NAUTILUS. 



his character of this Genus, that the last volution covers 

 the former ones ; but it may be observed that this is really 

 the case in one species alone, the Nautilus Pompilius, 

 whereas in the N. iimbilicatus and N. scrobiculatus, the 

 former volutions are partly exposed : this should not there- 

 fore enter into the generic character. 



We find it impossible by words to convey a descrip- 

 tion of the form of this remarkable shell, we are, how- 

 ever the less solicitous about it, as our account of it is 

 accompanied by a representation which will convey to 

 those who are not yet acquainted with it a perfect idea of 

 its form and general appearance. 



Lamarck states,* that the Nautilus Pompilius is found 

 in a fossil state at Courtagnon, Grignon, Chaumont, in 

 the environs of Dax, &c. and adds, " C'est veritable- 

 ment la m^me espece que celle qui vit actuellement dans 

 les mers des Indes.'' This assertion is not true, at least 

 with reference to the species found at Dax; the conclu- 

 sion he draws from it, supposing it to be a fact, is there- 

 fore untenable. 



* Hist. Nat. des Anim. sans vert. VII. 634. 



