GASTEROPODA. 



85 



the Volutes, but are not inferior to them in beauty of 

 sculpturing and colour. They exhibit an infinite variety 

 of patterns and designs ; sometimes grooved, sometimes 

 smooth, and variegated with every kind of hue. The form 

 of the shell is of the most elegant proportions ; nothing 

 can exceed the beauty of the M. regina, vittata, mili- 

 tarise modesta, corallina, and many others, as shown in 

 Mr. Reeve's admirable monograph of that genus. They 

 abound in the seas of hot climates, the greater number 

 inhabiting the Pacific Ocean, where they are met with 

 chiefly in shallow water, near coral reefs others, however, 

 are found at great depths. The animal has been supj^osed 

 to be of a poisonous nature, and to wound, with its 

 pointed trunk, those who touch it. 



Family Z. — OLIVACEA. 



The animals of this family have a very large broad foot, 

 the fore part on each side is divided by a deep incision 

 into a short fore part and a longer hinder part, and the 

 latter is folded over the shell, thus keeping it polished ; 

 the breathing tube is long ; the head indistinct ; the 

 tongue is, according to MM. Quoy and Gaimard, unarmed. 

 The shell is variously shaped, without epi- 

 dermis, and very smooth; the lower part of 

 the aperture is largely notched ; the inner lip 

 thickened, and often striped. — Marine. 



Oliva. — Shell oblong, smooth, and con- 

 volute ; spire short ; sutures channelled or 

 grooved ; mouth narrow and long ; right lip 

 rather sharp ; left lip thickened at the top, 

 and striated ; operculum horny and small 



A " m Oliva fustfornris. 



in some species, m others not existing.* 



* Gray. 

 g 3 



