344 



IN THE GALLAPAGOS ISLANDS. 



their flesh was of great delicacy. Four species were 

 found here : green turtle, loggerhead, trunk-turtle, and 

 hawksbill.* 



Mr. Darwin describes the method of catching them 

 adopted in this part of the world. The water in the 

 creeks and lagoons is so clear and shallow, that although 

 at first a turtle quickly dives out of sight, yet, in a canoe 

 or boat under sail, the pursuers, after no very long chase, 

 come up to it. A man standing ready in the bows 



UING TURTLE. 



at this moment dashes through the water upon the 

 turtle's back ; then, clinging with both hands by the 

 shell of the neck, he is carried away till the animal be- 

 comes exhausted, and is secured. It is quite an interest, 

 ing chase to see the little boats thus doubling about, and 

 the men dashing into the water, endeavouring to secure 

 their prey.t 



* Dampier. 



t Darwin, " Journal of a Naturalist." 



