3. Stomatia. Two species.
Bearing a very great resemblance to the Haliotis, but is never perforated.
Shell ear-shaped, imperforate; oblong, spire elevated and recurved to one side; aperture entire, oblong; interior pearly; tuberculated, and with a transverse sub-carinated rib.
S. phymotis. The tumoured Stomatia. Pl. [22], fig. 6.
Elongated oval, striated, tuberculated; spire small, contorted; lip thin and sharp, colour white, interior pearly.
4. Haliotis. The Ear Shell. Fifteen species.
This genus is very beautiful, and derived its common name from its resemblance to the human ear. The exterior is generally tuberculated and loaded with marine substances, which gives it a rough and uncouth appearance, but the interior forms a splendid contrast by its natural iridescence. Each shell is furnished with a row of orifices near the margin, varying in number from eight upward; of these from three to seven are generally open, and the others close. These holes are made by the animal as it increases the size of the shell, to admit the passage of a short syphon.
They are found adhering to rocks like the Patella, and are detached with great difficulty.
Shell ear-shaped, pearly, recurving, very depressed, more or less oval, with spire very small, very low, almost posterior and lateral; aperture as large as the shell, with margins continued; the right thin and sharp, the left flat, enlarged, and sharp; a series of holes, complete or incomplete, parallel to the left margin; one large oval muscular impression.
Haliotis Midæ.