THE EGG CAPSULE OF THE SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN 
BALER SHELL MELO MILTONIS GRAY 
By BERNARD C. COTTON, CONCHOLOGIST, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 
Summary 
There has been little research in Australia and indeed in the world, on molluscan eggs 
and egg capsules. In South Australia many kinds are found washed up on the beach in 
considerable quantity between the months September and December, and although the 
specific identities of some have been decided, many are still uncertain. It is desirable 
that any definite records and identification be published. 
In this publication Vol VI, No. 1, November 30, 1937, p. 101, a description of the egg 
capsule of a Western Australian specimen of Melo miltonis was given. The 
protoconchs in the capsule were well developed and apparently on the point of 
hatching, averaging 26 mm. in length. We have now a record of a South Australian 
specimen. In November, 1943, Mr. Albert J. Blumson wrote detailing observations 
made through his glass-bottomed boat and supplying a specimen of the Baler Shell 
and its capsule taken in South Australia. 
