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Sectional Library

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kKOL^' ^ol. I. No. I. Price 81.50, coloured.
AMERICAN

CONCHOLOGY,

OB

DESCRIPTIOIVS

OP TUB

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

ILLUSTRATED BT t

COI.OURED FIGURES

FROM

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS EXECUTED FROM NATURE-

CONTENTS.

Astarte castanea, pi. i

Delpliinula laxa, vii

Lutraria lineata, .- ix

Melania depygis, viii

" nupera, ....•- viii

Oliva literata, - iii

Paludina decisa, - x

" vivipara, i

Pandora triiincata, - ---ii

Unio ruonodonta, vi

" ridibundiis, - -* ▼

" Bulcatus, T

" triangularis, i?

NEW-HARMONY, INDIANA.

Printed at the School Press.

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AMERICAN

CONCHOLOGY,

OR

DESCKIPTIONS

OF THE

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

ILLUSTRATED DY

COLOURED FIOURSS

FROM

OlilGLNAL DRAWINGS EXECUTED FROM NATURE.

THOMAS SAY, F. 31. L. 8.
Member ut'inany learned Societies in Europe ami Amenca.

Read Nature ; Nature u- a Irieud to truth."

YOl'Mi.

iXEW-HAR.MONY, INDIANA

Prnited at the Soliocl I'rcsi.s.
1S30.

TO

WILLIAM MACLURE,

PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAE SCIENCES OF
PHILADELPHIA- AND OF THE A3IERICAN GEOLO-

GICAL society:

ME3I11ER OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY,

&C. &C.

this book is dedicated as a small, but sincere tribute of
resj^ect and friendship,

by his much obliged friend

THE AUTHOR.

M'? S.,y Del .

('.Tl./'rlif Xii/f.

ASTARTE.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell siiborbiciilar, generally transverse, eqnivalve, in-
aeqnilateral, closed entirely : hinge with two ^rong, dis-
tinct, diverging teeth on one valve, and on the other two
very unequal teeth and a lateral obsolete one : ligament
exterior : muscular impressions two and a minute one
above the posterior impression, almost confluent with it :
impression of the mantle simply arquated, distinct.

OBSERVATIONS.

A genus, containing but a small number of s}]ecies, in-
stituted by Sow^erby under the name we have adopted.
Lamarck appears not to have been aware of the previous
existence of this genus, when he published it under the
name of Crassina in his Anim. sans Vertebr. He referred
it to his Nymphacees Tellinaires ; but we agree with Sow-
crby, in the opinion, that its proper place is with his
Conques Marine ; from all of which, it is distinguished by
its cardinal teeth and interior impressions.

Blainville in his " Manuel de Malacologie et de Conchy-
liologie" places it as a division of his genus Venus, under
the following characters :

" Solides, epaisscs, suborbiculaires, subequilaterales ;
deux tres-grosses dents divergentes sur unc valve, et deux
tres-inegales sur I'autre ; les impressiones musculaires rc-
unies par une ligule sans sinuosite posterieure." He in-
forms us that Defrance has announced the existance of
eighteen fossil species, and we described two in the Journ.
Acad. Nat. Sc.

PLATE I.

ASTARTE CASTxlNEA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Beaks nearly central ; epidermis chesnut-brown.

SYNONYM.

Venus castxVnea. Nobis. Jour. dead. Nat. JSc. vol.
iv. p. 273.

description.

Shell thick and ponderous, suborbicular, or subtriangu-
lar, with prominent and nearly central beaks : luniile ex-
cavated, lanceolate : cartilage slope rectilinear, indented :
disk with minute, concentric wrinkles and larger undula-
tions : epidermis chesnut-brown, with somewhat darker
or paler zones : within bluish-white ; the margin very
regularly crenulated.

OBSERVATIONS.

Not very unfrequent on the coast of Newjersey. Its
surface is often sculptured with very slightly elevated, ob-
tuse lines, or undulations, which are sometimes rather
more elevated and acute. It is longer in proportion to its
breadth than the danmonieiisis of Montagu, and is destitute
of the line and regular striae, with which the ohliquata is
marked.

REFERENCE TO THE PEATE.

Tlic upper figure cxliibits the exterior view.
Tlic middle figures — inside of the two valves.
The lower figure — back of the shell.
PLATE I.

DSI

^^

My Say Del.

2

C.Ttfhout Sculf^-

PANDORA.

GENERIC CIIAIlACTEll.

Shell transversely oblong, inequilateral, inequivalve, un-
attached, regular, somewhat rostrated ; left valve flattened,
with from one to three teeth extended upon the inner sur-
face of the shell, with a fosset for the ligament ; hinge
margin inflected ; right valve convex, teeth one less than
in the left valve, with the corresponding fosset ; ligament
internal, attached to an elongated fosset or cicatrice, which
inclines tow ards the anterior margin ; muscular impres-
sions two, distant, lateral.

" Animal very much compressed, elongated, in the form
of a sheath, by the union of the edges of the mantle and
its continuation with the tubes, w hich are united and very
short ; foot small, thicker before, exserted by a large slit
in the mantle ; branchiae pointed backw ards and contin-
ued into the tube." — (Blainville.)

OBSERVATIONS.

The hinge teeth extend on the inner surface of the shell
in some degree like those of Placlna. to which gemis,
this seems to be allied, both by the position of the teeth*
and the perlaceous consistence, of the shell ; but it is emi-
nently distinguished by having two muscular impressions.
Lamarck, who first characterized the genus, placed it next
to CoRBULA, chiefly, perhaps, in consequence of the ine-
quality of its valves.

Two species only are described b}- Lamarck, the ina-
quivalvis^ Linn., and the obtusa. a newly described species.
Sowerby has added another, under the name of Jkxuosa.

PLATE II.

According to Blainville, two fossil species have been dis-
covered by Defrance. The animal is so similar to that ol'
SoLEN, that Poli has referred it to the same genus, which
he calls Hypogea.

PANDORA TRILINEATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Hinge margin bilineate from the beak to the tip; valves
not very inaequal.

SYNONYM.

Pandora trilineata. Nobis. Jour. Jicad. Nat. Sc.
vol. iv. p. 261.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell perlaceous whitish, translucent, concentrically
wrinkled : hinge placed at the posterior slope, which is
very abrupt, and forming a considerable obtuse angle with
the hinge margin : teeth three in the left valve, the middle
one shortest, the anterior one longest, parallel and near to
the hinge margin and having the fosset on its inner basal
side : hinge margin concavely much arquated, its surface
flattened and bounded on its outer edge by two elevated,
approximate, obtuse lines, originating at the beak, and con-
tinued to the rostrated tip : rostrum ascending : a longitu-
dinal, slightly impressed line, originates at the beak and
passes to the middle of the basal margin.

OBSERVATIONS.

I first discovered a single valve of this shell, several years
since at Great Egg Harbour on the coast of Newjersey ;

PLATE II.

8iiicc which, on a journey with Mr. JMaclurc, we obtain-
ed two or three others on the coasts of Georgia and Flori-
da ; so that it may be said to inhabit all our southern and
middle coast.

The inner edge of the hinge margin of one valve, closes
over that of the other.

This species differs from those previously made kno-svn,
more particularly hy its teeth, by having the hinge placed
much further back and consisting of a mere angle, not at
all prominent, the rostrum also has a direction more up-
ward, and the dilierence in the convexity of the valves is
not very considerable.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Tlic ui)pcr ligurcb exhibit tiic inside view.
Tlic lower figures tlio exterior view.
PLATE II. K

C. TMcat S,tt//i'

OLIVA.

CiENERTC CHARACTER.

Shell subcylindric, oblong, smooth, more or less polish-
ed ; epidermis none ; spire short ; suture canaliculated,
the edge of each volution extending a little upward, canal
bounded above by a revolving, carinate callus : hodij whorl
near its base with a slightly elevated band, beginning be-
low the middle of the aperture and revolving to the base
of the labrum : aperture elongated ; labrum and columel-
la w ith calcareous deposite, much striated, striae on the lat-
ter more elongated : 1)as(i deeply emarginate ; operculum
none.

OBSERVATIONS.

The smoothness and polish of these beautiful shells, are
no doubt owing to the extension, of the smooth surface of
the mantle of the inhabitant, over their whole exterior.
The animal is not yet well known, but Lamarck suppo-
ses it to be camivorus. It is marine.

Of all the species figured in the books, and existing in
the collections, Linne formed but about two species, which
he referred to his genus Voluta under the names of oUva
and porphyria. Bruguiere applied to them the present
generic name, which was adopted by Lamarck, who, with
his usual acute perception of natural difl'ercnces, described
more than sixty species, among which arc a few that ex-
ist only in the fossil state, and according to Blainville,

PLATE III.

thirty-two new species have been added by M. Diiclos,
from the coast of New-Guinea.

This genus is closely allied to Ancilla, which, how-
ever, is destitute of striae on the labium and the spiral ca-
nal is completely filled up. From Terebellum, to which
it is also allied, it may be distinguished by the striated la-
bium and columella, and the elevated band at the base of
the body whorl, and from Mitra and Vot.uta by the ca-
naliculated suture.

OLIVA LITERATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell with numerous angulated brownish lines and two
bands of chesnut-browTi ones.

SYNONYMS.

Oliva LITERATA. Lum. Ann. du Mm. vol. xvi. p, 3 1 5 ;

and Jlnim. sans Vertchr. vol. vii. p. 425.
Oliva. Encycl Meth. pi. 362, fig. \,a,b.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell with a pale yellowish-white ground colour, thick-
ly covered over with cinereous-rufous angulated lines, leav-
ing distinct triangles of the ground colour ; on each side
of the middle is a broad band, occasioned by the angulated
lines being there of a deeper, or chesnut-brovm colour ;

PLATE III.

the aiigiilatcd lines at the upper e(lo;e of the vohitions are
fasciculated and of the same coloiu* of the bauds.

OBSERVATIONS.

We are far from being certain that this is absolutely the
literata of Lamarck, although it agrees perfectly, except
in being smaller, with the figures above quoted, to which
he refers. He supposed his specimens to be natives of the
East Indies. However this may be, and although we for-
merly described it under another name, we think it more
prudent to consider it as indicated by Lamarck's descrip-
tion and the figures of the Encyc. Methodique.

It is rather common on our southern coast.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The figures represent the sliell in two positions.
PLATE III.

xj/

JF" Suv JJel.

4

i'.TiW;'iif .Y.r///'

ITNIO.

GENERIC CIIARACTEll.

vSliell unattached, generally transverse, equivalved, ine-
([uilateral ; cardinal teeth one in each valve, irregular, ge-
nerally striated, simple or biparted ; an elongated lamelli-
form tooth on the anterior hinge margin of the left valve,
and two similar teeth on the corresponding margin of the
right valve ; muscular impressions two principal ones ; li-
gament exterior.

OBSERVATIONS.

In North America the shells of this genus excel those
of any other country in magnitude, beauty and diversity
of species. They are altogether inhabitants of fresh wa-
ter, and we have hardly a rivulet in the Union, in which
they are not to be found. Many of them are of a beau-
tiful perlaceous colour and consistence, and we are inform-
ed that some of the very thick ones of the Ohio, have !)een.
at Pittsburgh, successfully turnetl into buttons and orna-
ments.

This genus is closely allied to Dipsas, Leach. Hvria
and luiDiNA, Lam.^ Alasmodonta, Nob.^ and Anodon-
TA, Brug. But the former has lamelliform teeth only ;
Hyria has lamelliform teeth on both sides ; Iridena and
Anouonta are destitute of teeth and Alasmodonta is
destitute of lamelliform teeth. To this exposition we may
add, as more remotely allied, the Megaues.ma of Uowd.,
which has two cardinal teeth ou ouc valve iuid thi'ee iu

PLATE IV. v. VI.

the other, with a remote indistinct tooth on Ccich side ; cha-
racters that indicate an approach to Cyrena. Some of
these genera are intimately linked together by intermedi-
ate species, particularly the Unio and Anodonta, there be-
ing one or more in our streams, that it is somewhat diffi-
cult to determine which of the two genera it ought to be
placed in. Consequently those naturalists, who advocate
the union of such genera as are connected by intermedi-
ate species, will be compelled to unite these, and on the
same principle, they must reject great numbers of genera
long since firmly established.

4

UNIO TRIANGULARIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell triangular, very convex ; anterior margin forming
a right angle with ihe disk.

SYNONYMS.

Unio triangularis. Barnes. Silliman\s Journal, vol.

vi. p. 272, pi. 13, fig. 17.
Unio c^uneatus. Swttmson. TillocKs Magazine, De

cember, 1823.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell triangular, very convex, gaping at the extremities :
anlerior margin very much llattened, forming a right an-
gle with the disks ; having longitudinal slightly elevated

PLATE IV.

Isd^ Sen' Dd.

C.'J'iflvid Scalp.

lines crossing the transverse wi'inkles : ligament very short ;
antetior tip angulated : jJO'Sterior margin rounded, desti-
tute of distinct kinule : epidermis pale yellowish-olivace-
ous, radiated with green, interrupted into short lines and
spots, which are sometimes sagittate, and disappear on the
margins of the old shell.

OBSERVATIONS.

It is highly probable that the present species is the cunea-
iiis of Swainson, it certainly agrees with his descrip-
tion. But this is of little consequence, as Mr. Barnes'
name has the priority, and he has also preoccupied the
name which Mr. Swainson has chosen.

Mr. Barnes correctly remarks that this shell, in shape
resembles Al,as:moijonta marginata, Nob. The extraor-
dinary depressions of the anterior margin is very charac-
teristic and readily distinguishes it from other species. As
the shell increases in age this margin becomes a little ele-
vated at tip, as is exhibited in our figures, and the position
of the beaks varies a little. The umbonial slope is often
elevated into a rib, and the striai occupy a considerable
part of the shell and become so profound as almost to den-
ticulate the edge of the shell.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Interior and exterior views of the riglit valve — the two upper figurce.
Anterior truncated margin — lower figure.
PLVrE IV . c

tJNIO SULCATUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely subquadrate ; posterior margin not extend-
ed beyond the umbones.

SYNONYM.

U. SULCATUS. Lea. Trans. Jimer. Philos. Soc, vol.
iii. N. S.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell very obliquely transverse subquadrate ; with an
indented groove extending from the umbo to the anterior
and anterior basal margins, between which the edge is
somewhat retuse ; epidermis yellowish-olivaceous, with ra-
diating, deep green, more or less undulated lines ; summit
near the posterior extremity, prominent : anterior margiii
with two obtusely rounded angles, a little gaping : cavity
of the hinge membranes behind the summits, deeply exca-
vated, nearly as long as wide, distinctly angulated behind :
posterior margin regularly rounded, remarkably short,
hardly extending beyond the line of the posterior tip of
the umbo : ivithin perlaceous-white, more particularly iri-
descent before : teeth regular, anterior cardinal tooth paral-
lel with the lamelliform tooth, which is very slight arqua-
ted : posterior muscular impression deep : sinus of the car-
tilage very slight, regular : cavity of the umbo not deep,

PLATE v.

lis muscular impressions obvious: j9«//6«/ impression some-
what truncate before, and not extending anteriorly beyond
the line of the muscular impression.

Var. a. Within, except on the anterior margin, purple
or livid.

OBSERVATIONS.

It occurs in the Wabash and Ohio rivers. In order to
avoid confusion I may mention that the present species is
in many of the European collections, sent by me within
the last five years, under the name of Flagellatiis.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The lower figures, are the outer and inner views of the shell.

UNIO RIDIBUNDUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Subquadrate ; emarginate before and denticulated on
the anterior basal angle.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transverse, subquadrate oval, olivaceous, radiate
with capillary deep green lines ; summits somewhat pro-
minent, nearly terminal : cavity of the hinge membranes
oval, rather larger behind the beaks than broad : posterior

PLATE v.

a^lde very short : anterior side with a groove, obsolete on
the umbo, but becoming deeper to the anterior edge, vs^hich
is consequently emarginate a little belov^^ its middle ; a lit-
tle gaping ; the inferior angle somewhat more prominent,
rounded and denticulated : anterior muscular impression
very deep : palleal impression emarginate opposite to the
denticulated angle : above this angle also, the concavity is
abruptly more concave, so as to form a definite dilated
groove.

Var. a. Within deep reddish purple.

OBSERVATIONS.

The remarkable character of the anterior basal ande or
lobe of this species, renders an extended and more particu-
lar description unnecessary. In the figure of the annexed
plate we have brought this character particularly into view,
by a delineation of the front of the shell, and two or three
series of the teeth are visible in some specimens, like vari-
ces in the univalves, on the surface of the shell, fringing
the deeper undulations or wrinkles. [We may remark
tliat in our figure these teeth have too much of a serrated
appearance ; they are in reality more tooth-shaped, though
slender.] It has considerable resemblance to the flngella-
tus, Nob., in general form, brevity of the posterior side,
summits, cavity of the hinge membranes and radiated sur-
face, but the denticulated anterior edge, the more acute
anterior groove and other subordinate characters, amply
distinguish it. It is a small species, even smaller than the
jlagcllatus.

A remarkable and gigantic variety occurs in Cumber-
land river ; a specimen is rather more than two inches

PL ATI: V.

Mr S,ty JJrl .

C. Ti^Sonf S<yi//.K

wide and the radii are interrupted into spots. It may prove
to be a distinct species when more specimens are obtained
for comparison, and it may in that case be distinguished
by the name oi perplexus. For a specimen of it I am in-
debted to Mr. Lesueur.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The upper figure exhibits a front view of the full grown ehell.

UNIO MONODONTA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely elongated ; inner margin whitish or livid ;
lateral teeth obscure.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely much elongated, slightly arquated,
blackish-brown ; umbonial slope (Swainson) widely round-
ed, not abruptly elevated : umbo placed far back, not pro-
minent above the general curvature ; hinge and basal mar-
gins a little arquated, parallel : anterior and posterior mm-
gins regularly rounded : ivithin perlaceous, witli an opake
whitish or livid margin : primary teeth simple, small : late-
ral teeth very imperfect ; that of the right valve with only
an impressed, short line, instead of the usual deep recipi-
ent fissure.

PLATE VI.

OBSERVATIONS.

I obtained numerous specimens at the Falls of the Ohio,
on the rocky flats which are exposed in a low state of the
water. Its elongated form is somewhat similar to that
of the rectus, Lam. ; but it is much thinner, more widely
rounded before, and more compressed, particularly anteri-
orly. Its teeth distinguish it from any other species hith-
erto described. Old shells are very much decorticated
and eroded ; and in some individuals, the impressed line
on the lateral tooth is hardly perceptible : still it cannot
for one moment be mistaken for an Alasmodonta, as the
habit is quite different. Mr. Lesueur has presented me
with a specimen found in the Wabash.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two views present the inner and exterior pages of the shell.
PLATE VL

M'? S„v ]M.

C.Tttl'oiit Sitilf:

DELPHINULA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell spiral, subdiscoidal or conic, umbilicated ; whorls
rough, foliaceous or angulated on the surface; aperture
orbicular, entire ; labia united, often fringed or furnished
with a peristome.

OBSERVATIONS.

Linne referred the laciniata and distorta. the only spe-
cies known to him, to the genus Turbo, in consequence
of the rotundity of the aperture ; but Lamarck separated
them, and with a number of new species, chiefly fossil,
formed the present group. Lamarck obser\^es that they
••evidently approach the Scalarle," and among them, we
also see species, of which the spire is loose, and the volu-
tions separate. In addition to the above mentioned spe-
cies, Lamarck gives one or two others and about ten fossil
ones. Defrance enumerates about thirty species.

PLATE VII.

DELPHINULA? LAXA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Whorls all separate and distinct.

SYNONYM.

Delphinula LAXA. Nobis. Journ, *^cad, Nat. Sc. vol.
V. p. 207.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell regularly spiral, subovate, nearly glabrous, whitish,
slightly tinged with dull yellowish : whorls rounded, per-
fectly disjoined throughout, rapidly attenuated to the apex ;
a dilated, rugous, shallow groove on the line of the umbi-
licus : aperture oval-orbicular, with an acute edge.

OBSERVATIONS.

This very remarkable shell was sent to me for exami-
nation by the late Mr. Stephen Elliot of Charleston, who
found but a single specimen on Sullivan's island ; it must
therefore be considered very rare.

On a first view I was inclined to refer it to the genus
Vermetus, in consequence of the separated nature of the
volutions, and the broken apex of the spire, but a more
careful examination exhibited the broad rugous groove,

PLATE VII.

analogous to that in the umbilicus of many shells, and
seemed to shew its more close alliance with the present
geilus.

Can it be a monstrosity of a Natica, as the Cornu of
Born is said to be a malformation of Helix a-^qjcrsa. Mull. ?
Or is it in reality a Delphixula or Ciuiu s? However
this may be I take the earliest opportunity to present a
figure for the determination of Naturalists.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate presents a back and I'ront view of the slicll.
PLATE VII. D

#

^

4

M'-' Sav n,-/ .

(.TtWvuf Seuif.

MELANIA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell turrited, rather thick, covered by an epidermis ;
spire generally elongated ; aperture ovate or oblong, longer
than broad, acute above ; labrum simple, acute, prominent
near the base and rather abruptly retracted at its junction
with the base of the columella, and not united above to
the labium ; columella destitute of a fold, arquated to-
wards the base ; operculum corneous ; umbilicus none.

OBSERVATIONS.

Before Lamarck perceived the necessity of establishing
this group, some of the species were variously arranged.
Linne, Lister, Schroeter. and others, considered them as
belonging to Helix -^ Muller to Nerita and Bummim ;
Bruguiere to Bulimiis.and Chemnitz referred one species
to Strombm. The genus differs from Helix, Lymneus^
&c., by having an operculum as in Pahidina^ Ampularia^
and Valvata, and from these, ia addition to other differen-
tial traits it may be distinguished by the disunion above
of the labial. It strongly resembles Mekmopsi.s, Pircna
and Potami(h% but these are distinctly and unequivocally
emarginated at base.

The animal respires water : it has a short, conic-cylin-
dric, obtuse rostrum ; two acute tentacula having the eyes
at their exterior base ; foot short and obtuse.

PLATE VITI.

They are inhabitants of fresh water, chiefly in the tro^
pical regions ; but many species are very abundant in the
rivers, lakes and small streams of the United States. No
recent ones have been found in Europe, but several have
occurred fossil in comparatively recent formations. No
fossil species have yet been found in this country. La-
marck described sixteen recent and twelve fossil species ;
but Defrance enumerates thirty-six species.

MELANIA NUPERA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

From one to four or more revolving series of tubercles.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong suboval : volulions five, slightly rounded :
body whorl with about three revolving series of subequal,
equidistant, granules or tubercules, not higher than wide,
occupying the superior portion of the surface ; secmid vo-
lutmi with but two series ; remaining volutions with
slightly elevated, longitudinal lines instead of tubercles,
often obsolete : spire decorticated towards the tip : sidiire
not deeply impressed : aperture longer or as long as the
spire ; sinus of the superior angle profound : labium con-
cave, with a callus near the superior angle : columella with
a slight, obtuse, hardly prominent angle above the incipi-
ent sinus, which is obvious : labrum not abbreviated above,
nor much produced near the base.

PLATE VIII.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is common in the Wabash river. The spire
is almost invariably so much decorticated, that no trace of
the longitudinal lines remains ; in the young only are the
lines distinct, and even in these they are sometimes obso-
lete or altogether wanting.

It varies in the number of its series of tubercles, some
specimens having but one, and others, though these are
rare, as many as five or six.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The upper figures represent the shell in two positions
The middle figure exhibits the young shell.

MELANIA DEPYGIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Body whorl yellowish, with two equidistant, revolving,
rufous lines.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong, conic-ovate, not remarkably thickened :
spire as long as the aperture, or rather longer, often much
eroded, with a broad, revolving, rufous line near the su-
ture, occupying a considerable portion of the surface:
whorls about five, hardly rounded : mture moderately im-

PLATE VIII.

pressed : body whorl yellowish, with two rufous, revolving
lines equidistant from the suture, base and each other, the
superior one broader, and its locality a little flatter than
the general curvature : aperture ovate, acute above, mode-
rately dilated : labium with calcareous deposite, particu-
larly abo\e : labrum not projecting near the base, nor ar-
quated near its junction with the second volution : base
regularly rounded.

DESCRIPTION.

I found this species, in great abundance, on the Rocky
flats at the Falls of the Ohio, where they were left by the
subsiding of the river, in company with numerous other
shells. In old specimens the spire is very much eroded,
exhibiting a white, irregular surface. It varies a little in
colour, and a few occurred, of which the colour is fuscous,
the bands being obsolete.

REFERENCE TO THE PEATE.

The two lowest figures present different viewe of the fihell.
PLATE VIII.

M':' Sav l)d.

C.Ticboitt Scu/f

LUTRARIA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalve, inaequilateral, transversely oblong or
subovate, gaping at the extremities, particularl}' at the
posterior extremity ; cardinal teeth two, of which one is
doubled in the shape of a V, the other simple, with a large
deltoid cavity situated obliquely near the teeth; lateral
teeth none ; ligament internal, inserted in the cardinal ca-
vities, not visible when the shell is closed ; muscular im-
pressions two, lateral, remote, simple ; impression of the
mantle extending to the muscular impressions and having
a large and profound sinus extending nearly half its length.

OBSERVATIONS.

Lamarck separated this group from the Linnaian Mac-
trae, from which it is essentially distinct by the absence of
lateral teeth as w ell as by other less striking characters.
The animal has a large fleshy cylinder, containing two
tubes, one for respiration and the other evacuation, situated
at the posterior extremity. The foot is small and com-
pressed, placed at the opposite extremity or near it.

It is a littoral genus, inhabiting estuaries and near the
mouths of rivers.

Blainville unites this genus with Ligula Leach, under
the generic name Lltricola. Lamarck describes eleven
recent and one fossil species.

PLATE IX.

I

LUTRARIA LINEATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Posterior margin with a reflected edge and submarginal
carinated line.

SYNONYM.

LuTRARiA LiNEATA. NoMs. Jouv. Acad. Ncit. Sc. vol.

iv. p. 310.
LuTRARiA PAPYRACEA ? Lam. Anim. sans Vertehr. vol.

V. p. 470.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely suboval, thin, whitish tinged with fer-
ruginous : posterior hiatus patulous ; anterior hiatus linear
and commencing below the hinge slope : hinge slope with
a rectilinear profile, and flattened, oblong, subcordate sur-
face : valves unequally wrinkled : posterior margin round-
ed, shorter than the opposite margin, with a reflected edge,
and submarginal carinated line ; behind the middle of the
disk and some distance before the elevated line is a broad
vitta of hardly perceptible longitudinal lines : unthin a lit-
tle undulated, posterior margin glabrous, with an obtusely
indented, submarginal liii^e, corresponding with the exteri-
or carinated one.

PliATE IX.

OBSERVATIONS.

The elevated line of the posterior suhmargin and the re-
flected posterior edge are very characteristic, distinguish-
ing this species from all others, excepting the figure 2 of
the plate on Lutraria in the second volume of Mr. Sower-
by's excellent work on the '• Genera of Recent and Fossil
Shells." Our shell is much shorter on the posterior end
than liis figure, which he refers with doubt to the papyra-
cea of Lamarck ; a difference which, however, may be at-
tributable to an inequality of age, as it becomes more elon-
gated anteriorly in the older shell. Whether or not the
present species is the same as that of Lamarck we cannot
at present determine, but it is without doubt closely allied
to it. Still, however, it does not agree with the figure in
the Encycl. Meth. 257, fig. 2, a. b., quoted by Lamarck.

The I'meata is not uncommon on the southern coasts^,
particularly on those of Georgia and East Florida, but we
have not yet found it so far north as Newjersey.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

An outer and inner view are represented.
PLATE IX. E

M^ Sax :/M

10

C.l'ieiciU Sculp.

PALUDINA.

GENERIC CIIAnACTER.

Shell fliiviatile, conical, subovatc or suboval, covered by
an epidermis ; spire moderate ; whorls convex ; aperture
longer than broad, angulated above, simply rounded at
base ; labrum simple, acute, united above to the extrem-
ity of the labium ; labium simply arquated ; operculum
corneus or coriaceous, suborbicular, slightly angulated
above.

OBSERVATIONS.

The spccie.s of this genus were widely separated from
each other by former authors, and referred to the Genera
Hel'ix^ Turbo, BuUmiis, Nmta, and Cydostoma; but La-
marck selected and embodied them under the present de-
signation, and they now constitute a natural group.

They may be distinguished from CycloHtoma by the
simple labrum, as well as by other charactei-s of the shell,
a.s also of the animal, from Mclania by the simple curva-
ture of the labrum at base, and from Valvala by the form
of the aperture which is not angulated above in that gcnu^.

The animal has two linear-acute tentacula, with the
eyes at their exterior base ; anterior part of the body with
a small membranaceous wing on each side, the right one
is •■ recurved in a small canal, which introduces the wat(^r
into the respiratory cavity ;" " the branehiai are composed
of parcels of fdaments, which are attached to the sides of

PLATE X.

the branchial cavity," and are altogether internal, a cha-
racter which distinguishes them from the animal of Val-
vata.

They inhabit fresh waters and are very common in al-
most all our lakes and streams. As they respire water,
they do not so uniformly reside near the water's edge as
the Lymnese, which respire air only. Like them, many of
the species, if not all, have the power to swim at the sur-
face in a reversed posture, the foot being applied to the
surface, and the shell being downward.

Lamarck describes seven recent species, and Defrance
enumerates five fossil ones.

