MELANTIA $amarula. 
i 
Order Phytophaga. (Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars.) 
Mollusce destitute of a syphon, but furnished with jaws, and gene- 
rally enclosed in a univale shell, with an entire aperture. 
GENERIC CHARACTER. 
See Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 163.—Dubois Trans. 193. 
SPECIFIC CHARACTER. 
Shell ovate-conical, blackish, upper part of the whorls armed with 
solid porrect spines ; aperture bluish white. 
M. amarula. Lam. Sys. 6,2, p. 166. Chemn. pl. 134, f. 1218-9. 
Ency. pl. 468, f. 6. 
+ ee 
Tuis is a genus of fresh water shells, particularly abundant 
in Africa, Asia, and America; we have also heard it has 
lately been detected in Europe. 
We should not have figured this common and well known 
shell, but for the purpose of comparing it with the next. 
When in a young state, the spines are very acute: more 
advanced they become less so; and in old individuals they 
are often very obtuse. 
= 
MELANIA setosa. 
Shell ovate-conical, brownish olive; whorls armed with porrect 
tubular spines, enclosing setaceous bristles. 
Melania setosa. Sw. in Brand’s Journal, No. 33, p. 13. 
This is a most singular species. From the tubular spines 
emerge two or three hornlike, elastic bristles, which appear 
embedded in the substance of the shell. A very ample 
account of the first specimen we ever met with, will be 
found in Brand’s Journal for April, 1824. It was discovered 
in the Isle of France, by Mr. Warwick, where it appears 
to be very rare. Other specimens have since been brought 
to this country. 
We were unwillingly drawn into a controversy respecting 
this shell some years ago. Our sentiments, in every thing 
that regards the shell itself, are unchanged. Not so with 
respect to the individual. The civilities and attentions we 
have since received from Mr. Gray, leave us to regret, 
very sincerely, that such a discussion should have ever 
taken place. 
Melania. PI. 1. 
