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CONTRIBUTIONS

TO

GEOLOGY.

ISAAC LEA,

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ;
OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA ;

OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK J
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY,

NEW YORK;
MEMBER OF THE ROYAL PHYSICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH;

OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE ;

OF THE NATURAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MONTREAL;

CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE LINNjEAN SOCIETY OF BOURDEAUX,

ETC. ETC.

PHILADELPHIA :

CAREY, LEA AND BLANCHARD.
1833.

?0 I

PAUO.

LIBRARY

Philadelphia :

Printed by James Kay, Juu. &, Co.,
Race above 4th Street.

TO

CHARLES TAIT, ESQ

OF CLAIBORNE, ALABAMA.

My dear sir,

Your having first called my attention to the Tertiary
Formation of Alabama, and owing to your kindness, as I
do, all the species described in this volume, from the de
posit at Claiborne, gives you a strong claim upon me,
which is only equalled by the pleasure I have in offering
to you the dedication of this volume.

I am, my dear sir,
Very sincerely, and very truly yours,

ISAAC LEA.

Philadelphia, November 1, 1833.

ERRATA.

Page 39, line 12 from the top, for Solecurtis read Solccurtus.

Page 42, line 12 from the top, for anguar read angular.

Page 08, line 1C from the top, for Miscene read Miocene.

Page 85, line the last, for supercretacious read supercretaceous.

Page 89, line 15 from the top, for Mantilli read Mantelli.

Page 107, line 18 from the top, for callous read callus.

Page 111, line 19 from the top, for out read outer.

Page 153, line 4 from the top, for Monoceres read Monoceros.

Page 176, line the last, for Lamberti read Lambertii.

Page 195, line 17 from the top, for granulation read granulations

PREFACE.

IN publishing the present work, I hope to add some new
facts, contributing to the development of the geology of our
country. Little, comparatively, has yet been accomplish
ed in defining with perfect accuracy, most of the beds of the
great geological masses of our extended formations ; and
these contributions are presented with a view to assist,
though in a small degree, in the accomplishment of an
object desirable to every American geologist, a perfect and
thorough knowledge of American geology.

Presuming the species to be new, I have endeavoured to
make minute descriptions, accompanied by faithful figures
of each, with the hope of determining their characters per
manently.

The small contributions at the end of this volume are
added, in the hope of their proving to be of some interest,
the specimens having been for some years in my possess
ion, without a favourable opportunity before presenting
itself for their publication.

Having last spring, after my return from Europe, finish-

VI PREFACE.

ed a supplement to my fourth memoir, as well as some
observations on Lamarck's species of the Naiades, (to be
published in the Transactions of the American Philosophi
cal Society) I found myself sufficiently at leisure to take
up the fossils from Claiborne, Alabama, which had been
so long in my possession, and which had not before been
described. The want of time alone had prevented an
earlier attention to them.

CONTENTS.

TERTIARY FORMATION OF ALABAMA, - 9

Supplement, 187

NEW TERTIARY FOSSIL SHELLS FROM MARYLAND AND

NEW JERSEY, . 209

NEW GENUS OF FOSSIL SHELL FROM NEW JERSEY, - 217

TUFACEOUS LACUSTRINE FORMATION OF SYRACUSE, ONON-

DAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK, 221

TERTIARY FORMATION

ALABAMA.

INTRODUCTION.

THE rapid development of the science of Geology has
in Europe, within the last few years, called to its aid the
attention and exercise of the highest talent. In this coun
try, we have been making a regular, though not so rapid a
progress, in the knowledge of our widely extended and
interesting deposits ; and it is to be regretted, that our inves
tigations have not yet been sufficiently extended to enable
us to institute, in all the strata, such comparisons as would
allow us to decide, with precision, as to their equivalents
in Europe. This can only be done wTith success, after the
fossil conchologist shall have developed a large portion of
the genera and species of our different masses.

Until recently, it was considered, that a single cataclysm
had left behind its desolating sweep, all the organic re
mains inhumed within the bowels of the earth. The obser
vations of recent philosophers, more exact, prove to us, be
yond contradiction, " that the earth's surface has been, and
still is, subject to incessant fluctuation and movements."*

If we turn our attention to the examination of the ear
liest period where organized matter has been discovered (in
the lowest Fossiliferous group of De la Beche), we find the
indications of animal life extremely rare, and we may con
clude that the change from the crystalline rocksf to that

* Geology of the South of England, by G. Mantell, p. xiv. of Intro
duction.

I This class of rocks so well known under the name of Primitive rocks,

INTRODUCTION.

of tliis formation, was co-existent with their primeval exis
tence. This author very justly observes, that " whatever
the kind of animal may have been which first appeared on
the surface of our planet, we may be certain that it was
consistent with the wisdom and design which have always
prevailed throughout nature, and that each creature was
peculiarly adapted to that situation destined to be occupied
by it."

The Grauwacke group,* which lies above the last men
tioned formation, contains many genera of shells and other
organic remains. Some of these genera, which consisted
of innumerable species, are, in the superior deposits, totally
wanting, being entirely extinct, to the best of our know
ledge ; while other genera, unknown in the vast deposits of
the inferior formations, are here found in great abundance
and in numerous species.

In the strata superior to this, the Carboniferous group,
we find, for the first time, a deposit of fresh water forma
tion, and the fossil remains of the group are increased by
the addition of plants and fishes.

Superior to this again we find the New Red Sandstone
group, and in it some of the reptilia, the great Saurian
animals.

Higher up, the Oolitic group presents us with a much
greater variety of reptilia, and for the first time we have
the indication of Mammalia in the Didelphis Bucklandi.
Plants, zoophytes, shells, Crustacea, &c. are numerous,
and insects have also been observed in it.f

(Agalysian rocks of Brogniart) presenting nearly the same character in
all parts of the world, seem, by their attrition, to have formed, in subse
quent deposits, the whole mass of superincumbent rocks, except those of
volcanic origin.

* Hemilysiens of Brogniart includes this and the subsequent group.

t In the U. States, no indication of the Oolitic group has been observed.
In England it is a very important formation, consisting of numerous sub-
formations, of which the Lias is the lowest.

INTRODUCTION. 13

[n the Wealden formation, overlying the last, and be
longing to the Cretaceous group* of De la Beche, we
find such organic remains as prove it to be of fluviatile
origin. The shells found, are those which are known to
exist only in rivers, (Uniones, &c.) and those genera which
are considered as estuary shells. In it the reptilia are
numerous. Superior to this formation, we find in the same
group, the Lower green sand, the Gault, Upper green sand,
and the Chalk, which to the geologist of this country are of
great interest, as we find in these deposits generally known
as " marl of New-Jersey and Delaware," a part of their
equivalents, f

The Supercretaceous group, | which is next in superpo
sition, contains organic remains of the highest interest.
Consisting of various deposits, and many localities in Eu
rope, as it does in this country, much attention has been
given to it there, and more recently, it has attracted the
notice of our geologists.

The observation of Mr Lyell, that the Tertiary groups
of Europe have detached and isolated positions, while the
Secondary period extends over great areas, applies equally
to our country. In these groups we, for the first time, find
those species of shells which we are able to identify with
living species, while those genera which existed in such
abundance in the inferior formations, have here nearly
disappeared. Of the genus Ammonites, two only of the
one hundred and eighty-three described in Great Britain

* Pelagiques of Al. Brogniart includes this and the Oolitic group.

t It is to Prof. Vanuxem (Jour, of the Acad. of Nat. Sci. of Phil., vol.
G, p. 59) we are indebted for the identification of this formation with the
Cretaceous group of Europe. This geologist having collected littoral shells
from the Burr-stone of Georgia, brought to this city during our late war,
when the foreign importation ceased, and having collected the pelagian
remains of New Jersey, was led to conclude, while in France, in 1818,
examining the Paris basin, that the alluvial of M'Clure consisted of
Secondary, Tertiary and Alluvial masses.

t Thalassiques of Al. Brogniart.

14 INTRODUCTION.

are found so high up as the London Clay ; and to the de
posits superior to this, the genus is entirely wanting. Nearly
the same observations extend to the genera Orthocera,
Belemnites and Hamites. We look to the Tertiary Forma
tion with peculiar interest, as its lower deposit or period
contains the incipient state, or as Mr Lyell says, " the
dawn of the existing state of the animate creation."

The division of the Tertiary Formation into three epochs,
has been admitted by most modern geologists. For these,
Mr Lyell* proposes, in the descending order, the names of
Pliocene period, Miocene period, and Eocene period. The
first is derived from the Greek words Trxeiuv major, and *<*/vo?
recens, as most of them are recent species, and of course,
of later deposit. This he subdivides into the Newer and
Older Pliocene, in which division M. Deshayes does not
agree with him. The second, Miocene, is from /*««»
minor, and KO.IVOS recens, there being here a minority of
recent species. The third, the Eocene, is derived from »«;
aurora, and *«wvoc recens, this being " the dawn of the
existing state of the animate creation."

In the lowest of these, the Eocene period,! there have
been observed in Europe one thousand two hundred and
thirty-eight species, of which the very small number of
forty-two have been identified with recent species. " Of
fossil species, not known as recent, forty-two are common
to the Eocene and Miocene epochs. "| It is remarkable,
too, that the living species are rarely inhabitants of the
shores of those countries in which they are found in a
fossil state, inhabiting now more southern climates.

The next period of deposit, that of the Miocene, is a for-

* Principles of Geology, vol. 3, p. 53.

t Mr. Lyell, with great propriety, includes in this period the Plastic
Clay with the London Clay ; the line of separation of which, he says,
" is quite arbitrary." Principles of Geology, vol. 3, p. 278.

t Principles of Geology, vol. 3, p. 55.

INTRODUCTION. 15

rnation distinct in its characters from the London Clay
below, and the English Crag above it. In it, M. Deshayes
has observed one thousand and twenty-one species, one
hundred and seventy-six of which, only, are found in a
recent state.

Superior again to this, in the Pliocene period, we find
the recent species comparatively abundant. Mr Lyell in
dividing this into the Older and Newer Pliocene, observes,
that " the plurality of living species is so very decided."
The former includes the Subappennine hills, and the En
glish Crag ; the latter, the Sicilian beds.

It has been stated that forty-five hundredths of the spe
cies found in the English Crag exist in a recent state ;*
while in the Sicilian beds, according to Mr Lyell, ten only
out of two hundred and twenty-six are extinct or un
known, nearly the whole of them existing at the present
time in the neighbouring seas.

In addition to the marine reliquiee, the remains of terres
trial mammiferous animals afford us, in the Tertiary Form
ation, a striking proof of the extraordinary change which
has taken place. Of the numerous species the remains
of which are there found, none now exist. " More than
forty of these Eocene mammifers, are referable to a division
of the order Pachydermata, which has now only four living
representatives on the globe ; of these, not only the species,
but the genera, are distinct from any of those which have
been established for the classification of living animals."f

The Mammalia of the Miocene agree in some of the
genera with recent animals, and those of the Pliocene
are "an intermixture of extinct and recent species of
quadrupeds."^

Superior, and next to the Tertiary, is De la Beche's
Erratic Block Group, and above it, his Modern Group.

* Address of the Pres. of the Geo. Soc. 1833.
t Principles of Geology, vol. 3, p. 59.
t Principles of Geology, vol. 3, p. 60.

16 INTRODUCTION.

These two are embraced in Mr Lyell's Recent Period, and
here are found to exist the remains of those large animals,
the Mastodon, Hippopotamus, Megatherium, Rhinoceros, &c.
&c. To this Recent Period, belong the causes which
are now so evidently in action, and with which we are fami
liar, such as the formation of coral reefs and islands, deltas,
travertins, active volcanoes, &c.

Viewing these changes, the facts of which have been
established by the united exertions of geologists, within
a comparatively short period, we reflect with intense in
terest on the disappearance from our planet of an im
mense number of species, numerous genera, and even
some families !

The causes of the vast changes which it is evident to
our senses, have taken place, are among the most inter
esting which have engaged the attention of mankind.
Theories of all kinds have been promulgated, and little good
has arisen from them, except that of the gradual develop
ment of facts, the accumulation of which has added to
our stock of knowledge. It is said to be Fuchsel (a
German geologist) who first asserted that the causes
now in operation were sufficient to produce the changes
observed in our strata. " Similar changes may now take
place ; for the earth has always presented phenomena similar
to those of the present day."* Such is the remarkable
language of the author, published about seventy years
since. Very recently, the theory of actual causes has
been considered in England, by some of her ablest geolo
gists, as sufficient to satisfy the attentive observer. Mr
Lyell may now be considered as the leader of this theory,
and the mass of facts brought together in his admirable
work, would seem to be enough to satisfy the most scep
tical.

The rapid change which is now going on in the

v De la Beche's Geol. Man., p. 182, first English edition.

INTRODUCTION. 17

greatest altitudes of Switzerland, points out to us the mode
in which nature is operating by decomposition, and the
attraction of gravitation. When standing on the borders
of the Mer de Glace, and while crossing its frozen bosom,
this operation was brought most forcibly to my mind.
Every moment my ears were saluted with the sound, more
or less distant, of rocks precipitated from some height into
the abysses below, and which reverberated over this frozen
sea. The time may come, when the pinnacles of Mont
Blanc and other mountains, which surround the beauti
ful valley of Chaumonie, will have been precipitated to
their bases, and the debris be so completely carried off as
to leave, perhaps, that beautiful and fertile spot itself, the
highest pinnacle of the country, a naked rock, to be
gazed at from a distance.*

Perhaps the most difficult point to solve, is that which
presents itself in the fact, that deposits in high latitudes
contain animal and vegetable remains, presumed by ana
logy to be unable to exist in their temperature at the
present period. A change in the earth's axis would, of
course, affect the temperature of its surface, but whether
that can take place under any known law, in a sufficient
degree to effect such a change, has certainly not been
established. Sir John Herschel has supposed that a
change of temperature might take place in the change
of the elliptical orbit of the earth, which becomes gradu
ally more circular, f

* Since writing the above, I have observed the following passage in
Lyell's Principles of Geology, vol. 3. " Those naturalists who have
seen the glaciers of Savoy, and who have beheld the prodigious magni
tude of some fragments conveyed by them from the higher regions of
Mont Blanc, to the valleys below, to a distance of many leagues, will be
prepared to appreciate the effects which a series of earthquakes might
produce in this region, if the peaks or ' needles,' as they are called, of
Mont Blanc, were shaken as rudely as many parts of the Andes have
been in our times."

t Geol. Manual, p. 6.

18 INTRODUCTION.

The greatly extended Tertiary deposits on the Atlantic
coast of our country, present one of the most interesting
of the geological phenomena known in it. To ascertain
the relative age of the deposits of the same formation in
Europe, has engaged the attention of the fossil concholo-
gist there for many years. With us, partial examinations
of the fossils of the different beds, have already been made
by several of our geologists. In the course of my inves
tigations, I have satisfied myself of the identity of our
Tertiary Formation with that of Europe.

After a careful examination of a great number of genera
and species, from the Tertiary of Claiborne, Alabama, I
had no hesitation in referring them to the same period as
the London Clay of England and the Calcaire Grossier
of Paris ; although this deposit is composed of silicious
sand, while that of the London Clay is argillaceous, and
the Calcaire Grossier is calcareous. This part of the Ter
tiary Formation, as before stated, is called by Mr Lyell, the
Eocene Period. It abounds in the greatest variety of
fossils ; one thousand two hundred and thirty-eight species
of shells having in Europe, as before mentioned, been
noticed in it. I have already observed nearly two hundred
and fifty species from Claiborne, descriptions of two hundred
and nineteen of which being supposed to be new, will be
found in their proper order, in this memoir and its supple
ment.* It is an extraordinary fact, that among the whole
of these, there cannot be, with absolute certainty, a single
species found to have its analogue in a living species. Some

* Mr Conrad has described twenty-five species. See Fossil Concho-
lugy, Nos. 1 and 2, and the American Journal of Science and Arts, vol.
23, p. 339.

INTRODUCTION. 19

of the genera are unknown on our coast ; some are found
only in a fossil state in Europe, and others are entirely new.
I am not perfectly satisfied that a single species is strictly
analogous to those from the Eocene Period of Europe, but the
number of turrited shells and similar genera prove it to be of
the same epoch. The Fenericardia planicosta (as Cardila
planicosta) has been noticed by Mr Conrad as being of this
locality. This is at least a variety, for it differs from those
of the Eocene of the Paris basin in the number of its ribs,
if not in some other characters. Three specimens from
this formation, in my cabinet, contain individually thirty-
one, thirty-four and thirty-six ribs, while of the first four
teen counted from Claiborne, three gave twenty-seven,
four gave twenty-eight, two gave twenty-nine, and five
gave thirty ribs. Mr Conrad describes his specimen (from
Maryland) as having about twenty-two ribs. There are
two other species from Claiborne, which resemble those of
the Eocene of the Paris basin. One is a Fusus, very simi
lar to the jP. longcevus of Lamarck, but the specimen
being imperfect, I cannot decide upon it with precision ;*
the other is jlcteon^ lineatus, (see description) which very
closely resembles the Tornatella inflata (Ferussac).|

The formation near Fort Washington, on the Potomac,
below the city of Washington, may, I think, be referred
to the same period as that at Claiborne. I owe to the
kindness of Professor Vanuxem, specimens obtained there,
many years since. Some of these shells have been
since described by Mr Conrad, Cucullcea§ gigantea, Tur-
ritella Mortoni, &c. Future investigations may produce
such results as will enable us to trace, with more exact-

* I propose for it the provisionary name of Claibornensis.

t Tornatella (Lamarck).

| Description des Coquilles Fossiles des Environs de Paris, t. 2, pi.
24, figs. 4 and 5.

§ Two species only of this genus have been observed in the Tertiary
of Europe Both are in the Eocene of Paris.

20 INTRODUCTION.

ness than we can at present, the parallel of these de
posits, and men of science being now engaged in Mary
land, by order of the legislature, to make geological re
searches, we may hope, ere long, to have this, with other
deposits of the state, better known than they are at pre
sent. The deposit at Vance's Ferry, South Carolina, has
been observed by Dr Blanding to contain one of the
characteristic fossils of the Eocene Period, the Venericardia
planicosta,) and in the cabinet of that naturalist I have
observed several other genera, which distinctly identify it
with that epoch.

It is a matter of considerable doubt, if any Tertiary de
posit, contemporaneous with the Miocene Period of Mr
Lyell, has yet been observed in our Formations. The de
posits of Bourdeaux, Dax, Turin, Ronca, Vienna, and some
other places on the Continent, are of this period, but it is
not, I believe, known to exist in England. Future inves
tigations may, in the vast extent of our southern deposits,
discover its existence.

The Older Pliocene Period of Mr Lyell, finds its equiva
lent, I think, in the well known deposit of St Mary's,
Maryland. Mr Conrad, who has carefully examined the
deposit at this place, has given us a catalogue of fifty-six
species observed there by himself. Of these, about one third
are known to exist on our coast ; but some of them in more
southern latitudes. The deposits of York Town, Smith-
field, and Suffolk in Virginia, and those of Easton and St
Mary's in Maryland, as well as that of Cumberland county,
in New Jersey, are referred by that geologist to the Upper
Tertiary, and, without doubt, belong to the Older Pliocene
Period of the Tertiary.

Of the Newer Pliocene Period we have an equivalent
in the deposit at the mouth of the Potomac ; the dis
tance of which, in a direct line, is about forty-five miles
from the ocean, the intervening country being low and

INTRODUCTION. 21

level. Mr Conrad has examined this deposit, and says,
" not only are the fossils of this locality the same as ex
isting species, but, in some instances, they retain their
colour."* Of those in his table, consisting of twenty-nine
species found there, he has been able to recognise all but
seven as existing in a recent state, and the most of these will,
I have no doubt, be hereafter found on our coasts. One of
them, the Cytherea convexa, may already be removed from
the exceptions. I owe to the kindness of Colonel Totten,
of the engineer corps, specimens of this species, from the
coast near Newport, Rhode Island. A deposit of this
epoch is also found beneath the surface at Charleston,
S. C, Professor Vanuxem gave me specimens taken from
a well of that city, some of which are so fresh as still to
exhibit the original colours. They consist of the genera
•Area, Jlmphidesma, Clathradon, Mactra, Tellina, Margi-
nella, Fusus, Oliva, &c.

The rich and highly interesting Formation at Claiborne,
Alabama, was called to my attention by my friend, Judge
Tait, a citizen of that place, in January 1829. The beau
tiful specimens he sent me at the close of the year, in
duced me to obtain from him further shipments of the
fossils from the same stratum, and specimens from the
inferior and superior strata, as well as some account of the
geographical position of the place.

In his letter of July 20, 1831, he says, " the town of
Claiborne is built on a bluff, on the east, or south side of the
Alabama river. In a direct line, it is about ninety miles
from the gulf of Mexico. The bluff is estimated to be
two hundred feet high. It is at least that. That Forma-

* Journal of the Academy of Natural Science of Philad., vol. 6, p. 207.

22 INTRODUCTION.

lion which is so remarkable, and passes through the whole
extent of South Alabama, called the Shell Limestone
Country, embraces this bluff. The southern edge of this
Formation commences about ten miles south of this place.
It is, no doubt, about one hundred miles wide from south
to north, in this part of the state. It is believed that this
limestone tract takes its beginning at the gulf, in the
neighbourhood of St Mark's and Tallahassee, and extends
from that point north west, through the whole of this and
the state of Mississippi, and is said to terminate at the
Chickasaw Bluffs, in West Tennessee. This Formation
is probably of the same nature with that which extends
through South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, parallel to
the sea coasts, and terminates on the gulf of Mexico, at
or about St Mark's. The course of this Atlantic Forma
tion is from the north east to the south west. The coun
try between the Shell Limestone tract in this state, and
Mississippi and the gulf, is a barren sand, with the long
leaf pine (Pinus australis), &c. as its principal forest
growth."

With the specimens then sent, was received a short stra-
tagraphical account of each which is here inserted.

" No. 1 is a specimen of the stratum, from the water
line up about one hundred and twenty feet, extending be
low the water as far as can be discerned by the eye."

This specimen was nearly six inches square. It is a soft
calcareous rock, containing eleven per cent of carbonate of
lime,* with occasional specks of mica, and small cells filled
with carbon. In breaking it up, to present as much surface
as possible, I examined it carefully, to endeavour to identify
the fossils contained in it, but these could only be seen in a
very imperfect state, and almost universally in fragments.
They consisted generally of Flustrcv, Cardm, Corbulce, Os-

* To the kindness of Dr J. K. Mitchell I am indebted for the analysis
of these specimens.

INTRODUCTION. 23

trees, Volutw, Naticce and Turritellw. The shells were so
friable as almost to fall into powder on the touch, and pre
sented no characters whereby to make specific distinctions.

With this slight knowledge of the stratum, it is not with
out some hesitation that I refer it to the Tertiary Forma
tion. Future investigation may prove it to be of older
origin, when its fossils shall be obtained in a more perfect
state.

" No. 2 is a specimen of the rock lying on the above
stratum, No. 1, and is about the thickness of two feet."

This specimen, nearly of the size of the last, consists,
chiefly, of a single and imperfect valve of a large Ostrea. It
appears to be a compact calcareous rock, with numerous
grains of dark green sand ; and besides the Ostrea men
tioned above, Flustrce, and a Teredo may be observed in
it. On examination, the matrix proved to have nearly
thirty-two per cent of carbonate of lime. This bed may
be referred to the same Formation with the last.

" No. 3. This is the stratum from which are taken the
specimens of organic remains in the box. It is just seven
teen feet thick. This specimen* is a fair representation of
the whole stratum."

It is in this stratum that the fossils described in this
memoir are found. It is exceedingly rich, and some idea
may be formed of the vast number of new species contain
ed in it, when it is recollected that I have received from
Judge Tait, at four or five different times, more than two
hundred and fifty species. Were I to conclude from the
examination of what were received, I would say that this
is a very small portion of what will be found in that
stratum.

The bed is composed of loose quartzose, brownish sand,
the grains of which are small and angular. The most
delicate specimens are, therefore, with a little caution,

* A very large Crassatella, since described by Mr Conrad as C. alia*

24 INTRODUCTION.

removed in a perfect state. In the few boxes which I have
received, seven shells are not referable to any known genus,
and two hundred and ten species, besides nine species of Po
lypi, are not referable to any known species. These are now
first described, and figured. Sharks' teeth of several differ
ent forms ; part of a claw of a species of Cancer; some
fragments of a fossil very similar to what Brander figures
under the name of Palaliwn piscium, and the tooth, spine
and vertebrae of fish were found among the sand. In the
further investigation of this stratum, the fossil concholo-
gist has a field rich in its products, and the harvest will
amply reward his industry.

" No. 4. This represents a thin stratum lying upon the
above, No. 3 ; it is about eighteen inches in thickness."

This specimen was large, and on breaking it into frag
ments, casts of several genera were observed. The calca
reous matter of the shell presenting nothing more, ge
nerally, than a white powder, being completely de
composed, identification of species was impossible. The
genera which seem most to prevail, are Jlvicula, Venus,
Crepidula and Turritella, and were I to decide on the mat
ter, I should, perhaps, refer them to the same species
which exist in the inferior stratum, No. 3. The mass of
the rock is friable, easily separating into irregular pieces,
and is composed chiefly of light and dark green grains of
quartzose sand. These grains do not present angles, but
are rounded and smooth, and are cemented by carbonate
of lime, the analysis proving the mass to possess about
thirty-three per cent. It will scarcely admit of a doubt,
that this is of the same epoch as the last described stratum.

" No. 5. A specimen of a stratum, two feet thick, next
above No. 4, and lies under a thick stratum of rotten
limestone, which reaches near to the top of the bluff."

This is a mass of sand and shells slightly adhering,
by an earthy ferruginous matter, which gives a reddish

INTRODUCTION. 25

brown appearance to the whole. The calcareous matter
of the shells is so much decomposed as to fall to pieces by
the touch. It is, therefore, almost impossible for a per
fect specimen to be removed from its matrix. Jlvicula,
Venericardia, Nucula, Venus, Teredo, and a few other
genera, may be observed in the specimen, and the species
may be all, so far as made out, referred to those in No. 3,
and, of course, the stratum be referred to the same epoch.
In it are fine specimens of the Scutella crustuloides (Morton),
some of which measure three and a half inches in diame
ter.

" No. 6, is a specimen of the stratum, forty or forty-five
feet thickness, and called here, ' rotten limestone. ' "

" On this layer of No. 6, is a deposit of sand and
gravel, mixed with clay, of about twenty feet, through
which and above the stratum No. 6, break out the Bluff
springs, of which there are many, say six or eight, along
the Bluff. In digging wells we find water in about
twenty feet, in a stratum of white sand and quartz pebbles
of all sizes, from that of a pea to a pigeon's egg, of different
forms, some flat — some round — some elliptical. These
pebbles are smooth, as if made so by attrition. All the
water from this Bluff, whether from the springs or the
wells, is impregnated more or less with carbonate of lime.
The wells generally more so than the Bluff springs."

This specimen was five or six inches square. On frac
turing it, obscure casts of Corbulm, Nuculce, and some other
bivalves could be identified with some which exist in No.
3, and the strata between. The casts of a few spiral uni
valves were also discernible. A small and very thin
Pecten, with delicate ribs, seemed to be the only shell
which left its trace in a calcareous state. On each side of
the fracture a silvery whiteness marks the deposit of this
thin and fragile species. The mass of this rock, or as it
might with more propriety, perhaps, be called indurated

26 INTRODUCTION.

clay, contains twenty-eight per cent of carbonate of
lime. Scattered grains of minute dark green sand may
be observed throughout the mass.

This stratum is the last of this interesting Tertiary
group, and upon it is found the Diluvium.

Read before the Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia, 27th August 1833.

IN presenting myself to the Academy this evening, with
a paper on a geological subject, my first duty is to make my
acknowledgements to the very great kindness of the gentle
man who has, during some years of labour, placed in my
possession numerous fossils from the vicinity of Claiborne,
Alabama, most of which I have discovered to be new spe
cies. As early as in January 1829, Judge Tait first called
my attention to the existence of the " organic remains
that abound in that part of the state," promising me at the
same time, to make a collection of them and to forward
them to me. This promise he redeemed at the close of
the year, by sending me a large quantity of the most inter
esting Tertiary fossils. Finding in the same box speci
mens which I suspected to be of secondary origin, I wrote
for, and subsequently obtained from my friend, a complete
suite of specimens of the various strata at Claiborne, with
valuable notes and observations from his pen. These
were sent in July 1831. Unwearied in his efforts to place
in my possession every thing that could illustrate the de
posits of his vicinity, that gentleman subsequently, and at
different times, with continued kindness, sent me three or

28

four boxes of these fossils, one of which, unfortunately,
was lost, after its arrival at New York.

I am, therefore, indebted to Judge Tait, for every new
species described in this paper, and to him science owes the
great obligation of having first brought them to light.

SYSTEMATIC INDEX

NEW TERTIARY FOSSILS FROM CLAIBORNE,
ALABAMA.

