THE

MALACOLOGICAL

CONCHOLOGIClL

agaittte.

CONDUCTED BY

G. B. SOWERBV, F. L. S.,

&c. &c.

Part I.

HonDon :

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FOR

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I.

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ICHTHYOSAURUS,

in very fine condition, the dimensions of which are as follows: —

Ft. In.

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head 1 10

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From the head to the paddle 1 3

Thickness across the shoulder. .. . 0 9
From the end of one paddle to the

end of the other 6 2

Length from head to tail 6 0

of the tail 6 0

Total length about 16 0

11.

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George Odell, Printer, 18, Princes-street, Oxford-street.

THE

MALACOLOGICAL

CONCHOLOGICAL

CONDUCTED BY

B. SOWERBY, F. L. S.

&c. &c.

Part I.

ILontion :

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Part I.

OF THE

MALACOLOGICAL AND CON( HOLOGICAL

mAGAZINE.

TO BE CONTINUED MONTHLY.

Conducted by G. B. SOWERBY, F L. S., &c.

This work is intended as the Conductors gratuitous
contribution for the advancement of one of his fa-
vourite branches of Natural Science. The particular
object which he proposes to himself in commencing
it is the establishment of a Malacological and Concho-
logical Society in London; it will be carried on at the
sole expense of the Conductor for a twelvemonth,
by which time it is to be hoped such a Society will
be established ; when it will be naturally replaced
by their transactions. The Conductor will admit
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Concholojrical Science in all their branches, and he
invites articles relating to those Sciences in their
connection with Geology.

The Conductor of this Magazine has for some years

been convinced that two new Societies ought to be
established for the furtherance of the interests
of Geological Science, namely, a Mineralogical
and a Malacological and Conchological. Hewould
willingly render any aid in his power to the
estabhshment of the former or Mineralogical Society,
but he feels that the formation of such a Society
would require much greater influence than he is pos-
sessed of, seeing that the study of Minerals is scarcely
attended to at the present time.

He will attempt the formation of the latter or Ma-
lacological and Conchological Society, and with this
view he proposes as follows : —

1 . That a Society be formed, to be called The Mala-

cological and Conchological Society of London.

2. That the objects of this Society be —

1 . The formation of a Library to consist of
all works connected with the Malacological and
Conchological Sciences in all their bearings;

2. The formation of Collections of speci-
mens, drawings and descriptions of MoUusca and
of Collections of Shells, both recent and fossil,
with a view to an improved classification and
nomenclature, and to the comparison and identi-
fication of recent and fossil species.

3. The publication from time to time of such
new and important facts as may come under the
notice of the Society, and also the publication

of descriptive Catalogues of species made as
complete as possible with correct synonyms.

3. The Society shall consist in the first instance of
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and expenditures until the formation of the
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purpose. When the Society is actually formed,
it will of course repay such reasonable sums as
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The Conductor of this Magazine ventures to invite
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advancement of the particular branches of science
which he proposes as the objects of pursuit by this
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particularly as the collections it is proposed to form

may under proper regulations be rendered perma-
nently useful in aid of Geological studies by offering
the means of obtaining a corrected nomenclature, an
improved Classification, and, which is of great impor-
tance to Geologists, the comparative examination and
exact indentification both of recent and fossil species.

In furtherance of these useful objects the Conductor
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proposes to arrange in it, from time to time, such
illustrative objects as he may occasionally meet with,
merely as a nucleus, around which it is to be hoped,
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be formed; a Collection which will enable any
persons having access to it, to name at once and
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ject, recent or fossil they may possess, and in order
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logical Magazine, begs to be permitted in conclusion
to state, that in making this proposal for the estab-
lishment of a new Society he has no personal interest
to serve and that he is only actuated by the desire,
as much as in him lies, of furthering the interests of
Science ; he feels that he is too obscure, and alto-
gether too uninfluential an individual to aspire to the
character of Founder of a Society — he will however
use his best endeavours to excite others who from their
position in Society, their talents and their zeal in the
cause of Science are far better fitted to sustain such
a character than he is. But should such a Society
as he proposes not eventually be formed, having done
his duty, his conscience will not allow him to apply
the ''pudet hcBC opprohria" to himself.

Societies or private individuals who wish to have
this Magazine, which, it must be remembered, is only
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the goodness to send their names and exact addresses,
at their own expense to Mr. G. B. Sowerby, No. 50,
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Communications intended for publication in this
Magazine must be sent free of expense to the
Conductor.

Art I. On Melania inquinata, Defr.,

and its supposed recent analogue.

Vide Deshaijes Coquilles Fossiles des Environs de Paris, T. II. pi. 12

f. 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, p. 105, (1825.) Id. Mag. de Conchyl.

pi. et p. 13, (June, 1830.)

Cerithium Melanoides, Sotverbi/ Min. Conch, of Great Britain,

Vol. II. p. 109, pi. 147, f. 6, 7.

DeFrance Diet, des Sciences naiuielles, Tom. XXIX, p. 469.
When, some months since, I addressed to the Editor of the Natural
History Magazine some observations on Mr. Samuel Stutchbury's pro-
posed new genus CyprcBcassis, I ventured not to advance any opinion
upon the subject ; my intention was, by bringing forward such facts as
I had myself observed, independently of the favourable or unfavourable
bearing they might have upon the establishment of the proposed genus,
to enable others, as far as ray facts, combined with Mr. Stutchbury's,
would go, to form a correct judgment upon the subject. I know not what
expressions I may in those observations have made use of that may fairly
be construed into expression of personal feeling, or an improper spirit,
with both of which I have been charged. I have merely stated facts,
the proofs of which are existing and to be seen every day ; that these
facts have a direct tendency unfavourable to the establishment of Mr.
Stutchbury's proposed genus is not to be charged as a fault against me.
I have not pretended to assert that the proposed genus may not eventually
be fully established upon well marked characters, but I must still say, that
it cannot be considered as established upon the three characters which
Mr. Stutchbury has propounded as distinguishing it from Cassis; these
three characters it will be remembered are, 1st. the absence of epider-
mis, and I have shown that Mr. Stutchbury's typical species has an epi-
dermis ; 2d. the absence of operculum, and I have shown that at least
one of the species associated by Mr. Stutchbury with Cypraecassis has
an operculum ;* and 3d. the absence of varices except in the adult state,

• There is no greater reason for supposing Mr. Cuming to have accidentally
applied the operculum of some other animal to C. coarctata, than there might
he for supposing the qperculum of C. Testiculus to have been accidentally
detached from the foot of the animal before it was put into the spirit, or

B

10

and I have shown that three of Mr. Stutchbury's species form either in-
ternal or external varices at various periods of growth. And though I
thus say, I do not intend to assert that these facts are to be taken as
conclusive against the establishment of the proposed genus, but only as
strongly unfavourable to it.

I have thought it necessary to make these preliminary remarks, be-
cause the treatment I have experienced in consequence of my observa-
tions upon this subject, is such as would have prevented me from con-
tinuing to bring forward the numerous facts with which I am acquainted,
had I not been convinced of the necessity of fearlessly giving them
publicity even at the risk of exposing myself to such misrepresentation :
for these facts cannot always coincide with the opinions or preconceived
notions of certain classes of writers, the profound ignorance of some of
whom is only equalled by their arrogance.*

I shall therefore now proceed to the subject of the present communica-
tion ; only premising that my aim and intention is alone the advancement
of the purity and exactitude of such Natural Sciences as may be in a greater
or less degree affected by my facts. The form in which I shall put my
observations will be that of a critical analysis of the various published
observations and assertions relating to the Melania inquinata o{ DeFrancCy
and I shall add such facts as I have had the opportunity of observing
whether corroborative or not of previously published opinions. In
order to avoid frequent references I have placed at the head of this arti-
cle the direction to all that has appeared upon this subject, down to this
present time, as far as I know of. It will be needful in the first place
to ascertain what are the precise characters of Melania inquinata accord-
ing to DcFrance; then I must enquire how far the yb55z7 shells given
under that name by Deshayes agree with the true Melania inquinata of
DeFrance ; next I must institute a careful comparison of this fossil

that it might not actually have been detatclied by the sudden contractions.
of the animal upon being plunged inlo the strong spirit in which it was
preserved.

