i6 



THE NEW HOLLAND CHELODINE. 



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 herb- 

 age 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, how- 

 ever, 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 



MATAMATA. Chelys Matamata, 



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 prolongations 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 mem- 

 branes, 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 re- 

 sembling, 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 color of the plastron. 