Lunulites Bouei

189

Corbula Alabamiensis

Duclosii -

190

Murchisonii

Orbitolites interstitia

191

gibbosa

discoidea

192

compressa -

Turbinolia Maclurii

193

Byssomia petricoloides

Stokesii -

194

Egeria rotunda

Goldfussii

195

inflata -

nana

195

nitens -

pharetra

196

triangulata -

Siliquaria Claibornensis -

33

Bucklandii -

Dentalium alternatum

34

subtrigonia -

turritum

35

veneriformis

Spirorbis tubanella -

36

ovalis -

Serpula ornata

37

plana -

Teredo simplex

38

nana -

Solecurtus Blainvillii

39

Lucina compressa -

Anatina Claibornensis

40

rotunda

Mactra dentata

41

cornuta

Grayi -

42

impressa

pygmaea

44

papyracea -

45

46
46
47
48
50
50
51
51
52
53
53
54
54
55
55
56
56
57
58

30

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Lucina lunata

58

Avicula Claibornensis

86

Gratelupia Moulinsii

59

Pecten Deshaysii

87

Astarte recurva

Cl

Lyelli

88

Nicklinii

Cl

Plicatula Mantellii -

89

sulcata

62

Ostrea semilunata -

90

parva

63

divaricata

91

minor

63

Alabamierisis

91

minutissima

64

lingua-canis

92

Cytherea globosa

65

pincerna

92

comis

66

Fissurella Claibornensis -

94

Hydii

66

Hipponix pygmaea

95

subcrassa -

67

Infundibulum trochiformis

96

trigoniata

67

Crepidula cornu-arietes -

97

minima

68

Bulia St Hillairii -

98

Venericardia transversa -

68

Dekayi

200

Sillimani

69

Pasithea secale

100

rotunda

70

notata

101

parva

70

lugubris

101

Hippagus isocardioides -

72

aciculata -

102

Myoparo costatus

74

striata

102

Arcarhomboidella -

74

sulcata

103

Pectunculus Broderipii -

76

umbilicata

103

minor -

77

guttula

104

deltoideus -

77

Claibornensis

104

ellipsis

78

Natica striata

105

obliqua

78

parva -

106

Nucula Sedgewickii

79

minor

107

ovula -

80

minima

107

pectuncularis

81

gibbosa

108

Brogniarti -

82

semilunata -

108

media

83

magno-urnbilicata

109

pulcherrima

84

mamma

109

plicata

85

Acteon punctatus -

111

magna

197

lineatus

112

carinifera

198

elevatus

113

plana -

199

melanellus

113

semen

200

striatus

114

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

31

Acteon pygfmaeus

114

Cancellaria sculptura

140

Scalaria planulata -

115

tessellata

140

carinata

11G

elevata -

141

quinquefasciata -

116

costata -

141

Delphinula plana

117

parva -

142

depressa

118

Fasciolaria plicata -

143

Solarium bilineatum

119

elevata -

143

Henrici -

119

Fusus pulcher -

144

ornatum -

120

Mortonii

145

elegans

121

decussatus

145

cancellatum

121

bicarinatus -

146

granulatum

122

venustus

146

Orbis rotella -

123

crebissimus -

147

Planaria nitens

124

magnocostatus

147

Turbo naticoides

125

Delabechii

148

nitens -

125

ornatus -

148

lineata -

126

acutus -

149

Tuba striata

128

Conybearii -

149

alternata

128

nanus -

150

sulcata

129

Fittonii

150

Turritella carinata -

129

parvus -

151

lineata

130

minor -

151

Cerithium striatum -

131

Taitii

152

Pleurotoma caslata -

132

Pyrula cancellata

154

Lonsdalii

132

elegantissima

155

Sayi -

133

Smithii

155

monilifera

133

Murex alternata

157

Baumontii

134

Rostellaria Lamarckii

158

Desnoyersii -

135

Cuvieri -

160

Hseninghausii

135

Monoceros pyruloides

161

rugosa -

136

fusiformis

162

obliqua -

136

sulcatum

163

Children!

137

Buccinum Sowerbii

164

Lesueurii

137

Nassa cancellata

165

Cancellaria Babylonica

138

Terebra gracilis

166

multiplicata -

130

costata

166

plicata -

139

venusta

167

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

Mitra lineata -

168

Marginella semen -

178

minima -

168

ovata

179

fusoides -

169

incurva

179

Flemingii

170

biplicata

201

Humboldtii -

170

Anolax gigantea

180

Voluta Defrancii

171

plicata -

181

gracilis

172

Oliva constricta

182

parva -

173

gracilis ...

182

Vanuxemi - -

173

Greenoughi -

183

striata -

174

dubia

183

Parkinsonii -

175

Phillipsii

184

Cooperii

175

minima •

184

Marginella anatina •

176

Montoptygma Alabamiensis

186

columba

177

elegans

203

crassilabra

177

Conus Claibornensis

186

plicata

178

IF JL A TIE ii „

CLASS ANNULATA.

ORDER SEDENTARY ANNULATA.

FAMILY DORSALIA.

GENUS SILIQUARIA. Lamarck,

S. Claibornensis. Plate 1. Fig. 1.

Description. Shell round and spirally tapering, longi
tudinally and indistinctly furrowed; fissure inarticulated.

Observations. Not having obtained a complete specimen,
I am unable to give a perfect figure of this species. Among
the fractured pieces are two which, by two or three rapid
turns, form nearly a complete apex. In some, transverse
septa, as mentioned by Lamarck, are found. These are
very thin and hemispherical, the convex side being to
wards the apex. In some fragments the fissure is closed
on the inside. I presume this takes place below the upper
septum; but I cannot decide upon the few specimens in
my possession. The furrows on some specimens are very
perceptible, on others obsolete. One of the fragments is

CONTRIBUTIONS

ifuSbf sculptured by some parasitic animal, so as to
• 'resemble, iirsamfe degree, the net work of a Flustra. It is
entirely covered with this carved work, and at the first
view I thought this made it specifically different. A fur
ther examination, however, proved the depredator to have
no particular preference to species or genera, his workman
ship being on many other shells.

I am not aware that this genus has been observed in
the strata of Great Britain. In the admirable tables of
M. Deshayes, appended to the third volume of Lyell's
Principles of Geology, we have six species, five of which
are found in the Paris basin, the Eocene of Mr Lyell.

The genus has not, to my knowledge, before been ob
served in any of the formations of our country.

FAMILY M ALBANIA.

GENUS DENTALIUM. Ldnnaus.

D. alternatum. Plate 1. Fig. 2.

Description. Shell very slightly curved, with about six
teen longitudinal ribs alternating with as many smaller
ones ; near the base furnished with irregular lines of
growth ; aperture round.

Length about 1 and 3-4ths inches.

TO GEOLOGY. 35

Observations. The alternation of larger and smaller ribs
seems to distinguish this species ; except from that of a
living one, the dentalis of Lamarck, which is not so robust
a shell, while the cardinal ribs are larger. Var. B. (fossil)
I have not seen, but " costis majoribus planulatus" renders
it different. It differs in the ribs entirely from the attenua-
tum (Say), and is a thicker shell. In some specimens the
alternations are not entirely regular.

D. turritum. Plate 1. Fig. 3.

Description. Shell slightly curved, smooth, polished,
rather thin ; posterior termination furnished with four
turret-like appendages ; aperture round.

Observations. A single specimen only of this curious
species has come under my notice. The turreted form of
the posterior or smaller termination does not seem to have
been noticed in any of the ten species described by Sowerby,
nor in the twenty-one by Lamarck. The space between
the turrets is festoon like. This remarkable termination
eminently distinguishes it from all other species yet de
scribed.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

In Great Britain fourteen species have been obtained
from the Lias to the Crag. Four are mentioned by Sow-
erby as being in the London Clay. M. Deshayes's tables
give thirty -four, of which thirteen are from the Paris basin,

36 CONTRIBUTIONS

the Eocene period. In this country Dr Morton has observed
casts in the Upper Green Sand of New Jersey and Dela
ware, and Mr Say one species, the attenuatum, in the
Tertiary of Maryland.

FAMILY SERPULEA.

GENUS SPIRORBIS. Lamarck.

S. tubanella. Plate 1. Fig. 4.

Description. Shell discoidal, concave in the centre, sub-
carinate above; whorls about three, contiguous ; aperture
round and enlarged.

Diam. less than l-10th of an inch.

Observations. This minute species was found attached
to the inner side of the valve of a Plicatula. Of eleven spe
cimens thus attached, eight are sinistral and three dextral.

I am not aware of this species having been observed in
Great Britain. Lamarck describes one species from Grig-
non. It has not, I believe, before been observed in the
strata of this country.

TO GEOLOGY. 37

GENUS SERPULA.

S. ornata. Plate 1. Fig. 5.

Description. Shell granulate, below furnished with
three squamose carinse.

Observations. Having a single specimen only of this spe
cies, it is difficult to decide on its characteristics. The
beautiful granulations which cover the superior part, and
the squamose carinse will, I presume, be usually if not al
ways found to exist on it. The form, however, of different
individuals will most likely differ. The one above described
takes one turn to the right, then three to the left, forming a
disk, the inferior portion being widely umbilicated. It has
some resemblance to the granulata (Sowerby), but differs in
having carinae.

Of the twenty-seven species found in England, two
only have been discovered in the London Clay. The
genus seems to have prevailed more extensively in the
chalk and inferior formations. Five species are described by
Lamarck, and chiefly from Grignon. In the Upper Green
Sand of New Jersey and Delaware, Dr Morton has found
one species. In the Tertiary of Maryland, Mr Say observed
one, the granifera.

38 COJNTRIBUTIOiNS

CONCHIFERA BIMUSCULOSA.

FAMILY TUBICOLARIA.

GENUS TEREDO. Linnaeus.

T. simplex. Plate 1. Fig. 6.

Description. Shell thick, slightly curved, smooth exte
riorly, tapering.

Observations. Possessing but two or three fragments of
the shell, it is impossible to make a perfect description. It
differs from the navalis (Lam.) in the substance of the shell
being thicker, and from the tibialis of Morton in being less
thick, the cavity of that shell being very small. It has no
transverse striee like the antenautce of Sowerby.

In England one species only seems to have been ob
served, and that by Sowerby in the London Clay. In the
Tertiary tables of M. Deshayes we find five species, of
which three are from the Paris basin. Dr Morton has,
from the Chalk of New Jersey, described a fine species —
the tibialis.

Tu GEOLOGY

FAMILY SOLENACEA.

GENUS SOLECURTUS. Blcdnmlle.

S. Blainmllil Plate 1. Fig. 7.

Description. Shell trapezoidal, rather compressed, nearly
equilateral, transversely and minutely striate, truncate he-
hind ; beaks very small ; escutcheon long and deeply im
pressed ; teeth two, the anterior one large and erect, the
posterior small and oblique ; margin entire.

Diam Length .8, Breadth 1.3, inches

Observations. M. de Blainville has with great propriety
divided the genus Solen, placing those with the teeth nearly
medial under the generic name of Solecurtis. Several of
Lamarck's fossil Solenes fall under this division. One spe
cies of the true Solen (S. affinis, Sowerby) is found in the
London Clay. The present species resembles most the
strigilatus (Lamarck), but differs in being more compressed
and less gaping.

Mr Sowerby (Mineral. Conch. Tab. 462) represents a
shell very similar to this in form and size, under the
name Sanguinolaria compressa. In the description the
teeth are not mentioned. I should suppose from an ex
amination of the figure that it was a true Solecurtus.
Mr S. says it belongs strictly to Jlzor of Leach.

I have great gratification in dedicating this species to

40 CONTRIBUTIONS

M. de Blainville, the founder of the genus ; who by his
talents and industry has contributed so eminently to the
improvement and dissemination of the knowledge of na
tural history. This tribute to his worth affords me pecu
liar pleasure, estimating as I do his amiable character and
great acquirements.

FAMILY MY ARIA.

GENUS ANAT1NA. Lamarck.

Jl. Claibornensis. Plate 1. Fig. 8.

Description. A portion of the hinge only of this shell has
come under my notice, consisting of the apophysis, the point
of the beak, and a small part of the dorsal margin behind
the beak. The apophysis is elliptical, and small compara
tively with the thickness of the valve in that region. The
figure is a good representation of the part described, and
it will be observed that the substance of the shell is much
thicker than any described species. The pearly nacre
which distinguishes most of the genus is very observable
in this.

I am not aware of this genus having been before ob
served in a fossil state, and it is to be hoped that the exer
tions of naturalists now interested in investigating this
formation will brine to light perfect specimens of this
interesting shell.

TO GEOLOGY. 41

FAMILY MACTRACEA.

GENUS MACTRA. Lmnayus.

M. dentata. Plate 1. Fig. 9.

Description. Fragments only of this species have come
into my possession. Two of them consist of a large portion
of the hinge of the two valves. The one represented here is
of the left valve, which is remarkable for a small lamellar
tooth passing from the point of the beak directly between the
cardinal tooth and the cavity of the ligament (fossette).
The cardinal tooth is as usual angular, and the anterior
portion is obliquely notched. Behind the beak, imme
diately under the dorsal margin, there exists, apparently,
a long groove closed over near to the beak. The right
valve is only perfect enough to exhibit the cardinal tooth
and anterior portion of the hinge. The anterior portion of
this tooth is divided into three distinct parts, all of which
are lamellar. The groove on this anterior portion is en
tirely uncovered, and at the bottom is angular. I cannot
with absolute certainty say that these two fractured hinges
belong to the same species, but until perfect specimens are
obtained they must be so considered. They both have a
remarkably thin disk, in proportion to the largeness of the
hinge ; and the concentric striae, which are minute, are
apparently, on the fracture of the beaks which remain,
F

42 CONTRIBUTIONS

precisely the same. The seat of the hinge within the
cavity of the beaks forms quite a level plate.

Observations. This is certainly a very curious and in
teresting hinge, and when we shall be able to see the
whole of it in connexion with the other portion of the shell,
it may be found convenient to erect it into a new genus.

M. Grayi. Plate 1. Fig. 10.

Description. Shell ovately triangular, solid, nearly equi
lateral, obtusely angular behind, obscurely striate; beaks
rather pointed; cardinal teeth angular; lateral teeth nearly
equally produced, crossed by equidistant minute striae; ex
cavation of the palleal impression small, obtusely anguar;
posterior arid anterior cicatrices deeply impressed ; cavity of
the valve rather shallow, of the beaks deep and sudden.
Diam. ,.3, Length .5, Breadth .6, of an inch.

Observations. This interesting little species resembles
in the transverse striae of the lateral teeth the J\f. arctata
(Conrad) and M. donacia (Lamarck), both of which are
furnished with striae on the anterior as well as on the pos
terior lateral teeth. Lamarck seems not to have observed
this highly interesting character, as he has not mentioned
it. Mr Conrad only mentions their being on the " poste
rior lateral tooth." The cavity of the beak has the ap
pearance of a hole made in the solid part beneath the hinge,
and possibly may have had a muscular attachment there,

I have had some doubt if these species should remain
with the genus Mactra, but for the present it is, perhaps,

TO GEOLOGY, 43

better tliey should. They there form a beautiful na
tural group. While in London last summer, Mr Gray
showed me in the British Museum a specimen of the
M. arctata, the habitat of which he was not before ac
quainted with, and which he informed me he had de
scribed in one of the scientific journals of London eight or
ten years previously as an Erycina.

Mr Conrad, being now actively engaged in investigating
the fossils of some of our southern formations, may be able
to throw further light on this subject.

Some European naturalists consider the Mactra donacia
(Lamarck) as an Erycina. I have never seen the E. car-
dioides of Lamarck, the type and only species described by
him. Cuvier says the Erycinw approach the Mactrce, and
are but badly characterised. The same author says "the
JlmphidesmcB appear to approach the J[factr&9 but they are
too imperfectly known to have any distinctive character
assigned to them." Lamarck described sixteen species of
JlmphidesmcB in 1819, and as many more have probably been
described since. I cannot understand how there can be any
difficulty in regard to this genus. The JlmphidesrycR never
have the angular cardinal tooth, so remarkable and striking
in the Mactrce, and this alone is sufficient to separate them.
The chief character by which Lamarck makes the division,
viz. the existence of an external as well as internal liga
ment (" par ce rapport singulier, d'avoir deux ligamens"),
cannot be maintained, as many, perhaps all the tMactrm
have an external ligament, generally small, as well as an
internal one; but in the M. solidissima (Chemnitz) it is very
perceptible, being, in alarge specimen, quite half an inch long.
The lateral teeth of the Jlmphidemce also differ greatly,

44 CONTRIBUTIONS

In dedicating this species to my friend John Edward
Grey, I must take occasion to make my acknowledge
ments for the advantages derived from the numerous and
excellent memoirs which have come from his pen, and
for many personal services while in Europe.

M.pygmaxi.. Plate 1. Fig. 11.

Description. Shell triangular, very thin, nearly equilate
ral, somewhat inflated, more produced before than behind,
very indistinctly striate, shining ; beaks rather elevated,
pointed ; cardinal teeth large ; lateral teeth small ; cavity
of the beaks wide and deep.

Diam. 3-20ths, Length 4-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This small species is remarkable for being
more produced before than behind. In this respect it differs
from the lateralis of Say, to which it has some resemblance,
though smaller. Immediately at the angle of the cardinal
tooth, and below the point of the beak, there is a small
apophysis, which I have not observed in other species.
In the specimens of my cabinet, the muscular impress
ions cannot be perceived with a common microscope.

The genus Mactra does not seem to have been noticed
in England below the Crag. M. Al. Brogniart (Terrains
du Vicentin) describes Mactra ? erebea and Mactra ? sirena
from the calcareo-trappeens of the Val-Ronca. This I
believe belongs to his Terrain Thelassique, equivalent to the
Tertiary. He has, however, some doubts of their being

TO GEOLOGY. 45

true Mactm. From the description and figures, I should
not hesitate to abstract them from that genus. M. De-
shayes gives fourteen species in his Tertiary Tables, six
are from the Miocene of Bourdeaux and Dax. In this coun
try, Mr Say seems first to have observed it in the Tertiary
of Maryland.* More recently Mr Conrad has discovered
in the same formation two new species, M. ponderosa, at
St Mary's river, Maryland, and M. delumbis, at St James's
river, near Smithfield, Virginia.

FAMILY CORBULEA.

GENUS CORBULA. Brugiere.

C. Alabamiensis. Plate 1. Fig. 12.

Description. Shell inflated, triangular-ovate, angular
behind, transversely and finely striate, inequilateral, very
inequi valve, anterior part the larger ; beaks incurved and
rather pointed ; tooth of the right valve large, pointed and
fitting under the beak of the left valve ; posterior basal
margin straight or slightly emarginated ; the two great
cicatrices distinctly impressed ; cavity of the valves deep.

Diam. 7-20ths, Length .4, Breadth .7, of an inch.

Observations. This is the largest species I have seen
from our formations. It has a strong resemblance to C.

* Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. 4}
p. 152.

46 CONTRIBUTIONS

revolula (Sowerby), but seems to differ in the angle of the
posterior part.

C. Murchisonil Plate 1. Fig. 13.

Description. She'll much inflated, triangular, subbian-
gulate behind, nearly equilateral, very inequivalve ; right
valve covered with regular, large, transverse ribs, which
terminate at the sharp carina of the umbonial slope ; left
valve smooth or slightly wrinkled, with two or three obscure
ribs passing from the beak to the basal margin, and a linear
umbonial slope, posterior to which there is a deep fold ;
beaks very large and incurved ; tooth and pit of the left
valve large ; posterior slope truncate, furnished with a dou
ble carina on the right valve and a single carina and fold
on the left. Cicatrices not distinctly impressed ; cavity
of the beaks very deep.

Diam. .3, Length .5, Breadth .6, of an inch.

Observations. I have peculiar pleasure in dedicating this
curious and beautiful species to the late president of the
Geological Society of London, who, by his numerous and
excellent papers on geology, has eminently contributed to
promote a knowledge of his favourite science. The Mur-
chisonii is remarkable for the great disparity of the size of
its valves, and their total dissimilarity. It has some re
semblance to the elegans (Sowerby).

C. gibbosa. Plate 1. Fig. 14.

Description. Shell very transverse, somewhat inflated,
nearly equilateral, very inequivalve, on the right valve

TO GEOLOGY. 47

transversely and distinctly striate, on the left valve trans
versely and minutely striate ; beaks elevated, incurved ;
umbonial slope with a double carina on the right valve,
on the left a single carina and indistinct fold. Cicatrices
not distinctly marked ; cavity of the beaks rather deep.
Diam. .2, Length .3, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This species has some resemblance to the
J\Iurchisonii, but differs in being more transverse, in being
more produced behind, in having a more obtuse carina, and
in being less inflated.

C. compressa. Plate 1. Fig. 15.

Description. Shell triangular-ovate, compressed, equi
lateral, inequivalve, concentrically and finely striate on
both valves ; beaks slightly elevated, incurved ; umbonial
slope with a double carina on the right valve, and a single
one on the left ; cicatrices not distinctly marked ; cavity
of the beaks shallow.

Diam. .1, Length .2, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Not easily confounded with the preceding
species, being smaller and having both valves similarly
striate.

The Corbulw seem to pervade most of the formations
from the Mountain Limestone to the Crag. Mr Sowerby
describes one (the nitida) from the Upper Freshwater of the

48 CONTRIBUTIONS

Isle of Wight, and three from the London Clay, of which
the bed from which the above were obtained is the equi
valent in Alabama. Eighteen species in all have been
observed in the various formations of Great Britain. In
the Tertiary Tables of M. Deshayes we have thirty-five
species, twenty-one of which are found in the Paris basin
(the Eocene). In this country Mr Say has described
three from the Tertiary of Maryland, and Mr Conrad one
from the Tertiary of Claiborne.

FAMILY LITHOPHAGA.

GENUS BYSSOMIA. Cuvier.

B. petricoloides. Plate 1. Fig. 16.

Description. Shell subcylindrical, very thin, very trans
verse, indistinctly striate, on the posterior part obliquely
and obsoletely folded ; beaks scarcely perceptible ; pos
terior and anterior cicatrices perceptible.

Length .1, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. With much doubt I have placed this shell
in Cuvier's genus Byssomia. It agrees better with his
description of that genus than any one I know.* Unfor
tunately I obtained but a single valve, and that is imper-

* He says the shell is oblong, and has no " marked tooth," and that it
penetrates into stone, coral, &c.

TO GEOLOCi. 49

feet. It has a strong resemblance to Petricola pholadiformis
(Lamarck) (P.fornicata, Say), but is to appearance entirely
without teeth, having several irregular folds about the beak.
It differs also in the exterior folds or ribs, which are, in the
pholadiformis, marked and situated on the anterior part.

FAMILY NYMPHACEA.

GENUS EGERIA.

Description. Shell subrotund or subtriangular ; margin
sometimes crenulate ; hinge variable, sometimes with two
lateral teeth ; cardinal teeth two in each valve, diverging,
one bifid ; ligament external.

Observations. Unable to place a considerable group of
shells, bearing in the cardinal teeth the same character,
in auy genus with which I am acquainted, I propose to
found a new genus for them, the proper place of which
would be between Sanguinolaria and Psammobia. The
cardinal teeth have some resemblance to the Lutricola of
Blainville, but that able naturalist does not mention a bifid
tooth, nor is it so figured in his work. Although there is
considerable dissimilarity in the form of the several species
of this genus, some being more round and others triangu
lar, the two diverging cardinal teeth, one being bifid, will
always be found characteristic of the genus.

50 CONTRIBUTIONS

E. rotunda. Plate 1. Fig. 17.

Description. Shell rotund, compressed, angular above,
subequilateral, minutely and concentrically striate ; sub
stance of the shell thick ; beaks elevated, pointed ; cica
trices deeply impressed, several visible in the centre of the
cavity of the beaks ; cavity of the shell shallow, rugose,
cavity of the beaks subangular ; margin entire.

Diam. .3, Length .9, Breadth .9, of an inch.

Observations. The resemblance in outline between this
species and the nana, hereafter to be described, is very
great. It may be distinguished, however, from it by its
finer concentric striee, and its larger size. The nana is
always more oblique. The figure represents the usual
size, but it is sometimes found one third larger.

E. inflata. Plate 1. Fig. 18.

Description. Shell subrotund, rather transverse, inflat
ed, subequilateral, very finely and concentrically striate ;
substance of the shell very thin ; beaks rather elevated ;
posterior slope furnished with an indistinct fold. Cica
trices scarcely perceptible ; cavity of the shell much ex
cavated, of the beak deep and rounded ; margin entire.

Diam. .2, Length 7-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from the rotunda in being more
transverse, in the substance of the shell being much thin-

TO GEOLOGY. 51

ner, and in being more inflated. The dorsal margin is
but slightly curved.

E. nitens. Plate 1. Fig. 19.

Description. Shell subelliptical, obliquely transverse,
inequilateral, the anterior portion being much the larger,
rather compressed, smooth and shining ; substance of the
shell very thin ; posterior slope lightly folded ; beaks ele
vated, pointed ; cicatrices scarcely perceptible ; cavity of
the shell not deep, of the beak rather deep ; margin entire.

Diam. .1, Length 5-20ths, Breadth 6-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. At first view this species might be taken
for the inflata. On examination it will be easily distin
guished by its polish, its obliquity, and particularly by the
great disparity of the size of the anterior portion of the
shell, the inflata being nearly equilateral.

E. triangulata. Plate 1. Fig. 20.

Description. Shell triangular, inequilateral, smooth, ob
tusely angular before, acutely angular at top, gibbous over
the umbo — anterior to which it is flattened ; substance of
the shell rather thin ; posterior and anterior slopes flatten
ed ; beaks elevated, pointed, incurved ; basal margin emar-
ginate ; cicatrices not perceptible ; cavity of the shell deep
in the superior part — of the beak deep and angular ; in
ferior portion of the margin finely crenulate.

Diam Length ,1, Breadth 1.2, inches

52 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. A single valve of this interesting species
has come into my possession. It is the left one. Its beau
tiful form eminently distinguishes it. The exterior portion
of the valve is not perfect, and characters not observed on
this specimen may be, perhaps, found on perfect ones.

E. Bucklandii. Plate 1. Fig. 21.

Description. Shell sub triangular, somewhat inflated,
inequilateral, polished, obtusely angular before and at
top ; substance of the shell rather thin ; posterior and an
terior slopes somewhat flattened ; beaks somewhat ele
vated, pointed, incurved ; cavity of the shell not very deep ;
inferior portion of the margin finely crenulate.

Diam Length .7, Breadth 1, inch.

Observations. Like the last described, a single valve
of this beautiful species only has been found. It was
taken out of a mass in about a dozen pieces and recon
structed. It resembles the triangulata in many of its cha
racters, but is more transverse, and is neither flat nor gib
bous on the exterior. In outline, it has some resemblance
to a Donax.

In dedicating this species to the distinguished author of
the " Reliquia? Diluviana?," I will take the opportunity to
make my acknowledgements for the pleasure and advan
tages derived from his various writings. Few geologists
of Europe have, with the same success, cultivated the

TO GEOLOGY. 53

science of geology, and very few have laboured more suc
cessfully to add new facts to establish its philosophy.

E. subtrigonia. Plate 1. Fig. 22.

Description. Shell subtriangular, somewhat inflated,
inequilateral, polished, obtusely angular before and at top;
substance of the shell thin ; anterior slope furnished with
a small fold ; beaks slightly elevated, pointed ; cicatrices
perceptible ; cavity of the shell rather shallow ; inferior
portion of the margin minutely crenulate,

Diam. .2, Length .3, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. There is a very close resemblance be
tween this and the Bucklandii, and had there not been so
much disparity in the size of the shell and thickness of the
valve, I should not have been disposed to separate them.
The valves of three specimens are before me. They are
of the same size, and have every appearance of being adult.

E. veneriformis. Plate 1. Fig. 23.

Description. Shell ovately triangular, transverse, rather
compressed, inequilateral, polished ; substance of the shell
thin ; beaks pointed ; cicatrices perceptible ; cavity of the
beaks shallow ; inferior portion of the margin very mi
nutely crenulate.

Diam. 3-20ths, Length .2, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This small species has a close resem
blance to the last described. It differs chiefly in size and

54 CONTRIBUTIONS

in being more equilateral. It is very common in this
stratum.

E. ovalis. Plate 1. Fig. 24.

Description. Shell transversely elliptical, compressed,
very inequilateral, furnished with two lamellar lateral
teeth, covered with minute concentric striee, which, termi
nating at the anterior slope, are replaced by larger ones
which there interlock ; substance of the shell very thin ;
beaks small and pointed ; cavity of the shell very shallow ;
margin entire.

Diam. ,1, Length .2, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. This beautiful little species differs much
from the four last described. The cardinal teeth are the
same, but this is furnished with a small lamellar tooth
diverging on each side of the cardinal teeth. The termi
nation of the concentric striae, which pass from the pos
terior slope, interlocking with those which cover the
anterior slope, is very remarkable.

E. plana. Plate 1. Fig. 25.

Description. Shell scaleniform, very compressed, trans
verse, very inequilateral, smooth and shining, furnished
with two lamellar lateral teeth ; substance of the shell
very thin ; beaks very small and pointed ; cavity of the
shell extremely shallow ; margin entire.

Diam. nearly .1, Length .2, Breadth 7-20ths. of an inch

TO GEOLOGY. 55

Observations. Differs from the ovalis, which it most resem
bles, in being smooth, more compressed and more angular.

E. nana. Plate 1. Fig. 26.

Description. Shell rotundo-oblique, compressed, angu
lar above, subequilateral, concentrically striate ; substance
of the shell rather thin ; beaks pointed ; cicatrices imper
ceptible ; cavity of the shell shallow — of the beak angu
lar ; margin entire.

Diara. .1, Length 5-20ths, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Closely resembles the rotunda. It has,
however, somewhat larger concentric striae — is a much
smaller shell, and is more oblique.

GENUS LUCINA. Lamarck.

L. compressa. Plate 1. Fig. 27.

Description. Shell subrotund, much compressed, very
finely and concentrically striate, equilateral ; beaks small
and pointed ; lunule small and cordate ; anterior cicatrix
deeply impressed, extending nearly to the basal margin ;
palleal impression irregular ; cavity of the shell shallow
and rough, having an impressed furrow across its centre ;
margin entire.

Diam. .6, Length 1.5, Breadth 1.7, of an inch.

Observations. This species is very fragile, scarcely bear-

56 CONTRIBUTIONS

ing to be moved. Its rough interior and large deeply im
pressed anterior cicatrix are remarkable.

L. rotunda. Plate 1. Fig. 28.

Description. Shell orbicular, compressed, equilateral,
concentrically and finely striate, flattish over the umbones,
folded before ; substance of the shell thick ; lunule small,
lanceolate ; beaks very small, pointed, recurved ; cardinal
teeth indistinct ; cicatrices impressed, the anterior one
rather long ; lines of growth numerous near the margin ;
cavity of the shell very shallow, having rather a large fur
row across its centre ; margin entire.

Diam. .6, Length 1.1, Breadth 1.1, of an inch.

Observations. Single valves of two individuals only have
come into my possession. Its orbicular form and beautiful
concentric striae distinguish this species. In these two
specimens there are no marks of growth except near to
the margin, where on one specimen there are four, on the
other seven. These cause a thickening of the margin.

