The Sea Turtles 



Dimensions. — Smallest of the sea turtles. The carapace 

 of a very large animal will measure about two and a half feet 

 in length; few examples of that length are captured nowadays. 



Habits. — Unlike its near ally, the Green Turtle, the present 

 reptile is apparently carnivorous, living upon fish, crustaceans 

 and molluscs. Like all of the marine chelonians, it lays its eggs 

 on sandy beaches, above tide-line. 



It is from this sea turtle only, that the valuable "tortoise- 

 shell" of commerce is obtained; this is the clear, horny substance, 

 in the shape of shields, covering the bony carapace. 



