The great LinnEeus, at the time he formed that system which 

 laid the foundation of systematic nomenclature, had not the ma- 

 terials for gathering and combining those natural genera wiiich 

 the immense discoveries made since his death have given us a 

 knowledge of. He accordingly arranged those few shells known 

 to him, in large, and for the most part natural, groups. That of 

 I oluta I consider as one of these last (excepting the first divi- 

 sion); but the great accession of species now known, and which 

 is still increasing, has long ago induced the principal Continental 

 writers to divide this very extensive family into the following ge- 

 nera : Marginella (Date shells), OUva (Olives,) ikZ?Yra (Mitres), 

 Turhinellus (Turnip shells), Fohita (Volutes), and Cimbium 

 (Melons); all possessing not only clear but natural characters; 

 inasmuch as, by such an airangement, those interesting hnks and 

 ramifications that connect this family with the Bulla, Cones, 

 Cowries, Murices, and other genera, can be traced ; and which 

 {)erhaps aflbrds the most fascinating and intellectual source of 

 contemplation and study the science can bestow. 



The peculiarity of this species will distinguish it among this 

 numerous and intricate fan)ily. The basal suture is deeply chan- 

 neled ; those on the spire covered by the polished callosity which 

 spreads from the inner lip. 



Mr. Dillwyn has adopted the unpublished name of Solander, 

 although the shell had long ago been described and named by 

 Martini and Lamarck. I consider this as contrary to that prin- 

 ciple of nomenclature which awards a preference to priority of 

 publication ; and 1 have therefore restored the name of those au- 

 thors who have this undoubted claim. Mr. Dillwyn's descrip- 

 tion is very clear and good. 



I cannot learn from what particular part of Brazil this species 

 has been received. 



