SEA TORTOISES, 



OR 



TURTLES. 



X HE Marine Tortoises, or Turtles, as they are 

 commonly called, are distinguished from those of 

 the preceding division by their very large and 

 long fin-shaped feet, in which are inclosed the 

 bones of the toes ; the first and second alone 

 on each foot being furnished with visible or pro- 

 jecting claws, the others not appearing beyond the 

 edge. The shield, as in the land tortoises, consists 

 of a strong bony covering, in which are imbedded 

 the ribs, and which is coated externally by hard 

 horny plates ; in one or two species much thicker 

 or stronger than those of the land tortoises. 



