39 
or dark brown epidermis. It is found in the North Island, and 
attains a length of over one and a-half inches. It is a rock borer, 
and can bore into very hard rock. I have seen a small one that 
had bored into a thick Glycymeris shell. 
VENERUPIS REFLEXA (Plate IX.).—Fig. 9 is a very ir- 
regular-shaped greyish shell, with prominent ridges on the outside. 
The interior is yellow, with a large blackish-purple patch. It is 
sometimes an inch in length, and is found in both Islands in the 
sand or mud, amongst rocks. 
VENERUPIS ELEGANS (Plate IX.).—Fig. 10 is a white 
shell, with a white interior, and up to one and a-half inches long. 
The ridges on one end are very prominent. This shell is found 
only in the North Island. 
DIVARICELLA CUMINGI (Plate IX.).—Fig. 11 (late 
Lucina dentata) is a milk-white shell, sometimes 1} inches in length. 
The grooves or furrows on the outside bend in the centre to almost 
a right-angle, giving it a peculiarly beautiful appearance, and 
making it easily recognisable. Found in both Islands on ocean 
beaches and in harbours. 
VENERICARDIA AUSTRALIS (Plate IX.).—Fig. 12 (late 
Cardita australis) is a pale brownish-white shell, with prominent 
ribs. Sometimes the outside is marked and splashed with reddish- 
brown. The interior is white, with pink or rose-coloured patches. 
The shell is about one and three-quarter inches wire. It is found 
in both Islands attached to kelp roots, which usually discolour one 
end of the shell. The Maori name is Purimu. 
CHIONE CRASSA (Plate IX.).—Fig. 13 (late Venus 
mesodesma) is a white or brown shell, one inch in length. It is 
found in large numbers on ocean beaches after a gale. The mark- 
ings on it vary very much, and consist of radiating bands, or 
zigzag lines, of brown or purple brown. The interior is white, 
with a violet band round the margin. 
TAPES INTERMEDIA (Plate IX.).—Fig. 14 is a brown or 
yellowish-white shell, with a white or grey interior. The young 