• I do not intend to include among these writers either of the Mesjsrs,
Stutchbury.

11

species with the recent one which Deshayes asserts to he identical with
it, and lastly I shall bring forward such facts as I possess and as are
calculated to explain or to enable Naturalists to form a correct judgment
upon the subject.

I commence then with my endeavour to ascertam what are the precise
characters of the true Melania inquinata of DcFrance, and in order
that I may net lay myself open to a charge of misrepresenting DeFrance^
I copy verbatim, what he has said about it in the Dictionnaire des Sci-
ences naturelles, " Melanie souillee : Melania inquinata, DeF. ; Ceri-
thium melanoides. Sow., pi. 147, f. 6, 7. CoquiJle conique, turri-
culee, chargee de tubercules et de cordons transverses, comrae certains
^speces de Cerites ; le dernier tour est charge de cinq a sept cordons et
d'une rangee de tubercules a sa partie superieure ; sur les autres tours
on ne voit qu'une ou^ deux cordons et les tubercules, qui onl cela de
trfes singulier, que souvent ils sont brises et qu'a leur place on voit une
petite cavite ; longueur deux pouces. On trouve cette espece a Wool-
wich, a Charlton et a Southfleet en Angleterre, a Beaurein departement
de la Somme, ou elle est accompagnee de Paludines, et a Epernay avec
des Gyrenes. Celles de Woolwich el de Beaurein ont jusqu'a douze
tubercules sur chaque tour, et quelques individus de ce dernier lieu en
sont presque depourvus. Celles d'Epernay en ont environs huit trfes
marquees. Je n'ai jamais pu rencontrer une seule de ces coquilles
ayant I'ouverture en assez bon etat pour en saisir tous les caract^res ;
mais Je pense qu'elles dependent du genre Melanie.

Celles qu'on rencontrent d Epernai et a Beaurein se trouve dans des
couches qui touchent a la partie superieule de I'argile plastique et du
lignite, audessous du calcaire coquillier et il y a lieu de croire que
celles des autres localites se trouve dans les memes circonstances."
Thus far Defrance : but, it will be seen, that as far as the general de-
scription thus given goes, it will apply with equal correctness to several
things which may nevertheless be perfectly distinct from each other ;
he refers, however, to the shell figured in Mineral Conchology under
the name Cerithium melanioides, as a representation of his Melania
inquinata ; the fact of its being a true Melania is therefore indubitable,

V2

and the author of MiiK-ral Conchology has incorrrctly placed it among'
the Cerithia, and he has been unfortunate in selecting a specimen for
representation, which on account of the state of the anterior part of the
columella, has the appearance of justifying this view of it. This is,
therefore, the shell that is most perfectly identified by Defrance as his
Melania inquinata, though it is also extremely probable that he has not
distinguished from it other shells which are found in France. In re-
lation, however, to the above-mentioned circumstance, which Defrance
considers very singular, namely, that the tubercles are often broken
and replaced by small cavities, I must not omit to state, that it can only
be regarded as a proof that the shells were inhabitants of the fresh or
brackish waters of rivers, lakes, or estuaries ; that the tubercles are not
actually broken, but eroded in the same manner as the points and other
prominent parts of MeJaniae, NcriliniE, and other fresh water and
estuary shells commonly are, such erosion being continued, until in
place of tubercles a small cavity has been formed. These little cavities
then that replace the tubercles are not to be regarded as a character of
the species ; and the first result of the examination, as far as I have
hitherto gone, is that the shell named by Sowerby in Mineral Con-
chology Cerithium melanioides is the Melania inquinata of Defrance.
I find, that in the Index to Mineral Conchology it is referred to under
the name " Potamides politus (melanioides)" by which I understand
J. D. C. Sowerby to express his opinion, that this is one of those shells
that may with propriety be separated from the Cerithia under Brong-
niart's generic term " Potamides" (in French), or " Potamis" (in Latin) :
the opinion thus expressed isjikhowever, not compatible with fiict, for
the shell is a true Melania.

I must next enquire how far the fossil shells given by Desliayes under
that name, agree with the true Melania inquinata of Defrance. And to
put my readers in possession of the whole subject with the least pos-
sible trouble to them, I sliall copy, vk^ord for word, what Deshayes has
said upon it, in his Description des Coquilles fossiles des environs de
Paris.

13

" Melanie souillee. Melanin iiiqninala, Dcf. "
M. testa elongato-turritd, basi striata ; avfractUms suhconvexis, in

medio angulatis ; luherculis depressis serratis, vcl stria procminen-

tiore ; apcrlura ooafa, basi dilatatd.

Def. Diet, des Sc. nat. tom. 29, p. 469.

Cerithiim. melanioides, Sow., MineralConchol.pl. 147, f, 6, 7.

Var. a. Testa anfractihus bistriatis ; tuberculis numerosioribvs.

Var. b. Testa iubercnlis bifariain separalis.

Var. c. Testa majorc anfractihus tristriatis ; stria inferiore aliquan-
tisper subtuberculatd.

Localiles : Epernay, A. P. les environs de Soissons pour la var. c.

M. Ferussac possfede I'analogue vivant de cette espece, et surtoiit de
notre varifete c. Elle vient, a ce qu'il nous semble, de la partie meridio-
nale de I'Asie. On trouve en Angleterre, a Headen hill, I'analogue fos-
sile, que Mr. Sowerby, a cause du mauvais etat des individus qu'il a eus
a sa disposition, avoit range dans le genre Cerite. Cette espece est
assez grande, turriculee, attenuee au sommet ou un peu tronqufee ; elle
offre dix a onze tours de spire legerement convexes, et separes par une
suture superficielle. Chaque tour de spire presente, un peu audessous du
milieu, une rangeede tubercules saillans un peu aplatis et assez aigues; le
resteest lisse dans le plus grand nombre des individus. A la base, on
remarque cinq ou six stries saillantes ; I'ouverture est ovale-oblongue, la
levre droite entiere et simple. La var. a. fig. 13, 14, sereconnoita
des tubercules plusnombreux et plus serres, aplatis plutot longitudinale-
ment, que transversalement : audessus il y a deux stries saillantes et
distantes. La var. b. est singuliere par les tubercules qui se trouvent
divises transversalement dans leur milieu par une strie profonde. La var.
c. n'est pas raoins remarquable que la precedente ; les tubercules sont
presque eflfaces ; a leur place, il y a une strie saillante qui ofFre des
tubercules tr^s petits, a peine saillans ; audessus de cette strie il y a
ordinairement trois autries simples. Cette variete, qui paraitdependre de
la localite ou on la trouve, est plus grand que les autres, et est generale-
ment plus large a la base. Longueur quarante-cinq millimetres : lon-
gueur de la variete c, cinqiiante millimetres."

14

Now, tliat this may be correctly understood, I must state, that irt
the above description Deshayes speaks of the apex of the shell as the
summit, and of the anterior, wider part as the base, though he places
his figure exactly in the reverse position, putting the anterior wider
part upwards, and the apex downwards ; and, moreover, that the ex-
pressions " audessous'' and " audessus" in the above description are to
be taken in reference to the position in which the figures are placed in
his plate, and not with reference to what he has called summit and base
in his description.

