UNIVALVES. BUCCINUM. 97 



The helmets, which compose the fourth division, are 

 nearly allied to the tuns, but are distinguished by having 

 both their lips, with few exceptions, crenated with strong 

 articulated teeth; they are also covered with prominent 

 protuberances or knobs. Among the species of this de- 

 scription may be enumerated the B. plicatum, B. cornu- 

 tum, and B. rufum, which is remarkable for its nodulous 

 belts, and the fiery-red colour of its mouth. 



The seventh division contains the Harps, which are consi- 

 dered the most valuable and beautiful species of the genus : 

 among these may be particularized the B. harpa and B. 

 costatum, the latter is commonly called the Many-ridged 

 Harp, and surpasses all the other varieties in elegance 

 and rarity. It is found at the Isle of France, and has been 

 sold for as large a sum as fifty pounds. Of the Scoops, 

 which form the eighth division, the most common species 

 are the B. patulum and B. haustrum : there are two varie- 

 ties of the B. Persicum, both of which are considered rare, 

 when in fine condition. 



Many species of the tenth division resemble in form the 

 B. undatum or common English whelk, the inhabitant of 

 which is often eaten. The B. spiratum has its whirls chan- 

 nelled or spirally grooved ; and the animals of B. scala and 

 B. lapillus yield a fine durable purple die. The Buccinum 

 bezoar has its whirls surmounted with rows of foliations; 

 and is, therefore, generally called the Foliated Bulb. 



The last division of Buccina is more distinct than any 

 hitherto enumerated : it comprises those shells which are 

 usually known by the name of needles, on account of their 

 sharp, lengthened, and spiral form; and, though by no 

 means rare, they are often elegantly marked. The most 

 common species is the B. maculatum or marline-spike, 

 which sometimes exceeds nine inches in length : some of 

 F 



