(Haliotis australis), or hihiwa of the Maoris.

This shellfish is smaller than the paua and easily distinguished from it by its silvery internal lustre, corrugated shell, and colour. It is 3 to 4 in. in diameter. In Haliotis irus the foot is dark grey, but in australis it is bright orange. It is found along with iris, but is not so common.

Species allied to our paua are highly esteemed in other countries, particularly in California, where they are known as abalone, and in the Channel Islands, where their local species is called the ormer.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.