TIALIOTIS. 35 



Ilaliotis Cmcherodii, Loach, commonly called 

 the Black Abalone, Fig. 1, PI. IX, isthe'snialler 

 and more abundant of tlie two species. It may 

 be found from one-fourth of an inch, to six inches 

 in length. The back is quite smooth, marked 

 only by lines of growth ; spire, very short ; aper- 

 ture, very large; holes, five to nine ; color, dark 

 greenish black without, pearly within. It may 

 easily be found clinging to the rocks by its broad 

 foot; and when examined alive, in the water, its 

 black fringed mantle, stalked eyes, and slender 

 tentacles are most interesting for study. Note 

 in the shell the strong central scar, showing 

 where the muscle of the foot was attached to the 

 shell. 



The Red Abalone, Ilaliotis ntfescens, Swains , 

 Fig. 2, PI. IX, sometimes grows to a length ot 

 nine inches. Outer coat, red, projecting over the 

 inner, pearly layers, and giving the shell a red edge. 

 Back, somewhat roughened, often overgrown 

 with vegetation ; holes, commonly three in num- 

 ber; muscular impression, prominent. Great 

 numbers of these shells in a partly decayed con- 

 dition, may be found in the Indian shell heaps 

 along the coast. These may be gathered and 

 pulverized to form the pearl powder used in or- 

 namenting boxes, and frames. 



Ilaliotis splendens, Rve., is a more southern 

 species, found below tide, on rocks. It is more 

 flat, thin, and grooved, and beautifully lustrous 

 within. It has 4 7 holes. Ilaliotis corruf/ata, 

 Gray, also lives below tide. It is large, arched, 

 very rough and corrugated ; holes 3 5. Fishes 