L. cornuta. Plate 1. Fig. 29.

Description. Shell orbicular, ventricose, inequilateral,
concentrically striate, angular before, folded and emargin-
ate behind ; substance of the shell thick ; lunule impress
ed, being bounded by a ridge ; beaks elevated, pointed,
recurved ; anterior lateral tooth nearly round, equidistant
between the beak and angle ; posterior lateral tooth some
what compressed, equidistant between the beak and fold ;

TO GEOLOGY. 57

the two great cicatrices raised and very perceptible, the
anterior one long ; lines of growth three or four, and very
marked ; cavity of the shell deep and rounded, having an
impressed furrow across the centre ; margin crenulate.
Diam Length 9-20ths, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only of this beautiful and
interesting species has been obtained by me. It does not
closely resemble any species recent or fossil which I have
seen. The horn or protruding angle on the anterior mar
gin, formed by the bounding ridge of the lunule, at once
distinguishes it. The fold or furrow on the posterior part,
passing from the beak to the posterior basal margin, forms
here a remarkable emargination.

L. impressa. Plate 1. Fig. 30.

Description. Shell lenticular, somewhat inflated, nearly
equilateral, concentrically striated, folded and emarginate
behind ; substance of the shell rather thin ; lunule very
small and deeply impressed ; beaks recurved ; the two
great cicatrices impressed ; lines of growth numerous ;
cavity of the shell rather deep and rounded, having no visi
ble furrow ; margin crenulate.

Diam. .2, Length .3, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This species has some resemblance to
the cornuta, but cannot be easily confounded with it. The
horn of the one and the deeply impressed lunule of the
other eminently distinguish them. This little lunule is

58 CONTRIBUTIONS

so deeply impressed immediately before the beak, as to
give a curve to the margin resembling a fracture. The
impressa resembles very closely the figure of L. mitis
(Sowerby). He says in his description, " no lateral teeth."
This species has them most distinctly marked. He de
scribes the margin as crenulate — ours is beautifully so.

L. papyracea. Plate 1. Fig. 31.

Description. Shell orbicular, lenticular, somewhat in
flated, concentrically and finely striated, slightly folded
behind and subemarginate ; substance of the shell thin ;
lunule cordate ; beaks rather pointed ; lateral teeth scarce
ly perceptible ; anterior cicatrix short ; lines of growth
indistinctly marked ; cavity of the shell rather shallow ;
margin crenulate.

Diam. 3-20ths, Length 7-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This species has a general resemblance
to the impressa, but differs in being rather less inflated and
in being without the deep impression before the beaks.
The posterior fold of the impressa is greater, and the lateral
teeth are much larger. In the present species the striae de
crease in number on the posterior part and there become
squamose.

L. lunata. Plate 1. Fig. 32.

Description. Shell anteriorly oblique, inequilateral, in
flated, concentrically striated and furrowed ; substance of
the shell thick ; lunule broadly cordate , beaks elevated,

TO GEOLOGY. 59

recurved ; cardinal and lateral teetli rounded ; cicatrices
not deeply impressed; the lines of growth numerous and
deeply furrowed, causing a crescent like appearance ; cavity
of the shell deep — of the beaks deep and rounded, having
no visible furrow ; margin crenulate.

Diam. .2, Length .3, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from impressa in size, obliquity,
striae, and the deeply seated lunule.

Seven species have been noticed in the strata of Great
Britain, from the Great Oolite to the Crag — one only in
the London Clay. In M. Deshayes's valuable Tertiary
Tables we find fifty-nine, of which thirty-one are from the
Paris basin (Eocene). Twelve are from Bourdeaux (Mi
ocene). Mr Say has observed five in the Tertiary of
Maryland, and Mr Conrad two from the Tertiary of Clai-
borne.

GENUS GRATELUPIA. Des Moulins.

G. Moulinsii. Plate 2. Fig. 33.

Description. Shell subtriangular, inflated, gibbous over
the umbo, very finely and transversely striate, nearly equi
lateral ; obtusely angular behind, subemarginate on pos
terior basal margin ; lunule large and lanceolate ; margin
entire.

Diam. 1, Length 1.4, Breadth 1.9, of an inch.

60 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. The genus Gratelupia was established in
1 827, by M. Charles des Moulins, president of the Linnsean
Society of Bourdeaux, and published in the second volume
of the Transactions of the Society. The name of his dis
tinguished friend, Dr Grateloup, was given to the genus,
a single species of which only has heretofore been made
known, the G. donadformis. I have great pleasure in now
having it in my power to dedicate a new species to the
founder of the genus, who has cultivated, with such emi
nent success, the rich formations of the south of France,
and added so much to the labours of Basterot.

It is not quite so transverse as the donadformis , nor is
the basal margin quite so straight — it differs also in being
gibbous over the umbones and in having comparatively a
small excavation of the palleal impression, which, in the
other species, is large, extending two-thirds of the distance
between the two great muscular impressions. The small
additional teeth which distinguish this genus from the
Cytherea, are not in this species so perfectly defined as in
the donadformis. They are more irregularly cut up into
crenulations. M. des Moulins places his genus between
the genera Ludna and Donax. The structure of its teeth
would induce me to think it ought to be placed before the
genus Cytherea. The lateral tooth is like that of the Cy-
therea, but more removed.

The genus Gratelupia has been observed, heretofore, only
at Bourdeaux, where a single species has been observed by
the founder of the genus in the Miocene.

TO GEOLOGY. til

GENUS AST ARTE. Soiverby. (Crassina of Lamarck.}

A. recurva. Plate 2. Fig-. 34.

Description. Shell subrotund, angular before, emargin-
ate behind, deeply emarginate before the beaks, rather
compressed, concentrically and largely striate, deeply fold
ed behind ; substance of the shell rather thick ; beaks
very much elevated and recurved ; lunule large, deeply
impressed, cordate ; escutcheon long — lanceolate ; pos
terior slope bicarinate ; teeth obliquely curved ; cicatrices
impressed ; margin finely crenulate.

Diam. .2, Length .4, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. I have seen no species of this genus with
so elevated and recurved a beak as this. It is remarkable
for its curved teeth, the very deep impression of the lunule,
which, together with the recurviture of the beak, causes
the point of the latter to be quite hooked. The deep fold
or furrow, behind, forms on its edges sharp ridges, which
are imbricate. In one specimen, I observed longitudinal
striae diverging from the beaks and nearly reaching the
margin.

Jl. Nicklinii. Plate 2. Fig. 35.

Description. Shell transversely elliptical, subangular be
hind, emarginate at posterior basal margin, concentrically
and largely ribbed; beaks compressed, pointed; lunule

62 CONTRIBUTIONS

lanceolate, excavated, escutcheon long and excavated ;
nymph small and deeply seated ; teeth small ; anterior
and posterior cicatrices placed on a raised seat ; palleal
cicatrix passing between the two great cicatrices in a gen
tle curve ; margin crenulate.

Diam. .4, Length .7, Breadth .9, of an inch.

Observations. This interesting and remarkable species
cannot easily be confounded with any other with which I
am acquainted, except that \vhich follows. Its oval form,
flat beaks and large transverse folds or ribs, are remark
able.

In dedicating it to my friend, P. H. Nicklin, I have
great pleasure in acknowledging my obligations to him,
for his kind assistance in occasional difficult points.

A. sulcata. Plate 2. Fig. 36.

Description. This species is so precisely similar to the
last, with the exception of a marginal furrow, that I
have thought it unnecessary to recapitulate the descrip
tion. The Nicklinii is beautifully crenulate on the margin,
while the sulcata is furnished with a margin, along whose
inner edge a perfect furrow passes from the anterior to the
posterior part of the hinge. When very young the speci
mens are almost perfectly flat, and might, for this reason,
easily be taken for a different species.

TO GEOLOGY. 63

A. parva. Plate 2. Fig. 37.

Description. Shell triangular, rounded below, acutely
angular above, compressed, equilateral, concentrically and
closely striate ; beaks elevated, pointed ; lunule large,
lanceolate ; cardinal teeth small, the posterior margin fur
nished with a long straight lateral. one ; cicatrices scarcely
visible ; margin crenulate.

Diam Length .1, Breadth .1, of an inch,

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. Although this and the two following spe
cies do not accord entirely with Sowerby's generic descrip
tion of Aslaffte^ nor that of Lamarck under the name of
Crassina, inasmuch as these have a long, straight, lateral
tooth ; I have preferred placing them there, as they agree
in all the other generic characters, thinking it unnecessary
to make a new genus for them.

The species above described is more elevated and more
acutely angular at the beaks than the others. Its striae
are much finer, and it is supposed to be emarginate imme
diately under the point of the beaks.

A. minor. Plate 2. Fig. 38.

Description. Shell triangular, rounded below, angular
above, compressed, equilateral, concentrically and widely
striate ; beaks elevated, pointed ; lunule large, lanceolate ;
cardinal teeth small, the posterior margin furnished with

64 CONTRIBUTIONS

a long straight lateral tooth ; cicatrices scarcely visible ;
margin entire 1
Diam. l-20th, Length nearly .1, Breadth nearly .1, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This species at first sight might easily
be mistaken for the parva. The microscope will, however,
show very characteristic differences.. It is less angular
above ; the transverse striae are much further removed ;
it might be said to be sulcate. All the specimens I have
(five) are without a crenulated margin. More perfect
specimens may, nevertheless, exhibit this character.

J2. minutissima. Plate 2. Fig. 39.

Description. Shell scale niform, acutely angular above,
rather compressed, oblique, ribbed longitudinally; beaks
elevated, pointed ; lunule very large, cordate ; cardinal
teeth small, the posterior margin furnished with a long
straight lateral one ; cicatrices scarcely visible ; margin
largely crenulate.

Diam Length l-20th, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. Differs from the two preceding in size,
and may at once be distinguished by its longitudinal ribs,
the others being transversely striate.

One species only seems to have been found in the beds
of the London Clay in England, the rugatus of Sowerby.
From the Lias to the Crag twenty-eight species in all have

TO GEOLOGY. 65

been observed, eight being from the Crag. Lamarck does
not mention any fossil species. M. Deshayes gives nineteen
species in his Tertiary Tables. Mr Say has noticed two
species in the Tertiary of Maryland ; Mr Conrad two in
that of Claiborne.

FAMILY CONCILE.

GENUS CYTHEREA. Lamarck.

C. globosa. Plate 2. Fig. 40.

Description. Shell very much inflated, subrotund, very
finely and transversely striate ; swollen over the umbones ;
lunule widely and beautifully cordate ; beaks very large,
recurved ; teeth elevated and disposed to be conical ; exca
vation of the palleal impression conical ; cavity of the shell
very deep and rounded; margin entire.

Diam. 1.1, Length 1.3, Breadth 1.6, of an inch.

Observations. This is perhaps the most globose of all
the species yet known. It is remarkable for its capacity
and its high recurved beaks, in which it has some resem
blance to the genus Isocardia. It is this which gives the
impression of the ligament a curve of small radius. The
excavation of the palleal impression is more angular than
in any species I have noticed. The two central teeth in
the right valve are erect and close, with a deep cleft be
tween them. On the edge of the right valve there is a

66 CONTRIBUTIONS

groove passing from the termination of the ligament to the
posterior margin.

C. comis. Plate 2. Fig. 41.

Description. Shell inflated, elliptical, smooth ; beaks
large ; lunule broad and cordate ; teeth elevated and dis
posed to be conical ; excavation of the palleal impression
rather deep and sub-biangular ; cavity of the shell deep ;
margin entire.

Diam. .9, Length 1.1, Breadth 1.5, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from the C. globosa in being more
transverse, less capacious, in having smaller beaks and
smooth exterior. About the umbones it is somewhat
gibbous.

C. Hydn. Plate 2. Fig. 42.

Description. Shell somewhat inflated, subovate, trans
versely and thickly folded ; beaks rather elevated and mi
nutely folded ; lunule cordate ; teeth rather elevated and
compressed ; excavation of the palleal impression sub-
biangular ; cavity of the shell rather deep ; margin entire.

Diam. .7, Length 1.2, Breadth 1.4, of an inch.

Observations. This species is less inflated than the
comis, and differs from it in having beautiful folds over the
beaks and the whole disk.

I have great gratification in placing the name of one of
our most distinguished conchologists to this shell. Among

TO GEOLOGY. 67

the first to collect and arrange systematically the shells of
our country, he has formed one of the finest cabinets in it.

C. subcrassa. Plate 2. Fig. 43.

Description. Shell somewhat inflated, subtriangular,
concentrically striate, thick about the region of the hinge ;
substance of the shell thick ; beaks thick and elevated ;
lunule cordate, indistinct ; teeth rather elevated and com
pressed ; excavation of the palleal impression rather small
and roundish ; cavity of the shell deep and rounded ; mar
gin crenulate.

Diam Length 1.1, Breadth 1.2, of an inch.

Observations. This shell most resembles the trigoniata
herein described. It is like that shell in outline, but is
thicker, and differs also in having a crenulated margin.

C. trigoniata. Plate 2. Fig. 44.

Description. Shell somewhat inflated, triangular, con
centrically and minutely striate ; substance of the shell
rather thick ; beaks moderately elevated and recurved ;
lunule long, elliptical ; teeth moderately large ; excavation
of the palleal impression deep and rounded ; cavity of the
shell deep, subangular ; margin entire.

Diam. .6, Length .9, Breadth 1.1, of an inch.

Observations. In outline the trigoniata resembles closely
the subcrassa. It is, however, less thick in the substance
of the shell, has much finer striae, and is entirely without
crenulations on the margin.

68 CONTRIBUTIONS

C. minima. Plate 2. Fig. 45.

Description. Shell subrotund, angular above, subequi-
lateral, concentrically and very minutely striate ; lunule
large, elliptical ; beaks somewhat elevated, pointed, com
pressed ; cavity of the shell deep and rounded, margin
entire.

Diam. , . . . Length .1, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only of this little Cytherea
lias been observed by me. It may possibly be the young
of the trigoniata. This specimen is, however, more equila
teral and the striae are more minute.

Of this genus three species have been observed in Great
Britain, one of which is from the London Clay. In M.
Deshayes's Tertiary Tables we find fifty-nine species.
Twenty-two of these are from the Paris basin, and eigh
teen from Dax (Miscene period). Mr Say has described
two species from the Tertiary of Maryland, and Mr Conrad
one from the same state.

GENUS VENERICARDIA. Lamarck.

V. transversa. Plate 2. Fig. 46.

Description. Shell very transverse, elliptical, inflated,
very inequilateral ; obliquely ribbed ; substance of the

TO GEOLOGY. 69

shell thick ; lunule very small, deeply impressed, cordate ;
beaks rather elevated, recurved ; ribs about twenty-seven,
on the anterior part furnished with somewhat distant tu
bercles ; teeth transverse ; cicatrices impressed ; cavity of
the shell deep, oblique ; margin very largely crenulate.
Diam. 1.3, Length 1.4, Breadth 1.9, of an inch.

Observations. This species is perhaps most remarkable
for its trans verseness and its large knotted ribs. Those of
the posterior part are rounded. It most resembles the Sil-
limani, but is more transverse.

V. SUlimam. Plate 2. Fig. 47.

Description. Shell rather transverse, inflated, inequila
teral, covered with longitudinal, elevated ribs ; substance
of the shell thick ; lunule very small, very transverse, and
very deeply impressed ; beaks rather elevated, recurved ;
ribs, about twenty-seven, sharp and imbricate behind —
obtuse and tuberculate before ; teeth nearly transverse ;
cicatrices slightly impressed ; cavity of the shell deep ;
margin largely crenulate.

Diam. 1, Length 1.1, Breadth 1.4, of an inch.

Observations. In many of its characters this species
closely resembles the transversa. But being less trans
verse, having the posterior ribs more elevated and some
what imbricate, I am induced to separate it. In dedicating
it to my friend Professor Silliman, I do myself a peculiar
pleasure. His great acquirements and successful investi-

70 CONTRIBUTIONS

gallons in the sciences, have, at home and abroad, won
for him a deserved reputation such as few acquire.

V. rotunda. Plate 1. Fig. 48.

Description. Shell rotund, inequilateral, slightly in
flated, longitudinally and closely ribbed ; substance of the
shell rather thick ; lunule small, ovately cordate ; beaks
slightly elevated, recurved ; ribs about twenty-six, and
furnished with closely set arched scales ; teeth rather
oblique ; cicatrices rather impressed ; cavity of the shell
somewhat deep and rounded ; margin rather largely cre-
nulate.

Diam. .6, Length 1, Breadth 1, inch.

Observations. This fine species is remarkable for its
beautifully furnished ribs, which are so thickly set with
arched scales, as almost to cause them to lie over each
other. It differs from the Sillimani in its form, size and
ribs.

V. parva. Plate 2. Fig. 49.

Description. Shell subtriangular, rounded below, angu
lar above, inflated, equilateral, longitudinally and closely
ribbed ; substance of the shell thick ; lunule large, cordate,
slightly impressed ; beaks elevated, large ; ribs about twenty,
transversely and thickly crenulate ; teeth oblique ; cica
trices slightly impressed ; cavity of the shell rather deep ;
margin largely crenulate.

Diam. .2, Length .3, Breadth .3, of an inch.

TO GEOLOGY. 71

The figure is slightly enlarged.

Observations. A beautiful little species, and likely to be
taken for the young of the rotundata. It has, however, a
less number of ribs, is more longitudinal, has a thicker shell,
and has more elevated beaks — the hinge is remarkably
thick.

The genus Venericardia does not seem to exist in the
older formations. Mr Mantel! mentions one in the Chalk
of Sussex, but has not determined the species. The V.
Brogniarti is stated to be from the Sandstone.* Six are
mentioned by Mr Sowerby as existing in the London Clay,
and four are by him ascribed to the Crag. The well
known V. planicosta exists in the London and Paris basins.
M. Deshayes, uniting the Venericardia and Cardita, gives
fifty for the Tertiary of Europe. Mr Conrad gives for
American localities of this species, Maryland and Ala
bama, f

In this country three species only have, heretofore, I be
lieve, been observed, the granulata of Say, from the Tertiary
of Maryland — the planicos ta of Lamarck, and the Blandingi,
found by Dr Blanding in the Tertiary of Camden, S. C.

* Geo. Trans, vol. 3, second series.

t See my observations on this species in the Introduction.

72 CONTRIBUTIONS

FAMILY CARDIACEA.

GENUS HIPPAGUS.* (nobis.)

Description. Shell cordate, inflated, without teeth ;
beaks large, recurved ; margin slightly overwrapping
beneath the beak ; anterior cicatrix long ; posterior cicatrix
round.

Observations. I have in vain endeavoured to place this
shell in one of the established genera. In its general
characters it approaches most closely to the Isocardia cor,
but cannot be placed in that genus, being destitute of teeth.
It bears some resemblance to the genus Inoceramus of
Sowerby, but the hinge in that genus " closes by a series
of oblong fossets," and besides it is very inequivalve. In
its natural order, it seems to follow the genus Isocardia,
and I propose there to place it.

H. isocardioides. Plate 2. Fig. 50.

Description. Shell cordate, much inflated, longitudinal,
minutely and longitudinally ribbed, flattened before and
behind, ridged along the umbonial slope ; substance of the
shell rather thick ; beaks large, recurved ; cicatrices im-

* A Horse Boat.

TO GEOLOGY. 73

pressed ; cavity of the shell very deep ; margin minutely
crenulate ; nacre somewhat pearly.
Diam. 3-20ths, Length 5-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Three views are given, the smallest being of the size
of nature.

Observations. Three or four valves only of this curious
little shell were received by me. The posterior part is
exceedingly flat, resembling in this respect some of the
Cardia. The depression of the anterior part is between
the anterior margin and the beaks ; hence the posterior
margin differs from it, the one being subangular, the other
curved.

GENUS MYOPARO.* (nobis.)

Description. Shell cordate, equivalve ; beaks recurved ;
a series of small teeth, transverse to the margin, on each
side of the beaks, and placed on the margin ; two large
cicatrices.

Observations. In its general appearance, this resembles
the genus just described, and were it not for the teeth on
either side of the beak, it would naturally take its place
there. In the outline, and possession of an anterior series
of teeth, it approaches the Catillus ( C. Lamarckii) of Blain-
ville,t which, however, has teeth on one side only. The

* A piratical oar-galley.

t Manuel de Malacologie, &c. p. 529.

74 CONTRIBUTIONS

genus Pulvinites of Defrance, is still further removed, the
series of teeth being directly at the apex of the margin,
which is there thickened.

P. costatus. Plate 2. Fig. 51.

Description. Shell cordate, somewhat inflated, longitu
dinal, minutely and longitudinally ribbed ; substance of
the shell thin ; beaks elevated, recurved ; cicatrices large ;
the anterior series of the teeth short, the posterior one
long, anterior one longer and narrower ; cavity of the
shell rather deep ; margin very minutely crenulate ; nacre
pearly under the epidermis.

Diam. .1, Length .2, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This interesting little species requires a
microscope to observe some of its characters. The speci
mens in the best state of preservation are greenish. The
ribs, in some instances, diverge, and are cut by the lines of
growth.

FAMILY ARCACEA.

GENUS ARCA. Lmncetw.

A. rhomboidella. Plate 2. Fig. 52.

Description. Shell rhomboidal, very inequilateral, com
pressed at base, longitudinally and closely ribbed ; sub-

TO GEOLOGY. 75

stance of the shell thin ; beaks small, pointed ; ribs about
thirty-three, obsoletely tuberculated on the anterior por
tion ; teeth lamellar, oblique ; cicatrices scarcely percepti
ble ; cavity of the shell rather shallow ; margin crenulate.
Diam Length .2, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species forms, by its
parallel sides, nearly a perfect rhomboid. It has some re
semblance to the centenaria of Say, which is described by
him, as well as Mr Conrad, as being " subrhomboidal."
The Figures, however, are both trapezoidal, and, therefore,
differ in outline from the description. It may also be dis
tinguished by the ribs, the centenaria being striate. The
figure of Mr Sowerby's duplicata has a close similarity to
our shell, but differs in having the "ribs sulcated along
the middle."

The genus Jlrca has been observed in England, as low
down as the Carboniferous Limestone. In Sweden and
Germany, several species have been observed as low as
the Cretaceous and Oolitic Groups. M. Al. Brogniart
describes a species (Pandoris), from the Calcareo-trap-
pean formation of Vicentin*. M. Deshayes gives us fifty-
four species — twenty-three of these are from the Paris
basin. From our formations, Mr Say has described three
species, all from the Tertiary of Maryland. Mr Conrad
has also described three, and observed two others common

* Memoire du Vicentin, &c. page 76.

76 CONTRIBUTIONS

to our coast, the transversa and ponderosa of Say. These
are from the Tertiary of North Carolina, Virginia and
Maryland.

GENUS PECTUNCULUS. Lamarck.

P. Broderipii. Plate 3. Fig. 53.

Description. Shell rather oblique, inflated, inequilateral,
nearly straight at dorsal margin, with delicate longitudinal
linear ribs, cut by very minute transverse striae ; beaks
rather elevated ; hinge teeth arched and very diminutive
in the centre ; cicatrices slightly raised ; .cavity of the
shell deep; marginal teeth pointed, small and well denned.

Diam. .9, Length 1.3, Breadth 1.4, of an inch.

Observations. This species is, perhaps, most remarka-
able for its small and beautifully pointed marginal teeth,
and the straight line of the dorsal margin. The longitu
dinal linear ribs, which diverge from the point of the beak
and extend to the margin, are beautifully cut by the fine
concentric striee, which interrupt them. This can only
be perceived in specimens which are in the best state of
preservation. In young specimens, the obliquity does not
always exist, and the shell is then equilateral. In perfect
specimens, with the assistance of the microscope, the dorsal
teeth will be seen to be transversely striate.

In placing the name of so distinguished a conchologist as
that of Mr. Broderip to this species, I have great pleasure.

JPIU^TIE, llili „

TO GEOLOGY. 77

His valuable contributions to science are too well known
to need my observing upon them.

P. minor. Plate 3. Fig. 54.

Description. Shell angular above and round below,
nearly equilateral, with minute radiating ribs cut by
transverse striae ; beaks rather elevated ; hinge teeth
arched, large, diminishing only at the anterior and pos
terior parts of the row ; cicatrices impressed ; cavity of
the shell shallow ; marginal teeth small and square.

Diam. .2, Length .4, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This diminutive species resembles in
some of its characters, the Broderipii, but differs from it
entirely in the dorsal line and the marginal teeth.

P. deltoideus. Plate 3. Fig. 55.

Description. Shell subtriangular, inequilateral, more
rounded before, acutely angular at the beak, with minute
longitudinal ribs cut by transverse strise ; beaks elevated,
pointed ; hinge teeth smaller in the centre ; cicatrices
impressed ; cavity of the shell shallow ; marginal teeth
rather large and square.

Diam, 5-20ths, Length .4, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. Closely allied to the P. minor) this species
resembles it in nearly all its characters. It differs in out
line, and more particularly in the angle of the dorsal mar-

78 CONTRIBUTIONS

gin. The anterior part is sometimes entirely straight from
the beak to the anterior basal margin.

P. ellipsis. Plate 3. Fig. 56.

Description. Shell transversely elliptical, compressed,
inequilateral, concentrically and minutely striate, with
small longitudinal rugose ribs, more strongly marked on
the posterior and anterior parts ; beaks rather elevated, re
curved ; hinge teeth very small, numerous and scarcely
interrupted in the middle ; cicatrices impressed ; cavity of
the shell shallow ; margin entire.

Diam. .2, Length 7-20ths, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. In some of its characters the ellipsis close
ly resembles the minor, but is eminently distinguished by
the absence of marginal crenulations. It is more transverse
and has smaller dorsal teeth. Immediately under the beak
is a fosset-like impression, which may have been the seat
of the ligament. In this it has some resemblance to the
nucula; but is placed above the arched row of teeth.

P. obliqua. Plate 3. Fig. 57.

Description. Shell oblique, somewhat inflated, very in
equilateral, straight at dorsal margin, with minute longitu
dinal ribs, concentrically folded ; folds beautifully sculp
tured ; beaks rather elevated, pointed ; hinge teeth few,
small, placed on nearly a straight plate, smaller in the
middle ; cicatrices slightly impressed ; cavity of the shell

TO GEOLOGY. 79

rather deep ; marginal teeth small on the basal margin-
larger anteriorly and posteriorly.

Diam. .2, Length 7-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This very curious and interesting species
is remarkable for its obliquity and the sculptured grooves of
its folds. At first sight it might be mistaken for the genus
Lima. The seat of the ligament is impressed, and forms a
small pit immediately below the point of the beak.

The genus Pectunculus has been found in England as low
in the series as the Great Oolite and as high as the Crag.
Mr Sowerby describes five in the London Clay. In the
Tertiary Tables of M. Deshayes, we find twenty-seven
species almost equally distributed over the three periods —
there being thirteen species in the Pliocene, eighteen in
the Miocene, and nineteen in the Eocene. In the Green
Sand of New Jersey, Dr Morton has obtained casts of
this genus. In the Tertiary of Maryland Mr Say has
observed one species. Mr Conrad has described three spe
cies from the Tertiary of Claiborne and observed one other,
the pulvinatus of Lamarck, near York Town, Virginia.

GENUS NUCULA. Lamarck.

JV. Sedgewickii. Plate 3. Fig. 58.

Description. Shell ovately elliptical, oblique, subangular
behind, inflated, very inequilateral, smooth ; swollen over

80 CONTRIBUTIONS

the umbones ; substance of the shell thick ; lunule none ;
beaks elevated, recurved; anterior series of teeth short —
posterior series long ; fosset small and oblique ; cavity of
the shell rather deep ; margin very minutely crenulate ;
nacre very pearly.
Diam. .4, Length .6, Breadth .8, of an inch.

Observations. Resembles Gobboldice and Icevigata (Sow-
erby) . It differs from the first in being smooth — from the last
in not being truncate, and from both in having a crenulated
margin. It has perhaps a stronger resemblance to the mar-
garitacea of Lamarck, a recent European species, and the
only recent one known to be crenulate. That distinguished
naturalist says it is found fossil in various parts of France.
It appears to me that our shell differs in being more
robust, more transverse, and having less pointed teeth.

In fine specimens of the Sedgewickii, with the aid of the
microscope, minute diverging lines may be observed.

In attaching the name of a distinguished geologist to
this species, I must make my acknowledgements for the
instruction and pleasure derived from his eminently useful
labours.

JV*. ovula. Plate 3. Fig. 59.

Description. Shell ovate, oblique, inflated, very inequi
lateral, transversely striate, longitudinally and very mi
nutely ribbed ; substance of the shell thin ; lunule large,
not deeply impressed ; beaks pointed, recurved ; anterior
series of teeth short — posterior series long ; fosset nearly

TO GEOLOGY. 81

direct; cavity of the shell deep; margin very minutely
crenulate ; nacre pearly.

Diam. .3, Length .4, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species in general ap
pearance resembles the Sedgewickii, but differs in being
more ovate and in having a lunule. Of the species de
scribed by Mr Sowerby, it approaches most closely to the
variabiliS) but differs in not being smooth outside, and in
having a crenulated margin.

JV. pectuncularis. Plate 3. Fig. 60.

Description. Shell trapezoidal, compressed, nearly equi
lateral, angular before, rounded behind, flattened on the
sides, straight at basal margin, longitudinally and minute
ly ribbed ; anterior slope large, carinate ; substance of the
shell thin ; beaks recurved, pointed ; both series of teeth
small and nearly equal, the posterior one rather the smaller ;
fosset on the plate and immediately under the beak, ob
lique ; cavity of the shell shallow ; margin entire ; nacre
apparently not pearly.

Diam Length .1, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only of this truly inter
esting little nucula has been obtained by me. It differs
in outline from any species I am acquainted with, its
trapezoidal form being very peculiar. At first sight, on
examination of the teeth, I took it to be a Pectunculus,
but a further examination with the microscope showed me
the fosset for the ligament, between the two series of
L

CONTRIBUTIONS

teeth. It has a distinct fosset, but unlike the genus
generally in this, it is placed above the teeth, and directly
at the point of the beak. We may, with great propriety,
consider this to be the connecting link with the Pectunculi,
the "nuance" being into that of the P. ellipsis (nobis).
A more complete junction could scarcely be established.

