TESTUDO, in zoology, a genus belonging to the order of amphibia reptilia. It has four legs and a tail, and the body is covered with a strong shell. There are 15 species, principally distinguished by peculiarities in their feet. The midas, or common turtle, is found in the Ascension isle, and many other southern islands. The shell of this animal is so strong, that several men may stand upon it without injury. It lays membranaceous eggs in round holes which it digs in the sand. The turtle is said to continue several weeks in the acts of copulation. It grows to a vast size, some having been found to weigh 480 pounds.
The Americans find so good account in catching turtle, that they have made themselves very expert at it: they watch them from their nests on shore, in moon-light nights; and, before they reach the sea, turn them on their backs, and leave them till morning; when they are sure to find them, since they are utterly unable to recover their former posture: at other times they hunt them in boats, with a peculiar kind of spear, striking them with it through the shell; and as there is a cord fastened to the spear, they are taken much in the same manner as the whales.