Rudiments of Conchology / Intended as a familiar introduction to the science.

"In the third division is the family Sepiaria, containing Octopus, Lolìgo, and Sepia. This section contains animals without shells. Octopus vulgàris is common in the European seas. In hot climates it grows to a very large size. The animal has sufficient strength to draw a boat under water.

"Lolìgo also is found in our seas; the thin, transparent rib, called the dorsal blade, you may probably find on the shore, the flesh that covered the blade being cleared entirely from it. The colour is either white or brown. It is called sea-sleeve.

"The bone of the cuttle-fish, Sepia officinalis, is so frequently thrown on shore by the waves, that few persons visiting the sea-coast can be ignorant of its form. You have a large collection there I see, Lucy; and you are doubtless aware that this calcareous bone affords the pounce of the stationers, when finely pulverized: it also forms one ingredient of tooth-powder.

"The ink of this marine animal is contained in a bag: the use of the fluid is to colour the water around, in order to conceal itself from hostile attack. The flesh of some of these animals is used for food, and is frequently seen in the market at Naples. In the British isles it is not put to any culinary purpose. The ink of Sepia can be prepared for a pigment, or paint.

"The fifth and last order of the twelfth class is Heteropoda, which contains only a few genera, one of which I shall notice.

"Carinaria, the glass-nautilus, is a rare and very precious genus, containing but three species. The first, Carinaria ritrea, has been found in the Southern Ocean. There is a model of the shell in the British Museum; that of Paris possesses the shell itself.

"C. Mediterranea is found in the neighbourhood of Nice, and is frequent in the summer months. So thin and delicate is the shell that it is seldom found entire.

"The shell of Carinaria is wholly external, and is attached to the upper part of the body, apparently to protect the organs of respiration. The body is transparent, dotted with elevated points; on the lower part is a beautiful reticulated fin, of a reddish colour; with the end of this fin it floats along, carrying its delicate shell. The habit of the animal, which swims upon its back, reverses the natural position of the shell, which is on the upper part of the body when at rest."

"That is one of the most remarkable creatures you have yet mentioned," said Charles; "I may chance to meet with a specimen when I travel."

"Probably," replied Mr. Elliot; "but our lessons are now concluded—Carinaria is the last genus."

"How greatly we are obliged to you, father!" said Lucy: "but I hope you will still give us a little advice and assistance: we shall often be unable to determine the genera of some shells, I am sure, especially among the bivalves."

"Most willingly: but tell me if you know the easiest method of cleaning shells when they become soiled, or when you purchase them in the natural state?"

"That is a question I wished to ask."

"A little warm water and soap will cleanse and render them bright. Some collectors rub Florence oil over their shells, which prevents them from becoming dry. A weak solution of gum-arabic is sometimes applied, in order to produce a polished and bright appearance.

"Nitric or muriatic acid, diluted, is used to take off the epidermis, or any extraneous matter; but it must be done carefully, and the shell plunged in water after the acid has been applied. But do not make a practice of polishing; shells are best in their natural state, generally speaking."

"Thank you, father!" said both the young people.

"You are welcome to any instruction I can give you," he replied; "and now farewell for to-night."

A LIST OF SPECIES

That may be purchased at a moderate Price.

Examples of the genera that may be easily obtained from the British Coast, or which are expensive, are omitted.

[E] Or Sabella.

INDEX.

THE END.

Joseph Rickerby, Printer, Sherbourn Lane.