442 THE OCEAN WORLD. 
Cyprea tigris (Fig. 255). The cowries are found at a little distance 
from 'the shore, generally in clefts of the rocky bottoms ; but some- 
times they bury themselves in the sand. They are timid, shun the 
light, and only leave their retreats to creep about in search of food, 
Fig. 255.—Cyprea tigris (Linnzeus). Fig. 256.—Cypreea cocci- 
nella (Lamarck). 
which appears to be exclusively animal. These magnificent molluscs 
are natives of every sea. One small species lives in the British 
Channel; another and much larger species is found in the Adriatic ; 
but the Indian Ocean is the home of the largest and finest species 
of these shells. 
As objects of curiosity and ornament these shells have been much 
Figs. 257 and 258.—Cypraa undata (Lamarck). Figs. 259 and 260.—Cyprza zigzag 
(Linnzus). 
in request in all ages. The inhabitants of the Asiatic coast make 
bracelets, collars, amulets, and head-dresses of them, and use them 
to ornament boxes and harness. In New Zealand and the Fijis the 
chiefs carry a rare and choice species (Cyprea aurantium), suspended 
from the neck, as a badge of their rank or sign of distinction. The 
species are, indeed, extremely numerous, and we can only find room 
for very brief descriptions of a few of the best known among them. 
