32 



CLASS MOLLUSCA. 



peculiar reservoir the colouring-matter with which the 

 Romans, and other ancient nations, dyed their beautiful 

 and well-known purple, which was so much in use 

 before the discovery of cochineal. 



The Music Harp Shell, (Harpa musica.) 



The Harp shells are found in the Indian seas, and in 

 great abundance also in the Red Sea. A very curious 

 fact appears in the history of the animal of the Harp 

 which deserves notice. It was observed a long time 

 back by a German naturalist named Bon, but had since 

 then been either forgotten or disbelieved : a recent 

 traveller has confirmed its truth, although he notices it 

 as a new discovery ; it is as follows : — 



Harpa musica. 



The foot of the animal has the power of dividing 

 itself into two portions ; and one, namely, the hinder 

 portion, can be separated from its body by the animal, 

 when it finds itself suddenly in danger, and wishes to 



