Descriptions of New Species of MARGINELLA, with Notes on 

 Sundry Species of MARGINELLA and CYPRJEA. By JOHN H, 

 REDFIELD. Read May 24th, 1852. 



MARGINELLA vexillum. 



Testa ovata, straminea, fasciis inaequalis purpureo-fiiscis alto concin- 

 he catenatis ornata : anfractibus 4 5, spir mediocri, conica ; labio 

 crasso, purpureo-punctato, intus denticulate ; columelld albo callosa, 4- 

 plicata; apertura angiista. 



DESCRIPTION. Shell ovate, composed of 4 to 5 whorls, with 

 a moderately conical spire. The ground-work of the coloring 

 is yellowish white$ which is crossed at irregular intervals by 

 unequal bands of purplish browa, (the example before us dis- 

 playing six of them.) On close examination these bands are 

 found to be composed of an exquisite chain work, consisting 

 of transverse alternating white and brown lines, the lighter 

 ones being regularly interrupted by darker longitudinal lines. 

 In the upper band the transverse chain work is less apparent, 

 and vertical lines are more predominant. Beside the trans- 

 verse bands which form the most conspicuous markings of the 

 shell, the example before us exhibits traces of vertical highly 

 undulating lines of yellow, arranged in flames or patches, of 

 which 7 or 8 may be seen on the body whorl. Probably this 

 is more apparent when the enamel is in perfect condition: 

 The outer lip is much thickened, covered with brown dots, 

 and denticulate within. The columellar margin is covered 

 with a white callosity, and has four plaits. Aperture rather 

 Harrow. 



Length, 0.71 inch, (19 millim.) Breadth, 0.41 inch, (11 

 millim.) 



Habitat. Cape Palmas, "West Africa. 



Remarks. The only example known to me of this elegant 



