Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ...condition in the type of T. becki is an individual variation, since it is the fourth vertebra which is biconvex in my series of seven specimens from Bank's Bay. The condition doubtless is anomalous also in the Charles Island specimen. The differences in proportion of the bones of the limbs and neck correspond with the relative length of these parts in the various races, the number of bones being the same in all. They are proportionally shorter in the dome-shaped races, and longer in those in which the carapace is elevated and compressed anteriorly. These differences are shown in the measurements of the limbs and neck given with the description of each race or species. Certain differences in the skulls of the tortoises of the various races have been pointed out by Dr. Gunther. I believe that the differences he has indicated are all merely individual variations. In a series of 24 skulls from Vilamil, Albemarle, I find all of the variations which Dr. Gunther mentions; and upon careful comparison of this series with one skull from Hood Island (No. 8125), one from Indefatigable (No. 8381), one from James (No. 8105), three from Duncan (Nos. 8378, 8379, and 8380), four from Chatham (Nos. 8127, 8128, 8130, and 8131), and one from Iguana Cove (No. 8179), I can find no constant differences in the skulls of the various races. In the skulls from Vilamil, the frontal region may be flat or somewhat convex. The occipital spine may be short or long, not reaching the posterior borders of the mastoid processes or projecting far behind them, and may or may not rise much above the level of the skull. There is much variation in the shape of the tympanic case and cavity. The fossa in front of the occipital condyle may be deep or very shallow. The..."
