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sea-tortoise which sometimes attains a length of four feet, and 

 weighs as many hundred pounds. It is frequent on all Medi- 

 terranean coast, and is found in the Adriatic as far as Trieste, 

 and also in the Atlantic coasts of Europe. It lives on crabs 

 and other small animals, and when newly caught defends it- 

 self bravely. Its mighty jaws are a weapon by no means to be 

 despised. Even in confinement it continues vicious and ready 

 to bite for some time. The tortoises in the Aquarium have 

 often fought furious battles so that it has been necessary to 

 separate them. In winter they become torpid and lose their 

 appetite. They are of very little value, for their flesh is taste- 

 less and their shell useless. 



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