Scientific men have long been engaged in the interesting discussion, whether the animal really belongs to the shell in which it is found, or whether, having destroyed the rightful owner, it has possessed itself of the "frail bark." It is now, however, proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Argonaut is the testaceous part of the Ocythöe, and that the broad membranes which in some representations have been artificially placed as sails, are naturally bent backwards over the shell like the mantle of some other molluscs. The interesting experiments of Madame Power, in the Mediterranean, have contributed very materially to lead the investigations of Naturalists to a satisfactory conclusion. This lady kept a cage under water, in which Argonautæ were bred in great numbers, giving her an opportunity of tracing the gradual development of the shell in all its stages, from the elastic and transparent nucleus to the full grown "Paper Sailor." Fig. 485.
ARIANTA. Leach. A sub-genus of land shells, containing Helix arbustorum, Auct. (Gray, Turton, p. 137.)
ARION. A genus of slugs which have no shells.
ARROW-HEADS. One of the names by which fossils of the genus Belemnites were formerly known.
ARTEMIS. A genus of bivalve shells, distinguished from those of the genus Venus, by having a rounded, denticular form, and a deep, angular sinus in the palleal impression. This does not appear to me to be a sufficient ground of generic distinction, the palleal impressions of the Veneres being subject to great variations. British, also from West Indies, South America, Australia, &c. A. lincta, fig. 118.
ARTICULATED. (Jointed.) Applied to distinct parts of shells, which are fitted or jointed into each other, as the valves of Chitones and those of Balani. The operculum of Nerita is said to be articulated to the columella, having a small process by which it is as it were locked under the edge. See Introduction. The word is also applied to the Cirri, which protrude from the oral openings of Cirripedes.
ARTICULINA. D'Orb. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
ASIPHONIBRANCHIATA. Bl. The second order of Paracephalophora Dioica, Bl. Consisting of spiral univalves, which have no notch or canal at the anterior part of the aperture. This order is divided into the families Goniosomata, Cricosomata, Ellipsostomata, Hemicyclostomata, and Oxystomata.
ASPERGILLUM. Lam. (From Aspergo, to sprinkle.) Fam. Tubicolæ, Lam. Pyloridea, Bl.—Descr. The small, equal, equilateral valves are cemented into, so as to form part of, a large tube; the umbones are slightly prominent outside. The tube is elongated, rather irregular, granulated with sandy particles, and terminated at the base by a convex disc, which is perforated by small pores, elongated into tubes round the edge, presenting a resemblance to the spout of a watering pot, whence the name is derived. Loc. New Holland, Java, New Zealand, Red Sea. Fig. 44. Aspergillum Vaginiferum.
ASSIMINEA. Leach. Fam. Turbinacea, Lam.—Descr. Inclining to oval, light, thin, covered with a horny epidermis, spire produced into an acute pyramid; whorls slightly angulated in the centre, rounded beneath; aperture elliptical, slightly modified by the last whorl; inner lip planed; outer lip thin; operculum horny, subspiral. Found in brackish water; one species may be procured abundantly on the muddy shores of the Thames, in Kent. There are also species from Calcutta, China, Tahiti, and Australia. Without comparing the animals, it is difficult to distinguish this genus from some species of Littorina. Fig. 363. A. Grayana.
ASTACOLUS. Montf. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera. Cristellaria Crepidula, Lam.
ASTARTE J. Sowerby. (Name of a Sidonian Goddess, Ashtaroth in Scripture.) Fam. Nymphacea, Lam. Genus Crassina, Lam.—Descr. Suborbicular, equivalve, inequilateral, thick, compressed; hinge with two solid diverging teeth in the right valve, one tooth and a slight posterior elevation in the left; muscular impressions, two in each valve, uniform, united by a simple palleal impression; ligament external.—Obs. This genus differs from Venus, Cytheræa, &c. in not having a posterior sinus in the impression of the mantle. The hinge also differs in having but two cardinal teeth. Astarte differs from Crassatella in having no internal cartilage in the hinge. Some of the species are British, others are from America, and one from Sicily. The fossils occur in Crag, Lower Oolite, &c. Fig. 110. A. Danmoniensis.
ASTROLEPAS. Klein. Coronula Testudinaria, Auct. Chelonobia, Leach. Fig. 15.
ATLANTA. Lesueur. Fam. Pteropoda, Lam. and Bl.—Descr. Spiral, convolute, transparent, fragile, compressed, with a broad, fimbriated, dorsal keel, and a narrow aperture. This shell, which is called "corne d'ammon vivant," is found in the Atlantic. The small Pteropod, figured in Sowerby's Genera as Limacina, belongs to this genus. Atlanta Helicialis, fig. 220.
ATRACTODON. Charlesworth. (Mag. Nat. Hist. 2nd series, Vol. 1. p. 218. ) A genus proposed for the admission of a singular fossil shell, found on the beach at Felix-stone, of which the following are the characters;—fusiform, aperture equalling the spire in length, terminating anteriorly in a slightly recurved canal; columellar lip smooth, curved, thickened posteriorly into a blunt tooth; spire obtuse.—Obs. This shell would be a Fusus were it not for the tooth on the posterior extremity of the columellar lip. The only species known is regularly striated in a spiral direction, and named A. Elegans.
ATRYPA, Dalman. A genus of brachiopodous bivalves, distinguished by the valves being nearly equal, and the umbones not separated by an intermediate area. A. reticulata, fig 302.
ATTACHED. Shells are attached to marine substances by various means; in some cases by a byssus, or a bunch of tendinous fibres passing through an opening between the valves, which gape at their margins to admit a free passage, as in the genera Byssoarca and Mytilus. In other cases the byssus is of a more compact substance, and passes through a perforation in the shell itself. This is the case with many of the brachiopodous shells, in some species of which the perforation is in the point of the umbones, a specimen of which is represented in the Introduction. This species of attachment does not keep the animal motionless, although it is confined to a particular spot. Other shells are attached by a portion of their own substance, as in Chama, Spondylus, Serpula, &c. in which instances, the attached valve is motionless, and is termed the under valve. The Pedunculated Cirripedes are attached by a tubular tendinous process, called a peduncle.
ATTENUATED. Drawn out, long, thin, tapering, as the extremities of Ovulum Volva, fig. 442.
ATYS. Montf. A generic name including those species of Bulla, which are described as "convolute, with the last whorl covering the rest and hiding the spire, the apex rounded at both ends." Bulla Naucum, Auct. fig. 250.
AURICLE. (A little ear.) See Auriculated.
AURICULA. Lam. (Dim. from Auris an ear.) Fam. Auriculacea. Bl. Colimacea, Lam.—Descr. Oval or oblong, cylindrical or conical; aperture long, narrow, generally narrowest in the centre; rounded anteriorly, with two or three strong folds on the inner lip, and the outer lip thickened, reflected or denticulated; spire short, obtuse, epidermis horny, brown.—Obs. The above description includes the A. coniformis, f. 298. and several other conical species with narrow apertures which formed the genus Melampus, Montf. and Conovulus, Lam. The latter author suppressed his genus on ascertaining the Conovuli to be land shells. We exclude, however, the A. Dombeyana, Lam. f. 300. and several similar species, which being more rounded, having thin outer lips and but one fold on the columella, are described under the generic name Chilina, Gray. It appears rather doubtful whether the Auriculæ are marine or fluviatile, but the animals appear to be amphibious. The Auriculæ are principally found in Salt Marshes of Tropical climates, some small species are found on the Southern European Coasts, as far north as Britain and south as Tierra del Fuego. The Auriculæ formed a part of the genus Voluta of Linnæus, f. 297. A. Judæ, f. 298. A. Coniformis.
