2\ecklace-shelk and Winkles 2 i 5 



and lias line strong spiral ridorcs. Though agreeing in 

 colour, the form is different, the base being proportion- 

 ately narrow, and the w.horls fewer. They are both 

 obtained by dredging, and their range extends down 

 to about 80 fathoms, but empty shells are often to be 

 picked out of shell-sand on the sliore. Two some- 

 what similar shells formerly included in this genus 

 are now known respectively as Pherusa gidsonce and 

 Cioniscus ui} icuf^. 



The Necklace-shells {Natica) are so-called because 

 of the peculiar manner in which their eggs are 

 arranged in strap-shaped bands which coil into the 

 form of quoits. The capsules ^^ 



(each containing a dozen or more ^s^^^^Z ^^ 



eggs) are connected by a gela- ^^^^^^ 

 tinous material, at first flaccid ^^^ 

 and sticky, but by the adhesion ^ ^^^^ Egg-band of 

 and incorporation or sand it ^^^^ 

 becomes firm. These may fre- 

 quently be picked up on the shores of sandy bays. 

 The shells are glossy, almost globular, with a low 

 blunt spire, and a large ear-shaped mouth. The 

 animal has a long retractile proboscis, which is 

 usually concealed beneath a flap of the front of the 

 foot, which is turned up over the creature's head. 

 The Naticas prey upon other species, chiefly bivalves, 

 which they hunt in the sand, and whose shells are 

 drilled by the proboscis. This important organ and 

 the head are protected from injury in their passage 

 through the sand by the frontal flap ; but in con- 

 sequence of this covering the eyes have become very 

 small or are altogether wanting. 



The Large Necklace-shell (N. cateiia) is a very 



