MAGILUS. 



Lam. V. p. 373. 



TESTA basi in spiram brevem, ovatam, helici- 

 formem, convoluta; anfractibus tribus vel qua- 

 tuor, convexis, contiguis; ultimo majore in 

 tubum elongatum, undato-rectum porrecto. 

 Tubus, supra convexus, infra carinatus; ad 

 latera subdepressus, plicatus. 



In conformity with the intention we expressed at the com- 

 mencement of this work^ of giving the genera of all 

 animals whose habitations have usually been called shells^ 

 and not regarding the important differences of the classes 

 of animals who form their own testaceous covering, we 

 have already proceeded to illustrate two genera of La- 

 marck's Annelides, namely, Galeolaria and Dentalium; 

 and for the same reason, although we may again excite 

 the surprise of some continental authors by so doing, 

 we shall now proceed to another and a very remarkable 

 shell, the Magilus of Lamarck; which, indeed, we sup- 

 pose to be formed by an animal of the nature of his 

 Annelides; but, inasmuch, as we are totally unacquainted 

 with it, and it is distinguished by some peculiarities of 

 habit, we do not speak decisively to this point; but 

 simply state that, from what we know of the shell, we 

 judge the animal to differ, and not to affix itself in the 

 the same manner as the Annelides; it is, indeed, from its 

 situation, rather than from any other circumstance that 

 this shell is remarkahle, it being found enclosed in Mad- 

 repores, but not attached to them in any degree, but 



