HAMITE.- 
307 
Hamite. 
If we imagine a Baculite to be bent round 
its centre, until the smaller extremity be- 
came nearly parallel to its larger end, it would 
present the most simple form of that cognate 
S^nus of chambered shells, which, from their 
frequently assuming this hooked form, have been 
Called Hamites. At PI. 44, Fig. 9, 1 1, rcpiesent 
portions of Hamites which have this most simple 
Curvature; other species of this genus have a 
^^ore tortuous form, and are either closely coiled 
^P> like the small extremity of a Spirula, (PI. 44, 
*2,) or disposed in a more open spiral. (PI. 
H Fig. 8.)* 
It is probable that some of these Hamites 
* Both these forms of Hamite bear the same relation to 
■^Umonites that Lituites bear to Nautili ; each being nearly such 
shells of these genera would respectively present, if partially 
Unrolled. See Phillips’ Geol. Yorkshire, PI. 1, Figs. 22,29,30. 
Baculites and Hamites have two characters which connect 
Bietn with Ammonites ; first, the position of the Siphuncle, 
'’u the. back, or outer margin of the shell, (PI. 44, Figs. 5^ c. 
’ a. 10. 11, a. 12, a. 13, a.); secondly, the foliated character 
the margin of the transverse plates, at their junction with the 
^ternal shell. (PI. 44, Fig. 5, 8, 12, 13.) The external shell of 
^^Uimtes is also fortified by transverse folds or ribs, increasing 
u strength both of the outer chambers and of the air chambers, 
'*Pun the same principles that we have pointed out in the case 
^mmonites. (See PI. 44, Fig. 8, 9, 11, 12, 13.) 
u certain species of Hamites, as in certain Ammonites, the 
ginal Siphuncle has a keel-shaped pipe raised over it. Others 
^ series of spines on each side of the back. (PI. 44, 
9 , 10 .) 
