ANIMAL PRODUCTS 141 



and it is interesting to note that the creature which 

 supplies that beverage was first introduced into 

 England as an article of food during the middle of 

 the seventeenth century. The species which is used 

 for converting into soup is the green-turtle ; but in 

 other countries the flesh of the matamata terrapin, 

 the gopher tortoise, the trionyx or soft water- 

 tortoise, and the box tortoise is occasionally eaten. 

 The large lizards known as iguanas are served at 

 table in South America, and are said to taste like 

 chicken ; while in Mexico the flesh of the sala- 

 mander-like creature called the axolotl is much 

 appreciated as food. 



Many insects and grubs (especially those of 

 beetles) are eaten by the inhabitants of different 

 parts of the world ; locusts being considered great 

 delicacies in Arabia, and in West Africa the goliath 

 beetle is roasted and served at table. In Turkey 

 the women fry and eat a species of beetle (Blaps 

 sulcata) ; and we read that the African Bushmen 

 do not disdain caterpillars and spiders as items of 

 their diet. Humboldt reports having observed 

 the children of the South American Indians capture 

 giant centipedes which frequently measure as 

 much as eighteen inches in length and devour 

 them with relish ; while the Chinese eat young 

 live crabs, which are served at table in covered 

 dishes, but when the lids are removed the crustaceans 

 commence to run about in all directions, only to be 

 grabbed at, however, by the guests, and popped 

 into their mouths. 



The chrysalides of the silk- worm moth are eaten 