Taking the above description alone, and without further reference to
the figures than is necessary to understand it correctly, there is nothing
in it to lead any one to suppose that Deshayes is describing a different
thing from Defrance, and the conclusion must be drawn, that his
Melania inquinata is identical with Defrance's and Sowerby's : but any
one would be led greatly to doubt the identity of the species who placed
any dependence upon the figures in Deshayes, which are very little like
the shell represented in Mineral Conchology, and not much more like
five authentic specimens at present in my possession, which represent
two of the varieties from different localities in France ; indeed, these
figures of Deshayes are such, that I think it would scarcely be possible to
identify the fossil by them alone, and without the aid of other figures
and descriptions. The second result of this examination is, nevertheless,
that Deshayes' fossil Melania inquinata is identical with Defrance's, and
that they are represented in this country by the shell named Cerithium
melanioides in Mineral Conchology ; afterwards altered in the Index to
the sanie work, to Potamides politus (melanioides) but which, con-
sequently ought to bear the name of Melania inquinata of Defrance.

I must now institute a comparison of this fossil species with the
recent one, which Deshayes asserts to be identical with it. For this pur-
pose I refer to the Mag. de Conchyliologie, page and plate 1 3, and I
transcribe word for word his statement relative to it.

" M. souiLLEE. M. inquinata, Defrance. Deshayes.
Testa transverse multistriata, apice costata ; costis longitudinalibus ;
stria unica. superiore nodulosa.

15

Long. 40 mill. ; larg. 16 mill.

Nous avous annonce dans notre ouvrage sur les fossiles des environs
de Paris (tome II. page 105) que la Melanie souillee, si abondarament
repandue a I'etat fossile dans le bassin de Paris et en Angleterre, se
trouvait aussi vivante ; nous avions cite ce fait de m^moire, ayant vu la
coquille vivante, quelques annees auparavant dans la collection de
M. De Ferussac ; aujourd'hui que nous possedons aussi cette espece a
I'etat recent, nous en donnons une figure que Ton pourra facilement
comparer avec celles qui sout dans notre ouvrage ; on s'assurera par ce
moyen de I'identite des individus vivants et fossiles, et Ton s'apercevra
que I'individu figure ici est une vari^te a ajouter a celles qui sont
connues. II a quelques stries de plus vers la suture, et n'a sur chaque
tour qu'une seule strie transverse qui soit tuberculeuse. Nous renvoyons
pour le reste de la description, soit a notre ouvrage, dans I'endroit
precite, soit a I'article Melanie du Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles,
par M. Defrance. Patrie : les Phillippines.

Juin, 1830. Dkshayes.

Let me now, before instituting a comparative examination of the fossil
and recent shells, first compare the figures and desciiptions of Deshayes,
in compliance with his invitation. It will be seen upon making this
comparison that there are several points in which the recent differs from
the fossil shells ; the first of these is the form of the volutions, which in
the figure of the recent shell are represented as being wider in propor-
tion to their length, and more convex than in the figures of the fossil ;
the next is the suture, which is represented as much more deeply placed
in the recent than in the fossil, in which latter Deshayes says it is super-
ficielle'^ ; then the form of the aperture is represented in the fossil as
smaller and rounder than in the recent ; the appearance of a thickened
margin is also given to the figures of the fossil, while in the recent
figure the margin is made to appear thin and sharp-edged : next, in the
description the recent shell is said to have longitudinal ribs at the apex
fapice costatd ; costis longitudinalibusj and in the figure these longi-
tudinal ribs are made to extend more or less distinctly nearly over the
whole shell, but these ribs are neither mentioned in the description nor
do tiiey at all appear in any of the figures of the fossil varieties; then

IG

in the fossil, there are no striae either represented in the figures of the
varieties, or mentioned in the descriptions above or nearer the apex than
the row of tubercles, whereas in the figure of the recent shell several
striae are represented in that position, and in the description he ex-
presily mentions them ; ('■'■ II a quelques stries de plus vers la suture''' J.
It is therefore evident that Deshayes' recent is really different in several
respects from his fossil shell, whether it is merely another variety (which
he asserts it to be) or a distinct species is a question upon the considera-
tion of which I shall presently enter. But I must first observe, in rela-
tion to his description of the recent shell, that he commences with a
new character of the species, evidently for the alone purpose of bring-
ing in this shell ; which he moreover asserts to be " une variete a
ajouter a celles qui sent connues." In effect Deshayes proves by his
own descriptions and figures that his recent is different from his fossil
species and he is at variance with himself, for notwithstanding he has
given us a figure which any oae may easily compare with the figures
of the fossil which he has given in his other work, I would ask, how is
it possible that any one who may take this trouble will be assured of the
identity of the recent and fossil individuals since he tells us that the
I'ecent one is a variety — if it be a variety it is not identical. This is
too much in accordance with Lamarck's absurd dictum, conveyed in the
following words which are to be found in the 245th. page of the 7th.
volume of his Histoire naturelle des Animaux sans vertfebres, " a
Vegard des produits de la Mature, tons sont varietes les uns des autres,
ce que constate partout I' observation des avoisinans'^; I have neither time
nor talent for entering upon so large a field of enquiry, I would only
ask one question ; If this be true ; if the Lion, the Eagle, the Crocodile,
the Snake, the Flying Fish, the Beetle, the Polyp, the Molluscum, &c. &c.
be merely varieties one of another, why do Naturalists labour upon
systems and endeavour to ascertain the natural affinities, and to found
upon them classes and orders and families and genera and species? Here
is the ready answer to all their researches " Thev are all varieties,

ONE OF another."

But I think I shall be able to show by a compaialive examination of
the recent and fossil shells thcmselces that they ought to be regarded as

17

distinct species. Of the recent one I have before me five specimens
which represent three varieties ; and in all these the volutions are wider
in proportion to their length, than the corresponding varieties of the
fossil ; their apertures are consequently larger and wider in proportion ;
their volutions are more rounded, their sutures more distinct ; in all of
them there exist more or less distinctly marked longitudinal ribs (which
are not to be seen at all in the fossil ;) and in all of them there are also
longitudinal striae between the tubercular ridge and the suture ; so that
here are no less than five characters in which the recent appears constantly
to differ from the fossil shell. Besides the above characters I may also
mention that the aperture of the recent is very different from that of the
fossil which may be easily proved by a comparative examination of the
lines of growth.

I am disposed to think, taking the above characters in which the
recent are found thus constantly to differ from the fossil shells, in combi-
nation with the fact of the existence of nearly parallel varieties in both,
that the recent ought to be regarded as a distinct species from the fossi}
and in this view of the subject I propose the following as the diagnostics
of the two species.

I. Melania inquinata, Defr.

Tests, elongato-turrita tevi, anfractibus decern, gradatim crescentibus,
subconvexis, postice prop^ suturam angulatis, ad angulum tubercu-
latis, tuberculis depressis; antic^ plerumque lineis transversis non-
nuUis pliis miniisve elevatis, nonnunquam interruptis; inter angulum
et suturam planis ; sutura subinconspicua ; apertura ovata, posticfe
emarginata, antic^ dilatata; long. 2' 4, lat. 0'72 poll.

2. Melania Philippinarum,

Testa elongato-turrita, laeviter subgranosa, anfractibus convexis, longi-
tudinaliter subcostatis, postice prope suturam subangulatis, ad angu-
lum tuberculatis, tuberculis subdepressis, anticfe posticeque lineis
• transversis nonnuUis plus minusve elevatis, nonnunquam interruptis;

c

18

sutura distincta : aperturS. ovala, posticfe subsinuata, antice

dilatata; long. 2'55, lat. 0-95, poll.

My specimens of the recent species were received lately from Ma-
nilla. The fossil is found abundantly in a bed of marie, intermingled
with Cyrense and fragments of shells, above a thick bed of white sand,
between Charlton and Woolwich, in Kent ; also in several other parts
of England ; and in several localities in France. The best representa-
tions of the fossil are those given in Mineral Conchology. 1. c. I have
never seen a single specimen of the fossil with the outer lip complete:
but it is easy to trace the form of it by the lines of growth, which are
sometimes very strongly marked. In order that this subject may be as
fully illustrated as possible I have added a correct representation of each
of the varieties of each species.

