CAIIINARIA. 105 



" CarfHaria, the glass-nautilus, is a rare and 

 very precious genus, containing but three species. 

 The first, Carinaria ritrea, has been found in 

 the Southern Ocean. There is a model of the 

 shell in the British Museum ; that of Paris pos- 

 sesses the shell itself. 



" C. Mediterranea is found in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Nice, and is frequent in the summer 

 months. So thin and delicate is the shell that it 

 is seldom found entire. 



*' The shell of Carinaria is wholly external, 

 and is attached to the upper part of the body, 

 apparently to protect the organs of respiration. 

 The body is transparent, dotted with elevated 

 points ; on the lower part is a beautiful reticu- 

 lated fin, of a reddish colour ; with the end of 

 this fin it floats along, carrying its delicate shell. 

 The habit of theanimal, which swims upon its back, 

 reverses the natural position of the shell, which 

 is on the upper part of the body when at rest." 



" That is one of the most remarkable creatures 

 you have yet mentioned," said Charles ; '' I may 

 chance to meet with a specimen when I travel." 



" Probably," replied Mr. Elliot ; '' but our 

 lessons arc now concluded — Carinaria is the last 

 genus." 



" How greatly we are obliged to you, father!" 

 said Lucy : '' but I hope you will still give us a 

 little advice and assistance : we shall often be 



