THE HALIOTIS. 9 1 



holes become closed from the inside, while new ones 

 are formed at the edge of the growing shell. 



Now, if we look within, we shall find the most 

 highly colored portion of the shell near the center, 

 at the spot where the huge muscle which controls the 

 foot has been detached. This huge foot can cling to 

 a rock with surprising force, and the animal must be 

 taken unawares if an easy conquest is expected. 



Fig. 76. 



The internal organs are very interesting for dis- 

 section, particularly the mouth with its long, ribbon- 

 like tongue, thickly set with flinty hooks or teeth. 

 By means of these teeth the animal rasps its vegetable 

 food into fine shreds fit for swallowing. This lingual 

 ribbon in a good-sized specimen is one-fourth of an 

 inch wide, and three inches long. 



Haliotis splendens is a southern species. I once 

 dissected a single specimen which was found living 

 near Moss beach, at Monterey ; but they are seldom 

 found so far north. 



The shell is quite thin, and is diversified externally 

 by low, spiral ridges, of a dark and dull color. 



