134 UNIVALVES. HALIOTIS. 



an ovate form, imperforate, with an exserted spire, and 

 prickly ribs. 



The HaUotis tuberculata is the common ear, found on 

 the British coasts. The Hahotis parva, is remarkable for 

 its red or scarlet color, and from its having but one large 

 elevated rib or angle on its back. The Haliotis bistriata 

 is, on the contrary, peculiar for having a succession of dou- 

 ble elevated striae, placed in a transverse direction on the 

 back. The Haliotis pulcherrima is a beautiful and rare 

 shell, and is from the South Sea. 



The Haliotis iris, or iris ear, (from l^ew Zealand), is 

 celebrated for the superb radiance of its pearl, which is 

 composed of the brightest iridescent colors imaginable, 

 finely contrasted with a green and gold bronze-like lustre. 

 The splendid ear from California, is equally to be admir- 

 ed for the exquisite beauty of its varied colors ; added to 

 which, its magnitude renders it if possible a more magni- 

 ficent shell than the former. The size of the Haliotis gi- 

 gantea, or gigantic ear, from New Holland, is also worthy 

 of notice, as it sometimes will exceed a foot in length. 



There are two species found in a fossil state ; one is the 

 Haliotis perversa, the other, the Haliotis plicata, which 

 is found near Hildesia. The rest of the species are from 

 the shores of Europe, Africa, and India, where they ad- 

 here to the rocks like limpets, and are with difficulty 

 removed. 



UALIOTIS- Sea Ear. 



Midee {Midas s Ear.) Varia. 



*Tuberculata (Common E) Marmorata. 

 Striata. Asinum {Asss Ear.) 



