8 
DISTRIBUTION OF AUSTRALASIAN VOLUTES. 
Much, however, will still remain to he known; and it is to he 
hoped that other conchologists who have more time and op¬ 
portunity to devote to this research, will correct any errors I 
may have fallen into, and add further information to that now 
given. 
For the facility of reference, I adopt the sectional arrangement 
of the species, and commence with that shell which is generally 
esteemed the first in size and beauty. 
SECTION SCAPHA. 
1.—VOLUTA MAGNIFICA-Chemnitz. 
I n the earlier days of the colony, this species was found abundantly 
in I ort Jackson, but owing to its large size—upwards of twelve 
inches in length and attractive colouring, it has been much sought 
attar by many, other than scientific collectors; and, consequently, 
has become comparatively rare. Although its true home may be 
said to be from Sydney harbour to Port Stephens, yet it ranges 
south as far as Jervis Bay, and north to the Clarence River; from 
tim Heads of which latter place, even to Wide Bay, a peculiar 
vancty occurs, distinguished by being more ventricose in form, and 
more strongly tuberculated. 
This beautiful species is still abundant about Port Stephens, and 
specimens may be got there in very fine condition. 
2* VOLUTA PUNCTATA —Swainson, 
A\ as, until last r year (1870), the rarest of Australian Volutes, 
probably not more than half-a-dozen specimens being known 
pieviously. Subsequent to this date, I have received more than 
twenty examples all more or less broken, obtained by Mr. Brazier, 
w lorn I had employed to investigate the coast, on the beaches which 
extend horn the Clarence River to the Bellinger River Heads, and 
even beyond to Coff s Harbour ; the greatest number, however, being 
found a few miles to the north of the Nambuccra River. I am not 
aware whether this species has been found so far northward as 
Queensland. 
The V. punctata, when perfect, is a very fine shell, and was first 
discovered by Mr. Hargraves, between Manly Beach and Broken 
Lav Heads, so that this locality must be added to the ones above 
given. 
