Mr. Brodenp on some new and rare S/iells. 81 



Art. VIII. Description of some new and rare Shells. By 

 W. J. Broderip, Esq. Sec. G.S., F.L., S>^ U.S. 



VoLUTA DUBiA. — Fig-like Volute. 



V. test^ fusiformi, longitudinaliter sub-costata, transversim 

 striata, flavicante, maculis fulvis, sub-quadratis, interruptis multi- 

 fasciata ; spiri brevi, apice rudi, acuto-papillari ; columella levis- 

 sime biplicata, basi integra. Long. 2 \ unc. 



Mus. Priiicip. Massenae. 



Habitat ? 



Icon. Tab. 3. fig. 1. 



Shell fusiform, slightly ribbed, longitudinally and transversely 

 striated, yellowish, with many bands of interrupted, somewhat 

 square, fulvous spots ; spire short, apex rude, with the papilla 

 terminating almost acutely; the pillar very slightly marked Avith 

 two plaits, and the base entire. Length 2 | inches. 



This shell is one of those forms which convince us of the 

 vanity of our artificial distinctions. When viewed from above it 

 seems as if the spire of a Voluta were placed on the body-whorl 

 of one of those Pj/ridce^ which are commonly known by the 

 name of Figs. Turn it, and the difficulty of classing the shell is 

 rather increased ; for the aperture is still Fig-like, and it requires 

 an accurate examination to detect the two almost imperceptible 

 plaits on the columella. The apex indeed, uncouth as it is, shews 

 more like that of a Voluta than of any other shell, and it is 

 utterly different from that of a Pyrula. Place it among the 

 Volutes, and it will be found to approach nearest to V. rupestris: 

 though one cannot but suspect that there are yet in the bosom of 

 the deep many gradations of form between them. It is evidently 

 a marine shell, and its locality does not appear to be known. 

 There is, I believe, one specimen in the cabinet of Prince 

 Massena. For the second known specimen, from which this 

 figure and description were taken, I am indebted to M. Roussell. 

 The shell is evidently faded. 



Vol. III. r 



