102 PRACTICAL ZOOLOGY. 



THE TURTLE. 



1. The upper part of the shell is the carapace. 



2. The under part is the plastron. 



3. Observe the large sections, or plates, marking the 

 shell. How many of these plates are there on the 

 carapace ? how many on the plastron ? how are they 

 arranged ? 



4. Study the motions of the head, legs, and tail ; observe 

 the scales on these parts. 



5. Note the shape of the feet ; for how many purposes 

 does the turtle use its feet ? are the feet of all turtles 

 alike? Count the claws; compare the front and hind 

 feet. 



6. With a strong pair of pinchers seize the head, pull it 

 well out, and chop it off; examine the mouth; are 

 teeth present ? Is there a tongue ? Look for a third 

 eyelid. Compare with the pigeon in this point of 

 structure. 



DISSECTION OF THE TURTLE. 



Saw through, or cut with a strong chisel, the bridge 

 which connects the carapace and plastron on each side. 

 Carefully' raise the plastron, and, keeping the blade of the 

 knife or scalpel close to its inner surface, cut away all its 

 attachments to the organs within, and remove it entirely. 



1. In front are the bones supporting the fore limbs. 



2. Behind are the bones of the pelvis^ supporting the 

 hind limbs. Were these two sets of bones attached to 

 the plastron? 



