THE TORTOISE AND TURTLE. 35 



Unfortunately active tortoises, male or female, were ex- 

 tremely scarce, and the result of ages of indolence has been 

 that the race has remained absolutely without progress, and 

 that no visible improvement has been effected since its first 

 introduction among the inhabitants of earth. The lesson 

 furnished by it cannot be too earnestly taken to heart, 

 especially as we see the same thing, although in a modified 

 extent, among the lower races of humanity. 



