, 1886-01-30
BREEDING Ahp RAISING TURTLES.
Decreasing in Number in the West

Decreasing in Number in the West Indies
Demand of Epicures-suggestions.
The report comes from Florida hat
green turtles are becoming very scarce.
They are also decreasing In number in
Jamaica, Barbados, on the islands in the
bay OF Honduras, n along the northern
coast OF South Africa. When these
regions were first settled, and cattle,
sheep, and hogs, as well as fowls, were
scarce, the flesh and eggs Of turtles con-
stituted the leading articles of food. They
were not regarded as Injuries, but as uD-
desirable substitutes for things that could
not be obtained. The natives all used
them, and instructed the whites in their
use.
Europeans at first did not take kindly
to the flesh and eggs OF turtles, as the
love for them, as for tobacco, sour wine,
and olives, appears to be an acquired
appetite. Once acquired, however, it is
not easily put aside. Persons who had
spent some time in the West Indies re-
turned to Europe or the northern portions
of America with an Unsuitable love for
turtle soup. To satisfy their desire for an
article they formerly did not relish, live
turtles were carried to them on vessels.
Turtle soup soon became an essential at
every w~ell-regulated banquet and state
dinner, At present it requires about
5000 turtles per year TO sup
ply the demand Of London epicures. Live
turtles are also sent to all the principal
cities in Europe and America. During
the past few years an extensive business
has been carried on in canning turtle
flesh and prepared soup and in sending 1t
to different parts OF the world. One es-
Establishment at Key West, 1t is said, puts
up about SOC, 600 cans of turtle soup a
year. Other concerns cut the flesh in thin
slices and dry 1t till 1t resembles glue In
appearance. This substance is sold in
groceries for the purpose OF making soup.
Attempts nave been made to transport
turtle eggs long distances, but they have
generally proved unsuccessful Some OF
the concerns that can n dry turtle meat
employ a large number of boats to catch
turtles in the water by means OF nets.
Others pay negroes and Indians to catch
them when they come on shore for the
purpose of depositing eggs. But little
skill is required to catch turtles. They
are simply thrown over OF their backs,
where they remain till it is convenient to
drag them to the place where shey are
wanted. Generally an attempt is made to
secure both the turtle and the eggs that
have been deposited in the sand. Many
specimens are captured that are not half
grown. II is plain that no creatures not
bred in confinement and supplied with
food can long stand this continuous drain.
They will be in the course of extinction,
like our buffalo, moose, elk, prairie
chicken, and brook trout.
Several naturalists ave recently pro-
posed the scheme of breeding and raising
turtles in waters that are protected. They
are of the opinion that ii is as easy to
breed turtles as oysters, Holsters, and sal
mon, and that the profits would be much
larger. 1t is likely that some of the salt
lakes, which are simply portions OF the
sea separated by accumulations Of sand,
could be utilized for breeding and raising
turtles. Many portions Of Florida appear
to be better adapted to raising turtles
than to any other productive industry
Chicago Times.