MARINE TORTOISES. 37 



in plunging into it, and, before reaching it, they often become the 

 prey of carnivorous birds, which seem to await the moment of 

 their birth to feast upon them. They have also to dread vora- 

 cious fishes and crocodiles, which assemble in the same places for 

 the same purposes ; the most part of those which escape their 

 numerous enemies, acquire very considerable dimensions: they 

 have been known to measure fifteen feet in circumference, and to 

 weigh from five to six hundred pounds. 



30. Marine tortoises are found in all warm seas; they abound 

 about the West Indies, and particularly about a small archipelago 

 near the main, known under the name of Tortugas. 



3 1 . Among these Tortoises, we distinguish the CHELONIA, in 

 which the carapax is covered with horny plates or scales, and the 

 SPHARGIS, which have only a coriaceous skin. The most common 

 species of the first of these genera, are the Green Tortoise, 

 (Turtle); the Caret, or Hawks-bill Turtle; and the Caouane. Only 

 one species of Sphargis is known, the Luth. 



32. The Green Tortoise, Testudo viridis, is recognised 

 by the plates, thirteen in number, and not arranged like tiles, 

 that cover the disk of the carapax, which is fawn colour, 

 with a number of brown spots, glazed green. It is found in the 

 Atlantic ocean, and feeds chiefly on a plant known to botanists 

 under the name of zostera marina, : it lays twice a year, about the 

 months of May and June, and the total number of its eggs is 

 about two hundred and fifty. Its length is sometimes from six 

 to seven feet, and its weight from seven to eight hundred pounds. 

 This species differs very little from other marine Tortoises, 

 frequenting the same places, and is found on the coasts of Africa, 

 and in the Asiatic seas. The flesh of all these Chelonians is very 

 much' esteemed. In England particularly it is very much sought 

 as a luxurious dish, and to supply the London market, vessels 

 are despatched to the Indian seas, and on certain coasts parks 

 have been established for the preservation of Sea Tortoises. The 

 fat of these animals, although of a greenish hue, which may be 

 at first unpleasant, has a very delicate taste, and their eggs are 

 equally esteemed. 



33. The Caouane, Testudo caretta, as in the Green Tortoise, 

 the carapax is covered by plates simply placed together, but the 

 number of these scales on the disk is fifteen instead of thirteen. 



30. Where are marine Tortoises found ? 



31. How are Sou Tortoises classified ? 



32. What are the characters of Green Tortoises ? Upon what do they 

 feed? 



33. What is the Caouane? 



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