24 



CLA.SS MOLLUSCA. 



many it appeared like a small dead tortoise-shell cat, 

 which would have been such an unusual object in this part 

 of the world, that the boat, which was alongside of the 

 ship at the time, was sent for the purpose of ascertain- 

 ing the nature of the floating object. 



" On approaching near, it was observed to be the 

 shell-fish, commonly known by the name of the Pearly 

 Nautilus : it was captured and brought on board ; but 

 the shell was shattered from having been struck with 

 the boat-hook, in taking it, as the animal was sinking 

 when the boat approached, and, had it not been so 

 damaged, it would have escaped. I extracted the fish 

 in a perfect state, which was firmly attached to each 

 side of the cavity of the shell." The hood has been 

 stated by Dr. Shaw, as being " of a pale, reddish-purple 



SHELL OF THE NAITTILUS ; AND THE SEA-PEN, OR INTERNAL SHELL 

 OF THE LOLIGO. 



colour, with deeper 'sports and variegations," the colour, 

 however, as it appeared in this recent specimen, was of 

 a dark reddish brown. 



