A TORTOISE BEN TROVITO. [To THE EDITOR OF THE '
SPECTAT0IL.91 Srn,—The kindly interest which you frequently exhibit in the ways of oar friends among the lower orders of Creation leads me to bring under your notice the following story about one of the more stolid, yet to the naturalist one of the most interesting, of domestic pets. I believe that I have unim- peachable evidence of the truth of the narrative. The tortoise is a great sleeper, as I hope to demonstrate. As his time for hibernating drew nigh, he selected a quiet corner in the dimly- lit coal-cellar, and there composed himself to sleep. A new cook was appointed thereafter, one who knew not tortoises. Nothing happened worthy of remark until, with the lapse of time, the tortoise woke up and sallied forth. Screams broke the kitchen calm. On entering that department the lady of the house found the cook gazing in awestruck wonder, and exclaiming, as with unsteady hand she pointed to the
advancing chelonian, " conscience—look at the stane 'a. chappit the coal wi' a' winter."—I am, Sir, &c., H. A. L.
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