336 THE SOLDIER-CRAB. 



When this animal is taken, it sends forth a feeble 

 cry, and endeavours to seize its enemy with its claws ; 

 and, as they are capable of inflicting a very painful 

 wound, the danger attending the taking them is too 

 great for the treat, therefore they are generally suf- 

 fered to make their excursions unmolested either to the 

 sea or their mountainous retreat. 



CHAP. VII. 



CRUSTACEOVS FISH OF THE TORTOISE KIND. 



A.LL animals of this nature are divided into two clas- 

 ses, the one residing upon land and the other dwelling 

 in the sea; and, to distinguish them, the former are 

 known by the name of the tortoise, and the latter by 

 that of the turtle. In their external appearance they 

 bear a strong resemblance to each other, though they 

 differ very much in size : their outward covering is 

 composed of two great shells, the one laid upon the 

 other, and only touching at the edge, bearing some 

 iirailitude to the tiles upon a house ; there are two 

 holes at each extremity of this singular body, one for 

 a very small head, shoulders, and arms to peep through, 

 and the other for the feet and tail. From these shells 

 the animal is never disengaged ; and they defend it 

 from the attacks of every creature but man. 



Though the tortoise is not endowed with teeth, yet 

 the jaw is furnished with two bony ridges which com- 

 pletely supply their place ; and so great is the strength of 

 these grinders, that nothing can escape if they once obtain 

 a hold : indeed, all parts of this singular animal appear to 

 possess an uncommon degree of strength; and, torpid as 

 the creature appears, it has been known to carry five men 



