73 
February 28, 1854. 
Dr. Gray, Vice-President, in the Chair. 
The following papers were read :— 
1. DescriIPTION OF A NEW VoLUTE, FROM New CALEDONIA. 
By Lovett REEVE. 
(Mollusca, Pl. XXVI.) 
Votuta Desuayestt. Vol. testa ovato-oblonga, basin versus 
contracta et retrorsum contorta, pallide carneo-alba, fasciis 
duabus latissimis, miniaceo-roseo marmoratis cingulata, epider- 
mide tenui, fugacea induta ; spira breviuscula, maculis grandi- 
bus, vivide miniaceo-roseis ornata, apice perampliter obtuse 
papillata, flavescente; anfractibus superne leviter concavis, 
ultimo sepissime angulato, ad angulum tuberculato, tuberculis 
subdescendentibus ; columella quadriplicata, plicis fortissimis, 
subquadratis, transversis ; apertura subcontracta, aurantio- 
carneola. 
Long. 3} poll., lat. 13 poll. 
Hab. New Caledonia. 
This delicately painted Volute, of which three specimens, in fine 
condition, containing portions of the animal dried within them, have 
just been received from New Caledonia, approaches nearest in colour- 
ing and general aspect to V. aulica. It differs from that species in 
being twisted and recurved at the base, and in having columellar 
plaits of a different typical character, more like those of V. Hebixa 
or musica. ‘The general contour of the shell is, however, more like 
that of VY. vespertilio.. The colouring consists of two broad variously 
mottled vermilion red bands, with the base of the same colour, whilst 
the spire is painted with large very characteristic vermilion-rose spots 
of a deeper tone. The apex is largely papillary, not flesh-tinted as 
in V. aulica, but pale yellow. The columella and interior of the 
aperture are of a warm orange carnelian hue. 
Being honoured at this time with a visit from M. Deshayes, I have 
the pleasure of distinguishing this beautiful Volute with his name. 
