n. They
also warn off any fishermen who may approach, as the sight of a man or a
fire on the sand-bank would prevent the turtles from leaving the water
that night to lay their eggs; and, if frequently alarmed, they would
forsake the praia for some other place.

The turtles lay their eggs by night--crawling in vast crowds to the
central and highest part of the praia--and are occupied till dawn in the
operation. They excavate with their broad-webbed paws deep holes in the
fine sand. The first which arrives makes a pit about three feet deep,
and lays its eggs--about one hundred in number--covering them with sand.
The next makes its deposit at the top of the former; and so on till
every pit is full. They are so careful in covering up the eggs, that,
when they quit the spot, the only marks distinguishable are those which
they make when returning to the water--as they go round and round the
nest several times in succession to obliterate all traces. The sand,
however, remains so loose, that it gives way under foot, and thus the
Indian easily discovers the spot.

A body of turtles occupy several days in the operation; one party
succeeding the other, night after night, till all have deposited their
eggs. As the season advances, however, those who have arrived late, in
their hurry to lay, appear to take fewer precautions. So powerful is
the effect of the sun on these sand-banks, that a few days only are
required to hatch the young turtles.

It has been so arranged by the Creator, that they always come forth at
night, as the heat of the sun would kill them, and they would be
devoured by birds of prey and other animals on the watch to seize the
dainty morsels. Although the hole from which they emerge may be half a
mile or more from the river, instinct teaches them to go in a direct
line to the water. A number, however, are caught by their enemies;
while enormous quantities of eggs are taken,--both to be used as food,
and for the sake of the oil they contain.

A curious sight is witnessed from the top of the sentinel's stage at
daybreak. The sand appears blackened with the multitudes of turtles--
which, after depositing their eggs, are waddling towards the river; and
often, where the margin of the praia is steep, tumbling down the
declivity into the water.

OIL FROM TURTLES' EGGS.

As soon as the eggs have been laid, the Indians, arriving in their
canoes from all directions, with their families, build reed huts on t