388 THE OCEAN WOKLD. 



closely resemble the Pectens. The edges of the mantle are provided 

 with two rows of tentacles, the exterior row being, many of them, 

 furnished at their extremities with coloured tubercles. As examples, 

 we note several species of these bivalves for representation. Spon- 

 dylus regius (PL. XV. Fig. I.) is, perhaps, the most remarkable for 

 its immense spines. Spondylus radians, Lamarck (Fig. III.), is noted 

 for its elegant form. Spondylus avicularis (Fig. IV.) shows remark- 

 able inequality in the valves. Spondylus imperialis, Chenu (Fig. II.), 

 has long projecting spines, like feet, and the Scaly Spondylus 

 (S. crassisquama, Fig. V.) is covered with scales arranged like so 

 many roofing-tiles. 



Like oysters, the genus Spondylus is frequently found firmly rooted 

 to rocks and other submarine bodies, and, oftener still, heaped one upon 

 the other, like herrings in their barrel. 



These animals belong essentially to the seas of warm countries. 

 We find them, however, occupying considerable space in the Mediter- 

 ranean, where (Fig. VI.) the Ass-footed Spondylus (S. geederopus] 

 abounds. 



But the most remarkable species of all is assuredly Spondylus regius 

 (PL. XV. Fig. I.). This species is a native of the Indian Ocean, and 

 there scarcely exist three fragments of this rare shell in the museums 

 of Europe. M. Chenu relates in one of his books an anecdote which 

 would prove if any proof were necessary how far the desire of a 

 collector to obtain possession of some rare and costly specimen will 



carry him in order to attain his object. " M. E ," says M. Chenu, 



" was Professor of Botany to the Faculty of Paris, and was, as some 

 times happens, more learned than rich; he wished, on the invitation 

 of a stranger, to purchase one of these shells at a very high price, 

 which might be from 3000 to 6000 francs ; the bargain was made, 

 and the price agreed upon ; it was only necessary to pay. The money 

 in the professor's hands made only a small part of the sum the merchant 

 was to receive for his shell, and he would not part with it without pay- 

 ment. M. E ,now consulting his desire to possess the shell more 



than his weak resources, made up secretly a parcel of his scanty plate, 

 and went out to sell it. Without consulting his wife he replaced his 

 silver plate by coverings of tin, and ran to the merchant to secure his 

 coveted Spondylus, which he believed to be S. regius. 



" The hour of dinner arrived, and we may imagine the astonish- 