JV*. BrogniartL* Plate 3. Fig. 61.

Description. Shell elliptically transverse, somewhat in
flated, rounded before, produced and truncate behind,
nearly equilateral, furnished with sinuous transverse folds
over the disk, and six granose ribs behind, which passing
from the beaks to the posterior margin form two channels
on each valve ; substance of the shell thick ; lunule lan
ceolate ; escutcheon inflected, lanceolate ; beaks small,
pointed, concentrically folded ; anterior series of teeth
arched — posterior series inflected ; teeth pointed, angular,
diminishing in size towards the beak ; fosset deep, trian
gular ; cicatrices impressed ; excavation of the palleal
impression small and rounded ; cavity of the shell rather
shallow, furnished posteriorly with two channels on each
valve ; margin very minutely crenulate ; nacre not pearly.

Diam. .3, Length .4, Breadth .8, of an inch.

Observations. Among all the nuculce I have not seen so
beautiful a species as this ; its fine form and adorned exte
rior are very remarkable. The folds are larger before the

> Named after the distinguished geologist Al. Brogniart.

TO GEOLOGV. 83

umbonial slope. As they approach the anterior margin
they become obsolete, but again increase, and are deflected
after passing an oblique impressed line, passing from the
beaks to the anterior basal margin. Posterior to the um-
bonial slope the folds are also there deflected, and become
smaller. In the furrows very minute transverse striae may
be observed. The lunule, escutcheon and furrows between
the ribs are slightly striate. The crenulation of the mar
gin is very minute, and can only be observed on very per
fect specimens.

JV. media. Plate 3. Fig. 62.

Description. Shell elliptically transverse, somewhat in
flated ; rounded before, produced and truncate behind, equi-
lateial, furnished with fine concentrical folds in the middle,
and three ribs on each valve behind ; anterior part smooth ;
substance of the shell thin; lunule none; beaks very small,
pointed ; anterior series of teeth arched — posterior series in
flected ; teeth small, pointed, angular, diminishing in size
towards the beak; fosset scarcely perceptible ; cicatrices ob
solete ; cavity of the shell rather shallow, having its channel
interrupted by a callus ; margin entire ; nacre not pearly.
Diam. .1, Length 3-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This beautiful little species in outline is like
the last described, but differs much in many of its charac
ters. The folds are minute and very remarkably regular.
Becoming obsolete as they approach the anterior margin,
they there vanish altogether as if erased by attrition.

84 CONTRIBUTIONS

These folds terminate posteriorly very abruptly at the first
rib, of which there are three on each valve, passing from
the beak to the posterior margin. The centre rib is the
largest, and disposed to be imbricate. A remarkable callus
is placed directly in the channel of the posterior part of the
cavity of the shell. It is disposed to be polished inside and
out.

JV. pulcherrima. Plate 3. Fig. 63.

Description. Shell an obtuse angled triangle, very trans
verse, compressed, nearly equilateral, concentrically folded;
folds rather sharp, on the umbonial slope inflected ; sub
stance of the shell thin ; beaks angular ; lunule lanceolate ;
escutcheon linear ; anterior and posterior series of teeth
both incurved ; teeth arched, diminishing in size towards
the beak ; fosset small, subtriangular ; cicatrices impercep
tible ; cavity of the shell very shallow, showing the exte
rior folds and carina of the unbonial slope; margin entire ;
nacre not pearly.

Diam Length .1, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only, the right one of this
interesting little species, has come into my possession. The
deep folds which cover the whole valve, and its angular
form highly distinguish it from any described species with
which I am acquainted.

TO GEOLOGY. 85

JV. plicata. Plate 3. Fig. 64.

Description. Shell elliptically transverse, rather com
pressed, inequilateral, concentrically and minutely folded,
rounded before, produced and truncate behind, furnished on
the posterior slope with six ribs — on the anterior part with
two curved furrows ; substance of the shell thin ; lunule
lanceolate ; escutcheon long, lanceolate ; anterior series of
teeth arched, posterior series incurved ; teeth angular, di
minishing in size towards the beak; fosset small, angular ;
cicatrices imperceptible ; cavity of the shell very shallow,
having its channel interrupted by a callus ; margin entire ;
nacre not pearly.

Diara. .1, Length .2, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This species resembles in outline the
Brogniarti and media. It differs from the first essentially in
the closeness and regularity of the folds, and from the last
in having the folds to continue over its anterior portion.
It differs from both in the position of its beaks, which are
placed so much towards the anterior part as to render the
shell very inequilateral. The ribs too are more sharp.
The furrow on the anterior part of the valve of this species
is not found in either of the above described species.

This fine genus seems to pervade nearly all the import
ant formations, from the Carboniferous Limestone to the
newest of the Supercretacious Group The JV. Palmos*

* Sowerby's Min, Conch, vol. 5,

86 CONTRIBUTIONS

exists in Derbyshire in the first mentioned formation, and
twenty-seven others in the superior beds of England. Five
of these are from the London Clay. M. Deshayes gives
us twenty-three from the Tertiary of Europe. Six of these
are from the Paris basin. Mr Say describes two species,
the Ittvis and concentrica from the Tertiary of Maryland,
and Mr Conrad two from the Tertiary of Claiborne.

ORDER CONCHIFERA UNIMUSCU-
LOSA.

FAMILY MALLACEA.

GENUS AVICULA. Lamarck.

Jl. Claibornensis. Plate 3. Fig. 65.

Description. Shell thin, thickened along the dorsal
margin, acutely angular before ; beaks small, pointed ;
teeth small and placed near the anterior margin ; wings
very oblique ; nacre very pearly.

Diam Length .... Breadth ....

Observations. Several fragments and one nearly com
plete valve only were received by me. From these, I am
unable to identify it with any other species. It differs
from the Jl. media (Sowerby), in being more oblique and

TO GEOLOGY. 87

having a smaller hinge. One of trie fractured pieces
seems to have a wider hinge, and may prove to be of a
different species.

About seventeen species have been found fossil in
Great Britain. The lowest stratum being that of the
Magnesian Limestone (Zechstein) — the highest that of
the London Clay, where the media only has been observ
ed. Mr Mantell mentions a species (not determined) in
the Chalk of Sussex. M. Deshayes gives us five species
only, for the two genera Jlvicula and tMeleagrina, four of
which he cites from the London Clay. Why he should
not notice the numerous species of Sowerby and Phillips
I cannot imagine. I am not aware of any species having
been heretofore observed in our formation. Dr Morton
mentions his having observed casts in the Green Sand
of New Jersey.

FAMILY PECTINIDA.

GENUS PECTEN. Lamarck.

P. Deshaysii* Plate 3, Fig. 66.

Description. Shell orbicular, rather compressed ; ears
nearly equal ; substance of the shell rather thick ; ribs

Named after the distinguished fossil conchologist M. Deshayes,

88 CONTRIBUTIONS

about twenty-one, large, alternating witli as many small
ones, all imbricate ; beaks pointed.

Diam Length 1.3, Breadth 1.3, of an inch.

Observations. I know no species which this resembles
so much as the gracilis (Sowerby), from the Crag at Holy-
wells. It differs in having rather large ribs instead of
" many small longitudinal ridges."

P. Lyelli* Plate 3. Fig. 67.

Description. Shell longitudinal, rounded below, angular
above, compressed ; ears very unequal, having a channel
on the larger one ; substance of the shell thin ; ribs about
twenty-two, rounded, slightly imbricate ; beaks acutely
angular.
Diam Length ,8, Breadth .7, of an inch.

Observations. This species differs from the last described
in being more elongated, in having very unequal wings, in
having a channel on one wing, and in having no alter
nate ribs. A single small valve accompanied this species,
which appears to be different, the ears being not quite so
unequal ; further specimens may prove it to be worthy of
a specific distinction. If so, I propose the name of mi-
nutus.

* Named after the eminently distinguished geologist Charles Lyell.

TO GEOLOGY. 89

Forty-nine species of this genus have been observed in
the strata of Great Britain, from the Carboniferous Lime
stone to the Crag — three only in the London Clay. Many
are described from the Continent, by Nilsson, Heeninghaus,
&c. as existing in the Cretaceous Group. M.M. Brogniart
and Defrance have described some from the environs of
Paris, where they have been found in the Supercretaceous
rocks. M. Deshayes gives us sixty for the Tertiary.
Twenty-six are from the Pliocene of Sicily and the Sub-
appennines, and ten from the Paris basin. In the Green
Sand of New Jersey and Delaware, Dr Morton has ob
served two or three species. Mr Say, from the Tertiary
of Maryland, has described four.

GENUS PLICATULA. Lamarck,
P. Mantilli* Plate 3. Fisr- 68.

Description. Shell oblongo-trigonal, irregular, compress
ed, ribbed, transversely imbricate, furnished with external
and internal ribs, the latter most numerous ; substance of
the shell thick ; teeth striate ; cicatrix round.

Diam. .3, Length .7, Breadth .8, of an inch.

Observations. This species, as sometimes among the
recent ones, is so irregular in outline as to present almost
all the forms between the circle and triangle. It is dis
posed to be angular above and round below. The small

* Named after the author of the <( Geology of Sussex."
M

90 CONTRIBUTIONS

internal ribs radiate from the beak, and are more numer
ous, and independent of the external ones, which vary in
number from six to twelve. These internal ribs are dis
posed to terminate, in the left valve with a tubercle — in the
right with a corresponding1 depression. In young indivi
duals the valves are thin. In all my specimens, the cicatrix
differs in colour from the rest of the disk, being whitish.

Three species only of Plicatula have been observed in
Great Britain, the highest of these in the Chalk Marl
(Crai Tufau), being of the Cretaceous Group. Lamarck
describes six. In M. Deshayes's Tertiary Tables we find
seven, three being from the Paris basin. Mr Say has from
the Tertiary of Maryland described one species, marginata.

FAMILY OSTRACEA.

GENUS OSTREA. Linnceus.
O. semilunata. Plate 3. Fig. 69.

Description. Shell semi-lunate, anterior margin much
incurved ; superior valve incurved — inferior one very con
vex ; beaks produced, rounded and flattened ; basal mar
gin rounded.
Diam- -8> Length 2.3, Breadth 1.6, of an inch.

TO GEOLOGY. 91

Observations. A single specimen (both valves) only
has come into my possession. Being somewhat worn, it
is difficult to say if the species be squamose or smooth.
The superior valve seems to be concentrically striate. On
the posterior edge of the upper valve there are a few
wrinkles.

O. divaricata. Plate 3. Fig. 70.

Description. Shell semi-lunate, somewhat convex, sub-
angular at dorsal margin and recurved, rounded at basal
margin, furnished with divaricate ribs over the whole sur
face ; margin crenulate, raised before the beak.

Diam Length 1.5, Breadth .8, of an inch.

Observations. Like the last, it is difficult to make out
the characters from a single specimen. It has some re
semblance to the O. costata (Sowerby), but is a larger shell
and not orbicular.

O. Jllabamiensis. Plate 3. Fig. 71.

Two Views.

Description. Shell subelliptical, curved behind, crenu
late on both sides of the beak ; beaks recurved, pointed.

Diam Length 2.1, Breadth 1.5, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only of this species has
been received by me. The exterior of this is roughly
squamose.

92 CONTRIBUTIONS

O. lingua canis. Plate 3. Fig. 72.

Two Views.

Description. Shell elliptical, elevated and somewhat
truncate at the dorsal and basal margins, convex, crenu-
late on both sides of the beaks ; margin raised between
the beak and the base.
Diam Length 1.8, Breadth 1.1, of an inch.

Observations. A single valve only of this curious species
has come into my possession, and it is difficult to make
out all its characters with certainty from it. The other
valve may present important ones. The form of this
valve, owing to the raised margin, resembles a dog's tongue.
On the exterior, along the edge of this elevated part, there
is a slight fold, apparently as if it had been pushed up in
a soft state. Very small radiating striae may be perceived
near the beaks, and the whole surface is irregularly vari
cose.

O. pincerna. Plate 3. Fig. 73.

Two Views.

Description. Shell orbicular, convex, flattened at the
beaks, irregularly wrinkled ; substance of the shell thin,
diaphanous ; beaks bent downwards ; margin sharp.
Diam Length .6, Breadth .6, of an inch.

Observations. Although I have two valves and several
pieces of this curious little shell, it is difficult to make out

TO GEOLOGY. 93

its permanent characters. It is disposed to be cup-like, thin,
diaphanous and wrinkled, but this is not always the case.
In the two whole valves the beaks bend down immediately
from the margin and make no channel.

The genus Ostrea is widely distributed through the foss-
iliferous strata. In Great Britain thirty-six species have
been observed from the Lias to the Crag. Lamarck has
described thirty-eight species from various beds and locali
ties. Professor Sedgewick mentions one (species not
determined) in the Zechstein of Northumberland. We
have in M. Deshayes's Tertiary Tables seventy-two spe
cies, forty-two of which are from the Paris basin (Eocene
period).

In the Green Sand of New Jersey and Delaware,
Dr Morton has observed four or five species. From the
Tertiary of Maryland Mr Say has described the compressi-
rostra, and Mr Conrad has there observed the virginica
(Lamarck). Mr Conrad has described three species from
South Carolina and Alabama, and has noticed the virgi
nica at Suffolk, Virginia.

94 CONTRIBUTIONS

CLASS MOLLUSCA.

ORDER GASTEROPODA.

FAMILY CALYPTRACIANA.

GENUS FISSURELLA. Lamarck.

F. Claibornensis. Plate 3. Fig. 74.

Description. Shell elliptical, on the back convexly
conical, thin ; ribs numerous, cut by striae, at the sections
enlarged ; fissure rather large, oblong, inclined ; margin
minutely crenulate.

Long. diam. .4, Transv. diam. .3, Height .2, of an inch.

Observations. One specimen and a fragment are all I
have seen from this locality. It has some resemblance to
F. grwca (Lamarck), but is more elevated, has smaller ribs,
and is not ovate, but elliptical. It differs, too, in the crenu-
lation of the margin, those of the grwca being in pairs.

TO GEOLOGY. 95

Two species only of this genus seem to have been ob
served in England, neither of which belongs to the London
Clay. The clathrata has been found in the Great Oolite —
the grccca in the Crag. In the Tertiary Tables of M. Des-
hayes we have eight species, four of which are from the
Paris basin. From the Maryland deposit we have two
species, jP. redimicula (Say), and F. grceca (Lamarck),
specimens of both of which may be seen in the Academy
of Natural Sciences. Of the grwca being the anologue of
t le West India species I have great doubt.

GENUS HIPPONIX. Defiance and Blainmlle.

H. pygmwa. Plate 3. Fig. 75.

Description. Shell subrotund, obliquely conical, closely
ribbed ; apex straight, pointed ; cicatrices impressed ; mar
gin entire.

Long. diam. .2, Transv. diam. 3-20ths, Height nearly .1 , of an inch.

Figure magnified.

Observations. This interesting little shell has a strong
resemblance in form to H. cornucopia (Defrance and Blain-
ville), Pileopsis cornucopia (Lamarck). I have determined
to place it in that genus in consequence of its possessing
the horse shoe shaped cicatrix mentioned by Blainville,*
although I have not seen it attached to any support.

* Manuel de Malacologie, &c. p. 507,

96 CONTRIBUTIONS

Sowerby mentions two species of the genus Pileopsis,
from which this is separated, as being found in the Moun
tain Limestone ; and Man tell one species from the Lower
Green Sand of Sussex. These are, I believe, all which
have been observed in Great Britain. M. Def ranee men
tions five fossile species of the genus Hipponix. M. Des-
hayes gives us twelve species of Hipponix in his Tertiary
Tables — of these, eight are from Paris, nearly the whole
being found in the Eocene period. It has not, I believe,
been before noticed in this country. This genus was founded
by M. Defiance from the examination of the animal brought
by M.M. Quoy and Gamard, which proved to differ from
that of the Pileopsis (Lamarck).* Schumacher, in 1817,
separated the group from the Linnean Patella, and made
P. ungarica the type of a new genus under the name
Jlmalthea.

GENUS INFUNDIBULUM. Montfort.

/. trochiformis Plate 3. Fig. 76.

Description. Shell orbicular, obtusely conical, slightly
tuberculated ; substance of the shell thin ; whorls all ob
scure except the first.
Diam. .3, Height 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Branders's figures of Trochus aperlus (In.
tuberculatum, Sowerby), and T. opercularis^ resemble this

* Manuel de Malacologie, &c. p. 507.
t Hampshire Fossils, plate 1. fig. I, 2, 3.

TO GEOLOGY. 97

species. It appears, however, to be a thinner shell than
either, and to be less tuberculated. These tubercles are
disposed to be spinous and open at the top ; and in some
specimens are obsolete.

Of this genus, six species have been observed in the
Tertiary strata of England. One in the Plastic Clay,
three in the London Clay, and two in the Crag. M. Des-
hayes does not recognise the genus. In this country, it
has not, I believe, before been observed in a fossil state.

GENUS CREPIDULA. Lamarck.

C. cornu-arietes. Plate 3. Fig. 77.

Description. Shell elliptical, very convex, longitudinally
curved ; substance of the shell rather thick ; diaphragm
rather large and somewhat thick ; beak elevated, produced,
curved outwards and backwards ; margin oblique, the ele
vated side being on that of the beak.

Long. diam. 1.5, Transv. diam. .7, Height .6, of an inch.

C. lirata? Conrad.

Observations. This fine species differs much from any
recent or fossil one with which I am acquainted. Its ob
lique margin, and its elevated, produced beak resembling
the prow of a Roman galley, eminently distinguish it. It
differs from C. costata (Morton), in being more elliptical,
convex and produced in the beaks.

N

98 CONTRIBUTIONS

I am not aware of this genus having been found in
a fossil state in Great Britain. M. Deshayes gives us three
for the Tertiary on the continent. Dr Morton has observed
one, C. costata, in the Tertiary of St Mary's, Maryland,
and Mr Conrad obtained two in the Upper Marine Forma
tion of Maryland, viz. the convexa and glauca, both of
which Mr Say obtained in a living state on our coast.
Mr Conrad has also described a species, the lirata, from
Claiborne.

FAMILY BULL^EANA.

GENUS BULLA. Linnaus.

B. St Hillairii* Plate 4. Fig. 78.

Description. Shell cylindrical, transversely striate ; sub
stance of the shell rather thick ; spire truncate and umbi-
licate ; whorls somewhat compressed in the middle ; co-
lumella thickened at the base ; mouth linear, wider at the
base ; outer lip sharp.

Length .7, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This species resembles the figure of Sow-
erby's constricta.] Ours is wider at the base, and the base

* Named after the enlightened traveller and naturalist Geoffrey St
Hillaire.

f Min. Conch, plate 464, fig. 2.

TO GEOLOGY. 99

of ihe columella, where it is disposed to put on an obscure
fold, is thicker.

Eight species have been observed in England. One in
the Coral Rag, five in the London Clay, and two in the
C ;ag. M. Deshayes gives twenty-three in his Tertiary
Tables — fourteen are from the Paris basin.

In the Green Sand Formation of Jersey, Dr Morton
thinks he has observed casts of the Bulla. In the Tertiary
of Maryland, Mr Conrad has obtained one species, Bulla
acuminata (Sowerby).

FAMILY MELANIANA.

GENUS PASITHEA. (nobis.)

Description. Shell turrited, sometimes umbilicate ;
mouth entire, angular above, somewhat effuse at base ;
columella smooth, thickened.

Observations. The mouth of the shells in the genus pro
posed above has a strong resemblance to the genus J\fela-
nia.* It is, however, less effuse at the base, straighter and

* The distinguished geologist, M. Brogniart, in his " Terrains du Vi-
centin," page 58, describes three species of Melania, two of which might
with propriety be placed in the genus Pasithca, He makes the following

100 CONTRIBUTIONS

more angular above. Were it not a marine shell, there
might be some doubt of the propriety of a separation.
This group might be placed in the genus Rissoa, if it were
not that the mouth is acutely angular above, and is not
thickened into a varix, as that genus is. Captain Brown,
in his " Illustrations of the Conchology of Great Britain
and Ireland," establishes a genus (Pyramis), which this
perhaps more closely resembles, but judging by the figures
(there are no descriptions) I believe there is a generic
difference. *

P. secale. Plate 4. Fig. 79.

Description. Shell subulate, smooth ; substance of the
shell thin ; apex acute ; suture linear ; whorls eight, flat
tened ; mouth acutely angular above — rounded below, one

introductory remarks. " On sait que ce genre artificiel renferme un
grand nombre d'especes heterogenes, differentes par la forme generale,
par les habitudes, et meme par le caractere artificiel, tire de la forme de
1'ouverture. C'est done pour me conformer a ce que a ete fait," &c.

* Some time after the observation and note were made upon this genus,
I observed in M. Payraudeau's excellent work on the recent shells of
Corsica, the description and figure of the Mclania Cambessedesii, No. 234 ,
which naturally belongs to the genus Pasithea. He says, "j'aurais pti
creer un genre nouveau pour cette espece qui n'est point, comme le«
vraies Melanies, une coquille fluviatile, mais marine." After some fur
ther observations, he proposes to make a division of the genus Melania
for these marine species. I believe it is now universally conceded, that
there would be an impropriety in placing in the same genus those ani
mals whose habits lead them to breathe salt water with those which
breathe fresh water or air alone. When the animal is so organized as to
be capable indifferently of breathing both, ns in the migratory fishes, it is
a very different matter.

/ T

I
f

*

TO GEOLOGY. 101

third the length of the shell ; columella smooth, somewhat
thickened at base ; outer lip edged.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. In this species, which is the largest of
those I have noticed, the inner lip is less thickened than
those which follow.

P. notata. Plate 4. Fig. 80.

Description. Shell subulate, highly polished ; substance
of the shell rather thick ; apex acute ; suture very small ;
whorls eleven, very flat, each one being marked with an
impressed oblique line of growth ; mouth small, acutely
angular above, about one fifth the length of the shell; colu
mella somewhat thickened at the base ; outer lip somewhat
arched, with an obtuse edge.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species is more attenu
ate than the preceding, and is remarkable for the slightly
oblique lines of growth in each whorl, and which recede
spirally from the mouth to the apex.

P. lugubris. Plate 4. Fig. 81.

Description. Shell rather subulate, polished ; substance
of the shell rather thin ; apex rounded ; suture linear ;
whorls seven, flattened; mouth subovate, about one fifth the
length of the shell ; columella slightly recurved at base ;
margin thickened all round.

Length 3-20ths, Breadth l-30th, of an inch.

102 CONTRIBUTIONS

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This minute species resembles P. notata
above described, but has not the marks of growth. It is a
smaller species, and the whorls are not quite so flat.

P. aciculata. Plate 4. Fig. 82.

Description. Shell acicular, highly polished ; substance
of the shell thin ; apex very acute ; suture linear, very mi
nute ; whorls nine, flattened ; mouth elongate, acutely an
gular above — obtusely angular below, about one fourth the
length of the shell ; columella slightly thickened ; outer
lip edged.

Length 3-20ths, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This is the most attenuate of the genus,
so far as my observations have extended, and is an interest
ing minute species, remarkable for its high polish and
delicate form.

P. striata. Plate 4. Fig. 83.

Description. Shell conical, transversely striate ; sub
stance of the shell thin ; apex rather acute ; suture im
pressed; whorls eight, rounded; mouth subovate, about one
fourth the length of the shell ; columela flattened at the
base.

Length 4-20ths, Breadth nearly .1, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

TO GEOLOGY. 103

Observations. This species differs from those which pre
cede it, in having transverse stria}. The whorls are inflated,
while the others are flat.

P. sulcata. Plate 4. Fig". 84.

Description. Shell conical, largely and transversely sul-
cate above ; substance of the shell thin ; apex obtuse ; suture
furrowed ; whorls five, flattened ; mouth subelliptical, one
third the length of the shell ; columella flattened at the
base ; margin thickened above.

Length .1 , Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. A very minute species, remarkable for its
large furrows, which become obsolete on the lower part of
the whorls. It differs from striata in being less elevated,
as well as in having furrows.

P. umbilicata. Plate 4. Fig. 85.

Description. Shell elevated above, rounded below, sub-
carinate, polished; substance of the shell thin; apex acute ;
suture linear; umbilicus large; whorls nine, flattened;
mouth subovate, acutely angular above, one fifth the length
of the shell ; columella incurved at base ; margin entire.
Length .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.
Observations. This smooth arid polished species differs
from the above in being umbilicate. Its umbilicus is wide,

104 CONTRIBUTIONS

with a large spiral groove. On some of the whorls the line
of growth may be indistinctly seen.

P. guttula. Plate 4. Fig. 86.

Description. Shell subovate, truncate at top, smooth ;
substance of the shell rather thin ; apex truncate ; suture
linear ; whorls four, flattened above ; mouth subovate,
acutely angular above, about two fifths the length of the
shell ; columella slightly incurved at base ; margin thick
ened on the superior part, closing up a small portion of the
mouth.

Length nearly .1, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. A single perfect specimen only of this
curious little species has been observed by me. It is close
ly allied to the Claibornensis, but differs in the mouth, in
the flatness of the whorls and the truncation of the apex.

P. Claibornensis. Plate 4. Fig. 87.

Description. Shell subovate, smooth ; substance of the
shell very thick ; apex obtuse ; suture impressed ; whorls
four, rounded ; mouth small, subangular above, one third
the length of the shell ; columella thickened ; margin
very much thickened on the superior part, closing up a
large portion of the mouth.

Length .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. A single specimen, the mouth of which

TO GEOLOGY. 105

is not perfect, is the only one which I have seen. It has
a short spire, but is most remarkable for its small and
almost round mouth, above which the margin is so much
thickened as to fill up a large portion of the arch. It is
more nearly allied to the guttula, than any other of the
genus.

FAMILY NERITACEA.

GENUS NATICA. Drapernaud.

JV. striata. Plate 4. Fig. 88.

Description. Shell obliquely elliptical, transversely and
closely striate ; substance of the shell rather thick ; spire
rather pointed ; columella smooth and thickened ; outer
lip sharp ; umbilicus small ; whorls four, depressed above,
rounded below ; mouth spread out, ovate, being two thirds
the length of the shell.

Length .7, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Sigaretus bilix ? Conrad.

Observations. This interesting species approaches in
form the genera Stomatella and Sigaretus*, but is not suf
ficiently depressed, to be placed with either of them. It
is disposed to be, like them, obliquely flattened in front. I

* M. de Blainville says it is evident that the Sigaretus and Stomatella
can only be separated by the interior nacre of the latter, which is pearly.
o

106 CONTRIBUTIONS

have two specimens of a fossil shell from France, so closely
resembling our species, that it might be doubted if there
be propriety in making ours a new species. It is, how
ever, a larger shell, and has little or no umbilicus. It
came to me without a name, and I cannot find a descrip
tion of it in any of the works to which I have access. It
has no doubt been described. It may be Natica sigare-
tina, quoted by M. Deshayes in his Tertiary Tables'? I
have also a recent species, which I do not know to be de
scribed, and which I think came from New Holland, so
like to these fossil species, that it would be difficult to dis
criminate between them, were it not in possession of a
much larger umbilicus. In the specimens of striata in my
cabinet, I observe much difference in the stria3. In some of
them, these striae are alternately larger and smaller; some
times they run two or three together ; in the latter case,
the surface might properly be said to be grooved. I do riot
consider these differences sufficient to create new species
unless accompanied by difference of form.

JV. parva. Plate 4. Fig. 89.

Description. Shell subfusiform, smooth ; substance of
the shell thin ; spire produced and pointed ; columella
thickened above ; outer lip sharp ; umbilicus small ;
whorls five, flattened above ; mouth semi-lunate, rather
more than half the length of the shell.

Length .4, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. The spire of this species is more pro
duced than any I know. The umbilicus is remarkably

TO GEOLOGY. 107

small. The thickest part of the columella being above,
there is no reflection over the umbilicus. The suture is
very small. It differs from the gibbosa (herein described),
in having the whorls more flattened above, and in having
a small umbilicus. It differs also in the callus.

JV. minor. Plate 4. Fig. 90.

Description. Shell sub-elliptical, smooth ; substance of
the shell thin; spire produced and rounded at apex; sutures
impressed; columella thickened and reflected about the
middle of the umbilicus ; umbilicus large ; whorls four,
rounded ; mouth semi-lunate, about two thirds the length
of the shell.
Length .3, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species somewhat resembles the
gibbosa but is very much smaller. It is remarkable
for its length and for the roundness of its whorls, in
which it has some resemblance to the Paludina. The
callous or thickened part of the columella is placed direct
ly in the middle of the umbilicus, and in this specimen,
the only one I have seen, there are two or three angular
impressions on the lower part of it. I have not mention
ed this character in the specific description, doubting if
it exists on all.

JV. minima. Plate 4. Fig. 91.

Description. Shell globose, smooth ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire flattened ; sutures impressed ; columella

108 CONTRIBUTIONS

thickened, the callus being reflected at the middle of the
umbilicus ; umbilicus large, grooved ; whorls four, round
ed ; mouth subovate, about three fourths the length of the
shell.
Length 5-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. In the roundness of the whorls it resem
bles the minor described above, but differs in being globose,
while that shell is more elliptical. It has also a much
smaller callus.

JV*. gibbosa. Plate 4. Fig. 92.

Description. Shell subovate, gibbous, smooth ; spire
rather produced ; substance of the shell thick ; callus
thick; umbilicus large ; whorls five ; mouth sub-elliptical.
Length 1.1, Breadth .9, of an inch.

Observations. I have received but a single specimen of
this species. It is rather more elongated than usual in
the Natictt. The upper part of the whorls being flattened
and the lower part being inflated, gives the shell a gibbous
appearance.

JV*. semilunata. Plate 4. Fig. 93.

Description. Shell subglobose, smooth ; substance of the
shell rather thin; spire slightly elevated; suture rather
impressed; columella but slightly thickened, the callus
being reflected at the middle of the umbilicus ; umbilicus
large and grooved; whorls five, inflated, slightly flattened

TO GEOLOGY. 109

below the suture ; mouth semi-lunate, about two thirds
the length of the shell.

