OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 87 



behind, its edge without being reflected, is not quite trenchant. 

 It is obtuse and in profile it shows lengthwise a convex sinuosity 

 in front. The columella is short and rather conspicuously 

 twisted on itself. A left margin rather thick is detached and 

 abuts on the upper end of the opening. Coarse lines of growth 

 cover the surface, but generally they are almost effaced. 

 The surface is marked with fine punctuations which disappear 

 insensibly towards the base. The color of this shell is a little 

 variable. It is of a uniform maroon brown. The last whorls 

 bears a cincture formed of a whitish band rather broad, parted 

 into two equal portions by a narrow and very neat brown zone. 

 The interior is of a pale violet brown. There is a variety which 

 is described as much smaller, narrower and subcylindrical. The 

 large individuals are 37 millim. long, 20 wide and the variety is 

 29 by 13. 



This description gives us an idea of how little is really gained 

 by elaborate and minute details. JFrom what will appear subse- 

 quently, or by consulting the plate, it will be seen how few of 

 these particulars of color and shape are definite. The specimens 

 referred to would be nearer fig. 4 than any other, and that is 

 rather an exceptional form. The figures in Ferussac's Atlas are 

 highly colored, and would not readily be recognized. 



The description of Reeve is very brief. He says, " Shell 

 cylindrically ovate, olive shaped, obtuse at the apex ; whorls five 

 to six in number minutely granulated towards the apex, crenu- 

 lated along the margin ; columella slightly receding, lip simple ; 

 yellowish green, banded and lineated with dark olive brown. 

 The painting of this species is mostly represented by a 

 conspicuous central band, with fine longitudinally waved lines 

 above and below it." The coloring of Reeve's figure leaves much 

 to be desired ; and, in general, I think such figures are better left 

 uncolored. 



I shall now proceed to examine the variations to which the 

 species is subject. First, as to the shape. It will be seen from 

 fig. 1, 6, of the plate that when the shell emerges from the egg^ 

 it is obliquely sub-orbicular, and that subsequently it is generally 



