THE COWEIES. 77 



Cones, at tlie little island of Mayo, belonging to the Moluccas, 

 near Ternate. The creature, on being taken from the 

 water, suddenly darted forth his proboscis, and made an 

 incision in the hand by means of his tongue, which is long 

 and armed with two ranges of sharp-pointed teeth. The 

 pain produced by this sudden wound resembled that which 

 is occasioned by phosphorus. 



The Cowries, pre-eminent in interest and beauty, whether 

 as regards the animal or shell, present two distinct groups : 

 the larger, in wliich the surface of the shell is highly 

 enamelled; and the smaller species, in which it is dis- 

 posed in grooves and ridges, of more opake character and 

 delicate texture. They offer little variety of form, but a 

 diversity of colouring ; and among them are several very 

 distinct and characteristic species, of unusual rarity. Of 

 these, the Ctjprcea prhicexjs and leucodon, in our national 

 collection, are perfectly unique, and may be regarded as 

 beins: amons; the most valuable shells vet discovered. 



Others of the same family exhibit the most exquisite fan- 

 tasies of embellishments. The Arabic Cowry is distinguished 

 by lines of hieroglyphics, wliich cross the dorsal surface 

 from one extremity to another ; a miniature firmament of 

 stars, of different degrees of magnitude, with curious sand- 



