122 



The rude mis-shapen object for which the present genus was establislied, 

 partakes of the character of Fimis, with a certain degree of resemblance 

 to the T'urhinella pyrum and its congeners, divested of their columellar 

 plaits. It was collected by Capt. Sir Edward Belcher during the Yoyage 

 of H.M.S. Sulphir, at Port Anna Maria., Nukuliiva, Marquesas, dredged 

 at a depth of about nine fathoms, and upon its first appearance seemed 

 rather to be a distorted individual of some unknown species of a more 

 symmetrical plan of convolution; it was, however, described as a new 

 genus by Mr. Hinds, Assistant- Surgeon of that Expedition, and, I beHeve, 

 with correct judgment. Since that period two or tlu-ee other specimens 

 have presented themselves, each distinguished by the same pecuKarity of 

 growth. 



It will be observed that the spire of Cyrtulus is characterized by a neat 

 display of scul]:)tui'e, and suddenly acuminated in the same curiously erect 

 manner as in the Strombns Thersites ; the' last whorl then assumes a rude 

 swollen growth ; almost belonging, as it were, to another species, smooth, 

 very tliick, and ponderous, and rising in such a manner around the base of 

 the spire as to give it a sunken haK-buried appearance ; as if the calcifying 

 organ of the animal wdiich had elaborated the shell with so much beauty 

 and synmietry in its pubescent state, had suddenly been charged to over- 

 flowing, and its architectural faculties, so to speak, become nidhfied. An 

 indication of this sluggish obesity of growth may be often remarked in 

 specimens of the Buccimim distortum. 



The specimens liitherto seen are all of one species. 



Figure. 



Cyrtulus serotinus. PL 11. Pig. 49. Shell showing its sharply acumi- 

 nated sunken spire, and the ponderous obese growth of the last 

 whorl. — From Sir Edward Belcher s collection. 



Genus 14. FASTIGIELLA, Reeve. 



Animal ; nnhnoivn. 



Shell; elongately turreted, contracted and iimhilicated at fJie 



base, aperture small, canaliculated, canal very short, somewhat 



twisted. 



This shell, for the reception of w'hich I have found it necessary to institute 

 the present genus, is of an entirely ncAv form, differing generically, as well 



