The Cowries. Venus Shells 



On the back is a brown central area edged with a band of darker 

 brown that follows the outline of the shell. It is not frequently 

 found and is a prize to any collector. The shells are particularly 

 bright and glossy when taken alive. The largest are about two 

 inches long. 



The Stag Cowry (C cervus, Linn.) has an inflated shell 

 lighter in weight than the preceding species and much more 

 roomy. Its aperture is wider in front. Its white spots are 

 close and small and usually blurred into the chestnut ground 

 colour. Length, 2 to 6 inches. 



Habitat. — Panama. 



The Tortoise-shell Cowry (C. iestudinaria, Linn.), the 

 largest species in the genus, has the colouring and the mottled 

 markings of brown tortoise shell on its back, and a multitude 

 of white specks, like flour, sprinkled over the polished surface. 

 The base shades into brownish flesh colour or pale fawn; the 

 teeth are white. Young shells are obscurely banded with brown 

 on a uniform, paler ground. Length, 4 to 6 inches. 



Habitat. — Ceylon. 



The Orange Cowry (C. aurantiiim, Martyn) is an inflated 

 shell of ovate form with back and teeth of uniform colour, bright 

 orange. The sides, extremities and base are white. Length, 

 3 to 6 inches. 



Habitat. — Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands, Loyalty Islands. 



Permission to wear an orange cowry as an ornament is a mark 

 of the highest distinction granted among Friendly Islanders. 

 Shells punctured with a hole in the back, occasionally seen in 

 collections, have been worn, and are for this reason considered 

 especially valuable. 



For many years collectors had to pay excessive prices for 

 these rare shells. The especial regard in which they were held 

 by natives of the islands prevented their dispersal to other coun- 

 tries. An occasional traveller got hold of one for I25. Now 

 perfect ones may be had for |2o, savs Mr. Campbell in the 

 Nautilus, 1889. Unlike some more abundant species, they are 

 obtained from deep water outside the reefs, which fact in itself 

 should account for their scarcity and high price. 



The Map Cowry (C. mappa, Linn.) is marked lengthwise 

 with a broad zigzag line of pale chestnut from the angles of 

 which side branches go off alternately from left to right, singly 



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