AURICULATED. Some bivalve shells, such as Pecten, fig. 171, 172, have a flat, broad, somewhat triangular appendage on one or both sides of the umbones, called an auricle, or little ear. If on one side only, they are said to be uni-auriculated; if on both, they are said to be bi-auriculated.
AURICULACEA. Bl. The second family of the order Pulmobranchiata, thus described; "shell thick, solid; aperture more or less oval, always large, rounded anteriorly, and contracted by teeth or folds on the columella." This family is included in the genus Voluta of Linnæus, on account of the plaited columellar lip, a character by which that heterogeneous assemblage of shells is distinguished. It forms part of the family of Colimacea, Lam. from which they differ not only in general form, but also in the fact of the animals being partly amphibious, always living (according to De Blainville) on the sea shore, and being occasionally covered with water for a short time. It contains the genera Pedipes, Auricula, Pyramidella.
AURIFERA. Bl. Otion, Auct.
AURIFORM. (From Auris, an ear; forma, shape.) Ex. Haliotis, fig. 338.
AURISCALPIUM. Megerle. Anatina, Lam.
AVICULA. Lam. (From Avis, a bird). Fam. Malleacea, Lam. Margaritacea, Bl.—Descr. Inequivalve, inequilateral, foliaceous, subquadrate, oblique, pearly; hinge rectilinear, lengthened into auricular appendages, with a small indistinct tooth in each valve, an elongated, marginal, ligamentiferous area, and an hiatus in the left valve, for the passage of a byssus; one circular muscular impression, near the centre of each valve, with a series of smaller ones arranged in a line towards the umbones.—Obs. The Meleagrinæ of Lamarck, Margaritiferæ, Schum. included in this description, consist of the more rounded species, and do not present the elegant obliquity of form, nor the wing-like auricles from which the genus Avicula receives its name. The Aviculæ are pearly within. From A. margaritifera, a young specimen of which is figured in the plates, fig. 164, is obtained oriental pearls. This is an example of Meleagrina. A. Hirundo, fig. 163, belongs to the genus Avicula of Lamarck. It is, however, needless to continue the separation. Aviculæ are from E. and W. Indies, Mexico, Coasts of the Pacific, Mediterranean, British Islands, &c. Fossil species occur in the London clay, &c.
AXINUS. J. Sowerby.—Descr. Equivalve, transverse; posterior side very short, rounded, with a long ligament, placed in a furrow, extending along the whole edge; anterior side produced, angulated, truncated, with a flattish lunule near the beaks. The late Mr. James Sowerby, who described this shell in the Mineral Conchology, did not consider his genus as established, not having seen the hinge.
AXIS. The imaginary line, round which the whorls of a spiral shell revolve. The extremities of the axis are pointed out in fig. 379, by the letters, a. a. See "Columella."
AZECA. Leach. Fam. Colimacea, Lam.—Descr. "Animal like Bulinus, with subcylindrical, rather obtuse shell, covered with a polished periostraca (epidermis); aperture pear-shaped, curved and pointed at the top; the margin thick, obtuse, united all round and toothed; the axis imperforated." Gray's edition of Turton's British Shells, page 189.—Obs. The Turbo Tridens of Montagu, upon which this genus is founded, resembles Bulinus lubricus in general form and character. Both these shells differ from the true Bulini in having the peritreme entire, and in being pellucid and glossy. Azeca differs from Bulinus lubricus in having three teeth in the aperture, two on the inner lip and one on the outer. Not seeing the necessity for creating a genus on grounds so slight, I have simply transcribed the description given above, leaving others to form their own conclusions as to the propriety of separating this shell from the genus Bulinus. Britain, Central and Southern Europe. Azeca Tridens, fig. 290.
AZEMUS. Ranzani. Conia, Leach.
BACULITES. Lam. Fam. Orthocerata, Bl. Ammonacea, Lam.—Descr. Straight, conical, tubular, laterally compressed; chambers divided by very sinuous lobed septa, the last elongated; aperture elliptical; siphon dorsal.—Obs. This genus differs from Orthoceras in the same manner in which Ammonites differs from Nautilus, having its septa sinuated and branched. A Baculite might be described as a straight Ammonite. This genus is known only in a fossil state. It is found in the Cretaceous Limestone of Maëstricht and Valognes. Fig. 484. B. Faujasii.
BALANUS. Brug. (an Acorn; "gland de Mer." Fr.) Order Sessile Cirripedes, Lam. Fam. Balanidea, Bl.—Descr. Shell composed of six valves articulated to each other side by side in a circle, by the insertion of lamina; closed at the base by a flat, cylindrical or cup-shaped valve, by which it is generally attached; and at the apex by a conical operculum, consisting of four valves in anterior and posterior pairs. Each valve of the shell is divided into a rough triangular portion pointed towards the apex, and a flat area on each side.—Obs. This description includes the Acasta of Leach, which growing in sponges, has the base cup-shaped; Conoplæa of Say, which being attached to the stems of Gorgonia and sea-weeds has the base elongated and lanceolate, and Chirona, Gray. Balanus is the only genus of Sessile Cirripedes the shells of which consist of six parietal valves, except coronula, which has no shelly base, is flatter, and has the valves of the operculum placed horizontally. The Balani are common in all seas, adhering to rocks, corals, floating timber, and to each other. The fossil species are found in the newest strata, at Bordeaux, Paris, &c. Fig. 25. B. Tintinnabulum; 26. Acasta Montagui; 27. Balanus galeatus, Conoplæa, Say.
BALANIDEA. Bl. The second family of the class Nematopoda, Bl. corresponding with Sessile Cirripedes, Lam., and consisting of Coronular Multivalves, which are fixed, and in a manner soldered to submarine substances, by the base of the shell; as distinguished from the Lepadicea, Bl., Pedunculated Cirripedes, Lam., which are attached by a fleshy stalk. The Balanidea are composed of two sets of valves, besides the shelly plate or base on which they rest. The first, called the Parietal valves, are arranged so as to surround the body of the animal; the second, called the Opercular valves, are placed horizontally, so as to cover the aperture.
BALEA. Gray. Fam. Colimacea, Lam.—Descr. Spiral, turrited, concentrically striated, sinistral, and covered with a thin brown epidermis; spire composed of numerous whorls, gradually increasing in size; aperture small, sub-quadrate; peritrême entire, slightly thickened, with a very slight fold on the columella; axis perforated.—Obs. A genus of small land shells, found in moss at the roots of trees in Britain, not very nearly resembling any other land shells, except Clausilia, from which they differ in not having the clausium. They have been placed in Helix by De Ferrusac, and in Pupa by Draparnaud. B. fragilis, fig. 296. Helix perversa, Fer. Pupa perversa, Drap.
BARBATA. Humphrey. Unio, Lam.
BARNACLES. Pentelasmis, Auct. (fig. 34.) Called Anatifa, by Linnæus and Lamarck, from the ancient notion that they were the eggs or embryo of the Barnacle Duck. See Anatifer.
BASE. In all shells which are attached to sub-marine substances, the base is that part of the shell which forms the point of attachment,—as for instance, the attached valve of Spondylus, the basal plate of Balanus, the lower part of the peduncle of Pentelasmis; in Unattached Bivalves, the margin opposite to the umbones, where the foot of the animal, or the part analogous to it, protrudes; in spiral univalves, the aperture, which rests on the back of the animal when walking. Lamarck and some other authors have used the term base as simply opposed to apex, and apply it to the anterior of the aperture.
