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A
MANUAL OF CONCHOLOGY,
ACCORDING
TO THE SYSTEM LAID DOWN
BY LAMARCK,
WITH THE LATE IMPROVEMENTS
BY DE BLAINVILLE.
EXEMPLIFIED AND ARRANGED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS.

BY THOMAS WYATT, M.A.

ILLUSTRATED BY THIRTY-SIX PLATES CONTAINING MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED TYPES, DRAWN FROM THE NATURAL SHELL.

NEW-YORK:

HARPER & BROTHERS, CLIFF-STREET.

1838.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by

Thomas Wyatt,

in the Clerk’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

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 education. Shells are found in all parts of the world, both on land and in water; but the most beautiful and valuable species are found between the tropics.

At first they were regarded as pleasing curiosities, and prized only on that account; but the investigations of scientific men have proved that the study of this science is not only interesting, but useful. Much valuable information has already been obtained, and, from the investigations of modern naturalists, much more may be anticipated.

So intimate is the connexion between Conchology and Geology, that a knowledge of the one is indispensable to the study and acquirement of the other. The geologist will draw much advantage from a close study of the testaceous covering of molluscous animals to aid him in determining the identity or the superposition of the different strata of the earth and the extraordinary changes it has undergone; for, as Bergman elegantly says, “fossil shells, coral, and wood are the only three remaining medals of Creation.” He will see in the innumerable quantity of these animals, succeeding each other from generation to generation in the depth of the seas, one of the evident causes of the growth and increase of islands and continents.

But man may find in the knowledge of Mollusca applications still more direct to his well being in society, both as to the advantages and disadvantages to be derived from them: thus a great number of species are proper for food, as oysters, mussels, &c., which are objects of commercial speculations. The Pinna furnishes the Italians with materials for a rich dress, and the pearl, so much prized by the Orientals, by princes, and particularly by the ladies, as a modest and beautiful ornament, is produced by a disease of the animals in certain species of shells. It was this knowledge which made the celebrated Linnæus imagine that it was possible to form an artificial pearlery in the rivers of Sweden. The mother of pearl, so much employed as an ornament in articles of luxury, is only the interior lining of certain univalve or bivalve shells. Painting draws from some of these animals many colours, valuable not so much for their beauty as their usefulness, as Chinese ink and sepia.

The brightest and richest colour known by the ancients, and used by them for the celebrated Tyrian purple dye, is produced by animals at this time known by the name of Purpura.

The Teredo attacks the wood of our vessels, and often does much injury; therefore the knowledge of its manners, habits, and customs must be of great importance in countries infested with them, so as to be able to provide a remedy against them. Snails and slugs are also enemies much to be dreaded in our gardens.

Lamarck, in his last work, the result of the successive and continual labours of his whole life and those of his contemporaries, has rendered a very great service to science, but especially to conchology, by describing, or, at least, characterizing the numerous species of shells in his own splendid cabinet. It may be proper here to remark, that a part of Lamarck’s cabinet is now in the possession of Isaac Lea, Esq., of Philadelphia, to whom we are much indebted for valuable assistance. To Dr. Comstock, and the Rev. W. Turner, of Hartford, Conn., we are much indebted for kind favours; their aid has greatly facilitated our labours.

In this Manual of Conchology we have endeavoured to give a free translation of Lamarck’s system, as simplified by De Blainville; and, in order to facilitate as much as possible the study of this beautiful and interesting science, we have divested it of numerous technicalities, and divided it into four classes: Annelides, Cirrhipedes, Conchifera, and Mollusca.

To each class we have assigned its various families, to each family its genera, and to each genus its living species; thereby making it plain and within the reach of the meanest capacity. A type of almost every genus is given, excepting only those shells which, from their similarity to other genera, may easily be classed.

It was deemed advisable, as this is intended for an easy introduction to the science, to omit many divisions and subdivisions, which would only serve to perplex and render the attainment more difficult.

