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INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
Conchology or Testaceology is a numerous and beautiful branch of Natural History, treating of the testaceous covering of animals; perhaps none but the department of Flora can vie with it in variety, symmetry of form, and rich colouring. It has ever excited admiration, and obtained a prominent situation in the cabinet; and so great are the facilities afforded at the present day to procure specimens and obtain a knowledge of this science, that it has become one of the requisites of a finished educ
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FAMILY I. Dorsaliæ. Two genera.
FAMILY I. Dorsaliæ. Two genera.
Shell very thin, conical, tubular, involuted in a loose and irregular spiral manner; aperture circular, edges sharp, interrupted in the middle by a notch prolonged like a slit through nearly all its length, stopped abruptly at some distance from the summit. S. anguina. The Snake Siliquaria. Pl. 33 , fig. 4. Shell tapering, undulating, spiral at the extremity. S. muricata. The Prickly Siliquaria. Species armed with short spines or prickles; aperture sometimes margined; usually of a rosy or pink c
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FAMILY II. Maldaniæ. Two genera.
FAMILY II. Maldaniæ. Two genera.
C. amphistoma. The double-mouthed Clymene. Tube thin and slender, open at both ends; incrusted externally with sand and fragments of shells. This genus took its name from its resemblance to an elephant’s tooth. It is an attenuated conical tube, slightly bent, and open at both ends. Shell tubular, regular, symmetrical, lightly curved longitudinally, conic, attenuated insensibly posteriorly, and open at each extremity by a round orifice. D. elephantinum. The Elephant’s Tooth Shell. Species in whic
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FAMILY III. Amphitritæa. Four genera.
FAMILY III. Amphitritæa. Four genera.
The similarity of the four genera comprising this family is such, that it was thought sufficient to give only one type (the sabellaria crassissima), as the student may easily recognise the others. A membranous or papyraceous tube, in the form of a reversed cone; unfixed; exterior covered with sandy adhesions. P. Belgica. The Belgic Pectinaria. Tube inversely conic, membranous, and covered with sand. The covering of the animal belonging to this genus is composed of fragments and particles of mari
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FAMILY IV. Serpulacea. Five genera.
FAMILY IV. Serpulacea. Five genera.
Tube testaceous, spirally twisted on a horizontal plane, with terminal aperture rounded or angular, attached by the lower part to marine substances. S. Nautiloides. The Nautilus-shaped Spirorbis. White, transversely wrinkled and minute. The name of this genus is derived from the Latin word serpo, to creep, on account of the vermiform character of some of its species. They are invariably tubular, sometimes solitary, but more frequently in clusters spirally entwined, adhering to marine substances.
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Cirrhipedes. Ten genera.
Cirrhipedes. Ten genera.
Lamarck divided the Lepas of Linnæus into the various genera which compose this family. The term lepas is derived from the Greek word λεπας , a rock, alluding to its custom of adhering to rocks and marine bodies. The shell often varies in shape, covering, and colouring; it is generally conical, but sometimes hemispherical; some of the valves are placed perpendicularly on a base, broad at the lower margin and tapering towards the summit, which is closed by small horizontal valves forming the oper
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FAMILY I. Tubicola. Six genera.
FAMILY I. Tubicola. Six genera.
A well-known but rare shell; the larger end closed by a convex disk, with numerous small perforations, and encircled by a dilated margin of elegant papyraceous tubes, resembling a beautifully plaited ruff; the smaller end open. Found in sandy places at low water. Shell oval, slightly elongated, striated longitudinally, sub-equilateral; adhering, more or less confounded with the coats of a rather thick calcareous tube, conic, club-shaped, open at its attenuated extremity, and terminated at the ot
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FAMILY II. Pholadaria. Two genera.
FAMILY II. Pholadaria. Two genera.
This genus is without any tubular sheath; it derives its name from the Greek word φωλεω , to hide, alluding to the custom of its inhabitant in forming cells in rocks, wood, &c. In form the Pholas is generally oblong, having two large valves opposite to each other, with a number of smaller ones attached to the back as a substitute for a hinge. The two large valves never shut close; they are open at one end, and sometimes at both. The exterior of the shell is usually of a pure or dusky whi
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FAMILY III. Solenides. Four genera.
FAMILY III. Solenides. Four genera.
