CHELONIA CARETTA. 37 



This is the largest species of Tortoise with a hard shell; sometimes weighing, it 

 is said, sixteen hundred pounds. The young animal varies considerably from the 

 adult in shape and colour; the shell is shorter and broader in proportion; the 

 vertebral plates have each a tubercle, which forms a distinct carina; the lateral 

 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 but slightly hooked in front, the inferior 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 

 altogether 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 

 often 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 retired and 

 desolate spots to deposit its eggs. 



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

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

 rank and tough that it is 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 food as those of any other species. 



