COLLARED TURTLE. 171 



able, and which peculiar quality renders that species 

 so serviceable to man. On the contrary, like its 

 congener the common or wild European turtle (Tur- 

 tur communis), it cannot be left to range at perfect 

 liberty, without the danger of its flying away to re- 

 turn no more, and must therefore be kept constant- 

 ly confined either in cages or in aviaries adapted for 

 the purpose. In this state of captivity, if properly 

 attended to, it breeds with facility, sometimes pro- 

 ducing as many as eight broods within the year ; 

 but, being a native of warm climates, and very im- 

 patient of cold, it is seldom cultivated to the same 

 extent in this country as it is in those where the 

 temperature is better adapted to its constitution. 

 The male shews great tenderness and affection to 

 his mate, and is constantly by her side, soothing her 

 with caresses, or paying his court by soft cooing 

 notes, and that peculiar cry so expressive of laugh- 

 ter, and from which it takes its specific name. 



In its wild or natural state, it is found in various 

 parts of Africa, and we have by us specimens from 

 the southern part of that continent, a description of 

 which, as varying in depth and intensity of colour 

 from the domestic variety, is here subjoined. The 

 length is about ten inches. The chin is whitish, from 

 the corners of the mouth to the eyes, is a narrow 

 streak of black. The forehead is pale bluish-gray ; 

 the crown darker ; the cheeks, neck, breast, and 

 belly gray, tinged with vinaceous or pale purplish- 

 red ; the hind neck with a demi-collar of black, some 



