This shell is noted for its rarity, and for the singular arrangement of
its whorls, which do not touch each other, and appear as if they were
only connected by the ribs with which the shell is adorned. Like the
turbans, the inhabitants of the Scalariæ are found on the sea-coast,
on rocks and large stones, between high and low water mark. The native
place of the Scalaria pretiosa seems to be uncertain; Lamarck, and
several others, believe it comes from the East Indies, while others
consider it an inhabitant of the Mediterranean. So great was the rage
some years back, to possess a perfect specimen of this shell, that
as much as twenty or thirty pounds, and even more, has been given
for a well-preserved specimen. Travellers relate that the Scalariæ
are much sought after and highly prized by the women on the coast
of Amboyna, and at Batavia, where they are used as earrings, and in
forming necklaces. They are, although rarely, as much as four inches
in length. It is said, that there was a specimen in the cabinet of the
empress Catherine of Russia, still larger; but the most usual size is
from one to two inches in length. A fine specimen of this shell ought
to be semi-transparent like porcelain, of a light brown, tinged with
rose-colour, and the ribs of a beautiful opaque white.