37 
by a tough cord attached to one edge of each. If the capsules 
are torn open, each is found to contain a number of young 
shells. The capsules of the Velvet conch have sharp edges, 
but those of Fulgur carica are angular and flat edged. 
The Spiney conch, Fulgur carica Linn., is 
a much heavier, stronger shell than the preceding, 
and has no channel running along the suture, nor 
does it have a velvety epidermis. The angle of 
» the whorls has short spines. The interior of the 
mouth is sometimes of a beautiful salmon color. 
The figure shows a short section from the string of 
ege-cases. 
_. The family Muricide contains a great many 
Urosalpinx cin- ‘ r “ 
cereus. tropical shells very beautiful in color and contour, 
many of them being elaborately spined. Our cooler climate 
does not encourage exuberance in form or color, at least under 
water, although a different conclusion might be reached from 
an inspection of the fauna just above the water line. Our 
Muricide are very plain. 
The common one is Urosalpinx cinerets tes Say, the “ Drill” 
or oyster borer. The Drill is a typical carnivorous snail, and 
a deadly foe to the oyster-men. They destroy young 
oysters by boring through the shell, in the same way 
@)? Natica attacks clams. The shell is fusiform ; largest 
; sculptured with numerous spiral threads and rounded 
Eupleura longitudinal folds. 
caudata. —_ An ally of the Drill, and a co-conspirator against 
the lives of tender young oysters, is Eupleura caudata Say. 
~ in the middle, tapering toward both ends. They are . 
