104. UNIVALVES — VOLUTA. 
the fourth division have a subcylindrical form, and in- 
clude the numerous varieties of Olives. The shells of the 
preceding divisions are generally smooth, but in the fol- 
lowing they are more or less striated or ribbed. The fifth 
is by far the most numerous class—it contains the fusiform 
Volutes, usually known by the name of Mitres, some 
of which are very elegantly formed and finely tinted in 
their coloring; the most distinctive species are the V. 
sanguisuga and V. papalis. The V. mercatoria is a 
characteristic example of the sixth division, which is 
distinguished by having the outer lip denticulated. 
The seventh contains some of the most interesting shells 
of the genus, among which the V. musica, and V. 
ebrzea,are conspicuous for their markings, which in the 
former resemble the notes used in music, and in the 
latter are similar to oriental characters. The papillary 
summit of the shells of the eighth division, which are 
usually called Melons, is a very marked distinction. 
The species are generally of a large size, and some of 
them, as the V. ethiopica, have their whorls surround- 
ed with elevated hollow spines, encircling the spire with 
a crown. ° Of the remaining divisions the tenth forms an 
exception to the general smoothness of the Volutes, 
its species being extremely rugged and nodulous. 
Among the more beautiful species of the genus the 
V. vexillum or Orange Flag Volute, is most to be admir= 
ed. The V.junonia, V. lapponica, V.scapha, and V. ma- 
gellanica,are highly valued for their rarity and beauty. 
There is a considerable difference in the dimensions 
of the Volutes, some being very minute, while others 
attain to a great size. 
The different species of the Voluta are met with in vari- 
