1G8 



SUBKIKGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



fish, smaller quadrupeds, birds and reptiles. One bite of its 

 formidable jaws will sever the fingers from the hand or the 

 toes from the foot. Its eggs have brittle shells. 



Fig. 281. 



Tridnyxferox, Snapping Tortoise. 



Chelonidae. The Sea Turtles are provided with flippers, 

 and venture far out from land, visiting the shore only at 

 stated places and times to lay their eggs. They frequent the 

 tropical waters in herds.* The Green Turtle is the most 

 prized of the edible species. It sometimes weighs two thou- 

 sand pounds. 



fig. 282. 



Cheloma midas, Green Turtle. 



* In the Antilles and other breeding-places the turtle is exceedingly valuable. Its 

 eggs are a delicacy; its flesh is used for food ; its fat for oil and butter ; its carapace 

 for drinking troughs, bathing tubs, canoes, roofs to the native huts, and the tortoise- 

 shell is an article of commerce. 



