280 INTEODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



different aspects, we cannot conclude better than by exliibiting 

 his behaviour when in love ! The words ai'e those of Professor 

 Edward Forbes : — 



" Among Lycian reptiles the Tortoise is the most conspi- 

 cuous and abundant. The number of these animals straying 

 about the plains, and browsing on the fresh herbage in spring, 

 astonishes the traveller. In April they commence love-making. 

 Before we were aware of the cause, we were often surprised, 

 when wandering among ruins and waste places, at hearing a 

 noise as if some invisible geologist was busily occupied close 

 by, trimming his specimens. A search in the direction of the 

 noise discovered the hammer in the shape of a gentleman tor- 

 toise, who, not being gifted with vocal powers, endeavoured to 

 express the warmth of his affection to his lady-love by rattling 

 his shell against her side."* 



• Travels in Lycia, by Lieut. Spratt, R.N'., and Professor Edward Forbes, 

 vol. ii. p. 67. The species were Testudo Grxca and maryinata. 



