252 



POPULAR CONCHOLOGY. 



119. Cypilea. — Shell oval, convex; mouth 

 linear, notched at both 

 ends, thickened and 

 toothed on each side in 

 the adult shell; spire 

 sometimes entirely hid- 

 den. Animal, head dis- 

 tinct, furnished with two tentacula, having eyes 

 at the base on small projections; mantle and 

 foot very large. — There are 68 species recent, 

 and 18 fossil. 



These shells are remarkable for the different 

 appearance they present during the several 

 stages of their growth. Whilst 

 young they are very thin, almost 

 colourless, and dull on the outside ; 

 the mouth is rather wide, the outer 

 lip not rolled inwards, but having 

 a sharp edge. At a more advanced 

 period the lips are curved inwards ; 

 but the shell is still thin, and the 

 colours not bright.* At a later stage, when 



* The gradations of advancing growth may be easily 

 remarked in the common C. Mauritiana. 



