174 TORTOISE. 



of life, that they will retain it several days after having 

 their heads cut off, and chest lain open. They pass the 

 cold season in a torpid state. The marine tortoise or 

 turtles, are distinguished by their fin-like feet. There 

 are in all about thirty-six species ; four marine, eighteen 

 living in fresh water, and the rest on land. The species 

 are distinguished by the colours and pattern of the shell. 



THE COMMON, OR GREEK TORTOISE 



Is found in all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, 

 as well as the Islands of that sea ; it is said to be most 

 abundant in Greece. It will live in cold climates, and has 

 often been imported into England. Its length is from six to 

 eight inches, and it weighs about forty-eight ounces. The 

 middle part of the shell is of a brown colour, varied with 

 yellow, with a dark stripe down each side ; the head and 

 legs are covered with scales. This creature lives to a very 

 great age : in winter it burrows in the ground. Its motions 

 in digging are still slower than in walking, so that the 

 animal, although he works without intermission, does not 

 complete his hole in less than a fortnight. Its food is 

 chiefly of milky plants, such as lettuce, &c. It is very 

 averse to rain, taking shelter on the slightest shower, and 

 never going out on wet days. It dislikes excessive heat, 

 and passes the hours of bright and hot sunshine, under 

 some broad leaf. It becomes attached to those who take 

 care of it. It lays its eggs about June, in a small hole, 

 which it forms in a sunny spot : the young are hatched in 

 September, and are of the size of a walnut. The eggs are 

 much esteemed by the Greeks, who eat them boiled ; they 

 also drink the fresh blood of the animal without any 

 preparation. Though of so quiet a disposition, the male 

 tortoises will fight with each other, butting with their 

 heads. 



THE MUD TORTOISE 



Is found plentifully in many parts of Europe, as well as 

 Asia. It is about seven or eight inches long, and three or 

 four inches broad. The colour of its shell ia blackish, as 

 is also that of the skin ; the feet are webbed. The animal 



