From Hugh Cuming   28 July 1845

My dear Sir

I was out on Saturday when your letter arrived, otherwise I would have answered it by that day’s post—

The word Oniscia is correct—and Stylifer, is also correct—¹ I did not find either of these Genera in the Pacific Ocean they are both to be found in the West Indies— Oniscia is found also in China (two or three Species)— Stylifer is found in the Philippines and the Mauritius and according to Turton² it is also British.

I have never seen a Monoceros any where but on the West Coast of America and the Galapagus Islands I have seen upwards of 50 parcels of Shells from the Sandwich Islands, but never one of the family amongst them. there is a constant Trade between those Islands and California, and no doubt they might have been carried there by Sailors pay no attention to the information you have gained from Books—

I have never found any of the following Genera, which I found both at the Galapagus and the West Coast of Americ⁠⟨⁠a⁠⟩⁠ in the Pacific Ocean, nor have I ever received them, from any Collector, viz: Fissurella, Monoceros, or Cancellaria

Should you require any further information, I shall be most happy to give it, if in my power.

I remain my Dear Sir | Very truly yours | H Cuming C Darwin Esq^re