VOLUTAVOLUTE. 79 



The term Voluta signifies rolled up cylindri- 

 cally. 



One large family has heen separated by modern 

 conchologists from the Volutes, and formed into 

 a distinct genus called Oliva, which is composed 

 principally of the Voluta Oliva * of Linnaeus. 

 These shells are of a cylindrical form, have a 

 short spire, and the aperture notched at the base. 

 They are easily distinguished from all other Vo- 

 lutes, by having their whorls separated by a chan- 

 nel. Their surface displays a fine polish, and 

 many of them are beautifully coloured. It ap- 

 pears that the Olives are formed, like the Cowries, 

 of two coatings of testaceous matter ; when the 

 upper one is artificially removed, that underneath 

 often displays most beautiful tints. They are 

 found in hot climates. The animals which in- 

 habit them, breathe only water, which they inhale 

 by means of a tube situated under the head, and 

 fitting into the dorsal notch. 



Another large family of Volutes are called Mi- 

 tres, from their resemblance to that insignia of 

 clerical dignity : they are now arranged in a dis- 

 tinct genus bearing the name Mitra. Their form 

 is more elongated than that of their congeners, 

 being f turreted or fusiform and the apex very 

 pointed. They are also characterized by the gra- 



* Plate II. fig. 10. 



t The whorls gradually decreasing, the length of such shells 

 greatly exceeds their breath. 



