posterior and external angles 

 of most of the marginal plates project so much as to give a serrated appearance 

 to more than half of the posterior part of the shell. The jaws, though equally 

 strong in proportion to the size of the animal, are both hooked in front, the in- 

 ferior most so. The colour of the young differs in having the chestnut-brown 

 more distinct and often radiated with yellowish or lighter brown. 



Habits. This animal is much bolder than the Chelonia mydas, and lives alto- 

 gether on animal food; it is extremely voracious, and devours great quantities of 

 shell fish, as the various Buccinii and Trochi, especially a large conch (Strombus) 

 which it breaks easily between its stout mandibles. It is a strong swimmer, and 

 is frequently seen in the midst of the ocean, floating on the surface of the waves, 

 motionless, and apparently asleep; in which situation they are frequently captured. 



Geographical Distribution. This animal has a much wider range than the 

 Green Turtle, and is found on the shores of nearly all the Atlantic states, and 

 frequently lays its eggs on the southern aspect of sandy shoals along the coast of 

 Georgia, Carolina and Virginia. Though much more wary and shy in its habits 

 than the Chelonia mydas, yet it takes far less pains in seeking out retirement and 

 desolate spots to deposit its eggs. 



General Remarks. The Loggerhead has the same enemies to contend with 

 as the Green Turtle; but he is sought after with little ardour, as his flesh is so 

 rank and tough as to be nearly unfit for nourishment, especially in old animals, 

 and their shells cannot be used in the arts; yet the war against their eggs is 

 equally exterminating, as they are as good as those of any other species. 



Sometimes the young are brought to our markets, and are considered tolerable 



