rm VALVES. sTROMBus. 97 



pointed spikes or claws ; however, these appearances are 

 only manifest in adults, the very young shells being to- 

 tally without wings or claws. 



The most prominent species of the division which has 

 the lips terminated by claws or legs, are as follow : viz. 

 Strombus chiragra or Devil's claw, Strombus scorpius 

 or scorpion, Strombus lambis or spider-shell, and Strom- 

 bus millepeda or thousand-feet. The immber of claws, 

 in the different species, varies from six to ten, and 

 the Strombus pes-pelicani (the pelican's or cormorant's 

 foot) has only four palmated claws, of a pale complex- 

 ion. The claws in some species are nearly straight, and 

 often smooth, whereas in others they are very much 

 curved and covered with wavy nodules or knobs. The 

 progressive growth of these shells is particularly worthy 

 of notice : it has already been stated that the very young 

 shells have no appearance of claws; however, when 

 somewhat older, they begin to shew themselves in the form 

 of short and open spouts ; when farther advanced, they 

 assume the shape they are to retain, but still they remain 

 thin, hollow, and imperfectly closed ; but when arrived 

 at their destined or full growth, they become perfectly 

 filled up and solid, and have a thick, strong, and heavy 

 hom-like appearance. 



Among those Strombi that are not ornamented by a 

 decided wing, may be included the Strombus fasciatus, 

 pugilis, and lentiginosus. The Strombus oniscus is to- 

 tally destitute of any wing-like appearance ; but those 

 that have that feature most prominent, are the Strombus 

 gallus or plough-alatus, Strombus auris-Dianse (the 

 ass's or Diana's ear,) Strombus latissinius, (a very rare 

 jjpecies,) and Strombus gigas or the West India conch 

 shell. There are others also that have nearly the same 

 II 



