REPTILES OF BERMUDA. 295 
me to separate them, distinguishing the former by the name Sphargis 
schlegelii, and the latter by that by which it is commonly known, Sphar- 
gis coriacea. 
The Green Turtle, Chelonia, and the Hawkbill, Hretmochelys, seldom 
venture more than 35° from the equator. Species of these genera are 
unlike in the Atlantic and Pacific. Those of Chelonia are most num- 
erous and seem to vary most according to locality, which would sug- 
gest a disposition less erratic or perhaps a distribution determined 
to some extent by that of the grass of their favorite pastures. . On our 
coasts these turtles range from the Carolinas to Southern Brazil, and 
from Southern California to Peru. The places of greatest abundance 
‘are on the shoals in the vicinage of low sandy beaches or islands not 
occupied by men. Persons who make a business of collecting turtles 
and eggs in the Florida Keys and among the West Indies claim that 
the great demand has resulted in no diminution of the numbers. In the 
Bermudas, as we have seen, those well able to decide are satisfied that 
turtles are growing less numerous. 
For much of the information given below I am indebted to my friend 
Richard M. Kemp, of Florida, who has taken great pains to secure an- 
swers to the lists of questions sent out; the balance was gathered upon 
the grounds by observation or from the turtlers. His notes included 
items concerning the “ Bastard,” a turtle intermediate between the Log- 
gerhead and Green, of which he was fortunate enough to secure a pair 
of fine specimens and which have been elsewhere described under the 
name Colpochelys Kempii. Young turtles of the five kinds are eaten. 
Green turtles are most sought. Old ones of the other kinds are not so 
palatable. Bastards and Trunkbacks are least cared for. All kinds 
are found in the same region during the entire year. ‘They eat sea- 
weed, crawfish, conchs, fish, a kind of sponge called Loggerhead sponge, 
and the Portuguese men-of-war.” The latter, Physalia, are quite plenti- 
ful in the winter, and turtles of all kinds are very fond of them and 
are easily taken while eating. They shut their eyes to avoid the stings 
of the men-of-war, constantly using the flippers to brush them away 
and can at such times be approached and taken into a boat without 
pegging. On the turtle grounds there were numbers of specimens 
of alarge marine sponge, sometimes as much as 35 feet in diameter, and 
with very little silicious framework, from which portions had been 
torn. These were said to be Loggerhead sponges from which turtles 
had been eating. A larger proportion of the food of the Green Turtles 