There are many species belonging to this genus differing considerably in form and appearance. Its name is derived from a Greek word signifying a pipe or tube. It is a bivalve whose breadth sometimes exceeds its length; some species have a resemblance to the sheath of a razor or a knife handle; others are curved like the scabbard of a cimeter. The Solen is found in the sand of the seashore, which it sometimes penetrates to the depth of one or two feet. Most of the species are covered with an epid
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FAMILY IV. Myaria. Two genera.
FAMILY IV. Myaria. Two genera.
This term is derived from the Greek word μυω , to close, alluding to the animal’s custom of closing the valves. The principal characteristic of the Mya is its gaping at one end; it is likewise distinguished by having a large spoonlike tooth proceeding from beneath the beak. Its form is greatly varied, but generally covered with a greenish epidermis, which may be removed; and the shell, when polished, will display beautiful prismatic colours. The Mya is found on the seashore or on the banks of la
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FAMILY V. Mactracea. Seven genera.
FAMILY V. Mactracea. Seven genera.
This genus was taken from the Mactra, and is perfectly distinct, as it wants the lateral teeth. It is called Lutricola by De Blainville, from its lurking in sand or mud at the mouths of large rivers. Shell inequilateral, orbicular, sub-triangular or transversely oval, gaping at the extremities; hinge with one cardinal tooth folded in two, or two teeth, one of which is plain, with an opposite hollow to receive it; no lateral teeth; ligament interior and fixed in the hollow cavity of the primary t
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FAMILY VI. Corbulacea. Two genera.
FAMILY VI. Corbulacea. Two genera.
This genus approximates the Crassatella and Ungulina, but is distinguished from them by the inequality of the valves and the strong primary tooth. Shell rather solid, a little irregular and triangular, inequivalve, more or less inequilateral, rounded and enlarged before, attenuated and prolonged behind; summits well marked, one projecting behind the other; hinge anomalous, formed by a large, conical, recurved cardinal tooth, with a cavity at its base for the reception of the tooth of the other v
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FAMILY VII. Lithophagi. Three genera.
FAMILY VII. Lithophagi. Three genera.
This genus is taken from the Mytilus, and, like the Pholas, possesses the faculty of penetrating calcareous rocks, from which it cannot be extracted without breaking the substance in which it is imbedded. Shell bivalve, thick, covered with epidermis, rather irregular, elongated, sub-cylindrical, obtuse at the two extremities; summits little marked; hinge toothless, or with a very small rudimentary tooth; ligament external, a little inflated. S. Australis. The Australian Saxicava. Pl. 7 , fig. 6.
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FAMILY VIII. Nymphacea. Ten genera.
FAMILY VIII. Nymphacea. Ten genera.
This family is divided into N. Solenaria and N. Tellinaria, from their resemblance to the Solen and the Tellina. This genus may be distinguished from the Solen by never having the transverse oblong shape, or the edge of the valves parallel to the base. S. rosea. The rosy Sanguinolaria. Semi-orbicular, smooth, shining and convex; near the umbones of a beautiful rose colour, which becomes paler as it descends; acute transverse striæ. S. occidens. The setting-sun Sanguinolaria. Pl. 7 , fig. 4. Oval
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FAMILY IX. Conchacea. Seven genera.
FAMILY IX. Conchacea. Seven genera.
This family is divided into Conchæ fluviatiles, fresh-water shells, and Conchæ marinæ, sea shells. The shells of this genus are very small, and are found buried in the mud of fresh waters; the apices or summits are never eroded, and some species are so thin as to be transparent. Shell covered with a brown epidermis, oval or sub-orbicular, regular, equivalve, inequilateral; summits blunt, contiguous, or turned anteriorly; hinge similar, complex, formed by a variable number of cardinal teeth, and
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FAMILY X. Cardiacea. Five genera.
FAMILY X. Cardiacea. Five genera.
This genus received its name from its resemblance to a heart ( καρδια ). It is so well defined by Linnæus that no alteration was made by Lamarck, except in making two divisions of them; the first distinguished by having the anterior side as large or larger than the posterior, and no distinct angle at the apex; the second by possessing carinated or angular umbones, and the posterior side often much larger than the anterior. These shells are found at a small depth in the sand on almost every seash
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FAMILY XI. Arcacea. Four genera.
FAMILY XI. Arcacea. Four genera.
