CORAL ISLES 



211 



steed, but impossible to control it. Creeping up to 

 a basking Turtle, one leaped on to its carapace, 

 secured a firm hold, and awaited events. As a rule 

 the ride was short and exciting. Aroused, the Turtle 

 scrambled over the beach to the sea, swam for a few 

 yards, and dived, when the rider, if wise, relinquished 

 his seat immediately. 



TURTLES COMING ASHORE. 



The Turtles' nests were situated along the edge 

 of the scrub, among sand hillocks. Probably there 

 was a large number, but only a few fresh nests were 

 discovered; hollows in the coral sand marked the 

 sites of old ones. Turtle tracks from the lagoon to 

 the scrub scarred the beach all around the islet. The 

 animals come from the sea at night to make their 

 nests, excavating deep holes with their hind flippers. 

 When the eggs have been deposited, the hollows are 



