32 V0LI3TA. BUCCINUM. 



hundred and eighty-six species. Shell univalve, 

 aperture without a beak, and somewhat effuse ; 

 columella jjlaited. This latter character we meet 

 with for the first time. Here is the common 

 Voluta. (Plate 6.) The genus has been much 

 diminished by forming other very striking genera 

 out of it, as I shall soon show you, under the 

 names of Mitres^ Olives, Gondolas, he. Voluta 

 musica, the music-shell, is remarkable, and not 

 at all rare. 



" Buccinum is another large genus. The shell 

 univalve, spiral, gibbous ; aperture ovate, ending 

 in a canal turning to the 7'lght, with a short 

 beak ; pillar-lip expanded. Species, one hundred 

 and seventy-two. 



'^ You must recollect that when the apex of 

 the shell is turned doioiwards the canal turns to 

 the right, when it is turned upwards the canal 

 will be to the left hand. My example is Buccinum 

 reticulatum, a very common species upon our 

 own shores." (Plate 7.) 



'* Is not this genus reduced \y other authors ? ' 

 asked Charles. 



" Greatly,'' replied Mr. Elliot : " you will 

 meet with tuns, helmets, harps, and needles. 

 Species of the Buccinum genus are found in the 

 African, American, Indian, European, and 

 Southern oceans. Eighteen occur upon our 

 coasts. 



