"Among the shells of the Pyrula genus we find P. ficus, the fig, placed by Linnæus among the Bulla race. P. spirillus is a pretty species, with a long canal and a flattened spire, having a tubercle at its termination.
"Second section of Canalifera: shells with a varix on the right-margin.
| Struthiolaria, | } | Murex. |
| Ranella, | ||
| Murex, | ||
| Triton, |
"Struthiolaria, ostrich-foot, is a remarkable shell from New Zealand.
"Ranella, thorny-frog, is frequent in collections: there are several species: R. crumena is easily obtained—you must purchase a specimen.
MUREX.
TRITON.
"Notwithstanding the great reductions of the Murex genus, it is still large, and contains very fine species. The shells have three or more varices upon each whorl; those in Ranella but two; while Struthiolaria has a varix only on the right-margin. The species are numerous, and common in collections. M. saxatilis is white, and zoned with rose-colour or purple. The foliations, or branches, are erect. The Rose-bush is pretty; and the wagtail, M. motacilla, will, doubtless, be a favourite with you, as well as the scoop, M. haustellum.
"Notwithstanding the resemblance of the genus Triton to those of Murex and Ranella, there are permanent differences which make them distinguishable at first sight. I have already noticed the varices of the preceding genera; in Triton they never form longitudinal ranges, but are alternate, few, and nearly solitary on each whorl of the spire; these varices are generally smooth and without spines.[C] Triton variegatum, the marine trumpet, is a large, handsome species, from the Asiatic seas. T. lampas and T. lotorium are common. Triton anus is very remarkable.
[C] Lamarck.