Page:Natural History, Reptiles.djvu/50

42 structure, arranged in two regular rows, somewhat resembling the laths of venetian blinds. In different species the number of these plates is varied, some not containing above fifteen, others as many as thirty-six. By muscular action, they are turned on their axis at the pleasure of the fish, and their free edges are provided with small hooks, which are raised all together like the points of a wool card. The tail of each of the trained fishes in the tubs is furnished with a ring, and to this is fastened a cord of fine texture but strong, and of considerable length. When the fishermen discover the Turtles basking on the surface of the water, not daring to disturb their intended prey, by making the least noise, they slip overboard one of their Remoras, secured by the long cord, and pay out the line according to their distance. The fish soon perceives the Turtle, and hastening to it, fixes itself so firmly on the floating reptile, that the fishermen can draw both together into their boat, where there is no difficulty in detaching the fish by pushing forwards its head from behind.

The deposition of eggs by the female of this species has been carefully watched and minutely recorded by an accurate observer of nature, who thus describes the process. “On nearing the shore,” says Mr. Audubon, “and mostly on fine calm moonlight nights, the Turtle raises her head above the water, being still distant thirty or forty yards from the beach, looks around her, and attentively examines the objects on shore. Should she observe nothing likely to disturb her intended operations, she emits a loud hissing sound, by which such of her many enemies as are