Rudiments of conchology : intended as a familiar introduction to the science, with explanatory plates, and references to the collection of shells in the British Museum / by the author of "The geographical present," &c.

  • Mary Anne Venning
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Rudiments of conchology : intended as a familiar introduction to the science, with explanatory plates, and references to the collection of shells in the British Museum / by the author of "The geographical present," &c. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    attended by a crab, ‘ his cancer friend ;’ but why it is called anchor’d I do not know, but cancer is Latin for crab.” ‘* Here is a species of Pinna,” said his father, opening a cabinet; “ and these silken threads are the means by which it fastens itself to the rocks. The animal is provided with a long foot, with which it draws out the threads, or byssus. The Pinna is sometimes called the silk-worm of the sea. Lucy, do you know a univalve shell ?” “Oh yes, many!” replied Lucy, ‘here are rock-shells, cowries, limpets, and cones. I know the difference between a cowry and a cone; but I am not yet acquainted with a multivalve shell— will you show me one?” ‘“‘ Chiton, or coat of mail, is a good example,” said Mr. Elliot; ‘* Pholas is another genus of the same division; it has the appearance of a bivalve. In the Chiton are several lamina, or plates, which are connected by a membrane while the living animal is in the shell; the membrane is pliant, and the inhabitant has the power of contracting itself ito a ball, when it would avoid injury, like the insect millepes, that we find under stonesin damp places. (Prare”,,) The curious barnacle-shell, Lepas, is another multi- valve.” (Puate 2.) ‘* ] think we cannot have a more agreeable pursuit for our leisure hours,” said Lucy, “than B 2