6 AMPHIBIOUS ANIMALS. 



over the lower, like the lid of a box, and their 

 strength is said to be so great that it is impossible 

 to open them when once they have fastened. Even 

 when the head is cut off the muscles retain a sur- 

 prising degree of rigidity. 



The legs are short, but inconceivably strong: 

 one of the larger species has been known to carry 

 five men, all at the same time, on his back, with 

 great apparent ease and unconcern. 



However clumsy and awkward these animals may 

 appear in their manners, they are, for the most 

 part, extremely gentle and peaceable; and few, 

 except the Loggerhead and Fierce Turtles, make 

 any resistance when taken. No animals whatever 

 are more tenacious of life : even if their head be 

 cut off, and their chest opened, they will continue to 

 live for several days. — They pass the cold season in 

 a torpid state. 



The Marine Tortoises, or Turtles, are distinguish- 

 ed from the others by their large and long fin- 

 shaped feet, in which are inclosed the bones of the 

 toes ; the first and second only of each foot having 

 visible or projecting claws. The shield, as in the 

 others, consists of a strong bony covering, in which 

 are embedded the ribs : in one or two species this 

 is much thicker and more strong than that of Land 

 Tortoises. 



Of these animals, there are in the whole about 

 thirty-six species : four marine, eighteen inhabiting 

 the fresh waters, and the rest residing on land. 



