H AR P U L A vexiilnm. 

 Oranye-flag Volute. 



Family Vohitidae. Sub-family Volutinae. Nob. 

 Generic Characters. 

 Shell generally tubercuiated or longitudinally ribbed : apex of the 

 spire papillary, smooth, and in general distorted : Pillar \vith« 

 numerous distinct plaits; the upper small and slender, the 

 lower thickest and shortest. 



Type. Voluta Hebrsea. Lam. 

 Types of form. I. Vol. Hebraea, musica, pusio, polyzonalis, &c. 

 II. Vol. bullatap III. Vol. multicostata, mitrajf'orniis, costata, 

 lyriformis, nucleus, &c. IV. Vol. rupestris, dubia ? V. Vol. 

 lapponica, vexillum. Auct. 



Specific Character. 

 Shell either smooth, or slightly and acutely tubercuiated; while 

 with, numerous bands of orange; pillar thicl^ened in the 

 middle, and marked icithfroin six to eight plates. 

 Voluta vexillum. Auct. Lam. Si/st. 7. 346. Ency. Meth.pl. 381 

 J". I. a. b. optimi. 



Few Volutes can exceed this in elegance or beauty. The 

 peculiarity of its marking's, resembling the national colours 

 of Holland, has procured it the name of the Orange-flag 

 Volute. Although long known to Conchologists, it still 

 continues a rare shell to our cabinets, and is much sought 

 for on the continent, particular among the collectors in 

 Holland ; they view it with something of a national fond- 

 ness, and value it at a high price. It is brought from 

 Amboyna, and some other islands of the Indian Ocean. 

 The many-plaited Volutes, form one of the most natural 

 groups in the whole department of Conchology; and one 

 which the most unpractised student will have no difficulty 

 in understanding. The more experienced Conchologist, 

 in studying its contents, will detect some very extraordinary 

 and beautiful analogies. It contains, in fact, representa- 

 tions of all the principal divisions of the old genus Voluta, 

 and also of the corresponding groups among the Mitras ; 

 to which sub-family it forms the true passage. We feel 

 some hesitation, however, in regard to the second type ; or 

 that which must lead immediately to Volutilithes ; as we 

 rather suspect that the true type, or more properly the 

 annectant form, by which this union is eflfected, has not yet 

 been discovered. We share also in Mr. Broderips doubts, 

 regarding the situation of his V. dubia. 



77. 



