126 THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 
The Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas (Figs. 26, 27 and 28), is an 
attractive species, the coloration of the shell being a pale olive, 
marbled with yellow. The Green Turtle obtains its 
name from the distinctly green hue of its fat. Highly 
esteemed as an article of food, these turtles are com- 
monly seen in the markets lying upon their backs, in which 
position they are helpless... In tropical waters this species is 
alleged to attain a weight of a thousand pounds. 
Green 
Turtle. 
FIG, 28. GREEN TURTLE; HEAD 
Range: Tropical and semi-tropical seas. 
Local distribution: An accidental visitor off our northern 
seacoasts. 
The Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Figs. 29 and 30), 
represents the largest species of our local turtles, excepting the 
three already described. Its rough carapace of 
peas tins somber brown, with its keels and serrations, and the 
proportionately huge, sinister head combine to make 
this creature unique among our turtles. The tail is long and 
possesses a series of plates which form an alligator-like crest; 
the carapace is deeply serrated posteriorly. In proportion to 
1 The majority of the fresh-water turtles, however, when so placed, can 
readily roll over through the combined assistance of the head and limbs. 
