Copy 1

The Linnaean system of conchology ... / By John Mawe.

  • John Mawe
Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The Linnaean system of conchology ... / By John Mawe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    78/300 (page 38)
    ed striee, crossing each other in a transverse and longi- tudinal direction, thus giving the shell a spiny appear- ance, as in the D. scortum and D. pubescens. The second and third divisions are also characterized by the position of the strize, which in the one are longitudinal, and in the other transverse. The shells of the fourth division have a smooth and polished surface; and the fifth at present consists of one species only, which has its surface partially covered with transverse membrana- ceous ridges. The most prevailing color is a rich purple, which sometimes only appears in rays on a white ground, di- verging from the beaks to the margin. Many of the species are of an olive-yellow tinge, which often in- clines to a bright orange; and others, again, have a pink hue, finely diversified with brown zigzag mark- ings, as in the D. scripta, &e. and in some instances the shells are variously banded. The interior almost al- ways partakes of the coloring of the exterior. It is doubtful whether any shells of this genus are natives of rivers, as they are generally found buried in the sand of the sea shore. Although the species and varieties are but few, and thinly scattered over most parts of the globe, yet some coasts (the European in particular) supply a profusion, but of no great variety. The Donax derives its name from its shape, which resembles the barbed head of a javelin or dart (Sovaé).