As the Naiades, or shells of this country, are given in several valuable scientific works lately published, we have only slightly touched them in the place they are intended to occupy.

We cannot expect that the work now presented to the public is free from imperfections; but we ask for their lenity and kind forbearance to excuse whatever defects there may be in our humble attempts to advance the cause of science. Conchology, like other departments of natural history, is progressing; and that which is given to-day is almost always susceptible of being modified to-morrow; should this work be well received, it is our intention to give, as soon as practicable, an enlarged work, containing even the minute microscopic shells and the fossils, with plates containing types of as many species of the genera as can possibly be obtained.

The plates were drawn and coloured with great care and accuracy from the natural shells in our own cabinet, under the superintendence of Mr. James Ackerman, artist.

T. W.

ARRANGEMENT.

CONCHOLOGY.

CLASS I.
ANNELIDES.
CONTAINS FOUR FAMILIES.

FAMILY I.
Dorsaliæ. Two genera.

1. Arenicola. Has no shell. One species.

A. piscatorium.

2. Siliquaria. Four species.

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.

Siliquaria anguina.

S. muricata.

S. lævigata.

S. lactea.

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 colour.

FAMILY II.
Maldaniæ. Two genera.

1. Clymene. One species.

C. amphistoma. The double-mouthed Clymene.

Tube thin and slender, open at both ends; incrusted externally with sand and fragments of shells.

2. Dentalium. The Tooth Shell. Twelve species.

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.

Dentalium elephantinum.

D. aprinum.

D. fasciatum.

D. entale.

D. Tarentinum.

D. corneum.

D. octoganum.

D. novemcostatum.

D. dentale.

D. nigrum.

D. politum.

D. eburneum.

D. elephantinum. The Elephant’s Tooth Shell.

Species in which the tube is striated or ribbed longitudinally; the ribs are generally ten in number; green colour.

D. entale. The common Dentalium. Pl. [33], fig. 1.

Species very minutely striated; white or yellowish colour.

D. pellucidum. The pellucid Dentalium.

Species narrow and thin; pale topaz colour.

D. politum. The ring-striated Tooth Shell.

Species finely pointed, solid, striated annularly; generally rosy or pink colour.

D. rectum. The straight Tooth Shell.

Species entirely straight, with longitudinal ribs.

D. eburneum. The Ivory Tooth Shell.

Species of a reddish or pale yellow colour, with the tip frequently tinged with orange or pink.

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.

1. Pectinaria. Two species.

A membranous or papyraceous tube, in the form of a reversed cone; unfixed; exterior covered with sandy adhesions.

Pectinaria Belgica.

Pectinaria capensis.

P. Belgica. The Belgic Pectinaria.

Tube inversely conic, membranous, and covered with sand.

2. Sabellaria. Two species.

The covering of the animal belonging to this genus is composed of fragments and particles of marine substances, adhering to a tubular membrane; some are detached and others are fixed. The tubes are cellular at the base, and the orifice expanded.

Sabellaria alveolata.

Sabellaria crassissima.

S. alveolata. The Honeycomb Sabellaria.

Consists of numerous parallel tubes, nearly straight, communicating by an aperture, forming when in mass the appearance of a honeycomb; it adheres to rocks in clusters.

S. crassissima. The very thick or strong Sabellaria. Pl. [33], fig. 2.

Species incrusted with small stones; sometimes found thick and of a large size.

3. Terebella. Three species.

Tube elongated, cylindrical, membranous, attenuated and pointed at the base, with adhesions of sand.

Terebella conchilega.

T. cristata.

T. ventricosa.

T. conchilega. The shelly Terebella.

Tube covered with numerous fragments of broken shells.

4. Amphitrite. Six species.

Nearly the same as the Terebella, but of a tougher membranous texture, and generally without adhesions.

Amphitrite ventilabrum.

A. penicillus.

A. magnifica.

A. vesiculosa.

A. volutacornis.

A. infundibulum.

A. ventilabrum. The Fan Amphitrite.

Tube subulate, smooth, of a yellowish colour.

