3 6 



REPTILES. 



the tropics for the sake of the flesh alone. They are packed one upon an- 

 other in casks of sea-water, which is changed daily. Both of these species 

 have been taken on the Bristol coast ; but such an occurrence can only be 

 considered rare and accidental. 



The Leather-backed Turtle (Sphargis) (Fig. 333), instead of horny plates, 

 is covered with a leathery skin, marked by several ridges running lengthways down 

 the back. These animals are amongst the bulkiest of the race, and have been known 

 to measure nine or ten feet. They have a remarkable cry, and when caught in the net 

 utter a loud roaring sound, whence they derive their name Sphargis, from the Greek 

 <r(f>apayifa (spharagizo), which means "to move with a noise." 



In the great rivers and lakes of both hemispheres there are 

 some large and ferocious creatures, known as 



The Soft Tortoises (Trionyx). These have no horny shell, but are 

 covered by a soft skin occupying the centre of the back, and surrounded by 

 a broad margin of firmer texture (Fig. 334). Their feet are webbed, but three 

 toes of each are furnished with powerful claws, whence their name Trionyoc 



(three-clawed). The beak 

 is horny, and partly conceal- 

 ed by fleshy lips, and their 

 muzzle is extended into a 

 short proboscis. These ani- 

 mals are eminently carni- 

 vorous, and pursue fishes 

 and young crocodiles, which 

 they catch in the water. Not- 

 withstanding the nature of 

 their food, their flesh is es- 

 teemed for the table, and 

 hence they are caught with 

 a hook and line. In seizing 

 their food or defending 

 themselves, they dart out 

 their long neck with the 



sudden rapidity of an arrow. The grasp of their powerful and trenchant beak 

 is sharp and deadly, nor is it relaxed until the part seized is cut out. Indeed, 

 such is their boldness and ferocity, that they are dreaded even by those who 

 fish for them. 



The Marsh Tortoises (Emys) form a very numerous family, including 

 seventy-four out of the one hundred and twenty species known to belong to 

 the Order. More than half of them are American. They resemble the com- 

 mon land tortoises in their general appearance, but are flatter, and their toes 

 are connected by a web. They inhabit fresh waters, in which they swim with 

 facility, and are often found in stagnant ponds and morasses. They feed on 

 small aquatic animals. Many species are esteemed for the excellence of their 

 flesh. The common European Terrapin (Terrapene Europosa) is taken in 

 great numbers, fattened in cellars, and sold in the markets of Germany. 



The Land Tortoises (Testudd] (Fig. 336) are recognized by having their 

 upper shell very high and convex ; their limbs are short and pillar-like, ap- 

 pearing as if cut off ; they are terminated, however, by horny hoof-like claws. 

 The land tortoises live exclusively on vegetables, such as leaves and fruits, 

 do not seek the water, are heavy and slow in their movements, and burrow in 



FIG. 334. SOFT TORTOISE. 



