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CHAP. XI. 
SHELLS. 
Mollusca. — Radiata, &c. 
Ceylon has long been renowned for the beauty and 
variety of the shells which abound in its seas and inland 
waters, and in which an active trade has been organised 
by the industrious Moors, who clean them with great 
expertness, arrange them in satin-wood boxes, and send 
them to Colombo and all parts of the island for sale. 
In general, however, these specimens are more prized 
for their beauty than valued for their rarity, though 
some of the " Argus " cowries 1 have been sold as high 
as four guineas a pair. 
One of the principal sources whence their supplies are 
derived is the beautiful Bay of Venloos, to the north 
of Batticaloa, formed by the embouchure of the Natoor 
river. The scenery at this spot is enchanting. The sea 
is overhung by gentle acclivities wooded to the summit ; 
and in an opening between two of these eminences the 
river flows through a cluster of little islands covered 
with mangroves and acacias. A bar of rocks projects 
across it, at a short distance from the shore ; and these 
are frequented all day long by pelicans, that come at 
1 Cyfrma Argus. 
B B 