BATOLITES. Montf. Hippurites, Auct.
BEAK. The Apices, or points of the valves of a bivalve shell, generally termed Umbones, in descriptions. Also any part which is rostrated or drawn out like a beak.
BEAKED. See Beak and Rostrated.
BEAR'S-PAW-CLAM. The common name for Hippopus maculatus, a representation of which is given in the plates, fig. 156.
BELEMNITES. Auct. (Βελεμνον, belemnon, a dart, or arrow.) Fam. Orthocerata, Bl. and Lam.—Descr. Straight, conical, consisting of two parts; the external portion forming a thick solid sheath, with a cavity at the base to admit the internal portion or nucleus, which is mathematically conical, and is divided into chambers by smooth simple septa perforated by a lateral siphon.—Obs. These singular fossils, which are found in most secondary beds, have long attracted the attention of philosophers as well as of the ignorant, from whom they have received the various appellations of Thunder-Stones, Petrified Arrows, Petrified Fingers, Devil's Fingers, Spectre Candles, &c. The above description is framed to include the genera Hibolithes, Porodragus, Cetocis, Acamas, and Paclites of De Montfort, and Actinocamax, Stokes. Fig. 466 to 468.
BELLEROPHON. Montf. (or Bellerophus).—Descr. Convolute, symmetrical, umbilicated, with a double dorsal ridge; aperture wide, semilunar.—Obs. The fossils composing this genus resemble Nautilus in general appearance, but not being chambered shells they approach very near to Argonauta, from which they differ only in the thickness of their shell and in roundness of their external form. This genus is erroneously placed by De Montfort among chambered shells, and by De Blainville next to Bulla. It belongs to the Monothalamous Cephalopoda of Lamarck. This fossil is found principally in the Carboniferous Limestone. Fig. 486, 487, represent B. tenuifasciata.
BELOPTERA. The bony support of a species of Cuttlefish, partly resembling Sepia.
BIAPHOLIUS. Leach. A genus believed to be identical with Hiatella.
BI-AURICULATED. Having two auricles placed at the sides of the umbones, as in Pecten, fig. 171. See Auriculated.
BICATILLUS. Sw. A sub-genus of "Calyptrædæ," including those species, which have cup-shaped internal septa, as for example, Calyptræa extinctorium, fig. 235.
BICONIA. Sw. A sub-genus of "Calyptrædæ," including those species in which the septum is partly spiral.
BIFID. Divided, double.
BIFRONTIA. Deshayes. Also Omalaxis, Desh. Fam. Turbinacea, Lam.—Descr. Discoidal, planorbicular, with whorls sometimes not contiguous; umbilicus deep, keeled at the margin; aperture subtriangular, somewhat dilated; outer lip acute, separated by a deep notch at both extremities.—Obs. We do not see any reason for separating this genus from Solarium, except the last mentioned character. The few fossil species which this genus contains (Solarium disjunctum, Bifrons, &c.) are found principally in the Paris basin. Fig. 354. Solarium Bifrons.
BI-FURCATE. Double pronged, or having two points. Ex. the internal appendage of Calyptræa Equestris, fig. 234.
BIGENERINA. D'Orb. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BILABIATED. Having the edge of the outer lip as it were doubled, by one part of the lip being more thickened and reflected than the other, so as to form a ledge, or second lip.
BILOBATE. Having two prominent parts, as the outer lip of Rostellaria Pes-Peleeani, fig. 404.
BIPARTITE. Composed of or divided into two parts; double; as the valves of Platylepas, fig. 19, each of which has a septiform division in the centre; also the area on the hinge of Spondylus. See Frontispiece.
BIROSTRA. Sw. A genus composed of species of Ovulum, which have elongated extremities, as, for instance, Ovulum Volva, fig. 442.
BIROSTRITES. Lam. (Double Beak.) A fossil formerly considered as a distinct bivalve shell, with conical umbones, and placed in the family of Rudistes by Lamarck, but now known to be an internal cast of Sphærulites, fig. 196.
BISIPHYTES. Described by De Montfort as resembling a Nautilus, but having two distinct siphons. As no such fossil species is now known to Naturalists, it appears probable that De Montfort having a specimen of some Nautilus, with an accidental depression, took it for a second siphon.
BITHINIA. Gray. A genus described as differing from Paludina, in having the operculum shelly, and the mouth of the shell thickened internally. Paludina impura, Auct. Fig. 537.
BITOMUS. Montf. A microscopic shell, deriving this general appellation, from the appearance of a double aperture.
BIVALVE. A shell composed of two equal, or nearly equal principal parts, each part having a separate nucleus, turning upon each other by means of a hinge. The class Conchifera of Lamarck, Acephalophora of De Blainville severally include the whole of the bivalve shells; the latter name being derived from the fact that the animals have not distinct heads, and neither eyes nor tentacula. All bivalve shells are marine or fresh-water. They form the class Dithyra of Aristotle. It may be observed that some of the Acephalophora, the Pholades, for example, have small testaceous pieces fixed on the hinge, which are called accessary valves. These are still fairly bivalve shells, although the genus Pholas has been placed by some writers among the multivalves.
BOAR'S TUSK. A common name given to shells of the genus Dentalium. One particular species has received a specific name in accordance with a supposed resemblance, namely, Dentalium Aprinum, (of a Boar.)
BONELLIA. Desh. A genus formed, in the first instance, for the reception of Bulinus terebellatus, Lam. which Mr. G. B. Sowerby, in his Genera of Shells, united with the genus Pyramidella. M. Deshayes, however, in his new edition of Lamarck, makes the genus Bonellia include several species which I have arranged in the genus Eulima. From the remarks of M. Deshayes, tom. 8, p. 286, 287, we are led to suppose that the estimated difference between Eulima and Bonellia consists in the latter having the axis perforated; or in other words, umbilicated. After remarking "que Mr. Sowerby, junr. confond deux choses bien distinctes, sous le nomme d'Eulima," M. Deshayes gives the following description of his genus, (translated) "shell turriculated, smooth, polished, with the apex acute and laterally inclined; axis perforated throughout its length; aperture small, entire, angular at the extremities; columella simple and without folds; outer lip thin, simple, nearly parallel with the longitudinal axis." That author further remarks, "Mr. Sowerby, junr. à signalé cinque espèces vivant, que nous rapportons à notre genre." (Sowerby, junr. Conchological Illustrations, parts 52 and 53; 50, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury.) The species thus selected are E. splendidula, E. marmorata, E. interrupta, E. imbricata, E. brunnea; the two last of which have the umbilicus so inconsiderable, as to be scarcely distinguishable from other species, which M. Deshayes has left in the genus Eulima, and which have a slight hollow, almost approaching to a perforation, behind the columella. Eulima marmorata, (Bonellia, Desh.) is figured in the plates, fig. 348.
BODY WHORL. The last whorl, constituting the bulk of the shell.
BORELIS. Montf. Melonia, Bl. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BORER or PIERCER. A term applied to those species of Acephalopodous Mollusca, which bore holes as dwellings in the rocks, as the Pholades, and some others.
