THE NAUTILUS. 131 
their firm hold upon the surface of the rock and began to move 
around in search of food. It is evident that this species is very 
prolific, and though large specimens are not so common as formerly, 
there seems to be no danger that the species will soon become ex- 
tinct. 
The next species is the red abalone, H. rufescens Swainson. This 
animal hasa much larger shell than the last, some of them reaching 
the length of nine or ten inches, possibly more. They were for- 
merly very common about Pacific Grove, but they have been so 
persistently collected that adult specimens are rarely found. They 
live at a somewhat lower level than their black brothers, and are 
not often seen on the rocks above the water, even at low tide. The 
Chinese fishermen cruise around in their boats at such times armed 
with a hook on the arm of a long pole, with which they secure the 
coveted prize. The large shells are mostly collected from the more 
unsettled parts of the coast, and there is danger that the supply will 
soon become seriously diminished. Last summer I saw a two-horse 
wagon loaded with these shells, which had been drawn up to Pacific 
Grove from a point some thirty miles down the coast. 
The third species, named from its beautiful internal color the 
“ oreen abalone,” has generally been known to scientific circles as 
Haliotis splendens. It was given that very appropriate name by 
Reeve in 1846, but it has been found that in 1845 it was named by 
Philippi H. fulgens, and so the latter name must stand. This 
beautiful shell abounds in southern waters, but as I have never had 
an opportunity to study its habitat, I cannot report upon its pros- 
pective decrease. The only live one I ever saw was an aged speci- 
men which was found upon the rocks near Cypress Point. Monterey 
Bay seems to mark its extreme northern location, and even then I 
have never found a specimen in the Indian shell-heaps, though 
rufescens and Cracherodii are found by the thousands in all stages 
of decomposition. 
H. corrugata Gray, does not come so far north as the last species. 
A fine specimen before me from San Pedro, Cal., measures 62 in. in 
length, 53 in breadth, and 23 in convexity. The shell has strong 
ridges upon its back, and there are four large open holes. I have 
never seen a living specimen, and know very little concerning its 
habits. 
H. assimilis Dall, is now considered to be a distinct species. The 
Manual reports it from “ Monterey to San Diego in deep water.” A 
