THE SEA TURTLE. 375 



tion, is admirably armed for defence. It is also re- 

 markable for longevity ; and although it is difficult to 

 ascertain the precise duration of its life, there is a 

 well authenticated instance recorded of one kept in 

 the gardens of Lambeth Palace, which was known to 

 have lived above a hundred and twenty years. The 

 tortoise is, indeed, so tenacious of life, that it cannot, 

 without difficulty, be destroyed: it even, in some 

 measure, seems calculated for immortality; for it is 

 said that it retains the vital principle a considerable 

 time .after the loss of its brain, and even of its head. 

 Experiments, shocking to humanity, have sometimes 

 been made, in order to see how far this animal is ca- 

 pable of enduring pain; but I flatter myself, my dear 

 Sir, that you will agree with me, that all knowledge 

 gained by so flagrant an offence against the Creator 

 of the universe, as this infliction of torments on his 

 unoffending creatures, had better remain for even 

 concealed. 



THE SEA TURTLE 



comprehends a variety of species, some of which are 

 neither palatable nor wholesome; while others are 

 celebrated in the annals of epicurism. Of the former 

 class is the great turtle of the Mediterranean, which 

 is the largest of the vvhV.e race, but its flesh is coarse 

 and unwholesome. One species called the hawksbill, 

 is valued fur its shell, of which all our tortofse-shell 

 snuffboxes, and other trinkets, are made. The green 

 turtle is that which is held in such high esteem for 

 the table. This, indeed, is both a wholesome and an 

 exquisitely delicious food, and also a valuable article 

 of commerce; for our ships are^ now generally fur- 

 nished with conveniences for importing this animal 

 alive from the West-Indies. It is said, however, that 

 the flesh of the turtle has the full perfection of its fla- 

 ir or no where but on its native shores. 



A common green turtle weighs about two hundred 

 weight, and some have been found that weighed 

 above eight hundred. This animal seldom quits the 

 sea, except to deposit its eggs, which, in about twen- 

 ty-live days, are hatched by the heat of the sun. The 