BRACHIOPODA. Lam. A family of symmetrical bivalves belonging to the third section of Lamarck's order "Conchifera Monomyaria," described as bivalve (generally symmetrical) adhering to marine bodies, by a tendon passing through the shell, having no true ligament. What most distinguishes this family and renders it remarkable is the structure of the animal. It has two elongated, tendril-shaped arms. When the animal is in a state of repose these arms are coiled up spirally and enclosed in the shell, but when required for use, are unfolded and extended. This family contains the genera Orbicula, Terebratula and Lingula, in the system of Lamarck, to which may be added Thecidium, Productus, Spirifer, Magas, Pentamerus, Crania, Strigocephalus, Strophomena, and some others enumerated in the explanation of figures 201 to 219. The above genera may be thus distinguished.
1. Orbicula. Umbones central; byssus passing through a hole in the flat valve. Fig. 201.
2. Atrypa. Without foramen or space between the valves. Fig. 203.
3. Producta. The same, valves produced, overwrapping; including Leptæna. Fig. 206, 206*.
4. Terebratula. Hinge of the upper valve produced beyond that of the other, with a pit or foramen; including Delthyris, Orthis, Trigonosemus, Magas, Strophomena. Fig. 202, 205, 207, 208, 209.
5. Spirifer. The same, with deep triangular area; spiral folds in the interior; including Trigonotreta and Cyrtia. Fig. 204, 214, 215.
6. Thecidium. Large valve attached; curved ridges in the inner surface; two jutting points or teeth on the hinge. Fig. 216.
7. Crania. Attached by the surface of the valve; muscular impressions four, forming a face. Fig. 197, a, b.
8. Pycnodonta. Irregular; hinge with raised pointed teeth. Fig. 217, 218.
9. Pentamerus. Valves divided by septa; including Gypidia. Fig. 210 to 213.
10. Lingula. Valves equal, gaping, with a peduncle. Fig. 219.
BRACHITOMA. Swainson. A genus composed of Pleurotoma strombiformis and similar species, described as "sub-fusiform; resembling a small Strombus or Fusus; spire and aperture of equal length; canal short; outer lip slightly ascending, and forming a short canal; sinus very small and nearly semicircular; inner lip thickened above. B. Strombiformis, Sow. Man. fig. 381." Europe, East and West Indies, China, &c.
BRANCHIFERA. Bl. The second family of the order Cervicobranchiata, containing the following genera of symmetrical univalves:—Fissurella, Emarginula, and Parmophorus.
BRISMÆUS. Leach. Order. Pedunculated Cirripedes. Lam.—Descr. Seven plates, three pairs lateral, one dorsal; form cylindrically conical; pedicle not described. Hab. Holes in corals. B. Rhophodius, fig. 38.—Obs. This minute shell most nearly resembles Pollicipes Mitellus, fig. 37*, but the difference may be seen at once by comparing the figures.
BRONTES. Montf. This generic name is given to such species of Murex as have a very long, closed canal; with a short spire, circular aperture, and are destitute of spires and ramifications. Brontes (Murex) Haustellum, fig. 390.
BUCARDIA. Schum. Isocardia, Auct.
BUCCINUM. Linn. Fam. Purpurifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.—Descr. Subovate or oblong, covered with an epidermis; spire turrited, consisting of few whorls; aperture wide, subovate, terminating anteriorly in a very short canal, reflected over the back; outer lip simple, slightly reflected; inner lip spread over a portion of the body whorl, terminating in a thick, smooth columella; operculum horny. Hab. British Seas, Northern Ocean, and Coast of Africa. Most of the fossil species occur in Crag, some in upper marine formation and London clay.—Obs. There are considerable difficulties in keeping this genus distinct from others nearly related to it, into which many of the species run by imperceptible gradations. The genus Nassa has been separated on account of the little notch, which terminates the columella. Some species of Terebra come so close upon the Buccina, that it is difficult to say where one genus ends and the other begins. T. Buccinoides, fig. 427. Buccinum Undatum, the common Whelk, fig. 421.
BUFO. Montf. A generic division of the species composing Ranella, characterized as having the shell not umbilicated. Ex. R. ranina, fig. 394. The above character is scarcely sufficient in some cases, even as a specific distinction.
BULBUS. Humph. Rapella, Swainson. A genus formed for the reception of Pyrula papyracea, Auct. (fig. 389), and similar species. Rapanus, Montf.
BULIMIMA. Montf. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
BULIMULUS. Leach. Fam. Colimacea, Lam. The author is unacquainted with the characters by which the two or three species included in this genus are to be distinguished from Bulinus. We have represented, fig. 283, Bulimulus trifasciatus, Leach, (Bulinus Guadaloupensis, Auct.) This occurs in the same limestone which encloses the half fossilized human remains from the Grand Terre of Guadaloup. Several species are described by the Rev. L. Guilding in the Zoological Journal, namely, the B. Undulatus, Antiguensis, and Proteus; but neither from the shells themselves, nor from the figures of the animal, can we draw any information as to the generic character; the difference alleged by Mr. Swainson and Mr. Gray being a comparative thinness in the outer lip.
BULINUS. Brug. (Bulinus, Lam.) Fam. Colimacea, Lam. Limacinea, Bl.—Descr. Oval or oblong, light, covered with a thin epidermis; spire obtuse, variable in length and in the number of whorls, which are generally few; aperture wide, oval, rounded anteriorly; outer lip simple, usually reflected, joining the columella without a sinus; inner lip reflected over part of the body-whorl. The Bulini are land shells, found in many parts of the world.—Obs. The genus Bulinus can only be distinguished from Helix by its oval form; it forms part of the genus Helix of De Ferrusac, under the sub-generic designation of Cochlostyla. It is known from Achatina by the absence of the notch at the point of union between the inner and the outer lips. The young are produced from eggs, which are as firm and opaque as those of birds. (See Introduction.) Bulinus rosaceus, fig. 282. B. Guadaloupensis, fig. 283. B. Lionetianus, fig. 284. B. lubricus, fig. 285. Many new species were brought to this country by Mr. Cuming, and are represented in the Conchological Illustrations, published by the Author at 50, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, (in parts 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 34, 35, 137 to 146, 185, 186.) Species occur in Europe, West Indies, Brazil, and South America generally. Some small species are British.
BULLA. Auct. Fam. "Bulléens," Lam. Akera, Bl.—Descr. Generally thin, smooth, oval, oblong or cylindrical, more or less convolute; spire short, depressed, or hidden by the last whorl; aperture long, wide in front, gradually narrowing towards the spire; outer lip thin; inner lip spread over a part of the last whorl.—Obs. The shells composing this genus are very variable in form. The light horny species with an elastic lip is called Akera, fig. 247. The more decidedly convolute species with hidden spires are the Atys, Montf. B. Naucum, fig. 250. B. Lignaria, fig. 251, is Scaphander of Leach. The light, thin species, with extremely wide aperture, fig. 248, is Bullæa aperta, Lam. The genus Bullinula of Dr. Beck, consists of those species which have more produced spines, fig. 253. The Bullæ are marine, and inhabit all climates. The fossil species occur in tertiary beds.
BULLÆA. Lam. Bulla aperta, Auct. fig. 248.
BULLÆANA. ("Bulléens, Lam.") A family belonging to the first section of Lamarck's order, Gasteropoda, containing the genus Bulla. The genera Bullæa, Akera, Aplustra, Atys, Scaphander, Bullinula, into which it has been divided, may all be fairly included under the name Bulla.
