122 



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

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

 to the Turbinella pyrum and its congeners, divested of their columellar 

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

 of H.M.S. Sulphur, at Port Anna Maria, Nukuhiva, 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 believe, 

 with correct judgment. Since that period two or three other specimens 

 have presented themselves, each distinguished by the same peculiarity of 

 growth. 



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

 display of sculpture, and suddenly acuminated in the same curiously erect 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 specimens of the Buccinum distortum. 



The specimens hitherto seen are all of one species. 



Figure. 



Cyrtulus serotinus. PL 11. Eig. 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 ; unknown. 



Shell ; elongately turreted, contracted and umbilicated at the 



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



twisted. 



This shell, for the reception of which I have found it necessary to institute 

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



