Page:Natural History, Reptiles.djvu/35

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LEATHERY TURTLES.
27

and eight hundred pounds. Pennant relates that one taken off the coast of Scarborough was purchased by a family, who invited several persons to partake of its flesh. A gentleman present told the guests that it was unwholesome, but one person persisting to eat of it was seized with violent

LEATHERY TURTLE.

purging and vomiting. This case, however, can hardly be considered conclusive as to its unwholesomeness, if what Pennant adds be correct, that the Carthusians are said to eat of the flesh of no other Turtle. The appearance of the meat is said to be coarse, and the flavour bad; though it is usually very fat.