24 AMERICAN JOURNAL 



though but very seldom met with. I have heard of but two 

 having been found within the past fifteen years. 



The metropolis of the species appears to be on the small 

 Islands to the West, which form a continuation of the Hawaiian 

 group, running parallel with its axis and extending, with long 

 intervals, over 1,000 miles. They are seldom visited. The last 

 expedition from Honolulu was sent out about two years ago. 

 The Captain, on his return, brought ten or more specimens, 

 which he had picked up on a sand beach at French Frigate 

 Shoals. With the exception of two or three they were bleaohed 

 perfectly white, though perfect in other respects. Several had 

 attained to an enormous size. The largest measured 35 inches 

 in circumference. Those in my collection are 24 inches, which 

 is about the usual size of the species. 



COLUMBELLA MISER, Sow. 



C. miser, Sow. Thes. Con. 1844, p. 120, pi. 38, f. 111. 



C. Pacijica, Gask. Proc. Zool. Soc, 1851, p. 4. 



Having had opportunity of examining a large number of 

 specimens and their animals, I am confident that but one species 

 of the above type inhabits the Hawaiian Islands. It passes 

 through some remarkable variations. The denticulations on the 

 outer lip are absent on some full grown specimens, which I con- 

 sider evidence of immaturity. 



The variety mentioned by Mr. Sowerby is the most common, 

 whorls smooth, and I would add, occasionally angulate at suture. 

 The type is comparatively rare. All are grooved at base. 



The reds spots are generally disposed longitudinally in an 

 angulate or zigzag manner. Specimens occur, wholly white or 

 of straw color. 



Pleurotoma rugosa, Migh. 



P. rugosa, Migh. Proc. Bost. Soc, 1845, p. 23. 



P. scalarina, Desh. Conch. Isle Reunion, 1863, p. 109. 



The above species appears to be widely distributed. In addition 

 to its original locality, Hawaiian Islands, I have received it from 

 Tahiti, Philippines, Ceylon, and lastly fiom Bourbon. Although 

 it varies somewhat in shape and color it may be easily recog- 

 nized. It is a beautiful species, with bold and pleasing charac- 

 ters. r From the elongate, turriculate form, figured by M. 

 Deshayes, it varies to an abbreviate, ovate shape. The extremes 

 measure 10 by 4 to 6 by 3^ mill. 



It is described by M. Deshayes as being grooved transversely. 

 I would add that the grooves are separated by fine elevated- 

 ridges, which give the shell a corded appearance. 



