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THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



The Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas (Figs. 26, 27 and 28), is an 

 attractive species, the coloration of the shell being a pale olive, 

 marbled with yellow. The Green Turtle obtains its 

 name from the distinctly green hue of its fat. Highly 

 esteemed as an article of food, these turtles are com- 

 monly seen in the markets lying upon their backs, in which 

 position they are helpless.' In tropical waters this species is 

 alleged to attain a weight of a thousand pounds. 



Green 

 Turtle 



FIG. 28. GREEN TURTLE; HEAD 



Range: Tropical and semi-tropical seas. 



Local distribution: An accidental visitor off our northern 

 seacoasts. 



The Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina (Figs. 29 and 30), 

 represents the largest species of our local turtles, excepting the 

 three already described. Its rough carapace of 

 Turtle somber brown, with its keels and serrations, and the 



proportionately huge, sinister head combine to make 

 this creature unique among our turtles. The tail is long and 

 possesses a series of plates which form an alligator-like crest; 

 the carapace is deeply serrated posteriorly. In proportion to 



' The majority of the fresh-water turtles, however, when so placed, can 

 readily roll over through the combined assistance of the head and limbs. 