BULLIA. Gray. A genus of shells partly resembling Buccinum, and Terebra in general form, being more elongated than the former and more ventricose than the latter. Mr. Gray remarks in the Synopsis of the British Museum, page 114, that the Bulliæ resemble the Nassæ in most characters, "but they have a very large, broad foot, and the hinder part of the inner lip of the shell being extended beyond the mouth, forms a raised enamelled band round the suture of the whorls, as is also the case with the Ancillariæ and some Volutes." Bullia vittata, fig. 427, is an example of the genus. The name Subula is given by De Blainville to the other species of Terebra, so that if both these genera were admitted, the old genus Terebra must be expunged.
BULLINULA. Beck. Species of Bulla, with produced conical spires, fig. 253.
BYSSOARCA. Sw. (Byssus and Arca.) Fam. Arcacea, Lam. A genus of bivalve shells, composed of the Arca Noæ, and several other species, separated from the genus Arca on account of their shells being attached by means of a byssus passing through an hiatus in the ventral margins. B. Noæ, fig. 132. The species occur in Southern Europe, East and West Indies, China; also, on the coasts of Great Britain.
BYSSOMYA. Cuvier. (Byssus and Mya.) De Blainville states that although the shell of this proposed genus resembles Saxicava, the animal is sufficiently different to justify the separation.
BYSSUS. (Βυσσος, byssus, ancient name for linen.) The tendinous fibres by which some Bivalves are as it were anchored or moored to sub-marine substances. A fine example of this is to be seen in the Pinnæ which bear some resemblance to large Muscle Shells and have an hiatus in the margins of the valves through which a bunch of silken fibres passes. In the British Museum there is preserved a pair of gloves which have been woven of these fibres. The Byssus is peculiar to some bivalve shells such as Muscles, Hammer Oysters, Arca Noæ, &c.
CALCAR. Montf. (a spur.) A genus composed of Trochus stellaris, Lam. and other depressed species of Trochus which are characterized by a stellated keel round the angle of the last whorl; but not including T. Imperialis, which is the genus Imperator, Montf. The difference consists in the latter being umbilicated and the former not. T. stellaris, fig. 358.
CALCAREOUS, (calx, lime.) A term applied to a shell or to its operculum which is composed principally of lime or shelly matter, as is usually the case, in distinction from one which is of an horny, membranaceous texture. The greater number of shells are calcareous, but it forms an important point of distinction with regard to the operculum. The only difference between the genera Trochus and Turbo, as at present established, depends upon the calcareous or shelly, and the corneus or horny texture of the operculum.
CALCEOLA. Fam. Rudistes, Lam. and Bl.—Descr. Equilateral, inequivalve, triangular; umbones separated by a large triangular disc in the lower valve; cardinal margin straight, linear, dentated; lower valve large, deep; upper valve flat, semi-orbicular, forming a kind of operculum to the lower.—Obs. This singular shell, known only in a fossil state, in the Palæozöic beds, is placed by Linnæus in the genus Anomia. Lamarck places it among his Rudistes, but Mr. Sowerby in his genera of Shells, states that it should be added to the family of Brachiopoda. Fig. 194, 195. C. Sandalina.
CALLANTICA. Gray. Pollicipes hispidus, Leach.
CALLIA. Gray? A genus described as having a peculiarly polished shell like Pupina, but wanting the notch.
CALLISOSTOMA. Sw. A genus of shells separated from Trochus, and thus described, "Imperforate; spire elevated, acute; aperture broader than high, transversely ovate, hardly sinuated at the base, and slightly oblique; shells always smooth, and often polished." C. zizyphina is mentioned as an example.
CALLIRHOE. Montf. p. 362, vol. 2. Appears to be figured from the nut or inner portion of a large Belemnite.
CALLISCAPHA. Gray? Iridina Nilotica, Sow. Zool. Journ. 1. pl. 2. Separated from Iridina on account of the hinge margin being smooth.
CALLITHEA. Sw. A sub-genus of Mitræ, consisting of those species, which like M. sanguisuga, have the "spire and aperture of nearly equal length; internal channel nearly obsolete; shell with longitudinal linear ribs, crossed by transverse striæ and bands; base contracted." Swainson Mallac. Lard. Cyclop.
CALLOSITY. A term used in general zoology to express those hard horny tumidities formed in the skin of some animals, (such as the Dromedary, for instance) in those parts which are most frequently used. It is not used in this sense by Conchologists, who apply it to those undefined tumidities or bumps which appear on the inner surface and hinge of some bivalve shells, and to the thickening over the umbilicus of Naticæ. Glycimeris, fig. 67. Natica, fig. 327, 328.
CALPURNUS. Montf. Ovulum verrucosum, Auct. Distinguished by the small circular tubercle at the back of each extremity of the shell. Fig. 441.
CALYPTRACEA. Lam. A family belonging to the first section of the order Gasteropoda, Lam., the shells of which are described as always external, covering the animal, and having no operculum. The genera contained in this family may be thus distinguished.
1. Calyptræa. Conical; apex central, septum spiral, cup-shaped, or forked; including Infundibulum. Fig. 234 to 238.
2. Crepidula. Apex terminal; septum flat, reaching half across the aperture. Fig. 239.
3. Capulus. Conical; apex obliquely curved, no septum. Fig. 240.
4. Emarginula. Apex curved backwards; a notch in the anterior margin; including Parmophorus. Fig. 241, 242.
5. Cemoria. A slit near the apex. Fig. 244.
6. Fissurella. A slit upon the apex. Fig. 245.
7. Rimula. A slit near the margin. Fig. 243.
8. Ancylus. Apex curved sidewise. Fig. 246.
CALYPTRACEA. Bl. The second family of the order Scutibranchiata. Bl. thus described: "Shell more or less conical, not spiral, or very slightly so; aperture large and entire." The genera included in this family are Crepidula, Calyptræa, Capulus, Hipponyx, and Notrêma.
CALYPTRÆA. Lam. Fam. Calyptracea, Lam. and Bl.—Descr. Conical, patelliform, irregular, with an internal, lateral, salient plate or septum, varying in form.—Obs. The internal appendage is in some species cup-shaped, in some it juts out of the centre in a double point; in others it is only a small flap; and in others a spiral disc. These last, which are shaped like Trochus, are separated by De Montfort under the appellation Infundibulum; Trochatella, Sw. The Calyptræa may be known from Crepidula by the septum, which in the latter is a flat plate reaching half way across the cavity. Fig. 234, 5, 6.
CAMERINA. Brug. Nummulites, Auct.
CAMILLUS. Montf. A genus founded upon a minute spiral shell, with a triangular aperture, turned over the back of the last whorl. It is figured in Soldani's Testacea Microscopica.
CAMPULOTUS. Guettard. Magilus, Auct.
CANAL. A groove which characterizes some spiral univalves, where the inner and outer lips unite at the front part of the aperture. This canal is drawn out in some shells to a considerable length, in others it is turned abruptly over the back. The family Canaliferæ, Lam. (fig. 372 to 401), are all provided with this canal.
CANALICULATED. Applied generally to any distinct groove or canal.
