The Spindle Shells and Band Shells 



of the Atlantic coast. Its whorls are grooved, and a conspicuous 

 round knob finishes the angle of the shoulder. The apex is pro- 

 longed into a sharp peak, set with nodules. The long, open canal 

 is slightly bent. An umbilicus is parallel to it. A silky epidermis 

 covers the shell. Exceptional specimens reach two feet in length. 

 Colour, yellowish brown. Length, 8 to 12 inches. 



Habitat. — Australia. 



The Very Long Spindle Shell (F. longissimus, Gmel.) is 

 white when the pale horn-coloured epidermis is lost. Fine stria- 

 tions wind around its whorls, and ten large, low tubercles stand 

 on the keeled shoulder of each. This is the longest of the spindle 

 shaped species. F. candidum, Gmel. is the same. Length, 7 to 

 9 inches. 



Habitat. — Ceylon. 



The Noble Spindle Shell (F. nobilis, Rve.), a superb shell, 

 quite like F. longissimus, was described by Reeve, from a single 

 cabinet specimen, 10^ inches long. 



The Waved Fusus {F. undatus, Gmel.) has few and large 

 tubercles made by longitudinal waves of elevation and depression 

 which cross the fine spiral grooves. The shell is thick and white 

 Length, 6 to 7 inches. 



Habitat. — Polynesian Islands 



The Distaff Fusus (F. colus, Linn.), tinged brown on its 

 attenuated extremities, is as long as F. undatus and twice as 

 slender. Fine nodules rim its whorls at the shoulder. Length, 

 6 to 7 inches. 



Habitat. — Ceylon. 



The Long-tail Fusus (F.longicaudus, Bory) may be a form 

 of the last without the spiral keel on its whorls. Length, 5 to 

 6^ inches. 



Habitat. — Ceylon. 



The Very Slender Spindle (F. gracillimus, Ads. & Rve.), 

 coloured a rich chestnut brown, the spiral ribs crossed by longi- 

 tudinal folds, is like a miniature "long-tail." Length, 3 inches. 



Habitat. — Eastern Seas. 



The Needle Fusus (F. acus, Ads. & Rve.), the most graceful 

 of the spindle shells, reduces slimness to its lowest terms. Two 

 inches is its maximum length. In sculpture and colour it is like 

 the last species. The aperture and canal are contracted. 



Habitat. — China Sea. 



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