CONCHOLOGY. 



procure such specimens as were attached to the dresses of the natives, 

 and these being almost constantly perforated for the better convenience 

 of fastening them on safely, at once explains the reason of the Orange 

 Cowry being so rarely met with undisfigured by such perforation. 



The mention of this circumstance, which at this distant period 

 can be little known, is moreover of some importance, because as 

 the shells were really brought from Otaheite, it has been generally 

 supposed to be a native of that island, and has even sometimes been 

 called the Otaheitan Cowrv. Gmelin, who records this shell under the 

 name of Cypraea Aurantium, speaks of it as a native of the Friendly 

 Isles, ''habitat ad insulas amicas," resting his authority, we appre- 

 hend, upon the Conchology of Martyn, and which though published 

 shortly after the return of Captain Cook, could not be so well informed 

 upon the subject as the venerable friend who assured us it is neither 

 a native of Otaheite, nor the Friendly Islands. Lamarck has subse- 

 quently observed that the species inhabits the seas of the Friendly 

 Islands as well as those of Otaheite, and also of New" Zealand. Upon 

 what authority the localities have been increased to this extent is not 

 stated. We have understood from very good authority tliat researches 



devour their enemies to satiate their fury, is entirely satisfied the chiefs as 

 well as touas are Anthrophagi. These people, notwithstanding this atrocity, 

 are represented as being far more advanced in arts and industry than the 

 people of other islands, who receive from them in time of peace many arti- 

 cles of ingenious workmanship and produce of their island, and it is, no 

 doubt, by this means that the Orange Cotvry has been introduced among 

 the natives of Otaheite and other islands in those seas. 



Besides its being satisfactory to ascertain beyond any doubt the habitat 

 of the Orange Cowry, the Conchologist is assured that other shells of the 

 most choice and valuable kinds inhabit the seas of this island, for which 

 reason it is presumed the above information may not prove altogether 

 unimportant. 



