BABBLING BEACHES 105 



known as the elephant's tusk (Dentalium aptinum) . Pure 

 white and slightly fluted longitudinally, it typifies the 

 marvellous extent of Nature's requirements and her 

 fertility in design. It is especially interesting to note 

 that the existence of the species in Australian waters 

 has not hitherto been recorded, the nearest known 

 locality being the Moluccas. 



The Drupa ricinus (so specifically called because of 

 resemblance to the prickly seeds of the castor-oil plant) 

 has another feature almost unique two ivory-white 

 projections in the mouth, singularly like a baby's teeth. 

 In the waters of Florida is a distinct curiosity in the form 

 of an altogether different mollusc which is commonly 

 known as the "bleeding- tooth shell," the gory stains 

 about the base of the tooth being highly significant. 

 The local example of the whimsicality of Nature owes 

 its excellence to absolute purity. No fond mother 

 crooning to her first-born ever looked on budding teeth 

 more delightful in modelling and pearliness. 



Chama laxarus belongs to the same family as the 

 clams, the largest of living molluscs, its specific title 

 being an allusion to the tattered raiment of the beggar 

 of the most edifying of parables. Occasionally the 

 china-white upper valve is decorated with a broad 

 streak of buff. Some of the genera are attached to 

 coral or rock indifferently by either valve, and it is 

 exceptional to find on the beach a perfect specimen 

 that is, the valves united. Since on the reef the shells 

 are frequently protectively disguised with seaweed and 

 other growth, it is only after the violence of a cyclone 

 that the amateur collector expects to be rewarded. 



Unlike some others of the family, the cockscomb 

 oyster, though not objecting to the near-by presence 

 of its kind, seems to hate a crowd. Half a dozen may 

 occupy separate areas on a rock, and solitary specimens 



