11 4 INTRODUCTION TO COXCHOLOGY. 



of wi'inkled enamel, and the outer lip becoming thickened 

 in a manner somewhat curious. This process occurs when 

 the shell is perfected; the lip then curls under, so as to form 

 a deep broad channel, or gutter, which, on being filled up, 

 constitutes a thickened lip. The varices are similarly con- 

 structed, each forming for a time the margin of the aper- 

 ture, and are apparently designed to protect the lip, when 

 the industrious architect ceases awdiile from his labours. 



The elegant margin of the T.femorale is celebrated for 

 having furnished the original model of the gadroon border, 

 used by silversmiths in the decoration of plate. 



Shells of the Triton were anciently appropriated as trum- 

 pets. Their loud and sonorous sounds gave notice, in the 

 early days of Greece, tliat the common crier was about to 

 perform his office. Both history and tradition teach that the 

 Triton variegatus was commonly selected for the purpose. 

 Poets also sang concerning those sea-trumpets, with which 

 the Tritons and attendant nereids announced the setting 

 forth of Neptune, when 



" He mounts the car, the golden scourge applies, 

 He sits superior, and the chariot flies : 

 His whirling wheels the glassy surface sweep ; 

 The euormous monsters rolling o'er the deep 



