modern epicures. It is from the fpecies here reprc- 
fented, as well as from the Caretta and Mydas of 
Linnaeus, that a great part of what is commonly 
called tortoife-fhell is procured; and which, when 
properly prepared and polifhed, affords fo many 
beautiful and valuable articles of commerce. The* 
ancients were well acquainted with the ornamental 
ufe of tortoife-lhell, and applied it to the decoration 
of their houfes, &c. 
Moll of the animals of this tribe are extremely 
prolific, and depofic their eggs, which are about 
the fize of hen’s eggs, but round, and covered with 
a membranaceous Ikin, under the fand; which, after 
a certain number of days, are hatched; and the 
young immediately betake themfclves to the fea. 
The Teftudo imbricata and Mydas grow fometimes 
to a vail fize; and have been feea of the length of 
five or fix feet, and of the weight of many hundred 
pounds: the general length however is about two 
or three feet. This fpecies is a native of the Ame¬ 
rican feas, and is common about the coafts of Ja¬ 
maica, Cuba, Hifpaniola, &c. Like the reft of its 
tribe, it feeds- on ftiell-fifii, cuttles, fuci, &c. &c* 
