290 CLASS AVES. 



arrives in the temperate climates of Europe about the month 

 of May, and in the colder regions about the middle of the 

 same month. It quits us at the end of summer, when the 

 young ones of the existing year are able to fly and sustain 

 the fatigues of the voyage. It then proceeds to warmer 

 countries, to sojourn there until the renewal of the fine season 

 with us. 



The turtle is not only spread throughout Europe, but is 

 even found in China ; also in Siam, Hindostan, and on the 

 coasts of Africa. It is very plentiful in England, particularly 

 in Kent. 



The turtle is fond of wild and retired places. In summer 

 it prefers coolness, and its nest is usually found near some 

 limpid water. This nest is composed of small wood, so loosely 

 arranged that the two white eggs which the bird is hatching 

 may be seen through it from the bottom. The male par- 

 takes the incubation. 



The Spotted-necked Turtle, of which the opposite is a 

 figure from the drawings of General Hardwicke, is a 

 variety of the last. It differs in having almost the whole 

 side of the neck black, instead of a single patch. The 

 feathers are not tipped with white, but have a round white 

 spot near the end. The specimen represented in our plate 

 was taken at Futtehgurh, in India. 



The Collared Turtle (Columha Risoria) has been imported 

 into Europe from warmer climates. Its native residence is 

 in the depth of the ancient forests of Southern Africa. It is 

 said that it never changes place without uttering a sound 

 resembling a laugh, from which circumstance its specific name 

 of risoria is derived. 



In Egypt the people are fond of tliis species, and guard it 

 with especial care. We are not aware, however, that it is, 

 strictly speaking, reduced to a domestic state in that country. 

 Levaillant has met with these birds in the country of the 