Distinguished from the Arca by the muscular impression within, to one side of which is an ear-shaped testaceous appendage; the shell is more trapeziform, and the hinge by age becomes obsolete, giving the teeth a more horizontal appearance. Shell equivalve, inequilateral, trapeziform, heart-shaped; beaks distant, and separated by the angular groove of the ligament, which is altogether external; hinge linear, straight, with small transverse teeth, having at its extremity from two to five parallel
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FAMILY XII. Trigonacea. Two genera.
FAMILY XII. Trigonacea. Two genera.
Supposed to be in very deep places in the sea; it is a strong, beautiful, pearly shell, sub-trigonal or sub-orbicular; thick, regular, equivalve, inequilateral; summits slightly prominent, recurved, anterodorsal; hinge complex, dorsal, dissimilar; two large oblong teeth laterally compressed, joined angularly under the summit, strongly furrowed on the right valve, penetrating into two excavations of the same form, equally furrowed on the left valve; ligament exterior and marginal; two distinct mu
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FAMILY XIII. Naiades. Four genera.
FAMILY XIII. Naiades. Four genera.
The species of this genus become every day more numerous; they are found in all countries, but particularly in North America. The Unio is a fresh-water shell, and therefore, with great propriety, removed from the Mya, which consists entirely of marine shells. The substance is pearly; the exterior covered with a brown or green epidermis; the apices eroded. They are found in the mud of rivers, with their apices downward; some are slightly gaping, and some species produce fine pearls. Shell general
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FAMILY XIV. Chamacea. Three genera.
FAMILY XIV. Chamacea. Three genera.
Only found in a fossil state; distinguished from the Chama by the hinge, which is dissimilar, formed by a large thick tooth, concave in the greater valve; summits very projecting; almost regular spiral contortions. D. arietina. The ram’s-horn Diceras. Shell irregular, inequivalve, inequilateral, somewhat heart-shaped, with divergent beaks. In this genus are now comprehended only such as have a thick oblique transverse tooth, resembling a lengthened callosity, generally crenulated or grooved, fit
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FAMILY XV. Tridacnites. Two genera.
FAMILY XV. Tridacnites. Two genera.
The most ponderous shell known, sometimes measuring several feet in length, and sometimes weighing five hundred pounds. By Linnæus this genus was classed with the Chama, but the characteristic distinctions are so great that they are easily known. The Chama is irregular, has but one tooth, and is fastened to other substances by the lower valve; the Tridacna is equivalve, has but two teeth, and is affixed to other bodies by a byssus consisting of filiform tendons. The animal inhabiting this shell
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FAMILY XVI. Mytilacea. Three genera.
FAMILY XVI. Mytilacea. Three genera.
As arranged by Lamarck, now comprises only such shells as are regular, equivalve, and longitudinal; solid in substance, and attached to other bodies by a short thick byssus. In colour and appearance they greatly vary, some being smooth and beautifully variegated with delicate colours, or radiated with purple and white; some are coarsely ribbed or granulated, and have only one colour, as black, blue, yellow, brown, or green; all are covered with an epidermis, to which oftentimes the colour is con
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FAMILY XVII. Malleacea. Five genera.
FAMILY XVII. Malleacea. Five genera.
There is one peculiar distinction between this genus and the Perna; the hinge of the Crenatula is composed of slightly concave callous crenulations, which receive the ligament; while in the Perna it consists of parallel truncated linear teeth (or, rather, riblike joints), corresponding and opposed to the opposite ones, the ligament being inserted only in their interstices. Shell thin, very delicate, irregular, valves flattened, foliaceous, sub-rhomboidal, sub-equivalve; hinge longitudinal, dorsa
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FAMILY XVIII. Pectinides. Seven genera.
FAMILY XVIII. Pectinides. Seven genera.
The common name was given to this genus from the resemblance to a French shepherd’s crook. The shell is of a regular form; its lower valve, in which is a sinus for the byssus, is turned up at the edges, and the upper valve falls within it. Shell inequivalve, a little eared; apices unequal, distant, rounded, little evident; hinge without teeth; ligament inserted in an oblique groove, prolonged to the summit, and carried within in a kind of spoonlike cavity. P. spondyloideum. The spondylus-shaped
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FAMILY XIX. Ostracea. Six genera.
FAMILY XIX. Ostracea. Six genera.
