SEA-TOETOISES. 



173 



convert them into drin ki n g- troughs for their cattle and into baths 

 for their children. According to Strabo and Pliny, the ancient 

 inhabitants of the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea 

 converted the enormous carapaces of the Tortoise which frequented 

 their shores into coverings for their houses, and boats for paddling 

 along the coast. The fat of many species, when fresh, is used as 

 a substitute for oil and butter. When the musk-like odour of this 

 fatty substance, as in Chelonia caouana and C. caretta, becomes 

 too repulsive for food, it is employed in embrocations, in tanning 

 leather, or in lamps. The eggs of nearly all the Turtles are sought 



Fig. 40. Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas). 



after for their flavour. Finally, the carapace of several species 

 constitutes a valuable material much employed in the arts, and 

 known as tortoise-shell. This material is sought after in con- 

 sequence of its hardness and the fine polish of which it is sus- 

 ceptible, and also for the facility with which it is worked. It has 

 a strong resemblance to horn, but is easily distinguished from 

 it. Though, like horn, it is formed of parallel fibres, it seems to 

 be rather the result of exudation, consisting of a kind of solidified 

 mucus. Its texture is homogeneous ; it can be cut and polished 

 with precision and beauty ; in short, under the influence of a gentle 



