150 INTEODrCTIOy TO COXCHOLOGY. 



The architect is little in accordance with the imbodjings 

 of his elegant design. If his dimensions were gigantic, 

 instead of being somewhat diminutive, he would realize 

 one of those strange monsters who are fabled to inhabit 

 enchanted palaces. He stands on a kind of pillar-like 

 supporter, his flat head is prolonged into two horns, and at 

 the base of each are short pedicles, supporting his axis. 



Family 8. Plicacea. 



Artists, metliinks, are these. 

 Of no small worth, and such as duly keep 

 The laws of nature, swerving at no time 

 From fitly doing what those laws enjoin, 

 Teach they of shape or hue, or transverse lines. 

 Or beauteous mouldings. 



Shell distinguished by having the columella strongly 

 plaited, and the base entire, without indication of any 

 sinus. Animal of marine habits, furnished with a horny 

 operculum. 



This family presents a distinct group. Little is known 

 concerning their instincts ; and yet, although associated 

 till lately with the Voluta, Bidimus, and Auricula, the shell 

 is found to differ in an important point from the first 