FAMILY IV.
Serpulacea. Five genera.

1. Spirorbis. Five species.

Tube testaceous, spirally twisted on a horizontal plane, with terminal aperture rounded or angular, attached by the lower part to marine substances.

Spirorbis Nautiloides.

S. spirillum.

S. carinata.

S. lamellosa.

S. tricostalis.

S. Nautiloides. The Nautilus-shaped Spirorbis.

White, transversely wrinkled and minute.

2. Serpula. The Worm Shell. Twenty-six species.

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. In colour they are brown, purple, yellow, tawny, pink or white, and sometimes tinged with green.

Tube solid, calcareous, irregularly twisted, fixed to other substances.

Serpula vermicularis.

S. fascicularis.

S. intestinum.

S. contortuplicata.

S. plicaria.

S. glomerata.

S. decussata.

S. protensa.

S. infundibulum.

S. annulata.

S. cereolus.

S. filograna.

S. vermicella.

S. filaria.

S. pellucida.

S. intorta.

S. cristata.

S. spirulæa.

S. quadrangularis.

S. minima.

S. echinata.

S. sulcata.

S. costalis.

S. dentifera.

S. sipho.

S. arenaria.

S. vermicularis. The wormlike Serpula.

White, cylindrical, tapering, rugged, variously curved and twisted.

3. Vermilia. Eight species.

Tube testaceous, cylindrical, more or less twisted, gradually attenuated posteriorly; opening round, the margin with one, two, or three teeth; shell adhering by the side to other substances; provided with a convex operculum.

Vermilia rostrata.

V. triquetra.

V. bicarinata.

V. eruca.

V. subcrenata.

V. plicifera.

V. scabra.

V. tæniata.

V. triquetra. The three-sided Vermilia.

White or reddish, rugged, twisted and triangular, carinated along the back.

4. Galeolaria. Two species.

Distinguished from the Vermilia by a very peculiar operculum. Found in groups, adhering together at the base.

Tube open at the summit; aperture orbicular, terminated on the side by a spatulous tongue; operculum orbicular, squamose, consisting of from five to nine testaceous parts or valves, all attached to one side of the operculum; the middle one dentated at the truncated part of its summit, the others a little toothed on their internal edge.

Galeolaria cæspitosa.

Galeolaria elongata.

G. elongata. The elongated Galeolaria.

Whitish, existing in congregated masses; operculum as above.

5. Magilus. One species.

A very singular shell, greatly resembling a petrified body, composed of a testaceous white substance like alabaster. The base is bent into a short spire, with about four contiguous whorls; the last prolonged and nearly straight. The animal, as it increases in size, abandons the spiral part by increasing the tubular part, filling up the part it quits with calcareous matter, which proves that it advances gradually.

Tube partially involuted, convex in its upper exterior part, the lower side flattened, platted, carinated, and somewhat angular; the spire short, helix-formed, and prolonged through the rest of its extent in nearly a right line; aperture entire, oval, with a sort of sinus or gutter in the middle line, producing the keel of the shell.

M. antiquus. The antiquated Magilus.

Answers to the above description; colour pale yellowish brown, transversely wrinkled.

CLASS II.
CIRRHIPEDES.
HAS BUT ONE FAMILY.

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 operculum. The number of valves is indefinite, from four to twenty-four; but all are diversified with striæ, ridges, and grooves. The striæ are mostly transverse, and the ridges longitudinal.

The valves which compose the operculum or lid vary in shape, and are in number two, three, four, or more; they are generally attached to a ligament.

