78 UNIVALVKS. MUREX. 



&c. &c.j have but three, the Murex Scorpio has four, 

 the Saxatihs five, and the Diaphanus six. 



The next division is composed of those species, that, in- 

 stead of having their sutures fohated and crisped, have 

 them thick, protuberant, and rounded ; such are the Mu- 

 rex Lyratus, Murex Rana or Thorny-toad, Murex Lam- 

 pas or Swiss-trowse, Murex Lotorhim or Hog s-snout, 

 and Murex Femorale or Gadroon-whelk, which is re- 

 markable for the circumstance of its outer hp having fur- 

 nished silversmiths with the idea of imitating it, in their 

 borders or rims of massy silver-plate, well known by 

 the name of the Gadroon-border. Tlie two curious 

 species of shells called the Grimace-whelks, belong to 

 this division. 



Tlie next variation of form is perceptible in those spe- 

 cies which are more abbreviated and gibbous, being at 

 the same time more or less spinous, and without a manifest 

 beak: such are the Murex Ricinus, Murex Hippocasta- 

 num or Horse-chesnut, and all the varieties of Murex 

 Neritoideus, or Mulberries, most of which are beset with 

 black tubercles and spines, some having purple, others 

 yellow mouths. 



The next and very prominent division of Murices is 

 composed of such shells as have a long, straight, subulate, 

 closed beak, and unarmed with spines : such are the Mu- 

 rex Colus or Crane, of which there are many large and 

 beautiful varieties; Murex Babylonius or Tower of Ba- 

 bel, and many other Towers; all of which have a pecu- 

 liarity which appertains solely to them, and which con- 

 sists in a small fissure or incision placed on the extremity 

 of the outer lip, close to the termination of the first 

 whorl. 



The Murex Rapa resembles Bulla Rapa exceedingly; 