Length .4, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

The figure is somewhat larger than nature.

Observations. This species resembles the minor above
described, but differs from it in being more globose, the
spire being much more depressed. The depression of the
superior part of the whorl also distinguishes it.

JV*. magno-umbilicata. Plate 4. Fig. 94.

Description. Shell subglobose, smooth ; substance of
the shell thin ; spire depressed, rounded ; suture small ;
columella very slightly thickened, the callus being small
and reflected above the middle of the umbilicus ; umbili
cus very wide, grooved ; whorls three, inflated, with lon
gitudinal folds on the superior part ; mouth semi-lunate,
nearly three fourths the length of the shell.

Length .2, Breadth nearly .2, of an inch.

Observations. A single specimen only of this species
has come under my examination. It most resembles the
minima (above described), but has a larger umbilicus. It
differs from all the species herein described, in having folds
radiating below the sutures.

JV*. mamma. Plate 4. Fig. 95.

Description. Shell subglobose, flattened below, smooth ;
substance of the shell thin ; spire rounded at the apex,

110 CONTRIBUTIONS

pointed ; suture very small ; columella much thickened
above ; outer lip sharp ; callus folding into the superior
part of the umbilicus ; umbilicus large ; whorls four,
rather depressed above and rounded below ; mouth ovate,
being about three fifths the length of the shell.

Length .5, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. Somewhat allied to gibbosa, but differs in
the form of the whorls and the length of the spire. The
last whorl of the mamma is so large that but a small por
tion of the superior whorls is visible.

The genus Natica is widely spread through the various
strata from the Inferior Oolite to the Crag in Great Britain,
where nearly twenty species have been observed. Twelve
of these have been found in and about the London Clay.
M. Deshayes mentions forty-one as being found in the
Tertiary period, being well distributed through the Plio
cene, Miocene and Eocene periods. In this country, Dr
Morton has found casts in the Cretaceous Group of New
Jersey, and four have been described by Messrs Say and
Conrad from the Tertiary of Maryland.

TO GEOLOGY. 11 I

FAMILY PLICACEA.

GENUS ACTEON.* Montfort.
A. punctatus. Plate 4. Fig. 96.

Description. Shell ovately conical, transversely and
closely furrowed ; furrows closely set with punctures ; sub
stance of the shell rather thick ; spire rather elevated,
pointed ; suture somewhat impressed ; columella with one
fold; whorls five; mouth narrow, about three fifths the length
of the shell ; outer lip thickened about the middle.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This beautiful little species is remarkable
for its graceful form and beautifully punctured furrows. It
is closely allied to the lineata (herein described). It dif
fers in being less conical, and in having larger punctures.
Only one specimen of these in my possession has the thick
ened lip. Of the remainder, one seems young, the other
broken. Sowerby's figure of A. JVoce, (Min. Conch, plate
374) has a strong resemblance to this species, but does
not seem to have the punctured furrows, or thickened out

UP.

* Tornatella (Lamarck).

CONTRIBUTIONS

A. lineatus. Plate 4. Fig. 97.

Description. Shell conical, transversely furrowed ; fur
rows closely set with minute punctures ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire elevated, pointed ; suture impressed ; colu-
mella with one fold ; whorls six ; mouth rather narrow,
about half the length of the shell ; outer lip crenate.
Length .3, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This very beautiful and interesting little
species closely resembles the last described, but is spe
cifically different. It has a still closer resemblance to a
species in my cabinet from the Paris basin, which I do not
know to be described. It is not, however, quite so elevated
as that specimen. It differs, also, in having one band or
space, without a furrow, on the superior part of the body
whorl, while the other has two such bands. In our spe
cies the superior whorls have but three furrows, that from
Paris has four. These characters may be found to differ in
other individuals. In outline it resembles the striatus
(Sowerby) (Min. Conch, vol. 5), but differs in many other
characters. The Jlcteon ovoides (Conrad), from the Ter
tiary of Maryland, is very similar to this in general form,
but does not appear to have any punctures in the furrows.
I have not, however, seen a good specimen of it.

TO GEOLOGY. 113

J2. elevatus. Plate 4. Fig. 98.

Description. Shell subulate, polished, furnished with a
single transverse furrow near the middle of the whorl ; sub
stance of the shell rather thick ; spire very much elevated ;
suture furrowed ; columella with one large and one small
fold ; whorls flattened above the medial furrow ; mouth ob
lique, subovate ; outer lip simple.

Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This interesting species differs from any
with which I am acquainted. The specimens I have been
able to examine (three) are all more or less broken. The
best one which is here figured is broken at the top, six
whorls only remaining. It most probably had about ten.
At first view of the mouth, the large fold only would be ob
served. More internally, and below it, a very minute one
may be seen with the aid of the miscroscope. In one speci
men this lower fold appears to be disposed to separate into
two — other individuals may show this character more
developed.

A. melanellus. Plate 4. Fig. 99.

Description. Shell subulate, smooth ; substance of the
shell rather thick ; spire elevated, pointed ; suture sharply
impressed ; columella with a single large fold ; whorls six,
flattened ; mouth ovate, outer lip simple.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

P

I 14 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This small species has some resemblance
to the last described, but differs in size, in the number of
folds, and in being without a furrow.

A. striatus. Plate 4. Fig. 100.

Description. Shell subulate, polished, minutely and
transversely striate ; substance of the shell rather thin ;
suture deep and sharp; columella with a single large fold ;
whorls , flattened.

Length .... Breadth .1, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. But a fragment of this species has come
under my observation, and the figure represents it with its
broken mouth and spire. There is enough of the remains
to distinguish it from those before described. It most re
sembles the last, but differs in being striate, and is appa
rently more attenuate in the spire, which I presume is very
acute.

*fl. pygmceus. Plate 4. Fig. 10L

Description. Shell subulate, smooth, polished ; substance
of the shell thin ; suture impressed ; spire elevated ; colu
mella with a single, rather small fold, whorls six, flattened ;
mouth ovate ; outer lip simple.

Length 3-20ths, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.
Observations, This diminutive species resembles most

TO GEOLOGY. 115

the last described, differing, however, in being less elevated
and without striae. It has some resemblance to Jl. mela-
noides (Conrad), but has no striae.

The genus Jlcteon has been observed in England, where
nine species have been described, as low as the Inferior
Oolite ; two are from the London Clay, and two from the
Crag. M. Deshayes's Tables give eleven from the Tertiary
period: being in all the three subdivided periods, Pliocene,
Miocene and Eocene. In the Tertiary of Maryland, at St
Mary's, Mr Conrad has observed two, ovoides and mela-
noides, described by him in vol. 6, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci.

FAMILY SCALARIANA.

GENUS SCALARIA. Lamarck.

S. planulata. Plate 4. Fig. 102.

Description. Shell conical, closely ribbed, minutely and
transversely striate between the ribs ; substance of the shell
thick ; spire rather elevated ; ribs about twelve, rounded ;

whorls , flattened, the last one only ribbed to the

middle ; mouth round.

Length .3, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Having only a single specimen of this
species, and that mutilated, I am unable to give its charac-

116 CONTRIBUTIONS

ters with certainty. The mouth and apex are destroyed.
The figure represents it in that state. It is flatter on the
whorls than usual in this genus. The inferior half of the
body whorl is not ribbed but transversely striate. It seems
closely allied to S. semicosta (Sowerby.)

S. carinata. Plate 4. Fig. 103.

Description. Shell conical, closely ribbed, carinate on the
inferior part of the last whorl ; substance of the shell thick ;
spire elevated, pointed ; ribs about twelve, lamelliform ;
whorls six, rounded; mouth round.

Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. All the specimens I have of this species
are more or less mutilated, the lip is not perfect in any one.
It differs from the above in having rounded whorls, in the
continuation of the ribs to the base, and in the sharpness of
those ribs. In the carina it resembles the lamellosa (La
marck), a recent species from our southern coasts. It is,
however, specifically different, being a smaller species and
more attenuated.

S. quinquefasciata.

Description. Two fragments of a species, for which I
propose this name, are in my cabinet. These display suffi
cient characters to distinguish it. Five rather depressed
bands are placed, transversely, on the middle of the whorls.
Between the ribs are transverse striae. The ribs are sixteen
in number and lamelliform. It is carinate below, with a

TO GEOLOGY. 117

small round mouth which is much thickened and reflected.
The ribs have some resemblance to the multistriata (Say),
a recent species of our southern coasts, but it certainly is not
the same species.

In England the Scalarm have not been found below
the London Clay. Five have been described from that
formation, and six from the Crag. The Tables of M.
Deshayes give twenty-two species from the three periods
of the Tertiary, which seem there to be nearly equally
distributed. In the Cretaceous Group of New Jersey, Dr
Morton discovered a fine species (annulata). Mr Conrad
mentions two as existing in the Tertiary of Maryland.

GENUS DELPH1NULA. Lamarck.

D. planet. Plate 4. Fig. 104.

Description. Shell subdiscoidal, carinate, beneath flat,
obsoletely and transversely striate, above rounded and
strongly striate ; substance of the shell rather thin ; spire
flattened ; suture widely furrowed ; umbilicus wide, cari
nate, striate ; whorls four ; mouth oblique, round within,
subangular at the outer edge.

Length .1, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This little species is remarkable for the
flatness of its inferior portion, for its carina3 and wide fur
rowed suture. Between the transverse striae and in the

118 CONTRIBUTIONS

furrow, smaller striae may be perceived. In the umbilicus
the striae on the inferior part of the whorl are longitudinal
— on the superior part transverse. The two carinae cause
the lip to be slightly angular.

D. depressa. Plate 4. Fig. 105.

Description. Shell sublenticular, polished, obsoletely
and transversely striate, substance of the shell thick ; spire
depressed ; suture slightly impressed ; umbilicus rather
small, thickened and wrinkled at the edge ; whorls three ;
mouth subelliptical.

Length nearly .1, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. Of this curious and interesting little
species, I have procured but a single specimen. Its
smoothness and general form are very unusual in this
genus. Its lenticular form causes the mouth to be some
what oval. A small portion only of the lip is perfect, and
it seems to be thickened and somewhat reflected.

De la Beche mentions an undetermined species as ex
isting in Yorkshire, as low down as the Oolitic Group.
Sowerby does not describe any, in his " Mineral Con-
chology." M. Deshayes, in his excellent Tables, gives
twelve for the Tertiary. There are eight in the Paris
basin, and five in the London basin.

I believe none have been heretofore observed in our de
posits.

TO GEOLOGY. 1 19

FAMILY TURBINACEA.

GENUS SOLARIUM. Lamarck.

S. bilineatum. Plate 4. Fig. 106.

Description. Shell sublenticular, rather elevated above
and flattened below, with a double line near the margin ;
substance of the shell rather thin ; suture with a double
impressed line ; umbilicus very wide, perspective, largely
crenate ; whorls five, sharply carinate ; mouth subtri-
angular.

Length .2, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A beautiful depressed species, remarka
bly flat on the inferior side. In a young specimen the
inferior side of the carina is somewhat crenate. Within
the umbilicus, beyond the crenulated edge, there is a
minute transverse line.

S. Henrici. Plate 4. Fig. 107.

Description. Shell lenticular, rather flattened at the
apex, with radiating wrinkles above and below, furrowed
on both sides of the carina which is slightly crenate ; sub
stance of the shell thin ; suture impressed ; umbilicus
very wide, perspective, crenate, deeply furrowed within ;
whorls four ; mouth triangular.

Length l-20th, Breadth .2, of an inch,

120 CONTRIBUTIONS

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. A single specimen of this pretty little
species was found in the sand of the box in which the
specimens came, by a young- conchologist of my family.
I promised him that it should be his species, should it
prove new, of which, on examination, I have no doubt.
The radiating striae are closer as well as longer, and more
numerous below than above.

S. ornatum. Plate 4. Fig. 108.

Description. Shell convex above, flattened below, fur
nished with many granular transverse lines, three of
which, on the superior part of the whorl, are larger than
the others, furrowed on both sides of the carina which is
crenulate, longitudinally striate ; substance of the shell
rather thick ; suture furrowed ; umbilicus very Avide, per
spective, beautifully crenate at the edge, furrowed within
and longitudinally striate ; whorls six ; mouth subor-
bicular.
Length .2, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This species is very like Branders's figure

»
of Turbo canaliculatum, and Sowerby's figure of the same

species, Solarium canaliculatum, plate 524. On compari
son, however, with a specimen from Hampshire, sent to me
under that name, I find them very different; the umbilicus
being much wider in the species from Claiborne, which is
also more carinate, and has smaller and more numerous
granulate lines.

TO GEOLOGY.

S. elegans. Plate 4. Fig. 109.

Description. Shell subdiscoidal, polished, transversely
striate above, with two or three granular transverse lines ;
substance of the shell thin ; spire flattened ; suture fur
rowed ; umbilicus wide, perspective, crenulate ; whorls
five ; mouth round.

Length 3-20ths, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. One of the specimens is so perfect as to
present coloured spots (oblique) on the whorl. It is with
much hesitation I place this and the two following species
in the genus Solarium. Their mouths are round, and
somewhat like that of the Delphinula and Turbo, but the
crenulate umbilicus seems to make it necessary to place
them in this genus. In the form of the mouth they re
semble the S. variegatwn (Lamarck), which is nearly
round. With that species they might form a natural group.

S. cancellatum. Plate 4. Fig. 1 1 0.

Description. Shell subconical, crossed by longitudinal
and transverse striae, which are thickened at the intersec
tion ; substance of the shell thin ; suture furrowed ; umbi
licus rather wide, crenate without, cancellate within, per
spective ; whorls four ; mouth suborbicular.

Length .1, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.
Observations. This beautiful little species has in its ge-

122 CONTRIBUTIONS

neral form most resemblance to the variegatum of Lamarck.
It is, however, a minute shell, and differs in most of its
minor characters.

S. granulatum. Plate 4. Fig. 111.

Description. Shell conical, flattened below, with seven
or eight transverse granulate lines, between which it is
furnished with oblique striae ; substance of the shell thick ;
suture furrowed ; umbilicus narrow, largely crenate with
out, striate within ; whorls five ; mouth nearly round, sub-
angular above ; outer lip crenate.

Length .2, Breadth ,2, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This truly beautiful little species resembles
more nearly a Turbo than either of the two last. The
roundness of its mouth and the elevation of its spire would
seem to forbid its being placed in the genus Solarium. Its
crenulate umbilicus, its granulations, and its crenulate lip
seem to make it necessary to place it here. It certainly
resembles S. variegatum, but is more conical and has not
so wide an umbilicus. I place it last of the genus, and it
may be considered the connecting link with the Turbones.

Sedgewick and Murchison, on the structure of the East
ern Alps, a most valuable memoir in the Geological Soci
ety's Transactions, vol. 3 of 2d series, plate 38, fig. 14,
represent a shell under the name of Turbo arenosus, which
certainly resembles our shell, but it is more elevated.

TO GEOLOGY. 123

The genus Solarium in England, where seven species
have been described, has been observed as low down in the
series as the Inferior Oolite. Mr Sowerby describes four
from the London Clay. M. Deshayes gives, in his Tables,
sixteen species from the Tertiary. Eight of these are from
the Eocene of the Paris basin, and six from the Pliocene of
the Subappennines. Mr Conrad has described a species
Jrom Claiborne, the elaboratum.

GENUS ORBIS. (nobis.)

Description. Shell orbicular, discoidal, umbilicate ;
mouth quadrangular ; umbilicus large, spiral ; all the
whorls on both sides visible ; columella none.

I have in vain endeavoured to place the shell on which
I propose to found the above genus, in some one already
established. It appears to me to differ so essentially in
having quadrangular whorls, and of course having the
mouth of that form, that I could not with propriety place
it in the genus Solarium which it most resembles. It has
some resemblance to the genus J\faclurite (Lesueur), but
differs in the plane of the sides and the mouth.

O. rotella. Plate 4. Fig. 112.

Description. Shell flat above and below, bicarinate ;
apex rather impressed ; substance of the shell very thin ;
suture linear ; umbilicus wide, perspective, carinate on

124 CONTRIBUTIONS

the edge ; whorls four, perfectly square ; mouth quadran
gular.
Length l-20th, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This curious and interesting little species
is the only perfectly flat shell I am acquainted with. The
Pleurotomarium tuberculosum of Defrance, as figured by
Blainville, has in its general form some resemblance to it.
Its sinus, its rounded mouth and somewhat convex spire,
render it impossible to confound even the genera.

GENUS PLANARIA.* Brown. (Madurite? Lesueur.)
P. nitens. Plate 4. Fig. 113.

Description. Shell discoidal, impressed above and below,
smooth and shining, diaphanous; substance of the shell
very thin and fragile; whorls three, convex; mouth lunate;
outer lip reflected.
Length less than l-20th, Breadth less than l-20tb , of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This very minute species is so fragile that
I have found it impossible to secure a perfect specimen. It
resembles closely the P. alba (Brown), but that shell has
not a reflected margin. I have found a single specimen
only with this part perfect enough to show this character

* Established by Capt. Thomas Brown of Edinburgh for some small
species found on the coast of Scotland.

TO GEOLOGY. 125

of its aperture. Lamarck's description of Planorbis nitidu-
lus gives the characters of this shell with the exception of
the reflected margin. If our shell were fresh water there
certainly would not be any necessity to remove it from the
genus Planorbis, unless the reflected margin should be
considered a character sufficiently distinctive. In -the
description of the Planorbis, Lamarck says " margine nun-
quam reflexo."

GENUS TURBO. Limceus.

T. naticoides. Plate 4. Fig. 114.

Description. Shell rather convex, smooth ; substance
of the shell thick ; suture linear ; umbilicus small ; whorls
four ; mouth very round ; outer lip edged.
Length .2, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This little species has somewhat the as
pect of a Natica. It seems to have no striking character
istic, but I cannot identify it with any described species,
One of the specimens is somewhat polished.

T.nitens. Plate 4. Fig. 115.

Description. Shell rather depressed above, flattened be
low, polished ; substance of the shell thick ; suture linear ;
umbilicus rather large and round ; whorls four ; mouth
suborbicular, outer lip edged, thickened at its superior junc
tion with the whorl.

Length 3-20ths. Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch,

126 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. Smaller than the above, this species has
some resemblance to it. It differs in being a flatter shell,
in being highly polished, and in having the outer lip thick
ened where it is in contact with the whorl. Immediately
below the umbilicus there is usually a slight impression on
the- lip.

T. lineata. Plate 4. Fig. 116.

Description. Shell rather depressed above, rounded be
low, nearly covered with transverse elevated lines, smooth
round the umbilicus ; substance of the shell thin ; suture
furrowed; umbilicus rather large, round; whorls four;
mouth round ; outer lip edged.
Length .1, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This minute species differs from the pre
ceding, in having transverse lines and a wide furrow
along the suture. The whorls are also more rounded.

The genus Turbo has been observed in Great Britain,
as low down as the Mountain Limestone, and through
nearly all the superincumbent strata to the Crag. Eigh
teen species are mentioned by Sowerby, Phillips and Bran-
der, two only being in the London Clay. M. Deshayes's
Tables give thirty-four for the Tertiary, sixteen being in
the Eocene of the Paris basin alone. In this country
there have not been before, that I am aware of, any of the
Turboncs noticed in our formations.

TO OEOLOGY. 127

GENUS TUBA, (nobis.)

Description. Shell conical, umbilicate ; whorls round
ed ; mouth round ; margin not united above ; columella
thickened and reflected at the base.

This genus is nearly allied to Turbo and to the Rissoa
of Freminville ; but not being able, with propriety, to
place it with either, I propose to constitute for it a new
genus. The reflected margin, which is disposed to be
effuse, has at the base some similarity to the Melanicc,
and therefore cannot be placed in the genus Turbo. It
cannot be placed in the genus Rissoa, being umbilicated.
In eight species of Rissoa, in my cabinet, all are thickened
round the margin, forming a varix. The Tuba has no
thickening of this kind, the margin being crenulate. The
Rissoa has an acute apex, while that of the Tuba is
almost truncate, the superior whorls being smooth and
gibbous. Mr Sowerby's Mineral Conchology, plate 395,
figures a shell (Turbo sculptus), which, I think, should
be placed in this genus. It is from the London Clay of
Barton. Of it, and the preceding one, he says, they "do
not agree precisely with the character of the genus Turbo
of Lamarck," and further, " they form a passage towards
Delphinula"

128 CONTRIBUTIONS

T. striata. Plate 4. Fig. 117.

Description. Shell elevated above, rounded below,
thickly covered with transverse striae cut by minute longi
tudinal striae ; substance of the shell rather thick ; apex
not acute ; suture impressed ; umbilicus very small ;
whorls six, inflated ; mouth nearly round, striate within,
one-third the length of the shell ; outer lip crenate.
Length 7-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A beautifully ornamented and certainly
very interesting shell. It is closely rilled with trans
verse rounded striae, having the appearance of cords, the
middle one of which is rather the largest. The cutting
striae are somewhat imbricate. Single specimens only of
this and the two following species have come into my pos
session. This species more strongly resembles the Turbo
sculptus of Sowerby, than the following species do.

T. alternate Plate 4. Fig. 118.

Description. Shell elevated above, rounded below, with
numerous transverse striae, alternately larger and smaller,
cut by fine longitudinal stria3 ; substance of the shell
rather thick ; apex not acute ; suture sharply impressed ;
umbilicus small ; whorls six, inflated ; mouth nearly
round, striate within, one third the length of the shell ;
outer lip crenate.

Length .3, Breadth .2, of an inch.

TO GEOLOGY. 129

Observations. This species is very closely allied to the
above, but may at once be distinguished by the transverse
striae which alternate in this. The longitudinal striae are
not so close, nor are they imbricate.

T. sukata. Plate 4. Fig. 119.

Description. Shell elevated above, rounded below,
with numerous transverse furrows, the two superior ones
being indistinct ; substance of the shell rather thin ; apex

not acute ; suture impressed ; umbilicus ; whorls

inflated; mouth .

Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This fragment resembles so closely the
two species above described, that I have with but lit
tle hesitation placed it in the same genus. It has
apparently lost only one whorl — seven remain. It is
rather more alternate than the preceding, and differs
entirely in being furrowed, and having no longitudinal
strise. Some of the parts being absent, I am neces
sarily compelled to make an unfinished description and
figure.

GENUS TURRITELLA. Lamarck.
T. carinata. Plate 4. Fig. 120.

Description. Shell turrited, transversely striate and ca-
rinate ; apex acute ; substance of the shell thick ; suture
R

130 CONTRIBUTIONS

impressed ; whorls concave, carinate on the inferior part ;
mouth suborbicular, effuse.

Length 1.3, Breadth 9-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Fragments of this species were obtained
quite large, together with some young ones more perfect.
Some of the specimens are much more striate and carinate
than others. It resembles in the superior part a species
sent me by Dr Grateloup from Dax, under the name of
strangulata (Grateloup). In the mouth it widely differs.

T. lineata. Plate 4. Fig. 121.

Description. Shell turrited, transversely and finely line-
ate ; substance of the shell thin ; apex acute ; suture fur
rowed ; whorls convex ; mouth subquadrangular.

Length .9, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. This finely lined and pretty species seems
to be much less abundant than the preceding, with which
it cannot easily be confounded, the whorls being convex.

This genus has been observed in Great Britain in nearly
all the formations from the Carboniferous Limestone to the
Alluvial. Five have been described in the London Clay,
and two in the Crag. M. Deshayes's Table of this genus
is very extensive, giving forty-five species (Tertiary).
Seventeen are from Paris, and nineteen from Italy (Subap-
pennines) being of the Pliocene Period. In the Cretaceous
Group of New Jersey and Delaware, Dr Morton has observed

TO GEOLOGY. 131

casts. Three species are described by Say and Conrad
from the Miocene of Maryland.

FAMILY CANALIFERA.

GENUS CERITHIUM? Bruguiere.
C. striatum. Plate 4. Fig. 122.

Description. Shell turrited, transversely and finely stri-
ate ; substance of the shell rather thin ; apex acute ; suture
not deeply impressed; whorls about thirteen, rather con
vex; colurnella reflected; mouth subquadrangular, effuse
at base.

Length 1.3, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. The striae of this species have a strong si
milarity to that of the Turritella lineata above described, but
the sutures are different. In most specimens numerous lon
gitudinal flexed folds may be observed.

I am by no means satisfied in placing this shell among
the Cerithia. It has a stronger resemblance in the mouth to
the genus Melania, but being a marine shell cannot with
propriety be placed in that genus. Blainville figures a shell
(plate 21, bis. fig. 2), under the name of Potamides fragilis,
which certainly ought to belong to the same genus with this,
the mouth being very nearly the same. Until more species
shall be obtained, I have forborne to create for it a new
genus. More decisive characters may then be observed,

132 CONTRIBUTIONS

which will designate with certainty the genus. I would
further remark, that there have been no Cerithia yet found
in the beds of this locality, although they abound in Eng
land, and on the continent, in the Tertiary, from which for
mation M. Deshayes gives two hundred and twenty species.
In the Paris basin alone there are one hundred and thirty-
seven species. That there should not yet have been a
single true Cerithium observed in the bed at Claiborne is
certainly a curious and interesting fact.

GENUS PLEUROTOMA. Lamarck.

P. ccelata. Plate 4. Fig. 123.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, carinate, longitu
dinally folded, covered transversely with minute striae;
substance of the shell thick ; apex acute ; whorls eight,
subcanaliculate above; mouth narrow, nearly half the
length of the shell.

Length .8, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This species is remarkable for its fine
transverse striee, which resemble the finest engraving.

P. Lonsdalii* Plate 4. Fig. 124.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, longitudinally
folded, transversely and faintly striate, substance of the

* Named after the intelligent and efficient curator of the Geological
Society of London.

TO GEOLOGY. 133

shell thin; spire elevated and acute at apex; whorls ten,
with an elevated band below the suture; mouth rather
narrow, about one third the length of the shell.

Length .5, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A pretty little species, and may be distin
guished by its elevated spire, and the band which surrounds
the whorls below the suture.

P. Sayi* Plate 4. Fig. 125.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, longitudinally and
thickly folded, transversely and strongly striate ; substance
of the shell rather thin; spire elevated, pointed at the apex;
whorls eight, subcanaliculate above; mouth rather narrow,
about one third the length of the shell.

Length .5, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species very closely resembles the
last described, but may be distinguished by its more
numerous folds and strongei striae, which are disposed to
be larger and smaller alternately. It has a strong resem
blance to the species figured by Sowerby under the name
of P. comma, f

P. monilifera. Plate 4. Fig. 126.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, transversely stri
ate, furnished with a larger and smaller row of tuber-

* Named after the distinguished naturalist Thomas Say.
t Min. Conch, plate 140, fig. 5.

134 CONTRIBUTIONS

cles; substance of the shell thin; spire elevated, pointed at
the apex; whorls nine; mouth two fifths the length of the
shell.
Length .6, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species differs from the last described,
in having a double row of tubercles, and in the mouth
being rather longer. It has a very close resemblance to
the P. semicolon (Sowerby).*

P. Baumontii.-\ Plate 4. Fig. 127.

Description. Shell ovately fusiform, transversely striate,
furnished with a single row of compressed tubercles near
the middle of the whorl; substance of the shell rather thin ;
apex pointed ; whorls eight, subcanaliculate above ; mouth
nearly one half the length of the shell.
Length .6, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A beautiful little species, differing some
what in its form from those above described, as well as in
the tubercles and stria?. The tubercles are compressed, and
adorn the wider portion of the whorl. The striae are wide
apart, and below the line of tubercles these are, for four
or five rows, alternately, smaller. In the canal above the
tubercles, flexuous folds of the form of the sinus are visibly
and closely set,

* Min. Conch, plate 146, fig. 6.

t Named after the distinguished geologist Elie de Baumont,

TO GEOLOGY. 135

P. Desnoyersn* Plate 4. Fig. 128.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, closely and trans
versely striate, slightly tuberculate on the superior whorls ;
substance of the shell rather thick; spire elevated, pointed
at the apex ; whorls eight ; mouth two fifths the length of
the shell.

Length .7, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. In outline somewhat like the last de-
soribed, but differing in the striae and tubercles. In the
Desnoyersn the transverse strise are disposed to alternate,
and are cut by almost imperceptible longitudinal striae.

P. Haninghausii.} Plate 4. Fig. 129.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, transversely striate,
furnished with two rows of longitudinal folds in zig-zag ;
substance of the shell rather thin ; spire elevated, acute at
apex; whorls ten, subcanaliculate above ; mouth rather
narrow, about one third the length of the shell.

Length .7, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. This species may be distinguished by its
double row of folds, which being placed, the superior one
obliquely to the right, the other to the left, produce a zig
zag appearance.

* Named after M. Desnoyers, advantageously known for his labours in
the Tertiary deposites.
t Named after the distinguished geologist of Crefeld.

136 CONTRIBUTIONS

P. rugosa. Plate 4. Fig. 130.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, transversely and
widely striate on the inferior part, furnished with one row
of folds and one of granulations ; substance of the shell
rather thin ; suture sulcate ; spire elevated, acute at apex ;
whorls twelve ; mouth narrow, one third the length of the
shell.

Length .8, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. The folds and granulations of this species
give it a rougher appearance than the others described
here. The furrow along the suture is marked, being
formed by the two superior transverse large striae. On
the superior part of the whorl, there are in some speci
mens minute transverse striae.

P. obliqua. Plate 4. Fig. 131.

Description. Shell transversely and alternately striate
below, canaliculate above, furnished with a row of oblique
folds on the wider part of the whorl ; substance of the
shell rather thick ; whorl subcanaliculate above ; mouth
long and narrow.

Length .... Breadth A, of an inch.

Observations. A single whorl only, being the inferior
one, has come under my notice. It is perhaps the largest
species here described. The description is of course de
fective, for want of the superior whorls. I have no hesita-

TO GEOLOGY. 137

tion, however, from what remains, to consider it distinct ;
the folds, the striae and general form differing from any of
the species here described.

P. Childreni.* Plate 4. Fig. 132.

Description . Shell fusiform, turrited, transversely striate,
granulate on the larger part of the whorl ; substance of
the shell rather thick ; spire elevated, obtuse at apex ;
whorls about nine, subcanaliculate above ; mouth long
and narrow, one third the length of the shell.
Length .9, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This is a beautiful species, distinct by its
granulations, the row of which is disposed to be double.
About the middle of the whorl the striae are large. On
lie superior part there are two or three minute ones.