Naturalists will now be able to form their own opinions as to the
identity or non-identiiy of these recent and fossil shells.

References to Plate I.

Fig. ], 2, 3. Tubercular varieties of Melania Philippinarum nobis.
a. a. the space between the posterior tubercular ridge and the
suture.
4. Variety of Melania Philippinarum nobis, without a tubercular
ridge.
a. a. The space between the posterior ridge that is usually

tuberculated and the suture.
h. b. Distinct lines of growth showing the form of the outer
hp.

5. Melania inquinata, Defr.

a, a. The space between the posterior tubercular ridge and the
suture.

6. Melania inquinata, Defr., a specimen showing the manner

in which the tubercles of the posterior ridge are com-
monly eroded.
a. a. The space between the posterior tubercular ridge and the
suture.

19

7. Melania inquinata, a specimen to show the form of the outei

lip, comparatively with fig. 4.
a. a. The space between the posterior tubercular ridge and the

suture,
i. I). Distinct lines of growth showing the form of the outer

lip, comparatively with b. b. of fig. 4.

Art. II. RiXTiFiCATioN of some mistakes relative to the Genera Crania
Retzius and Orbicula of Lamarck, which have been committed
by various Authors : by G. B. Sowerby, F.L.S., &c.

That men of science and naturalists are every day more and more fully
convinced of the necessity of exactness or precision, is proved by the
comparative care and attention to minutias with which their researches
are conducted at the present time, in contradistinction to the apparent
negligence and inattention to important circumstances, which formerly
characterized their discriminations. Even geologists, who formerly paid
so little attention to specific differences, and who considered every fossil
without exception as a result of the Noachian deluge, appear now to
think it necessary before drawing their conclusions, to make themselves
acquainted with the generic and specific distinctions of the fossils which
characterize different geological periods, inaismuch as they find that their
conclusions may be in a greater or less degree confirmed or invalidated
in proportion to the exactness with which they may have deduced them
from facts. It is now well known that every thing in nature is governed
by fixed laws, therefore those who wish to become acquainted with her
works must be extremely precise and attentive in their pursuit of this
knowledge.

For this reason, when I am convinced that any of my fellow students
have, in consequence of carelessness or inattention in conducting their
researches, arrived at incorrect conclusions, I consider it to be my duty
to endeavour, if in my power, to set them right ; and for the same
reason I am happy when any who are farther advanced in any particular
branch-of thi.; study than I am, think so well of my labours as to take

20

the trouble to instruct and correct aie. I am so well aware of the rea!
imperfections attending the labours of even the best informed that I
never will be displeased at the exposure of my own imperfections,
indeed it will always give me pleasure when convinced of them
to acknowledge my errors. In my published works I am aware that some
errors have obtained publicity — some of them caused by misapprehen-
sion, some also I fear by inadvertence, and I am determined, as oppor-
tunity occurs to point them out and give the necessary corrections. I
may consider it rather a fortunate circumstance for me, that most of these
errors are of such a nature that there exist very few persons who are able
to detect them. The present paper may be considered as the first fruits
of such determination.

I would therefore engage the attention of malacological students to the
subject of the Ibllowing references . —

DisciNA, Lamarck Hist. Nat. des Anim . sans vert, tome vi. Ire
partie, p. 236.

Crania, ibid. p. 237.

Orbicula, ibid. p. 242.

Remarks on the Genera Crania and Orbicula of Lamarck, Trans, of
Linn. Soc. vol. XIIL p. 465, by G. B. Sowerby.

Crania, i Sowerby's Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells, Nos.

Orbicula, f 12 and 13.

'I Fleming's History of British Animals, p.p. 376, 377.

CRIOPUS,f * ^ '11'

Discina, Turton's Conchylia Insul, Brit. p. 237.

And I have referred to these five works, because there is in every one
of them some error in connection with this subject.

I commence with Lamarck for two reasons, — because he is the first
in order of publication and because it appears that almost all the errors
in the other works have been caused by too implicity relying on his
correctness. The genus Crania was adopted by DeBlainvilleand Brugiiiere
from Retzius and may be considered as a perfectly well established genus;
Lamarck appears to have adopted it in reliance upon those authors with-
out being in the slightest manner acquainted with it himself; afterwards

•21

finding the Patella anomala'm Miiller's Zoologia Danica and not recog-
nizing their identity, though he appears to have observed a degree of
resemblance, he seems to have founded his genus Orbicula partly upon
Miillers plate and partly upon some recent specimens of a very different
thing which existed in the collections at Paris at the time. Miiller's
Patella anomala is however absolutely identical with the Crania
Personata, consequently Lamarck's genus Orbicula must be entirely
abandoned unless it can be used as applied to that other very different
thing which Lamarck had under his observation at the same time
and which he did not distinguish fron) Miiller's Patella ; and this is
what I think ought to be done. But this is not the end of the confusion
caused by Lamarck's inattention ; for upon receiving from my Father
some specimens of a small attached bivalve which I found among some
Ballast, and not identifying them with the other similar things which he
had before considered as identical with Miiller's Patella anomala, he has
put these into another place in his Systeme, under the name of DisciNA
ostreoides. Thus his genus Orbicula has been formed in a great measure
upon a shell which is identical with his Crania, but separated from it by
being placed among the Brachiopodes, while Crania stands in the Rudis-
tes ; and his genus Discina has been made out of another thing which
properly belongs to Orbicula, but separated from it by being placed
among the Rudistcs, while Orbicula stands among the Brachiopodes.
Lamarck should also have referred Poli's Anomia turbinata to Crania
and not to Orbicula.

I mutt now acknowledge my own errors, which have, however, princi-
pally, if not entirely been caused by my placing implicit confidence
in the correctness of Lamarck. The first and leading error of which I
have been guilty is that of having adopted Lamarck's incorrect notion by
supposing the Patella anomala of Miiller to be distinct from Crania
and regarding it as forming the typical species of Orbicula ; my next
error has been that of identifying the shell I found among Ballast with
Orbicula norvegica of Lamarck whereas it ought to have been placed
as a new species of that genus. These errors of mine appeared first in
the Linn. Trans, and they have been continued in my work on the Genera.

2:2

Now that [ am convinced of them I have much pleasure in giving the
corrections.

Turton, whose work on the British Bivalves stands next in order of
date, has inadvertently united the true Crania and Qrhicula together,
giving them the name of Discina : his mistake is however of little
importance because he never can be regarded as authority upon this
subject.

I now come to Fleming, " who gives a place to Discina ostreoides of
Lamarck, even without good proof of its British origin, for the purpose
of rectifying some strange mistakes in nomenclature which have been
oommilted in reference to this and the following genus" (which is
Criopus, of Poli) but this author who thus makes his appearance, " ex
Cathedra, " to set us all right, has neither hit upon the first and great
cause of all the errors, nor has he corrected the real errors, and he has
moreover made some addition to their number. He does not tell us
what are the mistakes that he intends to rectify, we are left to find them
out, if we can: but we are to take his version of the matter, without
his having condescended to give us a reason for any part of it and we
are to conclude, with implicit reliance upon his correctness, that he has
rectified every mistake that had been committed by all authors who have
written upon the subject down to the time of his advent. We shall now
see how he has done this — in the first place he lias adopted Lamarck's
genus Discina which ought to have been expunged from the system al-
together, and has added to it three fossil species of Orbicula which have
been published in the Zoological Journal and in Mineral Conchology :
then for the Crania he has used the name Criopus which Poli gave to the
animal alone instead of using the name which had long before been
given to the shell by Retzius and adopted by all authors, except those of
the Linnean School : and then further, without giving any reason, asserts
it to be probable that Crania of Lamarck is distinct from Criopus. He
also says that I have asserted the Orbicula, of Lamarck to differ only in
the greater thickness and irregularity of the lower valve from the type of
the genus Criopus of Poli. Whereas, what I have said is this, '• The
only difference observable between the specimens (of what I have called

