MULTiVALVBS. — CHITON. 3 



The cuticle, or outer-skin, (usually known by the nam^ 

 bf the margin) which confines the valves in their pro- 

 per situations, differs materially in the various species; in 

 some instances, it is smooth and of a yellowish- brown 

 color: generally, however, it is beset with fine scales^ 

 of a green or olive color ; frequently it is of a rufous or 

 reddish tint; and other species have it of a dusky-brown, 

 and even of a coal-black complexion. 



The situation and formation of the valves throughout 

 the genus, exactly resemble the plates or large scales 

 which constitute a suit of armour or coat of mail, and it 

 is perhaps from this marked resemblance alone, that the 

 Chiton has derived its name. 



The habitat or place of residence of these shells, 

 seems to appertain, indiscriminately, to all parts of the 

 globe.— America affords the most; several are from the 

 East Indies. Africa supplies a few ; and the Northern 

 Seas contribute their portion of the remainder. 



The Chiton is frequently found adhering to other sub- 

 stances, as Shells, Stones, Madrepores, Corals, &c. &c. ; 

 and some of the northern species frequent the roots of 

 Ulvae, &c. 



The following is a list of the different species, as given 

 by Dr. Turton, in his translation of Gmelin's last edition 

 of linnaeus's Systema Naturae. — A similar list will follow 

 the general description of each Genus throughout this 

 work. 



0^ Those names that are preceded hy anAsteriskf describe 

 Species found on the British Coasts, 



