98 LESSON 



MUREX Tribulus. 



THORNY WOODCOCK. 



Specific character. Shell subovate, with three 

 spinous varices : spines continued to the ex- 

 tremity of the beak, which is long ; between the 

 varices the shell is transversely ribbed and 

 slightly nodulous ; the colour is dirty white, or 

 pale brownish white ; the shell is about three or 

 four inches in length, of which the subulate beak 

 occupies the larger part; the breadth of the 

 body whorl is about an inch and a quarter, or an 

 inch and a half. 



This shell is found in the Asiatic and American 

 seas and in the Red Sea. It was first discovered 

 by a singular accident. A diver feeling a sharp 

 pain from something having pierced his foot* and 

 apprehending that it might be the bite of some 

 venomous animal, immediately gave the signal 

 to be drawn up, and seeking for the cause, dis- 

 covered one of these shells, the thorns of which 

 had entered his flesh. 



MUREX Tritonui. 



TRITON'S TRUMPET. 



Specific character. Shell ventricose, with 

 alternate varices, and slightly elevated transverse 

 ribs, the interstices striated ; the whorls ere- 



