14 WEST COAST SHELLS 



figure is too small instead of too large, but the 

 proper fraction will inform you of that fact. If 

 there is no fraction you will take it for granted that 

 the figure is the same size as an ordinary shell of 

 that particular species. You notice that after the 

 name ot the shell there is given the authority, as it 

 is called. In this case the abbreviation "Linn." 

 stands for Linne, or LinniEus, according to the Latin 

 form of his name. He was the man who gave the 

 name, "caput-serpentis," to this species, and pub- 

 lished a description of the same. And so all through 

 the book you will find the authority after each name. 

 If you wish to know something about the men who 

 named the shells you will find short accounts of 

 their lives in the latter part of this book. After 

 reading these short accounts you may wish to consult 

 larger books of reference and learn more about them. 

 You will also find other helpful lists and tables in 

 the latter part of this volume. 



The Snake's-head is not a common shell, but is 

 chiefly obtained by dredging, sometimes from the 

 depth of half a mile. This species is found in north- 

 ern waters, both of the Atlantic and the Pacific, and 

 it also occurs as a fossil in the rocks of Europe. 

 Externally the shell is ash colored. 



Figure 2 represents the Kii Lamp-shell, I'erebratu- 

 lina kiiensis, Dall and Pilsbry. It is so called be- 

 cause it was named from specimens gathered on the 

 coast of the province of Kii, in Japan. It is a large 

 shell, the picture being about the natural size of a 

 mature specimen. The lower figure gives an end 

 view, showing its plumpness. This species as well 