P. Lesueurii.-\ Plate 4. Fig. 133.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, covered with
closely set transverse striae, which are cut by indistinct
longitudinal ones ; substance of the shell rather thick ;
spire elevated, acute at apex ; whorls about nine, subcan
aliculate above ; mouth long and narrow, about two fifths
the length of the shell.

Length 1.1, Breadth .4, of an inch.

* Named after the secretary of the Royal Society, eminent for his
acquirements in science.

I Named after the naturalist M. Lesueur, the companion of Peron.

138 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This species is more completely covered
with stnse than any other here described. On the superior
part of the shell very minute folds may in some specimens
be observed.

This beautiful genus exists in great numbers in a fossil
state in the superior beds, but has not, I believe, either in
this country or in Europe, been observed below the Ter
tiary. Sowerby describes eleven from the London Clay,
it being found in England only in that formation. M.
Deshayes mentions one hundred and fifty-six as existing
in the Tertiary of Europe. Forty-one are from the Paris
basin and thirty-three from the Subappennines. In this
country Mr Conrad is, I believe, the only geologist who
has noticed the genus. At St Mary's, Maryland, he dis
covered seven species, which are described by him in the
Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. 6, p. 223.
Neither of these is the analogue of those above described.

GENUS CANCELLARIA. Lamarck.

C. babylonica. Plate 5. Fig. 134.

Description. Shell turrited, inflated, smooth, substance
of the shell thin ; whorls six, angular, broad and flat at the
top, and furnished on the angle with irregular erect spinous
tubes ; umbilicus wide, armed with points ; mouth trian
gular, two fifths of the length of the shell ; coiumella with
two indistinct folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .5. Breadth .3, of an inch.

TO GEOLOGY. 139

Observations. A single specimen only of this beautiful
species has come into my possession. It is very distinct
from any species I know, and is eminently distinguished
by the flatness of the superior part of its whorls and the
spinous tubes placed along the angle. The wide umbili
cus and armature of points are very characteristic.

C. multiplicata. Plate 5. Fig. 135.

Description. Shell turrited, somewhat inflated, with
numerous rather oblique folds cut by transverse striae ;

substance of the shell rather thick ; whorls , angular,

flat at the top ; umbilicus very small ; mouth ovate ;
columella with two folds ; outer lip very much thickened,
edged, crenate within.

Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. Unfortunately, I obtained but little more
than the lower whorl of this species. This, however, is
perfect, and displays distinct characters. The thickness
of the outer lip is very remarkable, forming a large
varix.

C. plicata. Plate 5. Fig. 136.

Description. Shell turrited, subventricose, with numer
ous large longitudinal folds on the three last whorls cut by
minute transverse striee ; whorls six, angular at the top ;
umbilicus very small ; mouth subovate ; columella with
two folds.

Length .4, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch,

140 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This is a very distinct and beautiful
species. Its large folds, together with the flatness of the
superior part of the whorls, amply distinguish it. The
only specimen I have seen is the one now described, and
judging from the absence of folds on the first whorls and
the sharpness of the outer lip, it may prove to be rather a
young individual.

C. sculptura. Plate 5. Fig. 137.

Description. Shell subturrited, folded longitudinally
and transversely set with numerous elevated lines ; spire
elevated, pointed ; whorls six, subangular at the top ; um
bilicus very small ; mouth subovate, columella with two
indistinct folds ; outer lip dentate within and furnished
with a varix.

Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. I have seen but one perfect specimen of
this species. A second one has been despoiled of its varix.
It is distinguished from the plicata, which it resembles, in
the spire being more elevated, as well as in the folds being
closer. The transverse lines cutting the folds, give it the
appearance of being reticulated. Between the folds very
minute longitudinal striae may be perceived under the lens.

C. tessellata. Plate 5. Fig. 138.

Description. Shell turrited, with longitudinal large ribs
cut by transverse strirc which are enlarged at the junc
tion ; substance of the shell thin ; whorls , subangular,

TO GEOLOGY. 141

somewhat flattened at the top ; umbilicus none ; mouth
ovate ; columella with three folds.

Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A single imperfect specimen only having
come into my possession, I am unable to give a full descrip
tion of it. The spire and outer lip are both removed. Its
folds are rather larger than those described above, and it
differs in having three folds on the columella.

C. elevata. Plate 5. Fig. 139.

Description. Shell elevated, turrited, cancellate ; sub
stance of the shell rather thin ; whorls seven, convex ;
suture impressed ; umbilicus none ; mouth ovate, one
third the length of the shell ; columella with two folds ;
outer lip striate within.

Length 9-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species is remarkably
elevated in the spire and beautifully cancellate. A single
specimen only wras obtained, the outer lip of which is
broken. It may be easily distinguished by its elevated
spire and cancellate exterior.

C. costata. Plate 5. Fig. 140.

Description. Shell rather elevated, turrited, with large,
sharp, longitudinal ribs ; substance of the shell rather thin ;
whorls five, subangular and somewhat flattened at the
top ; umbilicus none ; mouth ovate, rather narrow, about

142 CONTRIBUTIONS

one third the length of the shell ; columella with two
folds.
Length 5-20ths, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. The strongly characterised longitudinal
ribs of this species eminently distinguish it. At the base
there are a few indistinct transverse striae, but the larger
part of the whorl is entirely free from them. Among those
here described, this is the only one with this character.

C. parva. Plate 5. Fig. 141.

Description. Shell somewhat elevated, turrited, with
large longitudinal folds cut by large elevated transverse
striae, spire elevated, obtuse at the apex ; suture deeply
impressed ; whorls five, convex ; umbilicus very small ;
mouth semilunate ; columella furnished with two large
folds ; outer lip sharp, within crenulate.
Length .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. This truly beautiful little species is very
distinct from either of the others here described. It may
be at once known by its strong folds on the columella,
and its large longitudinal folds and strong transverse striae.

The genus Cancellaria has been observed in England
only in the London Clay, from whence three species have
been described.* M. Deshayes's Tables give forty-two

* Min. Conch, pi. 360 and 361.

TO GEOLOGY. 143

species from the Tertiary. Sixteen are from the Subappen-
nines (Pliocene), twelve from Bourdeaux (Miocene), and
five from Paris (Eocene). In this country a single species
only, C. lunata (Conrad), has been heretofore observed.
It is from the Tertiary Beds of St Mary's.

GENUS FASCIOLARIA. Lamarck.

F. plicata. Plate 5. Fig. 142.

Description. Shell subfusiform, turrited, largely and
longitudinally folded, transversely and alternately striate ;
suture irregularly impressed ; whorls eight, convex ; colu-
mella with two small folds ; canal short, reflected; mouth
ovate, two fifths the length of the shell ; outer lip sharp,
within striate.

Length .7, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A very pretty species, remarkable for its
large folds and well marked transverse striae, which are
alternately larger and smaller. The striae within are
strongly marked.

F. elevata. Plate 5. Fig. 143.

Description. Shell subfusiform, turrited, transversely
striate on the inferior part of the last whorl ; suture linear ;

whorls , slightly convex, truncate along the suture ;

columella with three or four indistinct folds ; canal short,
slightly reflected ; mouth ovate ; outer lip sharp, within
crenate.

Length .... Breadth 3-20ths. of an inch.

144 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This species differs very much from the
last described. It is more elevated, without folds, has a
smaller mouth, and is striate only on the lower part of the
whorl. A single individual only was obtained, the apex
of which is broken.

No species of Fasciolaria seem to have been observed
in a fossil state in Great Britain. M. Deshayes in his
Tables gives five species, three of which are from Dax
(Miocene). In the United States none have, I believe,
been noticed. The Valuta Lamberti of Sowerby, has been
obtained by Mr Conrad, at St Mary's, Maryland. Mr C.
considers it a Fasciolaria.*

GENUS FUSUS. Lamarck.

F.pukher. Plate 5. Fig. 144.

Description. Shell fusiform, turrited, furnished with
wide longitudinal folds cut by transverse strongly marked
striae ; substance of the shell rather thick ; suture im
pressed ; whorls , convex ; canal long, straight ;

mouth ovate ; outer lip sharp.

Length .... Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. A single individual only, and that with a
fractured spire, has come under my notice. The two lower
whorls and the canal are perfect. It is a beautiful species

* See note to observations on the ffenus Mitra.

TO GEOLOGY. 145

and very distinct from any other herein described. Five
or six of the striae on the widest part of the whorl have
between each of them a very minute stria.

F. Mortonii* Plate 5. Fig. 145.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with large
longitudinal folds, cut by transverse strise which are en
larged on the folds ; substance of the shell rather thin ;
whorls six, inflated, flattened at top, subspinous on the
angle ; canal long and straight ; mouth subrotund ; outer
lip sharp, within slightly crenate.

Length .7, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. A very distinct species, and remarkable
for its strong folds covered by transverse stria?, which are
so much enlarged on the folds as to give it a tuberculated
appearance. On the angle of the whorl the superior
stria is so much enlarged as to make the angle subspinons
in perfect specimens — above it is without strise.

F. decussatus. Plate 5. Fig. 146.

Description. Shell subtmbinate, cancellate, furnished
with seven or eight large transverse stria?, cut by numer
ous longitudinal small strise ; substance of the shell thin ;
suture deeply grooved ; whorls six, inflated, biangular in

* To this species I have placed the name of the corresponding secre
tary of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Dr Morton,
who has done much to promote a knowledge of our geoloory
T

146 CONTRIBUTIONS

the middle ; canal rather long and flexed ; outer lip sub-
crenate, within sulcate.
Length .6, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This is a beautiful little species, rough
ened nearly all over by decussate striae. On the large
transverse stria3 there is a series of small nodules at the
point of section.

F. bicarinatus. Plate 5. Fig. 147.

Description. Shell subturbinate, minutely and trans
versely striate, longitudinally and minutely folded above ;
substance of the shell rather thick ; suture linear ; whorls

, rather inflated, bicarinate in the middle ; canal

rather long and straight ; outer lip striate within.
Length .5, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. The lower part of a single individual of
this species only has come under my notice. It is distinct
from any other herein described. Its minute folds may
be seen round the largest part of the whorls.

F. venustus. Plate 5. Fig. 148.

Description. Shell fusiform, furnished with large lon
gitudinal folds cut by small transverse striae ; substance of
the shell rather thin ; spire elevated and acute at the
apex ; whorls six, convex ; canal rather short ; mouth
narrow, one half the length of the shell ; outer lip sharp.

Length .4, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

TO GEOLOGY. 147

Observations. This beautiful little species is more slen
der than any here described, and its mouth is more con
tracted. The longitudinal folds being smaller on the
superior whorls, and the striae being there rather large,
cause these whorls to be cancellate.

F. crebissimus. Plate 5. Fig. 149.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with longitu
dinal folds cut by rather rough, very closely set transverse
striae ; substance of the shell thick ; spire rather elevated ;
whorls seven, convex ; canal rather short ; mouth sub-
rotund ; outer lip finely crenate, within dentate.

Length .5, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species is remarkable for its trans
verse striae, which are very closely set over the whole body
of the shell. In some specimens these striae are somewhat
rough, and present a slightly imbricate appearance.

F. magnoco status. Plate 5. Fig. 150.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with large
longitudinal folds, cut by transverse rather large striae ;
substance of the shell rather thick ; spire somewhat
elevated, acute at apex ; whorls six, convex ; canal short,
oblique ; mouth subrotund ; outer lip slightly crenate,
within dentate.

Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species closely resembles the last

148 CONTRIBUTIONS

described, but may be distinguished by its larger folds and
the transverse striae, which, though numerous over the
whole shell, are not so closely set. In some specimens
on the folds there is a slight imbricate appearance.

F. Delabechii* Plate 5. Fig. 151.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with rather
sharp longitudinal folds cut by imbricate transverse striae ;
substance of the shell thick; spire somewhat elevated, acute
at apex ; whorls seven, subangular ; canal short, flexed ;
mouth subangular ; outer lip crenate, within striate.
Length 13-20ths, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This species in many of its characters
resembles the two last described. It may be known,
however, by its imbricate striae and obtuse angle on the
superior part of the whorl where the folds are somewhat
pointed. A single perfect and mature specimen only has
been observed by me.

F. ornatus. Plate 5. Fig. 152.

Description. Shell fusiform, furnished with rather
oblique folds on the middle of the whorls, transversely,
very minutely and alternately striate ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire rather elevated, pointed ; whorls seven,
subangular ; canal rather short, obliquely curved ; mouth
subangular ; outer lip sharp.
Length .6, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Named after the distinguished author of the " Geological Manual,"
i; Tabular View," &e., De la Beche.

TO GEOLOGY. 149

Observations. This beautiful species differs from those
above described, in having shorter folds and in being
covered with minute strice, which are alternately larger
and smaller, and resemble the finest lines of the graver.

F. acutus. Plate 5. Fig. 153.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with large
longitudinal folds on the middle of the whorl, closely
covered with transverse alternate striae ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire rather elevated, acutely pointed ; whorls
seven, subangular ; canal rather short, much curved ;
mouth subrotund ; outer lip sharp.

Length .6, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. In general outline it resembles the last
described, but may be distinguished at once by the trans
verse striae, which in this are not so fine. The canal is
much more curved.

F. Conybearil* Plate 5. Fig. 154.

Description. Shell subfusiform, furnished with longitu
dinal folds cut by rather large transverse striae ; substance
of the shell rather thick ; spire somewhat elevated, point
ed ; whorls six ; canal rather short, oblique ; mouth sub-
ovate ; outer lip thickened, within crenate.

Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species resembles the two last. It

* Named after one of the distinguished authors of the " Outlines of
the Geology of England and Wales," the Rev. Mr Conybeare.

150 CONTRIBUTIONS

is a smaller shell and differs in having broader striae and a
shorter and oblique canal.

F. nanus. Plate 5. Fig. 155.

Description. Shell fusiform, transversely striate below
the middle of the whorl ; substance of the shell very

thin ; spire ; whorls , subangular ; canal short,

obliquely curved ; mouth contracted ; outer lip sharp.
Length 3-20ths, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

Observations. A single fractured individual only of this
species has come under my view. It differs much from
any of the above described. It is very minute — has no
folds, and the strise do not exist on the superior part of the
whorl. The superior stria being the largest makes the
whorl subangular there.

jP. Fittoml* Plate 5. Fig. 156.

Description. Shell ovately fusiform, subturbinate, granu
late on the superior whorls ; substance of the shell rather
thick; spire somewhat elevated, acute at the apex; whorls
six, flattened above, subangular ; canal short, twisted ;
mouth ovate ; outer lip sharp.

Length .... Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. This species strongly resembles the F.

* I place with great pleasure the name of a distinguished geologist to
this species.

TO GEOLOGY. 151

ficulneus* (Lamarck), but differs in having no fold on the
columella and being without those on the whorls. The
superior whorls of the Fittonii are disposed to be biangular,
which character is lost on the last whorls, the superior part
of which is disposed to be canaliculate.

F. parvus. Plate 5. Fig. 157.

Description. Shell ovately fusiform, smooth, somewhat
elevated in the spire ; substance of the shell thick ; spire
rather elevated and pointed at the apex ; suture linear ;
whorls six, above slightly convex; columella twisted;
canal short, oblique ; mouth lunate.
Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A single individual only of this species
and that not entirely perfect, has come under my notice.
It forms a natural link between the last described and that
which follows. The spire is more elevated than the
Fittonii, and it differs in not having granulations, as it
dose also in the columella.

F. minor. Plate 5. Fig. 158.

Description. Shell fusiform, smooth, elevated in the
spire ; substance of the shell rather thin ; spire elevated
and pointed at the apex ; suture linear ; whorls six, very

* Murex turgidus, Brander, plate 4, fig. 51. Fusus ficulneus, Sowerby,
Min. Conch, plate 291.

152 CONTRIBUTIONS

slightly convex, with an indistinct minute furrow below
the suture ; columella twisted, with a single fold ; canal
short, oblique ; mouth subovate.
Length .3, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Of this little species I have received but
a single individual. It is more elongate than that last
described, and, though much like it, is specifically distinct.
The three last described differ so much in general cha
racter from the type of the genus, that I have not without
much hesitation placed them here. The genus Pyrula
seems to have equal claims for them, and the example of
Lamarck, followed by Sowerby, alone made me conclude
to do so. The Fusus jiculneus of these authors is one of
this group. Like it the minor has a fold on the columella,
which has not deterred Lamarck from placing the jiculneus
among the Fusi, although he says in his generic descrip
tion, " columella Isevis."

F. Taitii* Plate 5. Fig. 159.

Description. Shell turbinate, ventricose, armed with
two rows of spines, transversely sulcate on the inferior
part ; substance of the shell very thick ; suture irregular ;
spire obtuse, armed with nodulous spines ; whorls five,
somewhat canaliculate above ; canal short, oblique ; mouth
subrotund ; outer lip sharp, with a sinus at each spine.
Length 2 inches, Breadth 1.3, of an inch.

* It is with peculiar gratification I place the name of my friend Judfro
Tait, to whoso kindness T am so crreatly indebted, to this fine species.

TO GEOLOGY. 153

Observations. It is with much hesitation I have con
cluded to place this curious and truly interesting species
with the Fusi. It has some of the generic characters of
the Pyrula, Murex, and I think Monoceres ; for, if I mis
take not, the furrow immediately below the last row of
s pines, in perfect specimens, will be found to throw out a
process very like to that of the genus last mentioned. I
am induced to place it here from the example of Lam
arck's Fusus minax, (Murex minax, Brander). Our shell
has a striking similarity to that species, and should stand
next to it wherever it may be placed. It is rather more
Lurbinated and has a thicker columella. It is placed at
the last of the Fusi, having a shorter and more oblique
canal than those above described.

Of this widely spread genus fifteen species have been
observed in England, by Sowerby, and one by Konig.
Fourteen are in the London Clay, and two in the Crag.*
M. Deshayes in his Tertiary Tables gives one hundred
and eleven species. Forty-two of these are from the Paris
basin, and he gives eight to the English Crag. M. Brog-
niartf observed in the Formations of Vicentin five species.

In this country Mr Say has described two species from
the Tertiary of Maryland, the quadrico status and cinereus.
Mr Conrad discovered at St Mary's a new species, which
he described under the name of errans, but that name
being preoccupied, he subsequently changed it to rusticus.

* Mineral Conch. t Terrains du Vicentin, p. 72.

u

154 CONTRIBUTIONS

More recently the same author has described six new
species from the Tertiary of Maryland and Virginia.*

GENUS PYRULA. Lamarck.

P. cancellata. Plate 5. Fig. 160.

Description. Shell subpyriform, beautifully cancellate
over the whole exterior ; substance of the shell thick ;
spire rather elevated, pointed ; suture small, slightly
thickened above ; whorls six, angular above ; canal rather
short and wide ; mouth subovate, rather contracted ; outer
lip thickened, with the edge bevelled.

Length 1.4, Breadth .7, of an inch.

Observations. Unfortunately but a single specimen of
this truly beautiful shell has come into my possession.
It is perfect and presents very remarkable decussating
striae, which are so regularly placed as to present the ap
pearance of meshes, the point of section being enlarged.
This enlargement causes the angle of the whorls to be
somewhat granulate. It seems from Sowerby's figuref
to resemble pretty closely the Pyrula nexilis\ (Lamarck),
(Murex nexilis of Brander§). The spire is, however, more
elevated, the canal shorter and the superior part of the
whorl angular. The Pyrula Greenwoodii, figured by Sow-
erby, plate 498, has some characters resembling our species,
but is specifically different.

* Fossil Shells of Ter. For., p. 17 t Min. Conch, pi. 331.
t Ani. Sans, Ver. vol. 7, p. 572. vS Hamp. Fos= p. 4. fig, 55.

TO GEOLOGY. 155

P. elegantissima. Plate 5. Fig. 161.

Description. Shell subpyriform, alternate, beautifully
cancellate over the whole exterior ; substance of the shell
rather thin ; spire rather elevated, pointed ; suture small ;
whorls five, convex ; canal rather long ; mouth subovate,

contracted ; outer lip .

Length .6, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. One nearly perfect, and several fractured
specimens of this very beautiful species only have come
under my notice. Its delicate and graceful form and
highly adorned exterior render it very remarkable. It is
closely allied to the preceding species, but differs in having
a longer canal, in the absence of the angle on the su
perior part of the whorl, and in being a much smaller and
thinner shell. In some of these characters it has a stronger
resemblance to the Pyrula nexilis (Lamarck). Like it, it is
without the angle. Its being more attenuate and having
a higher spire makes it specifically different. The reticu
lation is, if possible, more perfect and beautiful than on the
cancellata.

P. Smithil* Plate 5. Fig. 162.

Description- Shell pyriform, smooth, ventricose, canali
culate on the widest part; substance of the shell very

* I have placed to this species a name which will not soon be forgot
ten to British geologists. The veteran geologist William Smith, was
almost a solitary labourer for many years in the field, and to him very
much is due for the present advanced state of the science of geology in

156 CONTRIBUTIONS

thick ; spire slightly produced ; suture small, irregular ;
whorls five, irregularly canaliculate ; columella much
thickened ; canal short ; emarginate ; mouth ovate ; outer
lip sharp.
Length 1.6, Breadth .1 , of an inch.

Observations. This species in its outline most resembles
P. bezoar (Lamarck). In its minor characters it is, how
ever, very different, being smooth. On that part of the
whorl which is usually occupied by an angle, the angle
is replaced by a slightly impressed furrow, and in most spe
cimens there are indistinct ones above and below this.
The seat of the umbilicus is rather impressed, and sur
rounded by an oblique welt terminating at the emargina-
tion. The superior part of the columella is very much
thickened, and a small channel separates it there from
the lip.

Four species of this genus have been observed in the
London Clay of England, and none above or below it. M.
Deshayes's Tables give twenty-one. Ten are from the
Paris basin — seven from Bourdeaux. In the United States
three species have been observed in a fossil state. The
canaliculata and carica (Lamarck) have been obtained at St
Mary's, Maryland. More recently Mr Conrad discovered
a new species, sulcosa, described in the Journal of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, vol. 6, page 220.

Great Britain. Appreciating his merits, the Geological Society, having
previously awarded him their first Woollaston medal, publicly and appro
priately bestowed it on him, at the meeting of the British Association, at
Oxford, in June 1832.

TO GEOLOGY. 157

GENUS MUREX. Linnceus.

M. alternate Plate 5. Fig. 163.

Description. Shell subfusiform, turrited, longitudinally
ribbed, armed with erect spines ; substance of the shell
ihin; spire elevated, pointed at the apex; suture irregular;
spines tubular, alternately placed on and between the
ribs ; whorls seven, flat above ; mouth entire, ovate.

Length .8, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This curious little Murex strongly re
sembles the M. pungens (Brander), plate 3, fig. 82, (M.
fistulosus of Sowerby), and that under the same name, fig.
81, (JM. tubifer of Lamarck and Sowerby). It differs, how
ever, from both. Having them in my cabinet, on com
parison, I find our shell to be more elongate than either, to
differ essentially from the fistulosus in having a longer
spire and much smaller ribs, and the tubifer in having but
one row of spines instead of four. The Murices with the
mouth entire, were separated by Montfort, under the
name of Typhis, and Cuvier has adopted it as a subgenus.

It is remarkable that among so many new species of the
various genera, only one Murex should as yet have been
found in this stratum. In England forty-seven species
have been observed, nearly the whole being from the
London Clay and Crag. Eighty-nine species are men-

158 CONTRIBUTIONS

tioned by M. Deshayes in the Tertiary of Europe — twenty-
four of these in the Paris basin. Two species only, I be
lieve, have been heretofore observed in this country.
From the Tertiary of Maryland, Mr Conrad has described
the acuticosta. From the Upper Tertiary (Conrad) of Vir
ginia, the Miocene of Lyell, Mr C. has described the urn-
brifer. It would therefore appear that three species only
of Murex in a fossil state are now known here, while
eighty-nine are known to exist in the Tertiary of Europe.

FAMILY ALATA.

GENUS ROSTELLARIA. Lamarck,

R. Lamarckil* Plate 5. Fig. 164.

Description. Shell fusiform, covered with longitudinal
ilexed ribs cut by numerous transverse striae, which in the
adult are hidden, the whole surface being coated by a de
posit ; substance of the shell thick ; spire elevated, acute
at the apex ; suture impressed, when coated as in the
adult scarcely perceptible ; whorls about twelve, convex
in the young, scarcely perceptible through the coating of
the adult ; canal at the base short, above nearly erect,
extending half way up the spire, where passing in a curve

x In naming this species in honour of the first conchologist of the age,
I do homage to that acumen of science which now penetrates to the
study of the naturalist in every quarter of the glohe.

TO GEOLOGY. 159

to the opposite side it descends about the same distance ;
mouth subovate, rather contracted ; outer lip small, thin
and edged below, above thick and recurved.

Length 2.2, Breadth .7, of an inch.

Observations. This curious species of an interesting
genus, presents characters unknown in any with which I
am acquainted. Its most extraordinary character is that
of the deposit, coating the whole of the shell thickly over
except the lip ; this gives it a rude unshapen appearance.
It ascends and overtops the beautiful spire, and enclosing
it forms a new apex above. Young specimens present so
entirely a different aspect as to make it difficult to believe
they are the same species. They are gracefully formed,
and the superior part is covered with longitudinal, parallel,
flexed ribs — fine transverse striae cover the whole exterior
surface. In this state it closely resembles the young of R.
curvirostris (Lamarck). The figure represents a specimen
with the deposit removed from the apex, in which state
they often occur. Having six fossil species from Europe,
in my cabinet, I am able to make the following compari
sons. It differs from the Strombus amplus (Brander),
(Rostellaria macroptera of Lamarck), in being without the
great wing which in my largest specimen expands
beyond and behind the top of the spire. It differs from the
R. longirostra (Grateloup) greatly in the deposit, this
species having little more than the columella thickened —
it differs from the R. columbata (Lamarck), which is thick
ened only along the canal terminating near the apex — it
differs from the R. fissurella (Lamarck), which is strongly

160 CONTRIBUTIONS

ribbed and has the seat of the canal raised, terminating
near the beak — it differs from the R. decussata (Lamarck),
which is largely ribbed and striate, and has the inferior
sinus of the Strombus in the outer lip, and it differs from the
R. pes-pehcani (Lamarck), which has the outer lip divided
into three digitate processes.

R. Cuvieri* Plate 5. Fig. 165.

Description. Shell subfusiform, truncate below, longitu
dinally folded and striate ; substance of the shell thick ;
spire elevated, suture linear ; whorls about eight, very
slightly convex ; canal at the base very short, above
erect, terminating half way up the spire ; columella thick
ened, reflected ; mouth contracted ; outer lip truncate
below, thickened, edged.
Length .7, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This species differs in most of its cha
racters from the last. It most resembles the fissurella
(Lamarck). The superior canal does not, however, as in
that shell, extend to the apex. The inferior canal is shorter.
The ribs or folds are not so strong, and the outer lip is
smaller and not reflected.

This genus has a considerable range in the strata of

* In honour of one of the great masters of natural science, I dedicate
this small but interesting species. No praise from me could add to the
memory of one so illustrious. I place it alongside of that of Lamarck.

TO GEOLOGY. 161

England. Eleven have been described by Sowerby, Phil
lips and Mantell, one as low as the Inferior Oolite. The
highest are in the London Clay, where five species have
been observed by Mr Sowerby. M. Deshayes gives eight
for the Tertiary. No species has heretofore been observed
in this country to my knowledge.

FAMILY PURPURIFERA.

GENUS MONOCEROS. Lamarck.

M. pyruloides. Plate 5. Fig. 166.

Description. Shell turbinate, inflated, transversely and
indistinctly striate above and below; substance of the
shell thick ; transverse furrow linear, with indistinct
Angular points ; spire short ; suture small ; whorls five,
convex ; umbilicus rather large ; mouth ovate, narrow ;
oolumella thickened ; outer lip sharp.

Length .7, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This species is remarkable for its turbi-
nate form. The superior part of the mouth is much
thickened. It may be objected to, that this and the two
following species should be placed in the genus Monoceros,
as none of the specimens observed have the seat of the
horn perfect. This part is therefore not described. I
am satisfied nevertheless as to the genus; for the groove
v

162 CONTRIBUTIONS

or furrow, which I believe is always attendant on the
horn, exists distinctly in every individual of the three
species which I have. The angular points within the
furrow satisfy me entirely that, when perfect specimens
are procured, the horn will be found at the termination of
the furrow on the edge of the lip. This furrow may be
observed more or less distinct on all the recent species, at
least they exist on the nine recent species which are in
my cabinet. It is somewhat singular, that Lamarck
should not have mentioned this furrow, which seems
necessarily attendant on the horn. That naturalist de
scribes only five species, all of which are recent.

M. fusiformis. Plate 5. Fig. 167.

Description. Shell subfusiform, rather inflated, trans
versely striate above and furrowed below ; substance of
the shell thick ; transverse furrow linear, with indistinct
angular points ; spire rather short, subgranulate, pointed ;
suture small; whorls six, rather flattened; umbilicus none;
mouth ovate, rather narrow; columella thickened; outer
lip sharp.

Length .8, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. At first view this species might easily be
mistaken for the last. In some characters, however, it is
very distinct. Its being without an umbilicus at once dis
tinguishes it. The spire is also more elevated. See the
remarks on the horn of the last described.

TO GEOLOGY. 1G3

M. sukatum. Plate 5. Fig. 1G8.

Description. Shell turbinate, inflated, transversely fur
rowed over the whole surface ; substance of the shell
rather thin ; transverse furrow linear with indistinct angu
lar points ; spire ; suture rather small ; whorls ,

convex ; umbilicus none ; mouth ovate, narrow ; columella
smooth ; outer lip sharp.
Length .... Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. A single specimen only, and that with a
fractured spire, has come into my possession. The descrip
tion is therefore imperfect. I am not satisfied that it is an
adult. It may be found to be a larger species than here
represented when more are procured, and then some of
the above characters may be found to differ. It most
resembles the last described. It is not so elongate a
shell, and the furrows distinguish it at once. In regard
to the horn I refer to the remarks on the pyruloides.