CANALIFERA. (Canalifères, Lam.) A family belonging to the order Trachelipoda, Lam. nearly corresponding with the family Entomostomata in De Blainville's system, and described as having a canal of greater or less extent at the anterior part of the aperture. This canal is sometimes straight, sometimes tortuous, and in some genera it is recurved over the back of the shell. All the shells have an operculum, and the thickness of the perfectly formed outer lip does not increase with age. The Canalifera are characterized by having a canal, in distinction from the Purpurifera, which have only a notch. This family contains the following genera,
1. Cerithium. Club-shaped. Fig. 372.
2. Potamis. The same, fresh water. Fig. 377.
3. Nerinea. The same, with internal folds. Fig. 374.
4. Triphora. Anterior and posterior canals closed so as to present three openings. Fig. 375, 376.
5. Telescopium. Pyramidal, trochiform. Fig. 378.
6. Pleurotoma. A slit on the upper part of the outer lip; including Clavatula. Fig. 379, 381.
7. Turbinella. Three horizontal folds on the columella. Fig. 382, 383.
8. Spirillus. Spire papillary; one fold on the columella. Fig. 384.
9. Cancellaria. Three folds, and internal costæ. Fig. 385.
10. Fasciolaria. Oblique folds, the lowest the largest. Fig. 386.
11. Fusus. Fusiform; no folds on the columella. Fig. 387.
12. Pyrula. Pear-shaped. Fig. 388 to 390.
13. Struthiolaria. Outer lip thickened; sinuated. Fig. 391.
14. Ranella. Two rows of varices; a canal at each extremity of the aperture. Fig. 393, 394.
15. Murex. Three or more rows of varices; only one distinct canal. Fig. 395, 396.
16. Typhis. A tubular perforation between each varix. Fig. 397.
17. Triton. Varices not in rows. Fig. 398 to 401.
CANCELLARIA. Auct. (From Cancellatus, cross-barred, like window frames or net work.) Fam. Canalifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.—Descr. Oval, thick, cancellated; spire generally short, pointed; aperture sub-ovate, emarginated anteriorly, pointed at the posterior extremity; outer lip marked within by transverse ridges; inner lip spread over part of the body whorl, terminating in a straight, thick, obtuse columella, with several strong oblique folds. Hab. Indian Ocean, Coast of Africa, America, and West Indies. Fossils found in London Clay and Calc-grossier of Paris. Differing from Turbinellus in form and in the transversely ribbed inside of the outer lip. Fig. 315. C. reticulata.—Obs. The latest enumeration of the species of this genus is contained in a catalogue published by Mr. G. B. Sowerby, senior, accompanying the author's figures of the new species, amounting to 38, in parts 9 to 13 of the Conchological Illustrations. The greater part of these new species were brought to this country by Mr. Cuming.
CANCELLATED. (From Cancellatus, cross-barred.) Applied generally to any shells which are marked by ridges crossing each other as Cancellaria, fig. 385.
CANCILLA. Sw. A sub-genus of Mitræ, described as having "the whorls crossed by transverse linear ribs; inner canal wanting, plates very oblique; form slender; outer lip thin." Ex. M. Isabella, M. sulcata.
CANCRIS. Montf. Crepidulina, Bl. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
CANOPUS. Montf. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
CANTHAPLEURA. Guild. A genus composed of those species of Chiton, which have the mantle rough, with moveable spines, prickles, or hairs. Ex. C. spinosus, fig. 227.
CANTHARIDUS. Montf. Trochus Iris, Auct. and analogous species. Elenchus, Humph.
CANTHARUS. Montf. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
CANTHIDOMUS. Sw. A sub-genus of Melanopsis, thus described: "spire generally short; whorls coronated with spines, or marked with longitudinal ribs; base obtuse. C. costata, Sow. Gen. f. 3." Melanopsis costata, plates, fig. 315.
CANTHORBIS. Sw. A sub-genus of the sub-family Trochinæ, Sw. Described as being "nearly disc-shaped: spire but slightly raised; the margin of the body-whorl flattened, and serrated with flat spines; inner lip united to the outer; pillar and aperture as in the last. (Tubicanthus.) C. imperialis. Mart. 173. f. 1714." This sub-genus appears to include those species of which De Montfort's genera Imperator and Calcar are formed.
CANTHROPES. Montf. Described as resembling a Nautilus, with the whorls increasing so gradually, that the dorsal edge of the aperture advances but little beyond the last whorl. This genus is not mentioned by Blainville or Lamarck.
CAPITULUM. Klein. Pollicipes Mitellus, Lam. fig. 37*.
CAPRELLA. ——? Plekocheilus, Guild. Auricula Caprella, Lam.
CAPRINA. D'Orb. Diceras. Auct.?
CAPRINUS. Montf. (Conch. Syst. t. 2. p. 143.) The figure appears to be intended to represent Helix Nux-denticulata.
CAPSA. Brug. Fam. Nymphacea, Lam.—Descr. Equivalve transverse, subequilateral, subtrigonal; cardinal teeth, two in one valve, one notched in the other; lateral teeth remote, obsolete; an external ligament; two muscular impressions in each valve; a large sinus in the muscular impression of the mantle.—Obs. This genus is so nearly related to Donax, that it is difficult to distinguish it at first sight. The Capsæ, however, have not the short, plain, straight, posterior side, the distinct lateral teeth, nor the crenulated margins which characterize nearly all the Donaces. They are found in the British Channel, Brazil, and coast of Pacific Ocean. They are known from Erycina by not having the pit in the hinge for the ligament. Fig. 109. C. Braziliensis.
CAPULUS. Montf. Fam. Calyptracea, Lam.—Descr. Obliquely conical, posteriorly recurved; apex pointed, sub-spiral; aperture large, rounded, oval; with two muscular impressions, lateral, meeting behind; epidermis horny, rather velvetty. Britain, Mediterranean, West Indies, California, Australia.
CARDIACEA. (Cardiacées, Lam.) A family of the order Conchifera Dimyaria, Lam. Most of the genera of shells contained in this family are included in the very extensive family of Conchacea, in the system of De Blainville. They are described as having irregularly formed cardinal teeth, generally accompanied by one or two elongated lateral teeth. Most of the species are ventricose, and have regular radiating ribs. This family contains the genera Cardium, Cardita, Cypricardia, Hiatella, Isocardia, and others enumerated in the explanation of figures 122 to 130. Their characters may be thus explained.
1. Cardium. Two cardinal and two lateral teeth in each valve, including Hemicardium, Papyridea and Aphrodita, in the last of which the teeth are nearly obsolete. Fig. 122, 123, 123*, 123**.
2. Venericardia. Two oblique cardinal teeth, one elongated; including Cardita, which has the umbones nearly terminal. Pachymya may probably be included, but the hinge is not known. Fig. 121, 124, and 130.
3. Hippopodium. One elongated cardinal tooth. Fig. 129.
4. Megalodon. Hinge broad, septiform, with a large tooth in the centre of one valve. Fig. 127.
5. Isocardia. Teeth laminar; umbones spiral. Fig. 126.
6. Cardilia. The same, with a septiform posterior laminar tooth.
7. Hippagus. Shaped like Isocardia, without teeth. Fig. 128.
CARDILIA. Desh. Fam. Cardiacea, Lam. A genus formed for the reception of Isocardia semi-sulcata, Lam. and a small fossil shell, which Deshayes had formerly named Hemi-cyclonosta Michelini; thus described, (translation) "shell oval, oblong, longitudinal, white, heart-shaped, ventricose, with large prominent umbones; hinge with a small cardinal tooth and a pit at the side; a spoon-shaped projection for the reception of the internal ligament; anterior muscular impression rounded, not deep; the posterior being upon a thin, horizontal lamina, projecting in the anterior." Deshayes further remarks that although the animal is unknown, the relations of the genus may be established by means of the shell alone. Two families contain all the shells which have the internal ligament inserted in a spoon-shaped projection; in the one, that of the Anatinæ, the ligament is supported upon a little bone, which is not soldered to the hinge; in the other, that of the Mactraceæ, this little bone has no existence. In the former, all the shells are inequivalve; in the latter equivalve. And M. Deshayes, considering that the valves are equal, and that there is no separate bone to the hinge, is of opinion that the genus ought to be placed near the Lutrariæ, and not far from the Anatinæ. C. semisulcata, fig. 501, 2.
