374 AUDUBON 



where it deposits its eggs in two sets, first in July, and 

 again in August, although it " crawls " the beaches of 

 these Keys much earlier in the season, as if to look for a 

 safe place. The average number of its eggs is about three 

 hundred. The Logger-head visits the Tortugas in April, 

 and lays from that period until late in June three sets of 

 eggs, each set averaging one hundred and seventy. The 

 Trunk Turtle, which is sometimes 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 Logger-head 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 num- 

 bers, however, are killed by the turtlers and Indians, as 

 well as by various species of carnivorous animals, as 

 Cougars, Lynxes, Bears, and Wolves. The Hawk-bill, 

 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 



