18 



THE MATAMATA. 



a lobe between the claws. They are aquatic Tortoises, caruivoroiis, and voracious, and only 

 feed while in the water. When swimming, the whole of the shell is kept below the surface. 



The Matamata is certainly the most remarkable of aspect among all the Tortoises, and 

 perhaps may lay claim to be considered one of the oddest-looking animals in the world, far 

 exceeding in its grotesque ungainliness even the wild and weird creations of the middle-age 

 painters. 



This Tortoise inhabits Southern America, and is most plentiful in Cayenne. Formerly it 

 was very common, but on account of the excellence of its flesh, it has been subject to such 

 l^ersecution that its numbers have been considerably diminished. It haunts the lakes and 

 rivers, where it swdms well and with some speed. As is the case with most aquatic Tortoises, 

 it is cai-nivorous, and feeds on lish, reptiles, and other creatures, which it captures by a sudden 

 snap of its sharp beak. In general, it appears not to care for chasing tlie intended prey, but 

 conceals itself among the reeds and herbage of the river-side, and from its hiding-place thrusts 



NEW HOLLAND CHELOUINE, OK SNAKE 'ruKmiiUL—Byilroiimiusa maximillani. 



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-jilace. 



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



The head of tlie Matamata is most singular in shai:)e, and remarkable for the strange 

 appendages which are phiced iipon 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 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 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. 



