86 FISHES I HAVE KNOWN 



Why turtles should wander such distances from 

 the comparatively shallow waters where they 

 graze at the bottom upon membranous fuci, it 

 is difficult to tell, as seaweed, except in the 

 Sargasso Sea, does not float upon the surface of 

 mid-ocean. It is certain, however, that female 

 turtle regularly come ashore at Ascension from 

 very long distances, during December and the 

 following six months, and lay their eggs. 



Anyhow, on this occasion, there was the turtle, 

 the real unmistakable green turtle, not far from 

 the ship, and we determined to make it ours. 

 It being a dead calm (not a "flat'' calm, for on 

 the ocean's surface there is always a perceptible 

 heave and swell of the great waters beneath), we 

 approached the captain and begged the loan of 

 a boat, which was granted, two experienced hands 

 being sent with us. 



We had read that should the turtle be asleep — 

 as turtles so frequently are, or appear to be — a 

 dexterous swimmer might dive, come up under 

 the turtle, and with a skilful twist turn it helpless 

 on its back. But we did not build our hope of 

 soup upon any such acrobatic feat. 



Harpoon and grains, polished and sharpened to 

 perfection, were in the bows, wielded by the two 

 experienced hands. With muffled oars, in dead 