23

Crania personata of Lamarck) from Shetland and those from the Mediter-
ranean is in the thickness and irregularity of the lower valve". The
Discina ostreoidcs of Turton is composed, as we have already stated, of
two different things (one from the description being an Orbicida and the
other from the synonyms a Crania) Fleming has therefore been incor-
rect in quoting it only under his Criopus, Fleming has moreover com-
mitted a mistake in coining a word, which he has used loithout explana-
tion, in his description. Of the signification of this word "areulated'^ it
is impossible to form any conjecture; I thought at first that it was only
the accidental admission of a supernumerary letter, and that it ought to
be read "arcuated;"'^ but when I looked for these two arched, or
arcuated, subcentral muscular impressions in a number of upper valves
of Crania which lie before me at the moment of writing this, my search
was entirely unsuccessful, and I remained ignorant of the signification of
his new word. I wish Fleming had condescended to favour us with the
signification of several other words which we frequently meet with in the
same work, and which, being quite new to us, we cannot perfectly
understand. Such things as these are, however, of trifling importance
when compared with the interminable mistakes and absurdities which
disgrace the History of British Animals, by Dr. Fleming.

I must now conclude by correcting two other errors which I have
committed, both depending upon the same cause as the first. Poli was
quite right in identifying Miiller's Patella anomala with his own Criopus.
And De Blainville has been mistaken in referring the shell which I
found among ballast to Patella anomala of Miiller ; but he has rightly
referred it to Orbicula.

Art, III. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of the species of Leach's Genus
Margarita.

§ 1. Testa non umbilicata.
1. Margarita taeniata. Testa orbiculari-subconica, tenui, laevis^ima,
albida, transversim rufo-vittata ; anfractibus quinque subro-
tundatis, ultimo multo majore ; sutura indistincta ; apertura
ferfe orbicular!, columella subincrassata, extus depressiuscula ;
long. 0-85. lat. 1 poll. Conch, lUustr, Marg. f. 2.

24

Syn. Turbo taeniatus, Sowerby in Tank. Cat, App. p. xiii.
Hab. ad oras Americse meridionalis.

2. Margarita violacea. Testa orbicuiari-subconica, tenui, Isevi, rufes-

cente ; anfractibus quatuor, tumidis ; sutura subobsoleta ; aper-
tura fere orbiculari, infra subangulata ; columella subincrassata,
subarcuata, sulco longitudinali instructa ; long. 0*4. lat. 0'45.
poll. Conch. Illustr. Marg. f. 11, 12.
Syn. Margarita violacea, King Zool. Journ. vol. t. p. 346.
Hab. ad fretum Magellanicum (Port Famine.)
Obs. Of this shell the Indians make their necklaces ; it is found ad-
hering to the leaves of Fucus giganteus, and is the principal
food of the racehorse duck (Capt. King). This shell is usually
of a dull reddish colour (not violaceous), but sometimes it is of a
pale dull yellov^rish brown.

3. Margarita expansa. Testa orbiculari, lata, tenui, Igevi, rufescente,

anfractibus quatuor subrotuudatis, levatiusculis, ultimo maximo ;

suturis subinconspicuis ; apertura orbiculari ; columella latius-

cula, arcuata, sulco longitudinali instructa ; long. 0'5. lat. 0*55,

poll. Conch. Illustr. Marg. f. 16.

Variat colore pallido. Conch. Illustr. Marg. f. 17.

Hab. ad fretum Magellanicum (Port Famine).

4. Margarita sigaretina. Testa orbiculari-subdepressa, tenui, laevi,

rufescente; anfractibus tribus, tumidis, posticfe depressiusculis,
ultimo maximo; sutura subinconspicua; apertura maxima, sub-
orbiculari, subobliqua; columella latiuscula, planulata, arcuata,
sulco longitudinali, indistincto instructa; long. 0'35, lat. 0*5,
poll. Conch. Illustr. Marg, f. 14.
Variat colore pallido.

Hab. ad fretum Magellanicum (Port Famine)
§ 2. Testa umbilicata.

5. Margarita vulgaris. Leach. Testa orbiculari, subdepressa, tenui,

nitida, pallescente : anfractibus quatuor, subtumidis, depressi-
usculis, ultimo majori ; sutura profunda, apertura magna.

25

suborbiculari, postice angulau ; umhilico magno, profundo :

long. 0-1, lat. 0-15. poll. Conch. lUustr. f. 13.

Hab: ad littora Britannica.

Syn. Turbo Margarita, Lowe in Zool. Journ. II., p. 107.

tab. v., f. 10. 11. 11. b.

Helix margarita, Laskey.

6. Margarita carnea, Lowe. Testa subconica, spira brevi, apice

elevato, acuto ; anfractibus- quatuor, striis elevatis, regularibus
subdistantibus cinctis; apertura magna, suborbiculari, antice sub-
angulata; umbilico magno, profundo : Conch. Illustr. Marg. f. 9.
Hab : ad littora Scotica. (Oban)

Syn. Turbo carneus, Lowe in Zool. Journ. II. p. 107. tab. V.
f. 12. 13. 13. b.

7. Margarita striata. Testa conoidea, anfractibus sex rotundatis, spira-

liter striatis, striis elevatis, posticis distantibus, anticis approxi-
matis, umbilico parvo ; long. 0*85, lat. 0*9, poll. Conch.
I*iustr. Marg. f. 3. 18.

Syn. Margarita striata, Bred. & Sowerby in Zool. Journ. IV.
p. 371.

Hab, in Oceano boreali.

Obs. This shell has a dull surface ; its longitudinal striae are
decussated by very fine and close-set lines of growth.

8. Margarita arctica Leach. Testa orbiculari, subdepressa, tenui, nitida,

olivacea : anfractibus quatuor, tumidis, ultimo majori ; sutura
profunda ; apertura orbiculari, magna ; umbilico magno ; pro-
fundo ; long. 0-15, lat. 0-2, poll. Conch. Illustr. Marg, f. 6.

Syn. Margarita arctica, Leach in Ross's Voyage of Discovery}
1819. 8vo.

• helicoides. Beck, MS.

Hab, in mari artico (Baffin's Bay, Sabine ; Greenland, Beck.)

9. Margarita Graenlandica, Beck, Tesla orbiculari, tenui, nitida, pallida,

spira elevatiuscula ; anfractibus quinque rotundatis, lineis incre-
menti tenuissimis solum sculptis ; sutura distinct^ ; apertur4 sub- — "-*«>.

1.. /^ V\tf>\

^A%*.\^J^

26

orbiciilari; umbilico magno ; lons^. 0-5^ lat. OSa. poll. Conch,
lllustr. Marg. f. 10.

Syn. Margarita Grcenlandica, Beck, M.S.

Hab. in mari Grsenlandico.

10. Margarita umbilicalis. Testa orbiculari, depressiuscula, lenuissimfi,

nitida, cornea; anfractibus sex subtumidis, posticis spiraliter cos-
tellatis ; sutura distincta ; apertura orbiculari ; umbilico maximo ;
long. 0-6, lat. 0-8, poll. Conch, lllustr. Marg. f. 5.

Syn. Margarita umbihcalis, Brod. & Sowerby, Zool. Jour.

Hab. ad Insulam Melville dictam, maris arctici.

11. Margarita sulcata. Testa, orbiculari, depressiusculu, tenuissiraa,

nitida, cornea ; anfractibus sex, subtumidis, spiraliter sulcatis,
sulcis tenuibus, distantibus J sutura distincta ; apertura orbiculari ;
umbilico maximo : long. 0*27, lat, 046, poll. Conch. lllustr.
Marg. f. 1.
Hab. ad Insulam Melville dictam.

