38 



POPULAR CONCHOLOGY. 



Operculum composed of four obtuse valves. 

 Animal rather flat. — 4 recent species. 



This genus, like the last, fixes itself on the 

 backs of whales, turtle, and other marine ani- 

 mals, and likewise on stones and large shells. 



14. Balanus. — Shell 

 conical, summit truncated, 

 closed at the base by a solid 

 testaceous substance, by 

 which it adheres. Aperture 

 rather triangular. Opercu- 

 lum internal, and having four 

 valves. Animal either flat- 

 tened or almost cylindrical. 

 — 39 species, recent and fossil. 



Some of the species of this genus are armed 

 with spines on the outside. They are found 

 in all seas, covering the rocks, and pressing 

 close together, so as in many instances to alter 

 their form. In Chili they are found five inches 

 and a half long, and half an inch in diameter, 

 and are highly esteemed by the natives as an 

 article of food. When boiled, and eaten cold, 

 the flesh much resembles the crab, and is equal 

 to it in richness and delicacy. 



