OF HONDURAS.


the value which is affixed to its shell:
this in Europe usually obtains the name
of tortoiseshell, and is manufactured into
a variety of ornamental articles.
 The persons engaged in turtling are
generally inhabitants of the different keys
in the neighbourhood of Balize. Many
of them, however, have placed themselves
close to the Spanish settlements ; but they
seldom meet with interruption from this
circumstance. At the seasons of their
employment, they commonly form them-
selves into parties of four or five; and,
perhaps, with a small share of occasional
industry, a more independent description
of beings could scarcely be found. When
the time for taking the turtle is past, they
are chiefly occupied in the catching of
fish for themselves and their families.
The produce of their labour, which in
successful seasons is often considerable,
is invariably disposed of in the most li-
centious way, being solely appropriated
 D 2