They are seldom, if ever, found detached, but adhere in groups to rocks, shells, anchors, marine animals, &c. Those that fix themselves to ships are generally called barnacles; they rapidly increase in size and number, do great damage, and greatly impede the progress of the vessel. Some of this family are affixed at the base of the shell to other substances, and are therefore called sessile; others are attached to a fleshy peduncle or stem, and are said to be pedunculated. The peduncle or stem, proceeding from the base of the shell to the substance which sustains it, is sometimes smooth, fine in texture, and tinged with bright red or orange; sometimes it is of a dark or brownish colour, with a texture much coarser and granulated.

1. Tubicinella. One species.

Has the form of a cylindrical tube, slightly curved, and open at both ends; one extremity closed by four trapezoidal valves attached to the inner margin, the other end closed by a membrane. The annular ribs which separate the compartments show its progressive growth. Found buried so deeply in the fat of marine animals, particularly whales, that only the operculum and the upper part of the tube are visible. Shell rather elevated, sub-cylindrical, the partitions rather small and indented; the spaces or compartments almost quadrilateral; the inferior much more narrow than the others; the apertures equal and circular; the membrane which closes the superior forming a tube between the four almost equal valves of the operculum.

T. balænarum. The Whale Tubicinella.

Tubular, with transverse ribs, and a ring-shaped margin; operculum bottle-shaped.

2. Coronula. Three species.

Found imbedded in the skin of whales and other marine animals, though not generally at so great a depth as the Tubicinella. Shell in form a little variable and without trace of support; the coronary part formed of six pieces, as in those properly called Balanus, but more regularly disposed in a manner to imitate a kind of crown or tube; spaces alternately hollowed and saliant; operculum not articulated, composed of two pairs of small, level, delicate valves, joined at the aperture of the tube by a considerable membranous part, leaving a passage for the cirrhous appendages of the animal.

Coronula testudinaria.

C. balænarum.

C. diadema.

C. quinquevalvis.

C. testudinaria. The Tortoise Coronula.

Very depressed, circular, as if radiated by the disposition of marked spaces, striated transversely, forming six rays diverging from the centre to the circumference; aperture oval and hexagonal.

C. balænarum. The Whale Coronula.

A little more elevated; the spaces prominent, equal between them, much larger than the excavated; the aperture subcircular; the operculum of four valves, almost equal, occupying but a small space of the membranous part which forms between them a sort of tube.

C. diadema. The Crown Coronula.

More elevated, sub-hexagonal; the spaces almost equal, the hollow parts larger than the saliant; the superior aperture very large and hexagonal; the inferior much smaller, of the same form, and communicating in a round excavation by radiated plates; the operculum bivalve.

C. quinquevalvis. The five-valved Coronula. Pl. [4], fig. 3.

Species irregular, having only five valves, of a purple hue.

3. Balanus. The Acorn Shell. Twenty-eight species.

So named from its resemblance to an acorn. Shell conical; the coronary part formed of six very distinct valves, one dorsal, one ventral, and two pairs of laterals, with or without a calcareous support; operculum of four articulated pieces, forming a sort of pyramid in the superior aperture of the tube.

Balanus angulosus.

B. sulcatus.

B. tintinnabulum.

B. nigrescens.

B. cylindraceus.

B. calycularis.

B. roseus.

B. palmatus.

B. stalactiferus.

B. plicatus.

B. duploconus.

B. patellaris.

B. semiplicatus.

B. galeatus.

B. ovularis.

B. miser.

B. amphimorphus.

B. perforatus.

B. lævis.

B. spinosus.

B. radiatus.

B. subimbricatus.

B. rugosus.

B. placianus.

B. crispatus.

B. punctatus.

B. fistulosus.

B. latus.

B. sulcatus. The furrowed Balanus.

White; valves nearly smooth; operculum strongly ridged transversely, with longitudinal, nearly obsolete striæ.

B. tintinnabulum. The little Bell Balanus. Pl. [4], fig. 1.

Shell conical; valves strongly and irregularly ribbed; interstices delicately striated transversely; colour purple.

B. spinosus. The spiny Balanus.

Either has no support or a membranous one; armed with spines exteriorly.

