80 UNIVALVES. 



dual decrease in the size of the columellar folds 

 as they approach the base. These shells are as 

 much admired for the brightness and variety of 

 their colours as for the elegance of their form. 

 They are found in the seas of hot climates. The 

 natives of the Island of Tanna fix them into han- 

 dles and use them for hatchets. The Volata 

 Epicopalisor Bishop's Mitre,* is the type of this 

 family. It is white, marked with distinct orange 

 spots. It is frequently found in India. Its in- 

 habitant is said to be of a poisonous nature, and 

 to wound with its pointed proboscis any offender 

 who ventures to touch it. 



VOLUTA Musica. 



MUSIC SHELL. 



Specific Character. Shell oval, with pointed 

 tubercles on the whorls ; aperture emarginate,f 

 columella with eight plaits ; outer lip smooth and 

 thick ; shell two or three inches in length, colour 

 white or buff ; it is remarkable for its dark mark- 

 ings, arranged like a stave in music in parallel 

 lines, upon which are spots resembling the notes ; 

 from this appearance it derives its name. 



* Plate II. fig. Jl. 



*{* Emarginate, notched, or having the margin excavated 

 by a sinus. 