The Monoceros has not heretofore been observed so low
in the series even as the lower Tertiary Beds. One species
only in a fossil state seems to have been noticed in Europe.
M. Deshayes mentions a single species and that in the
Pliocene of the Subappennines. It has not heretofore been
observed in the formations of this country. In M. Des-
hayes's Tables, six recent species only are given. My
cabinet has nine.

164 CONTRIBUTIONS

GENUS BUCCINUM. Linnaus.

B. Sowerbti.* Plate 5. Fig. 169.

Description. Shell ovately conical, minutely and trans
versely striate over the whole surface ; substance of the
shell rather thick; spire short, mammillary ; suture small ;
whorls six, convex ; mouth ovate ; columella slightly
wrinkled at the base ; outer lip sharp.

Length .5, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This beautiful little Bucdnum is the only
species which has come under my notice from Alabama.
Its close and beautiful striae are very remarkable.

Of this genus twenty-seven! species have been observed
in Great Britain, several as low as the Mountain Lime
stone, but chiefly in the London Clay and the Crag. M.
Deshayes gives ninety-five species for the Tertiary in his
Tables. It appears to be much more abundant in the
Upper Formations. The Pliocene of the Subappennines
furnishes twenty-seven species, Bourdeaux (Miocene) twen
ty-one, Paris (Eocene) nine. In this country four species
have been observed. Mr Say has described two from the

* Named after the author of the •' Mineral Conchology" of Great
Britain.

i These include the genus Nassa.

TO GEOLOGY. 165

older Pliocene, Maryland, and Mr Conrad two from York
Town, Virginia, also the older Pliocene.

GENUS NASSA. Lamarck.

JV. cancellata. Plate 5. Fig. 170.

Description. Shell turrited, cancellate ; substance of
the shell rather thin ; spire elevated, not acutely pointed ;
suture irregularly impressed ; whorls nine, subangular
above and furnished with a transverse furrow ; mouth
ovate ; columella but slightly thickened ; outer lip sub-
crenate, striate within.

Length .8, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This finely ornamented Nassa has a
strong resemblance to several recent species. It is can
cellate all over except at the very apex, where it is smooth
and polished.

I have observed but a single species of this genus among
the shells received from Claiborne. I have not hesitated
to separate this genus from Buccinum, (although Lamarck
united them after having made the division) because they
certainly form a very natural group. Cuvier* separates
it, as M. de Blainvillef also does, into a subgenus.

As neither the English nor French geologists have

* Animal Kingdom, vol. 2, p, 374. t Manuel, &c. p. 408.

166 CONTRIBUTIONS

divided the Nassce from the Buccina generically, I am
unable to quote them here.

Mr Conrad has observed in the Tertiary of Maryland
four species, three of which had been described by Mr Say
in a recent state from our shores.

GENUS TEREBRA. Lamarck.

T. gracilis. Plate 5. Fig. 171.

Description. Shell fusiform, longitudinally ribbed, trans
versely and closely striate, substance of the shell some
what thick ; spire not much elevated, acute at apex ;
suture small, irregular ; whorls eight, slightly convex ;
mouth linear ; columella striate ; outer lip sharp.
Length .4, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species at first view
might easily be taken for a Mitra — its twisted and striate
columella, however, place it among the Terebrw, where it
very properly may form a link with the Mitrce.

T. costata. Plate 5. Fig. 172.

Description. Shell subulate, with low wide longitudi
nal ribs cut by sharp transverse striae ; substance of the
shell rather thin ; spire elevated, acutely pointed ; suture
furrowed ; whorls nine, slightly convex ; mouth narrow ;
columella biplicate; outer lip subcrenate, within striate.

Length ll-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch

TO GEOLOGY. 167

Observations. This is a much smaller species than the
last, and its sharp transverse striae, which are much more
distant, together with the folded columella, render it im
possible to confound them.

T. venusta. Plate 5. Fig. 173.

Description. Shell subulate, very much attenuated,
with close longitudinal ribs and minute transverse stria3 in
the intermediate spaces ; substance of the shell thin ;
spire very much elevated, acutely pointed ; suture linear ;
whorls fifteen, flattened ; mouth narrow ; columella smooth ;
outer lip .

Length 13-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A very distinct species from the above,
being more attenuate, having a smooth columella, and
being more closely ribbed. The transverse stria?, inter
mediate between the ribs, are very minute, while in the
above two species they are larger and cross the ribs.

Four species of this genus have been observed in Eng
land : three species in the Oolitic Group and one in the
London Clay. Sixteen are given for the Tertiary by M.
Deshayes. Ten of these are found at Baden (Miocene),
and seven at Bourdeaux (Miocene). In the Tertiary of
Maryland Mr Conrad has observed one species, which he
calls simplex, being the only one heretofore observed in our
Formations

168 CONTRIBUTIONS

FAMILY COLUMELLARIA.

GENUS MITRA. Lamarck.

M. Imeata. Plate 5. Fig. 174.

Description. Shell subfusiform, longitudinally and in
distinctly ribbed, furnished with a small transverse line
below the suture ; substance of the shell thin ; spire some
what elevated ; suture small ; whorls , flattened ;

mouth narrow; columella with four folds; outer lip
sharp ; within striate.

Length .3, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. A single specimen only of this species,
and that with the spire fractured, has been examined by me.
The folds are placed towards the base, which causes it to
look somewhat like a Pyramidella. The figure of Mr
Murchison's M. cancellata from Gosau, has some resem
blance to our shell.*

M. minima. Plate 6. Fig. 175.

Description. Shell fusiform, smooth ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire somewhat elevated, rounded at the apex ;

* Geol. Soc. Trans, vol. 3, pi. 39, fig. 30.

TO GEOLOGY. 169

suture linear ; whorls five, flattened ; mouth narrow ;

columella with four folds ; outer lip sharp, within striate.

Length 3-20ths, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

Observations. Like the above, I have had but a single
specimen of this species to examine. It is, however, per
fect. In outline it is very like the last described, but is
much smaller. It differs also in having no ribs and being
without the transverse line below the suture. The folds
are placed, like the above, near the base, and in this it re
sembles two recent species described by Pyraudeau, the
Defrancii and Savignyi.*

M.fusoides. Plate 6. Fig. 176.

Description. Shell ovato-fusiform, longitudinally and
closely ribbed, transversely striate above, furrowed below
the suture ; substance of the shell rather thick ; spire
short, rounded at the apex ; suture irregularly impressed ;
whorls six, flattened ; mouth linear ; columella with four
somewhat distant folds ; outer lip sharp, within minutely
and closely crenate.

Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This pretty little species differs from the
two above described, in being much shorter and wider in
proportion. It also differs in having transverse striee above
and having a furrow below the suture. The folds are the
same in number, but placed higher on the columella, and

* Catalogue, &c. de L'isle de Corse, pi. 8, figs. 22 and 24.
w

170 CONTRIBUTIONS

are more separated from each other. In some specimens
the ribs and transverse strise are so obsolete as to present
an almost perfectly smooth shell. This species very close
ly resembles the figure of M. pumila* (Sowerby.) It dif
fers in having a transverse furrow, and in the ribs being
much stronger than the transverse striae.

M. Flemingii^ Plate 6. Fig. 177.

Description. Shell fusiform, transversely and very mi
nutely striate ; substance of the shell thick ; spire ele
vated, rounded at the apex ; suture linear ; whorls five,
obtusely angular above; mouth contracted, nearly straight ;
columella with four folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .8, Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observation. This species approaches very closely in
many of its characters to the genus Valuta. The regular
folds, however, of the columella place it strictly among
the tMitrce. It is a much larger shell than the fusoides —
has no ribs, and is more attenuate.

M. Humboldtii4 Plate 6. Fig. 178.

Description. Shell subfusiform, transversely and very
closely striate, canaliculate above ; substance of the shell
rather thick ; spire ; suture linear ; whorls ,

* Min. Conch, vol. 5, pi. 430.

t Named after the author of" A History of British Animals," &c.
| In placing the name of the Baron Humboldt to this species, I use
that which is among the most illustrious in geology.

TO GEOLOGY. 171

slightly canaliculate above ; mouth subovate, rather nar
row ; columella with four folds, curved ; outer lip sharp.
Length .... Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. At first view this species might be mis
taken for the above. Its curved columella and more re
flected lip, however, serve readily to distinguish it. The
striae on the superior part of the whorls are stronger than
on the body. Having but a single specimen, the apex of
which is removed, the description is somewhat defective.

Three species* only of Mitra have been observed in
England and those are all from Barton Cliff, London Clay
Formation, having been described by Mr Sowerby in his
Mineral Conchology. M. Deshayes gives sixty-six species,
in his Tables, from the Tertiary. Twenty-four are from the
Paris basin alone, and thirteen from the Subappennines.
No fossil species have, I believe, been before observed in
our Formations.

GENUS VOLUTA. Lmnaus.

V. Defrandi.-f Plate 6. Fig. 179.
Description. Shell turbinate, transversely striate, coro-

* Fleming (British Animals, p. 333,) makes a fourth, by adding the
Valuta Lamberti to his list of Mitra. The genus must be considered to
be very badly denned, for Mr Conrad places this species among the
Fasciolaria, (Journal of the Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 6, p. 216.) I should
certainly agree with Mr Sowerby, and keep it with the Volutce.

t Named after the distinguished fossil conohologist M. Defrance.

172 CONTRIBUTIONS

nate ; substance of the shell rather thin ; spire somewhat
produced, acute at the apex ; suture small and irregular ;
whorls seven, subangular above ; mouth rather narrow ;
columella with two folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .9, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This is the largest species I have noticed
from this deposit. It occurs one half longer than the in
dividual figured. It more strongly resembles the V. spinosa
(Lamarck) than any species I know, but differs somewhat
in the form, and in not having such strong spines on the
superior part of the whorl, these in our species being re
placed by very short spines or compressed tubercles. In
some specimens these are disposed to be double, and in
others the spines lengthen down the sides and form a kind
of rib. A third, very small fold, may sometimes be ob
served in this species above the two large ones.

V. gradlis. Plate 6. Fig. 180.

Description. Shell ovately turbinate, transversely striate
below, longitudinally and closely ribbed above, coronate ;
substance of the shell thin ; spire turrited ; suture linear ;
whorls six, angular and canaliculate above ; mouth nar
row, straight ; columella with two folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .6, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This differs from the Defrancii, in being
striate only on the inferior part, and in having close longi
tudinal ribs. The end of the ribs are disposed to be granu
late at the angle.

TO GEOLOGY. 173

F.parva. Plate 6. Fig. 181.

Description. Shell subfusiform, transversely striate be
low, longitudinally and rather widely ribbed, with small
spines on the angle of the whorls ; substance of the shell
thin ; spire rather elevated ; suture irregularly impressed ;
whorls six, angular and subcanaliculate above ; mouth
narrow, straight ; columella somewhat oblique, with three
folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length 5-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This is a smaller species than the last,
and may be distinguished by its more tapering spire, its
wider ribs and spines, which are, however, small. A
single specimen only of this and the last described species
having come into my possession, it may be found, in others,
that the characters mentioned above are not entirely per
manent.

V. Yanuxemi.* Plate 6. Fig. 182.

Description. Shell turbinate, transversely striate on the
base, with rather large spines above ; substance of the
shell thick ; spire short ; suture small ; whorls five, angu
lar above ; mouth somewhat narrow ; columella with two
folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length 1.2, Breadth .7, of an inch.

* I have placed on this species the name of my friend, Professor Van-
uxem, one of our most distinguished geologists.

174 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This species is allied to the Defrancii,
above described, by its general form, but differs in being
rather wider, in being more angular above, in having larger
spines, and in having a smooth surface, except on the base.
It has a stronger resemblance in its form to V. spinosa
(Lamarck) than the Defrandi described above, but is spe
cifically distinct. It resembles both the athleta and depau-
perata* (Sowerby), but has more spines than the former,
and has fewer than the latter.

V. striata. Plate 6. Fig. 183.

Description. Shell turbinate, covered with minute,

transverse striae ; substance of the shell thin ; spire ;

suture small, irregular ; whorls , subcanaliculate

above ; mouth contracted, nearly straight ; columella with
five folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .... Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from those described above, in the
number of its folds, as well as in being without spines. It
more closely resembles the V. Cooperii (herein described)
but is less inflated, and has not, like that species, folds on
the superior part of the whorls. On that part of the pre
sent species, the striea are closer and deeper, and it is there
somewhat depressed. Not having a perfect specimen, some
of the characters are necessarily deficient in the descrip
tion. The character of its folds approaches the mitrce.

* Min. Conch, pi. 396.

TO GEOLOGY. 175

V. Parkinsonil* Plate 6. Fig. 184.

Description. Shell subturbinate, very closely covered
with minute, transverse striae ; substance of the shell rather

thin ; spire ; suture linear ; whorls , flattened

above ; mouth rather contracted ; columella with four
folds ; outer lip sharp.

Length .... Breadth .4, of an inch.

Observations. This very closely resembles the last spe
cies. It differs in being less turbinate, in having more
closely set striae, and in having one tooth less in number.
Unfortunately, I have but one specimen, and that with the
spire removed. The relative character of four or five folds,
in this and the last described, may differ in other individu
als. The species are, nevertheless, distinct.

V. Cooperil-\ Plate 6. Fig. 185.

Description. Shell pyriform, inflated, obtusely angular
above, furnished on the inferior part with about ten distinct,
oblique, distant strias ; substance of the shell somewhat
thick ; suture small and subgranulate ; spire very slightly
elevated, rounded at the apex ; whorls flattened above ;
canal very short and wide ; columella with five folds ;
mouth long and lunate.

Length 1 .2, Breadth .9, of an inch .

* Named after the author of " Organic Remains" and " Outlines of
Oryctology."

t Named after my friend, William Cooper, distinguished for his know
ledge in natural science.

176 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This species resembles the Turbinella py-
ruloides of Conrad, which, it appears to me, more properly
belongs to the genus Valuta. It differs from it in being
more turbinate, in having five folds, in having a more ob
tuse spire, and in the striae being few and distant. In
some of the specimens of the pyruloides in my cabinet, the
"obscure spiral striae" cover the whole surface of the
shell.

Sixteen species have been observed in England, all in
the London Clay, except one, which is found in the Crag,
the V. Lambertii. Thirty-two are given by M. Deshayes,
twenty-four being in the Paris basin. In the Tertiary of
Maryland Mr Conrad has observed two species, solitaria
and Lamberti,* and at Claiborne one, the pyruloides.^

GENUS MARGINELLA. Lamarck.

M. anatina. Plate 6. Fig. 186.

Description. Shell ovate, smooth ; substance of the
shell thick ; suture slightly impressed ; spire short, coni
cal ; whorls five ; flattened above ; columella with

folds, thickened ; mouth narrow ; outer lip much thicken
ed and beautifully crenulate within.

Length 9-20ths, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. A single specimen only has come into

* Fasciolaria Lambert! , (Conrad), t Turbinella pyruloides, (Conrad).

TO GEOLOGY. 177

my possession. Having been injured on a part of the
columella, it is impossible to decide on the number of its
f3lds, but presume it to be nine or ten. The front part of
the shell is coated somewhat like a Nassa.

M. columba. Plate 6. Fig. 187.

Description. Shell ovate, smooth ; substance of the
shell thick ; suture scarcely perceptible, spire somewhat
elevated, conical ; whorls , slightly convex ; colu
mella with five folds ; mouth narrow, straight ; outer lip
much thickened, crenulate within.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. Like the last described, a single individual
only of this species came into my possession. In outline
they resemble each other. The columba has not, how
ever, any deposit or coating — it has a higher spire and a
less number of folds. The folds too are different in the
latter, having the appearance of being formed by the
grooving of the columella, while in the anatina they are
placed on the columella.

M. crassilabra. Plate 6. Fig. 188.

Description. Shell ovate, polished ; substance of the
shell thick ; spire very short, pointed ; whorls four, flatten
ed above ; columella with four folds ; mouth narrow,
somewhat curved ; outer lip very thick, minutely crenu
late within.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch,

X

178 CONTRIBUTIONS

Observations. This species differs from the last in
being broader, in having a shorter spire, in having one
fold less, and in being thicker in the lip.

M.plicata. Plate 6. Fig. 189.

Description. Shell ovate, longitudinally folded above ;
substance of the shell rather thick ; spire short, rounded
at the apex ; whorls three, flattened above ; columella
with six folds ; mouth narrow, curved ; outer lip thick,
finely crenulate within.

Length 5-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from all the species herein de
scribed, in having longitudinal folds, which are placed on
the superior part of the whorls.

M. semen. Plate 6. Fig. 190.

Description. Shell ovato-elliptical, polished ; substance
of the shell rather thick ; spire very short and rounded at
the apex ; whorls three, flattened above ; columella with
six folds ; mouth narrow, curved ; outer lip somewhat
thick and very minutely crenulate within.

Length 5-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This species seems most analagous to the
last described, but is without its exterior folds, and is more
elliptical.

TO GEOLOGY. 179

M. ovata. Plate 6. Fig. 191.

Description. Shell ovate, smooth; substance of the
shell thick ; spire very short, the apex being scarcely visi
ble ; whorls flattened above ; columella with eight folds ;
mouth narrow, curved ; outer lip" very slightly thickened
and minutely crenulate within.
Length ll-20ths, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. This species most resembles the last de
scribed, but differs in the spire, in the number of folds, and
in the size. In the adult the last whorl covers the spire
except at the very apex. The thickening of the margin
of the outer lip is so small as scarcely to be perceptible.
In some individuals it cannot be traced. This lip is edged
and somewhat gibbous above.

M. incurva. Plate 6. Fig. 192.

Description. Shell ovate, smooth ; substance of the
shell thin ; spire somewhat protruded, rounded at the
apex ; whorls four, flattened above ; columella curved,
with four folds ; mouth subovate, narrow ; outer lip sharp.

Length 5-20ths, Breadth nearly 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This is placed at the last of the Margi-
nellae, as it has characters which approach strongly to the
Volvarice. It has no thickened margin on the outer lip, at
least in the specimens (three) which I have seen. The

180 CONTRIBUTIONS

folds are only four in number, and are placed near to the
base.

The genus Marginella does not seem to have been ob
served in a fossil state in Great Britain. Seventeen
species are given in M. Deshayes's Tables, nine of these
are from Paris. From the Tertiary of Maryland Mr Con
rad has described one species, the denticulata. Professor
Vanuxem presented me some years since with a specimen
from Charleston, S. C., taken from a bed of very recent
Formation, (newer Pliocene Period,) — he did not deter
mine its species. I suspect it to be analagous with an
existing species of the West Indies.

FAMILY CONVOLUTA.

GENUS ANOLAX.* Roissy.

A. gigantea. Plate 6. Fig. 193.

Description. Shell ovato-elliptical, smooth ; substance
of the shell thick ; suture scarcely visible ; spire conical,
acute at the apex ; whorls four, flattened above ; columella
smooth ; mouth ovate, three fifths the length of the shell,
largely emarginate below and slightly so above ; inner lip

* Antillaria (Lamarck). I use the name of Anolax on the authority
of M. Brogniart. See Terrains du Vicentin, p. G3.

TO GEOLOGY. 181

very much thickened, swollen and projecting about the
middle ; outer lip sharp.
Length 2.5, Breadth 1.5, of an inch.

Observations. This is the largest Jlnolax, recent or fossil,
I have seen. It resembles, in its general character, the
altile and subglobosa (Conrad), and particularly so in the
great mass of deposit on the inner lip. It differs from them
in size, and in being more ovate. I have had it in my
power to examine but a single specimen of this species.
Other individuals may present different characters.

A.plicata. Plate 6. Fig. 194.

Description. Shell subfusiform, turrited, longitudinally
folded above ; substance of the shell rather thick ; suture
impressed in the callus, spire elevated, not pointed at the
apex ; whorls six, flattened above ; mouth ovate, half the
length of the shell ; outer lip sharp.

Length .4, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species most resembles the scamba
(Conrad), but is a much smaller shell, and may at once be
distinguished by its longitudinal folds.

Four species of this genus have been observed in the
London Clay of England. In the Tertiary Tables of M.
Deshayes we find nine. Of these five are found in the Paris
basin. Mr Conrad has observed four from the same stratum
at Claiborne, whence those above described were taken.

182 CONTRIBUTIONS

GENUS OLIVA. Lamarck.

0. constricta. Plate 6. Fig. 195.

Description. Shell cylindrico-f usiform ; substance of the
shell rather thick ; spire elevated, pointed ; whorls six, flat
above ; columella with about five irregular folds near the
base ; mouth narrow, about three fifths the length of the
shell.
Length .9, Breadth .3, of an inch.

Observations. There is a great resemblance between
this species and the clavula (Lamarck), and it may be
doubtful if they should be separated. Our shell has a
shorter mouth, a higher spire, and is, perhaps, more
slender.

O. gracilis. Plate 6. Fig. 196.

Description. Shell subfusiform, polished ; substance of

the shell thin ; spire elevated, pointed ; whorls five, slightly

convex ; columella with five or six irregular folds near the

base ; mouth narrow, about one half the length of the shell.

Length 7-20ths, Breadth .l,of an inch.

Observations. The graceful form of this little species, as
well as its size, will easily distinguish it from the following
one. It is less cylindrical than that which precedes it,
and properly placed between both, as it bears some of the
characters of both.

TO GEOLOGY. 183

O. Greenoughi* Plate 6. Fig. 197.

Description. Shell fusiform, subulate ; substance of the
shell thick ; spire much elevated, pointed ; whorls six,
slightly impressed above the suture ; columella irregularly
folded at the base ; mouth rather wide, nearly one half the
length of the shell.

Length 1.6, Breadth .5, of an inch.

Observations. This species has the most elevated spire
of any Oliva I have seen. It has some resemblance to the
subulata (Lamarck), a recent species, but is a more slen
der shell, and has a much more elevated spire. It is re
markable for its spire and the shortness of the mouth.

O. dubia. Plate 6. Fig. 198.

Description- Shell ovately fusiform ; substance of the
shell thick ; spire elevated, pointed ; whorls five, slightly
impressed above the suture ; columella irregularly folded
at the base ; mouth wide, three fifths the length of the shell.

Length 1 .5, Breadth .6, of an inch.

Observations. This species very closely resembles the
last described, but is less elongate. It has some resem
blance to the plicaria (Lamarck), but the moutli is shorter
and less open, and it is less impressed on the columella
above the folds.

* Named after the distinguished British geologist, Mr Greenough.

184 CONTRIBUTIONS

O. Phillipsil* Plate 6. Fig. 199.

Description. Shell ovately-fusiform, polished ; substance
of the shell rather thick; spire elevated, somewhat turrited;
whorls six, flattened above ; columella with three or four
oblique folds at the base ; mouth somewhat narrow, rather
more than one half the length of the shell.

Length .6, Breadth 5-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Differs from the other species here de
scribed, in being wider in proportion to its length, and
having the spire somewhat turrited. This character is
caused partly because there is no deposit along the canal.
I have seen no other species among the foreign or Ameri
can fossil Olivce, without this deposit.

0. minima. Plate 6. Fig. 200.

Description. Shell ovate ; substance of the shell thin ;
spire short and obtuse ; whorls four, rather convex above ;
columella with about six equidistant folds extending high
up ; mouth long, narrow and curved, being four fifths the
length of the shell.

Length .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. This very small species differs from those
above described, in the spire being short and obtuse, and

* Named after one of the distinguished authors of " Outlines of the
Geology of England and Wales.''

TO GEOLOGY. 185

in having folds which are nearly transverse, and occupy
almost the whole of the left side of the mouth.

Three species of Oliva have been observed in Great Bri
tain, all being from the London Clay. Thirteen have been
observed by M. Deshayes in the Tertiary ; six of these are
from the Paris basin. I am not aware of the genus having
before been observed in our Formations.

GENUS MONOPTYGMA.* (nobis.)

Description. Shell subfusiform ; mouth ovate ; colu-
mella furnished with a single fold passing obliquely into
the interior of the mouth.

Observations. The peculiar fold on the columella of this
shell at once separates it from any genus heretofore de
scribed. In our species, it crosses the columella equidistant
from the two extremities of the mouth, in an oblique spiral
manner, starting from the base. It is certainly a very in
teresting shell, and it is to be hoped that further investiga
tion will bring to our knowledge other species. f

* Mom, unus, and 7r<rvy,f*&, plica.

t Since the above was written, the arrival of the ship Georgian, from
Calcutta, has put in my possession a recent shell which should be
placed in this genus. In outline it resembles a Melania, but the single
fold on the columella, and the sinus of the base, forbid its being there
placed. The lower part of the mouth presents the character of the Ce-
rithium. I propose to call it Monoptygma melanoides
Y

186 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOLOGY.

M. Jllabamiensis. Plate 6. Fig. 201.

Description. Shell ovate, smooth ; substance of the shell
rather thick ; spire rather elevated ; whorls slightly in
curved above ; columella furnished with a large oblique
fold ; mouth narrow, subovate, emarginate at base ; outer
lip sharp, within having one or two longitudinal folds.

Length .4, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. Unfortunately, but two specimens of this
species were obtained, neither of which is entirely per
fect. The fold is situated about the middle of the colu
mella, and is very large. One of the specimens has but one
longitudinal fold within the lip, while the other has two.
The sutures are rilled up by the incrusted deposit which
extends to the top of the spire.

GENUS CONUS. Linnojtw.

C. Claibornensis.

Description. A small cone, for which I had proposed this
name, was found in the sand, and by accident was mislaid,
before the description and figure were made. It was about
one quarter of an inch long, flattened on the sides, cari-
nate above, and canaliculate on the superior part of the
whorls ; the spire was rather low and pointed. It is to be
regretted that any accident should have happened to it,
as it is the only specimen of a cone found at this locality,
to my knowledge.

SUPPLEMENT.

Read before the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
October 29, 1833.

/

Q

A

CLASS POLYPI.

FAMILY MILLEPORAM:.

GENUS LUNULITES. Lamarck.

Lunulites Bouei.* Plate 6, Fig. 202.

Description. Lunulites convex and cellular above, con
cave and rugosely radiate below ; cells in rows, diverging
from the apex ; pores very minute, being placed between
the lines of cells.
Diam. .3, Height 3-20ths, of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. This species, certainly, very closely re
sembles the urceolata (Lamarck). The cells of that spe
cies, as figured by Goldfuss, are more round than in ours.
I had observed, by the aid of the microscope, that each
specimen, at the apex, was possessed of a grain of quartzose
sand, in some cases covered over. On examination, I
found this had been observed by Brogniart and Goldfuss, to
be the case with the urceolata; but this curious fact does not

* Named after the distinguished geologist, Dr Boue,

190 CONTRIBUTIONS

seem to have been observed by Lamarck. The figure oi
Brogniart* is much more elevated and rounded at the apex
than our species.

L. Duclosii.-\ Plate 6. Fig. 203.

Description. Lunulites slightly convex and cellular
above, concave and radiate below ; cells in rows diverging
from the apex and from the sides of other rows ; pores be
tween the lines of cells scarcely perceptible.

Diam. .2, Height nearly .1 , of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. Goldfuss gives a large figure of the radi-
ata (Lamarck), which resembles our species. In the
JDudosii, however, the rows of cells seem disposed to form
differently, there being one or two rows which are longer
than the others, and from the sides of which others again
diverge. I do not observe the grain of sand in the apex
of this species ; having but one or two specimens, I have
not destroyed them for the purpose of examination.

I am not aware of more than one species of Lunulites
having been observed in England. The urceolata (Lam
arck) is mentioned by Phillips as being found in the Chalk
of Yorkshire. It is also found at Grignon. Two species
only have, I believe, heretofore been described, radiata and

• Dese. Goolo. des Environs do Paris, pi. b, fig. 0.

i Named after M, Duclos, a distinguished conchoiogist of Paris,

TO GEOLOGY. 101

urceolata (Lamarck). The genus has not been before
observed in this country, to my knowledge.

GENUS ORBITOLITES. Lamarck.

O. interstitia. Plate 6. Fig. 204.

Description. Orbitolites convex and cellular above, con
cave, papillary and minutely porous below ; cells ovate ;
pores above interstitial ; pores below very numerous and
very minute.

Diam. 3-20ths, Height nearly .1, of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. This is a beautiful little species, and re
sembles somewhat in form the Orbulites lenticulata* (Lam
arck). It is not, however, flat beneath. There being
no description of the pores, I cannot say if they differ in
this character. In the two specimens which I have of
this species, the grain of sand which occurs in the Lunu-
lites is not observable. They were not, however, taken to
pieces for examination.

* Brogniart makes the following observations in referring to the
figure of this shell, " ce nom ayant etc deja domie par M. de Lamarck
a une coquille de la famillc des ammonites, il m'a paru convenable de
restituer a ce polypier celui d'orbitolites que cc memo naturaliste lui
avoit donne precedemment, et qni anra ete probablement altere par
megarde." Desc, Geolo. des Environs de Paris, p. 398.

192 CONTRIBUTIONS

O. discoidea. Plate 6. Fig. 205.

Description. Orbitolites cellular and very slightly con
vex above, — minutely porous, radiate and slightly con
cave below ; cells hexagonal ; pores very minute and
placed between the radiating striae.

Diara. .3, Height .1, of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations- This species differs very much from the
above- It is flatter and larger, and in the arrangement
of the cells and pores differs altogether. The apex of my
specimen (the only one I have seen) is disposed to be
mammillary. The grain of sand mentioned in the Lunu-
lites is not observable in this species.

A single species only of this genus seems to have been
observed in England. M. Mantell in his Geology of Sus
sex, mentions the lenticulata (Lamarck) as existing in the
Chalk. Lamarck describes six species, one of which is
recent. The macroptera (Lamarck) is mentioned by
Goldfuss, who describes this species as being found only
in the Calcaire Grossiere of Paris. In this country the
genus has not been before observed.

TO GEOLOGY. 193

FAMILY LAMELLIFERJE.

GENUS TURBINOLIA. (Lamarck.)