PALUDINA DECISA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Aperture more than half the length of the shell, within
bluish-white.

SYNONYMS.

Cochlea virginiana e plava viridescens, non pasci-

ATA. Lister Conch, tab. 127, fig. 27.
Petiver GAzoPiiYL. tab. 106, tig. 18.
Paeudina decisa. Nobis. Nicholson's Encycl. (Amer,

edition) article Conchology, pi. 2, fig. 6.

PLATE X.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell subconic-oval, olivaceous, generally truncated at
the apex : whorU five, wrinkled across, and banded with
minute, distant striae : suture deeply impressed and con-
spicuous : aperture subovate, more than half the length of
the shell ; within bluish- white : operculum elevated on the
disk, concentrically striated, coriaceous.

Jlnimal with the foot large, suddenly a little dilated each
side before, and widely truncate in front : foot livid, thick-
ly maculated with irregular orange spots, which are much
smaller beneath : head and tentacida spotted with orange :
eyes on a prominent angle at the exterior base of the ten-
tacula.

OBSERVATIONS.

The young shell resembles the suhcarinata^ Nob., Ni-
chols. Enc, but the whorls are de^itute of an elevated
line, the suture is not so deeply impressed, and the aper-
ture is narrow above.

I found the animal viviparous in October ; the young
shell had then three complete whorls, which were spirally
striated.

The species is very common in various parts of the Un-
ion. Dillwin informs us that MuUer and others have in-
correctly quoted Lister's figure for their Helix angularis.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The upper and lower figures represent the shell of the natural size.
PLATE X.

PALUDINA VIVIPARA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

With about three reddish-brown revolving lines.

SYNONYMS.

Cochlea vivipara fasciata. Fluviatilis. Listei^

Conch,, i^, 126, fig. 26.
Helix vivipara. Linn., Gmel. and others.
Nerita vivipara. Muller Verm., p. 1 82.
Cyclostoma vivipara. Draparn., pi. 1, fig. 16.
La vivipare a bandes. Geoff. Cuvier.
Paludina vivipara. La77i. Jinim. sans Vertebr., vol.

vi., 2nd part, p. 1 73. Nobis. Nicholson's Enc.

description.

Shell subconic, with about five, rounded whorls : suture
impressed : colour olivaceous, more or less pale, with three
reddish-brown bands, of which the middle one is gene-
rally smallest; spire with but two bands : aperture subor-
bicular.

observations.

This appears to be one of the many species, that are
common to North America and Europe. And though the
specimens from the two continents differ a little, yet this

PLATK X.

difference is so slight as not to be specific. Cuvier remarks
that " the female produces living young, which are found
in its oviducts, in the spring, in every state of develope-
ment. Spallanzani assures us, that the young, taken at
the moment of their birth and nourished separately, re-
produce without fecundation, like those of the Aphis. The
males are nearly as common as the females, their genera-
tive organ is exserted and retracted, as in Helix, by a hole
pierced in the right tentaculum, which causes this tenta-
culum to appear larger than tlie other. By this character
the male is easily known."

The vivipara is far less common than the dedsa, and
seems to be more usually found in the southern part of
the Union. Mr. Elliott of Charleston sent me two speci-
mens from the banks of St. John's river, Florida, and Capt.
Leconte presented me with one, which he obtained at
Lake George on the same river.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two middle figures exhibit the shell in two positioDB.
PLATE X.

ERRATUM.

Jb tli« Obfcrrfttions ok Unio Ridibwndui, for " fla^fellatw. Nob." read iw/eo-

Vol. I. No. II. Price Sl,50, coloured.
AMERICAN

CONCHOLOGY,

OR

DESCKIPTIO.XS

or TUB

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

ILLV8XUATEO BT

GOLOUSLED riOUBBS

raoM
ORIGINAL DilAW LNGS EXECUTED FROM .NATURE-

COiN TENTS.

Anodonta tiuborbiculaia, - - - - pi. xi

Fulgur pyruloidcs, .... . xix

Glaudiuu iruucala, - - - - - - xx

HciiX ulboliibris, .... . x'm

" tbyroidus, - - ....'*

Is'ucuk coDccutnca, - - - - - xii

Ittjvia,
liiiialula,

)>

Solccurlua costatus, - - .... xvui

L'nio ubruptus, ... - . xvii

*' ellipsis, ^ . - . . xiv

" eubtenlus, ... - . . xv

" undulatua, - - - - - - xvj

NEW-HARMONY, INDIANA.

Printed at the School PrcM.

APRIT. 1H3I.

""^iitaai, ^,:; rr:

2W:-' Sav 2)e/ .

C. Tii/'OtU Scttlp.

ANODONTA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalve, inequilateral, transverse, regular ; hinge
margin linear, without teeth having a sinus before ; liga-
ment external, elongated, terminating in the anterior sinus ;
muscular impressions two, remote, posterior one com-
pound.

OBSERTATIONS.

These are shells of rather large size, resijling in fresli
water streams and lakes. They are generally perlaceous
W'ithin and greenish on the exterior. Although the gene-
ra Anodonta and Unio are closely allied, yet the species
were widely separated by Linnc who referred those of the
present genus to Mytilus, whilst those of Unio he associa-
ted with the Myae ; but an arrangement so artificial could
not escape Bruguiercs. He perceived their affinities, and
grouped them under the above mentioned denominations.
Several other allied genera have been formed by subse-
quent naturalists, distinguished from the present by the ex-
istence of either cardinal or lamellar teeth, with the excep-
tion however of Iridina of I^amarck, which has an elonga-
ted, linear, crenulated hinge and was placed by Bruguicres
in Anodonta, to which indeed it is intimately linked by the
I. nilotica. Ferussac, in his Tableaux Sj'st.. iuchuled all
the genera of this family in four, viz. Anodonta, Hyria,
Unio, and Castalia. Sowerby hiis since proposed to retain

PLATE XI. F

Unio only, and, as Ferussac had already done, to consider
the other genera as subgenera.

Blainville describes the animal nearly thus : Body large,
thick, more or less oval ; mantle thickened on the margin,
simple or fringed, and excepting on the back, open all
around ; anus oval, distinct ; a kind of small incomplete
tube, furnished with two ranges of cirri, for the respiratory
cavity ; foot very large, compressed, lamelliform.

The principal naturalists and anatomists have been de-
cidedly of opinion that the animals of this family are her-
maphrodites ; but Mr. Prevost of Geneva affirms that he
observed, in some individuals of the Unio pictorum, the ex-
istence of spermatic animalculse, which he could not per-
ceive in those which contained eggs. He therefore infer-
red that the sexes were distinct. This led Blainville to a
reexamination of the subject : he dissected about forty in-
dividuals of the genera Unio and Anodonta, without discov-
ering any indications that could lead him to suppose the
existence of the male sex ; still however he is in doubt, and
we are very much inclined to believe, with Ferussac, that
Prevost may be right, but that more observations and ob-
servers are required fully to establish this disputed point,
although Baer has gone far towards even this object. —
Treviranus also made some interesting obseiTations on this
subject, an account of which he published in the Zeitsch.
fuT Physiol, in 1 824. He was of the opinion that the same
organ produced both the ova and the fecundating fluid.
He however remarks that he found, at the season of exclu-
ding their eggs, many that were entirely destitute of them.

Some naturalists have changed the designation of this
genus to Anodon, as being more rigidly correct.

PLATE XI.

ANODONTA SUBORBICULATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTFR.

Suborbiciilar, a little ^viiigcd.

DESCRIPTION.

t

Ovate-orbicular, rather compressed ; pale olivaceous
tinted with flesh colour ; with very slender, almost capil-
lary, and very numerous, obsolete greenish radii ; some-
times with more or less obvious, transverse, yellowish bands
towards the base ; beaks not elevated above the general sur-
face, with two or three rows of very small tubercles : limine
margin nearly rectilinear, compressed behind, and anteri-
orly compressed almost into a wing : ligament^ particular-
ly in the young specimen, concealed : posterior margin
rounded : anterior margin a little prominent, obtusely an-
gulated ; basal margin much arquated : U'ithin undulated
almost as obviously as on the exterior ; pale bluish, varied
with pale tlesh colour, and somewhat iridescent before and
behind : cicatrices slightly impressed.

Length about four inches.

Breadth five and three-tenths.

Convexity nearly one inch and three quarters.

A large and fine species. Some time since, Mr. O. Ev-
ans obtained an individual, Avhich I hesitated to publish as
new, thinking it might possibly be a young remote variety
of the A. grandis, Nob. but subsequently, having receiv-
ed adult and perfect specimens from Mr. Evans, I found
that it is uniformly longer, more rounded, much more

PLATE XI.

compressed, and having a different aspect. It is found in
ponds, near the Wabash river, but rarely if ever, in the
river itself, as it prefers still water and a muddy bottom.
In form it approaches nearer to orbicular, than any other
species that we have seen described.

An American conchologist was of the opinion that all
our Anodontas are referrible to one species ; but we con-
ceive that the present species, cannot with more propriety
be united with the cataracta and marginata, Nob., not to
mention the more elongated species, than the various spe-
cies of Unio can be considered as no other than V.picta, L.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure is the inner view.
Middle figure — exterior view.
Lower figure — dorsal view.
PLATE XI.

]\r:' ScvVci.

C.Ti>iout Sc

NUCULA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell transverse, equivalvcd, inequilateral; summits
contiguous; hinge with a primary, more or less triangular
fosset for the reception of the ligament, with an anterior
and posterior series of small, inserted, numerous, pectinate
teeth, interrupted at the summit by the fosset ; ligament
internal, very short, inserted into the fosset ; muscular im-
pressions two, simple.

OBSERVATIONS.

A genus connected with Area, Pectunculus, CucuUaia,
and Trigonia, but eminently distinguished by the ligament
being interior ; w hich, as has been remarked by Sowerby,
proves their relation to the Mactracca?. Many species are
known. Lamarck described six recent and the same number
of fossil species ; Sowerby four fossil and one recent ; De-
france enumerates twelve fossil, and we have published two
recent and two fossil species. Of all these the tellinoides,
Sowerby and lanceolata, Lam. appear to be the largest.

The inhabitants are thus described by Blainville : Body
subtriquetrous ; mantle open on its inferior half only, the
margins entire, denticulated on the whole length of the
back, without posterior elongations ; foot very lai'ge, tliin
at its origin, dilated in a large oval disk, the mai'gins of
which are furnished with tentacular digitations ; anterior

PLATE XII.

buccal appendices very long, pointed, rigid, and applied
against each other like a kind of jaws; the posteriors
equally rigid, and vertical.

NUCULA LIMATULA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Oblong-ovate, rostrated, pellucid ; beaks subcentral. not
elevated ; margin entire.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely elongated subovate, green olive, near-
ly pellucid, smooth, polished, w^ith slight inductions of in-
crement: beaks not prominent above the curve of the
hinge margin; hinge margin anteriorly abruptly com-
pressed ; the compression not reaching the tip ; rectiline-
ar nearly to the tip v\ hich is a little recurved ; posteriorly
almost regularly, but obtusely arquated : posterior margin
regularly rounded : anterior margin somewhat rostrated,
not truncated : within a little perlaceous : margin entire :
liTie of the teeth slightly interrupted and a little angulated
at the fosset, extending more than two thirds of the length
of the shell, rectilinear before and behind : teeth promi-
nent, numerous, acute, much angulated at their bases and
longer than the breadth of their bases : fosset triangular,
short, rather small, and but little oblique.

PLATE XII.

OSERVATIONS.

This pretty species was presented to me by Nuttall as
having been taken from the stomach of a fish at Nahant,
Massachusetts.

It resembles the N. Jlumatili,% SchriJter, and the N. ros-
trata. Montague, but the rostrum is not truncated and tlie
summit is more central than in those species. It is still
more closely related to N. Isevis^ Nob., but it is proportion-
ably a little longer, and in that species the posterior series
of teeth is a little arquated and the compressed anterior
hinge margin extends quite to the tip. I must say how-
ever that I have seen but a single specimen, and but a sin-
gle valve of the present shell. The N. arctica, Gray, which
this might be supposed to resemble, is said to be " posticc
brcvi, oblique truncato."

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure — exterior of a valve.
Middle figure — back of a valve.
Lower figure — inside of a valve.
PLATE XII.

For comparison I add, from the Journal of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, the following description and figure
of N. laevis, and also those of a smaller and quite distinct
fossil species.

NUCULA L^VIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely elongate-subovate, rostrated, nearly smooth.

SYNONYM,

NucuLA LiEYis. NoMs, Jouv. Jlcud. Nat. Sc. vol. iv.
p. 141.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell compressed, thin, fragile, polished, smooth, slight-
ly vrrinkled tow-ards the base : beaks nearly central, a little
prominent beyond the hinge margin, rounded, approxi-
mate : series of teeth subrectilinear, a little arquated be-
hind ; teeth prominent : hinge margin exteriorly both be-
fore and behind the beaks rather abruptly compressed,
the anterior compression extending from the beaks to the
tip : posterior margin rounded : anterior margin somewhat
rostrated, the anterior hinge margin rectilinear, very little
reflected at tip : inner inargin simple.

Length nearly half an inch, breadth nearly one inch.

This shell may be compared Mith the 'N.pellucida, Gniel.
but it is shorter in proportion to its width, and the beaks
are nearer the centre. The beaks are more prominent than
in limatula, and the base is more arquated. It is a fossil
species and was found by Mr. John Finch in Maryland.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The right figures represent the outer and inner view of the Bhell.
PLATE XII.

NUCULA CONCENTRICA.

SrECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely elongate-subovate, rostrated, concentrical-
ly striated.

SYNONYM,

NucuLA CONCENTRICA. NoMs. Joum. Acad. Nat. So.
vol.iv, p. 141, pi. 10, fig. 6.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell convex : rostrum considerably narrowed towards
the tip : surface concentrically striated with numerous,
regular, equidistant, rounded lines : beaks rather behind
the middle : ligament margin a little concave ; series of
teeth angulated at the beaks.

OBSERVATIONS.

The regularly striated surface gives this shell a very
pretty appearance. In outline it has some resemblance to
the rostrata.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The lefl hand figures exhibit Ihe exterior and interior viewi.
PL.\TE XII. G

'^' ' ' T afe '^"

IVff Sa-vDcl.

CTi'dout Scuif^.

HELIX.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell univalve, free, subglobular, convex or somewhat
conic. Aperture entire, wider than long, more or less ob-
lique, a little contracted by receiving a part of the convex-
ity of the preceding volution, which also widely separates
the lips.

Animal hermaphrodite with four retractile tenticula,
which are filiform or cylindrical : anterior pair short ; pos-
terior pair much longer, oculiferous at tip : spiracle on
the right side of the neck, near the anus, and another pore
which contains the organs of reproduction : they respire
air only.

OBSERVATIONS.

Tliis is a universal, and if I may use the expression, a
cosmopolite genus. The species are exceedingly nume-
rous ; in favoumble situations some of them are multiplied
almost to infinity, and become very destructive to cultiva-
ted plants. So formidable are they in this respect in some
parts of Europe, that many devices are practised to destroy
them. In North America they do not multiply to an inju-
rious extent and I have never known a garden or an or-
chard, in w^hich their depredations attracted the preven-
tive attention of the cultivator.

They attain to their greatest magnitude and beauty in

PLATE XIII,

tropical climates and seemed to be repelled only by the in-
hospitable rigor of the polar regions.

Notwithstanding this wide range over the globe, they
may be recalled to mind, wherever the English language
is spoken, by the name of Snail shells^ and from their beau-
ty and diversity of forms, many persons who at first collec-
ted them for ornament, have been led by that circumstance
to devote their attention to this interesting science.

The genus Helix, as originally instituted by Linne,
consisted of an unnatural assemblage of species of various
characters, habits and conformation. Those that reside on
the land and respire air only by means of a spiracle lead-
ing to a cavity for respiration, lined with a plexus of pul-
monary vessels, were associated with such as reside w^holly
in the water, and with others that are amphibious, as un-
like in their external character as in their anatomical struc-
ture. It was in reality a great reservoir for Molluscous an-
imals that correspond in some general appearances, all
of wiiich his generic definition, however comprehen-
sive, could not include. The present more natural con-
dition of this group is owing to the successive improve-
ments of Bruguiere, Draparnaud, Lamarck and Montfort,
who removed from it various species, of which they form-
ed the genera Vitrina, Bulimus, Carocolla, Pupa, Scara-
bus, Succinea, Planorbis, Lymneus, Paludina, Ampularia,
Melania, Janthina, Sigaretus, &c. Many of these Ferussac
has again restored to the genus Helix, forming various sub-
genera under new names which he has applied to them. —
Lamarck, as he has limited the genus, describes one hundred
and seven species of his own collection, but Ferussac, whose
boundaries are more comprehensive, being founded on the

PLATE XIII.

characters of the animal, enumerates five hundred and
forty-four.

To a species of this genus, common to Europe and a
part of North America, the H. aspersa, Muller, san«tiv<;
qualities were formerly attributed in diseases of the lungs.
and Sir Kcnelm Digby introduced them into England for
the benefit of the afflicted. Many species are served upon
the tables of the luxurious, and amongst the Romans, the
breeding and fattening them for food, vs^asa particular oc-
cupation. Montfort informs us that the H. pomatia. Linn.
'•is an object of commerce ; at Paris, Vienna, Rochelle, in
Switzerland, &c, they are taken to market, and are expor-
ted in barrels to the Antilles ; " he adds "c'est un aliment
sain, succulent et prolifique."

Lamarck's genus Carocolla, is much like Helix, but the
volutions are always acutely angulated. In Bulimus the
aperture is longer than wide, and in Pupa, Clausilia, &c.,
the form is cylindrical, and the labia are continuous.

HELIX ALBOLABRIS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell convex, imperforated, immaculate, pale reddish
brown ; volutionfi about five and a half with rather obtuse
\vrinkles, crossed by very minute lines, more obvious on
the body whorl tlian on the spire : Huture distinct, not very
deeply impressed : lubruni abruptly contracting the mouth,
rather widely and abruptly refiected, flattened in the plane

PLATE XIII.

of the mouth, white, rather deeply and abruptly more ar-
quated at base.

SYNONYMS.

Helix albolabris. Nobis. Jim, Ed. of Nichols. En-
cycl. vol. iv. Feriissac, Hist. Nat. pi. 43, f. 1 to 5.

Cochlea virginiana, subalbida, mediocris, circiter quinis
orbibus parum altis ad claviculam circumscripta. Lis-
ter Synops. pi. 47, f. 45.

observations.

This is one of our most common species, less abundant
however in the Western than the Eastern portion of the
United States ; and is an inhabitant of an extensive region,
extending from Canada to South Carolina whence an indi-
vidual was sent me by the late Mr. Elliott, and it is proba-
bly found even in Florida. It belongs to the genus Aca-
vus, Montfort, which he separates from Helix, in conse-
quence of being destitute of umbilicus..

A species of the Linnsean genus Acarus infests the ani-
mal. I have frequently seen this little active parasite, run-
ning out and in the respiratory cavity, when the orifice was
opened to receive the air. Sometimes it is excluded for a
few moments by the closing of the orifice, but it courses
nimbly about until another dilatation of the pulmonary ap-
erture, receives it into the interior. An analogous species

FLATE XIII.

inhabits the Helix nemoralis, L. of Europe, according to
Kirby and Spence.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two upper figures represent profile and basal views of the shell.

HELIX THYROIDUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell rather thin, convex, umbilicate, pale reddish brown,
immaculate : volutions five, 's^Tinkled : mture distinct, but
not very deeply impressed : labrum abruptly contracting
the aperture, rather widely reflected, flattened in the plane
of the mouth, excepting the superior third, and white :
umbilicus narrow, distinct : labium with an oblique w hite
tooth, rather above the middle and not very prominent

SYNONYMS.

Helix thyroidus. Nobis. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. voL

i. p. 123. Nicholson's Encycl. (Jim. edition J — Ferus-

sac, Tabl. System, p. 33.
Cochlea umbilicata, capillaceis stryis per obliquum do-

nata, Unico dente ad fundum oris. Lister Synopsis

Conch, pi. 91, f. 91.

The following synonyms are from Ferussac Tab. Syst.
Petiver, Gazophyll. t. 405, f. 4. Philos. Trans, vol. xx,

p. 375 ; Cochlea terrestris virginiana &c., Schro-

ier, Enleit. ii. p. 1 92, No. 60.

PTATE XIII.

OBSERVATIONS.

A very abundant species, much more numerous than
the preceding, in this region. It has certainly a general
resemblance to the albolabris, but it is smaller, alw^ays um-
bilicated, the labrum near its junction with the penulti-
mate whorl is not so flatly reflected and the tooth of the la-
bium is very conspicuous. It belongs to Montfort's genus
Cepolls.

reference to the plate.

The two lower figures exhibit the profile and basal appearances of the shell.
PIATE XIII.

7

^l^-'.SV,,- Del .

-14^

C.Tui'Ptit Siiilf}.

UNIO.

For the generic character see plate IV.

UNIO ELLIPSIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell very oblique, suboval ; summit prominent, as long
as the posterior side.

SYNONYM.

Unio ellipsis. Lea. Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. (new
series) vol. iii, pi. 4, fig. 4.

description.

Shell very oblique, oval-subovatc, ventricose, ponderous :
disk convex, lines of growth deeply impressed, somewhat
undulating the surface ; yellowish-olivaceous, more or less
radiate with green, particularly before ; never spotted ;
the old shell uniform brown or fuscous : mar gin regular-
ly arquated, even at the anterior tip: siftnmlt prominent,
as long as the posterior side: posterior side remarka])ly
short: cavity of the hinge membranes profound, much di-
lated between the summits and not extending posteriorly
beyond the line of the summits ; visible portion triangidar,

PLATE XIV. II

its posterior line transverse, slightly arquated, widest :
within white, perlaceous, iridescent before : teeth large,
prominent, the cardinal anterior of the right valve and hoth
of the left valve parallel to the lateral teeth, which are a
little arquated, those of the right valve united at tip and
even after the union a little more elevated than the sur-
rounding surface : sinus of the cartilage, regular, definite :
cavity of the umbo not deep, its muscular impressions ve-
ry distinct : posterior muscular impression remarkably
deep, subobconic : palleal impression anteriorly arquated,
hardly extending beyond the line of the muscular impres-
sion.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is not uncommon. The young shell which
we have represented in the plate has a different colouring
from the old specimen, which is of a uniform dark, or
even blackish-brown, the radii being entirely invisible. It
varies in its radii, some being radiated over the whole sur-
face, others having capillary radii only on the anterior side
and others being entirely destitute of radii at all ages. An-
other variety is tinged with rosaceous, especially on the
hinge laminae. In its youth it somewhat resembles the
sulcatus. Lea, but is distinguished by many characters, and
remarkably by being destitute of any sulcation anteri-
orly. The largest one I have seen was nearly four inches
in its greatest diameter ; but this is gigantic for the species.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure — exterior of a valve.
Middle figure — back view of the eholi.
Lower figure — inside of a valve.
PLATE XIY.

.l^r S^. iJci

M

C'.2}fiotj.t StHi^p.

UNIO SUBTENTUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transverse; anterior dorsal margin sculptured with
small elevated costae.

SYNONYM.

Unio SUBTENTUS. Nobis. Jour, Acad. Nat. Sc. vol. v.
p. 130.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong-suboval, very widely and slight-
ly contracted at base ; brownish olivaceous, obsoletely ra-
diated : posterior side short regularly rounded : cavity of
the hinge membranes^ behind the summits elongate, some-
what fusiform, acute : summits hardly elevated, decorti-
cated : anterior basal angle a little prominent, rounded :
anterior dorsal and anterior margins^ from the umbo to
the angle with numerous, subramous, slightly arquated,
oblique, parallel costae : within reddish fulvous : cavity of
the umbo not deep : primary teeth somewhat longitudinal :
lateral teeth slightly arquated, hardly reaching the extre-
mity of the sinus of the cartilage : pallcal impression ex-
tending anteriorly a little beyond the muscular impres-
sion : smaller posterior muscular impression oblong, of
moderate size.

PLATE XV.

OBSERVATIONS.

In general outline this shell has some resemblance to U.
purpuretis,* Nob. ; but it is distinguished by many charac-
ers, and more obviously by the character of the anterior
costated margin. It is a native of South Carolina and was
sent to me by Professor Vanuxen, w^ho obtained it from
the North fork of the Holstein river.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure, exterior of a valve.
Middle figure, back of the shell.
Lower figure, interior of a valve.
PILATE XV.

* Although Mr. Lamarck quotes the proper name of this species as a synonym,
yet he has by some error changed it to purpurascens. That it is an error is to
be inferred from the observation under his description of U. cariniftra, where
he says, "tr6s-distinct de I'U. purp-urea."

^^

^■•f^^^\^

y

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""**«'*«««***,

IWUiaUMUlUMUMdi'

»,«*1»»»»***''

,«**»«^^

„-*<^'

.^■'^

iW* .sVw /Jf/.

CTi^fboiit Sc.

UNIO UNDULATUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely undulated ; umbo literate.

SYNONYM.

Unio UNDULATUS. Bctmcs. Silliman's Jovrnal^ vol. vi.
p. 120, pi. 2.

description.

Transversely oval, somewhat oblong, with large, distinct
undulations, three or four in number, directed towards the
anterior margin and not proceeding directly from the um-
bo : surface with a few abbreviated, longitudinal lines, pla-
ced without any regularity : umbo placed far backward,
not prominent, hardly elevated above the general curva-
ture, more or less literate w^ith short, irregular lines or
slight elevations : hinge margin compressed, nearly recti-
linear, prominently angulated or subalated at tip, in the
more perfect specimens with numerous, connected, regu-
lar lines, curved to the edge and undulating it : anterior
margin rectilinear from the extremity of the hinge mar-
gin to the rounded inferior half, and undulated by the tip
of the grooves of the disk : posterior margin very short,
regularly rounded : base very obtusely rounded, in many
specimens a little contracted near the anterior termina-
tion : fosset elongated, very distinct : within bluish-white ;
perlaceous.

PLATE XVI.

OBSERVATIONS.

This large and handsomely sculptured shell, was found
in the Fox river of the Wabash, by Mr. Lesueur and Dr.
Troost.

It resembles U. plicafus, Nob., but on comparison it will
be observed to differ very essentially from that common
species. The umbo and beaks of the plicatus are very
prominent and altogether destitute of any small literations
or divaricating lines, having only the origin of one or two
of the large undulations grooved upon it. The primary
teeth of the plicatus also are much thicker than those of
this species.

I formerly considered this species, with much doubt, as
distinct from the undulatus of Barnes, and gave to it the
name of heros^ but notwithstanding some differences, I
have concluded, after a more mature examination and
comparison, that it may be with propriety referred to that
species. Barnes drew his description and figure from a spe-
cimen then unique, belonging to the cabinet of Mr. S. B.
Collins, which was so eroded as not to exhibit the orna-
mental tubercles of the umbo and beak.

The dimensions of a fine specimen found by Mr. O.
Evans are, length five inches, breadth over seven, and con-
vexity two inches and seven-tenths.

It is not uncommon in Fox river, an arm of the Wa-
bash, in muddy and sluggish parts of the stream.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure, exterior view.
Lower figure, inner view.
PLATE XVI.

, ^ w»'«»"S

y

■^

''"°"^ei.-,

'*''*»W;i.„

I /'.•'• .S\,vJye/.

■11

CTU'oiU S,

UNIO ABRUPTUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Subquadrate, truncate before.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oval-quadrate, yellowish olive or brownish, slight-
ly radiated with blackish-brown narrow lines, which do
not extend to the base : umbo not veiy prominent, round-
ed, slightly compressed, generally radiated with obscure
greenish, and placed far back, almost terminal : disk con-
vex, anteriorly with a hardly raised, very obtuse elevation,
becoming obvious towards the margin and a little promi-
nent at the anterior basal angle : hinge margin a little de-
pressed, so as to form an angle with the disk, more acute
towards the umbo : ligament higher than the beaks : an-
terioi' margin truncated by an almost straight line : basal
margin very slightly contracted : posterior margin very
short, gaping considerably from the middle of the base to
the cavity of the hinge membranes : cavity of the hinge
memhrayjes very obvious, rather wide, as long or longer be-
hind the beaks than broad : within wdiitc, or tinged with
very fine fulvous-pink, or salmon colour : posterior cica-
trix profound ; smaller cicatrix rather large, oblique, ar-
quated : palleal impression hardly more prominent than
the anterior cicatrix : cardinal teeth thick, direct ; that of
tlie left valve subtrifid : tooth phi I c rather broad, project-
ing in a ledge on the inner side of the lanK^lliform tooth
of tlie left valve.

Var. a. Anteriorly more prominent and hardly truncate.

PLATB XVII.

OBSERVATIONS.

The colour of the inner surface is, in most specimens
very beautiful. The umbo is generally decorticated, ex-
posing a surface slightly tinged with the colour of the ca-
vitj' of the shell. The internal surface of this shell, as in
several species, is minutely granulated and undulated ; a
character very sensible under the magnifier.

