FRESH-WATER ANIMALS. 311 



into our markets. I have met with persons from America 

 who, having tasted it, pronounce it excellent; while, as a 

 nourisliing and easily digested food for invalids, it is beyond 

 all praise. 



From partial experiments which have already been made 

 for purposes of science by individuals, it does appear pro- 

 bable that the Emydidm might be brought to bear this 

 climate. Specimens sent from Carolina have remained in 

 health during summer and autumn, have hibernated at the 

 bottom of a small pond in the winter, and have been resus- 

 citated by the returning warmth of spring. Nor do I 

 know why a little artificial heat, such as might be ob- 

 tained in a winter-house, should not be applied with ad- 

 vantage. We see how some kinds of fish multiply and 

 swarm in botanical hot-houses, and why should not these 

 " fresh-water turtles ^^ be induced by similar comforts to 

 consider themselves equally at home and to become equally 

 prolific ? 



One interesting circumstance connected with these ani- 

 mals is, that they occasionally shed the horny plates which 

 cover their bony shell one at a time, the new plate being 

 formed underneath before the old one is thrown ofP, when 

 the new plate is found to resemble the old one exactly, ex- 



