432 On Mr, Stutchbury* s proposed Genus, Cyprcec&ssis. 



I have since met with a specimen, the only perfect one I ever 

 saw, of C. rufa, having some remains of epidermis ; for it is 

 only partially covered with it, still it is quite sufficient to 

 prove that, although unobserved by Mr. S. Stutchbury, the 

 shell is not destitute of epidermis in its natural state ; the 

 epidermis is, however, very thin, and remains only in those 

 parts that are least exposed to external accident. In the same 

 collection there are also two specimens, in a young state, of 

 Cassis rtfa, which show very distinct external varices ; not so 

 strongly marked as at the adult period, but nevertheless suf- 

 ficiently so to be properly termed varices : in one instance, 

 being accompanied by a row of teeth within the lip ; in the 

 other, without such a mark. 



An opportunity occurred to me lately of inspecting a col- 

 lection of shells, in which there are seven or eight specimens 

 of C. coarctdta, several of which have formed three or four 

 varices, all as distinct as those formed by this species in its 

 adult state. 



After making these trifling additions, it was my purpose 

 to have concluded my observations upon this subject. It 

 appears, however, to be my duty to add the positive de- 

 claration that the observations I have made are merely the 

 statement of facts which can at all times be proved by the 

 production of the specimens cited, and not in any manner or 

 degree the effect of personal feeling ; for as regards Mr. 

 Stutchbury, I entertain no personal feeling whatever, save 

 that of respect. I consider myself obliged to make this de- 

 claration because two persons have expressed to me the opi- 

 nion that my observations had the appearance of having been 

 elicited by personally irritated feeling. 



I have now only to add, by way of recapitulation, that the 

 characters upon which Mr. S. Stutchbury endeavours to es- 

 tablish his genus Cyprsecassis, are found to be insufficient. 

 Does he depend upon the absence of epidermis ? — his typical 

 species is proved to have an epidermis. Is he more inclined 

 to consider his genus as established upon the character of its 

 never forming varices except at its adult state ? — three of his 

 species, including the typical one, are shown frequently to 

 form varices, or what is equivalent to varices. Or is he satisfied 

 that his genus is distinct because it has not an operculum ? — an 

 instance is given of the existence of an operculum in at least 

 one of his species. I assume not to myself to say that Mr. 

 Stutchbury's genus cannot, or may not eventually be esta- 

 blished ; but I may say that if ever it be, it must be by other 

 characters than those he has pointed to. 



July 20. 1837. 