Some conchologists have considered this shell a mere va-
riety of the cariosus, Nob., probably because like that spe-
cies it is generally more or less truncated before ; but there
are other characters which appear to me to forbid a speci-
fic union. The abruptus is always of much less breadth,
the beaks much nearer to the posterior extremity, the per-
pendicular length from the beaks to the base much great-
er : the cardinal teeth direct, much more robust, that of
the left valve being trifid : whereas in cariosus the cardinal
teeth are decidedly oblique, bifid in each valve, and the
plate on which the teeth rest is much more slender, even
when the general thickness of the shells is the same. It
is more closely related to U. eJUpticus, Barnes, by the va-
riety a. ; but although the teeth are nearly similar, yet
that species is never truncated, the beaks are never situa-
ted so far back ; the cavity of the hinge membranes is much
narrower ; the anterior division of the cardinal tooth of
the left valve is less obvious, and the ledge on the inner side
of the lamelliform tooth of the same valve is but slight,
the aspect or habit also is quite different. It occurs fre-
quently in the Wabash.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure outside of a vulvc. Lower figure insido of a valvo. Middle
figure back of a valve.
PLATE XVII.

u

C.Ti-fhoui Sculfj.

SOLECURTUS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalved, transversely elongated, gaping at the
extremities, which are obtusely and equally rounded ; hinge
and basal margins nearly parallel ; apex not prominent ;
hinge distant from the extremity ; ligament external, short ;
muscular impressions two, remote, oval or angular, distinct ;
impression of the mantle profoundly sinuous before ; teeth
various, generally imperfect.

OBSERVATIONS.

A genus formed by Blainville to receive ten or twelve
species, hitherto referred to the genus Solen, and to which
they are indeed very closely allied. He divides the genus
into three parts, viz.

A. Compressed, thin, with an anterior rib, obliquely de-
current from the apex to the basal margin. S. radialm,
Linn. (Genus Siliqua,Megerle; Leguminaria,Schum.)

B. More cylindric and destitute of the interior rib. S. stri-
gillatus, Linn.

C. More elongated and subcylindric. S. legwnm, Linn.
These species shew the connection of the two genera to

be intimate ; but there is certainly a gi-eat difference in ha-
bit, which, in conjunction with the notable characters of
tJie rounded form of the muscular impressions, the distance
of the hinge from the extremity, &c., in the present group,

Pi * TE XVIII. I

seem to justify its separation from Solen. Like the spe-
cies of that genus, these reside in the sand on the sea shores,
secluded from observation.

SOLECURTUS COSTATUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Hinge nearly equidistant from the posterior termination
of the shell and the middle of the hinge margin.

SYNONYM.

Solen co status. Nobis. Joum. Jlcad. Nat. Sc. vol,
ii. p. 315.

DESCRrPTION*

Shell transversely elongate-oval, concentrically wrink^
led, very much compressed, very thin and fragile : hinge
nearly equidistant from the posterior termination of the
shell and the middle of the hinge margin : teeth three, tw^,
and sometimes none, in each valve, the posterior ones up-
right, the anterior one inclining forward : within a strong,
broad, elevated rib passes almost perpendicularly from the
hinge towards the base and becomes obsolete near that
part : colour pale brownish, with a slight violaceous tinge
and two or three obsolete, paler rays ; within perlaoeous,
somewhat sericeous.

PLATE XVIII.

OBSERVATIONS.

I obtained a few incomplete specimens on the coast of
Newjersey, near Great Egg-Harbour. Since which Dr.
T. W. Harris of Milton, Massachusetts, has sent me seve-
ral individuals in perfect preservation, from Nahant, where
it is therefore probable that they are not uncommon. —
When this species was published, the present genus had
not been formed, it was of course referred to solen. S.
centralis^ Nob., of the same work, is also of the same group.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure, exterior of'a valve.
Middle figure, dorsal view.
Lower figure, inside of a valve.
PLATE XVIII.

FULGUR.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell pyriform ; spire very short ; varices none ; body
whorl very large ; aperture large, oval extended towards
^e base into an elongate-conic, open canal, which is entire
at base ; umbilicus none ; epidermis deciduous ; labium
concave with a single fold or oblique groove near the ori-
gin of the canal and a slight calcareous deposition above ;
labrum simple ; within having elevated striae which do
not revolve far within the shell, nor do they reach the
edge of the labrum, but leave a smooth border ; operculum
homy.

OBSERTATIOlfS.

This genus was formed by Montfort. Linn6 placed
all the species with which he was acquainted in his great
genus Murex. Bruguieres, Lamarck and Blainville re-
ferred them to Pyrula, a genus with which they are cer-
tainly very closely allied, but from which they differ in
having a fold on the labium, in not being vesicular and thin,
in having elevated lines or striae within the labrum, &c. —
Linne did not even perceive this alliance, if we may judge
from the fact that he placed these shells with Murex, as
above stated, whilst he referred the true Pyrulae to his re-
servoir Bulla. We do not know what difference exists be-
tween the animals. Naturalists do not appear to know
whether or not they are operculated,but we can affirm with

HLATE IIX.

certainty that the operculum exists in the present genus. —
When recent the surface of the shell is covered with a thin
epidermis. It is always destitute of varices and of umbili-
cus, and bears the same relation to Pyrula that Fasciolaria
does to Fusus. Indeed we would have more readily ac-
quiesced in referring them to Fasciolaria than to Pyrula,
although there exists but one fold on the columella, in place
of two or three.

The excluded ovaries consist of a long series of oval,
parallel follicles or disks of little thickness, attached by
one side to a connecting string ; each of these disks con-
tains numerous young ones, of w^hich the shell is very ob-
vious and even tolerably firm in its consistance. Such ova-
ries are very abundant on our coast. They exhibit at
length, a rounded perforation in the edge of the follicle, op-
posite to the string, whence the young shells escape. All
this is very well represented by Lister in his Conchology,
plates 879 and 881.

FULGUR PYRULOIDES.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Pale yellowish or white, with rufous, dilated lines, inter-
rupted in the middle ; suture canaliculated.

SYNONYMS.

Seba. Mm, vol. iii. pi. 68, fig. 19, 20 ?
LAst. Conch, pi. 877.

FLATB XIX.

Martini, Omch. 3, t. 661, f. 736, 737. (Lam.)

Emijd. Meth. pi. 433, f. 2, a. b. (Lam.)

Bulla ficus, var. b. Gmel.

FuLGUR PYRULOiDES. Nob. JouT, Jicad. Nat. Sc. vol.

2, p. 237.
Pyrula spirata. Lam. Jlnim, sans Vert. vol. 7, p. 1 42.
Bulla pyru>l Diltwyn, ed. Lister Conch. Index, p. 39.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell remarkably pyriform. perfectly unarmed, longi-
tudinally lincated with irregular, dilated, dark ferruginous
lines on a yellowish or white ground, interrupted or ob-
solete in the middle by a paler revolving band, more obvi-
ous in the young shell ; very numerous revolving, slight-
ly elevated lines, alternately somewhat larger, towards the
base of the shell somewhat larger, more distant and obvi-
ously undulated : qnre very much depressed : whorls
above flattened, shoulder acute, unarmed, becoming more
or less obtuse and even rounded in the old shell : suture
profoundly canaliculated : lahrum gradually contracting
to the canal, which is rather long.

OBSERVATIONS.

In its general form, this species certainly resembles the
true PyruLc more accurately than either of the other spe--
cies of our coast, but the groove on the labium readily distin-
guishes it. I formerly mistook the young shells for those
of F. canaliciilata, Linn., which they very much resemble
in form, in the grooved suture and in the spiral stria^ ; but
they differ from them in having a much less elevated spire,

PLATE XIX.

in being entirely destitute of armature, either of spines or
tubercles, upon the angulated shoulder of the volutions, and
in being marked by coloured lines. In this last character
they approach F. perversus, Linn., but they will not be
mistaken for that species. As the shell ad\^nces in growth,
the acute edge of the depressed top of the whorls becomes
obtuse, and in the old shell it is nearly obsolete ; in which
state the almost regular curvature of the whorl is very like
that of Pyrula.

Seba's figures above quoted, are probably intended for
this species ; they certainly represent it very well as it ap-
pears in the young state.

Lamarck was unacquainted with the native country of
his spirattty the description of which he published in Au-
gust, 1 822, which gives the priority to pyruloides^ as this
was published in July of the same year, twelve months af-
ter it had been read to the academy. It inhabits our south-
em coast and I never found it so far north as New- Jersey .

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate represents the back and front of the shell.
PLATE XIX.

20

(". Tu-!'oii< Si-u//>.

GLANDINA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell subturriculated, oblong-suboval, somewhat fragile,
terrestrial, simple ; front of the shell gradually attenu-
ated to the base of the columella ; aperture unarmed, ra-
ther narrow, nearly longitudinal ; labrum simple, a little
undulated ; columella incurved, truncated at base.

OBSERVATIONS.

Conchologists differ much in the arrangement of this
small group of shells. Chemnitz refers them to Bul-
la, and Buccinum : Gmelin and Dilhv3'n to Bulla, He-
lix and Yoluta, and the former has even placed one spe-
cies in Strombus ; Bruguiere to Bulinius ; Blainville and
Sowerby to Achatina ; and Ferussac to a subgenus of He-
lix. Montfort who, for the period in which he published,
formed genera with a profuse hand, was the first to sepa-
rate this group from all others. He distinguished it by
the name of Polyphemus, which we regret that we can-
not adopt, inasmuch as it w^as preoccupied by MuUer for
a genus of Crustaceous animals, and is still in use. It is to
Schumacher that we are indebted for the present generic
name, to which we are not aware of any objection. Witli
respect to the characters of the shell, there can be no doubt
that Glandina is very closely allied to Achatina, and not-

PLATE XX. J

withstanding the difference which really exists in the ge-
neral hahit, in the labrum a columella, it w^ould caalesce
with it, were it not that the inhabitant possesses characters
which cannot justify the union. Ferussac was aware of
these distinctions, and after extracting what we formerly
published relative to the characters of the animal, he states,
" Si cependant on les reconnoit dans toutes les autres es-
peces du groupe auquel elles appartiennent, ou devra en
faire un genre apart, ou rais;uillette et quelques unes des
especes analogues, que nous y reunissons, entreront par
I'influence des rapports generaux de leur coquille," and
" De toutes les especes que nous reunissons dans les helix,
aucunes, sans doute, n'ofii'ent des caracteres de dissem-
blance aussi prononces."

Having unfortunately mislaid a sketch of the animal,
taken during a visit to Florida, I can now only repeat
my description of it as published in Mitchell's edition of
Nicholson's Encyclopedia. Animal elongated, as long
again as the shell, granulated ; tentacula four, superior ones
oculiferous, abruptly deflected at tip, beyond the eyes ; in-
ferior ones much shorter, and abruptly deflected at tip ;
lips beneath the tentacula, elongated, palpiform, almost as
long as the superior tentacula, retractile, generally more or
less recurved, compressed, attenuated, and acute at tip, and
forming a considerable interval between their prominent
bases. When the animal is in motion, the elongated lips
are used as tentacula to feel the way.

PXJkTE XX.

GLANDINA TRUNCATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell pale rosaceous, immaculate, becoming paler to-
wards the aperture.

SYNONYM.

BucciNUM STRIATUM. Chemnitz, ix, t. 120, fig. 1028,

1029. (Fermsac)
Bulla truncata. Gmelin, Dillwyn. (Feritss.)
Polyphemus glans. Nob. Nicholson's Encycl.
Helix rosea. Ferussac.
e FLUMiNE QUODAM c-uioLiN.t. Listtr Co7ich, 1059,

fig. 4.

description.

Shell pale reddish-brown or slightly tinted with rosace-
ous, often deepest on the spire, gradually becoming paler
to the aperture : spire rather prominent, somewhat mame-
lary at tip : volutions five or six, very obviously wrinkled 5
two or three apicial volutions almost destitute of wrinkles ;
suture well defined, irregularly crenulated : columella de-
cidedly incurved.

* OBSERVATIONS.

When in the sea islands of Georgia and in Florida with
Mr. Maclure, we found this species, in great abundance

PLATE XX.

in marshy districts Immediately behind the sand-hills of
the coast. In Florida they also occurred on elevated
mounds of Oyster shells, called Hammocks and generally
in such situations as were tenanted by Succinea campes-
tris. Nob. On these elevations they were generally small,
translucent and of a fragile consistence, and we observed
that they obtained their greatest developement only in the
low, marshy places. Mr. Elliott of Charleston, South Ca-
rolina, since favoured me with living specimens from
near that city, where, he informed me, they are not very
abundant. These individuals refused such vegetable food
as I could procure for them, (in December,) but one of
them devoured the animal of a helix which was in the ves-
sel that contained them. Lister's figure above quoted is
referred to with doubt by Ferussac in his Tab. Syst. p.
57, for his Helix goniostoma.

In Lesueur's collection are specimens w^hich he found
at St. Francisville on the Mississippi, and Mr. Titian Peale
found specimens on the Florida Keys. So that, taking the
above mentioned localities into consideration, this shell
seems to be an inhabitant of the whole alluvial region,
from at least the middle of South Carolina to the Missis-
sippi, and perhaps even still farther south.

In the American Edition of Nicholson's Encyclopedia I
published an account of this species under the name of
Polyphemus glans. I supposed it to be th-at species, as
Montfort says it lives in the interior of Louisiana. But
Ferussac says that our shell is not the glans of Bruguiere^
which is not an inhabitant of Louisiana, but of St. Domin-
go. In his general observations, as well as in a letter to me,
he says it is the Buccinum striatum of Chemnitz and Bu-

PXATE XX.

limus striatus of Bruguiere ; whereas in his enumeration of
the species, he rejects the name striatus entirely and places
those two synonyms under two separate species, to which
he gives new names. I think however that this name can-
not in justice to Muller, from whom Bruguiere adopted
it, be applied to our species, inasmuch as he had reference
to the South American species. As it is, therefore, neither
the glans nor the striata, I adopt the name applied by Gme-
lin, for which I am indebted to the synonyms collected by
Ferussac, on whose accuracy and opportunities for compa-
rison in ^this instance, I wholly rely, when in my own
opinion^the reference would, but for this authority, be
doubtful.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Upper figure, back view.
Lower figure, front view.
PLATE XX.

THE AMERICAN CONCHOLOGY.

The object of this work, is lo fix the species of our Molluscous animals, by-
accurate delineations in their appropriate colours, so that they may be readily
recognized even by those who have not extensive cabinets for comparison.

Although it is intended to elucidate the Molluscous animals of aU I\orth A-
racrica, yet it is proposed to introduce those of the United States chiefly, into
the iirst part of the work, so that those subscribers who may wish to limit their
(inquiries or expenditure to the shells of this Union, may be accoaimodated.

The price to subscribers will be one dollar a.nd Jifty cents each number, with
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aiter Having paid for them.

The publishers, however, pledge themselves to their subscribers, to reduce the
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ence of Conchology, showing the proper succession of the orders, families and
•j-enera, together with an explanation of the technical terras used in describing.
The subscribers and all those who wish to encourage this undertaking,
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ERRATA.

When describing the Paludina vivipara of the first No., I omitted to men-
tion that it sometimes varies to a brownish colour, with fuscoua banda ; and
:lua variety is represented on our plate 10.

No. III. Price, SljSO, coloured.
AMERICAN

COJ^CHOliOGY,

OR

DESCRIPTIONS

OF THE

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERlCA^

ILLUSTUATEl) BY

COLOURED rxauRES

FROM

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS EXECUTED rilO.lI NATURE.

CONTENTS.

Alasmodonta confragosa, ....- --pi. xxi

Araphidesma transversum, ..-,... xxviii

" " tcquale, xxviii

Fusus cinereus, xxix

" corncus, - ........ xxix

Paludina intcrtexta, xxx

" " pondorosa, xxx

" " subpurpurea, xxx

Sigaretus maculatua, xxv

" " pcrspectivus, xxv

Scalaria clathrus, var. 6. xxvii

" " linoata, xxvii

" " nmltiatriata, xxvii

Uuio dchiscens, xxiv

'' phaseolus, .......--. xxii

" tctralasmus, xxlii

Vemis grata, xxvi

NEW-HAU.>IONY, INDIANA.

Printed aC (he Srliool Pitn.
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ALASMODONTA.

GEKEKIC CHARACTER.

Shell unattached, transverse equivalved, inequilateral :
cardinal teeth one in each valve, irregular, simple or bipar-
ted ; lateral teeth none ; muscular impressions two princi-
pal ones ; compound ligament exterior ; palleal line entire,
uniting the two muscular impressions.

OBSERVATIONS.

I formed this genus to receive several species of fluvia-
tile bivalves, which the characters of Unio and Anodonta
exclude. Lamarck placed some of the species in his
genus Unio, notwithstanding his character of lateral teeth
" allongee, comprimee, se prolongcant sous Ic corselet."

Blainville in his "Manuel," has placed the genus as a sub-
genus under Anodonta, with Iridina of Lamarck and Dip-
sas of Leach.

Cuvier in the first edition of his Regne Animal unites all
the genera of this family in Anodonta and Unioj and is still
followed in this arrangement by some other naturalists,
upon the principle that inosculating species destroy genera.
They appear to forget that the same principle would reduce
those two genera to a unit, and would in fact eliminate a
great portion of those groups, in all departments of Natu-
ral science.

Four dilFerent names have been applied by as many
writers, to designate this genus. Leach called it Damar-

K

is ; another name, according to Swainson, was given by Dr.
Turton ; and a third, that of Margaritaria* by Mr. Schu-
macher. To all these generic names the A. margaritifera
of Linne was referred by their respective authors, who do
not appear to have been acquainted with either of the sev-
eral species which inhabit our waters.

Those who change the orthography of Anodonta to
Anodon, will write the name of this genus Alasmodon for
the same reason. One author writes it Alasmidonta and
Blainville changes it to Alasmisodonta, without abbrevia-
tion.

But those who 'assume the task of rejecting genera in
this family, in order to he consistent, must revert to the
principles laid down by Ferussac in his "Essai d'une me-
thode Conchyliologique" published in 1807. He redu-
ces all the Naiads to the genus Unio, and the remain-
ing parts of his system, chiefly, correspond with this view
of the subject. Mr. Sowerby in the Zool. Journal, 1824,
has made the same proposition, though in his "Genera" he
retains Anodonta, Iridina, and Hyria, as well as many gen-
era in other families, which the same principles of arrange-
ment would abolish. Ferussac, however, in his "Tab-
leaux Syst." 1822, has concluded to admit four of the gen-
era ; viz, Anodonta, Hyria, Unio and Castalia.

PLATE XXI.

* Essai d'un nouvcaux systcmc dee habitations des Vers Testace6s, 1817. —
The priority of this date would lead ine to adopt the name given by tiiat
author, did it not appear that the work was not published for several years
after it was printed. It was not known to the naturaliets of thie country,
France, Germany or England until the year 1824.

ALASMODONTA CONFRAGOSA.

SPECIFIC CHAnACTER.

Disks with short, oblique undulations, and tuberculatcd
beaks.

SYNONyM.

Alasmodonta CONFRAGOSA. NoMs, Disscmmcdor of
Useful Knowledge, vol, 2, p. 339.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversly suboval, very dark or blackish : disk
convex, with oblique, irregular, abbreviated undulations,
not directed towards the beak ; and numerous, more or
less abl)reviated, slightly elevated lines from the umbo, be-
coming obsolete towards the base, those before divarica-
ting towards the hinge margin : beak with a gi'oove and
double series of three or four tubercles : luntde, or cavily
of the hinge membranes somewhat arquated : within
white, margined with opakc w hitish, or violaceous.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species was first obtained by Mr. O. Evans in a side
stream of the Wabash, called Fox river; several speci-
mens have been since obtained but it is rather rare. T\\v
teeth resemble those of the A. rugosa, Barnes, but are much
less prominent. On a passing glance it might almost be
mistaken for Unio plicatus, Nob.

The tuberculated beaks are somewhat like those of the
figure 9, plate 248 of the Encyclopedie Methodique,
but that is represented to have the lamelliform teeth. —
The largest individual I have seen measures three inches
and a half long, by five and six tenths broad and two and
a half inches in convexity. In a particular, oblique, re-
flected light, the surface exhibits a tinge of dark green.

I have recently received several specimens from Mr.
Barabino of New-Orleans, near which city he obtained
them, and where they are probably not uncommon. He
did not state the precise locality, but I presume they inhab-
it the sluggish waters in the rear of the city, and not in the
Mississippi.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Three views are exhibited of the shell.
PLATE XXI.

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UNIO PHASEOLUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Umbo compressed ; cardinal plate very thick ; lateral
tooth short ; surface radiated ; beaks simple.

SYNONYMS.

Unio PHASEOLUS. HUdreth. Journal of Science^ vol. xiv.

p. 283. Short and Eaton^ TVansylvania Journ. of

Medicine^ for February^ 1831.
Unio cuneatus. Var. Barne. (note to Hildreth's essay.)
Unio planulatus. Zea, TVans. ^7ncrican Philos. Soc.
N.S.Yo]. 3 pi. 9 p. 13.

description.

Shell transversly oblongovate, thick : surface yellowish
brown, with several rather broad radii, which are often in-
terrupted, by the larger lines of growth, into spots ; disks
and umbo compressed : beaks simple or not undulated :
not elevated : cavity of the hinge membranes or lunule oval,
acute : ligament not elevated : loithin white, somewhat
grooved obtusely : cardinal plate very thick, with a con-
siderable flattened space between the cardinal and lateral
teeth : cardinal teeth rather small, direct : lateral teeth ve-
ry short, oblique, and very thick : anterior smaller mus-
cular impression immediately anterior to the tips of the
lateral teeth.

OBSERVATIONS.

A striking similarity exists between this shell and the
mneatus and gibbosiis of Barnes, the latter of which, how-
ever, is somewhat more slender, the cardinal teeth larger,
the lateral teeth longer, and the beaks undulated.

In a note on Dr. Hildreth's description of phaseolus,
Barnes says it is a " white variety of cuneatus ;" and it
must be confessed that a considerable resemblance exists
between some of their varieties. But the latter species
differs in the much less dilated cardinal plate ; in having
the anterior smaller muscular impression, situated imme-
diately beneath the tip of the lamelliform teeth ; in hav-
ing the anterior lunule much more depressed, with slight-
ly elevated lines crossing the wrinkles.

The young, of a corresponding age, accurately resem-
bles, in its outline, Barnes' figure of his mucronatus, but
his description of mucronatus agrees better with cuneatus
than with any other species, certainly much better than
with gibbosus, inasmuch as it is stated to be "purplish on
the margin and whitish in the centre," whereas the latter
is more commonly whitish on the margin than in the cen-
tre, and the "anterior lunule long, distinct, with a marginal
furrow," of mucronatus, agrees with cuneatus, but not at
all with gibbosus.

This species is found in plenty in the Wabash, and is
probably also an inhabitant of most of the larger tributa-
ries of the Ohio.

The branchial oviducts when inllatcd with eggs, exhibit
a series of tubes, which, when dried, appear granulated
under the microscope ; these tubes are dirty yellowish,
with a few blackish spots near their tip ; beyond these

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spots is a yellow band, the tip itself being bright sangui-
neous.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The exterior, dorsal and interior views of the shell. The lower figures rep-
resent the branchial oviducts ; th.it of the middle is a lateral view of a portion,
of the natural size, as distended hy the included eggs. On the right is repre-
sented the summits of the tubes of wiiich this organ is composed. On the left
are two of the tubes magnified.
PLATE XXII.

UNIO TETRALASMUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely elongated ; lateral teeth two in each valve.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong-elliptic ; rather thin, mode-
rately convex : beaks but little elevated, decorticated :
hinge margin parallel to the basal margin, sub-rectihnear :
posterior margin regularly rounded : anterior slope with
two impressed lines : anterior margin declining in an
oblique rectilinear line from the extremity of the hinge
margin to the subrostrated tip : basal margin subrectili-
near : cavity of the hinge membranes (lunulc) very slen-
der, obsolete : umbonial slope not prominent : within
white, iridescent anteriorly and on the margin ; numerous
minute, slightly impressed, longitudinal lines : palleal im-

pression not indented, curved beyond the anterior muscu-
lax impression : anterior accessory muscular impression ve-
ry large, separate : cardinal teeth transversely long, slen-
der, very oblique : lateral teeth distant from the cardinal
teeth, tw^o in each valve, equally prominent in the two
valves.

OBSERVATIONS.

For an opportunity to examine this species I am indebt-
ed to Mr. Lesueur, who obtained it in Bayou St. John,
near New-Orleans. It is readily distinguishable from any
other species.

UEFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Three views are exhibited of the shell.
PLATE XXIII.

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UNIO DEHISCENS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Anteriorly biemarginate ; teeth obsolete.

SYNONYM.

Unio DEHISCENS. NoMs. Dissemiiiofor of Useful Know
ledge, vol. ii, p. 308.

DESCRIPTION,

Transversely much elongated, thin, rather compressed
polished, pale yellowish green, or hrownish, radiate
with somewhat interrupted green lines which are more
or less dilated and compound, and obsolete in the aged
specimen ; anteriorly gaping, and at the posterior inferior
margin also gaping nearly to the middle of the base; a
slightly impressed line on the anterior hinge submargin
passes to tlie anterior margin, which is emarginate both
above and below the line, and subangulated at tip : posie-
rior margin rounded, extending considerably beyond the
beaks : \imho and heak not prominent, with slight undula-
tions on the latter : primary teeth consisting of a slightly
elevated, very obtuse angle in the right valve and obsolete
sinus in the left for its reception : lateral teeth denoted by
an impressed line; cavil ij of the tnnbo sVight, but with a
deep, obvious and large muscular impression, immediately^
under the beak ; more or less tinged with purple-

OBSERVATIONS.

The anterior emarginations, above mentioned, are obvi-
ous in many species, but are more particularly remarkable
in the present shell ; they mark the situation of the tubes
of the animal.

The form and arrangement of the teeth are very much
like those of the monodonfa, Nob. but the outline and
other characters of this shell, as expressed in the above
description and exhibited in the plate, are w idely different.

It is certainly an inosculating species between Unio
and Anodonta, but traces of the primary and lamelliform
teeth are, I believe always discoverable. It is an inhabit-
ant of the Wabash river, and is not uncommon.

The largest individual that has occurred, is in length one
inch and three tenths, and in breadth three inches and two
fifths ; but the plate exhibits the usual magnitude. The
cavity of the beaks is often more or less tinted with purple.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The ;;'late represents tho exterior, dorsal, and inner views of the shell.
PLATE XXIV.

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SIGARETUS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell ear shaped, univalve, spiral, depressed : aperture
very large, entire, embracing a portion of the preceding volu-
tion, much wider than long; destitute of nacre : columella
short, spiral : labrum simple : volutions two or three:
muscular impressions two, distant: operculum none: a
revolving slightly elevated line on the inner surface : spire
lateral : periostraca none.

OBSERVATIONS.

There are marine shells, inhabiting various parts of the
globe. Like Ovula, Oliva, &c., the shell is included with-
in the mantle of the animal. Of the few species yet dis-
covered, Linne considered one a Helix. Lamarck adopted
the name of the genus from Adanson and placed it in
his family of Macrostomes, with Stomatella, Stomatia and
Haliotis, distinguishing it from the others by being desti-
tute of nacre. lie says, it seems to have some relation to
Natica: and indeed some similarity is exhibited by the S.
concavus of that author, and an allied fossil species which
Mr. Hoeninghaus sent me under the name of canalicula-
tus. But as those shells are external, or not enveloped in
the mantle of the animal, the relation must be considered
as of analogy rather than of affinity.

Cuvier, who examined the structure of the animal of a
species of this genus, but we are not informed which.

either by name or description, says, it is so much like that
of a Buccinum, that " to make of the Sigaretiis a Buccinum,
it is only necessary that the whorls of the shell should be
less unequal, and should be elongated into a more acute
spire." The animal as delineated in his ])late, or that part
which is visible from above, consisting entirely of the ex-
panse of the thick, fleshy mantle, is oval and convex. On
the anterior margin, a little on the left, is a deep emargi-
nation, which is the extremity of an open canal beneath,
originating above the neck in the branchial cavity, to
which it conveys the water, and in which are two pectinat-
ed and vascular lamelliform branchiae. The shell is en-
tirely enclosed in the convexity of the mantle. The head
is formed as in Buccinum. The tentacula are conic, with
.the eyes at their base. The vent is posterior to the canal
and before the middle of the body. The foot much smal-
let than the mantle and also oval. The sexes are in sepa-
rate individuals.

Blainville has formed a new genus under the name of
,Cryptostoma, for one or two East Indian species, the shells
of which though more depressed, are altogether generi-
cally similar to Sigaretus, in which other naturalists place
them ; but the animal, agreeably to his description, differs
in having a more elongated form, appendiculated tentacu-
la and but one large branchial pec ten.

FLATE XXV,

SIGARETUS PERSPECTIVUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

"Depressed : beneath, revolutions visible almost to the
.jiummit.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oval, very much depressed, but a little convex,
witb numerous, transverse, slightly undulated, sub-equi-
distant, impressed lines and longitudinal wrinkles; trans-
verse lines obsolete beneath : spire not at all prominent,
only a little convex : volutions about three : suture a sim-
ple impressed line : untkin. the slightly elevated line is
more or less obvious, not reaching the margin of the la-
brum : revolution of the whorls visible almost to the sum-
mit.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell is abundant on the coast of New Jei*sey and
farther south ; but I have never had an opportunity to ex-
amine the animal.

I have carefully compared many specimens with a shell
sent me by Mr. G. B. Sowerby, under the name of halio-
toideus, L. but which seems more accurately to corre-
spond with the leachii, Blainville, as figured by Sowerby
in his "Genera," and of which Blainville has formed his

genus Cryptostoma. So striking is the resemblance that
I have hesitated much to consider it a distinct species.