4. Acasta. Three species.

Found in sponge, from which, when detached, it cannot stand erect on account of the convexity of the base.

Shell oval, sub-conic, shaped like a Patella, with six lateral unequal valves slightly connected; operculum with four valves.

Acasta Montagui.

A. glans.

A. sulcata.

A. Montagui. Montague’s Acasta.

Valves erect, triangular, acute, with muricated ascending spines.

5. Creusia. Three species.

The shells of this genus are generally small; found in the seas of hot countries attached to madrepore and other marine substances.

Shell sessile, thin, Patella-shaped; aperture oval, rather large, closed by a large sub-pyramidal bivalve operculum; a considerable calcareous support, funnel-shaped, penetrating the bodies to which the animal is attached.

Creusia stromia.

C. spinulosa.

C. verruca.

C. spinulosa. The spiny Creusia.

Very depressed, striated, sometimes with marks of division into four pieces; operculum bivalve.

C. verruca. The warted Creusia. Pl. [4], fig. 2.

Whitish, slightly depressed, with interwoven obliquely striated valves; the margin at the base irregularly serrated.

6. Pyrgoma. One species.

The principal difference between this genus and the Creusia is in form.

Shell sessile, rather globular appearance on account of the valves being more closely united, ventricose, convex above, apex perforated, aperture small and elliptical; operculum bivalve.

P. cancellata. The cancellated Pyrgoma.

Thick, conical, Patella-shaped, ribs radiating from the summit to the base; aperture very small, closed by an operculum of which the two pieces are long and narrow on each side; pale violet colour.

7. Anatifera. Five species.

The shells of this genus and the three following genera are affixed to marine bodies by a tough membranous peduncle, varying in length.

Shell flat, with five valves imbricating more or less on the edges, united by a thin membrane.

Anatifera lævis.

A. villosa.

A. dentata.

A. striata.

A. vitrea.

A. lævis. The smooth Anatifera. Pl. [4], fig. 5.

Five smooth valves; the dorsal one rounded at the sides, and slightly carinated; peduncle long, naked, of a scarlet colour.

8. Pollicipes. Three species.

Easily distinguished by the numerous small valves situated at the base.

Pollicipes cornucopia.

P. mitella.

P. scalpellum.

P. cornucopia. The Cornucopia Pollicipes. Pl. [4], fig. 6.

Peduncle covered with imbricated scales, the lower ones rounded and turned upward.

P. mitella. The Mitre Pollicipes. Pl. [4], fig. 4.

Valves indefinite in number, from six to twenty-four; almost equal, and open like tulips; colour bluish, purplish, brownish, or reddish cast.

9. Cineras. One species.

Shell composed of five testaceous oblong valves, separate, not covering the whole of the body; two at the sides of the aperture, the others on the back; peduncle of a greenish colour, with six longitudinal stripes.

C. vittata. The filleted Cineras.

Answers to the above description.

10. Otion. Two species.

Shell composed of two testaceous valves, enclosed in a mantle or membranous bag, which is prolonged and terminated in two fleshy tubes formed like ears, one of the two having a lateral opening.

Otion Cuvierii.

Otion Blainvillii.

O. Cuvierii. Cuvier’s Otion.

Answers to the above.

O. Blainvilli. Blainville’s Otion.

Ash coloured; the body and ears spotted with black.

CLASS III.
CONCHIFERA.

CONTAINS TWENTY FAMILIES.

FAMILY I.
Tubicola. Six genera.

1. Aspergillum. The Watering-pot Shell. Four species.

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 other by a convex disk pierced by a great number of sub-tubular, rounded holes, and by a fissure in the centre.

Aspergillum Javanum.

A. vaginiferum.

A. Novæ Zeylandiæ.

A. agglutinans.

A. Javanum. The Java Aspergillum. Pl. [33], fig. 3.

Species smooth, in which the circumference of the disk is bordered with a waved testaceous fringe.

A. Novæ Zeylandiæ. The New-Zealand Aspergillum.