136 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



Tery curious is the structure of the animal inhabitant ; 

 somewhat pleasing also, for the mantle of the StijUfer 

 astericola is green, although in form thick, fleshy, and 

 cup-shaped, with a small aperture at the base, and a free 

 back margin enveloping the soft parts, and the last whorl 

 of the shell slightly resembling a small acorn set in its cup. 

 On tliis mantle is the rudiment of a foot, and from the 

 small aperture is a proboscis, capable of being lengthened, 

 according to the necessities of the inhabitant ; and having 

 at its commencement eyes, or rather ocular specks, without 

 pedicles. The branchiae, or gills, are placed on a single 

 stem, and at the base of the proboscis is a round muscular 

 stomach. 



Family YII. Turbixacea. 



Wondrous creatures liauut 

 The world of waters. One doth fitly frame 

 A top-shaped shell, aud then bedecks his home 

 "With patterns such as looms of Indus never 

 Did body forth ; another trencheth round 

 His door with quaint devices. One doth seek 

 With vaulted spines to weave a diadem 

 Whereby to crown his cell, as if he sought 

 To reign as king ; another, zigzag lines 

 And bands of ample space to deck his shell ; 



