328 NATICID^. 



and sliglitly grooved in a spiral direction ; it is not envi- 

 roned by any band of colour. 



The callus of the inner lip is white, and not peculiarly 

 spread, but rather short than otherwise for the genus ; 

 it does not conceal the umbilicus, but on arriving at it, 

 turns abruptly off in nearly a straight line, and rejoins 

 the pillar at rather more than a right angle. The per- 

 foration, and consequently the apex of the angle, is just 

 halt-way between the top of the outer lip and the extreme 

 base of the aperture. The pillar lip is pure white, solid, 

 slightly reflected, and well rounded anteriorly. The average 

 diameter of specimens is only an inch and a fifth, but 

 examples are said to occur of nearly two inches in length. 

 Dr. Harvey, in that very interesting little work, his 

 " Sea-side Book," thus graphically describes the nidus of 

 this abundant species. This Natica, he observes, " either 

 leaves its egg-cluster loose in sandy places, or attaches 

 it so carelessly, that it frequently becomes loose. These 

 egg-clusters are really very curious and elegantly formed 

 objects, which must often have attracted the notice of 

 a rambler, who felt puzzled to know what they were. 

 They are firmly gelatinous, or of the consistence of gristle ; 

 transparent, or nearly so ; slightly coated with fine sand, 

 and in shape resemble the hoof of an animal. When 

 dry, they look not unlike pieces of thin Scotch oaten 

 bread. Their surface is marked with little hexagonal 

 spaces, which define the eggs. But Avhat is most to be 

 admired in the structure, is the form of the curves which 

 the hoof-like body assumes, which fit it for lying on loose 

 sand, without becoming deeply buried in it. It is diffi- 

 cult to make this peculiar form understood by mere 

 description, but I have said sufficient to identify the 

 object." This curious mass of eggs was considered to be a 