This genus resembles the Ostrea, with which it was formerly classed, but from which it is distinguished by the peculiar character of the lower valve. It is very deep and carinated, with a summit terminating in a long spirally recurved beak, slightly turned to one side; the edge sharp and angular. It is seldom, if ever, attached to other bodies. Shell more finely lamellated than that of the oyster, free or slightly adherent, sub-equilateral, very inequivalve; the lower valve very concave, with a
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FAMILY XX. Brachiopoda. Three genera.
FAMILY XX. Brachiopoda. Three genera.
Greatly resembling a Patella, for which it is often mistaken on account of the lower valve being very thin, flat, and adhering. Shell sub-orbicular, very compressed, inequilateral, very inequivalve; the inferior valve very thin, adherent, and imperforated; the superior valve like a Patella, with a summit more or less inclined towards the posterior side. O. Norwegica. The Norwegian Orbicula. Pl. 17 , fig. 4. Upper valve in the form of a depressed cone, with a summit produced and pointed. Taken fr
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FAMILY I. Pteropoda. Six genera
FAMILY I. Pteropoda. Six genera
Some genera of this family are without a testaceous covering, and are mentioned only for the sake of preserving the family entire. This genus derives its common name from a fancied resemblance to a miniature triumphal car. Shell very thin, transparent, symmetrical, convex below, flat above, valves unequal, form tricuspidated, cleft at the sides, open like a cleft anteriorly, and tridentated posteriorly; summit truncated. H. tridentata. The three-toothed Hyalæa. Transparent, horn-coloured, globul
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FAMILY II. Phyllidiacea. Four genera.
FAMILY II. Phyllidiacea. Four genera.
The animals of this genus are covered with a coriaceous skin, but without a shell. Formerly classed with the Chiton; but as the testaceous plates of this genus are never joined, the two may be easily distinguished. Shell elongated, multivalve; alternate pieces generally longitudinal; sides naked. C. striatus. The striated Chitonellus. Striæ radiating from the apex of each valve; margin serrated; base of the last valve obtuse. C. larvæformis. The Caterpillar Chitonellus. More or less cylindrical,
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FAMILY III. Calyptracea. Seven genera.
FAMILY III. Calyptracea. Seven genera.
The genera that constitute this family were separated by Lamarck from the Patella of Linnæus. The characteristic distinctions of this shell were first pointed out by De Blainville. Shell elongated, very depressed; the summit greatly post-medial, and evidently inclined behind; aperture as large as the shell; the lateral edges straight and parallel, the posterior rounded, the anterior sharp and notched in the middle; muscular impression large, elongated oval, slightly open in front. P. Australis.
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FAMILY IV. Bullacea. Three genera.
FAMILY IV. Bullacea. Three genera.
Formerly classed with the Bulla, but separated from it on account of the shell being entirely covered by the animal, and never externally visible. Shell oval, thin, fragile, more or less involuted on one side, rendering the aperture more or less wide. B. aperta. The open Bullæa. Pl. 17 , fig. 5. Shell interior and very incompletely involuted, without spire or columella; sub-orbicular, white, transparent, faintly striated, and slightly wrinkled; almost entirely open. The great confusion that exis
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FAMILY V. Aplysiacea. Two genera.
FAMILY V. Aplysiacea. Two genera.
This genus may almost be said to have no testaceous covering, as it appears more like the element of a shell. A. depilans. The bald Aplysia. Shell dorsal, semicircular, of a thin yellow cartilaginous substance. Closely allied to the Aplysia; it is a singularly formed shell, difficult to describe, as it contains few of the characteristics which distinguish other shells. Shell rudimentary, entirely flat, sub-spiral, with a summit thick and very callous. D. Rumphii. Rumphius’s Dolabella. Base thick
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FAMILY VI. Limacinea. Five genera.
FAMILY VI. Limacinea. Five genera.
Lamarck has given a description of the animal of this genus, but only mentions that the scutcheon contains a shell or solid crustaceous body. The animal belonging to this genus is furnished with a coriaceous shield, wrinkled. Shell external, very small, ear-shaped; very depressed, summit inclined posteriorly, not spiral; aperture oval, very large; the left edge sharp, a little rolled inward, especially behind. T. Haliotidea. The Haliotis-shaped Testacella. Pl. 17 , fig. 6. Answering to the above
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FAMILY VII. Colimacea. Eleven genera.
