Shell ovate-conical, brownish olive; whorls armed with porrect tubular spines, enclosing setaceous bristles.
Melania setosa. Sw. in Brand's Journal, No. 33, p. 13.
This is a most singular species. From the tubular spines emerge two or three hornlike, elastic bristles, which appear embedded in the substance of the shell. A very ample account of the first specimen we ever met with, will be found in Brand's Journal for April, 1824. It was discovered in the Isle of France, by Mr. Warwick, where it appears to be very rare. Other specimens have since been brought to this country.
We were unwillingly drawn into a controversy respecting this shell some years ago. Our sentiments, in every thing that regards the shell itself, are unchanged. Not so with respect to the individual. The civilities and attentions we have since received from Mr. Gray, leave us to regret, very sincerely, that such a discussion should have ever taken place.
Pl. 30.
Mitra. Pl. 3.
1, adusta. 2, ambigua. 3, punctata.
MITRA fulva.
