Moreover,
the old Bucaniers found this tortoise in greater numbers even than
at present: Wood and Rogers also, in 1708, say that it is the
opinion of the Spaniards that it is found nowhere else in this
quarter of the world. It is now widely distributed; but it may be
questioned whether it is in any other place an aboriginal. The
bones of a tortoise at Mauritius, associated with those of the
extinct Dodo, have generally been considered as belonging to this
tortoise; if this had been so, undoubtedly it must have been there
indigenous; but M. Bibron informs me that he believes that it was
distinct, as the species now living there certainly is.
(PLATE 82. AMBLYRHYNCHUS CRISTATUS. a. Tooth of natural size, and
likewise magnified.)
The Amblyrhynchus, a remarkable genus of lizards, is confined to
this archipelago; there are two species, resembling each other in
general form, one being terrestrial and the other aquatic. This
latter species (A. cristatus) was first characterised by Mr. Bell,
who well foresaw, from its short, broad head, and strong claws of
equal length, that its habits of life would turn out very peculiar,
and different from those of its nearest ally, the Iguana.
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