472 



Remarks upon the proposed Genus Cyprcecassis. 



shell, and that no further increase in the number of volutions 

 would have taken place. 



The Cassidae'a might be divided, I think, with considerable 

 propriety and convenience, in a manner approaching the fol- 

 lowing ; and of such division we have the example given to 

 us in the number for the present month, by Mr. Gray, of the 

 family Mactradae. 



Genus 1. Ca'ssis, exemplified by C. madagascariensis, C. tuberdsa,C. 

 flammea, C. cornuta, &c. 



2. — , exemplified by C. glauca, plicaria, areola, &c 



3. — , exemplified by C. rlngens and pdmum. 



4. Cassida^ria. 



5. Oni'scia. 



6. Cypr^ca'ssis. 



From the characters given of the animal and shell, it will 

 be found that Cypraecassis belongs to Blainville's third family 

 (Angyostomata), while Cassis would remain in the second 

 family (Entomostomata). 



Fig. 53. exhibits two views of an animal of C. testiculus 

 in a contracted state, occasioned by the strong spirit in which 

 it had been preserved. 



33 



In closing these remarks, I would merely observe that I 

 have endeavoured to meet Mr. Sowerby's objections in the 

 way that I think will best serve the science we are prosecuting, 

 that object being my only motive in making public my opi- 

 nions uppn this subject: and, with these feelings, I cannot 

 help expressing my regret that Mr. Sowerby should have 

 written in a style that I cannot help thinking is not quite con- 

 sonant with similar views. 



Bristol, July 25. 1837. 



Since writing the above, I have received the Eighth Num- 

 ber of the Magazine of Natural History, in which I find 

 some additional remarks by Mr. G. B. Sowerby. 