The chief differences appear to be, that the present spe-
cies has more general convexity and the spire itself is
slightly convex: beneath, the breadth is less considerable
between the outer margin and the edge of the mouth, and
the revolutions of the spire within are much more obvious.

REFERENCE TO TKE PLATE.

The upper and lower figures are the superior and inferior views.
PLATE XXV.

SIGARETUS MACULATUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell with two maculated bands,

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oval, depressed, with very numerous, transverse,
hardly undulated, subequidistant, impressed lines, and lon-
gitudinal wi'inkles ; the transverse lines are obsolete be-
neath ; two bands of pale rufous spots, and a rufous band
near the suture : spire hardly prominent, slightly convex :
volutions about three ; suture a simple impressed line : ap-
ature very large.

OBSERVATIONS.

Although very much depressed, this pretty species is
more convex than the preceding, and the spire ^vhen view-
ed from the side is more distinct : the striae also are more
close set. ItdifTers from all the species in having coloured
spotted bands, and within it has a slight pearly appearance.
This species in found on the southern coast and is rare.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The middle figures are the superior and inferior view*.
PT, VTE XXV.

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VENUS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalved, inequilateral, regular, closed, trans-
verse or suborbicular ; cardinal teeth three on each valve,
approximate, anterior and posterior ones diverging from
the summit ; ligament exterior ; muscular impressions
tvro, not elongated, remote, connected by the submarginal
impression, which is deeply sinuous before.

OBSERVATIONS.

In this extensive genus are included some of the most
beautiful of bivalve shells. Linne referred to it species of
the following genera : Petrlcola, Venerupis, Sanguinolaria,
Corbis, Lucina, Donax, Astarte, Cyrena, Cyprina, IVIcga-
desma, Cytherea, Venus and Venericardia. Although
those species have been since eliminated and more natural-
ly distributed, yet in consequence of the great access^ions
from the zeal of modern observers, and owing to the con-
siderable variation, both in sculpture and colouring, that
many of them undergo, great difliculty and uncertainty of-
ten meet the conchologist in his endeavours to ascertain
species, and more than usual caution is requisite in deter-
mining any one to be new.

In general form and exterior appearance these shells arc
undistinguishable from Cytherea, but the hinge of the lat-
ter has the posterior cardinal tooth situated immediately
under, and parallel to, the edge of the lunule in the right

valve, and a recipient cavity in the left valve, similarly si-
tuated. Cyprina was separated, from the circumstance of
having an anterior, lateral, remote tooth. Venerupis is very
closely allied to Venus ; but the cardinal teeth are paral-
lel, and not divergent as in Venus ; they have the habit of
perforating and residing in limestone rocks. Sowerby
has changed the name of Venerupis and united to it seve-
ral transverse species of Venus, such as papilionacea, lite-
rata, &c., some of which or perhaps all might enter Schu-
macher's genus Tapis. Several other genera have been
separated from the Linnaean Venus, such as Calista and Ar-
themis of Poli ; Arthemis, Loripes and Meretrix of Ock-
en ; Orbiculus, Trigonia, Chione and Tapes of Megerle,
and others by Schumacher, but as we are unacquainted
with the characters of several of these, we cannot estimate
their relative value, though we readily assent to the neces-
sity of a reform in this numerous and somewhat artificial
group.

The animal of Venus has the foot rather large and com-
pressed ; the mantle is undulated and furnished with a se-
ries of cirri ; the tubes are moderately long and imited ;
mouth small, semi-lunar ; branchiae not united, broad and
short. JLamarck described eighty-eight recent species and
fix fossil ones, and Blainville states that Defrance announ-
ces forty fossil species.

One of the most useful of our shells, the Clam, (V. mer-
cenaria, Linn.) belongs to this genus, but Schumacher has
separated it under the generic name of Mercenaria. It is
the shell of which our aborigines, with much persevering
labor, formed their wampum beads which they valued so
highly, and which they strung together in the form of belts
and other ornaments.

PLATE XXn.

VENUS GRATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Granulated with longitudinal and transverse striae : whi-
tish, with dotted rays of pale ferruginous and blackish ;
blackish oblique lines before.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely suboval, convex, with very numerous,
close set, longitudinal striae ; those on the anterior two-
thirds of the shell have a slight appearance of folds, or as
if each one originated beneath the one posterior to it in a
somewhat imbricated manner ; these stride are granulated
by very numerous transverse striae, which are more obvi-
ous on the posterior third of the shell, and almost obsolete
on the middle : colour whitish, somewhat tinged with
green towards the umbones, broadly radiated with very
pale ferruginous and dusky purplish, with numerous dots
and abbreviated lines of purple-black : anterior margin
with transverse, oblique, purple black lines : posterior mar-
gmpale ferruginous : lunule dusky, bounded by an impres-
sed line : umbones not very prominent : hinge margin nearly
rectilinear, terminated anteriorly by an obtuse angle ; in
this part the edge of the left valve laps a little over and
conceals the corresponding part of the edge of the right
valve : ligament deeply seated : posterior margin round-
ed : lunule impressed, distinct by an impressed line : with-
in, very broadlyjmargined with violaceous; margin crena-
ted : intermediate tooth cmarginatcd at tip : anterior tooth
of the left valve also cmarginated.

OBSERrATIOKS.

This beautiful species was presented to me by the late
Mr. Stephen Elliott of Charleston, S. Carolina, as an inha-
bitant of the west coast of Mexico. The coloured lines
on the anterior part of the shell, are somewhat like those of
V. geographica, Gmel., but these lines have a bluish shade
forwards, are more regular than in the figure of that species
in the Encycl. Meth., and as a species it is widely distinct..

1 have an indistinct recollection of a figure resembling
this species, but I cannot recall the work, for the purpose
of comparing the characters.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The exterior, dorsal and inferior aspects of the ehell are represented,
PLATE XXVI.

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SCALARIA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell turrited ; volutions convex, gradually increasing
in size to the aperture, with numerous, elevated, longitu-
dinal ribs or varices; aperture nearly orbicular, slightly
longer than broad; peristome continuous, reflected: oper-
culum horny, spiral, thin.

OBSERVATIONS.

A genus of very pretty shells, known by the name of
Staircase shells by some collectors, and with respect to the
nature of which, naturalists formerly differed much.
Favanne and Gaulteri and othei"s, believed them to be
closely related to Serpula; and Rumphius placed them in
his Buccinum. Such as were known to Linne he refer-
red to Turbo, on account of the rotundity of the aperture.
In this respect they certainly also resemble Cyclostoma
and Pupa ; but the elevated ribs distinguish them from the
first, and the successive and regular increase in the size of
the volutions separate them from such species of the latter,
as have slight rib-like elevations. They seem also to aj)-
proach some species of the genus Rissoa in the character of
the ribs.

The largest and most beautiful species, the scalaris, L.
(to which Lamarck has since given a different name) was
separated by Leach as the type of a new genus, to which
he gave the name of Aciona ; it is the '-Wcntletrap or royal

staircasesheir'of the English collectors, and Scalata of the
French, belonging to the subdivision of this genus, which
is distinguished by having the volutions separated, or only
touching each other by the projecting ribs. This shell
was very highly valued, and Leach mentions a specimen
"which was purchased at a sale for twenty pounds ; but it
is now (1815) estimated as worth more than double that
sum." Cubieres says that in his time, a fine specimen of
four French inches long by three inches at base, was worth
six thousand livres. To the same division of the genus, it
is said, about twelve species are now referred.

Blainville, after Plancus and MuUer, describes the ani-
mal to be spiral, with a short oval foot inserted under the
neck ; two tentacula, with a filiform termination, support-
ing the eyes at the extremity of the inflated part ; a pro-
boscis ? ; a long canal at the anterior right margin of the
respiratory cavity ; sexes separate.

They are all inhabitants of the sea. Lamarck has cha-
racterized seven recent and five fossil species ; but De-
france enumerates twelve fossil species.

PLATE XXVII.

SCALARIA CLATHRUS.

SYNONYMS.

Turbo clathrus. Linn. Gmel S^e.
ScALARiA COMMUNIS. Lam.

ScALARIA CLATHRUS. Suct.

DESCRIPTION.

Variety, c. Shell conic, turreted, imperforate, white,
immaculate : whorls from six to eleven, touching each oth-
er only by the ribs, but with a very narrow^ interval : riba
nine to each volution, prominent, simple, a little oblique,
somewhat recurved and with a more or less obvious, ob-
tuse angle or shoulder above near the suture : aperture
oval-orbicular : base a little angulated : labium distinct.

Length from three-fifths to nearly nine-tenths of an
inch.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inasmuch as the European specimens of clathrus in my
collection are almost all coloured, spotted or banded and
destitute of any obvious angle or shoulder on the ribs near
the suture, and the suture is somewhat more contracted,
I was led to describe this as a distinct species under the
name of angulafa ; but as the clathrus is often, and per-
haps usually, destitute of colour, and our specimens fre-
quently occur without much appearance of the angle of
the ribs, I have judged it prudent to place it as a variety of
the clathrus, though I propose that it be separated under
the above name. Lamarck describes a variety b., and al-
though he quotes the true Linna^an name of clathrus, yet
he has placed the species under a new name, which agree-
ably to our principle relative to the exclusive right of pri-
ority of description, wc cannot admit, notwithstanding the
fact, that the word clathrus may apply equally well to oth-
er species.

Our shell varies much in proportional diameter. The
body whorl, I believe never becomes so large as in some
specimens of the European clathrus, neither does the
whole shell ever become so long as in other transatlantic
specimens.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two upper figures.
PLATE XXVII.

SCALARIA MULTISTRIATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Interstitial spaces with very numerous, impressed, trans-
verse lines.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell conic turreted, tapering to an acute apex, white^
immaculate, imperforate : whorls about eight, in contact :
cosfx regular, simple, not reflected, equidistant, moderate-
ly elevated ; spaces between the costse with very numerous,
approximate, equidistant, impressed lines : suture well im-
pressed : body whorl with about sixteen costae.

OBSERVATIONS.

Like the preceding, this is an inhabitant of tlic southern
coast, and is about half an inch in length. Mr. Elliot sent

me a specimen from Charleston, South Carolina, and I ob-
tained two on the coast of Florida. It is readily distin-
guished from the preceding species, by the very numerous
small lineations that exist in the spaces between the ribs,
and at right angles with them.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The lower right figure is a front somewhat enlarged view ; tlio line rcpra-
scnts the natural length, and the outline figure immediately above is an enlarg-
ed rcpreeentation of the interval between two of the costte, to shew tho Irani-*
verec impressed lines.

PLATE XXVII.

SCALARIA LINEATA,

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Costae on the body whorl about eighteen ; peristome
very robust ; body whorl with a transverse raised line.

SYNONYM.

S. LINEATA. Nob. Journ. Acath Nat. Sc. vol. ii, p. 242.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell white or brownish, conic-turritcd, imperforate,
with two distant, rufous or blackish bands, which are of-
ten confluent into one, the inferior band almost concealed
on the spire : costx robust, obtuse, little elevated and horn

sixteen to twenty on the body whorl : volutions in contact :
body ivhorl with an elevated line below the middle, and on
the suiDerior edge of the inferior band : aperture with the
margin robust, white, somewhat dilated at the base.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is not uncommon on our southern coast.
Its length is about half an inch. A variety occurs, of
which the costae are almost obsolete, and another in W'hich
each rib, particularly of the body whorl, has an impressed
line. The margin of the mouth is greatly thicker than the
ribs. What I have called in the above description an ele-
vated line, is strictly speaking, the line of junction with
tlie basal surface which is a little more elevated than the
remaining surface of the volution, making a kind of step,
and not in reality a simple elevated line. In my observa-
tions on this species, in the Journal above mentioned, I re-
marked that it '• very much resembles the clathratulus,
Montagu, but the lip is more robust and the basal portion
of that part is more dilated,"

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The lovTcr left figure is- a. front somewhal enlarged view ; the line represents
the natural lengtl), and the outline figure iaimcdiately above is a still more cr-
largod reproecntation of the body whorl, to show the bands and the elevated
lino.

PLATE XXVII,

^r::^

i:^

Ai"'JWv nd .

CTiff'ottt S.

AIVIPHIDESMA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell rounded or transversely somewhat oval, subinequi-
lateral ; hinge witli one or two cardinal teeth, and having a
lateral tooth each side, sometimes obsolete ; a slender
oblique fosset originating immediately under the beak and
passing anteriorly : ligament divided into two parts, of
which the true ligament is exterior and very short, and the
cartilage portion is interior, affixed in the oblique fosset :
muscular impressions two, remote, not elongated : palleal
line with a much dilated and profound sinus.

OBSERVATIONS.

The characters of this genus are very distinct and easily
recognized from all those that have no part of the liga-
ment internal. Lamarck first distinguished it by the name
of Donacilla,which I think ought to bc[retainedon the prin-
ciple of priority, and that of Amphidesma, that he after-
wards applied to it, ought to be rejected. He has associa-
ted it. in tlic same small group, with Ungulina and Sole-
mya, from both of which it may be known by its much
dilated and profound sinus of the palleal line. Other gene-
ra of his family of Mactraceai have divided ligaments, par-
ticularly Mactra, with which, in fact, Linne arranged the
species ; but their cardinal fosset is more direct, dilated and
deltoid, whilst that of Amphidesma is nearly parallel with
the edge and fusiform. Lutraria is entirely destitute

of lateral teeth, the valves gape and the ligament is fix-
ed in a deltoid cavity. Blainville unites Amphidesma
with Lucina and with Fimbria, Megerle, or Corbis, Cuv.
But Corbis has lateral teeth ; an exterior ligament, though
deeply seated ; and the palleal line is entire ; it therefore
does not belong to the Mactraceae of Lamarck. The lat-
ter remark is also true of Lucina, of which the ligament
is exterior, the palleal line entire, and the posterior mus-
cular impression is elongated.

PLAtB XXVIII.

AMPHroESMA TRANSVERSUM.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Transversely short oval ; hinge nearly central.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely short oval, nearly equilateral, com-
pressed, a little gaping : anterior and posterior margins
subequally rounded, the latter somewhat more obtusely
&o : basal margin regularly rounded, without any undu-
lation before : apex obtuse, but little prominent : cardinal
teeth two : fosset dilated fusiform, abruptly very narrow
at the beaks : lateral teeth none : posterior muscular irrh
pression very slender, and elongated.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is more transverse than usual in this ge-
nus ; it is altogether destitute of lateral teeth, and the pos-
terior muscular impression is remarkably slender. It is
superior in point of size to either the orbiculatum, or ra-
dicttiim, Nob., though proportionally somewhat thinner.
I obtained a specimen on the coast of Georgia, that is some-
what worn ; its colour is whitish, a little tinged with yel-
lowish.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The middle fgures represent the exterior, interior and dorsal aspects of the
ehell.
PLATE XXVIII.

AMPHIDESMA iEQUALE.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Left valve with remote grooves instead of lateral teeth.

SYNONYM.

A. JEquALE. Nobis. Jour. *Q.cad. Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 307.

DESCRIPTION.

>S^6// orbicular-triangular, a little oblique, polished, white,
with minute and numerous wrinkles towards the margin.

which are almost obsolete on the disk and umbo : beaks
subcentral, a little prominent : postetior margin rather lon-
ger and much more obtusely rounded : hinge margin
nearly rectangular : umbonial slope with a slight undula-
tion : ftnterior margin subangulated at base : cardinal teeth
two in each valve, posterior one much thicker and more
prominent ; the anterior one of the right valve is obsolete :
remote from the cardinal teeth in the left valve, on each
side is a long and deep groove, which receives the corre-
sponding edge of the right valve : right valve destitute of
any appearance of lateral grooves or lateral teeth.

OBSERVATIONS.

This is allied to the A. tentie and Boysii^ Montagu, of
the coast of England, of which however I have not any
good description or specimen to compare, and it may pos-
sibly prove to be tlie same with one of these, when com-
parison shall be made.

Since my quoted description was given, many speci-
mens have been found on the coast of Charleston, for which
I am indebted to the late Mr. Stephen Elliott.

It belongs to the genus Abra of Leach.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE,

The two lower exterior figures represent the natural size ; the upper cn^
are somewhat enlarged, the right one exhibiting the interior view, and the left
on* is a detail of the cardinal characters.

PLATE XXVUI.

p

Al^- SavDc/.

CTifioutSc*.

FUSUS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell univalve, spiral, fusiform, canaliculated at base,
covered with an epidermis, and destitute of varices ; spire
elevated ; aperture oval ; coluraella simple ; labrum on its
edge simple ; operculum horny, subconcentric.

OBSERVATIONS.

This -genus was separated from the Linnaean Murex by
Bruguieres, who however included Pyrula, Fasciolaria,
Fulgur,and Pleurotoma. which have since been withdrawn
from it by Lamarck and Montfoit. The latter author dis-
tinguished another genus by the name of Latirus, for the
umbilicated species. Notwithstanding these improve-
ments, it is still acknowledged to be an artificial assemblage,
and more divisions must therefore be made. Lamarck
places the genus in his family of Canaliferes ; from all the
genera of which it is distinguished by very obvious cha-
racters, excepting Pyrula, which however consists of thin,
more or less cancellate shells, (I mean the true Pyrulae,)
with a very short spire, and pyriform. having the greatest
diameter above the middle. But as Bucciuum, in another
family, is at present constituted, Fusus is allied artilicial-
ly even to that genus.

The species are numerous, and are marine. Lamarck
enumerates thirty-seven recent and thirty-six fossil species;
but we are informed that Defrance makes the number of
fossil species amount to sixty-six.

PLATE XXIX*

FUSUS CORNEUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Fusiform, unarmed, transversely striated ; beak rather
short, recurved.

SYNONYMS.

MuREX eoRNEUS. Liun, Syst. Nat. -p. 12^4. Pennant

Zool. vol. iv, p. 124, pi. 76. Donovan Nat. Hist. Brit.

5^M/s, vol. 2, pi. 38. Mmt. Test. Brit.\}.\5S.(Dill-

wyn.)
Fusus isLANDicus. Martini Conch, vol. 4, p. 159, pi.

141, (Dillwyn.)
MuREX ISLANDICUS. 6rmc/, Schrebcrs^ (Dillw.) 4*c. —

Lister Ckmch. pi. 913, fig. 5.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell turrited-fusiform ; the greatest dilatation a little
below the middle ; unarmed : whorls about eight, convex,
transversely striated and longitudinally a little wrinkled :
epidermis pale brownish, deciduous : spire tapering, nearly
as long as the aperture and beak, terminating obtusely :
labrum simple, smooth within : columella naked, simple :
beak of moderate length, slightly arquated and a little re-
curved.

OBSERVATIONS.

This is one of the several species of shells, which inha-
bit the northern shores of America, in common with the
coast of Europe, and particularly that of Great Britain, as
well as Iceland. The late Mr. Z. Collins, a zealous and
enlightened naturalist, presented to me an individual which
he found on the coast of Newjersey. The colour is whi-
tish, but when living, it is covered with a brownish deci-
duous epidermis.

Although the name icehndicus has been adopted by La-
marck and other distinguished conchologists, yet with
Pennant, Dillwyn and others, I have retained the Linnae-
an name, for the allsulficient reason, that it has the priori-
ty ; whilst, at therame time, it has the advantage of being
preferable in itself, as the shell is not limited to Iceland.

The resemblance between this shell and the antiquus, L.
has been noticed by many writers ; but that species is
much larger, more robust, the aperture more dilated, and
the striae much more crouded. Lamarck and others say
that they may be distinguished by the rectilinear beak of
the antiquus. This also is a good character but in my ca-
binet is a large and fine specimen of the latter, of which
the beak is as much recurved as in the present species.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The upper and lower figurc«.
FLATE XXIX. Q

FUSUS CINEREUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

With elevated costae ; and transverse, filiform lines,

SYNONYM.

F, CINEREUS. Nob. Joum, Acad Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 236.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell rather short fusiform ; cinereous or pale reddish
brown, with two obsolete rufous bands ; somewhat pon-
derous, with large approximate, longitudinal, thick ribs or
undulations, about eleven in the body whorl ; and trans-
verse, elevated lines forming shallow grooves between
them, and somewhat alternately smaller: spire tapering,
acute : lahrum a little crenate exteriorly by the elevated
lines ; within striate and purplish : beak short, a little re-
flected.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is common in the estuaries of the eastern
shores of Maryland and Newjersey. It has considerable
resemblance to two figures in Lister's Hist. Conch, pi.
924, f. 16, b. and pi. 939, f. 34, a. The first of which is
considered an uncertain figure and the latter is said by
Dillwyn to be the undalus and is interrogatively referred
to by Lamaick. Our shell certainly approaches the genus
Purpura in habit, but it cannot enter with Lamarck's cha-
racters.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two middle figures.

T»T ATT? YYTY

#

CTi.bout

_A/^-.s«v yA/.

PALUDINA.

OBSERVATIONS.

This genus may be distinguished from Melania by the
construction of the operculum, which has no other than
concentric Hnes of growth, whilst that of Melania has the
lines of accretion spirally radiate.

The name of the genus was adopted by Lamarck from
Bruguiere, but Montfort applied to it the name of Vivi-
parus, which is retained by Blainville in his plate, though
in the text he adopts that of Paludina.

PLATE XXX.

PALUDINA POiNDEROSA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER,

Shell thick ; labrum more prominent towards the base.

SYNONYM,
PALUDINA PONDEROSA. Nob, JoUV. Acud. Nttt, Sc VoL

ii,p. 173.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell somewhat ventricose, much thickened, greenish
or olivaceous : ^ire prominent : ivhorls six, slightly wrin-
kled across : suture deeply indented : aperture ovate, above
narrowed a little, but obtuse at the superior extremity : la-
bium with much calcareous deposit, often thickened into
a callosity at the superior angle : labrum very obviously
more prominent towards the base : within bluish- white.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell is common in many parts of the Ohio as well
as of its tributaries. In its full grown state it is very thick
and ponderous, enlarging so much in its body whorl, as to
appear very different from the young shell. In the early
stages of growth it resembles P. decisa^ Nob. from which
indeed the back view would hardly distinguish it ; but a
sufficiently distinctive character resides in the lower part
of the labrum, which in the decisa is not obviously produ-
ced, whereas in the present species it is considerably ad-
vanced as in many species of Melania, to which genus it
is closely related.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figure 1st represents a large and very perfect specimen.
PLATE XXX.

PALUDINA SUBPURPUREA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Penultimate longer in proportion than the other yoIu-
tions.

SYNONYM.

P. SUBPURPUREA. Dissemiiiator of Useful Knowledge.
vol. ii, p. 245.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell subglobular oval, not remarkably thickened : spirt
longer than the aperture, entire at tip : ichorls five, slight-
ly wrinkled across, rounded but not very convex ; penul-
timate volution somewhat elongated : suture impressed :
aperture ovate-orbicular, less than half the length of the
shell : labium with calcareous deposite : animal very pale
bluish, with minute yellow points, particularly on the ros-
trum, tentacula and prominent respiratory tube, which is
as long as the tentacula : eyes on the exterior side of the
tentacula, near the middle of their length : the anterior
portion of the foot is very short.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species was first found by Mr. Lesueur and Dr.
Troost, in Fox river, of the Wabash. In the young state
the figure is subglobosc, and the aperture, although it hard-
ly differs in form, from that of the adult, is yet longer than

the spire. They become proportionally more elongated
as they advance in age, and the form, therefore, of the
adult, is so different from that of the young or half grown,
that in these states it may, very readily, he mistaken for
a widely distinct species.

The colour of the shell is variable. In som.e it is pale
horn, more tinged with dull yellowish, than with green ;
in others are traces of obsolete purplish bands, and in ma-
ny specimens the whole shell is reddish-purple, more or
less obscure in different individuals.

In the autumn it is frequently found between the
valves of dead Unios, in which it enters perhaps to
hybernate. The species is certainly allied to the vivipara.^
but it cannot well be mistaken for it, as it is much less di-
lated, the volutions less convex ; the penultimate volution
is much longer in proportion to the length of the body
whorl, and the umbilicus is obsolete.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figure 2nd is that of the adult.
PLATE XXX.

PALUDINA INTERTEXTA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell with numerous, minute, transverse, epidermal
lines.

SYNONYM.

PALUDiNA iNTERTEXTA. Noh. DessemiYiator of Useful
Knowledge^ vol. 2, p. 244.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell subglobose, yellowish green or brownish, olivace-
ous with one to three obsolete bands, wrinkled, and with
minute, numerous, obsolete, revolving lines on the epider-
mis : spire depressed-conic, obtuse : volutions four, con-
vex : suture deeply indented : aperture much dilated, short
oval.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell I found abundantly in the lakes and marshes
near New Orleans, and even in the Carondelet canal which
connects Lake Ponchartrain with the city. It is remark-
able for its globular form and for the numerous, obsolete,
transverse lines, which seem like equidistant corrugations
of the epidermis, having no effect whatever in modifying
the calcareous surface, upon which no trace of them is ex-
hibited. In good specimens two or three, obsolete, pale
bands are visible by transmitted light.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figure 3. The adult shell.

4. An old specimen.

A. The operculum-
PLATE XXX.

J^OTICE.

The insulated residence of the author, precluding a re-
ference to any other cabinet than his own limited* one, or
to any exten^ire library, excites a fear that some errors in
nom^aciatiire may occur in this work, that under more
advantageous circumstances might be avoided. In order
therefore to render the "Conchology," as perfect in this
respect as possible, and that the interests of science may not
be endangered by his local disadvantages, the author in-
vitesjudicious criticism, which shall be inserted on the
cover of the number with due acknowledgment to the
writer.

No. IV. Price SI ,50, coionr&l
AMERICAN

CONCHOLOGY,

OK

DESCRIPTIOiVS

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

ILLCBTBATEO BT

OOIiOURED FZOnRES

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS EXECUTED FROM NATtTBC

CX>NTENTS.

Area )icneia, -PT. xrrv

" etaminea, -..-..-.- <»««

Bnllina canaliculata. ■......'. izxiz

Cardita tridentata, j]

Helix clausa, X4[xv)i

" elevati, "

" profunda, - ."

LioincuB elodes, xxxj

" redexuK, * ••

" unibrosus, •«

Siphonaria alternata, tjitiji

Unio dcclivis, - . . . xxxv

" globuIiiB, Jixiv

'* interruptus, irxiii

*• ▼entricoBU0, xixii

NEW-HARMONY, INDIANA.

Primed at the School Prem
(March, 1832.)

1 Ai

LIMNEUS,

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell oblong, ovate, oval, conic or turrited, thin, smooth :
spire prominent, more or less elongated : aperture more
or less dilated, longitudinal, entire ; columella at its supe-
rior part or junction with the labium entering the aperture
hy a very oblique fold or undulation; labrum acutely
€dged ; operculum none.

''Animal oval, more or less spiral ; margin of the mantle
thickened on the neck ; foot large, oval ; head with two
triangular, compressed^ earshaped tentacula ; eyes sessile,
at the inner base of the tentacula ; mouth with two late-
ral appendices, and armed with a superior tooth ; orifice of
the pulmonary cavity on the right and bordered by
an appendage which can be folded in gutter ; orifice of the
reproductive organs distant ; that of the oviduct at the en-
trance of the pulmonary cavity ; that of the male organ
under the right tentacula." — (Blainville.)

OBSERVATIONS.

A numerous genus of fresh water shells, inhabiting al-
most every part of the globe. The species known to
Linne were placed in his great reservoir Helix ; in which
he has been followed by many of the English Concholo-
gists,even of late years. Bruguiercs, eminent for his use-

Pl. 31.

ful reform in this science, separated it from that genus, but
did not distinguish it from his Bulimus ; thus uniting the
differently organized animals of land and water in one
i;roup. It is very true that some species of these two na-
tural genera resemble each other in the form of the shell,
but they may ahvays be distinguished by the fold of the
columella in the present genus. Lamarck, aw^are that the
nnimals were quite different in organization, and that the
one has tw^o tentacula and the other four, that one lives on-
ly in the water and the other altogether on land, placed
them in different families, and formed a separate genus
(as Muller and others had already done) under the above
name which is now almost universally adopted, for the
present aquatic group. The shell resembles Succinea,
which however is destitute of the fold of the columella,
and its animal has four tentacula. But of all the adopted
genera, it is most intimately related to Physa ; and Sower-
by in his "Genera," has reunited the two groups. The
peculiar fold of the columella exists in both, but the animal
of Physa has the mantle remarkably dilated, so as to ex-
tend over more or less of the exterior surface of the shell,
and is digitated on its margin, and the tentacula, which are
short and compressed in Limneus, are longer and almost
fdiform in the Physse. The shell also of the latter may be
distinguished by being heterostrophe. For these reasons
we agree wath Draparnaud and most modern Concholo-
gists in separating Physa as a genus. It would seem also
proper to separate Aplexa of Fleming, the animal of which
is destitute of a dilated mantle, though the shell itself re-
sembles that of Physa. Mixas of Leach may also, perhaps,

be separated from Limneus ; it was formed for the L.

PI. yj.

^^lutinosiis, Drap. which is a fra2;ile, vesicular shell, the
spire hardly elevated, dextral, and the mantle of the ani-
mal is reflected.

These shells are abundant in most of our lakes and
ponds, as well as in the rivers, east of the Alleghany Moun-
tains. In our western streams they are less frequent and
even in some of them, are of rather rare occurrence. As
the animal can only respire air unmixed with w^ater, it is
imder the necessity of residing near the surface or shore,
to obtain it. Which, as its motions are slow, it cannot do
in rivers that are subject to very great, sudden and long
continued changes in depth, as is remarkably the case
Avith our western streams. In order to take in a supply
of air the respiratory orifice is opened at the surface with
an audible snapping sound, like that produced by the resi-
lience of the nib of a pen.

