HABITATIONS OF MOLLUSKS. 19 



shell entirely covered by a large mantle, beautifully spotted 

 with dark colours, the intensity of which seemed cliangeable 

 at the creature^'s will ; for the colour varied in the same 

 light and medium as spots on the Cephalopodous mollusca. 

 On toucliing the mantle it was immediately drawn within 

 the shell, of which the brilliancy then became apparent. 



The exquisite varieties of hues and patterns exhibited by 

 different members of the Cypf(2a tribe, are formed on reaching 

 maturity. Previous infusions of colour rarely exhibit any 

 thing more than a dull confusion of waves, or clouds, or 

 bands, and no ornamental device is seen, until the shell is 

 perfected ; the most richly variegated layers of enamel, and 

 the exquisite paintings are reserved for the final touch of the 

 pencil. A striking exception, however, occurs in the Map 

 Cowry, C. majppa. In this a layer of pale hieroglyphic 

 painting is deposited by the animal on the left side chiefly, 

 while yet in an immature state of growth ; and on arriving 

 at maturity another and richer layer is added upon the 

 former, which in most specimens may be plainly seen 

 beneath it. 



Nor less curious and varied are the habits of the Mol- 

 lusca than the shells in wliich they are encased. They like- 

 Avise possess instincts in conformity with their watery 



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