BUCCINOPSIS. 297 



Mr. Clark in out-Linneanizing Linne, and restricting 

 nearly all the British Siphonobranchiata to the single 

 genus Murex, nor^ on the other hand^ to adopt what I 

 consider the excessive multiplication of genera proposed 

 by the Messrs. Adams^ Dr. Morch, and other systema- 

 tists of the extreme party of progress. 



The Muricid(s, like the Buccinidce, prey on other mol- 

 lusca, and eat dead fishes. They frequent every part of 

 the globe. 



Genus I. BUCCINOP'SIS^ Jeffreys. PI. V. f. 3. 



Shell oval, spirally striated : epidermis filmy : spire short, 

 with a blunt point: outer lip smooth within: pillar also smooth : 

 mnal short and open : operculum triangular ; nucleus placed 

 on the inner base of the mouth. 



The principal difference between this genus and Buc- 

 cinum consists in the operculum, the nucleus of which 

 is in Buccinopsis terminal, at the inner base of the 

 mouth, the increase taking place by semielliptical layers; 

 while in the other genus it is placed within the edge, at 

 the outer side of the mouth, the increase taking place 

 by concentric layers. The egg-cases of Buccinopsis are 

 separate, and shaped like a well-filled leather purse, 

 the opening for the egress of the fry being at tlie top 

 and very wide. According to Mr. Alder, " its tongue 

 differs from that of Buccinum undatum, as well as from 

 those of the allied species of the genus Fusus, and makes 

 a slight approach to that of Mangelia. It has a single 

 plain and slightly curved tooth on each side, and a very 

 thin non- denticulated plate in the centre.^' 



I am not over fond of repeating the ojosx^-composition 

 in generic names; but the resemblance of the shell 



* Having the aspect of Buccinum. 



o 5 