12. Margarita undulata. Testa orbiculari, obtuse conica, tenuij rosacea,

anfractibus quatuor, subtumidis, spiraliter sulcatis, postic^ ad
suturam undulatis ; apertura suborbiculari ; umbilico mediocri I
margine angulato; long. 0'26, lat. 0' 33, poll. Conch. lllustr.
Marg. f. 4.
Hab. in mari arctico.

13. Margarita costellata. Testa orbiculari, obtuse^ conica, tenui, fusces-

cente ; anfractibus quatuor, turaidis, spiraliter costatis, basi sub-
angulatis, inferioribus subinconspicuis ; apertura suborbiculari.
antice subangulata ; umbilico parvo : long. 0'3, lat. 0'33, poll.
Conch: lllustr. Marg. fig. 15.
Hab. in mari arctico.

14. Margarita acuminata. Testa orbiculari, tenui, albicante, spira

acuminata, anfractibus quinque rotundatis, isevibus ; sutura dis-
tincta ; apertura orbiculari ; umbilico parvo : long, 0*55, lat.
0-5, poll. Conch. lllustr. Marg. fig. 7.
Hab, in mari arctico.

15. Margarita Solariiformis. Testa orbiculari, <;ublenticulari. tenuissima

27

anfractibus quinque, laevigatis, subplanulatis, spiraliter tenuissime
striatis, pallescentibus, minutissimfe albido-fuscoque articulatim
pictis ; apertura subquadrata ; unibilico magno, profundo :
long. O-2.5, lat. 0-35. Conch. lUustr. f. 8.
Hab:
Obs. This appears to be an osculeni species, connecting Margarita
with Solarium.

MiSCKLLANEOUS OBSIrUiVATIONS,

Some time since I was surprised at learning the fact that the toot of
C^yclostoma elegans is longitudinally divided by a desp groove, which had
lately been observed by my friend Lewis of KeriSin2:ton, though it had
been overlooked by Berkeley, but having accidentally met with the work
of Rossmaesler I find the circumstance is distinctly noticed, and several
representations given. But there is another fact relative to a well known
land shell (the Helix epistylium) first pointed out to me by the same
Gentleman, which I believe has not yet been noticed in any publication.
It is that this species is viviparous and its young are fully developed be-
fore they quit the parent, in the same manner as the young of Paludina
achatina. It has long been well known that many of the pneumono-
branchous Mollusca lay eggs, which are covered with a calcareous crust
in the same manner as the egg of Birds, but I have only met with two
species to which the term viviparous may justly be applied. This Helix
epistylium is one instance, and the other is a small turrited species of
Achatina, which I have named Jlchatina vivipara from this circum-
stance. Three or four fully developed young shells may generally be
found, upon breaking up a full grown shell, occupying commonly a
great portion of the second, third and fourth volutions from the base.
The shell is commonly about an inch long, consisting of about nine
volutions, the apex being blunt and rounded, the volutions longitudinally
striated and the base smooth ; the whole nearly white, semitransparent
and covered with a thin olivaceous horny epidermis : the young ones
consist of three volutions bipfore they quit the parent.

28

Some of the Lamarckian j^mpullaricE are viviparous, but I have it not
in my ponrer at present to ascertain vi^hich species ; the circumstances,
however, which I am about to mention seem to prove that one of these
viviparous species (if there be more than one) is sometimes reverse. I
had once a parcel of Ampul larise in a small tray, which I had packed
up in a box, and being subjected to rather violent shaking during a short
Journey, when the package was opened there were found in the tray
about twenty very young, but fully formed Ampullarise, two of which
were reverse. Now as there was not a single reverse AmpuUaria among
the old shells that were packed in the tray, these two reverse young ones
must have been the produce of one that was not reverse and most
probably belonged to the same brood as the other young ones. This
must have been one of those species of Ampullarise (hitherto so called
which have an horny operculum, for all the young ones are furnished
with such an operculum ; I would however suggest the propriety of
separating those with a shelly from those which have only an horny
operculum, if this has not already been done.

A word on the subject of the British shell commonly called Nerita
littoreus and which Lamarck heis named Turbo neritoides, may not be
misplaced. The foot of its animal is divided by a longitudinal groove
in the same manner as that of Cyclostoma elegans. This fact was
pointed out to me by my friend Morris of Kensington, a few weeks ago
at Carnarvon. This shell does not belong to the true Neritae, and it is
improperly placed by Lamarck among the Turbines, it appears to be
more nearly related to the Jjittorinae ; though it is probable that upon a
more intimate acquaintance with it. Naturalists may think it necessary to
regard it as the type of a new genus.

Helix Helmii, Gilb. This appears to me to be a very distinct species,
the shell is of a very pale horn colour, almost white, and extremely thin ;
its animal is of a dark blue grey colour, and it it remarkable that it is
always found nj)on the ground and not upon the surrounding vegetation.

I have lately been requested by my friend Morris of Kensington to
compare some fossil Valvatae which he has found at Grays in Essex, with

29

the common recent species Valvata piscinalis of Lam. Upon examining
my specimens of this latter shell, I find among them two distinct
varieties or perhaps species. It is remarkable that Fleming in his specific
character of this shell says *' pillar with a large central cavity "
[or umbilicus) and a few lines after, in the description, he says,
"central cavity distinct^ but not large:" but it is also remarkable that
one principal difference between the two varieties or species (as the case
may be) which I possess, consists in this very circumstance ; it is there-
fore probable thar this apparent discrepancy may be reconciled by the
supposition that when drawing out his specific character Fleming had in
view a specimen with a large umbilicus, and afterwards when giving a
more detailed description he accidentally observed one with a small
umbilicus. 1 am much disposed to regard these two recent sorts as
distinct species, but I should prefer leaving it undecided until an oppo-
tunity occurs of examining more specimens from other localities. But
I must compare the fossil with both the recent sorts. First, let me
examine comparatively the dimensions of the three ; the fossil one
(No. 1) is much larger than either of the recent ones, and of these
latter, that with the large umbilicus, (No. 2.) is much larger than
that virith the small umbilicus (No, 3.). Next, let me examine com -
comparativel} the /)ro/)or<zons of the three sorts; No. 1, iu its greatest
length measures 34 hundredths of an inch, and in its greatest breadth
26 hundredths ; the length and breadth of No. 2, are exactly equal ; and
No. 3, is rather wider than it is long ; the proportions of the three sorts
differ therefore very evidently. Further, as regards other characters ;
the sutures in No. 1 , and No. 2, are equally distinct and deep, while
that of No. 3, is not nearly so strongly marked : the volutions in No. 2,
are regularly rounded, while those of No. 1, increase gradually from
the upper toward the lower parts, though they are still very nearly regu-
larly rounded, while in No. 3, they increase still more gradually. In
No. 1, there are six volutions, in No. 2, there are five, and in No. 3,
scarcely four and an half.

30

REVIEW.

1. A Catalogue of Recent Shells, with descriptions of new or rare
species in the Collection of John C. Jay, M. D. second edition
JSfeiv For^ 1836, illustrated br/ four plates.

