SIGN OF THE TORTOISE. 157 
rena being omitted. Sometimes it may be observed that the hook- 
shaped legs have disappeared from the brandmark, which is then 
reduced to four ovals meeting in a centre, forming a cruciform 
pattern. 
These singular designs on cattle bear little enough resemblance 
either to a tortoise or to the sign on the bench described above, 
but this circumstance depends no doubt to a large extent upon 
the nature of the materials, the surfaces upon which the symbols 
are delineated, and the tools employed. The marks on the bulls 
partly follow the natural curves of the body and partly depend 
upon the shape of the branding irons. In all cases the constancy in 
the position of the 7bba brand, across the loins, is a point to be 
noted. 

% &( 107 
