248 



THE SEA SHOEE 



pretty little Cyprcea (Trivia) europcea (Plate V.), the shells of 

 which are sometimes washed up in large numbers on sandy 

 beaches. The animal lives mainly below low-water level, but it 

 may often be found in the larger rock pools, creeping rapidly 

 over the tangles, and may be easily secured with the aid of a net. 



In the same family we have the little Erato (Marginella) 

 Icevis, the white shell of which is minutely furrowed along the 

 lips; and also Ovulum patulum (Calpurna patula), so called on 

 account of its fancied resemblance to a poached egg. 



We have also several species of Cone shells (family Conida;) 

 on our coasts, readily recognised by their form, which is a cone, 

 with a long, narrow aperture, partially closed by a minute 

 operculum. As in the last family, the foot is abruptly shortened 

 in front. The head is very prominent, with eyes situated on 

 the tentacles. There are two gills, 

 and the teeth are arranged in pairs. 



Fio. 179. 1. Ovulum patulum. 

 2. Erato Icevis 



Fio. 180. Mangelia scptangu- 

 laris AND Mangelia turricula 



The Conidae are principally inhabitants of tropical seas, where 

 some very large species exist. Two of the British representatives, 

 both common shells, are shown in fig. 180. 



Our next family (Buccinidce) is so well distributed on our 

 coasts, that it would be difficult, we imagine, to find a spot quite 

 free from its familiar forms. It contains all those creatures 

 commonly known as Whelks, Dog Whelks, and Dog Winkles, 

 ranging from deep water almost to high-water mark. 



In all these the shell is notched in front, or the canal is turned 

 abruptly upward. The foot of the animal is broad, the eyes are 

 situated either on the tentacles or at their bases, and there are two 

 gill plumes. 



All the species are carnivorous, and some are said to be very 

 destructive to mussels and young oysters. 



The Common Whelk (Buccinum undatum, Plate V.) lives in 

 deep water, whence it is dredged up largely for the market. Its 