CARDINAL MARGIN. The edge of a bivalve shell on which the teeth is placed.
CARDINAL TEETH. The teeth upon the hinge directly beneath the umbones of a bivalve shell, as distinguished from the lateral teeth, which are placed at a distance on each side. In Venus, fig. 119, the cardinal teeth, are marked by the letter c.
CARDIOCARDITES. Bl. A genus separated from Cardita, Auct. Thus described (translation) "oval species, with the inferior margin nearly straight, or a very little inflated, crenulated and completely closed. Ex. La C. Ajar, Adans Seneg. pl. 16. fig. 2."
CARDISSA. Sw. A genus composed of those species of Cardium Auct. which are heart-shaped. Ex. C. dionæum, fig. 122. And C. Cardissa.
CARDITA. Brug. Fam. Cardiacea, Lam. Submytilacea, Bl.—Descr. Equivalve, inequilateral, ovate, subquadrate or oblong, marked externally by ribs radiating from the umbones and terminating in a crenulated margin on the inner surface; cardinal teeth in one valve, one long, thick, oblique; another short, more straight; in the other valve one long, oblique, thick. Muscular impressions two in each valve, rather oval; palleal impression not sinuated.—Obs. This description includes Lamarck's genus Venericardia, which, although consisting of the more oblong species, is not considered sufficiently distinct to justify the separation. Cypricardia is distinguished from this genus by a remote lateral tooth. Mediterranean, Africa, East Indies, &c. Cardita calyculata, fig. 124.
CARDIUM. Auct. Fam. Cardiacea, Lam. Conchacea, Bl.—Descr. Equivalve, sub-equilateral, sometimes gaping posteriorly, ornamented on the outside by ribs radiating from the umbones; cardinal teeth, two in each valve, locked into each other crosswise, lateral teeth, two in each valve, remote; muscular impressions, two in each valve; palleal impression entire. Ligament external, inflated.—Obs. Although this genus includes many remarkable forms, the characters are so easily defined that there is no difficulty in distinguishing it from any other genus. C. angulatum, fig. 123. C. Grœnlandicum, fig. 123*. Aphrodita, Lea. C. Hemicardium, fig. 123**. fig. 122. C. Dionæum. It is somewhat surprising that this genus, which contains some of the most beautiful forms of bivalve Testacea, should have been left till quite lately without any attempt to revise the species and settle the synonyms. The author of this Manual has endeavoured to remedy this defect by publishing a catalogue of all the species hitherto known, which amount to 97, including many new species described by him in the "Proceedings of the Zoological Society," in 1840. Parts 46 to 51, 149 and 150, and 177 to 184 of his Conchological Illustrations contain figures of 60 species. Cardia are frequent in all climates.
CARINARIA. Auct. Class, Cephalopoda. Division, Monothalamia, Lam. Fam. Nectopoda, Bl.—Descr. Symmetrical or nearly so, conical, thin, glassy, fragile, patelliform; with a fimbriated dorsal keel; apex convolute, bent forwards; aperture oval, pointed at the dorsal extremity. Hab. Amboyna, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea.—Obs. A most singular and beautiful shell, remarkable for its transparency, its fragile structure, and the dorsal keel, whence it derives its name. It was once so rare that a single specimen was known to realize one hundred guineas. Fig. 488. C. Mediterranea.
CARINATED. (From Carina, a keel.) Applied to any shell having a raised, thin ledge, passing round a whorl or any other part of a shell, as in Carinaria, fig. 488.
CARINEA. Sw. A genus formed for the reception of Ovulum gibbosum, Auct. and similar species, fig. 443.
CARINELLA. Adanson. Lutraria papyracea, Lam. Ligula, Leach. Fam. Mactracea, Lam. Fig. 77.
CARINIDEA. Sw. A sub-genus of the genus Canthorbis, Sw. (Turbo.) thus described, "Imperforate; spire pyramidal, acute; basal whorl concave beneath, and carinated round its circumference; aperture oval, entire, slightly angulated at the base of the pillar, which turns inwards. C. concavus, Martini, 168, fig. 1620, brevispinosus? Sow. Gen. (Turbo,) fig. 1."
CAROCOLLA. Auct. Fam. Colimacea, Lam.—Descr. Orbicular, depressed, with the outer sides of the whorls angulated or keeled, whorls few; peritreme reflected; columella contiguous to the axis; epidermis thin.—Obs. This genus differing from Helix only in the whorls being angulated, is hardly distinct enough from the latter to justify the separation. In De Ferrusac's system these species constitute the division Helicigona, of the genus Helix. C. Lamarckii, fig. 277. East and West Indies, Philippines, South America and Europe.
CARTILAGE. See Ligament.
CARYCHIUM. Müll. Fam. Auriculacea, Bl. Colimacea, Lam.—Descr. Oblong or cylindrical, with gradually increasing whorls, few in number; aperture straight, short, with a fold on the columella.—Obs. This genus of minute land shells differs from Auricula chiefly in the soft parts. De Furrusac enumerates three species, C. Lineatum, C. Corticaria, (Odostomia, Flem.) and C. Minimum, fig. 301. De Blainville places it in his genus Auricula, as "species with two folds and a posterior tooth on the columella," giving a figure of A. Mysotis as his example, and quoting the name Phitia, Gray. Europe.
CASSIDARIA. Lam. (From Cassis) Fam. Purpurifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.—Descr. Oval, ventricose, spirally grooved and tuberculated, with a short turrited spire and a large aperture, terminating anteriorly in a recurved canal; outer lip thickened, reflected, undulated or denticulated; inner lip expanded over a part of the body whorl and the columella, with part of its lower edge free.—Obs. The recent species of this genus are not numerous; the few fossil species occur in the tertiary strata. C. carinata is found in Calc-grossier and London Clay. In general form this resembles Cassis, but is at once distinguished by the canal, which does not turn abruptly back, but is slightly curved upwards. Oniscia (C. Oniscus, &c. Lam.) is distinguished by the shortness of the canal, and the granulated surface of the inner lip. Fig. 407. C. Echinophora. Mediterranean.
CASSIDEA. Sw. (from Cassis.) A genus composed of those species of the genus Cassis, Auct. which have the "aperture wide; outer lip never broad or flattened, but sometimes slightly inflected; inner lip spreading, but never dilated or detached beyond the base into a prominent rim." East Indies. Ex. C. Glauca, fig. 411.
CASSIDULA. Humph. Pyrula, Auct.
CASSIDULINA. D'Orbigny. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
CASSIS. (A helmet.) Fam. Purpurifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.—Descr. Oval or triangular, ventricose, thick, generally tuberculated, with a short varicose spire; aperture long, sometimes narrow, with the outer lip thickened and reflected, generally denticulated; the inner lip spread over the surface of the body whorl, indented and incrassated at its inner edge; canal turned suddenly over the back of the shell. Hab. Seas of tropical climates. The fossil species are rare, occurring in the tertiary strata.—Obs. The large, common species of this well known genus are used for shell cameos and as ornaments on chimney pieces, grottos, &c. and are remarkable for the triangular disc, presented by the inner lip, which, in many species, is thickened and spread over the front of the body whorl and the angulated outer lip. The smaller, more rounded species, which have widened apertures, have been separated by Swainson, under the generic name Cassidea. The C. rufa, coarctata, &c. are formed by Mr. Stutchbury into a new genus under the name Cypræcassis, for reasons which will be stated under the word. Cassidaria is distinguished by the gradual curve of the canal. Fig. 410 is Cassis tuberosa, diminished.
