MOLLUSCA OR UNIVALVES. 247 



smooth, and variegated with every kind of 

 hue. They abound in the seas of hot cli- 

 mates, the greater number inhabiting the Pacific 

 Ocean, where they are met with chiefly in 

 shallow water, near coral reefs ; others, how- 

 ever, are found at great depths. The animal 

 has been supposed to be of a poisonous nature, 

 and to wound, with its pointed trunk, those 

 who touch it. 



114. Voluta. — Shell oval, thick, generally 

 tuberculated ; spire short or conical ; 

 aperture generally angulated and 

 large ; outer lip thickened within ; 

 the lowest plaits on the inner lip, 

 or those which are nearest the notch, 

 are the largest; no operculum.* 

 Animal, head distinct, having two 

 short triangular tentacula, with eyes at the 

 base, and a long thick proboscis or trunk ; foot 

 very large. — There are 44 species recent, and 

 18 fossiLf 



* Except Voluta musica, which has one of moderate 

 size. — Gray. 



f This number includes the species of the next two 

 genera, as described by Lamarck. 



R 4 



