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specimens. The limpet resides on one spot, but moves about with 
the rising tide in search of the vegetation on which it lives. This 
it mows down with its long scythe-like tongue, and, when satisfied, 
it returns to rest in its favourite spot. Limpets have the reputa- 
tion of being indigestible, if not poisonous, but this is due to 
the head not being removed before the mollusc is eaten. If the 
head be removed carefully, the tongue, or radula, which is usually 
the length of the shell itself, will come with it. The 2000 or so 
fine teeth found on the average limpet’s tongue will quite account 
for the belief that the fish is poisonous, as great irritation must 
be caused by these sharp little teeth. The Patella stellifera is 
usually found in caves or sheltered places amongst rocks exposed 
to the ocean swell. It is always covered with a coraline growth, 
usually of a pinkish tint, which growth has to be removed before 
the markings can be seen. Stars of all shapes, regular and 
irregular, will be found on the spire of the Patella stellifera. 
There is a reputation yet to be made by the man who can classify 
our New Zealand limpets. The Maori name for the limpet is 
Ngakihi, or Ngakahi, which name is also used for the Crepidula 
family. 
PECTEN MEDIUS (Plate X.).—Fig. 1 (late Pecten lati- 
costatus) is the well-known scallop found among the grass banks 
in harbours as well as in the open sea. The shells are sometimes 
five or even six inches across, and of all conceivable colours and 
mixtures of colours. The valve shown in the plate is the flat valve, 
which looks like a fan. The other valve, which is rounded, makes 
a good substitute for a scoop. This Pecten, or scallop, is the most 
delicate of our edible shellfish, but is never seen in our markets. 
The animal moves by opening its shell, slowly swallowing a large 
quantity of water, and in a rapid manner ejecting it, thereby 
pushing the shell backwards. The Maori name is Tipa. 
PECTEN CONVEXUS (Plate X.).—Fig. 2 is a much 
smaller shell than No. 1, and quite as brilliantly coloured. The 
valves are nearly equal in shape. It is found amongst rocks, but 
is usually dredged in comparatively shallow water. 