CASTALIA. Lam. Fam. Trigonées, Lam.—Descr. Fluviatile, equivalve, inequilateral, trigonal, with corroded umbones; hinge with two laminar, transversely striated teeth, one of which is posterior, remote from the umbones, short, divided, the other anterior, elongated; epidermis thick; internal surface pearly. Lamarck, in describing this shell, states, that he regards it as intermediate between Trigonia and Unio. It should, however, certainly have been placed in the family of "Nayades," and perhaps should form a part of the genus Unio itself. C. ambigua, Lam. fig. 140. South America.
CATILLUS. Brong. (A little dish.) Inoceramus, Sow.
CATOPHRAGMUS. Sow. (From Κατω, beneath; φραγμος a place paled in.) Order, Sessile Cirripedes, Lam.—Descr. Light principal valves, cemented side by side in a circle; eight small pointed valves beneath, covering the joints of the upper circle, and numerous still smaller valves forming the base of the shell; operculum, four valves.—Obs. This is the only genus of Sessile Cirripedes, consisting of eight principal valves, excepting Octomeris, which is destitute of the accessary pieces from which the genus derives its name. Fig. 23. C. imbricatus. South Africa.
CAUDAL CANAL. The elongated hollow process which terminates the aperture anteriorly of some univalve shells. For instance, Murex Haustellum, fig. 396, has an elongated caudal canal.
CELLANTHUS. Montf. Vorticialis, Bl. A genus of microscopic Foraminifera.
CELLULACEA. Bl. The second order of Cephalophora, Bl. consisting of doubtful microscopic bodies, with a number of variously arranged shells, as distinguished from the true Polythalamia, Bl. or chambered shells. See Foraminifera.
CEMORIA. Flemingii. Leach. A small patelliform shell, differing from Fissurella, in having the fissure placed behind the apex, which is produced, pointed and incurved. It is the Patella Fissurella, Müll. Patella Noachina, Chemn. F. Noachina, Sow. Puncturella, Lowe. Fig. 244. Cemoria Flemingii. Scotland and Tierra del Fuego.
CENTRAL. A term used to indicate the position of the muscular impression of a bivalve shell when it is near the centre of the inner surface. It is also applied to the siphon perforating the septum of a chambered shell when it is placed near the centre of the plate. Sub-central is also used as a comparative term, to indicate the position of the siphon, or of the muscular impression, is near the centre. Thus in Placuna (fig. 184), the muscular impression is central: in Exogyra (fig. 183), it is sub-central.
CEPA. Humph. Anomia, Linn.
CEPHALOPHORA. Bl. The first class of Malacozoæ, Bl. Divided into: Order 1. Cryptodibranchiata; 2. Cellulacea; 3. Polythalamacea. The first consisting of Cuttle-fish, &c. which are destitute of shells; the second composed of those microscopic cellular bodies, which are regarded as shells by some authors; and the third containing the true chambered shells.
CEPHALOPODA. Lam. (Cephalopodes.) (Κεφαλη, kephale, head; πους, ποδος, podos, foot.) The fourth order of the class Mollusca, Lam. containing molluscs, which are characterized by having a series of arms surrounding the head, which is placed above a sack-shaped body. This order is divided into Polythalamia, or many-chambered shells; Monothalamia, or single-chambered cephalopods; and Sepiaria, or cuttle-fish. Fig. 463 to 488.
CEPOLIS. Montf. Belonging to the genus Helix, Auct.
CERATODES. Guild. (Κερατωδης, like a horn.) A genus composed of the flat, orbicular species of Ampullaria, Auct. which present so near a resemblance to the Planorbes, as to have been considered as belonging to them. Planorbis has, however, a horny texture, and no operculum, and it is always reversed, which may be observed by placing the spire upwards. Fig. 320, represents Ampullaria (Ceratodes) Cornu-arietis.
CERIPHASIA. Sw. A sub-genus of Melanianæ, thus described, "Cerithiform; outer lip thin, dilated at the base; aperture small, slightly emarginate, without any internal groove; inner lip thin. C. sulcata, Sw. fig. 38. p. 204." (Sw. Lard. Cyclop. Malac. p. 342.)
CERITHIUM. Brug. Fam. Canalifera, Lam. Entomostomata, Bl.—Desc. Elongated, ribbed, tuberculated, or rarely smooth, with a lengthened, turrited, pointed, pyramidal spire, consisting of numerous whorls; aperture sub-quadrate, terminated anteriorly by a tortuous canal; outer lip thickened, sometimes reflected, expanded; inner lip thickened posteriorly; operculum horny, spiral, with numerous whorls.—Obs. The fresh-water shells described as Cerithia by Lamarck, are separated under the name Potamis, and may be known by the thick, horny epidermis. Triphora, Desh. has the canal closed, except at the extremities. Cerithium Telescopium, does not appear to present the same characters as the other Cerithia, and has been separated by some writers under the generic name Telescopium. Cerithium Aluco, fig. 372. Mediterranean, East and West Indies, Coasts of the Pacific, Gallapagos, Australia, &c. Some small species are British. Fossils are numerous in the tertiary beds.
CERVICOBRANCHIATA. Bl. The second order of Paracephalophora Hermaphrodita, Bl. containing symmetrical patelliform shells, divided into the families Retifera and Branchifera.
CETOCIS. Montf. Fam. Orthocerata, Lam. and Bl. Placed by De Blainville in his section of Belemnites, characterized as having small folds at the apex. Ex. B. Penicillatus.
CETOPIRUS. Ranz. Coronula Balænaris, Auct. fig. 16.
CHAMA. Auct. Fam. Chamacea, Lam. and Bl.—Descr. Inequivalve, irregular, thick, foliaceous, attached by the umbo of the lower and larger valve. External ligament placed in a groove, following the curve of the umbones. Umbones spiral, coiled round on the back of the valves; hinge with a thick, crenated, lengthened tooth, in one valve, entering a corresponding cavity in the hinge margin of the other; muscular impressions, two in each valve, distinct, lateral.—Obs. The Linnæan genus Chama, included the beautiful shells now called Tridacna. These are exceedingly different from the true Chama, being regular and unattached. The Chama (Tridacna) gigas, when at its full age and development, is the largest shell known. Specimens have occurred weighing upwards of 500 lbs., and measuring two feet across. Diceras may be known from Chama by the spiral horns into which the umbones are produced; Isocardia, by the regularity of the shells, and it is hardly necessary to mention Spondylus, which may be known by the triangular disc between the umbones; Cleidothærus, Stutch. which resembles Chama in general form, has a separate bony appendage attached to the hinge, and may, moreover, be distinguished by its elongated muscular impression. Fig. 153, C. Lazarus. E. and W. Indies.
CHAMACEA. Bl. The seventh family of the order Lamellibranchiata, Bl. containing the genera Chama, Diceras, Etheria, Tridacna, Isocardia and Trigonia.
CHAMACEA. Lam. A family belonging to the order Conchifera Dimyaria, Lam. described as inequivalve, attached, irregular; with or without a single rough tooth on the hinge; with two lateral muscular impressions in each valve. This family contains the genera—
1. Chama. Leafy; umbones spiral. Fig. 153.
2. Etheria. Very irregular, pearly, without teeth. Fig. 155.
3. Diceras. Like Chama, but the umbones free, produced. Fig. 154.