Monograph of the genus Melampus. 291 
an epidermis; a point, which in the absence of specimens, it is impos- 
sible to ascertain from the descriptions within my reach. Risso, indeed, 
positively ascribes one to it, i, e. to his Zuricula Myosotis ; but he also 
does quite erroneously to his Truncatelle, which invalidates his testimony, 
unfortunately, in the present instance. Iam, however, strongly inclined 
to believe that this shell really has an epidermis ; and if so, it will then 
remain to ascertain whether the species agrees in all other points with the 
above generic character of Melampus ; in which case that character 
must be amended in respect to the supposed absence of an epidermis in 
all its species; or, which is perhaps more probable, Auricula Myosotis 
may prove generically distinct from Melampus, as here defined. 
3. Voluta bidentata, Montag., of which Vol. alba of Turton’s Dict. 
No. 4, is the young shell, and possibly one or two other Volute of British 
authors, very probably belong also here ; yet without further evidence, it 
would be rash to decide ; and the following is mentioned only as an 
independent confirmation of their having been, as I believe, properly 
associated with Auricula Myosotis of Drap., and its allies, by the Baron 
de Férussac. In 1824, I met with Voluta alba of Turton’s Dictionary, 
alive, in great abundance, under loose masses of rock and large stones, 
near low water-mark, at Obun, in Argyllshire, half a mile to the south 
of the Custom House. Having neglected at the time to take either draw- 
ing or description, I must be understood to speak with reserve as to this 
point; but I haye the strongest idea that both the animal and its habits 
were very similar to what is above recorded of Melampus. Mel. exiquus 
in particular, with its short, very obtuse, almost clavate tentacula, brought 
the animal of this Voluta alba very forcibly to my recollection. 
** Testa conoidea ; spira brevissima. 
6. MerLaAmpus Exiauus, nob. Tab. XIII. f. 6, 7. 
Mel. testd ovali-turbinatd, subconiformi, nitiduld, strus exilissimis, ob- 
soletis, confertis, spiralibus ornatd ; columella 3-plicatd ; labro 
intis costa, margini paralleld, instructo, levi. 
Long. vix |; unc.; lat. vix ;;. Anfr. 5-6. 
Castaneo-rufescens ; pallidiore subnelulosus. 
Hab, rarior infra lapides ad littus Septentrionale Promontorii Ponta 
Sao Laurengo dicti Insule Madere; und cum Mel, equali, Pedipede 
afra, et Truncatella truncatula. 
