11 



" Shell Life," tell us that we have also Erato hevis and Ovula patiila, 

 both sub-genera of Cypraa. 



It is very interesting to note the difference in appearance between 

 the young cowrie and the adult. The young cowrie has a thin, sharp 

 lip, with a distinct spire, sometimes covered with a fine epidermis, 

 markings very indistinct; another phase is then entered upon, the 

 shell becoming more solid, the dentition commences, and the pattern 

 asserts itself generally in triangular or zigzag flames and waves. In 

 the concluding period the mantle lobes expand on each side, covering 

 the whole shell with a shining enamel, by which the spire is entirely 

 concealed. There is usually a line of paler colour, which indicates 

 where the mantle lobes meet. Many years ago a theory was pro- 

 pounded that the animal had the power of leaving his shell like 

 a crab, and forming a successive number of new shells, during the 

 second and third stages of growth ; indeed, one gentleman stated 

 that he was an eye-witness on more than one occasion of this trans- 

 formation. I can only say it is very strange, considering the number 

 of naturalists in all parts of the world, that this has not been observed 

 by anyone else; it is, as M. Deshayes says, "opposed to the common 

 laws of organisation." Monstrosities and malformations are often 

 met with in Cypnea, whilst in some genera they are very rare. 

 Balani sometimes produce strange protuberances on the back of the 

 cowrie, to which they have attached themselves when young. 



I have brought a few specimens for exhibition, principally to illus- 

 trate the difference between the young and the adult, and the great 

 variability in colour in some of the species. 