Here is a Catalogue of Shells consisting of nriore than 4000 species,
we believe the most extensive that has yet appeared in print. As such vpe
think it may be useful, though even in that respect it is evidently far
short of what might be done with ease at the present time. But it is
sent out with such unpretending modesty that criticism is disarmed, and
our business is only to point out to Dr. Jay a few of the most important
errors and to offer him our best thanks for his very acceptable little book.
First then let us inform him that Aphrodite Columha of Lea, is nei-
ther more nor less than the well-known Cardium Granlandicum of
Lamarck, and that it decidedly belongs to the family of the Cardiacea,
and not to the Conchce Jluviatiles ; secondly, we regret that Dr. Jay has
not informed us whose genus Dythalmia is, and where the descrip-
tion of it is to be found ; we ask this because we strongly suspect it to
be the same thing as that which has been called Drcissena by some
continental writer and no other than the Mytilas Polymorphus of Gmel.
We mention this merely because we would take this opportunity of
cautioning those who take upon themselves the responsibility of giving
names, to endeavour first to ascertain what has been done by others,
and not hastily to give a generic appellation to a subject which may
already have one or even more. We do not intend to find fault with
the establishment of this genus, but we believe this will prove to be the
second generic name which has been applied to it. The word itself,
moreover, appears to us to be of Greek derivation, and we fear it is not
classically compounded. We are surprised to see Laplysia used, in this
and some other very modern works, instead of the corrected term
Aplysia. But we say no more at present on nomenclature, reserving
some hints on that suhjcct for an oppoilunity of giving ihem more fully

31

and more generally. Let us now turn to Dr. Jay's plates, v/e shall here
find that he has described and figured as new eleven species, most of
which have been already described or figured long since. Fig, 1, which
Dr. Jay names Pupa ringcns is Clausilia pantagruelina of Moricand*
Fig. 2, {Megaspira Ruschenhergiana. Lea,) is Pupa elatior of
Wagner. Fig. 3, Bulimiis melastomus% of Swainson, Fig. 4, [Pupa
egregia of Dr. Jay) is the young shell of Bulinus bilabiatus of Sowerby,
published in the Zoological Journal, vol. V. p, 49, and afterwards
B. maximilianus by Moricand. Fig. 6, Ranella pulchella of Gray.
In his Fig, 8. [Jlmpullaria ochracea of Jay ;) we see nothing but one
of the numerous varieties in colour of Ampullaria fasciata, Lamarck.
Fig, 10. [Natica imperforata. Jay,) was described under the name of
JSfatica Jluctuata, in the Tankerville Catalogue in 1825. Fig. 11,
[JVeritina papillosa, Jay,) was described under the name of JVeritina
granosa, also in the Tankerville Catalogue.

• This indeed is not a Clausilia, neither is it a Papa.
^ Wliich ought to be melanosloma.

itdacol . & Candiol . Akg- . TaL. J .

THE YORKSHIRE METEORITE.

Mr. G. B. SOWERBY begs to state that, being commissioned by those
blanches of his late Father's Family, whose property the famous Yorkshire
Meteorite at present is; he has adopted a plan which was proposed two years
ago, and a short address which was drawn up at that time by a Gentleman
connected with the British Museum.

December 13M. 1835.

Whether we consider Meteorites as foreign to the confines of our atmos-
phere, as ejections or fragments of Planets moving within the compass of the
solar system, or as the chemical products of electrical phaenomena, — certain it
is, that even the most satisfactory solution of the Problem respecting their origin
would neither weaken the general interest which must ever be excited by each
successive appearance of these mysterious visitants to our Planet, nor create
indifference toward such of an older date, as are distinguished by any
peculiarity in their nature, or by any remarkable historical circumstance
connected with them. In the latter class is most indisputably to be placed the
far-famed subject of this short address which fell from the atmosphere in the
Parish of Thwing, East Riding, Yorkshire, this Day Forty Years ago, during
which period, it has maintained its superiority in size not only over those few
which descended in Great Britain, but also over those of the Continent,
(as far as we know of their) existence with the sole exception of that of Ensisheim,
still preserved in the Capital of the Territory in which it descended in 1492.
But setting aside the bulk of the Yorkshire Stone, the circumstance alone of
its being intimately connected with a new era in the history of the extra-
ordinary Atmospheric Phenonnenon in question, will ever make it rank as one of
the most valuable specimens of Natural History preserved in England. In it
we possess the principal one of the Three Stones, the chemical analysis of
which, converted into certainty an opinion which was till then (and by the
more sceptical even after that period,) discarded as a superstition unworthy
of the advanced state of Natural Science at the end of the Eighteenth Century,
Upwards of Thirty -eight Years ago, its exhibition in London furnished to
many learned men of the day, a theme for censure on the blind credulity of
the Public, till Sir Joseph Banks's keenly discriminating eye discovered an
agreement in external characters between it and tvvo othei Stones transmitted
to him about the same time, the one from Sienna, the other from Benares, in
the East Indies, and to both of which, report has ascribed a similar origin
with that under consideration. Having obtained a small fragment from the
latter, a portion of each of the specimens (subsequently deposited in the
British Museum,) was submitted to chemical analysis by Mr. Howard,
whose excellent paper in the Philosophical Transactions for 1802, secured to
the Yorkshire Meteorite the eminent rank it has ever since occupied in the
record of facts relating to this interesting subject of research.

The Yorkshire Meteorite is well known to have become the property,
and to be still in the possession of, the family of the late Mr. Sowkrby, who
now intend to part with it. Proposals for purchasing it by Subscription, with
a view to its being placed in the British Museum are accordingly submitted
to the Public at the suggestion of several Members of Scientific Societies,
who are of opinion that its interest as a most remarkable object of the Natural
History of Great Britain will secure a sufficient number of Subscribers to
obviate the possibility of its being eventually lost to this Country through
offers which may be made by Continental Museums.

As soon as £300. shall be subscribed, the Meteorite will be delivered to
the Trustees of the British Museum, together with a List of the Subscribers,
which will then be printed, and each Subscriber will be furnished with a
copy. The Subscription Book is open at Mr. SuWERBV's, 50, Great Russell
Street, Bloomsbury.

NOW READY.

Part I.

OF A

MALACOLOGICAL & CONCHOLOGICAL

WITH GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS,

CONDUCTED BY

G. B. SOVVERBY, F. L. S.

TO BE CONTINUED MONTHLY.

N. B. This Magazine is printed for private
gratuitous distribution only.

Societies and Private Individuals desirous of
possessing it are to send their Names or Designations
and their exact Addresses, at their own expense, to
Mr. SoWERBY, 50, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury,
London.

Advertisements cannot be inserted mitess sent before the 20/A
of each month.

CONCHOLOGICAL

ILLUSTRATIONS.

The Cypraeadae being completed in the 131st part of the Concho-
logical Illustrations, G. B, Sowerby, Jun. gladly avails himself
of the opportiiiiity to return thanks to his subscribing friends for
tlie encouragement hitherto afforded to his laborious undertaking;
and also to take a retrospective view of the progress of the work,
from its commencement up to the present time.

The design of the work being to facilitate the knowledge of
species hitherto unknown, or known only by description, we com-
menced with the Cypraeadae ; our first 8 parts containing 70 pre-
viously unfigured species of that interesting and highly appre-
ciated family, with a complete catalogue, prepared by Mr. G.
B. Sowerby, Sen., in which all the new species are described.

In reference to the genus Cypraea, however, we have departed
from our prescribed course, by giving, in the later parts, repre-
sentations of all the remaining species, whether previously
figured or not. A complete illustrated monograph is thus formed
in parts 1 to 8, and 101 to 131, consisting of about 182 species
and varieties, and obviating the necessity of refering to a dozen
or so of large and expensive publications, which do not come
within the reach of all who desire to possess a knowledge of the
subject. Parts 9 to 13 contain 42 Cancellariae, some of the
most beautiful of which were among the late imports of the inde-
fatigable Mr. Cuming, on whose return from a second collecting
expedition, we anticipate a rich harvest of new discoveries. This
genus is also published with a catalogue. Parts 14 and 16, con-
tain 24 new species of Nucula. In parts 17 to 19, are repre-
sented 10 species of Amphidesma, which are not in the Species
Conchyliorum, although that important publication contains more
than are to be found in any other. A catalogue is given with
this genus; and another of Eburnaa, in part 20, with 4 new
species. Parts 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 54, 55, 56, 57, contain
73 species of the much valued genus, Conus ; and the intermediate

parts, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 3^4, 35, contain 60 si)ecies and
varieties of Bulinus, many of which are quite new. Of the 51
Chitones, contained in parts 38 to 45, many are extremely beau-
tiful, and some were brought to the country, for the first time,
by Mr. Cuming. Parts 46 to 51, contain 32 species and
varieties of Cardium. A complete monograph of the small, but
interesting genus Eulima, consisting of 15 species, is given in
parts 52 and 53. We feel particularly gratified in having been
enabled, in parts 58 to 67, to make 57 additions to the known
species and varieties of Murex, a genus which should be better
studied than it is, including, as it does, many of what may be con-
sidered, in form, sculpture and colouring, as the most elegant of
shells. Parts 68 to 78, and 80, contain, with a catalogue, all the
species and varieties of the genus Fissurella, about 64 in number.
Parts 79 and 81 to 83, present illustrations of 15 species of
Monoceros, a catalogue of which genus will be given in part 135.
In parts 84, 85, 88, 89, 92, 93, are represented 22 species of
Ranella. The 60 species of Neritina, figured in parts 86, 87, 90,
91, 94 to 100, will be formed into a complete monograph, by the
addition of a catalogue, to be given with part 138.

