138 Turtle Traits [SECOND WEEK 



squirming objects and are engulfed by the cruel mouth of 

 the angler. Certain marine turtles have long-fringed 

 appendages on the head and neck, which, waving about, 

 serve a similar purpose. 



The edible terrapin has, in many places, become very 

 rare; so that thousands of them are kept and bred in 

 enclosed areas, or " crawls," as they are called. This 

 species is noted for its curious disposition, and it is often 

 captured by being attracted by some unusual sound. 



The tortoise-shell of commerce is obtained from the 

 shell of the hawksbill turtle, the plates of which, being 

 very thin, are heated and welded together until of the 

 required thickness. The age to which turtles live has 

 often been exaggerated, but they are certainly the longest 

 lived of all living creatures. Individuals from the Gala- 

 pagos Island are estimated to be over four hundred years 

 old. When, in a zoological garden, we see one of these 

 creatures and study his aged, aged look, as he slowly and 

 deliberately munches the cabbage which composes his food, 

 we can well believe that such a being saw the light of day 

 before Columbus made his memorable voyage. 



He's his own landlord, his own tenant; stay 

 Long as he will, he dreads no Quarter Day. 

 Himself he boards and lodges; both invites 

 And feasts himself; sleeps with himself o' nights. 

 He spares the upholsterer trouble to procure 

 Chattels; himself is his own furniture, 

 Knock when you will, he's sure to be at home. 



CHARLES LAMB. 



