The Harp shells are found in the Indian seas, and in great abundance
also in the Red Sea. A very curious fact appears in the history of the
animal of the Harp which deserves notice. It was observed a long time
back by a German naturalist named Bon, but had since then been either
forgotten or disbelieved: a recent traveller has confirmed its truth,
although he notices it as a new discovery; it is as follows:—
[Illustration: _Harpa musica._]
The foot of the animal has the power of dividing itself into two
portions; and one, namely, the hinder portion, can be separated from
its body by the animal, when it finds itself suddenly in danger, and
wishes to retire into the deepest recess of its shell; on this account
it is without an operculum, which would evidently be useless, as it
would be lost at the same time as the foot.
The Harps, says Lamarck, are very beautiful shells, and if they were
less common, would, on account of their elegant forms and colours,
become valuable in a collection. Some species, however, are still
considered rare.
The Harps take their name from the fancied resemblance between the
regularity and direction of the ribs on the shell, and the strings of a
harp. The species are not numerous, not exceeding eight in number.