VOL. LXI.] PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. 143 



saddle, with two pieces for the thighs to rest on. The fore part of the plate is 

 pliable and cartilaginous. The head is somewhat triangular and attenuated, rather 

 apparently small for the animal, but growing gradually larger towards the neck, 

 which is thick and long, and easily extended out (the neck of the present subject 

 was J 3 inches and a half long) to a great length, or drawn back again under 

 the shell or plate. 



' The eyes are placed in the fore and upper part of the head, near to each 

 other, having pretty large loose palpebrae. The pupil is small and lively, sur- 

 rounded by a lemon-coloured iris, perfectly round, and giving much life and fire 

 to the eyes. When danger approaches, or when it goes to sleep, it covers its 

 eyes, by bringing the inner and loose part of the lower palpebrae over its eye, 

 like a membrana nictitans. The upper and under lips are both large, but espe- 

 cially the upper. The mandibula are both entire, each being one entire bone all 

 round, of the same shape as the mouth. The nostrils are the most singular part, 

 being a cartilaginous production of at least 3 quarters of an inch, beyond the 

 upper and fore angle or point of the upper lip, perforated with 2 apertures reach- 

 ing back and opening into the roof of its mouth, having a smooth septum, but 

 fimbriated oh each side. This at first sight, in some manner resembles the snout 

 of the mole ; but it is tender, thin, and transparent, and cannot be intended for 

 digging in the earth or land.' 



' The arms are thick and strong, consisting of 3 distinct joints, viz. the 

 upper, the fore arm, and hand. The hands have each 5 fingers, of which 

 the first 3 are shorter and stronger, and furnished with strong nails, or 

 rather claws. The last 2 fingers have more joints, but are smaller, and 

 instead of being furnished with claws, are covered with the membrane, which 

 is extended even beyond their extremities. Towards the back or hind part, 

 there are two spurious fingers, which just serve to support the membrane 

 when extended. The upper side of these arms and hands are covered with a 

 wrinkled loose skin, of a dusky greenish colour. The legs consist of the same 

 number of joints, and have the same number of toes as there are fingers on the 

 fore-feet, and these are furnished with nails in the same marmer, only there is 

 one spurious toe. Both the fore and hind legs are thick, strong, and muscular ; 

 and as the animal is very fierce, when it is attacked or disturbed, it often raises 

 itself on its legs, and will leap forsvard to bite its disturber or enemy, which it 

 does with great fury and violence.' 



* They are likewise very strong, and of a lively whitish colour, because they 

 are generally, if not always, covered with the upper plate, which, as before said, 

 is extended a great way behind. The tail is large and thick, and generally as 

 long as the hind part of the upper plate. The anus is placed about an inch from 



