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 fonned 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. 

 ebr8ea,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 

 suimnit 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 diiferent species of the Voluta are met with in vari- 



