The Murex Shells. Rock Shells 



whorls are set with low tubercles or erect cusps. The broad lip 

 is scarcely wavy. The brownish surface has three broad bands 

 of purple, especially bright in the aperture. From these the 

 Tyrian dyes were obtained. Shells are found in heaps along 

 shore, where they were crushed in course of the process. To-day 

 this species is used as food. Length, 3 inches. 



The Cabbage Murex (M. hrassica, Lam.) has a stocky shape, 

 with low spire, short canal and swollen body whorl. There are 

 six or eight folded varices, sharply toothed along the edges, and 

 a larger tubercle on the shoulder of each. Groups of flat tubercles 

 lie between the varices. The mouth is wide and pink-lipped, but 

 orange within. Three brown bands encircle the pale surface. 

 The varices are pink at the edges. 



This is one of the largest rock shells. It is closely related to 

 the species princeps, regius, imperialis, "nobles," as their names 

 imply. The Panama and West Indian provinces are the homes 

 of several superb species. Length, 6 to 10 inches. 



Habitat. — Gulf of California. 



The Endive Murex (M. endivia. Lam.) has a frizzled head, 

 tipped and banded with brown, curly as the most crisp and in- 

 viting head of endive. Length, 4 inches. 



Habitat. — Philippines. 



The Spine-ribbed Murex (A/, spinicostata, Val.) is a hand- 

 some West Indian shell, wound with close ridges, and crossed 

 by six or seven varices armed with hollow spines, very sharp and 

 slightly curved. A few dead specimens have been found on the 

 shore at Beaufort, N. C, and southward. So we claim it as an 

 American species. Colour, white with pinkish brown spiral lines; 

 lining, white. Length, 5 inches. 



Habitat. — West Indies. 



The Rock-dwelling Murex {M.saxatilis,\^2im.) is one of the 

 large, many-variced species, highly coloured, and greatly desired 

 by collectors of handsome shells. The spines spread into graceful 

 fronds. Those on the shoulder of each whorl are larger and 

 usually curved. The canal is curved and open, with spines on 

 each side. The body whorl is considerably swollen. The outside 

 is brownish yellow, banded with pink; the aperture rosy-pink, 

 banded with darker colour. Some varieties are deep orange- 

 pink all over. The handsomest ones come from the Indian 

 Ocean, though collectors more recently have found as fine speci- 



34 



