320 
SIR PETER EADE ON TORTOISES. 
As a further instance of memory or intelligent knowledge, we 
are constantly in the habit, in the cooler weather, of putting them 
to bed under a mat in the greenhouse ; and we very constantly 
find them, in the morning, waiting by the greenhouse door to be 
let out, clearly remembering that this is the place by which they 
will have to pass into the open air. 
They do not appear to care much for each other’s society — 
(I believe they are both males), — but they do not fight. Neither 
are they respecters of each other’s persons, for they walk over each 
other’s backs in the most indifferent way, if either happens to be 
in the direct road of the other’s progression. 
One of the creatures is certainly fond of climbing. We have 
several times found him mounted (when shut up in the greenhouse) 
upon the other’s back ; or upon an inverted flower-pot ; and once 
wo found him in a most pitiable condition through the exercise of 
these scandent aspirations. He had evidently been endeavouring 
to climb up some flower sticks placed slantingly against the wall, 
and in doing this he had turned over upon his axis ; and Avhen we 
found him he was reclining upon his back against these sticks, and 
standing upon one hind foot, Avhilst with the other, and with his 
fore feet, he was making frantic efforts to reinstate himself in a 
more comfortable position. As so placed he reminded us irresistibly 
and ludicrously of a huge toad held up by a fore leg. 
Our Tortoises have certainly got tempers. They hiss when they 
are meddled with. They resist and try to scratch, or otherwise 
hurt, when lifted up from their place of repose ; and they exhibit 
distinct petulance, and will jerk themselves forward out of your 
hand Avhen you are again placing them upon the ground. 
They are also very particular when going to their evening places 
of repose, and most distinctly refuse to go to rest in the place 
in which you try to place them, however comfortable this may 
appear to be, even if they have previously selected this spot for 
themselves day after day. 
Mr. Darwin speaks of a large kind of Tortoise which is reputed 
to be able to walk at the rate of sixty yards in ten minutes ; 
i.e., three hundred and sixty yards in the hour, or four miles a day. 
I have twice timed the rate of progress of one of my Tortoises. 
Once it walked ten feet in the minute, and another time twenty 
feet in the minute. This latter is at the rate of twelve hundred 
