COLLARED TURTLE. 
171 
able, and which pecuhai’ quality renders that species 
so serviceable to man. On the contrary, like its 
congener the common or wild European turtle (Tur- 
tur communis), it cannot be left to range at perfect 
liberty, without the danger of its Hying away to i-e- 
turn no more, and must therefore be kept constant- 
ly confined either in cages or in aviaries adapted for 
the purpose. In this state of captivity, if properly 
attended to, it breeds with facility, sometimes pro- 
ducing as many as eight broods within the year ; 
but, being a native of wann climates, and very im- 
patient of cold, it is seldom cultivated to the same 
extent in this country as it is in those where the 
temperature is better adapted to its constitution. 
The male shews great tenderness and affection to 
his mate, and is constantly by her side, soothing her 
with caresses, or paying his court by soft cooing 
notes, and that peculiar cry so expressive of laugh- 
ter, and from which it takes its specific name. 
In its wild or natural state, it is found in various 
parts of Africa, and we have by us specimens from 
the southern part of that continent, a description of 
which, as varying in depth, and intensity of colour 
from the domestic variety, is here subjoined. The 
length is about ten inches. The chin is whitish, from 
the corners of the mouth to the eyes, is a narrow 
streak of black. The forehead is pale bluish-gray ; 
the crown darker ; the cheeks, neck, breast, and 
belly gray, tinged with vinaceous or pale purplish- 
red ; the hind neck with a demi-collar of black, some 