FAMILY VII. Colimacea. Eleven genera.
According to the systematic arrangement of Lamarck, this genus now consists of shells with peculiar characteristic distinctions. By Linnæus, marine, land, and fresh-water shells were united in this genus, and so confounded that the naturalist would often look in vain for the distinguishing characters which would enable him to class and determine the genus of the object under examination. Notwithstanding the divisions of Lamarck, its species are numerous; the shells are terrestrial, and found in
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FAMILY VIII. Lymnæcea. Three genera.
FAMILY VIII. Lymnæcea. Three genera.
Taken from the Helix of Linnæus to distinguish the aquatic from the terrestrial shells. This genus is found in fresh water, and has no operculum. Shell thin, often sinistral, discoid, or involuted almost in the same vertical plane; the spire not projecting and entirely lateral, so that the shell is hollowed or depressed on each side; aperture small, transverse, with edges sharp, not reflected, disunited by the last whorl of the spire which modifies it; sometimes carinated. P. carinatus. The keel
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FAMILY IX. Melanides. Three genera.
FAMILY IX. Melanides. Three genera.
Likewise taken from the Helix of Linnæus. Shell fluviatile, covered with epidermis, oval, oblong; spire slightly pointed, more or less turreted; the margin of the whorls often surmounted by spires; aperture oval, entire; columella smooth and arched; closed by a thin, horny, complete operculum. M. amarula. The crowned Melania. Pl. 20 , fig. 3. Covered with a black epidermis, under which the colour is deep chestnut; ovate oblong, with the whorls transversely keeled and coronated with triangular tu
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FAMILY X. Peristomides. Three genera.
FAMILY X. Peristomides. Three genera.
This genus contains shells found in fresh water. Shell sub-discoid or conoid, umbilicated, spiral whorls rounded; summit papillose; aperture round, not modified by the last whorl; the edges completely united, sharp; operculum complete, horny, and orbicular. V. piscinalis. The Pond Valvata. Pl. 20 , fig. 5. Small, globular, conoid, deeply umbilicated; summit obtuse; wrinkled longitudinally, covered with a yellowish epidermis. Generally inhabits fresh water, though some have been found where it is
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FAMILY XI. Neritacea. Five genera.
FAMILY XI. Neritacea. Five genera.
Formerly classed with the Nerita, but separated from it because the Nerita is a marine shell, and those of this genus are fluviatile. They are generally thin, smooth, or very finely striated; the right side of the aperture is not crenulated or dentated, and the animal dissolves the interior of the spire. Shell thin, ovate, not umbilicated; aperture semilunar; inner lip reflected on the columella, and sometimes crenated; outer lip without teeth internally; operculum with a lateral tooth. N. fluvi
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FAMILY XII. Macrostomides. Four genera.
FAMILY XII. Macrostomides. Four genera.
Distinguished from the Natica by the great width of the aperture, and its short spiral columella. Shell oval, more or less thick, very depressed, spiral short, little elevated, lateral; aperture very extended, entire, the left edge reflected and sharp; two lateral muscular impressions very disunited. S. convexus. The convex Sigaretus. Pl. 22 , fig. 2. Very thin, smooth, back convex, spire white, rather prominent; aperture very expanded; umbilicus rather deep; yellow, with a reddish tinge, transv
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FAMILY XIII. Plicacea. Two genera.
FAMILY XIII. Plicacea. Two genera.
Shell thick, oval, convolute, the spire very short; the last whorl much larger than all the others united; the external thin, sharp, dentated interiorly; one or two large plaits on the columella, of which one serves to separate the two parts of the foot. T. fasciata. The banded Tornatella. Spire produced, apex acute, aperture straightened, with one plait on the columella; finely striated transversely, with two white transverse bands; colour purplish red. T. coniformis. The cone-shaped Tornatella
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FAMILY XIV. Scalarides. Three genera.
FAMILY XIV. Scalarides. Three genera.
Resembling in appearance the shell of a Serpula; but the organization of the animal caused this to be made a distinct genus. Its shells are usually found grouped together or intertwined with each other, and are very remarkable for being attached to marine bodies by the attenuated and pointed extremity of the spire. Shell conical, tubular, thin, involute spirally, more or less close, with whorls almost completely disunited; free or adherent by intertwining; aperture straight, circular, with edges
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FAMILY XV. Turbinacea. Seven genera.
