204 



This elegant fpecies has never before been given as an 

 Enfrlipi fliell ; but we have leen it amongft a parcel of 

 fmall fliells from the Weft, Indies : and Doftor Pulteney 

 informed us, it was in the Portland Cabinet by the name 

 of Valuta edentiila. It does not however appear to have 

 fo much the charafter of that genus as of this, hut may be 

 confidered as a connefting link. How it came to obtain 

 the trivial name o^ edentula is not eafily determined, as it 

 is denticulated on both fides of the aperture. 



This fhell is certainly very rare ; the only place we have 

 found it in, is Salconib bay, where it is fometimes taken 

 alive by the Oyjler dredgers ; but is never found on the 

 contiguous fhores. 



a 



The animal, when alive, extends a thin membrane from 

 each fide the aperture, and almoft covers the fhell : this 

 is eleo-antly fpecklcd with bright yellow : the more flefhy 

 parts of the body, before and behind, are fpeckled with 

 pink. 



It is probable many of the Cyprcea genus, have the pro- 

 perty of extending thefe lateral membranes over their 

 fliell, the C. Pedicuius has it to a great degree, and when 

 in motion under water, has a very elegant appearance, 

 from its diverfity of colours: generally black, orange, and 

 pink, difpofed in minute fpots. 



GEN. 