Like the animals of some other shells it is capable of
sustaining itself at the surface of the water in a reversed
position, the shell being downward, and thus it can glide
along to a consideracle distance, by a slow movement. It
does not appear to be capable of rising from a depth to the
surface voluntarily : but it gradually reverses its position
from a supporting body that meets the surface, or that ap-
proaches it within reaching distance.

Lamarck has described only twelve recent species, but
many more have been since made known and several fos>
sil species have also been described.

LIMNEUS UMBROSUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell horn colour, tinged with reddish brown: spire
elongated, tapering, acute : whorls six or seven, slightly
convex, wrinkled across: body whorl measured at the
back, more than half the total length : suture moderately-
indented : aperture less than half the length of the shell :
labium with calcareous deposite, the fold of the columella
is very slight.

SYNONYM.

Limneus elongatus, Nob. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2,
p. 167.

OBSERVATIONS.

It inhabits in considerable numbers, the ponds and tran-
quil waters of the Missouri, in the vicinity of Council
Bluft, and Dr. Bigsby obtained specimens in Rainy lake
and Seine river of Upper Canada.

I am under the necessity of changing the name which I
first applied to this shell, that of elongatus being preoccu-
pied by Draparnaud for a very different species.

PI. 81.

The fold of the columella is much less profuund tliau
that of L. paiustrh. L. which it resembles.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 1. Two views ; natural aize.
PJ. 31

LIMNEUS REFLEXUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell fragile, very much elongated, narrow, honey-yel-
lowish, tinctured with brownish, translucent, slightly re-
flected from the middle : volutions six, oblique, WTinkled
transversely : spire more "than one and a half times the
length of the aperture, acute, two or three terminal whorls
vitreous : body whorl very little dilated : aperture rather
narrow : labrum with a pale margin, and dusky red or
blackish submargin.

SYNONYM.

i.i>iNEU8 REFLEXUS, Nob. Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2,
p. 168.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell is remarkable for a nari'ow and elongated
form, and for the consequent very oblique revolutions of

PI. 31.

its whorls. When viewed in profile it exhibits a sh'ghtly
reflected appearance. It was kindly sent to me for exam-
ination by my friends Messrs. S. B. Collins and D. H.
Barnes of New York, and was found in Lake Superior
by Mr. Schoolcraft. Mr. James Griffiths obtained spe-
cimens in Lake Erie^ It is proportionally longer thaiv
L. umbrosus.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE,

Fig. 2, Two views ; natural size.
PI. 31.

LIMNEUS ELODES.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong conic, gradually accuminated, somewhat
reticulate with irregular transverse lines and longitudinal
^vrinkles : whorls rather more than six : spire acutely ter-
minated : suture moderately impressed : aperture shorter
than the spire : labrum, inner submargin obscure reddish :
labium, calcareous deposite rather copious, not appressed
at base, but leaving a linear umbilical aperture : body ivhorl
on the back longer than the spire.

PI. 31.

SYNONYM.

LiMNECs ELODES. Nob. Joum. Acad. Nat. Se. vol. ii.
p. 169.

L. PALUSTRIS L. ?

OBSERVATIONS.

I am indebted to Mr. A. Jessup for this species, who
iound it in Canadaigua lake, State of New York. Mr S-
B. Collins subsequently sent me specimens which he ob-
tained in a marsh near the Saratoga springs. It bears the
most striking resemblance to L. paluitris, L. of Europe
and I am almost inclined to think it a mere variety of that
species. The fold of the columella is much more pro-
iound than that of umbrosus.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 3, Two views ; natural size.
PI. 31.

Uilic vcntnc'siis, Barnes

\r'.v„v /;./

UNIO VENTRICOSUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTEI?.

Shell large, thick, triangularly'ovate, convex ; iimbonch
large, round, prominent ; beaks recurved ; cavity capa^
cious.

SYNONYMS.

U. VENTRICOSUS, Bcimes, SiUiman's Journal, Vol. fi,
No. 2, p. 267, pi. 13, fig. 14, a, b, c,

U. ovATUs, Far. b. Lam. Anim. Sans. Verfcbr. Vol. G.
p. 75.

U. occiDENs? Lea. Dans. Jimer. Philos. Soc. New
Series, foh 3.

DESCRIPTION.

"•Shell with the anterior side very broad, sub-truncate ;
posterior side rapidly narrowed, sub-angulated ; disks very
convex ; umbones large, round, elevated ; beaks recurved
over the ligament ; ligament large and prominent, passing
under the beaks ; anterior lunule depressed at the margin,
fuscous, broad-heart-shaped, longitudinally waved ; hinge
margin depressed between the beaks ; posterior slope cari-
nate ; epidermis yellowish-olive, becoming chesnut-brown
on the umbones; rayed with green, more conspicuous in
young specimens; in old ones the dark chesnut brown
covers the whole and conceals the rays ; surface smooth

PI. 32.

and shining, reflecting the face of the observer ; young
shells are splendent, having a much stronger lustre on the
outside than on the inside ; cardinal teeth broad, promi-
nent and obliquely flattened ; lateral teeth broad, elevated
and terminating abruptly before ; cicatrices large ; cavity
of the beaks unusually large ; naker pearly white j sur-
face smooth, but not highly polished."

OBSERVATIONS.

I quote the above description from Barnes' very useful
essay "On the genera Unio and Alasmodonta," in which
this species was first distinguished from the U. ovatus,
Nob. to which it is very closely allied and appears to be
absolutely connected by a gradual transition of intermedi-
ate varieties. The most striking difference seems to be
the more depressed anterior slope of the ovatus. Some old
specimens and varieties are transversely more elongated,
as is represented in Barnes' figure c. The colour also is
more or less yellow, radiated with green, or tinged with
reddish brown, particularly on the umbo and sometimes
extending over the whole surface, almost obliterating the
rays. On the inner anterior side, some specimens are
beautifully tinted with a pink colour, but this is not very
common ; they are generally white. It is very common
in our western waters. The U. occidens of Lea may per-
haps be U. ventricosus, Var. b. Barnes.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate exhibits an exterior and interior view of the ehcll.
PI. 32.

AT:" S„v //,/.

U. intcrrii/ihu- S.

33

CTielx'Uf Sp'

UNIO INTERRUPTUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

An elevated umbonial slope, separating folds of the disk
from folds of the anterior margin.

SYNONYM.

U. INTERRUPTUS, Nob. Tmnsijlvania Journal^ Vol 4,
p. 525.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong oval or subrhomboidal, black-
ish brown ; an elevated rib extends from the apex to the
anterior basal angle along the umbonial slope ; anterior
half of the disk with somewhat oblique undulations ex-
tending nearly to the umbonial rib ; anterior to the umbo-
nial rib are several arquated undulations, which do not
reach the edge of the shell, and are cut by an impressed
line which is nearly parallel to the rib : i«y»^o compressed :
beaks not elevated, deeply eroded : posterior margin very
short, rounded : ligament margin rectilinear, the anterior
angle elevated, obtuse ; anterior slope very oblique: base
rectilinear, parallel to the ligament margin ; anterior ba-
sal angle somewhat rostrated: cavity of the hinge mem-
branes (or excavated lunule) fusiform : within purplish,
iridescent: cardinal teeth direct, deeply granulated and

PI. 33.

lineated over their whole surface : lateral teeth entire ^
posterior cicatrices rough, the smaller one orbicular : ante-
rior edge blackish.

OBSERVATIONS.

The species to which this makes the nearest approach,
is undoubtedly the undulatus, Barnes ; but it is more
transverse, more oblique anteriorly; the edges of the
hinge margin and of the anterior slope are not undu-
lated, the umbonial slope is elevated into a distinct sep-
arating rib ; and it is of a fine livid purple colour within.
The eroded surface of the umbones is perlaceous, irides-
cent, and at the apices it exhibits a dull waxen yellow sur-
face.

For this interesting species I am indebted to Mr. Joseph
Barabino of New Orleans, who informs me that it inhabits
Bayou Teche in the parish of St. Mary, Louisiana.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate represents exterior, interior and back views,
PI. 33.

UNIO GLEBULUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Oval orbicular -, lateral teeth remote, very short, granu-
lated.

PI. 33.

Z/fiti' ny/ef>itht.f. iii'l'.

Af" Xn' 7J^L

CTi^/'oitf Sc

SYNONYM.

U. GLEBULUSj Nob. Transifhama JournaL Vol 4,
p. 526.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversly oval orbicular, sometimes subovate, very
convex, dark brovs^nish : umbones not elevated above the
general curvature : beaks not prominent, (mucli eroded,
exposing a wax yellow^ surface :) hinge and basal margins
correspondingly arquated ; destitute of any prominent an-
gle : anterior aad posterior margins almost equally arqua-
ted ; the former extending a little with age into a more or
less obtuse angle at the extremity of the umbonial slope :
umbonial slope slightly elevated : lunule not dilated : imtlt-
ina. little tinted with rosaceous : cardinal teeth deeply and
approximately granulated and sulcated : lateral teeth remote
from the cardinal teeth, remarkably granulated ; length
hardly greater than their distance from the cardinal teeth ;
posterior accessory cicatrix small and approximate.

OBSERVATIONS.

The transverse simple rotundity of this shell, com-
bined with the much sulcated cardinal teeth and the re-
mote, short lateral teeth, readily distinguish it Sev-
eral specimens were sent to me by Mr. Barabino, as in-
habiting the same locality with the preceding.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Tlie plate represents cxteriur, interior and back vie'.vs.
PI. 34.

UNIO DECLIVIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Anterior margin rectilinearly and obliquely truncate.

SYNONYM.

U. DECLIVIS, Nob. Transylvania Journal^ Vol. 4, p. 527.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transverse, moderately thick ; posterior margin
short and obtusely rounded : beaks hardly elevated : hinge
margin rather elevated and compressed, angulated at tip :
anterior margin rectilinear, descending obliquely forward,
to a prominent rostrum of the anterior basal margin at the
extremity of the umbonial slope : umbonial slope not ele-
vated above the curvature of the disk, but is bounded on
its anterior side by two slightly impressed lines : basal
margin arquated : surface deeply wrinkled : within ting-
ed with purplish : cardinal teeth oblique : lateral teeth d'ls-
tant from the cardinal teeth, rectilinear, oblique with res-
pect to the base.

OBSERVATIONS.

Several specimens were sent to me by Mr. Barabino,

PI. 85.

■'■^^

'>'■-..

*-oa««iai«?«t&,;ii;i

/

'■ ''"*''^UK«»w,rttt*i<iirttt^ia«t'«*«e«i«''***'*

J.. LvcMV >c4

who informs me that that they were found with the prece^
ding by his friend Mr. Janin in the Bayou Teche.

It resembles purpureus, Nob., but in that species the
cardinal teeth are direct, and a remarkable feature is ex-
hibited by this shell in its anterior rectilinear declivity, ter-
minating below the anterior middle in a kind of rostrum
or prominent angle, which may be compared to that of
nasutus^ N. excepting that it is nearly on a line with the
base. I have not seen any variety of either of those spe-
cies that could be mistaken for this. The beaks and um-
bones in my specimens are very much eroded, exposing a
wax coloured surface.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate repreGcnts exterior, interior, and backviewe.
P! 35.

,'"S^1

:>

W.,

^''^■^'hMM^^^

"X.

.>*--■•■

^

-y^^^Sj^^,,

:^

^likil^

\r' .Vav /),■/.

2 Slttlttl ft4-l1 .*>,

ClYe^ouf 'i'r

ARCA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell transverse, more or less elongated, and oblique i
anteriorly subrhomboidal, inequilateral, subequivalve ;
summits remote ; hinge rectilinear or slightly curved and
furnished with a series of numerous, vertical, inserting
teeth, which decrease in size from the extremities to thc
centre; two muscular impressions, remote, connected by
a simple pallcal line; ligament broad, exteiiding both be-
fore and behind the summits, and expanding over iho^
rhomboidal surface between the summits; animal with a
byssus.

OBSERVATIONS.

Linne included in his genus Area, not only the species
of which it is at present constituted, but those also which
have been since distiuEfuished bv the names of Pectunculus
and Nucula. Gmelin added to it his A. cuculliis, after-
wards separated by Lamarck under the generic name of
Cucullaea.

As respects Nucula it appears that the relation to Area
is rather one of analogy than of affinity, and it is possible
that Turton may be right in separating it entirely from
the Arcaceae, with which its numerous teeth bear some
resemblance; but the propriety of placing it in the family

PL 36.

of Mactraceae, only by the character of the internal liga-
ment, seems to be questionable.

Cuculiaea corresponds with the present genus in its
general appearance, and we know of no other difference
than that exhibited by the teeth, which are less regular,
and those at each extremity of the series are transversely
elongated.

Pectunculus is a closely related genus, differing chief!}'
by the arquated series of teeth ; the general orbicular form,
and by the valves closing completely so as to prevent the
passage of a byssus.

Ferussac in his Tabl. Syst. places Trigonia in this fami-
ly ; but the teeth are dissimilar, and the animal is un-
known.

The Arcae are marine shells, and, as Lamarck observes,
some of the species have one of the valves extending be-
yond the other on the basal edge. Some are covered by
a kind of hairy epidermis. Blainville says, that the ani-
mal has the body thick, of a somewhat variable form :
abdomen provided with a pedunculated, compressed foot,
longitudinally divided; mantle with a simple range of
cirri, and a little elongated before ; the tentacula are very
small and very slender.

ARCA STAMINEA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell thick, prominently convex ; with about twenty-
eight ribs which are rounded and narrower than the inter-

Telling spaces, excepting on the anterior side, where they are
broader, and simply wrinkled, those of the anterior part of
the disk have one or two longitudinal impressed lines; they
are crossed by numerous transverse, elevated lines, which
are hardly more distant from each other than their own
width ; intervening spaces wrinkled : beaks distant, curved
a little backward, and the tip a little behind the middle of
the hinge margin : area flattened, a little curved, rather spa-
cious, with obvious impressed, oblique lines: hinge margin
rectilinear, with small, numerous teeth : posleiior margin
regularly arquated : base subrectilinear, very deeply cre-
nated : anterior margin oblique, rectilinear : anterior side
abruptly compressed.

OBSERVATIONS.

This is a fossil shell. I am indebted for a specimen to
my excellent correspondent, the late Stephen Elliott, of
Charleston, who informed me that he obtained it from
the Santee river, below the confluence of the Consraree
and Wateree rivers.

It seems to be related to some of the varieties of A. gra-
nosa, L. ; but the ribs are more slender ; the apex is curv-
ed a little backward, &c.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 2, Exterior and Interior views.
PI. 36.

ARCA LIENOSA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell rather thin, transversely oblong ; ribs about forty,
somewhat flattened and much broader than the interven-
ing spaces which are very narrow, and with a longitudinal
impressed line, particularly on those of the posterior mar-
gin, which are almost bifid ; and with numerous slightly
elevated transverse lines, which being divided by the lon-
gitudinal stria3 appear granulated : heak but little promi-
nent, and nearly opposite to the posterior third of the
length of the hinge margin : area narrow and elongated :
hinge margin rectilinear, angulated at each extremity ;
teeth numerous, small ; posterior margin obliquely round-
ed inwards, no part of it extending further backward than
the angle: anterior margin obliquely truncate: inner
margin crenate.

OBSERVATIONS.

A fossil shell from the same locality as the preceding,
and also sent to me by Mr. Elliott.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 1, Exterior and Interior views.
PJ. 36.

s

.l/r* .V,M />/■/

S /ifiifu/iiiii. S

HELIX CLAUSA.

DESCRIPTION.

Sfiell rather fragile, slightly perforated, subglobular, yel-
lowish horn-color; above convex: ivhorls four or five:
aperture slightly contracted by the labrum : labrum re-
flected, flat, white, at base nearly covering; the umbilicus.

SYNONYM.

H. CLAUSA, Nob. Jmirn. Jicad. Nat. iSc. Vol. 2, p. 154.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species occurs in several parts of the Union, and
particularly in the Western States. It is a pretty species,
rnuch like aibolabris. Nob. but is smaller, more rounded
and is subumbilieato.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

I'iif. 1, Front and inferior Tiewc.

y\ 36,

HELIX ELEVATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell pale horn-color ; spire elevated : ivhorls seven, re-
gularly rounded: umbilicus none: aperture somew^hat
angulated : labrum dilated, reflected, pure w^hite at base
and pressed to the body whorl, abruptly narrovv^ed on the
inner edge beneath the middle, arid continuing thus nar-
rowed to the superior termination, leaving a projecting
angle behind the middle : labium with a large, robust, very
oblique, subarquated, pure white tooth.

SYNONYMS.

H. ELEVATA, Nob. Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2, p. 1 54.
H. Knoxvileina ? Feruss. Tabl. Syst. p. 33.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell occurs not unfrequently in many parts of the
Western States. When descending the Ohio with Major
Long's exploring party I first observed it in the vicinity
of Cincinnati. It is related to thyroidus, Nob. by the
tooth on the labium ; but this tooth is much more rubust ;
it differs more essentially by its much more elevated spire,
and by the supeiior half of the dilated lip being abruptly

narrowed, so as to form a prominent angle near the mid
die ; it is also a much thicker shell.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

•I'lg. 2, Front view.
PI. 37.

HELIX PROFUNDA.

DESCRIPTION.

^hell pale horn-colour : spire convex, very little eleva-
ted : whorls five, regularly rounded, and wrinkled trans-
versely ; body w/wrl with a single revolving rufous line,
which is almost concealed upon the spire by the suture,
but which passes for a short distance above the aperture :
aperture dilated : labrum reflected, w^hite, and, excepting
near the superior angle, flat ; a slightly prominent callus
or obtuse tooth near the base on the inner edge : umbilicus
large, profound, exhibiting all the volutions to the apex.

Variety, a. Multilineated w ith rufous.

Variety b. Rufous line obsolete.

SYNONYM.

H. PROFUNDA, Nob. Journ. Mad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2, p
160.
H. RicHARDi, Lam. dnim. Sans. Vcrlebr. Vol. 6, pt. 2.

p. 72.

OBSERVATIONS.

I first discovered this shell in the vicinity of Cincinnati.
It afterwards occured near Council Bluff on the Missouri?
and it is frequently found in Indiana. I have no doubt it is
an inhabitant of the greater part of the Western States.

My description of this shell was published in the year
1821. Lamarck's description of his H. Richardi did not*
appear until April 1822, but he quotes by anticipation
Ferussac's Hist. desMoll. No. 174, for the specific name^
which was however not then published in that work, but
appeared in the Tableau Systematique of the latter author
in the earlier part of the same year. The name of pro^
funda has therefore the priority and consequently must be
adopted.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE^

Fig. 3, Inferior and from view&>
PL 87.

3f"' .VavDcl.

LI.y..n Srf.

SIPHONARIA.

GENERIC CHARACTini.

Shell oval or subovate, palelliform ; apex nearer one
side and one end, curved in a direction opposite to an angle
on the basal edge ; ^vithin, an indentation dividing the
muscular impression and extending to the angle of th<
lateral edge.

OBSERVATIONS.

Adanson was the first to detect the difference between
a species of this genus, the S. mouretus, Bl. and Patella
which it resembles in general form. He was succeeded
by Blainville, but it is to Sowerby that we are indebted
for the genus and name which are now adopted. Gray
formed a genus for the Gadin of Adanson, which however
is referred by other authors to tlie present group ; Adan-
son did not describe its animal ; but it is evident from his
figure that the two sides of the shell are not symmetrical.

It resembles Patella, but the shell is distinguished by an
unsymmetrical angle on one side, (sometimes obsolete,)
denoting the position beneath of the termination of a
syphon or respiratory organ of the animal of which the
trace remains. On the outer surface, corresponding with
this mark, is generally an elevation or rib, extending from

the summit to the edge, but it is sometimes obsolete^

PI. ;3h.

Blainville gives the following characters of the animal
body oval subdepressed ; head subdivided in two equal
lobes ; tentacula and eyes indistinct; margin of the man-
tle crenulated and extending beyond a suborbicular foot as
in the Patellas, branchial cavity transverse, open a little
before the middle of the right side and provided in that
part with a fleshy lobe, of a square form, situated in the
sinus between the mantle and the foot ; retractor muscle
fjf the foot, divided into two parts, of which the posterior
is much the larger, arquated ; the other very small, before
the branchial orifice.

Several species are known, attaching themselves to rocks
and other fixed bodies.

SIPHONARIA ALTERNATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell conical, with more than thirty obsolete, hardly
elevated, unequal ribs: apex obliquely curved, the tip
pointing nearly in a parallel direction with the surface of
the shell, and acute : color brown, radiated with whitish :
hast nearly oval.

SYNOKYM.

Patella Alternata, Nob. Journ. Jlcad. Nat. Sc.
Vol. 5, p. 215.

PI. ;38.

OBSERVATIONS.

This is a small species, and the slight irregularity in tiit
curvature of the lateral edge, exhibits the unequivocal cha-
racters of this genus.

I am indebted for specimens to the late excellent Mi .
Stephen Elliott to whom I shall have frequent occasion to
express my obligations in the course of this work : ht* ob-
tained them from the coast of East Florida.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figs. 1, 2, and 3, Lateral, superior and inferior views, enlarged
Fig. 4, Superior view , natural size

?i. se.

s^-^$>'-

/[f^: X,v D^f ■

Jilt Uuui can cell cult I la S
39

L.Z\o,i Scf.

BULLINA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell cylindrical-oval, convolute, imperforate ; spire ele-
vated, short ; aperture longitudinal, elongated, much nar-
rowed above ; labrum simple, gradually much more
prominent in the middle than at the extremities, meeting
the preceding volution with a deeply reentering angle ;
at base widely and regularly rounded ; columella with a
slight fold.

OBSERVATIONS.

Blainville quotes Ferussac for this genus, which, per-
haps inadvertantly, he calls Buline, with one 1, instead of
Bullina as the latter author writes the word. He has,
however, considerably limited the group by assigning to it
the character of "fortement involvecs, spire visible et sail-
lante a I'exterieur ; I'overture tres etroite en arriere," which
excludes some of the species comprehended by Ferussac.
He also places it as a subgenus under Bulla, with "la Bulle,
la Jonkaire," of Bastcrot, as its type. The animal differs
from those of the genera Bulla, Scaphander and Atys, by
having two distinct tentacula, and from Bullea by being
included within the shell. The shell differs by its promi-
nent spire, which in those genera, when it exists at all, is
iimbilicated.

In its general form and hal)it it has much roseml)lance
pi. m.

to Volvaria ; but the shells of that genus are emarginate at
base.

BULLINA CANALICULATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell white, immaculate, cylindric, with very minute,
obsolete wrinkles : spire convex, a little elevated, mammi-
lated at tip : volutions about five, with their shoulder very
obtusely grooved : labrttm with the edge prominently and
obtusely arquated : labium overspread with a calcareous la-
mina, and with a single fold or oblique tooth near the
base.

SYNONYM.
VOLVARIA CANALICULATA, Nob. Joum. Jlcttd, Nut. Sc. Vol,

5,p, 211.

OBSERVATIONS.

This genus has been constructed subsequently to the
publication of my description of the above species.

Two specimens of the shell were sent to me by the late
Mr. Stephen Elliott, from the coast of South Carolina,
The arquated form of the edge of the labrum is very obvi-
ous when viewed in profile.

In comparison with a fossil shell of Dax, sent to me by
Mr. Hoeninghaus ofCrefeld under the name of B. lajonhei-
riana, Easter, before mentioned, it is a little larger, and

^widently different in having the shoulder grooved ; where-
as in that species the shoulder is acute and the suture is
profoundly impressed.

IlEFEUENCE TO THE PLATE-

Hpper figure ; front view. ^

Middle figure spire viewed from above. C p,^ia.r(j-cd

Inferior figure lateral view. J

The line represents the natural length.

P!. :^9.

'^-

X

^ k

M^: Scy Dr/ .

C'<tn/l/,l /l1./,-/l/,l/<> S.

jLL v.>.

CARBITA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalved, inequilateral, thick, suborbicular, free,
regular, ribbed, the margin crenate ; epidermis distinct ;
hinge of two teeth, one of which is short, direct, and the
other oblique, elongated in one valve, and in the other
valve, is a large cardinal recipient cavity with an oblique
tooth on each side of it, nearly parallel with the margin ;
ligament subexterior; two obvious muscular impressions
united by an arquated, entire palleal line.

OBSERVATIONS*

Poli, informs us, that the animal resembles that of Ano-
donta and Unio ; and accordingly Blainville places the
genus next to that group with Venericardia and Cypricar-
dia as subgenera ; both of which Lamarck had separated
from Brugueire's genus Cardita.

Venericardia is much like the present genus, with w hich
Sowerby unites it, and is chiefly distinguished by the teeth
being all oblique and directed towards one side. Cypri-
cardia is also very similar ; it is remarkably inequilateral
and has three teeth in each valve. Many of the species
of Cardita resemble Cardium on their exterior surface, but
the insulated lateral teeth of the latter are an obvious dis-
tinction. The three genera are certainly very closely alli-
ed in nature.

P). 40.

Some changes will undoubtedly be required in this
genus. It is not now to be admitted that the C conca-
merata, Brug. can remain in the same genus with the spe-
cies represented in our plate. Particularly as the remark-
able chamber which exists in that shell seems to be devot-
ed to a purpose altogether peculiar. On this subject the
late ingenious Miller wrote me as follows : "You have pro-
bably seen an account of the interesting discovery of the
use of the conic chamber or pouch in Chama concamerata ;
almost immediately after the statement was published, I
received specimens from the Cape, that not only shew the
eggs, but also minute shells, in the pouch."

Some slight approach towards a similar form may be
found in the Jeson of Adanson and in the C. ru/escens,
Lam. and perhaps even in the C. calyculala^ L. and C.
crassa, Lam. which are included in the subgenus that
Blainville named Mytilicardia ; though it is hardly pro-
bable, that they can enter into the same group with the
concamerata.

Lamarck has described twenty-five species, of which
three are fossil.

CARDITA TRIDENTATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell suborbicular, subequilateral, thick and ponderous,
with about eighteen convex, longitudinal ribs, cancellate

by concentric elevated lines, which do not penetrate into
the interstitial narrow spaces, and which are obsolete on
the umbo, and on the anterior side : inner margin deeply
crenate : hinge with two diverging teeth, separated by a
large cavity on the right valve ; and on the other, a single
large triangular, prominent, recurved tooth, closing into
the cavity.

SYNONYM.

Venericardia tridentata, Nob. Joum. Jicad. Nat.
Sc. Vol. 5, p. 216.

OBSERVATIONS.

This interesting shell was discovered by Mr. Stephen
Elliott, on the coast of South Carolina. 1 formerly placed
it, with much doubt however, in the genus Venericardia,
but I think it corresponds better with Cardita as now esti-
mated, inasmuch as the teeth are not all oblique.

The large recipient cavity of the hinge of the right valve
is somewhat similar, though wider in proportion, to that
of the corresponding valve of Cypricardia modiolaris, a
very entire specimen of which was sent to me by Mr.
Hoeninghaus.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figs. 1, and 2, Exterior and interior enlarged views of tlie right valve.

" 3, Outline to shew the natural size.

" 4, Enlarged hinge of the left valve.

" 5, Enlarged profile view of the teeth of the right valve.
PI. 40.

NOTICE*

In the last No. I remarked that the Alasmodonta con-
fragosa, Nob. was found by Mr. Barabino near the city of
New Orleans ; this is an error altogether my own and
which I thank that gentleman for enabling me to correct.
He obtained his specimens from Bayou Teche in the Pa-
rish of St. Mary, Louisiana, about two hundred miles
N. N. W. from New Orleans. I did not suppose they
were found in the Mississippi, and my interesting corres-
pondent says ''I have not yet discovered any bivalves in
the Mississippi, (near New Orleans) although I have tried
two summers successively, with an instrument made for
that purpose."

The Ampularia urceus, L. (rugosa Lam.) is stated in
the books, to inhabit the Mississippi river ; but I have nev-
er been so fortunate as to find it, or to gain any informa-
tion relative to it there. Mr. O. Evans did me the favor
to make enquiry at various places on that river and to ex-
hibit as somewhat similar, a coloured plate of the A. glo-
bosa, Swains, to persons from whom information might
be expected, and amongst others to some indians, who in
general are known to be accurate observers ; but no one
had seen any similar shell in the waters of the Mississippi.
I am therefore much inclined to believe that the species is
a native of some of the more southern rivers, probably
those of Texas. Any information in relation to it. or spe-
cimens of the shell, will be very acceptable.

* * * Since the publication of tho preceding No. wo have had to regret the
decease of Mr. Tiebout. engraver for this work ; but it is hoped that tbii be-
reavement will not much retard the publicatioB of the work in future.

No. V. Priet 81,50, eolaured.
AMERICAN

CONCHOLOOY,

OR

DESCRIPTIONS

OP THE

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

ILLUSTBATED BY

COLOURED rZGURES

FBOM

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS FROM NATURE.

CONTENTS.

Carithium ferrugineum, Pi- xlix

" muscarum, - - "

■' Beptemeiriatum, •'

Crepidula plana, xli^

Helicina occulta, - - xIti

" orbiculata, - -

Melania laqueata, - - - xivii

" mullilineata, - . - "

*' eemicarinata, •'

•' virginica,

llodioia i>apuana, ..-- xlv

Mytillus hamalui, I

Ranella caudata, *''^'|

Uoio oamptodon, ...._.--. xlii

♦* lapilluB, »lt

" lugttbris, - xliii

NEW HARMONY, INDIANA.

