54 CATECHISM OF CONCHOLOGY. 



goda contains one of these shells, which is used 

 by the priest for administering medicine to the 

 sick, or holding the sacred oil at the coronation 

 of the emperor. They are sometimes elegantly 

 carved, and used by the Indians for drinking 

 cups. 



The form of the elegant genus Voluta, natu- 

 rally suggested its name, which signifies rolled up 

 cylindrically. 



CHAP. XXVII. 



UNIVALVES- 

 BUCCINUM; Wheel. 



Q. WHAT are the distinguishing characterise 

 tics of the Buccinum ? 



A. A univalve, spiral, swelling shell ; an ovate 

 aperture, ending in a canal turned to the right ; 

 with a short beak or projection; pillar-lip ex- 

 panded. 



Q. Why is the appellation of Buccinum given 

 to this kind of shell ? 



A. It originated with Pliny, from the resem- 

 blance which this kind of shell bears to a trum- 

 pet. Indeed it is generally supposed to have 



