34 



REPTILES. 



known to move for many weeks after decapitation. Very little 

 nourishment is necessary for them, and they can pass entire 

 months without eating. 



The Chelonian Reptiles may all be arranged in four principal 

 families, according to the following table : 





FIG. 332. HAWKSBILL TURTLE. 



The Turtles (Chelonidce) are very remarkable on account of the structure 

 of their limbs. The feet, though the toes are composed of distinct pieces and 

 armed with sharp claws, are changed into flat depressed fins, only fitted for 

 swimming, an act which they perform with great vigour and celerity. The 



fore legs are much longer and larger than the hinder ones, and are not retrac- 

 tile within the shell ; their carapax is generally I 



heart-shaped and exceedingly 



