M ATAM AT A. Citelys J/cUiuimta 



This Tortoise inhabits Southern America, and is most plentiful in Cayenne. For- 

 merly it was very common, but on account of the excellence of its flesh, it has been 

 subject to such persecution, that its numbers have been considerably diminished. It 

 haunts the lakes and rivers, where it swims well and with some speed. As is the case 

 with most aquatic tortoises, it is carnivorous, and feeds on fish, reptiles, and other creatures, 

 which it captures by a sudden snap of its sharp beak. In general, it appears not to care 

 for chasing the intended prey, but conceals itself among the reeds and herbage of the 

 river-side, and from its hiding-place thrusts out its neck suddenly upon its victims as 

 they pass unsuspectingly within reach of their destroyer. On occasion, however, it will 

 issue from its concealment, dart rapidly through the water and seize a fish, reptile, or even 

 a water-fowl, and then retire with its prey to its former hiding-place. 



It is a large and formidable creature, attaining, when adult, to a length of three feet. 



The head of the Matamata is most singular in shape, and remarkable for the strange 

 appendages which are placed upon it. The head itself is much flattened, and rather broad, 

 and the snout is prolonged in a most extraordinary manner, so as to form an elongated and 

 flexible double tube. 



On the top of the head are two membranous prolongation^ of the skin, standing 

 boldly from the head, and having much the appearance of ears. From the chin hang two 

 curiously fringed membranes, and the throat is decorated with four similar membranes, 

 but of larger size and more deeply fringed. The neck is long, and bears upon its upper 

 surface two rows of small membranous tufts, deeply fringed, and greatly resembling, in 

 every point but that of size, the tufts on the chin and throat. The limbs are powerful, 

 and the tail is short. 



The shell of the Matamata is rather convex, broader before than behind, and rather 

 flattened in the middle of the back. The shields are elevated, rather sharp at their tips, 

 and are arranged so as to form three regular keels along the back. 



A NEARLY allied species of river Tortoise is worthy of a passing notice. It is the 

 NEW HOLLAND CHELODINE, sometimes called the YELLOW CHELODINE, from the olive- 

 yellow colour of the plastron. 



