REPTILES, SNAKES AND AMPHIBIANS EATEN AS FOOD. 223 



pace is, however, carefully examined to observe if there 

 are nine divisions or markings at the sides, for if so, 

 its value is great. It is boiled in vinegar and water 

 to form a jelly, much prescribed in rheumatism, debility, 

 and other disorders. The flesh of the hairy tortoise is 

 considered excellent in many maladies. 



The long-headed Chinese tortoise {Platysternon mega- 

 ■cephalum) is sometimes sold in Canton. 



The flesh of the matamata terrapin {Chelys niatamata, 

 Brug.) is highly esteemed, and in Cayenne and Guiana, 

 incessant warfare has been maintained against it, so 

 that it has become scarce. 



The flesh of the tailed tortoise of North America 

 {Chelydra serpentina, Schweig.), and of the alligator snap- 

 per (Macrochelys laxiutina, Schw.), is considered un- 

 palatable, and has a musky odour. That of the fringed 

 snouted tortoise {Chelys fimhriatd), is, however, excellent 

 ■eating. 



To the family of Testudo belongs the jaboty {Testudo 

 carhonaria, Spix.), an exclusively terrestrial species, the 

 flesh of which is much esteemed as delicate food, 

 rivalling in flavour that of the Podocnemis expansa. 

 The flesh fried is considered one of the best meats met 

 with. 



The greaved tortoises {Podocnemis expansa) are ex- 

 tremely numerous in the northern rivers of South 

 America. Bates, when travelling on the Amazon, had to 

 live for a considerable part of the year on this tortoise. 

 It was the only anima,! food, except flsh, which was to 

 be had ; and although all the arts of the native cuisine 

 were employed, he got thoroughly tired of it, so that 

 opinions differ regarding this food. 



The flesh of many of the mud or soft tortoises 

 {Trionycides) is very nice. Trionyx sinensis is eaten in 

 China. 



4. Sea Tortoises. — We come now to the marine turtles, 

 and of these, in commencing his notice of them, M. Lace- 

 pede well remarks : — " This is one of the best presents 

 which Nature has given to the inhabitants of equatorial 



