How would you like this pretty creature for a pet? He can be domesticated, and will stay with you very contentedly, if you put him in a place where he can’t get away. If you leave an open gateway, however, the chances are he will walk out of it some day, and return no more. He does not go away because he is tired of being petted, for he likes that; or because he does not like you, for perhaps, in his heart, (if he has one) he is sorry to part from you. He goes simply because he can. This restless disposition moves him to extend his travels; and, no doubt, he intends to return at some future day. But he never does. If you have him in any place where he can do mischief you had better keep an eye on him; otherwise he will be poking his long nose into things that do not concern him in the least. His two ends are not well balanced, his neck being so very long, and his tail so very short! The fringe-like appendage hanging from his neck gives it somewhat the appearance of a great centipede. His small eyes have not a very intelligent expression, but our matamata has quite sense enough to take very good care of himself. His shell is really very pretty. It looks as if it were hung loosely upon him for a canopy, and as if he might be just as well off without it, especially as it must be somewhat heavy to carry around on all occasions. But, if you consulted him upon the matter of removing it, he would, at once, object. Probably he would draw his long neck instantly within his shell, leaving not so much as the tip of his sharp nose visible; then he would whisk in his ridiculous tail; and, lastly, in would go his fat legs and feet; and there he would have as tight and snug a house as possible. Did you ever eat any turtles’ eggs? If not, I advise you to do so on the first opportunity, for they are very good. The turtles lay their eggs in the sand that the heat of the sun and sand combined may hatch them at the proper time. As soon as they are hatched the young turtles make their way to the water, where they know how to provide their own living, without instruction. But, in the warm countries, where turtles abound, it is a wonder that any young ones manage to get out of their eggs. For the eggs are esteemed such a luxury, that, as soon as the laying season of the turtles is over, the natives turn out in great numbers, and search the sands for eggs, which they collect by the thousands, for sale, and for their own eating. [Illustration: SEARCHING THE SAND FOR TURTLES’ EGGS.]