Printed at the M Preu.

(Auguat, 1832.)

N.

Jl'-f Say 1J,1 .

I^nto /.///////IS \
II

LJ.von .V,/

UNIO LAPILLUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTEU.

Very small, thick, radiated 5 teeth very thick.

SYNONYM.

U. LAPILLUS, Noh. Tiwisylvania Journal of Medicine-
Vol. 4. p. 528.

DESCIllPTION.

>S'Ae// transversely suboval, thick, obscure yellowish, with
very numerous dark green radiating lines : posterior mar-
gin not very short, rounded: beaks but little elevated,
simple : lunule fusiform, very obvious : hinge margin and
anterior margin a little depressed, declining graduallly in
an arquated line : anterior basal margin rounded : basal
margin nearly rectilinear in the middle : ivithin pearly
white ; cardinal teeth direct, thick ; lateral teeth thick,
oblique with respect to the base : cicatrices very deep and
rounded ; cavity of the beaks almost obliterated, with a sc-
ries of small cicatrices, extending downwards and back-
wards.

OBSERVATIONS.

The robust teeth and the thickness of the whole sliell,
have induced many, and myself amongst the number; to

consider this shell as Ihe young of gibbosus, Barnes ; but
a very slight examination serves to show that it is very dis-
tinct. The young of that species is alw^ays much more
elongated transversely, not so thick, with the beaks much
undulated, and the series of small cicatrices in the cavity of
the beaks is parallel to the hinge margin. As respects
magnitude it approaches parvus, Barnes, which however
has the beaks undulated, is rather thin, with oblique, small
cardinal teeth.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Tiic plate shows the exterior, intorior and dorsal views of the shell.
PI. 41.

IINIO CAMPTODONo

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Beaks distinct from the posterior margin ; lamelliform
teeth arquated at tip.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell moderately thin, transversely oblong-oval, a little
compressed, dark brownish, or blackish ; beaks with regu-
lar small undulations, behind the middle but remote from
the posterior edge, but little prominent ; ligament slope
somewhat compressed, with two distinct compressed lines ;
umbonial slope not elevated above the level of the disk 5
anterior margin a little prominent towards the base and

■^•!^i^:^a^^

V

LI

h Lyo.

yJf'.Jwv,/./.

Vnw hmiihl'is.S.

L L.\wi Je

rounded ; lunule large ; posterior margin prominent, ex-
tending far behind the beaks and rounded ; base a little
contracted in the middle ; within milk white ; teeth, a
single rather long, oblique, undivided primary tooth in
each valve ; lateral teeth rather slender, towards the tip a
little arquated.

OBSERVATIONS.

This interesting, new shell w^as sent to me by Mr. Bar-
abino, who discovered it opposite to New Orleans in ponds.
An exterior view of the shell would not immediately dis-
tinguish it from Alasmodonta edentula. Nob. but the in-
ner surface is quite different, and the armature of teeth
separates them genericall}'.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Tlie plate exhibits the cxtorior, intnrior and dorsal views of tlie slioll.
PI. 42,

UNIO LUGUBRIS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely subovate. inflated, dark brownish or
blackish, wrinkled ; umbones prominent ; beaks not very
prominent, eroded ; ligament margin slightly arquated ;
ligament more or less concealed; anterior margin very
widely rounded, sometimes truncate or even subcmargi-

nate; posterior margin rather prominent, but very short;
base often a little contracted in the middle ; within pale
lilac; cardinal teeth oblique, compressed, denticulated;
lamelliform teeth slightly arquated, granulated and striated
at tip ; posterior accessory cicatrix rounded, rather deep ;
anterior margin somewhat iridescent.

SYNONYMS.

Unio ateb, Lea. Trans. Smer. Philos. Soc. Vol. 3,
pi. 7, New Series,

OBSERVATIONS.

I received several specimens of this shell from Mr.
Barabino, who obtained them from Bayou Teche, Parish
of St. Mary, Louisiana. It seems to be intermediate, and
almost connected by means of varieties, to U. cariosus,
Nob., and ventricosus, Barnes ; like those species it has the
posterior side prominent and very short, the anterior mar-
gin often truncate and the primary teeth often double in
both valves ; but however close this alliance may be, it
can be distinguished by its somewhat different habit. It
is differently coloured, less cylindrical than cariosus and
proportionally longer and more cylindrical than ven-
tricosus.

In the young state the ligament margin appears to be
coalite, and that of the older shell retains this union on its
anterior portion.

The name ater is preoccupied by Nilsson for a very dis-
tinct species.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate represents the exterior, interior and dorsal views of the BhelL
PI. 43.

C'/cyu i/ll/,i 1 1 Lin, I J.

LU... S-A

CREPIDULA.

GENERIC CHARACTER

Shell free, univalve, irregular, ovate or oblong, convex,
somewhat patelliform, with an epidermis ; spire very short
or obsolete, apex obvious, obliquely inclined, towards the
margin ; within horizontally divided about half the length
by a diaphragm ; muscular impression lunate.

Jlnimal more or less depressed, oval, curved in the pos-
terior part ; mantle very thin, without marginal tentacula ;
foot not thick, small and rounded ; body each side of the
head auriculated ; head emarginatc before ; tentacula two,
subcylindric, or subconic, slightly contractile, with the eyes
near their exterior base ; mouth in the cmargination, with-
out teeth ; branchial cavity very large, situated obliquely
on the anterior part of the back, containing a fascicle of
long branchial filaments, which extend forward and at tip
float on the right side of the neck ; anus on the right side.

OBSERVATIONS.

These are marine shells attaching themselves to various
objects. At least many of the species have no locomotion,
passing their whole life in one spot, and being moulded
upon the surface of their resting place, exliibit its curva-
tures and inequalities.

Lamarck separated the species from the Linnean Patel-
la, forming a very natural and very distinct group. For
although it exhibits a slight similarity to Septaria, Fcruss.

yet it is readily distinguished from that shell, which hay
not a proper diaphragm, the labium being only a little
prominent and acute ; it is also a fresh water, operculated
shell, allied to Neritina.

The genus Pileolus, Sowerby, has a very prominent lab-
ium or diaphragm, but the spire is altogether concealed.

CREPIDULA PLANA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell depressed, flat, oblong oval, transversely wrinkled,
lateral margins abruptly deflected ; apex not prominent
and constituting a mere terminal angle, obsolete in the
old shells ; within white ; diaphragm occupying half the
length of the shell, convex, at the edge contracted in the
middle and at one side.

SYNONYM.

C. PLANA, Nob. Journ, Acad. Nat. Sc, Vol. 2, p. 226.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is remarkable for its depression, being with-
out convexity above, and is even often curved upward.
In order to give space beneath for the substance of the an-
imal, the margin of the shell is vertically deflected. The
general curvature is various in diflcrent individuals, being
modified in compliance with that of the surface on which

they rest. It inhabits the coast of the United States, ai
least from New York to Florida and is common. The
young shell is generally orbicular and gradually becomes
proportionally more elongated as it increases in size.

REFERENCE TO THE fLATE.

The plate exhibits the exterior, interior and prolilo views of the shell,
Ph 44.

Af'^' Sav D.l.

AJ('iiii'/ii h<i/iii ,111 n 7. ,1111

I.Ls-rn Sy.

MODIOLA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell cquivalve, inequilateral, obliquely elongated, more
or less subovate, regular ; summits near the posterior ex-
tremity, but not terminal ; anterior margin obtusely
rounded ; posterior margin short, rounded ; posterior base
a little gaping to permit the passage of the byssus ; liga-
ment marginal, rectilinear, subinterior, elongated ; hinge
edentulous ; two principal, remote muscular impressions,
of which the anterior one is larger, and securiform : palleal
impressions entire.

OBSERVATIONS.

A genus of marine bivalves, separated by Lamarck from
the Linnaian genus Mytillus, in consequence of the beaks
not being terminal, as they arc in that group. It must be
confessed however that they are very closely related, cor-
responding in the other characters of the shell, as well as
in the habits of the animal, the organization of which, ac-
cording to the anatomist Poli is similar, and to which col-
lectively he appropriates the name of Callitriche ; for a
description of it the reader is refered to the genus Mytil-
lus. Several species blended by Lamarck in Modiola,
were separated by Cuvier under Ihe name of Lithodomus,
in consequence of their habit of penetrating and dwulHng
in the interior of calcareous rocks and other soliil substan-
ces 5 their shell, excepting its more cylindrical form, has

much the character of Modiola ; but it is probable, judg-
ing by their mode of life that the characters of the animal,
will justify the arrangement of Cuvier.

The byssus is a fascicle of filiform fibres, each of which
is suddenly enlarged at tip so as to form a little disk, that is
applied by the foot of the animal to the supporting object.

Lamarck described twenty three recent and several fos^
sil species.

MODIOLA PAPUANA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell oblong, epidermis reddish-brown, shell violaceous.

SYNONYMS.

MuscuLUs PAPUANus, D'^rgeuv. Conch. (Lam.)
MoDioLA PAPUANA, Lam. Jin. sans Vert. Sfc.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong subovate, very narrow behind and widely
rounded before; umbonial slope obtusely rounded and
prominent ; surface rather deeply wrinkled ; epidermis
reddish-brown, beneath which the surface of the shell is
more or less violaceous; within dull whitish, somewhat
iridescent.

OBSERVATIONS.

I received several fine specimens of this shell from Dr.
D. H. Storer as inhabiting Cape Elizabeth and Front's
Neck, Maine. It is the common "Horse mnscle" of the
English collectors and appears to be abundant in the Euro-
pean Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Leach says, "beneath
the epidermis the shell is invariably whitish," whilst La-
marck says, "Epiderme noiratrc ; test lilas." The shell ap-
pears to become more elongated with age.

Adanson's figure (pi. 15, lig. 1,) generally quoted for
this species, is probably altogether distinct ; it is but little
more widely rounded anteriorly than posteriorly, and the
dorsal angle is much more prominent. Leach quotes My-
tillus modiolus, Linn, as a synonym of M. papuana ; but
Lamarck and some other conchologists quote it, with
doubt, as the same as Modiola tulipa, Lam.

Laskey in the Transact, of the Wern. Soc. says they at-
tain to the length of nine inches ; the largest in my collec-
tion is five inches and three fourths long.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate represf?nts the exterior and interior views,
PI. 45.

■4k

^.

3

L.Uon b\-ul,

HELICINA,

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell subglobular; spire depressed or but little elevate4;
aperture semiorbicular, modified by the preceding volution;
base with a more or less obvious callosity covering the
umbilicus; labrum acute or a little reflected ; columella
at base a little prominent and joined to the labrum at an
angle ; operculum horny, and with concentric elements.

Animal terrestrial, globular, subspiral; head rostrated;
rostrum bilabiated at the tip and shorter than the tenta-
cula, which are two in number, filiform, and have the
prominent eyes at the exterior part of their base, upon a
tubercle ; the organs of respiration as in Cyclostoma ; the
branchial cavity communicates with the atmosphere by a
large slit ; foot simple, with an anterior marginal groove,

OBSERVATIONS.

The general appearance of the shell resembles much
that of a Helix, but the base of the columella is a little
prominent, and the locality of the umbilicus is more obvi-
ously covered with a callus. But the most striking dilfer-
ence is in the animal, which in Helix has the eyes al the
tip of the superior pair of tenlacula, whereas in Helicina
they are at the exterior base of the only pair ; the opercu-
lum of the latter is also a sullicient distinction.

Lamarck formerly united several species under this genus
that he has since very properly separated under the name.

of Rotella, (Pitonillus, Montf.,) as being inhabitants of
the ocean, with a much dilated basal callus. This union
led me to form my genus Oligyra for the reception of one
of the following species, well knowing it could not be
naturally congeneric with the Linnaean Trochus vesti-
arius, the type of that genus.

In the Zoological Journal, for 1824, Gray has described
fifteen species, which he disposes in several minor groups ;
but Ferussac states, that he possesses from twelve to fif-
teen species which seem to be unknown to Gray, some of
which he could not refer to either of those groups. Not-
withstanding the variations and transitions of the species,
it may be found convenient and even natural to separate
generically, those in which the fissure is very obvious, in
the labrum, under the name of Helicina, from those of
which the labrum is simple or nearly so ; and to the latter
the name of Oligyra could be retained, under which
name I described the animal, 'till then entirely unknown.

HELICINA ORBICULATA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTEK.

Shell pale greenish, or yellowish, with one or two bands.

SYNONYM.

Oligyra orbiculata. Nob. Nicholsons EnajcL
{Jimcr. 3(L Ed)

DES€RirTIOK.

Shell subglobular ; spire not very prominent, but more
than convex ; whorls live, obsoletely striated across, regu-
larly rounded ; colour pale greenish, yellowish, or slightly
tinged with reddish, particularly on the body, and mar-
gined above by a paler line ; on the middle of the body
whorl a paler band revolves which is sometimes margined
by a dusky colour, and is also sometimes obsolete or alto'
gether wanting ; base of the columella very slightly pro-
jecting into an obtuse angle ; labrum whitish, reflected.
Animal pale ; rostrum and tentacula blackish, the latter
with a white line ; eyes very black, elevated in form of a
short tubercle ; length about equal to the breadth of the
shell ; foot not broader than the body ; operculum yellow-
ish brown, granulated.

OBSERVATIONS.

During a sliort visit to Florida, ni company with Mn
Maclure, I discovered this shell, in great immbers on the
'•Oyster shell Hammocks." These are elevated knolls
of oyster shells intermixed with earth, which rise by an
abrupt acclivity on all sides, from the salt marshes near
the mouth of St. John's river, to the elevation of iiftecn or
twenty feet.

UEFEUEKCE TO TJIE I'LATE.

I'"ig. i, doraal view, / ». i ,

J, iront vicu-> 3

3, natural size-
IM. 46.

HELICINA OCCULTA

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Carinated ; carina almost concealed on the spire and
nearly obsolete on the body whorl.

SYNONYM.

H. OCCULTA. Noh, Tfiimylmnia Journal of Medicine^

Vol d, ih 529.

DESCRPTIION.

Whorls about five, carinate. or with an acute shoulder
which is almost concealed on the spire by the sutun; ; it
becomes more obtuse and almost obsolete or even impress-
ed, on the body whorl, but near the labrum it is again
very obvious: the whole surface has slightly elevated 5
somewhat regular lines, foi'ming grooves between them,
across the whorls and there is an appearance of revolving
lines on the body whorl;, particularly beneath ; labrum
entire, thick, a little reflected, obtusely a little more prom-
inent towards the base, but not angulated,

OUSEKVATIONS.

All the specimens that 1 have yet found arc dead and
bleached: They occur abundantly in the rugged and
abrupt ' biull,'^ half a mile below Nevv J Jarmony) near

the river bank, with many HeliceS; that are commonly
found in the Western States. They are much the same
size, or even a little larger than the Hclicina orbiculata -,
Nob. ; which species is destitute of carina and of promi-
nent wrinkles or elevated lines, its labrum is rellected.
but not thickened, with a distinct angle near its base.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATF.

Fl..^. front view; adult, J ErlargecU

.). front view ; youniy, *

(t,. natuia! "ize.
PI 4(;

ias d'^

1 j\Llania LtjiU'cif^i r'^-

■I . . A'ii-<^inica.S.^

3 immlimata.^-

l'__ . . _ ,^emicarir,aTa.S.

47

L.L..a 5of

MELANIA VTRGINTCA=

DESCRIPTION.

Shell turrited, usually truncate-eroded at tip: olivaceous
or blackish brown ; whorls about six, but little rounded,
crossed by obvious wrinkles : a dull reddish line revolves
near the base of the w horls. and another near or upon the
middle, both sometimes obsolete or wanting ; labrum a lit-
tle prominent towards the base.

Jlnimal bluish-white beneath, with orange clouds each
side of the mouth ; above pale orange shaded with dusky
and banded with numerous black interrupted lines : mouth
advanced into a rostrum as long as the tentacula, which
arc darker at base, and setaceous : foot with an undulated
outline.

Var. a. Shell destitute of the rufous bands.

SYNONYMS.

BucciNUM YiRGiNicL'M. Gmcl. p. 3ry05. BUlw. Dcscr.
Calalp. 652.

Lister Stjnop. pi 113, Jig. 7.
Paludina virginica, Nob, Nicholson's Encycl {3d
Amer. Ed.) art. Conch.pl. ^.Jig, 4.

Melania fasciata, Mcyikc, Syiioj). Mollusc, p. 82.

[Var. a.] Lister Sjpiop, pi 1 10, Jig. 4.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is very abundant in the Delaware and
Schuylkill Kivers. The basal portion of the labrum in
Lister's figure of plate 113 above quoted is deficient, nev
ertheless I have no doubt that the figure v\'as intended for
this spcciesj and that his figure 4. of pL II is intended to
represent the variety.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 2, front view
PI. 47.

MELANIA MUI.TILINEATA,

DESCRIPTION.

Shell turrited, usually truncate-eroded at tip; dark
brown 5 whorls six or seven^ very slightly convex, with nu-
merousj filifornij elevated, subequal revolving lines^ which
are from ten to twenty in number on the body whorl ;
labrum a little prominent towards the base.

SNONYMS.

M. MULTiLiNEATA, Nol, Jonni. ActtcL Ndf. Sc Vol
p, 380.

M. cuRTAj Menke, Synop. Molhisc, p, 8L

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell occurs in the eastern waters, particularly in
Frankford Creek, near Philadelphia, and Professor Van-
uxem gave me specimens which he obtained from a stream
in New Jersey. It is closely related to M. virginica. Nob.
but may be distinguished by its stria?.

REFEnENCE TO THE PLATE,

Fig. \i, back view.

n. 47

MELANIA SEMICAKINATA,

DESCRIPTION.

Shell small, conic-turreted ; spire acute at the apex, the
four apicial volutions carinate below; volutions about
eight, somewhat convex ; suture moderately impressed ;
surface, especially of the body whorl slightly wrinkled ;
labrum a little prominent near the base ; witliin slightly
tinged with reddish brown.

3YN0NYM.

M. SEMicAuiNATA, Nob. Dmcmiualor oj Lsr/ul Knoiv
ledge, Vol 3.

OBSERVATIONS.

This pretty little species occured in great numbers in a
small stream in Kentucky. It may be distinguished from
our other species by its small size, combined with the ex-
istance of a carinated line only formed in its immature
state ; having increased to four or five volutions the carina
is no longer formed.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Figure 4, front view.

a, the spire enlarged to show the carina.

PI. 47.

MELANIA LAQUEATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong, conic ; spire longer than the aperture, ele-
vated, acute at tip; volutions moderately convex, with
about seventeen, regular, elevated, equal, equidistant costal
on the superior half of each volution, extending from su-
ture to suture and but little lower on the spire, and becom-
ing obsolete on the body whorl ; suture moderately im-
pressed J labrum and columella a little extended at base.

SYNONYM.

M. LMiVLAi Ay Nob, Dmemimtor oJUmilul Knowledge.
PU 3.

OJOSERVATIONS.

This species was found by Dr. Troost in Cumbedand
River. The elevated Costae, without any revolving lines,
distinguish this shell from the other species of our coun^
try.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE

Figure J, tronl view
PI 4?

^

3.-V l)u.

4,^

L Lv.a Scl-

HANET.LA

CENERir ( IIAHArTFH

Shell oval or oblong, more or less deprosseti in conse
qiience of liavinga range of varices only on each side, form-
ing a somewhat oblique longitudinal series : aperture oval,
the labium being miicli arquated ; base canaliculatod.
sometimes a little emarginated ; a sinus at the superior trr
mination of thp labrum : epidermis distinrt : operruhim
horny -^

OnSERVATIONl^>

These are the Frog and Toad shells of collectors, a ge-
nus of well marked Marine shells dismembered by La-
marck from the Linnean Murex in consequence of their
lateral margined character. Montfort made another divi-
sion of these shells ; to those with an umbilicated colunif I
la lie gave the generic name of Apollon, and those ^vhich
have no appearance of umbilicus he named Buflb; these
designations, or rather their corresponding words ApolI>
and Crapaud, are adopted by Blainville as subgenera ol
Uanella. These shells are sufficiently distinct from thosp
of any other group and cannot be mistaken, if we exeopt
a few species which approach Triton, (a name which
ought to be changed, as it had been previously applied as,»
scientific designation by Laurenti to a genus of Amphibia)
a genus which is distinguished by having its varices rare
and not at the equal distances of half volutions from each
other The animal does not :?eem to be known, but judg-

Ing by analogy, it probably resembles that of Triton and
Murex and has therefore a horny operculum, composed of
lamelliform elements, disposed in an imbricated manner
and commencing at the superior tip. It must also be car-
nivorous.

RANELLA CAUDATA

DESCRIPTION,

Shell pale reddish-brown, cancellate with eleven robust
costae on the body whorl and several revolving filiform
lines passing over them, and more prominent on the varix
of the aperture, terminate at its inner edge, and there alter-
nate with the raised lines of the fauces ; volutions flattened
at their summits, abruptly declining to the suture ; canal
coarctate, rather longer than the spire ; beak rectilinear,
reflected at tip.

SYNONYM,

Ranella CAUDATA, Nob. Joum. Jicad, Nat. So. Vol.
p, 236,

OBSERVATIONS,

This is a common species on the coast of the United
States. Its generic affinity is not always obvious, as in
some specimens the varix of the aperture, only, is well
formed.

The generic name borders rather too closely upon Re-
nilla, which designates a genus of the class Polypi of La-
marck. Montfort's appellation Buffo is not preferable for
a similar reason, as it would be liable to be confounded
with Bufo, a genus of Reptilia.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE,

The plate ahewR llie back and front views,
Pl. 48.

Say J''

/. Ccrithiian mnscLirum. S.
2: _ y-.striatin>i.S

^ f?niu7imum,S.

1^9

CEKITIIIUM

GENERIC CIIAIIACTEK.

Shell more or less turrited, often tubercular; aperture
sQiall, oblique, with a short, truncated or recurved canal
at base, which is not cinarginated ; labium concave, more
or less callous; a more or less distinct groove at the junc-
tion of the labrum with the preceding whorl; operculum
small, rounded.

Animal much elongated ; mantle prolonged m a caLal
on the left side ; foot short, oval, with an anterior marginal
groove; head with a proboscis, depressed; tentacula i^-
mote, with the eyes on their middle, beyond which they
are slender; mouth terminal, vertical, without labial tooth
and with a very small tongue ; a long and narrow branchia

OBSERVATIONS.

Brugucire adopted the name of this genus from Adan-
son, who says, that Fabius Columna used the word to
designate one of the species. The following is the de-
scriptive appellation of the latter, ''Ijuccinum tuberosum
Cerithium parvum." All the species which Adanson
referred to it are correctly placed, with the exception of ■
the Ligar, (Turritella terebra, L.) and the Me sal. both ui
which lie was aware dilFer generically from the others.
He thus describes the operculum of C. radula. L. and his
figure corresponds in character, • opercule exactemcnt
orbiculaire. eartilagincuX; fort mince, biun transparent ct

matque de cinq sillont> circulaues conceniriques,' but
Blainville says, it is subspiial. They are Marine and
crawl upon the mud, feeding upon small animals.

These shells are generally elongated cones, beautifully
decorated with regular series and bands of granules, tuber-
cles and other symmetrical protuberances. Linne placed
the species known to him, in the very different genera
Murex, Trochus and Strombus. Blainville includes, as
subgenera, Pyrena, Lam., Potamides, Brong., Pyrazus,
Montf., Nerine, Def., and Triphora, Desh. The aperture
of the two latter have a complicated appearance, and the
others are altogether destitute of canal.

Numerous recent and still more fossil species have been
described, chiefly by Lamarck, who remarks, that the
more our collections become enriched, the more difficulty
attends the determination of genera and particularly of
species ; the vacancies which we supposed to be natural
limits, become proportionally filled up. The difficulty he
experienced in fixing the character of each species of
Cerithium led him to the Conclusion, that it is principally
m this genus that this fact is the most evidently shown
because the collections abound in these shells. The study
of these shells is very important to the geologist in hi& at-
tempts to ascertain the changes that have taken place m
the surface of the globe.

CERITHIUM MUSCARUM.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

White, with costae, transverse strice and series of brown
spots.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong-conical, with rather distant, longitudinal,
prominent ribs, and distant prominent spiral striae, which
by passing over the ribs give the latter a crenate appear-
ance, and are five in number on the body whorl and four
on the second, the intervals with smaller parallel striae ;
ribs about eleven on the body whorl ; volutions nine, a lit-
tle convex; suture indented, distinct; aperture oblique,
oval-orbicular ; labiutn concave ; colour pure white, with
reddish brown spots on the striae so arranged as to exhibit
longitudinal and transverse series.

OBSERVATIONS.

The regularly arranged spots on a white ground, give this
species a very neat and delicate appearance.

It was communicated bj Mr. Elliott, who informed
me that it inhabits the southern shores of Florida.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE,

Fig J, front vi6\v^ enlarged,

a natural length
Fl 49

CERITHIUM SEPTEMSTRIATUM,

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

With longitudmal costae and transverse striae ; the costae
bifid towards the base ; volutions blackish, white above.

•DESCRIPTION.

Shell turreted, with longitudinal ribs rendered some-
what nodulous by the passage of elevated spiral striae over
them ; ribs thirteen on the body whorl, their interstices
much more deeply excavated near the suture, and each
divided into two on the basal half; spiral striae on the body
whorl seven, with smaller parallel stride between them, on
the second whorl are four striae, and on the third three ;
volutions nine ; suture not indented ; aperture oblique,
oval-orbicular, dark livid within and not distinctly stria-
ted j lahrum .vhitish on the inner margin, often interrupt-
ed by small brown lines corresponding with the exterior
strisc, exterior margin slightly thickened ; labium concave
with a callous at the junction with the labrum, and with

the canal livid ; colour dusky oi blnckish. the inlerstic^psot
the stria often whitish, with a white superior margin to
the whorls.

From Mr. Elliott. It is a very pretty shell, inhabiting
the southern coast of Florida. I think that it approaches
C. zonale, Brug. though it does not perfectly agree w^ith
Lamarck's description, particularly in not being "longitu-
dinaliter obsolete plicate," for the folds in our shell are so
prominent and robust as to deserve the name of ribs.

It seems probable that Lister's figure 81, of pi. 1018 is
intended for this shell ; to which figure Gmelin gave the
name of Murex minimus. This practice of naming fig-
ures of older authors, I conceive leads to error, and ought
to be condemned by every modern naturalist.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fi^. y, front view, enlarged.

f/, natural length.
Fl 49.

CERITHIUM FERRUGINEUM.

■ ly SPECIFIC CHARACTHR.

Pale ferruginous, granulated l)y longitudinal ribs and
transverse striae

DESCRIPTION,

Shell oblong-conical with longitudinal ribs rendered
nodulous or moniliform by the passing of elevated spiral
strise over them ; ribs about twenty on the body whorl,
almost interrupted by the interstices of the strise ; striae
about seven, with intermediate smaller ones, on the body
whorl, and but three on the second whorl; volutions
seven ; suture inconspicuous ; aperture oblique, oval, whit-
ish within ; labrum slightly thickened on the exterior mar-
gin, and with obsolete impressed lines on the inner side
corresponding with the exterior strise; colour ferruginous.

OBSERVATIONS.

Communicated by Mr. Elliott as an inhabitant of the
southern coast of Florida. Its general form is similar to
that of the preceding species, but it is smaller, its eleva-
tions are more rounded like granules, and its ribs are not
bifid.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE,

Fig. 3, front view, c»largecl.

c natural length.
PL 49.

MC-' S^fv D.'l.

M\/t//iis /fr///n//ff.--. 'V.

IJ.V..,, Sr

MYTILLUS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell equivalve, inequilateral, obliquely elongated, more
or less ovate-acute or subtriangular, or subcuneiform, reg-
ular ; summits posterior and terminal, acute ; anterior ex-
tremity obtusely rounded ; posterior base a little gaping to
permit the passage of the byssus; ligament marginal, deep-
ly seated, subinterior, rectilinear, elongated ; hinge edent-
ulous, or with one or two rudiments of teeth ; two princi-
pal remote muscular impressions, of which the anterior
one is large and elongated ; palleal impression entire.

OBSERVATIONS.

This genus has been considerably modified since it
came from the hands of our great master Linne, who uni-
ted in one assemblage shells of divers characters, and con-
structed by animals of opposite habits, forms and organiza-
tion. Bruguiere distinguished the widely different genera
Anodonta, and Avicula ; Lamarck separated Modiola, and
Leach parted from Avicula the celebrated pearl shell of
Ceylon under the name of Margarita, which was after-
wards called Melcagrina by Lamarck. Cuvier instituted
the genus Lithodomus, for M. lithodomus and some other
species which perforate and reside within calcareous rocks.
But of these the most closely allied to the present group
are unquestionably Modiola and Lithodomus, which two
are united together by Lamarck, and are considered by

Blainville only as subgenera of Mytillus ; and however
closely allied we may acknow^ledge them to be, those gen-
era may be distinguished by having the posterior margin
arquated somewhat prominently, the apices or beaks not
being terminal as in Mytillus. The latter naturalist gives
the following account of the animal. "Body oval, dila-
ted ; mantle open at its inferior middle only, which at its
anterior extremity is fringed ; foot linguiform, canalicu-
late, with a byssus at its base and many pairs of retractor
muscles ; mouth with simple lips ; two adductor muscles,
of which the posterior one is very small.

