MUREX. TRITON. 85 



fine species. The shells have three or more 

 varices upon each whorl ; those in Ranella but 

 two ; while Striithiolaria has a varix only on the 

 right-margin. The species are numerous, and 

 common in collections. M. saxatilis is white, 

 and zoned with rose-colour or purple. The folia- 

 tions, or branches, are erect. The Rose-bush is 

 pretty; and the wagtail, M. motacilla, will, 

 doubtless ; be a favourite with you, as well as the 

 scoop, M, haustelliim. 



" Notwithstanding the resemblance of the 

 genus Triton to those of Murev and Ranella, 

 there are permanent differences which make them 

 distinguishable at first sight. I have already 

 noticed the varices of the preceding genera ; in 

 Triton they never form longitudinal ranges, but 

 are alternate, few, and nearly solitary on each 

 whorl of the spire ; these varices are generally 

 smooth and without spines.* Triton variegatum, 

 the marine trumpet, is a large, handsome species, 

 from the Asiatic seas. T. lampas and T. loto- 

 rium are common. Triton amis is very re- 

 markable. 



" In the next family, Alata, we must notice 

 a remarkable fact : the shells, while they are 

 young, assume a different form to those more 

 advanced in growth. 



* Lamarck. 



