given to this genus in compliance with its ancient 

 title of Concha Veneris or Venus' s ' Shell i which in 

 modern conchyliology belongs to a bivalve Ihell 

 which has already made its appearance in the prefent 

 work, viz. the Venus Dione of Linnaeus. The name 

 Concha Veneris applied to the prefent fliell by the 

 ancient writers originated from its fuppofed efficacy 

 in expediting the commands of the goddefs Venus, 

 who, difpleafed at a voyage undertaken by order of 

 the tyrant Periander againft the natives of Gnidos, 

 is faid to have made ufe of this fhell to Hop the 

 progrefs of the veffel. I fliould obferve that the 

 Cypraeas in general are unfurnifhed with any epi-- 

 dermis or exterior cuticle, and are found naturally 

 adorned with that beautiful polifh which is given to 

 many other Ihells by artificial means. 



