UNIVALVES. 



PLATE XXI. 



Genus. CYPR.EA. 



Character. Shell generally oval and orbiculated; cheek of the mouth folded 

 inwards ; the mouth narrow, and wholly covered on each side with teeth ; the apex 

 generally obscure. 



Species. 



No. 1. Cypilea arabica. Shell of a pale flesh-colour, adorned with the resem- 

 blance of Arabic letters, and spots of pale brown ; sides of the mouth 

 spotted with black ; mouth pale red. A native of the Eastern Ocean. 



No. 2. Cypr&a autumnalis. Shell of a white colour, irregularly streaked with 

 olive coloured veins, and a line of rich brown reaching down the middle of 

 the back ; mouth deeply notched at each end ; teeth pale brown. Native 

 place unknown. 



No. 3. Cyprjea ovata. Shell yellow, thickly spotted with brown and gray spots ; 

 teeth and mouth white ; form orbicular and tapering. 



No. 4. Cypr^a caput-serpentis. Shell of a dark brown, with a yellow termina- 

 tion, resembling a snake's head, and spotted ; teeth and mouth of a pale brown. 



No. 5. Cypr^a comma. Shell red, covered with white spots, each resembling a 

 comma; the form ovate and acuminated. 



No. 6. Cypr;ea Mauritania. Shell nearly black ; the summit ornamented with 

 red and orange spots, some of them conjoined ; the mouth black, and in 

 form pointed. 



No. 7. The above Shell represented in an earlier stage of its growth, intended to 

 shew the alteration which takes place from age, the apex, in this case, not 

 being yet obliterated. 



REMARKS. 



This genus is well adapted for ornamental purposes of the Arts, and has been ingeniously 

 applied to the making of toys and snuff-boxes; but the glossy and shining surface exhibits 

 an effect only to be equalled by the paintings upon china or enamel. They are also free from 

 that epidermis, or scum, which is apt to invest other shells, and which is supposed to be 

 owing to their containing a larger portion of silex. 



