MOLLUSCA. 439 
SECTION II. 2Sntoalbeg. 
2. THE ADMIRAL. 
ONE of the cone-shells is called so for its uncommon 
beauty. The inhabitant of it is a kind of snail, but 
with a very distinct head. If nature has taken a de- 
light in painting the wings of birds, the skins of quad- 
rupeds, and the scales of fishes, she seems not to have 
been less pleased in pencilling the shells of these inhabi- 
tants of the deep. The variety, brightness, and versatility 
of the colouring have been for a long space of time the 
deserved object of man's admiration; and in several 
places we cannot help being astonished at the richness 
which a cabinet of well-selected shells presents to the eye. 
The manner of preparing the shells, and of bringing 
out their beautiful colours is simple, and yet requires 
great attention. The crust must be rubbed gently with 
spirit of salt or muriatic acid, and then washed with clear 
water ; this process will cleanse the shell, and display the 
wonderful brilliancy which was hidden under the first coat ; 
but great care must be taken not to touch anything with 
the spirit of salt, as it will burn and discolour linen. 
THE SNIPE, (Murex haustelbis, or cornutug,) 
So called on account of the length of a prominency 
coming out of the shell. It is surrounded with blunt 
