454 



LOWER VERTEBRATES. 



the males, and are very strong, the weight of two hundred pounds having been said 

 to be carried on the back of one. The eggs, which are about the size of a pigeon's, 

 and five in number, are much esteemed for food. They are deposited in a hollow 

 near the mouth of the burrow. The South American T. tabidata, has been con- 

 founded with this animal, though it is now proved to be a distinct species. 



The only European representative of the genus is the common land-tortoise, T. 

 grceca, commonly made a pet of in gardens, though its true home is along the south- 

 ern countries bordering on the Mediterranean, where it is captured for its flesh, and 

 often put on sale in the markets. They are animal as well as vegetable feeders, and are 

 extremely fond of the leaves of lettuce, often using their feet to assist them in divid- 



Fig. 262. — Chelys matamata, bearded-turtle. 



ing the larger leaves. In confinement they drink milk, and eat almost anything thnt 

 may be given them -of a vegetable nature. A strong liking for artificial heat lias 

 been evinced. 



The land-turtle of the French markets is captured along the coast of Morocco, 

 and in the neighborhood of Algiers, from which places they are shipped. It consid- 

 erably exceeds the Greek-turtle in size. 



The largest representative of the family is the so-called Indian-tortoise, an animal 

 inhabiting the Galapagos Islands, and, though originally described as T. el&phantopus, 

 the individuals from the several islands are now known to present variations of specific 

 value. Closely allied forms are found in Madagascar. 



