94 CYPRiEA. TRIVIA. 



" You can be at no loss on seeing the shells of 

 CyprcBa, a large and beautiful genus, which re- 

 mained unchanged for a long time. Lately, we 

 find a few of the small species are become a new 

 genus, Trivia. 



" The character of the CyprcBa is a longitudinal 

 aperture, toothed, in the adult state, on each 

 side. The spire is scarcely to be seen. 



" While the shells are young they have the 

 appearance of a Vohita or a cone ; the aperture 

 spreads more, and is without teeth. 



" The individuals of each species pass through 

 three different states : 



" In the first, the form is very imperfect; it is 

 Uke a thin cone, and shows no character of the 

 genus ; hence young students are perplexed if 

 they chance to have a young cowry in their 

 collection. 



'' In the second state, the shell is still thin, with 

 a projecting spire; but attains its proper form. 



" In the third, or adult state, the shell is 

 thick, the colours are perfected, and the spire is 

 very nearly concealed. 



" When the animal becomes too large for its 

 habitation, it has the power of leaving it, and 

 forming a new one.* 



" The inhabitant of the Cyprcea shells has two 



* Lamarck. 



