ORDER TRACHELIPODA. 



39 



The Variegated Sea-Trumpet, {Triton variegation.) 



The Triton variegatum, or Variegated Sea-Trumpet, a 

 large and beautiful shell, sometimes as much as two 

 feet in length, is found chiefly in| the torrid zones, near 

 the Asiatic coast. The attendants on the sea-gods of 

 pagan Rome are frequently represented with this shell 

 applied to their mouth by way of a trumpet. 



Already Triton, at his call, appears 



Above the waves; a Tyrian robe he wears, 



And in his hand a crooked trumpet bears. 



The sovereign bids him peaceful sounds inspire, 



And give the waves the signal to retire. 



His writhen shell he takes, whose narrow vent 



Grows by degrees into a large extent, 



Then gives it breath ; the blast, with doubling sound, 



Runs the wide circuit of the world around. 



The sun first heard if, in his early east. 



And met the rattling echoes in the west ; 



The waters, listening to the trumpet's roar. 



Obey the summons, and forsake the shore. 



DllVDEN. 



JDoUum pcrdix. Triton caricfjatc.m. Pi/ruhi catiicidata 



