. The illustrated natural history [microform]. Reptiles; Fishes; Mollusks; Natural history; Reptiles; Poissons; Mollusques; Sciences naturelles. '^«'^' fld^-' \,-»* -y^r-if^^-: LITTLE ;)u minnr. IMPERIAL imptridlis. has attained his full dimensions, searches for an empty shell of the Whelk and therein ensconces himself, safe from almost every enemy except man. The colour and general appearance of the Whelk are too well known to need description. Below the wliolk are seen two shells, one empty, and the other still retaining its inhabitant, l)oth belonging to
. The illustrated natural history [microform]. Reptiles; Fishes; Mollusks; Natural history; Reptiles; Poissons; Mollusques; Sciences naturelles. '^«'^' fld^-' \,-»* -y^r-if^^-: LITTLE ;)u minnr. IMPERIAL imptridlis. has attained his full dimensions, searches for an empty shell of the Whelk and therein ensconces himself, safe from almost every enemy except man. The colour and general appearance of the Whelk are too well known to need description. Below the wliolk are seen two shells, one empty, and the other still retaining its inhabitant, l)oth belonging to the same species. This is a most remarkable shell, with hardly a vestige of whorl, and so wide-mouthed apd so shallow that it almost looks as if it were the half of some bivalve shell. Tiiis animaHs called the Concholepas, and appears to be the only species belonging to that genus. It is a native of Peru, as its name imports, is found along the shores in great plenty, and sometimes attains considerable dimensions. As may be seen by reference to tlie illustration, the foot of the animal is very wide and thick, and its eyes are set half- way up the tentacles. The spot where the animal is attached to the' interior of the shell is sliown in the right-hand figure. The shell is very thick and solid, deeply grooved and ridged on its upper surface, and extremely heavy in proportion to its dimensions. Its colour is very dark sooty brown on the exterior, and dull white within, something like the peculiar white of inferior porcelain, or the tint of skimmed milk. The sweeping curves, broad swelling lip, and regular ridges, of the next genus of shells, have earned for them the popular title by which they are known. About nine or ten species belong to this pretty genus, some of which are rare and costly. The Imperial IIai!p-siiell, which is represented on the left-hand of the ciigrayiiig, is still a valuable shell; but in former days, when the facilities of comm-erce were far less than at
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, booksubj, booksubjectfishes, booksubjectmollusks