FAMILY XV. Turbinacea. Seven genera.
Some shells of this genus are highly valued for their beauty and rarity. Shell orbicular, involuted almost in the same plane; Planorbis-shaped; the spire of the right side very depressed; umbilicus large and conical, with edges denticulated or not at the entrance; aperture not modified by the last whorl of the spire, which is entirely flat; no columella. S. perspectivum. The perspective Solarium. Pl. 23 , fig. 4. Species very carinated in their circumference; the aperture square; umbilicus large
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FAMILY XVI. Canalifera. Eleven genera.
FAMILY XVI. Canalifera. Eleven genera.
A beautiful and numerous genus of turreted shells, with an expanded outer lip and short beak; the greater part are marine; many are found at the mouths of rivers, and a few in lakes, though none can properly be called river shells. In appearance they are like an elongated pyramidal cone, and the spire is at least two thirds the length of the shell. The exterior is seldom smooth, but striated, tuberculated, granulated, or spinous. Shell more or less turreted, generally tuberculated; aperture smal
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FAMILY XVII. Alata. Three genera.
FAMILY XVII. Alata. Three genera.
Lamarck formed this genus from the Strombus of Linnæus on account of having a sinus in the lower part of the right margin contiguous to the canal. The beak is generally curved, and short in comparison to the length of the spire, but sometimes it is straight, and equal in length to the other part of the shell. The R. rectirostris is one of the most rare shells known. Shell sub-depressed, turreted, with spire produced and pointed; aperture oval by the excavation of the columellar edge; the right m
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FAMILY XVIII. Purpurifera. Eleven genera.
FAMILY XVIII. Purpurifera. Eleven genera.
Marine shell, sometimes confounded with the Cassis, but distinguished by the canal which terminates the aperture being ascendant, very little arched, and not suddenly recurved. Shell sub-globular, ventricose, tuberculated, or fluted; spire short and pointed; aperture long, oval, sub-canaliculated anteriorly; the right edge effuse and folded back; the columella covered over with a broad, smooth callosity, uniting behind to the right edge; operculum horny. C. echinophora. The tuberculated Cassidar
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FAMILY XIX. Columellaria. Five genera.
FAMILY XIX. Columellaria. Five genera.
The shells of this genus are short, small, and rather thick; found in the seas of hot countries. The C. mercatoria is very common on the shores of the Atlantic in warm latitudes, and was formerly used as money. Shell thick, turbinated; spire short, obtuse; aperture narrow, elongated, terminated by a very short canal or notch, rendered narrow by an inflation at the inner side of the right edge, and by some plaits on the columella; a very small horny operculum. C. strombiformis. The Strombus-shape
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FAMILY XX. Convoluta. Six genera.
FAMILY XX. Convoluta. Six genera.
This is the first genus of Lamarck’s arrangement of convoluted shells; it is nearly allied to the Cypræa, but easily distinguished from it by the want of spire, and by not having teeth on the columellar lip; the right lip is reflected inwardly, sometimes wrinkled and sometimes smooth. Shell oblong, convex, resembling the Cypræa in form, with the two extremities of the aperture notched, and more or less prolonged like a tube; the left margin dentated. O. volva. The Weaver’s Shuttle. Pl. 34 , fig.
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FAMILY XXI. Nautilacea. Two genera.
FAMILY XXI. Nautilacea. Two genera.
An involute, symmetrical, discoid shell, whose whorls do not touch each other; the septa or partitions are brilliant pearl, concave externally, pierced by a tube called the siphon or siphuncle, placed close to the inner edge of the aperture; covered with a thin epidermis. S. Peronii. Peron’s Spirula. Pl. 36 , fig. 2. Answers to the above description; colour yellowish white. An elegant, well-known shell, more or less ventricose, discoid, slightly compressed, umbilicated or not, but never papillos
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FAMILY XXII. Heteropoda. Two genera.
FAMILY XXII. Heteropoda. Two genera.
The shells of this genus are remarkable for their fragility, delicacy, and elegance; they resemble a scroll, ornamented with various canaliculated grooves from the summit to the margin, which is bicarinated. The colour is usually bluish, but the keel is of a darker hue; they vary greatly in size. Shell navicular, symmetrical, very thin, compressed, bicarinated, sub-involuted longitudinally in the same plane; aperture very large, entire, symmetrical, square in front, slightly modified by the turn
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A.