Several species are eatable, and the common Muscle of
Europe (M. edulis, L.) is taken to market in large quanti-
ties for the table. All the species are marine with the ex-
ception of the M. polymorphus, Gm. or Chemnitzii
which inhabits the Danube and the Commercial Docks
near London, but which is probably not strictly speak-
ing of this genus, if we may judge b}^ the somewhat cham-
bered appearance of the beak cavity.

They attach themselves by means of their byssus to
rocks, stones and other tixed bodies and even to one anoth-
er. The species are numerous ; Lamarck enumerates
thirty seven, of which two are fossil, and several have been
more recently described. Some species are infested by a
parasitical Pinnotheres.

MYTILLUS HAMATUS.

Longitudinally grooved ; incurved at base.

SYNONYM.

M. HAMATus. Nob. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 2. p. 265.

M. STRiATus, ^arwe«.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell at base incurved and acute ; valves on every part
of the exterior with longitudinal, elevated lines, which are
bifid and sometimes trifid towards the tip, and transversely
striated with numerous small equal lines ; colour blackish-
brown with an olivaceous reflection ; within dark purpur-
escent, subiridescent ; margin crenate, whitish.

OBSERVATIONS.

- A very common species in the Gulf of Mexico, and is
carried to the New Orleans market in consequence of its
parasitical attachment to the common oyster. Hardly a
cluster of oysters can there be found unaccompanied by
one or more and generally numerous specimens of this
shell, in various stages of growth. Our figure represents
a fine large specimen, in which the incurved tip is not so
remarkable as in many smaller individuals, and the form
is somewhat more elongated and less triangular. It seem?
to approach M. decussatus as described by Lamarck, but

in that species the transverse stride are stated to be une-
qual, and its inner margin is not said to be of a different
colour ; a character which in our shell is very obvious.
Barnes read a description of it to the Lyceum of Natural
History of Nev\^ York in 1823 (see Silliman's Journal, Vol.
6, p. 364.)

It does not reach the attributed magnitude of M. crena-
tus, Lam. a species v\^hich vv^as supposed by that author to
inhabit the coast of Carolina ; but if either of the different
figures of Lister, Sow^erby, or that of the Encyclopoedia
Methodique is a tolerably correct representation of it, I
have certainly not met with it.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The plate exhibits the inner and outer views of a valve.
PI. 50.

NOTICE.

*^* With this Number we send gratis to those who
have paid for the preceding Nos., a copy of a work which
we have recently printed, entitled "Glossary to the
American Conchology," explanatory of the terms made
use of in the science of Conchology. A copy will also
be presented to each subscriber who shall transmit by
mail, free of postage, his respective sum now due, with-
in one month after having received this number. We
hope at a future day to be able to present our subscribers
with an " Introduction to the science of Conchology'*
with plates, on the same terms.

.]

Add to the synonyms of M. papuana. Lam. — Lister,
pi. 1057.

In the observations on Sigaretus perspectivus in No. 3,
I remarked its striking similarity to Cryptostoma leachii,
Blainv. On further comparison I find that it cannot be
generically separated from that species, and the reader is
therefore requested to alter the name to Cryptostoma per-
spectiva Nob. Analogy also indicates the change of Siga-
retus maculatus, N. to Cryptostoma maculata. We shall
in our next number give the generic character of Cryptos-
toma, to be substituted for that of Sigaretus, which latter
can be retained until we publish a species of that genus.
In the 2d editiou of the Kegne Animal, Cuvier in a note
to the genus Cryptostoma says, that a species was sent
from Carolina by Mr. L'Wermenier. This was doubtless
one of the above, perhaps the perspectivus, N. and to
which he gives the name of Cr. caroiinum, Cuv., not be-
ing aware that I had loug since described it.

Of Unio glcbulus, N. Mr. Barabino has recently aent me some fine specimena
from Bayou Teche, one of which is four inches and three tenths broad and two
inches and four fifths long.

A Venericardia was presented to me sereral years since by my brother, who
obtained it on the coast of New-Jereey. I described it under the name of
cribraria, but as the specimen is imperfect I did not publish an account of it.
It is longitudinally ovate-orbicular, with twenty slightly elevated ribs, more
distant from each other than their width, decussated by concentric, aJmost
equally elevated lines. Length one inch and about three twentieth?, and
breadth one inch and one twentieth.

Can this be a variety of the borealis of Conrad? Having but a single speci"
pen I cannot determine this questioo.

No. VI. Price 81.50, coloured.
AMERICAN

CONCHOLOGY,

OH

DESCRIPTIOIVS

OP THE

SHELLS OF NORTH AMERICA.

riLtJSTRATED BT

aOLOURHD FIGURES

FROM

ORIGINAL DRAWINGS EXECUTED FROM NATURE.

.

CONTENTS.

\

Cythcrc9 albaria, S.

.

vhbQ

Limneiis catascopium, S-

-

»

" decidiosus, S.

-

"

" emarginatus,S.

>»

Na«Ba acuta, S.

-

!M

" iinicincta, iS.

■"

"• vibex,S.

.

Oetrea equcstns, S.

.

.%*<

Pectin dislocatii3, S.

-

56

" ifilandicue, MuW.

••

Petricola dactylns, Sow.

-

60

" pholadiformis. La

m. - - .

■'

Planorbis bicarinatus, S,

.

54

Ipntue, S.

-

trivolvis, S.

-

.

Unio apiculatus, S-

^

5,^

" nexus, S.

.

5)

" ^uadrulus, Raf.

*

53

NEW-HAUiUOiVV, I]VDiA^A.

VBINTCD KX TRB M. 1>BB8«,

April, 18M.

uti'iir del

Unic moras. S.

L . Lyon ■*!•

UNIO NEXUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely triangular-subrhomboidal, murh in*
/lated, thick : bmks prominent: anlcrior side much de-
pressed, in its middle elevated so as to make an almost rec-
tilinear hinge margin, Avith a broad, shallow groove, which
extends from the beak to the anterior margin : anterior
margin forming nearly a right angle with the base, ob-
tusely emarginate in the middle by the termination of the
groove : umbonial slope carinated, in consequence of the
depression of the anterior side : limiile very short : poste-
rior margin very short, rounded : colour light brownish,
obsoletely radiated : within white : cardinal teeth direct
lateral teeth rectilinear, short, with but little obliquity
posterior accessory cicatrix ob]i<|ueIy elongated, slender
anterior accessory cicatrix coniluent.

SYNONYMS.

Unio nexus, Nob.^ Transijljania Journal, vol. 4, p.

627, 18J1.

U. ARCiEFORMis, Trails. Jlmcr. Philos. Soc. vol. 4, N.
S. 1832.

PI, 51.

OBSERTATIONS.

The shell which we have designated by the above name
is closely related to triqueter Raf. ; but differs in the greater
prominence of the superior portion of the anterior margin ;
the shorter posterior margin and lunule ; the direct car-
dinal teeth, and the little obliquity of the lateral ones. It
was sent to me from Nashville by Dr. Troost. I may re-
mark that some of the shells of Cumberland river vary
much from their corresponding species of other streams,
if I may judge by several specimens which I have seen
from that river.

In stating the generic character, the number of muscu-
Jar impressions is said to be two, by which is understood,
two principal ones, for that there are many smaller ones
is familiar to all those who have examined these shells.
Dr. J. G. Klees in his" Dissertatio Inauguralis" (for which
work I am indebted to Dr. L. D. Schweinitz) says " mus-
culis duobus binis majoribus clausoribus accessoriis." Fe-
russac in his "Notice sur les Etheries" says "Presque
toutes les mulettes et les Anodontes offrent quartre im-
pressions separees, et Ton n'a point encore distingue d'une
maniere comparative celui des muscles d'attache que dans
leur position variee acquiert une predominance sur les
autres, selon la forme de I'animale la grosseur ou la figure
des valves." The four principal cicatrices of course exist
in all the species of this family, but they are sometimes so
approximated in pairs as to form but two or three separate
impressions. The several smaller cicatrices in the cavity
of the beaks indicate points of the attachment of small
dorsal muscles, for the secure support of that part of the

PI. 51.

-^c'C -''■

A /,u uiur.'L'hu^-.y.

animal. The palleal impression is also very distinct. —
These dorsal cicatrices were, no doubt, taken into account
by Merj, Mem. Acad. Rojale des Sc. for 1710, p. 409,
who saj^s that there are eight muscles attached to the in-
ner surface of the shell.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Exterior, dorB&l and interior views.
.PI. 51.

UNTO APICULATUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell subquadrate, the diameters being subequal ; sum-
mifs not very prominent : /mige margin declining, and
with the anterior margin compressed and separated by an
obtuse angle : anterior margin generally reluse : basal
margin retuse before the middle : posterior margin round-
ed : disk with a costa from the summit descending to the
anterior basal angle, which is somewhat prominent and
rounded ; behind the costa is a much dilated groove, not
very deeply impressed ; the whole surface, without excep-
tion, is studded with small, subequal eminences, which are
more or less rounded or transverse and arranged more or
less symmetrically in lines, which before the costa, curve
towards the liciament and anterior marsjin, are ansrulated in
the groove and on the middle and thence are arquated to-

PI. 52.

wards the posterior margin : within pearly white, iridesceKt
before : anterior accessonj cicatrix confluent : posterior
accessory cicatrix small, hardly distinct, rounded.

SYI^'ONYMS.

U. APicuLATUs, Nohis^ ^^ Disseminator^'' \S9,9.
U. ASPER, Amer. Philos. Trans. 1832.

OBSERVATIONS.

I obtained a few single valves of this handsome species^
from a large quantity, consisting of many wagon loads, of
the Gnathodon truncatus, Lam. (Cyrena) at New-Orleans,
during a short sojourn in that city with Mr. Maclure in 1 8-
.27. This vast heap of dead and bleached shells, had been
collected on the shore of Lake Ponchartrain, and conveyed
by means of small vessels through the canal, for the pur-
pose of covering part of the " levee" of that city, as a sub-
stitute for a pavement. I have subsequently received se-
veral good specimens from my friend I\Ir. Barabino.

In general outline and form of the disc, it has a very
close resemblance to U. quadrulus, Raf., but the surface
is in every part ornamented with crouded, elevated, more
or less rounded tubercles, not very different in point of
size, and symmetrically arranged in angulated and arqua-
ted series. Notwithstanding these differential traits, 1
think it not improbable that when we shall become bet-
ter ac(iuaintcd with this Protean genus, the apiculatus,
may be considered as a variety only of the quadrulus.

PI. 52.

-^'TTilMJiffnr^^

/ ////' ////i/t/rii/i/.s lu]f.

L.I.y

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Interior, exterior and 'ioreal views.
PI. 53.

UNIO QUADRULUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell siibquadrate, tuberculated, with a nodulous ridga

aad dilated groove.

SYNONYMS.

U. quADiiuLUS, Ii(ff.. Jinn. gtn. dcs Sc. Phys, vol. 5.

IT. RUGosus, Barnes^ Sillimans Journ^ vol. 6, p. 126.

Hildrcth SHlinimts Journ. vol. 14, p. 2S2.
U. LACRYMOsus, ? Trcms. ^flmcr. Philos. Soc. N. S. vol.

U. ASPERRIMUS, 5 ^ ^"tl 4.

DESCRIPTION.

57ic// narrowed, compressed and thin before ; short, ob-
tuse, rounded and wider behind ; beaks slightly elevated :
ligament more elevated than the beaks : liinge inar^iti
compressed, carinate ; basal 7nargin falcate, emarginate,
and compressed : anterior margin subangulatc : anterior
dorsal margin subtruncate, nearly straight : anterior ba-
sal margin projecting : epidermis dark brown, under the

PI. 53.

epidermis pearly white : surface rough and scaly, wrink-
led transversely and waved longitudinally, having distinct
irregular transversely compressed tubercles ; a broad no-
dulus, elevated, somewhat double ridge extending from
the beaks to the anterior basal edge, and projecting on
that part ; a broad furrow or wave behind the ridge end-
ing in the emarginate basal edge, and a furrow before
separating the anterior hinge and anterior dorsal margin :
cardinal teeth sulcated : lateral tooth striated, rough, and
in the left valve somewiiat double : posterior muscular
impression deep and partly rough : cavity of the beaks slU'
gular, compressed and directed backward under the car-
dinal tooth : 7iaker pearly white, and on the fore part iri-
descent.

OBSERVATIONS.

The above is Barnes' description of this strongly mark-
ed, common species. It is an inhabitant of the Ohio and
its tributaries, and approximates, by its varieties to some
of the varieties of U. bullatus, Raf. Barnes compares it
with the U. verrucosus, Kaf., to which, however, it has
but a remote affinity. 1 have received specimens from
Dr. Hildreth of Marietta and Mr. Barabino of New-Or-
leans. The impressions of the plate, with Barnes' name
of rugosus, w^ere colored before I received the '-Monograph
of the Bivalve shells of the Ohio," the faithful translation
of which, Mr. Poulson presented to me.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The internal, external and dorsal tIow*.
PI. 58.

/.. j

^QJ

M" Xn' />r/.

I r/,ii/iiihis I, III U.S. •">■

•J liir,>/ii.s. .V

,5 ■ liicdiiiiiiliis . .V

64

OXIJ

PLANORBIS.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell univalve, thin, fragile, discoidal or revolving in
the same horizontal plane ; concave above and beneath,
the spire, being impressed ; aperture rounded-ovate, en-
tire at base, the labia interrupted by the convexity of the
penultimate volution ; labrum simple ; operculum none.
Animal depressed spiral sinistral ; foot rounded, small ;
tentacula two, long, slender, contractile ; eyes at the in-
ner base of the tentacula ; mouth someviiiat cxertile,
armed above with a lunate, simple tooth, and beneath with
small cartilaginous hooks ; pulmonary orifice on the col-
lar, near that of the vent ; genitals on the same side, and
separate, that of the male near the tentaculum, of the fe-
male at the margin of the collar.

OBSERVATIONS.

Lister first separated these shells by placing them in a
distinct section of the fluviatile kinds. In 1756 Guettard
characterized the genus very accurately, both the animal
and its shell, and applied to it the name by which it isnov^r
universally known. Adanson and Gcoffroy afterwards
adopted the genus, the former under the name of Goret.
Although this natural genus appeared to be thus firmly es-
tablished, our great master Linne subsequently placed the
species in the genus Helix, without any distinction what-

Pl, £4.

«ver ; an arrangement however in which he was not fol-
lowed by any of the distinguished naturalists who succeed-
ed him.

Lamarck in his earlier works, placed the genus near
Ampularia, deceived perhaps by the equivocal characters
of A. cornu arietes, which he supposed to be a Planorbis,
but he afterwards referred the genus to its true place in
the family of Pulmonea Aquatica. next to Limneus. Like
all the species of tills family the Planorbis never reside in
deep water, but frequent the shores where they can resort
to the surface to inhale tlie air. They inhabit fresh water
and abound in various parts of the globe.

The shell of Planorbis has the appearance of being si-
nistral, and this character has been almost universally sta-
ted in the generic definition ; several conchologists, how-
ever, are now of the opinion that it is dextral, notwithstand-
ing the sinistral form of the animal. Des Moulins in the
'• Actes de la Soc. Linn, de Bordeaux," says that " the shell
of the Planorbis is essentially dextral." Deshayes in his
account of this genus says that it is only necessary to exa-
mine the greater number of the species and to compare
them with the d«xtral Limneus and sinistral Physa, to be
convinced, that in the normal position, the shell of Pla-
norbis is truly dextral ; but that the animal is really sinis-
tral ; and he thinks we ought rather to admit that a sinis-
tral animal has a dextral shell, than that the aperture is
not in the normal direction, cci responding wilh that of all
shells yet discovered ; and that there is an evident contra-
diction between the animal and iis shell, as is also exhibit-
ed in the Ilaliotis and probably in Ancylus.
p;. 54.

The species are rather numerous and Deshayes describes
eleven fossil species of the environs of Paris.

In the following descriptions the shells are considered as
sinistral.

VI 54.

PLANORBIS LENTUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell dull brownish or yellowish brown, sub-carinate
above, particularly in the young shell ; lohirls nearly five,
striate across with five, raised, subequidistant lines, form-
ing grooves between them ; .s/)?Ve concave ; aperture large,
embracing a large portion of the penultimate volution ;
labrum more acutely, but not very prominently arquated
above, its basal portion horizontally subrectilinear in the
adult and not extending below the level of the base.

OBSERVATIONS.

1 obtained this species in the canal at New-Orleans and
\ am indebted to INlr. Maclure and also to Mr. Barabino
for many fine specimens collected in the vicinity of that
city. I also found the same species at Ojo de Agua, Mex-
ico, when travelling in that countrj' with INIr. Maclure.
It differs from the following species in having the labrum
less prominent above, and the basal portion of this part
being in the adult horizontally subrectilinear so as not to

Pi 54.

touch a plane on which the base of the shell may rest ; the
aperture also is more transverse.

KErERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. L Two views ; natural size,

p:. 54.

PLANORBIS TKIVOLVIS.

DESCRIPTION.

^/jc// yellowish white, brownish or chestnut color, sub*
carinate above and beneath, jDarticularly in the young
shell ; ivhirls four, striate across with five, raised, equi-
distant, acute lines, forming grooves between them ; spire
concave, rather deeply impressed ; aperture large, embra-
cing a considerable portion of the penultimate volution;
■imthin bluish white ; labrum a little thickened on the in-
ner submargin, and more acutely and rather prominently
arquatcd above ; its basal arquation extending below the
level of the base ; animal dark ferruginous or dusky, with
very numerous, confluent, pale-yellowish points, which
also extend upon the tentacula.

#

SYNONYMS.

P. TRivoLvis, S., <Rmer. Ed. of Nic/ioIson''s Encyc.^ Jlr-

tide Conchologi/i pi. 2, f. 2.
C^- :ifXA, TRiuM onniLM, Lister, Conch, pi. 140, f. 46.
PjiTi viiu, Gazophijl, pi. 106. f. 17.

PI. 54.

ODSERVATlONS.

This is an inhnbitant of the middle and northern States
and is very common in many districts. I have found it in
Pennsylvania, Newjersey, Delaware, Maryland, Falls of
Niagara, Upper Canada and in the vicinity of Council Bluff
on the Missouri. Dr. Eights sent me specimens from Al-
bany, New- York, and Mr. Jessup gave several from Caj'U-
ga lake. Lister gives two pretty good figures of this shell
and quotes Virginia as the native locality. MuIIer, Gme-
lin and Dillwyn, incorrectly refered to Lister's figures a?
Helix albella, but the latter author in his edition of Lister
agrees with us in considering them as representations of
the present species.

HEFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fip. ?. Two viewf ; natural sire.
PI. C4.

PLANOIJBIS BICARINATUS.

DESCRIPTION*.

Shell yellowish-white or brownish, suucarinale nbove
and beneath ; ichirk rather more than tliree, irregularly
wrinkled across and with minute revolvinc; lines ; spire
profoundly impressed, obconic ; ^/?fr///rc large, embracing
a considerable portion of the preceding volution ; lahrum

PI. 54.

prominently and almost acutely vaulted above ; its basal
portion not extending below the level of the base ; some-
times expanded ; animal ferruginous, with numerous yel-
lowish dots ; tentacula dotted and flexuous.

SYNONYMS.

p. BicARiNATus, S., Amev. Ed. af Nicholson's Encycl.f

Article Conchology, pi. 1, fig. 4.
Helix angulatus, Backet, Linn. Trans, vol. 13, p. 42,

pi. 5, fig. 1.
P. BICARINATUS, Sowcrby's Genera.

OBSERVATIONS.

It has some resemblance to the trivolvis, but differs in
the remarkably umbilicated form of the spire; it is also
irregularly wrinkled, and is furnished with minute strix,
never visible in that species; the superior portion of the
labrum is more prominently vaulted, and the carinas are
more conspicuous. It is an inhabitant of the same exten-
sive region as the trivolvis, and was obtained from Lake
Huron by Mr. Racket, whose name had been previously
applied in this genus by Brard. in the Ann. du Museum,
vol. 14.

It is remarkable that Sowerby has represented this spe-
cies under the name of bicarinatus, apparently without be-
ing aware that I had previously described it under the
same name.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 3, Two views ; natural bIzo.
PI. 54.

^

Vt'ScLy M.

1 Liinnnvf emaiyinatuf. S'
i-- - - . . 4'atciscop.uim. S.
d.. . . (L'cidiosif!: , S.

66

L.L,

LIMNEUS EMARGINATUS.

DESCKIPTION.

Shell subovate, somewhat thin, transhicent, ventricose :
volutions nearly four, convex : suture deeply impressed :
j^y /re somewhat prominent, eroded : aperture iwo thirds of
the length of the shell : columella with the fold very deep.

SYJsONYM.

L. EMARGINATUS, S. Joum. Jiccul. Nut. Sc. vol. 2, p. 170.

OBSEliVATIONS.

This is a somewhat larger, and considerably more ven-
tricose species than L. catascopium, S., and the undula-
tion of the columella is much more profound. In gene-
ral obesity it has a resemblance to L. inflatus, Brong. It
was first sent to me by Mr. Aaron Stone from the lakes
of Maine. Dr. Bigsby presented me with a sj)ecimen
which he obtained in Upper Canada, and 1 have recently
received several from Mr. Titian Peale, also found in
Maine, one of which is double the size of the figure repre-
sented in our plate.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 1, Back and front views; natural size.
PI. 55.

LIMNEUS CATASCOPIUM.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell oblong-ovate, moderately thin, brownish horn co-
lour: tchirls four or five, wrinkled across, convex, de-
creasing to an acute apex ; ste/wre well impressed: aper-
ture not much dilated, suboval : columella with the fold
not remarkably profound.

SYNONYM.

L. CATASCOPIUM, S., Jlmer. Ed. of A'icholson's Encycl
Article Conc/iology.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species is abundant in the river Delaware ; it is al-
so an inhabitant of the Schuylkill, and specimens were
sent me from Albany on the Hudson by Dr. Eights.

Its European analogue is the L. peregrum., L., from
which it may be distinguished by a deeper fold of the co-
lumella and a more acute curvature of the inferior portion
of the aperture. The animal is dull yellowish, sprinkled
with small, often confluent, paler dots. It may be found
abundantly during the recess of the tide, about the smaller
streams through which the marshy grounds are drained,
in company with several other shells. Like otlicrspccies'
both of the present and other allied genera, it not only
glides upon the surface of solid bodies, but proceeds along
the surface of the water, the shell downward, with regular-

Pl. .-55.

ity of motion and apparent ease. In this case the revert-
ed foot of the animal is concave, and the surface of the wa-
ter within its circumference is compelled to a correspond-

ing figure.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 2, back and front viewa ; natural size.

LIMNEUS DECIDIOSUS.

UESCRIPl ION.

Shell oblong-subconic, acute : volutions five, convex, the
fourth and fifth small, the second rather large : suture well
impressed : aperture about equal to the length of the spire :
columella with the fold not deeply impressed : umbilicus
obvious, but verj narrow.

SYNONYM.

L. DECiDiosLSj S., Journ. Jlcad, Nat. S. vol. 2, p. 169.

OBSERVATIONS.

Several specimens were ]>resented to me by Mr. Au-
gustus Jessup who obtained them in Cayuga lake, New-
York and my brother B. iSay subsequently ascertained it

PI. &5.

to be an inhabitant of Pennsylvania : found also near New-
Harmony by Lesueur. It resembles L. elodes. S., but is
somewhat smaller, the whorls more convex, one less in
mimbcr and the fold of the columella is less deeply im-
pressed.

REFERENCE TO THE PILATK.

Kiigf. S, Back aad front vjewa : nattifsi sikc.
PI 65-

■■^wsfeaett^

i

a

.5.«a^ .

/.^/

/--^..v.A '

PECTEN.

GENERIC CHARACTEn.

Shell free, bivalve, inequivaive, thin, auriculated, equila-
teral j hinge margin tninsverse, rectilinear, connected
throughout by a ligament, the cartilage being interior, fix«
ed in a triangular fosset of each valve under the apex,'
apices contiguous, not elevated ; muscular impression
large, subccntral ; palleal impression without sinus: ani
m«/suborbicular ; foot very small, sometimes with a bys«=
sus ; mantle fringed with tentacular papill£e, of which the
series is interrupted somewhat regularly by shorter cylin'
drical processes terminating in oculiform disks ; mouth
large, transverse, surrounded with fringed lobes, and with
a thin lamellated palp on each side ; anus free ; branchiae
large.

OBSERVATIONS.

The numerous species of shells which form this very
beautiful and natural genus, inhabit, almost universally
the margins of the marine portion of the globe, from the
torrid zone to the inhospitable shores of the Polar seas.
Attracted by the regularity of their furm and the beauty
of their colouring the ancients distinguished them as ,t
group from all other shells. Aristotle and Pliny indica-
ted several species, and compared them to a comb or pec-
ten from the similitude of their ornamental rib-formed

PI. 56.

;r&dii. Distinguished artists have judged them worthy of
representation on their canvas, and the voluptuous form
of Venus is seen supported on the waves by the valve of a
pecten, A beautiful species which inhabits a portion of
the Pacific is deified by the natives of some of the islands
iu that ocean. In catholic countries they are commonly
called Saint James' shells, and the pilgrims who visited the
shrine of St. James of Compostella, in Spain, were careful
to attach one or more to their dress, collected on the neigh-
bouring shore, where they abound.

It is not a little surprising that although all the earlier
writers separated these shells from others as a natural
group, yet our great master Linne placed them in his ge-
nus Ostrea, notwithstanding the striking difference in the
structure of their animals, already indicated by Lister and
others. Bruguiere corrected this error and restored them
to the just rank of a separate genus, now universally ac-
knowledged. The family of Pectinides to which it be-
longs is composed of the genera Lima, Plagiostoma, Pe-
dum, Peclen, Hinnite, Plicatula, Spondylus and Podop-
sis. The latter is so nearly related to Spondylus, and Pla-
giostoma so closely resembles Lima that it has been pro-
posed to suppress them both, which would leave but six
genera. Sowerby insists that Hinnite cannot be a separate
genus, but must be reunited to pecten. Of these the three
first only are symmetrical, and furnished with a byssus.
The apices of Lima are distant and the auricles are simi-
lar in both valves. The ligament in Pedum is inserted in
a canaliform fosset on the inner face of the summits, pro-
longed into the interior.

PI. 56.

The ears of Pccten are equal in some species and une*
qual in others, but generally on one of the valves one of,
the ears is deeply emarginated beneath, to admit the pas-
sage ot the byssus, by which the animal attaches itself to
foreign bodies, as represented by Reaumur in Mem. Acad.
Iloyale dcs Sc, 1711, pi. 2, fig. 12. Some species have a
small divergent tooth on each side of the cardinal fosset in
one valve, and corresponding depressions in the opposite
valve. In many species are several very small tubercles
or teeth, at the base of the emarginated ear extending from
near the apex to a point beyond tlie ear.

Many of the Mollusca are fixed during life to one spot,
others glide along with a slow and regular snailliiLc move-
ment ; but locomotion in this genus is rapid, and by a suc-
cession of springs or leaps. An alternate motion of open-
ing and quickly and forceably closing the valves, enables
them to rise to the surface, and they sometimes make small
leaps above it in ricochet. When left upon tlie beach by
the recession of the tide, tliry regain the water by the
same action. INIr. Lesson immersed a basket of Pectens
in the water of the sea, within about six inches of its rim.
The individuals, he says, which fcrmed tlie superior lay-
er, constrained in their movements by those that were be-
neath, after many fruitless efTorts, succeeded in leaping
from their prison. No sooner did they fall upon the Vi :i-
tt r. tlinn by striking their valves rapidly together. Vnvv
ran or rather skipped a few seconds upon the surface and
then sunk to the bottom. In this way all the contents of
the basket disappeared within fifteen minutes. Smellie
repeats from Pliny that " wlun the sea is eahu, troeps, or
little flrcts of Scallops, are often observed swimming <.n

the surface. They raise one valve of their shell above the
surface, which becomes a kind of sail, while the other re-
mains under the water, and answers the purpose of an an-
chor, by steadying the animal and preventing its being
overset. When an enemy approaches, they instantly shut
their shells, plunge to the bottom, and the whole fleet dis-
appears !" We have not learned that this remarkable flo-
tilla has been observed since the time of Pliny,

Blany of the species are esteemed as food and are expos-
ed for sale in the markets. They are commonly known
by the name of Scallop, and the English collectors call
ihem Fans in allusion to their form. D'ilerbigny says
that in Italy they are called cape sante, in Holland man-
ieis ; in Languedoc coquUks large^ m Brittany and Low-
er Normandy, Kojiches. Deshayes enumerates two hun*
dred species, more of which are fossil than living.

PECTEN ISLANDICUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell suborbicular, with numerous rays -, orange or ru-
fous, with darker concentric bands,

SYNONYMS.

OsTREA isLANDicA, Mulkr^ Chemti. and Mart. Conch.
vol. 7, p. 3 14, and 318, pi, 6.3, fig. 615 and 616, GmeL
Lam. an. sans vert. p. 474. DesJu EncycL Melh. p. 724,
pi. 212, fig. 1.

OSTREA CINNABARINA, Bom. 3IllS. p. 103- JDUiw, Cu-

tal. p. 256.
Pecten I'EALEH, Vonrttd, Murine Cavch. p. 1 2, pi. 2,f. 2.
Lister Conch, pi, 1057, fig. 4. (The ears are rejTesent-
ed as being equal.) iSeba Mus. pi. 87, fig. 7. Olcffsm,
Voyage, pi. 10, fig. 1, (Huitre.)

