369 



CHAP. XI. 



SHELLS. 



Mollusca. — Radiata, &c. 



Ceylon lias 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 Cyprcea Argus. 

 B B 



