EAR-SHELL. Stomtitia rubra. 



VIOLET SNAIL. Junthina commimis. 

 ASS'S EAll. lluliutis usininus. GUKKNSEY SEA-EAR Haliotis tuberculdhui. 



world, and in those at the base were found only the undeveloped eggs. This raft retains 

 the air for a considerable time after the death of the animal, and even if removed and 

 dried will not lose its expanded form for several weeks. In a month or so, however, it 

 generally collapses. A similar result takes place if the creature be placed in spirits, so 

 that to prepare a specimen permanently is a task of great difficulty. 



The attachment of the raft to the shell is exceedingly slight, and in rough weather is 

 frequently broken by the tossing waves, so that the raft is seen floating as usual, while 

 the animal to which it belonged has probably sunk deeply beneath the surface. Whether 

 the creature possesses the power of reproducing the raft is a mooted question. When 

 floating at ease, the raft is the only portion that is visible, the shell itself being under 

 water. 



The food of the Janthina is said to consist mostly of the small blue velellse, but as the 

 animal is without eyes, and is incapable of directing its course, it cannot be very 

 rapacious. Some minute brown shells have been found in the stomach of several 

 specimens. 



The Janthina secretes a rather richly coloured fluid, respecting which many conflicting 

 opinions have been given. Mr. F. D. Bennett, who has made some valuable observations 

 on this curious mollusc, has the following remarks upon the fluid : 



" The body of this mollusc contains a very blue liquid, which, when the animal is 

 punctured, exudes to the amount of three or four large drops. It is readily diffused 

 through water or colourless spirit to the former it communicates a faint tinge of its own 

 peculiar hue, and to the latter a pink colour, with a purple shade. It communicates its 