A.
Abbreviated, shortened, cut short. Abdomen, the belly. Aculeated, furnished with, or ending in, prickles. Acuminated, ending in a sharp point sharp pointed. Adnate, adhering or growing together, adjoining. Alated, winged, applied to the expanded lip of the Strombus genus, &c. Ambitus, the circumference or outline of the valves. Annulated, formed or divided into distinct rings. Annulations, rings. Antiquated, longitudinally furrowed, but interrupted by transverse furrows, as if the shell
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B.
B.
Barb, anything that grows in place of a beard. Base, in univalves, that part of the shell by which it is affixed to rocks, &c., and in multivalves the opposite extremity to the apex. In univalves, the opposite end to the apex. Beak, the continuation of the body of univalves in which the canal is situated. Beard, the process by which some bivalves adhere to rocks, &c. Bellying, distended in the middle. Bi, prefixed to any word, signifies two. Biangulated, having two corners or ang
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C.
C.
Calcareous, relating to lime, of a limy nature. Callosity, a protuberance. Callus, is composed of two short ribs, united at the base, and converging at the apex towards the hinder part of the shell. Campanulate, bell-shaped. Canaliculated, made like a pipe or gutter. Cancellated, longitudinally and transversely ribbed. Carinate, having a longitudinal prominence like the keel of a vessel. Carinated, keeled. Cartilage, a flexible fibrous substance by which the valves are united, situated near the
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D.
D.
Decorticated, worn, divested of epidermis or skin. Decussated, generally applied to striæ or lines which are crossed, or which intersect each other perpendicularly or horizontally. Deflexed, bent aside. Dentary, of or belonging to the teeth. Dentile, a small tooth, such as the tooth of a saw. Denticulated, set with small teeth, as in the Arca. Depressed, pressed down horizontally, low, shallow, flat. Dexter valve, is the right valve. Diaphanous, transparent, clear, pellucid. Digitated, fingered
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E.
E.
Echinated, bristled like a hog, set with spines. Effuse, spread out. Elliptical, having the form of an ellipsis, oval. Elongated, lengthened, drawn out. Emarginate, } with the edge or margin notched. Emarginated, } Ensiform, sabre-shaped. Entire, whole, uninterrupted, not divided. Epidermis, the outer coating or scarfskin of the shell. Equidistant, being at the same distance. Equilateral, having all sides alike. Equivalve, having both valves of equal dimensions. Exolete, worn or faded. Exserted
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F.
F.
Falcated, bent or hooked like a scythe. Fasciated, filleted, or covered with bands. Fascicled, clustered together as in a bundle. Fasciculated, consisting of little bundles. Fastigate, flat and even at top. Faux, what can be seen of the cavity of the first chamber of the shell, by looking in at the aperture. Ferruginous, of an iron colour, or rust coloured. Filament, a slender threadlike process. Filiform, thread-shaped, slender, and of equal thickness. Fimbriated, fringed. Fissure, a cleft, a l
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G.
G.
Gap, an opening in bivalves when the valves are shut as in the Pholades , Myæ , &c. Geminated, marked with a double elevated striæ connecting the wreaths. Geniculate, keeled. Genus, an assemblage of species possessing certain characters in common, by which they are distinguished from all others. Genera, the plural of genus. Gibbous, bulged or bulging. Glabrous, smooth, having a smooth surface. Globose, globular. Granulated, beaded, in small grains or beads. Groove, a hollow channel....
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H.
H.
Hemispherical, in the shape of a half globe. Hirsute, rough, beset with strong hairs. Heteroclitical, synonymous with heterostrophe. Heterostrophe, reversed, applied to shells whose spires turn in a contrary direction to the usual way. Hispid, hairy....
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I & J.
I & J.
Jagged, denticulated, uneven, toothed like a saw. Imbricate, placed like the tiles of a house. Imperforated, not pierced with a hole, wanting an umbilicus. Inequilateral, when the anterior and posterior sides make different angles with the hinge. Inequivalve, where one valve is more convex than the other, or dissimilar in other respects, as in the common oyster. Inarticulate, indistinct, not properly formed. Incumbent, one lying over the other. Incurved, } bent inward, crooked. Incurvated, } I
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K.
K.
Keel, the longitudinal prominence in the Argonauta. Knob, a protuberance, any part bluntly arising above the rest....