T. Madurii* Plate 6. Fig. 20G.

Description. Turbinolia cuneate, minutely granulate,
without ribs or furrows, swollen, furnished with two longi
tudinal tubercles on each side, on the superior part ; base
rounded ; star subelliptical ; pores very minute and irregu
larly interspersed among the granules ; lamellae granulate.

Diam. .6, Length .8, Breadth .9, of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. This very curious species differs in its
exterior characters from any other I am acquainted with.
It has no longitudinal strise, which all the other known
species have. No other described species has longitudinal
tubercles like this. The granular are very small and
sometimes form together. In several specimens four to
eight smaller tubercles, or rather ribs, as they are elon
gated, may be observed on each side, but these are not
specifically different. The superior part appears to be
very fragile, there not being among a great number a
single one entirely perfect in that part.

* Named after the distinguished geologist, William M'Clure, Presi
dent of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
z

194 CONTRIBUTIONS

T. Stokesii* Plate 6. Fig. 207.

Description. Turbinolia cuneate, granulate, with twenty-
four longitudinal furrows ; furrows on each side ten, two
of which are incurved and extend nearly to the base — on
each edge two, slightly curved and extending nearly to
the base ; base emarginate ; star elliptical ; lamellae rugose.

Diam. 5-20ths, Length 7-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. This is a beautiful species, resembling
very slightly in outline the T. crispa~\ (Lamarck). It is,
however, more cuneate, and the situation of the furrows
is different. The furrows on the sides of the Stokesii
are marked," and from the edge of the star converge nearly
to a point below the centre on each side. Anxious to dis
cover if any of the Turbinolice possessed the same character
with some of the Lunulites, (the enclosing in the calcare
ous matter a grain of sand as a point of commencement
of growth, or as a balance) I first opened specimens
of the Jlfaclurii without success ; then specimens of the
Stokesii and Goldfussii, in both of which the grain was
found ; several pharetra were next examined, but in none
was it to be seen. Having but a single specimen of the
nana, I could not submit it to an examination.

* I have placed on this species the name of the late secretary of the
Geological Society of London, distinguished for his activity in promot
ing the knowledge of natural science.

t See Goldfuss, vol. 1, p. 15, %. 7.

TO GEOLOGV. 195

T. GoldfussU* Plate 6. Fig. 208.

Description. Turbinolia cuneate, granulate, with twenty-
four longitudinal furrows ; furrows on each side ten, con
verging towards a point near to the middle of the base — on
each edge two, slightly curved and extending nearly to the
base ; base nearly straight, star elliptical ; lamellae rugose.

Diam. 3-20ths, Length 5-20ths, Breadth .2, of an inch.

Observations. This species closely resembles the last.
The furrows are not, however, so marked, and the two
curved ones are replaced here by two which converge like
the enclosed eight. It is not quite so broad, and the base
is more disposed to be round than emarginate. It seems
generally to be rather smaller in size. In outline as well
as in the furrows there is a greater resemblance between
the GoldfussU and the crispa, than there is between the
Stokesii and crispa. There being no difference between
the granulation of the Stokesii and this species, it is not
considered necessary to make an enlarged view of them.

T. nana. Plate 6. Fig. 209.

Description. Turbinolia subcuneate, longitudinally rib
bed ; furrows apparently without perforations ; ribs twenty-
four, about sixteen of which descend to the base, where
they are wrinkled ; star elliptical ; style apparently none.

Diara. l-20th, Length .1, Breadth over l-20th, of an inch.

* Named after Dr Goldfuss, the author of the admirable work " Petre-
facten,'1 &e.

196 CONTRIBUTIONS

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. A single specimen only of this minute
species came into my possession. It most strongly resem
bles the pharetra, herein described. It may be distinguished
by its diminutive size, its flattened sides, its ribs and base.
With a microscope of considerable power, it was not possi
ble to discover any pores, which, I strongly suspect, exist
between the ribs. In this specimen there is no style, and
it may be doubted if it ever exist in this species.

T.pharetra. Plate 6. Fig. 210.

Description. Turbinolia clavate, longitudinally ribbed ;
furrows with a double row of minute perforations ; ribs
twenty-four, six of which terminate at a point on the cen
tre of the base ; six others terminate between these, higher
up ; these twelve being enlarged at the base, the remain
ing twelve, alternating, terminate above these again ; star
round ; style rather elevated, with six radii.

Diam. .1, Length .3, of an inch.

The superior view shows the stella of the style.

The segment is a magnified view.

Observations. In its form, this species has an almost
perfect resemblance to the sulcata (Lamarck). It differs
in the arrangement of the ribs, and judging from the figure
of Goldfuss (pi. 15, fig. 3), I should suppose it to differ in
the style also. The minute pores which exist in our spe
cies do not appear to be in the sulcata ; at least they are
not noticed by Lamarck or Goldfuss. Brogniart's figure*

* Desc. Geolog. des Environs do Paris, pi. 8, fig. 3.

TO GEOLOGY. 197

is much better than that of Goldfuss, and apparently has

pores.*

The genus Turbinolia seems to be more diffused through
out the different Formations than any other of the Polypi.
In Great Britain it has been observed in the Mountain
Limestone, Coral Rag, Gault, London Clay and Crag.
Lamarck describes eight species, and Goldfuss nine, six of
which are new.

I am not aware that any have before been observed in
our Formations.

Nucula magna. Plate 6. Fig. 211.

Description. It is ventured to place this name upon the
fragment of a Nucula, which differs on the exterior, very

* Since the above was written, I have had the advantage of examin
ing several specimens of the crispa and sulcata, in the fine collection of
P. A. Brown, Esq., who has recently received, from M. Alexander
Brogniart, most of the Tertiary fossils from the Paris basin.

These specimens of the sulcata were observed with the same micro
scope to which those of the pharetra were submitted, and pores, similar
to those described above, were distinctly observable. This character
seems to have escaped Goldfuss, as well as Lamarck, and I do not know
that it has been before observed by others. The relative position of the
ribs of the two species are very similar. In the sulcata they seem to be
more lamellar, and in the lower part are, in the two specimens exa
mined by me in Mr Brown's cabinet, somewhat crenulate, which is not in
the least the character of the pharetra. In the crispa there are no pores ;
in this character it agrees with our Maclurii, Stokesii, and Goldfussii; and
I would propose that the genus should be divided into two sections, one
with exterior pores, the other without.

198 CONTRIBUTIONS

much, from any species, fossil or recent, which has come
under my notice. It possesses transverse folds on the sides,
which lie closely to, and are beautifully parallel to each
other. These terminate in a smooth plane, on the umbonial
slope, which is flattened. A straight furrow, or channel,
passes along the posterior dorsal margin, in which are striae,
slightly oblique. The posterior series of teeth, as far as it
exists in this fragment, is straight, and possesses nineteen
angular teeth. From the appearance of this part of the
series, I should not be surprised if it possessed almost as
many more. The substance of the shell is thick, and it is
suspected, that when found perfect, it will prove to be the
largest species yet described. This fragment certainly
warrants such a conclusion.

JV. carinifera. Plate 6. Fig. 212.

Description. Shell triangular, inflated, deeply truncate
behind, minutely and concentrically striate, furnished with
an elevated sharp carina on the umbonial slope ; substance
of the shell thick ; lunule cordate ; beak high, incurved
and recurved ; posterior slope irregularly flattened, nearly
circular, and furnished with indistinct longitudinal and
transverse stria? ; anterior series of teeth short, consisting of
five teeth, and forming a sharp angle with the posterior
series ; teeth rather large, angular ; fosse t placed above the
teeth, at the point of the beak ; nacre not pearly.

Diam Length .... Breadth ....

The lower figure represents the posterior slope.
Observations. It is to be regretted that the description

TO GEOLOGY. 199

of this curious and interesting species, has to he made from
a single imperfect valve. It is eminently distinguished by
its carina and broad posterior slope, from all the species
described in this memoir. It has some resemblance to
Sowerby's figure of deltoidea ; and Lamarck's description
of that shell, which is from Grignon, answers, in most of
its characters, to ours. It is to be regretted that the pos
terior series of teeth should have been so much fractured
as to present only two teeth ; these are the superior ones.

N.plana. Plate 6. Fig. 213.

Description. Shell an obtuse triangle, very transverse,
very much compressed, concentrically striate, and trans
versely folded on the side, sulcate on the umbonial slope ;
substance of the shell thin ; beaks obtusely angular,
pointed ; lunule and escutcheon both nearly linear ; ante
rior series of teeth straight ; posterior series of teeth in
curved ; teeth small, numerous, angular ; fosset large,
subtriangular ; cicatrices imperceptible ; cavity of the shell
very flat, showing the transverse folds ; nacre not pearly.

Diara Length .... Breadth ....

Observations. A single and imperfect valve only of this
species has come under my notice. There are, however,
characters enough remaining, to satisfy me of its being
different from those before described. It most resembles
the pukherrima.* That shell has not, however, the re
markable folds and strise of this species. These strise, on

* See page 84,

200 CONTRIBUTIONS

the anterior part, are combined, two or three together,
leaving a furrow between each association. On the pos
terior part, these strise are single, but disordered by the
transverse folds, which exist only on that part of the valve.

JV. semen. Plate 6. Fig. 214.

Description. Shell transversely elliptical, rather inflated,
furnished with large concentric folds and with a deep fur
row on the anterior slope, rostrate behind ; substance of
the shell rather thin ; lunule and escutcheon both lanceo
late ; beaks small, rather pointed ; margin entire ; nacre
not pearly.
Diam. l-20th, Length .1, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. A single specimen only of this species
has come under my notice. It consists of the two valves
attached. I endeavoured to separate the valves to ex
amine the teeth, but with the greatest precaution was
unable to effect it, one of the valves becoming fractured ;
therefore, the teeth are not mentioned in the description.
This is a very minute species, remarkable for its large
concentric folds and the deep furrow on the posterior slope.
It has some resemblance to the mucronata of Sowerby,
Min. Conch., pi. 476.

Bulla Dekayi* Plate 6. Fig. 215.
Description. Shell subfusiform, transversely striate
* Named after my friend Dr Dckay of New York.

TO GEOLOGY. 201

above and below ; substance of the shell thin ; spire um-
bilicate ; whorls compressed above ; columella twisted
and reflected at the base ; mouth linear, curved, extending
above the spire ; outer lip sharp.
Length 7-20ths, Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This species might at first view be taken
for the St Hillairii, but may, on examination, be readily
distinguished by its conical top. I have found it much
rarer in this deposit, having been able to obtain but three
specimens, while the other exists in great numbers. It is
not cylindrical, like that species, but rather disposed to be
conical above. They also differ in the base.

Marginella biplicata. Plate 6. Fig. 216.

Description. Shell pyramidal, transversely striate,
emarginate at base ; substance of the shell thick ; spire
elevated, pointed ; whorls four, rounded ; columella with
two large folds ; mouth small ; outer lip very thick and
minutely crenulate within.

Length over .1, Breadth J, of an inch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. On the superior part of the whorl the
absence of a stria makes rather a broad band, above which
is a single stria only. This is near the suture, and on the
superior whorls it is the only one visible. With a good
deal of hesitation I have placed this minute shell with the
Marginellce. Its elevated spire and emarginate base
would seem almost to forbid its being placed with them.

202 CONTRIBUTIONS

It has some of the generic characters of the Pyramidella,
but the varix and crenulated inner edge would not permit
its being placed in that genus. In some characters it resem
bles a Cassis, particularly in the lip and emargination, but
the genus Cassis is without folds on the columella. On
comparing the biplicata with M. Deshayes's figure of
Auricula ringens* (Lamarck), I have no hesitation in saying
that the two species are very much alike, and belong to
the same genus ; but I cannot see the propriety of placing
them with the Jluriculce, these being as expressly stated by
Lamarck " land shells."f Another objection may be men
tioned, that of their both having a deep emargination at
the base. Lamarck says, in his generic description, " basi
integerrima." Our species differs from the ringens, in
having a more elevated spire, in having a band on the
superior part, and in the number of folds. M. Deshayes's
figure presents three distinct folds, while the description
says " biplicata." Lamarck, in his description of this part,
says " subtriplicata." The observations of Lamarck on
the ringens, apply to the biplicata, " Petite coquille fort
singuliere, qui est tres-voisine par ses rapports de notre
tornatelle pietin." The pietin is now a received genus
under the name of Pedipes (Adanson), and it occurred to
me before I saw Lamarck's observations, whether it might
not be placed there, to which, however, there are ob
jections.

* Coquilles Fossiles, pi. 8, figs. 16 and 17.

t Ainsi le genre dont il est ici question ne comprend que des coquilles
terrestres. An. Sans Vertebres, vol. G. pt. 2, page 137.

TO GEOLOGY. 203

Monoptygma elegans. Plate 6. Fig. 217.

Description. Shell ovately elliptical, transversely and
closely furrowed ; furrows closely set with punctures ;
substance of the shell thin ; spire ; columella furnish
ed with rather a small oblique fold ; mouth elliptical,
effuse at base ; outer lip sharp.
Length .... Breadth 3-20ths, of an inch.

Observations. This very interesting shell, in its general
form, does not very closely resemble the M. Jllabamiensis*
(nobis) ; the single fold on the columella alone, would
cause them to be recognized as the same genus. In the
elegans the numerous punctured striae resemble closely the
Jlcteon punctatus] (nobis). Having but a single specimen,
the superior whorls of which are deficient, the description
has to be necessarily defective.

The Eocene of Claiborne, like the London Clay of
England, has presented remains of other classes than the
Conchifera and Mollusca. In the sand was found a part of
the pincer of a Cancer — two small vertebr&s, probably of a
fish — a stony substance resembling a section of what
Brancler figures under the name of Palatium Piscium\—&
stony substance, somewhat resembling in form the elliptical
bone, found in the head of fish — teeth of sharks of several
different species — the spine of a fish, and a curious tooth

* Sec page 18C. > See page 111

t Fossilia Hantoniensia, pi 9, fig. 117

204 CONTRIBUTIONS

strongly resembling some of the smaller Saurians, but
which probably belonged to a fish.

Plate 6. Fig. 218.

Description. This figure represents one of the fossils men
tioned above. It resembles the bone found in the head of
fish. It is subelliptical, curved — on the inferior part irregu
larly impressed — on the superior part smooth with a rather
irregular longitudinal impression like a tulip having a
curved stem. In some specimens this is very perceptible, in
others it is obsolete. Two specimens were found in some
sand from the Older Pliocene of Maryland, at St Mary's.

Plate 6. Fig. 219.

Two views, front and lateral.

These figures represent the tooth mentioned above.
A single specimen only was obtained. Considering it
of much importance in the history of the stratum, it was
submitted to the examination of rny friend Dr Hays,
whose experience in this branch of Natural History is
so advantageously known. His note, embracing also
observations on two other specimens of organic remains,
which accompanied it, will be found below.*

* My Dear Sir, — I have examined the fossils you were so kind as to
send me, with as much attention as my pressing avocations would per
mit.

1. The tooth appears to be that of a fish, but lam unable to determine
the species; probably it belongs to an undescribed one. Its crown is
lanceolate, projects laterally, slightly beyond the body, and the enamel

TO GEOLOGY. 205

Plate 6. Fig. 220.

Description. This is rather the longer of the two ver
tebrae, which probably belong to some species of fish.
Though somewhat different in proportions, they most
likely belong to the same species.

Plate 6. Fig. 221.

Description. This represents the spine mentioned above ;
a single specimen only was obtained.

descends lower at the sides, than in the centre. The edges are perfectly
smooth.

The root of the tooth is single, and remarkably large ', it gradually in
creases in size, from the neck downwards; it is partly hollow; its exte
rior aspect is convex, in both directions. Its total length is five twen
tieths of an inch, its breadth, at the base of the crown, one tenth of an
inch.

2. The two vertebrae appear also to appertain to some minute species
offish. They each consist of two hollow cones, united at their apices,
and with slender and irregular longitudinal ridges. One of them is three
twentieths of an inch long, and one tenth in diameter. The other is
one tenth of an inch long, and one tenth in diameter.

3. The spine resembles, exceedingly, the spines found on the tail and
back of some of our species of Ray, (the Raia Dcsmarestia, Lesueur, for
instance). It is discoidal at base, and its point rises rather obliquely.

I am very truly yours, &c.

ISAAC HAYS.
Sansom and Eighth streets, October 1, 1833.

NOTE.

Not having had the advantage of examining M. De-
shayes's admirable work on the fossil shells of the Paris
basin, until after a part of the foregoing descriptions were
printed off, it has, necessarily, been out of my power to
make any comparisons with his species. The following
seem important enough to be introduced here.

Pasithea umbilicata (nobis), page 103, resembles M. De-
shayes's figure (Coquilles Fossiles, pi. 9, figs. 1 and 2,)
of Lamarck's Bulimus terebellatus.

All the species figured by M. Deshayes as Melanm, in
pi. 13, vol. 2d., and part of those of pi. 14, belong to the
genus Pasithea (nobis). It must be evident, to every geolo
gist, that the division of fresh water and marine shells, is all
important, involving facts of the highest interest, as re
gards alternate strata, such as exist in the Paris basin.
If we do not make the breathing of salt and fresh water a
sufficient character, as well as that of breathing air, for
generic distinction, we cut ourselves off from the use of a
most valuable characteristic, to designate the strata of
groups, see p. 99.

Venericardia rotundata (nobis), resembles V. squamosa,
of Lamarck, as figured by M. Deshayes, pi. 26, figs. 9
and 11.

208 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOLOGY.

Pectunculus obliqua (nobis), resembles P. nanus of M.
Deshayes, pi. 36, figs. 4 and 5.

Ostrea divaricata (nobis), resembles O. flabellula of
Lamarck, as figured by M. Deshayes, pi. 63, figs. 6 and 7.

Solen Blainvillii (nobis), resembles Solen effusus of Lam
arck, as figured by M. Deshayes, pi. 11, figs. 24 and 25.

NEW TERTIARY FOSSIL SHELLS,

MARYLAND AND NEW JERSEY,

Read before the American Philosophical Society, Nov. 1, 1833

a B

Description of six new species of Fossil Shells from the
Tertiary of Maryland and JVew Jersey.

THE shells here described, are from that part of the Ter
tiary mass called by Mr Lyell the older Pliocene Period.
They are presumed to be new, and their descriptions are
presented as a small contribution towards the elucidation
of that part of our Geology.

BALANUS. Bruguiere.

Balanus Finchil* Plate 6. Fig. 222.

Description. Shell short, conico-cylindrical, smooth,
nearly erect ; substance of the shell rather thick ; aper
ture nearly square ; valves rather pointed above.

Length 5-20ths, Breadth .3, of an inch.

St Mary's, Maryland. John Finch.

Observations. Although this shell has no striking
character, it cannot be placed with any species I am
acquainted with. I am under obligations to Mr Finch,
for this and many other species from St Mary's. He very
kindly placed them in my cabinet, shortly after his return

y Named after the geologist to whom 1 am indebted for the specimen

212 CONTRIBUTIONS

from the examination of that celebrated deposit, about
nine years since. ,

In Great Britain three species of Balanus have been
observed, all in the Crag. I am not aware that any
species of this genus has been before described from our
Formations.

MACTRA. Linnaus.

M. clathrodon. Plate 6. Fig. 223.

Description. Shell subtriangular, thin, inequilateral,
obscurely and transversely striate ; beaks somewhat point
ed ; lateral teeth crossed by equidistant minute striae ;
excavation of the palleal impression small and rounded ;
anterior and posterior cicatrices scarcely visible ; cavity of
the shell somewhat deep ; cavity of the beaks rather deep.
Diam. .2, Length 5-20ths, Breadth 7-20ths, of an inch.

St Mary's, Maryland. John Finch.

Deal, New Jersey.*

Observations. In outline this species is somewhat like
M. Grayi (nobis), but differs greatly in solidity. It has
some resemblance to the lateralis] (Say), differing, how-

* It is with some hesitation that I give this locality. The specimens are
in my cabinet, labeled with this locality, but I cannot recollect on whose
authority.

I A recent species Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, vol.
<>. p. 300

TO GEOLOGY. 213

ever, in being less angular, less ventricose, in being with
out the flattened posterior slope, and in having striated
lateral teeth.

ACTEON. Montfort.

A. Wetherilli* Plate 6. Fig. 224.

Description. Shell cylindrical, truncate above, smooth ;
substance of the shell somewhat thick ; spire short and
truncate ; suture impressed ; columella with one fold ;
whorls four ; mouth narrow, about four fifths the length
of the shell ; outer lip simple.

Length nearly .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Deal, New Jersey.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. I have seen no species of this genus with
whorls so compressed as this. Its short spire, together
with this character, give it the appearance of a Volvaria.
It differs from any species with which I am acquainted, in
having a shorter spire, and a longer mouth.

* Named after my friend J, Price Wetherill.

214 CONTRIBUTIONS

ROTELLA. Lamarck.

R. nana. Plate 6. Fig. 225.

Description. Shell orbicular, flattened above, smooth,
margin rounded ; substance of the shell rather thin ; spire
nearly concealed ; outer lip sharp ; callus impressed in the
centre, bounded by a fine impressed line ; mouth nearly
round.

Length l-20th, Breadth nearly .l,of an inch.

St Mary's, Maryland. John Finch.

The smallest figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. This very minute Rotella is very much
flattened above, and the last whorl nearly covers over the
spire. The number of whorls is doubtful ; perhaps they
do not exceed three. The margin is rounder than usual
in this genus. A single specimen only has been observed
by me, and this was discovered in the sand, taken from the
cavity of a larger shell.

I am not aware that the genus Rotella has before been
observed in a fossil state, in this country or in Europe.
M. Deshayes gives in his Tertiary Tables four recent spe
cies, but none fossil.

TO GEOLOGY. 215

GENUS PUSUS. Lamarck.

Fusus pumilus. Plate 6. Fig. 226.

Description. Shell ovately fusiform, longitudinally rib
bed ; substance of the shell thin ; spire rather obtuse ;
suture impressed ; whorls four, slightly convex ; columella
slightly twisted ; canal short ; mouth narrow.
Length .1, Breadth l-20th, of an inch.

St Mary's, Maryland. John Finch.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Observations. Three specimens of this very minute spe
cies were found in the sand, taken from the cavity of a
larger shell. The description of the F. minutus of Lam
arck, from Grignon, seems to answer closely to our species,
but the latter has no transverse striae.

GENUS MILIOLA. Lamarck.

M. Marylandica. Plate 6. Fig. 227,

Description. Shell elliptical, depressed in the middle,
rounded at the edges, lobes in contact ; mouth small, round,
terminal, furnished with a large tooth.

Length l-20th, Breadth nearly l-20th, of an inch.

St Mary's, Maryland. John Finch.
The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

216 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOLOGY.

Observations. This species was obtained from the sand
removed from the cavity of a large shell. In some of its
characters, it answers the description of the planulata (Lam
arck). It differs from the saxorum of Blainville, in having
the lobes in contact, and in having the mouth terminal.
In his figure it appears to be lateral. The most striking
character of our species seems to be, that it possesses a
large tooth, which partly fills the aperture. This, I be
lieve, has not been before observed in any described
species.

Lamarck describes four fossil species ; three are from
Grignon, and one from Louvres, near Paris. It has not
before been observed, I believe, in this country.

NEW GENUS OF FOSSIL SHELL,

FROM

NEW JERSEY.
Read before the American Philosophical Society, Nov. 1, 1833.

2 c

Description of a new genus of the Family SPHERULACEA of
Blainvttle, from the Cretaceous deposit of Timber Creek.,
New Jersey.

GENUS PALMULA. (nobis.)

Description. Shell palmate, with angular strise, which
indicate the interior chambers ; aperture terminal.

Observations. Two specimens of the shell on which I
propose to found this genus, were found by me, about four
years since, in the Cretaceous deposit of Timber Creek,
New Jersey. In its characters it approximates most
closely to the genus Saracenaria* of Defrance. The oval
form, the possession of a carina, and the absence of an
aperture in that genus, prohibit our shell being placed
with it. The Palmula also resembles the genus Textularia
of the same author, and might, perhaps, with propriety be
placed between these two genera.

P. sagittana. Plate G. Fig. 228.

The smaller figure is of the size of nature.

Description. Shell depressed, sagittate, rounded on the

See Manuel ile Malnrologie, p, 370

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOLOGY.

edges, with about six angular striae, which indicate the
interior chambers ; mouth terminal, oval, sublabiate.
Diam. l-20th, Length .2, Breadth .1, of an inch.

Observations. The two specimens differ somewhat in
outline, the larger one being more elliptical. In both,
the angular strias become obsolete at the base, being most
distinct on the superior part.

TUFACEOUS LACUSTRINE FORMATION

OF

SYRACUSE, ONONDAGA COUNTY, N. Y.
Read before the American Philosophical Society, Nov. 1, 1833.

Tufaceous Lacustrine Formation of Syracuse, Onondaga
County, JVeto York.

MY attention was attracted, some years since, on my
way to Niagara, when passing through the canal, which
cuts the district of country a few miles east of Syracuse,
in the state of New York, by a level area of some miles in
extent. On descending from the boat at the locks, I
found the substratum, which lined the side of the canal,
to consist of a calcareous marl of a whitish colour, border
ing on that of ashes, friable, and rather soft to the touch.*
Numerous perfect specimens of the genera Lymnea, Physa,
Planorbis, Paludina and Jlncylus were obtained, all being
analagous to the species inhabiting, at this time, the fresh
waters of that region : it was evident that the deposit was
caused by the drainage of a lake. The specimens were
found to be completely bleached, and were generally in an
unbroken state. It has been a matter of regret to me, that
circumstances did not permit me to make a more minute
investigation of this interesting deposit, which must be
considered as a true tufaceous lacustrine deposit. I crossed
it on a line, east and west, of about two miles, but its
width and depth I could not ascertain.

' A subsequent analysis, by Proibssor Vanuxcin, proved it to be nearly
pure carbonate of lane.

224 CONTRIBUTIONS

Near Chitteningo, fifteen miles east of Syracuse, I ob
served, on my return, a deposit of the same kind, and it
then occurred to me, it might be an extremity, or branch,
of that of Syracuse. The fact, however, of the streams
which pass these two villages, emptying themselves, the
one into Onondaga Lake, the other into Oneida Lake,
points to the probability of their being two distinct deposits.

The chief object in throwing my notes together, and
making these observations, is the hope of inducing some
naturalist, who has more time, and may not be so far
removed from the spot, to devote some attention to ob
taining all the species which may be there deposited, and
to ascertain, with some degree of precision, its extent. I
doubt not but that all the species found in the neighbour
ing lakes will be discovered in this marl, even the Naiades.
In passing rapidly along, I thought I could perceive much
larger species than those which were gathered, during the
few minutes I was on shore.

A lacustrine formation, of so recent a nature as this
appears to be, is not, I believe, of frequent occurrence. It is
the result, however, of one of those causes which are now
in action ; and another instance might be mentioned, in
which the effect of this cause, though striking, has not ad
vanced to that period when it would make a finished deposit.
I mean the small lake, or pond, in Sussex county, New
Jersey, well known by the descriptive name of Milk
Pond.* Here countless myriads of bleached shells, of the

* It takes its name from the milky appearance of the waters, near the
shore, caused by the mass of bleached shells deposited there. In
Gordon's Map of New Jersey, it is named White Pond.

TO GEOLOGY. 225

families L/ymnceana and Peristomiana, analagous to the
species now inhabiting the adjacent waters, line and form
the shores of the whole circumference of the lake, to the
depth and breadth of many fathoms. Not having visited
this interesting lake myself, 1 repeat what has been com
municated to me by intelligent, scientific friends, who
have examined it, and on whose report the most implicit
reliance may be placed. Such is the quantity of bleached
shells now remaining there, that thousands of tons of these
small species, in a state of perfect whiteness, could be ob
tained, if any useful purpose required the removal of them.
For agricultural purposes, this mass might prove of
great utility. One friend, I remember, mentioned to me,
that he had obtained a sharp pointed pole, which he
inserted ten or twelve feet perpendicularly into the mass,
on the shore, near to the edge of the water, without its
having passed through it. As far as can be ascertained,
this mass seems to form the whole basin of the lake, and
it may, at some future, and, perhaps, not far distant period,
form a tufaceous lacustrine deposit, similar to that at
Syracuse.

These very circumscribed deposits are of no very great
geological importance, but they indicate to us, in a small
way, the processes by which nature has formed those lacus
trine deposits which are of a wider extent, of more ancient
origin, and which compose part of nearly all the groups
which Mr Lyell divides into Metamorphic, Plutonic, Vol
canic, Freshwater, Marine and Alluvial.*

* Principles of Geology, vol. 3, pp. 374, 386.
2D

226 CONTRIBUTIONS

De la Beche very justly remarks, that " all the exam
ples hitherto produced of deposits that can be fairly traced
to existing springs, are relatively unimportant," " though
they may lead us to understand how great geological de
posits may, chemically, have taken place, as the cabinet
experiments of the chemist teach us the laws which go
vern nature on the large scale."*

We have, in the Geological Description of the Environs of
Paris, by Brogniart, p. 274, some account of the Freshwater
Formations, posterior to the Calcaire Grossier, which ex
ist in Europe. They are found in Spain, France, Eng
land, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary and Italy. These,
however, are more ancient than the deposit at Syracuse.
It is necessarry to bear in mind that these deposits are en
tirely distinct from that which Brogniart calls " calcaire
lacustre inferieur," which lies immediately over the Cal
caire Grossier, in the Paris basin, contains extinct species,
and forms there a most important stratum of the series.

We have an example of the strata of an age contem
poraneous with that of Syracuse, in the valley of Elsa, in
Tuscany. Here, Mr Lyell says, " we meet with fresh
water marls and travertins full of shells, belonging to
species which now live in the lakes and rivers of Italy ."f
He tells us also, that valleys, several hundred feet deep,
have been excavated through lacustrine beds.

In the Geological Transactions, volume second, the
same author mentions other calcareous deposits, which

* Geological Manual, p. 138.

t Principles of Geology- vol. 3, p 137

TO GEOLOGY. 227

are similar to that of Syracuse. The Bnkie Lock in For-
farshire, has made a deposit of calcareous matter, which
has been found useful for agricultural purposes, and this
he attributes to the agency of shells which inhabited the
lake.

THE END,

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