On summing up the whole, it will be found that the 131 parts,
already published, contain 1,062 figures of 714 species and varie-
ties making important additions to 15 difterent genera, and 7
complete catalogues, 3 more of which will appear in the next
seven parts.

We think it decidedly the better plan to keep works of (his
nature unbound in Solanders^ or book-boxes, and arranged ac-
cording to the genera ; but for the convenience of subscribers,
who may be anxious to bind their copies, we think it best to
state that parts 133 and 134, will contain the remainding species
of Margarita, with a catalogue. Parts 135 and 136, Chilina,
with a catalogue, and also a catalogue of Monoceros. Parts
137 and 138, with other subjects, ■■■ catalogue of the genus
Neritina. All the subjects hitherto commenced, will then be
as complete as we can make them at present.

G. B. S. Junr., begs leave to add, in conclusion, that no pains
or expense will be spared to render the Conchological Illustra-
tions increasingly worthy of the place ii must necessarily occupy
in the scientific literature of the country.

Specimens of the Wood-Engraving in the Volume for 1837, of the
New Series of the Magazine of Natural History.

o. ^o

1. Cut illustrating the paper of Mr. Yarrell and Dr. Clarke, on the capture of the genus
Herairamphus, on the Suffolk coast.

2. Rev. W. T. Bree's observations on the Lunar Hornet Sphinx.

3. Communication of Viscountess Sidmouth, on a Fossil Crocodile.

4. Memoir of M. Leon Dufour on the Tarantula.

specimens of Wood-cuts.

1. Mr. Harvey, on the animals of some Corals.

2. Mr. Charleswortb, on a form of Fossil Cephalopodous Shells, connecting the genera
Nautilus and Ammonites.

3. Mr. Sowerby, on the proposed genus Cyprsecassis.

4 Mr. Charleswortb, on the power which the animal of the Argonaut has of repairing breaches
in its shell.

A 2

Specimens of Wood-cuts.

Mr. Charlesworth, on a gigantic Fossil Teirebratula from the Coralline Crag

7

On the First of January, 1838, ivill be published,
Price Two Shillings,

No. I. OF Vol. II. (New Series) of
THE MAGAZINE OF NATURAL HISTORY,

CONDUCTED BY

EDAVARD CHARLESWORTH, F.G.S., &c.

ZOOLOGICAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY TU THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY JAMES DE CARLE SOWERBY, ESQ.

1 HE following Communications will appear in the early
Numbers: — Description of a new Species of Ray, found on the
British Coast. By Jonathan Couch, F.L.S. — New Arrange-
ment of the Sharks, including Descriptions of many new
Forms. By Professor Muller of Berlin and Dr. Henle. —
Revision of Cuvier's Genus Scyllium, including the new Sub-
genera of Professor Mliller, and Descriptions of many new
Species from the Cape. By Dr. Andrew Smith, Superintend-
ent of the late Exploring Expedition to Central Africa. — On
the Discovery of a Specimen of the Argentine (Scolepus Hum-
boldtii Cnv.) in the Frith of Forth. By Dr. W. B. Clarke ;
with a Drawing taken from the Specimen, and some additional
Remarks by Mr. Yarrell. — On the Botany in the Neigh-
bourhood of Tring. By Richard Chambers, F.L.S., &c.

— On some Peculiarities in the Skull of the Chetah, or Hunt-
ing Leopard. By William Martin, F.L.S., &c. — On the
Discovery of some new Genera of Mammiferous Animals in
the English Tertiary Deposits. By Edward Charles-
worth, F.G.S., &c. — On the Septa formed in the Apices
of some Species of LTnivalve Shells. By John Edward
<jrRAY, F.R.S., President of the Botanical Society of London.

— Monograph on the Family of Mutillidse. By W. E.
Shuckard, Vice-President of the Entomological Society. —
Observations on some of the wild Animals of Germany. By
W. Weissenborn, Ph. D. — Description of a new Genus of
Trochidea. By G. B. Sowerby, F.L.S. — Illustrations of
the Geology of the South-East of Dorsetshire. By the Rev.
W. B. Clarke. — Observations on the Flints found in the
Neighbourhood of Blackheath and other parts of Kent. By
J. Mitchell, LL.D. — Remarks upon the Formation of Valleys
in the Secondary and Primary Rocks. By Dr. William Smith.

— Catalogue of the Shells found in the Red and Coralline

Crag of Suffolk. By Searles V. Wood. — On the Family
of the Trogons. By John Gould, F.L.S., &;c. — A Memoir
on an anomalous Group of Exotic Hemipterous Insects. By
By J. O. Westwood, F.L.S. — On the Habits of the Long-
tailed Trogon. By Lucien Bonaparte, Prince of Musi-
gnano. — Notes upon the Natural History of a Portion of the
North- West of Scotland. By William Thompson, F.Z.S.,
&c., Vice-President of the Belfast Natural History Society. —
On some of the Relations subsisting between the Chemistry
and the Natural Distribution of Organised Beings. By
E. W. Brayley, jun., F.G.S., &c., Librarian to the London
Institution. — Observations on the British A'lcadse. By Ed-
ward Blyth. — On the Discovery of the Fossil Remains of
some of the larger Carnivora, in a Fresh-water Deposit at
Grays, in Essex. By John Morris. — On the Existence of an
undescribed Muscle in the Eye of certain Fishes. By John
Dalrymple, M.R.C.S., &c.

The First Volume of the New Series of Loudon^ s Magazine
of Natural History is now complete, illustrated by nearly 100
highly finished Engravings on Wood, the whole of them
executed by Branston ; and containing Communications on
Comparative Anatomy, from Richard Owen, F.R.S., Hun-
terian Professor to the Royal College of Surgeons: on
Ichthyology, from William Yarrell, F.L.S., &c. ; Edward
Moore, M.D., F.L.S. ; and Dr. Clarke: on Entomology,
from J. O. Westwood, F.L.S.; W. E. Shuckard ; G. R.
Waterhouse, Curator to the Zoological Society; and G. R.
Gray: on Conchology, from John Edward Gray, F.R.S.;
George B. Sowerby, F.L.S.; and Samuel Stutchbury,
Curator to the Bristol Institution : on Ornithology, from
John Gould, F.L.S.; and Edward Blyth: on Botany,
from GoldingBird, F.L.S.; and Richard Chambers, F.L.S.:
on Mammalogy, from E. Gray, G. R. Waterhouse, and
William Ogilby, F.L.S., &c. : on Fossil Zoology, from
Gideon Mantell, LL.D., F.R.S. ; and Edward Charles-
worth, F.G.S.

London, Longman and Co. ; and may be had through all
Booksellers.

London :

I'rintcc! by A. SpoTTiswoonic,

New-StreeU Square.