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TESTACEA, or SHELLS. 



ANIMALS, SOFT, OF A SIMPLE structure; COVERED WITH 

 A CALCAREOUS HABITATION OR SHELL. 



Mnltit^altt^. 



CHITON.-CoAT OF Mail. 



Animal inhabiting the shell — a Doris; shell consisting of 

 several segments oj" valves disposed down the back, 



THE genus Chiton ranks first in the classification of 

 Testacea, or Shells ; and no less than twenty-eight species 

 are described, some of which are exceedingly beautiful 

 and uncommon. It is next to impossible to confuse this 

 genus with any other of the shell tribes, for all its species 

 and varieties coincide so nearly in their general formation 

 and attributes, as to decide at once upon the precise situ- 

 ation in which they ought to be placed. 



The most distinguishing character of the Chiton is, that 

 of bearing a strong resemblance to a small vessel or boat, 



