THE VIOLET SNAIL. 



399 



the 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 re- 

 moved 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. 



EAR-SHELL.-Stomatfa. 



VIOLET SNAlL.-Jaathlna commuals. 

 ASS'S EAR.-//a//of/s as'alpus. GUERNSEY SEA-EAR.-fla//otfs tuberculatus. 



The food of the Janthina, is said to consist mostly of the small blue velellae, 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 colored fluid, respecting which many conflicting 

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

 servations 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 on colorless spirit to the former it communicates a faint tinge 

 of its own peculiar hue, and to the latter a pink color, with a purple shade. It 



