LAND- TOR TOISES. 



49 



appear to be diurnal in their habits, and although they are all fond of water, 

 the common European species always withdraws into its shell at the slightest 

 shower. These reptiles will live to an enormous age, which, in some instances at 

 least, may be reckoned by centuries. According to the classification adopted by 

 Mr. Boulenger, the species of this extensive genus may be arranged under seven 

 groups, of which we proceed to notice representative species. 



The land-tortoises of North America include three species, of 

 which one of the best known is the Florida tortoise (Testudo poly- 

 phemus), inhabiting the South-Eastern United States. All these species may be 



Florida Tortoise. 



BRAZILIAN TORTOISE (| liat. size). 



easily recognised by the anterior extremity of the palate of the skull having a 

 median longitudinal ridge, instead of the deep pit characterising all other members 

 of the genus. In the Florida tortoise, as well as in the allied Agassiz's tortoise 

 {T. agassizi), the length of the shell is more than twice its height, while the beak 

 is not hooked, and the fore-limb is broadest at its extremity. On the other hand, 

 in Berlandier's tortoise (T. berlandieri), from Mexico and Texas, the shell is 

 proportionately shorter, the beak is hooked, and the fore-limb widest at the elbow. 

 These species are all of small size, not exceeding 10 inches in length. 



Brazilian The Brazilian species (T. tabidata), figured above, represents a 



Tortoise. group by itself, of which the distinctive characters are as follows. 

 The carapace is much elongated and somewhat depressed, with its margins not 

 vot. v. — 4 



