Il6 CLASSIFICATIOX OF A3fPHIBIANS. 



observed by general Hardwicke^ are constantly seen 

 eating the bodies of tbe natives which are floating in 



the Ganges.* Those of America appear to have some 

 peculiarities. The fierce tortoise ( Trionyx ferox), com- 

 mon both to the rivers of Florida^ Carolina, and Guiana, 

 lies in ambuscade under the reeds^ from whence it darts 

 upon small birds and reptiles^ particularly the young 

 alhgators. It is vigorous and active^ defending itself, 

 when disturbed^ with remarkable fierceness, by raising 

 itself upon its legs, darting upon its assailant, and biting 

 with uncommon \dolence. It grows to a large size, 

 and its flesh is excellent. 



(11 9-) The next and last group of the tortoises 

 has never yet been characterised. We have named it 

 the Chelidrida, in conformity with that which seems 

 to be the type of the whole, namely, the Chelidra ser- 

 pentina , or the alligator tortoise {^fig. 35.). In these sin- 



gular animals we have a complete union of the tortoise 



* Synop. Reptilium, p. 45. 



