An Introduction to the Study of Conchology (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1822 Excerpt: ... are usually found in smooth water and bays, with the smaller end sticking in the mud or sand, and the wide end somewhat open. The animal, in some instances, is accounted excellent and luxurious food. The Mediterranean produces Pinna; in great number: they are also to be found in the Indian, American, Atlantic, and European oceans. The Adriatic and Red seas also supply some species. The Pinna, probably, derives it- name from its resemblance to a wing, or fin of a fish. Rudis. Lohattt. Pectinata. Vitrea. Nobilis. Incurva. Muricata (Red Sea Wing.) Bicolor. Rotundata (founts. W.) Exnsta. Squamosa. Vcxillum. C.irnea. Papyracea, Saccata (Satchel.) Sanguinea. Digitiformis (White S. W.) Bullata. SHELLS OF ONE PART ONLY, AND HAVING A REGULAR SPIRE., i.--paper Sailor.: i ' Animal--a Sepia or Clio: Shell univalve, spiral, involute, membranaceoiis, one-celled. THE genns Argonauta contains but five species; and, in so small a number, much variety is not to be expected. The form throughout is generally like that of a scroll, with a very large aperture, and mostly a double carinated outer margin. However, in the Argonauta vitreus (the glassy nautilus) the margin is but single: this rare and beautiful species is by far the most costly of any. The shells of this genus are remarkable for their exces-i There are only three shells of this species known; one in the possession of the Earl of Mountnorris, another in the Public Collection at Paris, and a third in the private collection of a French gentleman....... i.-. t'. -.., V TJNJVALVES.__ ARGONAUT A. 69 sive thinness, brittleness, and lightness. The Argonauta argo, usually known by the name of the paper nautilus, is the identical shell supposed in the early ages of society to have first taught men the use of sails....