372 THE TURTLRRS. 



is about three hundred. The Loggerhead visits the Tortugas in April, 

 and lays from that period until late in June three sets of eggs, each set 

 averaging a hundred and seventy. The Trunk Turtle, which is some- 

 times of an enormous size, and which has a pouch like a pelican, reaches 

 the shores latest. The shell and flesh are so soft that one may push 

 his finger into them, almost as into a lump of butter. This species is 

 therefore considered as the least valuable, and indeed is seldom eaten, 

 unless by the Indians, who, ever alert when the turtle season commences, 

 first carry off the eggs, and afterwards catch the Turtles themselves. The 

 average number of eggs which it lays in the season, in two sets, may be 

 three hundred and fifty. 



The Loggerhead and the Trunk Turtles are the least cautious in 

 choosing the places in which to deposit their eggs, whereas the two other 

 species select the wildest and most secluded spots. The Green Turtle 

 resorts either to the shores of the Main, between Cape Sable and Cape 

 Florida, or enters Indian, Halifax, and other large rivers or inlets, from 

 which it makes its retreat as speedily as possible, and betakes itself to the 

 open sea. Great numbers, however, are killed by the Turtlers and In- 

 dians, as well as by various species of carnivorous animals, as cougars, 

 lynxes, bears and wolves. The Hawkbill, which is still more wary, and 

 is always the most difficult to surprise, keeps to the sea islands. All the 

 species employ nearly the same method in depositing their eggs in the 

 sand, and as I have several times observed them in the act, I am enabled 

 to present you with a circumstantial account of it. 



On first nearing the shores, and mostly on fine calm moonlight nights, 

 the Turtle raises her head above the water, being still distant thirty or 

 forty yards from the beach, looks around her, and attentively examines 

 the objects on the shore. Should she observe nothing likely to disturb 

 her intended operations, she emits a loud hissing sound, by which such of 

 her many enemies as are unaccustomed to it, are startled, and so are apt 

 to remove to another place, although unseen by her. Should she hear 

 any noise, or perceive indications of danger, she instantly sinks and goes 

 off to a considerable distance ; but should every thing be quiet, she ad- 

 vances slowly towards the beach, crawls over it, her head raised to the 

 full stretch of her neck, and when she has reached a place fitted for her 

 purpose, she gazes all round in silence. Finding " all well," she pro- 

 ceeds to form a hole in the sand, which she effects by removing it from 

 under her body with her hind flappers, scooping it out with so much 