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L.
L.
Labra, the lips. Laciniate, jagged or cut into irregular segments. Lacunose, having the surface covered with pits. Lamellar, consisting of films on plates. Lamellated, divided into distinct plaits or foliations. Laminæ, thin plates, laid one coat above another. Lanceolate, oblong, and gradually tapering like the head of a lance. Lateral, extending to one side from the centre. Latticed, having longitudinal lines or furrows, decussate by transverse ones. Lenticulate, doubly convex, of the form of
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M.
M.
Margin, the whole circumference or outline of the shell in bivalves. Marginated, having a prominent margin or border. Membrane, a web of several sorts of fibres. Membranaceous, consisting of membranes. Mottled, clouded or spotted with various colours. Mucronate, ending in a sharp rigid point. Multilocular, many-chambered, consisting of several divisions. Muricated, clothed with sharp spines....
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N.
N.
Nacred, pearly, pearlaceous. Nemoral, of or belonging to a wood. Nited, glossy. Nodose, knotty. Nucleus, a kernel....
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O.
O.
Ob, prefixed to words, is used for inversely or inverted; as obconic , inversely conic; obcordate , inversely heart-shaped. Oblong-ovate, egg-shaped or oval. Obsolete, indistinct, not well defined. Ocellated, applied to eyelike spots. Ochreous, of the colour of yellow ochre. Offuscated, darkened, clouded, dimmed. Olivaceous, being of a greenish olive colour. Operculum, a lid which closes the aperture of some turbinated univalves; and also some of the tops of multivalves. Orbicular, spherical, ci
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P.
P.
Palmated, webbed, as in the feet of some water-birds. Papillæ, small dots or pimples. Papillary, } having the surface covered with dots or pimples. Papillous, } Papillose, pimpled, dotted. Papyraceous, thin as paper. Parasitical, living on some other body. Patulous, with a gap or opening. Pearlaceous, of or like mother-of-pearl. Partitions, calcareous processes, dividing the shells of the genus Nautilus, Serpula, &c. Pectinated, resembling the teeth of a comb. Pedicle, the support of the
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Q.
Q.
Quadrangular, having four right angles. Quadruplicated, having four plaits....
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R.
R.
Radiated, furnished with rays. Radicated, is when the shell is fixed by the base to another body. Rectangular, having right angles. Recurvated, turned backward. Recurved, bowed back. Reflected, thrown backward, or bent back. Reflex, } the same as recurvated . Reflexed, } Refracted, abruptly bent, as if broken. Reniform, kidney-shaped. Repand, with a serpentine margin. Replicated, folded or plaited, so as to form a groove or channel. Reticulated, formed like a piece of network. Retroflected, be
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S.
S.
Sanguinaceous, of a blood colour, or resembling blood. Scabrous, rough, rugged, harsh, or like a file. Scalloped, indented at the edges. Scrobiculate, pitted, having the surface covered with hollows. Scorbiculous, a depression or cavity. Scutellated, } shield-shaped. Scutelliform, } Seam, the line formed by the union of the valves. Semi, is used in composition in the sense of half. Semi-cordate, half heart-shaped. Semi-cylindrical, half cylindrical, cut through lengthways. Semi-orbicular, the s
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T.
T.
Tentacula, the feelers of snails which inhabit shells. Tesselated, checkered like a chessboard. Testacea, the third order of worms, including those which are covered with a testaceous shell. Testaceous, consisting of carbonate of lime and animal matter. Tetragonal, four cornered. Torose, swelling into knobs or protuberances. Tortuosity, wreath, flexure. Tortuous, twisted, wreathed, winding. Transverse, placed across or crossways. When the breadth of a shell is greater than its length, it is call
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U & V.
U & V.
Valve, the whole of univalve shells, of shells in one piece; and the half of bivalves, or shells in two divisions, &c. Varices, longitudinal ribs in univalve shells. Variety, is when one species differs some little degree from that of another. Vaulted, like the roof of one’s mouth. Venter, the belly, situated in the body of the shell; being the most prominent part when the aperture is turned to the observer. Ventral, belonging to the belly. Ventricose, inflated, swelled in the middle. Ve
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W.
W.
Whorl, one of the wreaths or turnings of the spire of univalves....
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Z.
Z.
Zigzag, having contrary turnings and windings. Zoned, surrounded with one or more girdles....
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