UNIVALVES. 



PLATE XVIII. 



Genus. VOLUTA. 



Character. Shell spiral and ovate ; the columella fluted like a screw ; apex 

 pointed, and terminating in various forms. 



Species. 



No. 1. Voluta magnifica. Shell of a pale brown, richly ornamented with three 

 large transverse bands, of a mottled pattern, resembling the richest jasper 

 or marble ; the mouth very much expanded, and of a pale yellow, verging 

 to a brown colour; the columella having four ridges, in the manner of 

 a cork-screw. This elegant specimen is found only in the southern lati- 

 tudes of New Holland, and by its graceful shape and splendid colour is 

 admirably calculated to attract the notice and regard of the Conchologist. 

 It is delineated from an excellent shell in the Collection of Mr. Spence in 

 London. 



No. 2. Voluta aurantia. Shell of a pale purple, richly striped with scarlet 

 bands, placed irregularly, occupying the whole shell. A native of New 

 Holland and Van Diemen's Land. From a specimen in Mr. Bullock's 

 Museum. 



No. 3. Voluta marmorea. Shell of a rich amber colour, striped and marbled 

 with red bands irregularly placed, and veined all over with small diagonal 

 marks. It is said to be a native of New Guinea, and very rare. 



REMARKS. 



The genus Voluta has been much admired for the beauty of its individuals, and their lively 

 colours ; in some respects they resemble the genus Haustrum, except that the latter has 

 teeth placed upon the cheek of the mouth. The number of plica? or folds upon the column 

 is generally four, and these are strongly marked, forming the great and striking character of 

 the genus ; the apex varying in its shape very considerably. The islands lately discovered 

 in the South Seas have furnished a variety of this curious and interesting family of shells. 



