29 
ROOM IX, X.] NATURAL HISTORY. 
In the table case, in the window, are the Corallines, 
which were formerly considered as animals, but are now 
generally regarded as sea-weeds, having a large quantity 
of calcareous matter in their composition. Most of them are 
furnished with small tubercles similar to the organs of 
fructification of Marine Confervse, but are destitute of those 
cells on the surface, which are always found in the corals. 
These substances constitute the Pseudozoa of De Blain- 
ville, and are contained in the Table Case No. 22,-—namely: 
Cymopolia — Corallina — J ania—Flabellaria — Amphiroa 
—Penicillus — Galaxaura — Acetabulum — Polyphysa — 
Udotea—Dichotomaria—Liagopora—and Nullipora, Lamch . 
TENTH ROOM. 
The upright Cases round the room contain the general 
collection of Reptiles in spirits. 
Cases 1 and 2 contain the shielded Reptiles, Cctta- 
phracta , which have the body covered with two shields, 
sometimes formed of bones, and at others of bony plates 
imbedded in the skin; as the Tortoises ( Testudo , Lin.) and 
Crocodiles ( Crocodilus , Cuv.). 
The feet of the Tortoises differ in form according to the 
habits of the animals. Those which live on land ( Testudo ) 
have club-shaped feet, and very solid, convex shells. 
Amongst these are the common Tortoise (Testudograzea)> 
frequent in the north of Africa and the south of Europe ; 
and the Tabular Tortoise (Test, tabulata ), from the Bra¬ 
zils. These live chiefly on vegetable substances, and bury 
themselves in the ground during the winter : their eggs, 
some of which are exhibited, are of a globular form. The 
American sailors often use these animals as food; they are 
found in great abundance in the Gallipagos. 
Those Tortoises which live in water have more depressed 
shells than the Land Tortoises; their feet are expanded and 
webbed between the toes, and the latter are furnished with 
sharp claws. They are divided into three groups, viz. the 
Terrapins ( Emys ), which have twelve horny plates on the 
chest-bone or sternum, and withdraw the head and neck 
between the shells ; as the Dhor Terrapin (Emys dentata ), 
from India; the Banded Terrapin (Emys vittata ), and Lake 
Erie Terrapin ( Emys Lesueuri) } from America. These are 