DESCRIPTION.

Shell with very numerous, elevated, somewhat scaly ra-
diating lines, alternately smaller, incrt-a^ing in number ac-
cording to the growth of the shell to upwards of an hun-
dred ; intervals reticulated ; ears unequal, beneath the
emarginated one are five or six little teeth ; valves not ve-
ry unequal, of a reddish or orange coloi;r, >vilh many con-
centric darker bands and about thi«^(: paler radii ; on the
flatter valve the colours are much paler ; edge jagged with
the produced elevated lines : within the convex valve is a

PI. 56.

arge purplish spot, scmetimcs occupying a considerable
portion of the surface.

ODSERVATIONS.

Several fine specimens were sent to me a few years
since by Dr. Harris, who obtained them from Dr. Bass of
Boston ; they were taken by fishermen in Chaleur's bay,
New-Brunswick. Dr. Storer has not yet found it near
Boston.

Mr. T. Peale presented a specimen, which he found on
the coast of Maine. According to Dillwyn it has been
found on the coast of Scotland, and Banks procured one
from the stomach of a cod fish on the banks of Newfound-
land. The late Mr. S. Coates of Philadelphia had an in-
individual in his collection, which was drawn up on the
lead by Capt. Coffin, in fifty-two fathoms water, on the
eastern edge of the banks of Newfoundland in latitude
45 deg. 40 min. Linne obtained it at West Gothland,
and Olafisen in Iceland.

It varies much in depth of colouring and one in my col-
lection has the convex valve dark purplish both within
and without, destitute of bands, and the opposite valve is
tinted with purplish within on the upper half. Mr. Peale's
specimen is more of an uniform dull orange both within
and without, and with but little appearance cf bauds.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 1, Eiterior and a portion ol the interior views.
1 a. A small portion of the exterior surface magnified,
PI 56.

PECTEN DISLOCATUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell suborbicular, with twenty or twenty-two elevated
rounded ribs and very numerous concentric wrinkles,
which are transversely rectilinear between the ribs and
equidistant ; longitudinal striae none ; whitish tinged with
yellow or reddish, with a few narrow, transverse, inter-
rupted and dislocated sanguineous undulated bands ; a^uri-
cles equal.

SYNONYM.

P. DISLOCATUS, S. Journ. dead. Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 260.
Encyc. Meth. pi. 213, fig. 3.

OBSERVATIONS.

The specimen represented in the annexed plate I obtain-
ed on the coast of South Carolina, where it is rare. I do
not know that the figure referred to above has been quoted
by any author excepting Dillwyn under the P. opercula-
ris, L. Mr. Conrad considers the dislocatus as identical
with the purpuratus. Lam.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 2, Exterior of a valve.

3 a. A email portion of the exterior lurface nagnifed.

PI. 66,

J CL.

M'~.''i'^^'^'<i

^5 7

NASSA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell univalve, subovate, ventricose, or sublurreted,
acute ; aperture suborbicular, eniargiiiated and reflected at
base ; labium with a more or le^s dilated callosily or calca-
reous deposite ; labrum striated or sulcated within ; oper-
culum horny ; animal depressed ; tentacula two, conic-
cjlindric, inflated at the ejes ; eyes near tlie exterior mid-
dle of the tentacula ; proboscis very short or obsolete ;
mantle folded into a distinct tube before ; orifice of the
oviduct situated on the right at the opening of the bran-
chial cavity ; branchiee pectiniform, unequal, nearly paral-
lel ; male organ on the right side of the neck ; anus on
the right ; foot large, prominent and angular before, at-
tenuated behind.

OBSERVATIONS.

Deshayes informs us that Klein first used this generic
term for some shells of a reticulated surface, havinii; a fan-
cied resemblance to the '• Nasse d'osier" or willow net of
fishermen. Lamark, however, first separated the present
genus from the Linmean Buccinum, but has subsequently
reunited it as a subgenus. In lliis arrangement many dis-
tinguished authors coincide, as Cuvier, liiainville, Ferus-
sac (in his Tabl. Syst.) and Deshayes. Sowerby and s^me
other naturalists still sep.Tratc it as a distinct genus nearly

related to Cassis : Montfort carries the division still fur-
ther, and divides the Nassau into Phos, Alectrion and Cy-
clops, and Schumacher has also separated from it a fev^
species, under the name of Nana, neither of which have
been admitted by the best authorities ; and it is not im-
probable that Nassa itself may be ultimately admitted uni-
versally as only a subgenus of Buccinum.

The species are numerous and are both recent and fossil.
They feed on animal food and they sometimes devour the
animal of some bivalve shells such as Tellina alternata,
S. and one of the valves of this species often exhibits a
neatly formed, round pertoration, near the umbo, bored
by a Nassa. These shells are sometimes smooth, but more
generally with impressed striae or grooves ; others are re-
ticulated so as to appear granulated or tuberculated.

A remarkable, depressed and even transverse species, the
neritea, L. of which Montfort formed his genus Cyclops,
differs so much in appearance from the usual form, that
Gmelin considered it a variety of vestiarius, L. the type
of the genus Rotella, and 1 observed it in a cabinet, arrang-
ed with species of that genus, from which it is in reality
so widelv distinct.

NASSA UNICINCTA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell yellowish-white, or cinereous, subovate-conic ;
whirls with numerous revolving lines and transverse un-

ri. 57.

dulations, the former eleven or twelve in number, with'
often a smaller one in the intervening spaces ; undulations
about ten on the body whirl, placed at the distance of
their own diameters apart, and somewhat closer on the
spire ; whirls eight ; apex acute ; body whirl w^ith a
brown, narrow band, sometimes obsolete, interrupted by
the undulations and consisting of about two spots in each
of the intervening spaces ; lahrum within with ten paral-
lel stria?, which revolve on the inner surface of the shell ;
labium in the middle concave, with about two obsolete
striae, and a more profound one at base.

SYNONYai.

N. UNiciNCTA, S. Journ. Acad, Nat. Sc. vol. 5, p, 211.

OBSERVATIONS.

I am indebted to the late Mr. Stephen Elliott for this
species, who found it on the coast of South Carolina. In
the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia is a shell from the Antilles, resembling this,
and although the striae of the labrum are double in the
former, yet it is probable that the two shells will be found
to constitute one species, when more specimens shall be
examined and compared.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATK.

.Fig- 1. Front of the shell.

I a. iMognified detail of a portion of the body whirl.
PI. 57.

NASSA VIBEX.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell cancellate, ventricose, cinereous or whitish with
pale reddish brown narrow bands ; with two or three
broad sometimes obsolete darker fascia within ; body whirl
with twelve thick, prominent longitudinal costa, and
about as many revolving filiform lines, which are not
much elevated, and but simply crenate the costae and la-
brum ; labrum thickened both externally and internally,
with about four or five teeth within ; labium very concave,
eallousj with an impressed line at base , spire short, rapid-
ly attenuated to an acute tip.

SYNONYM.

N. viEEX, S, Journ. Acad, Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 231.

OBSERVATIONS.

I obtained a few specimens on our southern coast, and
my brother brought me one from the coast of Newjersey.
I have since received a very perfect individual from the
Academy of Natural Sciences, and several specimens from
Dr. Ravenel of Charleston, a gentleman who has devoted
much attention to the shells of that region and to whom I
£m indebted for numerous interesting species.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fi^c-. 2, Front view of the shell.
F.i. 57.

NASSA ACUTA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell conic-acute, whitish, cancellated so as to appear
granulated ; granules prominent, somewhat transverse, the
longitudinal grooves a little more profound than the spiral
ones which are about six in number ; spire longer than the
body whirl, slender towards the tip, acute ; suture impress-
ed, but not profoundly ; beak distinguished by a depression
from the body w hirl, and slightly reflected ; lahrum thick-
ened within and without and with elevated lines within,
which do not attain to the edge.

SYNONYM.

N. ACUTA, S. Journ. dead, Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 234.

OBSERVATIONS.

This species occurs not unfrequently on our southern
coasts.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Fig. 3, Front view.
PI. 57.

(^iJWm^.

1

^^^^^rtx ۥ(.// if. ^/(ry^c. S

■}■:?

OSTHEA,

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell bivalve, attached, fuliaceous. inacquivalve, irregu-
lar; apices becoming very unequal by a^e, the position of
the superior valve being gradually changed with respect
to the lower valve produces a corresponding elongation of
the inferior apex : superior valve depressed ; inferior valve
larger, concave ; liinge without teeth, tripartite, the mid-
dle portion in the inferior valve being a longitudinal groove
for the reception of the cartilage, corresponding with a
convexity of the upper valve ; ligament attached to the la-
teral portions ; muscular im])ression cue. large, subcen-
tral.

Animal depressed, margins of the mantle thick, not ad-
lierent, retractile, with a double range of short and numer-
ous tentacular filaments ; labial palpi long triangular ; foot
none ; muscle bipartite, subccntral, no prominent syphon
and no byssus.

OBSERVATIONS.

Oysters arc familiar to the knowledge of all those who
reside in maratime districts, in almost every part of the
globe. Under a rugged and irregular exterior is included
an animal which supplies the most delicate food. and which
has accordingly been eagerly sought for in all ages, as one
of the chief luxuries of the table. Although the consump-

ri. 53.

tion of them has been immense from the time of the Bo-
mans to the present day, yet such is the rapidity of their
increase, tha-t their abundance does not appear to be limit-
ed. It is believed that the Romans first devised the pre-
sent method of improving their good qualities, by trans-
porting them when young to favorable situations, where
there is an admixture of fresh waiter. The shells were
used by the Athenians in the performance of their right of
suffrage, during the earlier periods of their government,
and the sentence of condenmation or acquital of the ar-
raigned, was marked upon a shell ; whence the word os-
tracism had its origin.

The oysters of England are held in higher estimation
than those of Germany, France or Italy. We are inform-
ed that a foreign embassador at the Hague gave a sumptu-
ous entertainment, during which oysters were introduced,
that were supposed by their color to be from England.
But all who ate of them were immediately seized with
violent and continued vomiting. On enquiry it was as-
certained that the oyslerman had tinted the common oys-
ter with verJegris, to obtain a high price for them as En-
glish oysters.

It is related of Apicius that he had a method of preserv-
ing oysters for a long time and that he sent them from Ita-
ly to the Emperor Trajan in Persia, as fresh as the day
they were taken from the water. There is doubtless some
exaggeration in this, and it is probable that his method
may not have been preferable to that of our oystermen,
who transport the animal in kegs to great distances. Al-
drovandus and others of the earlier writers, entertained a '
singular and erroneous notion relative to the crab and the

PI. 58.

Oyster. They state that the crab, in order to obtain the
animal of the oyster without danger to their own claws.
watch their opportunity when the shell is open, to ad-
vance without noise and cast a pebble between their shells^
to prevent their closing, and then extract the animal in
safety. " What craft !" exclaims the author " in animals
that arc destitute of reason and voice." We scarcely need
to add, that the craft existed only in the imagination of a
person who may have seen a crab feeding on an oyster
that had fortuitously closed on a pebblc.

In the acceptation of Linne the genus Ostrea included
numerous species of various types of organization and ex-
terior character,although Lister had already circumscribed
the boundaries with correctness. From Linne's genus,
Bruguiere separated Pecten, Perna and Pedum, which
are provided with a byssus. Lamarck conducted the
analysis still further and formicd the genera Gryphara, Li-
ma and Malleus. Of these the two latter are attached
by a byssus. Lamark gives the following characters to
his family of Ostracea : " Ligament interior or half inte-
rior. Shell irregular, foliaceous, sometimes papyraceous."
It comprehends his genera Gryphaea, Ostrea, Vulsella,
Placunaand Anomia. The two latter have the ligament
interior, and Vulsella which is closely allied, is imbcded in
sponges, and has a cardinal callosity in each valve, extend-
ing somewhat into tae inter!(.r. Grypha^a is now by most
authors considered as a group of the present genus, distin-
guished from the others only by the curved umbo, an\I 1
may remark that I possess an individual of O. virginiea,
which has the incurved apex of Gryphaea.

PI.

In the generic character we hare mentioned but one
muscular impression. There is however at least one other,
which is very small and situated near the hinge, for the
support of the back of the animal.

OSTREA EQUESTRIS„

DESCRIPTlONo

Shell small, with transverse wrinkles, and more or less
deeply and angularl}^ folded longitudinally ; ovate-trian-
gular, tinted with violaceous ; lateral margins near the
hinge with from six to twelve denticulations of the supe-
rior valve received into corresponding cavities of the infe-
rior valve ; superior valve depressed but slightly folded;
inferior valve convex, attached by a portion of its surface,
the margins elevated, folds unequal, much more profound
than those of the superior valve ; hitigc very narrow, and
curved laterally and abruptly.

OBSERVATIONS.

This small species is remarkable for the very abrupt la-
teral curvature of the beak, the continued line of which
may be traced in favorable specimens on the exterior and
inferior part of the umbo.

I obtained several specimens on the coast of Florida, at-
tached to various objects, and Dr. Kavenel of Charleston

PI. 58,

sent me the individual represented in the upper part of the
plate. It is seated on a Conopea elonsala, S. which is at-
tached to a branch of our common Gorgojna. He cbtain-
it at Sullivan's island. The tendency towards the de-
pressed spiral form in this shell, evinced by the great obli-
quity of the cardinal portion, which hardly protrudes be-
yond the margin, would arrange it with the genus Gry-
phaea in the estimation of some authors ; a group, how^ever,
which we consider as a mere subdivision of the present
genus. On the lower part of the plate is represented one
of many specimens which I obtained in Florida attached
to various objects. It seems to be closely related to a fos-
sil of Virginia, to which Mr. Conrad has given the name
of O. solea, but as m}^ specimen of that shell is imperfect
and 1 have not his description, 1 cannot determine the de-
gree of affinity ; it may possibly be a variety of that spe-
cies. I have also a specimen from the Antilles, and another
that is reversed o

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

The two upper figures ; natural size. .'Middle figures, interior of the :wo
ralvcs, magnified.
Loiver figure, a large specimen, exterior view.
PI. id.

'?>

CYTHEREA.

GENEUIC ClIAUACTER.

Shell bivalve, equivalve, inequilateral, suborbicular.tri-
gonate or transverse ; four cardinal teeth on one valve,
three of which diverge from the summit and one is isola-
ted, situated under the luniile ; three divergent cardinal
teeth upon the other valve, and a fossetat a little distance-
parallel to the lunule margin ; no lateral teeth.

OBSERVATrONS.

A genus of beautiful marine shells, included by Linne
in the genus Venus, but separated by Lamarck in conse-
quence of the middle tooth of the hinge being profoundly
divided into two and the posterior tooth being distant and
parallel to the lunule edge. The name of Meretrix which
that author lirst applied to this genus he subsequently
thought proper to reject in favor of the present designa-
tion. An allied genus the Astarte of Sowcrby (Crassina,
Lam.) has but two teeth in each valve. Cyclas, Cyrena
and Megadesma have remote lateral teeth ; Cyprina has
one remote lateral tooth, and the posterior muscular im-
pression of Lucina is elongated.

The species are numerous, inhabitants of almost every

shore, and are imbeded in many fossil localities. The

Japanese and Chinese paint and gild the innerside of C.

lusoria with various devices and make use of it in their

games of chance, whence its name,
ri. 57.

CYTHEREA ALBARIA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong-ovate, inequilateral, wrinkles
of grov^'th more obvious tow^ards the margin, somewhat
polished, with a slight appearance of rather broad, nu-
merous radii ; beaks a little prominent in consequence of
the concave curvature of the posterior dorsal margin ; lu-
nule rather large, impressed, distinct, oblong-cordate ;/}os-
feriorside prominent: cmterior dor aal margin slightly ar-
quated, depressed, towards the beaks obtusely carinated on
the submargin ; anterior tip narrowed and rounded ;
u?27Am, margin simple; fossd of the posterior tooth siin
pie.

OBSERVATIONS.

This fossil shell was sent to me by the late Mr. Stephen
Elliott who informed me that it was found on the banks
of the Santee river, below the coniluence of the Congaree
and Wateree rivers in South Carolina. It is proportion-
ally broader than C. lilacina, Lam., and much less broad
than C. gigantea, Gni. of Florida. The specimen is very
much thickened within on the inner side of the palleal
impression, which is deeply sinuous anteriorly.

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Dorsal and exterior views of a valve.

.. --^r^ie^.

V".S«v.Z/r/.

SfcSy**^"'

" "■" '/fis^

>^

■■-S?55=<;_

/^f^f fCf^a- /t./itr'/i^c/tjc'r/n'.^. Z.<^-f

PETRICOLA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell bivalve, transverse, subtrigoiiate, or oblonj^, ine-
quilateral, rounded behind, anteriorly narro^Yed and a lit-
tle gaping; hinge having one or two teeth on each valve,
or upon one of the valves only ; palleal impression pro-
foundly sinuous anteriorly.

Animal with two syphons, divided only at tip, unequal
in length and diameter, contractile within the shell ;
mantle thicker on the margin and united, with a very
small opening for the rudimental conic fool ; mantle very
small, transverse, chieily concealed by two lips, which are
extended laterally into small triangular palpi.

OBSERVATIONS.

Lamarck in his last work, united Rupellaria of Bellevue
to his Petricola, in his family Lithophaga, which, as its
name implies, contains those genera of shells, wliich arc
destitute of accessory pieces and have the remarkable pro-
perty of penetrating calcareous rocks and thus establish-
ing for themselves a permanent and secure dwelling. This
family consists of three genera, Saxicava, Petricola and
Venerupis, which are closely allied. The hinge of the
former is destitute of teeth, or, in some instances has only
obsolete tubercles, and the syphons of the animal are longer
than in the present genus and united to the extremity in

PI. 6V.

one fleshy envelope, not retractile within the shell, but
always in part exposed. Yenerupis approaches nearer to
Venus in the number of its teeth, which, however, are not
divaricated as in the latter genus.

The means by which these animals penetrate dense calca-
reous substances, has been discussed by many able writers,
without a satisfactory solution of the problem. Some
have supposed that the operation is effected by the friction
of the valves of the shell ; but the valves of some species
are very thin and not so dense as the substance they pene-
trate, and never exhibit any abrasion of their attenuated
edges. Others contend that a peculiar acid or solvent must
be secreted by some appropriate organ, which dissolves
the rock by a chemical action ; but neither anatomy nor
chemistry have exhibited proofs in support of this opinion,
and in this state of uncertainty we are stiil left to conjec-
ture and analogy. We know that the power of penetra-
ting calcareous substances, as well as wood and extremely
dense earth, is not confined to animals of this family, but
that many others bore through shells to devour the inha-
bitant, with too small a hole to admit any part of their own
shell, and numerous other species as their whirls revolve
in the growth, remove the asperities of the preceding vo-
lution as the aperture approaches them. This effect is ob-
servable in almost all rough univalve shells ; some indeed
cover their slight inequalities with the calcareous deposite
of the labium, but whenever the inequality is prominent,
it is sure to be removed at the aperture, and it would seem
that the operation may possibly be, in some instances at
least, effected by the constant action of the soft parts of
the animal, or by the agency of absorbents acting on the

PI, 60.

iiltim ate particles. This operation is by no means extra-
ordinary, as every anatomist is aware that the bony por-
tions of the animal frame are universally modified by the
action of the softer parts. In many of the Annelides we
find animals of a very soft, almost gelatinous structure,
penetrating the hardest calcareous rocks, and into the sub-
stance of the thick valves of many shells. These analo-
gies lead us to the conclusion that the Lithophaga exca-
vate a lodgement in solid substances not by the friction or
boring of their shells, but by the operation of their soft
parts upon them, and not, as a distinguished naturalist has
recently supposed, exclusively by maceration of their an-
imal mucus. There are however some facts which seem
to indicate the presence of a solvent. Mr. Osier has a
specimen of a hard calcareous rock in which small masses
of silex remain in relief on the sides of excavations formed
by Saxicava rugosa and Vcncrupis irus ; and another spe-
cimen of lime mixed with argil, in which the progress of
three Saxicavas was arrested by a thin layer purely argila-
ceous.

PETHICOLA PHOLADIFORMIS.

DLSCltlFriOX.

Shell transversely elongated, white : poslcrior sidr vcrv
short ; anterior side a little gaping : hinge and dorsal nuir_
g-ins nenrly parallel: surface longitudinally radiated wit!i
elevated lines, which, anterior to the niiddlearc but slightly

PL 60.

prominent, filiform, sometimes obsolete anteriorly, and
behind the middle are seven or eight fornicated costae ;
concentric wrinkles more obvious and somewhat undu-
lated on the anterior margin ; lunule ovate-acute, simply
sculptured with the concentric wrinkles ; ivithin radiated
with strongly indented lines, which are obsolete on the
anterior margin ; teeth two in each valve, the posterior one
of the right valve sometimes so deeply divided as to re-
semble two, and one of those of the left valve rudimental.

SYNONYMS.

V. PHOLADiFORMis,Z/am. •5w. «aw5 Vertebr.,\o\. 5. p. 505.
Sower by' s Genera, pi. Petricola, fig. 1 and 2. Conrad's
Marine shells, pi. 7. Desh. Enc. Meth. p. 747.

P. FORNicATA, S. Joum. Acad. Nat. Sc. vol. 2, p. 319.

OBSERVATIONS.

This shell may be truly said to be an extraordinary spe-
cies, having the deceptive exterior aspect of a Pholas, and
like many of that genus residing in cavities drilled out of
the most compact earth, as is also sometimes the case with
the P. ochroleuca. Lam.

It is abundant on many parts of our coast from Maine
to Florida. Dr. Ravenel sent me specimens from Charles-
ton and Dr. Storer informs me that it is common at Chel-
sea and Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.

RKl'ERENCF, TO THE PLATE.

The upper and lowor figures, ropresont the exterior and dorsal views.

PETRICOLA DACTYLUS.

DESCUIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong-oval, white, with radiating
raised striae, which on the posterior half of the shell, from
twelve to eighteen in number are larger, and approximate,
those of the anterior portion of the shell filiform, the trans-
verse striae are undulated on the anterior part of the shell ;
basal margin arquated ; tedfi two in the right valve and
one prominent one in the left.

6YK0NYM.

P. DACTYLUS, <Sbt^er6i/'s Genera^ pi. Petricola, fig. 3-

OBSEHVATIONS.

For this species I am indebted to the kindness of Dr>
Ravenel, who distinguished it from the preceding as a sepa-
rate species. The largest specimen in my passession mea-
sures nearly two inches in breadth. It resembles the pho-
ladiformis but is a more robust shell, being less transverse-
ly elongated, the base more arquated, the larger striae are
more numerous and destitute of vaulted scales and the
teeth are quite different. 1 had distinguished it by the
name of flagellata, but on a more close comparison with
Sowerby's figure and very short description in which no
locality is given, it evidently approaches that species and
is probably identical.

PI. 60.

CRYPTOSTOMA.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell ear-shaped, univalve, spiral, very much depressed ;
spire hardly elevated above the general curvature, lateral ;
aperture very large, oblong, entire, embracing a portion
of the preceding volution ; labrum simple ; volutions two
or three ; columella short, spiral : nacre none ; muscular
impressions two, lateral, distant ; a slightly revolving, ele-
vated line on the inner surface ; operculum none.

Animal tongue shaped, chielly formed by a very long,
and very thick foot, which is narrower and massive be-
fore, truncated behind, canal iculated on each side and
widely margining on all sides the contorted visceral mass,
which is very small, slightly convex above, and covered by
an interior shell ; head depressed ; mouth very small, con-
cealed under the anterior and superior margin of the foot^
tentacula two, compressed and appendiculate at base ; a
large branchial pecten ; male organ under the right ten-
taculum ; mantle without emargination.

OBSERVATIONS.

That able anatomist Blainville was the first to detect the
diflTerence between the animal of the much depressed spe-
cies of the genus Sigaretus, Adans , and of those with a
more elevated spire ; and notwithstanding the similarity
of the shells he very judiciously separated them and form-

ed the present genus, if we may judge by the characters
he has stated, for which we rely entirely on his accuracy .
It differs much from Coriocella, Blainv., the animal of
which has a very small foot and a coriaceous shell.

SPECIES.

C. PERSPECTIVUS, S.
C MACULATUS, S.

Jin atiempt to exhibit a aynonymy of the Western^ North
American species of the genera Unio and Jllasmodonta.

UNIO.

1 U. nignr, Rafineeque.*

cuneatui--, Barnes.

2 U. cariosus, S. Lam. B.

viridis, Raf.
eiliquoides, B. (var.)
radiatus 1 Gm.

3 U. fascialus, Raf.

carinatus, B.

A U. leptodon, Raf
planus, 15.

purpurescens, Swainson.
tenuissimiis. Lea.

5 U. fragilis, R.Sw. Deshayes.

gracilis, B. Hildr. Lea. Eaton.

6 V . nervosus, R.

zigzag. Lea.
doaaciformis, Lea.

7 U. ItEvigatup, R.

castaneus ? Lea.

fi. U. rectus. Lam. Valenc. Eaton.
latissimus, R.
prslongus, B. Hildr.

9 U. dilatatns, R.
nasutus. Lam.
gibbosus, B. Hildreth.

10 U. cylindricus, S. B. Hildr. [Desh.

naviformis. Lam. Blainv. Valenc.
6olenoide3, R,

11 U. cardium, R.

ventricoBUP, B.
orcidens. Lea.
Bubovatus, Lea. (var.)
capax, Green, (var.)

14 U. alatus.S. Lam. B. Hildr. Desh.

megapterus, Raf. [Eaton.

15 U. triquerer, Raf.

triangularis, B. Hildr. Eaton
cunealus, Sw.
formosus, Lea. (var)

16 U. truncatus, R.

undatus, var. a Barnes.
elegans, Lea.

17 U. inierruptus, R.

brevidens, Lea.

18 U. lineolatus, R.

depressus, R. (young)
securis, Lea. Desh.

19 U. ellipsarius, R.

ellipticus, B.
erassus, S.

20 U. fasciolaris, R.

crafiFus, Wood !
ponderosus, Gray '
mucronatue, (young) B-
phaseolus, Hildr. S.
planulatus, Lea.

21 (J. verrucosus, R.

tuberculatum, B. Hildr.

22 II.flavus.R.

rubiginosus, Lea.

23 U. cyphius, R.

xsopus, Green.

24 U. metancvnis, R.

nodosum, B. Hildr.

25 U. reflcxus 11.

cornutus, 15.

12 IJ. ovatus, S. La:n. B. Hildr.Valcnc 26 U. retusus, R.

stapes ? Lea. (var.)

13 U. fasciolup, R.

niultiradialuB, Lea. 27 U. flexuosiis, R.

pileus, Lca.l

"Iks writer a ul some others imitated Lamarck in giving the specific ni m«
:s genui a fe uini.ie tcrsninalion, v/iiich we hive chinged in this tabic .

28 U. nodulatus, R.

pustulatus, Leac

29 U. quid ruins, R.

ru;rosuf , li. Hildr,
lacr'iiiosiis, liOa.
asperriuius, Lea.

SO U. nofliilosus. Wood, Dillw.
bullitus, R.

vernicosiis, B. (var.) Valenc.
verrucosus albus, Hildr.
piistulosus, Lea.

31 U. tuberculatum, R.

verrucosus, B.

verrucosus purpureus, Hildr.

tuberculosus, Valenc.

32 U. subrotundus, R,

rotundatus ! Lam.
orbiculatus. Hildr.
circulus, Lea.
lens 'i Lea (young varc)

53 U. obliquatus, R.
sulcatus, Lea.

34 U. triangularis, R.
ellipsis, Lea.

S5 U. scalenius, R.

decisu* ? Lea. (var.)

36 U. obovalis, R.

ebenus, Lea.

37 U. stegarius, R.

irroratus, Lea.

33 U, mytiloides, R.

caridiarea. Say of Guenn.
pyramidatus, Lea.

39 U. cuneatus, R.

patulus. Lea.

40 U. gibbosus, R.

perplexus.

41 U. costatus, R.

peruvianus ? Lam.
undulatus, B.

42 U. teres, R.

anodontoides, Lea.

43 U. ohiensis, R. (Anodonta.)

Isvihsimug, Lea. (Symplionota)
inflatus ? Lea. ( " ) var.

44 U. latus, R. (Anod.)

dehiscens, S.
oriens, Lea.

4.5 U. heros, S.

undulatus, S.
mukiplicatus, Lea.

46 U. lugubris, S.

ater, Lea.
atra, Desb.

47 U. interruptup, S.

trapezoides. Lea.

48 U. apiculatus, S,

asper, Lea.

49 U. lapillus, S.

tabalis, Lea.

50 U. monodontus, S. Eatou.

soleniformis. Lea.

51 U. metallicus, S.

cuprinus, Lea.

.52 U. nexus, S.

arcffiformis, Lea.

53 U. politus. Nob.

eubrotundus, Lea. (not Rat.)

o4 U. cicatricosus, S.
vancosus, Lea.

55 U. plicatus, S. B.

rariplicatus, Lara. Blainv. Desh.

.56 U. parvus, B. Eaton,
glans^ Lea. (var)

57 U. undatus, B.

trigonus, Lea.

58 U. subrostratus, S.

iris, Lea.

ALASMODONTA.

1 A. marginala, S. B.
U, calceolus, Lea

2 A. coptata, R.

rugosa, B. Hildr. Eaton.

3 A. coinplanata. B. Hildr. Eaton.

NOTES AND SYNONYMS.

The long delay in the publication of this number has been occasioned by the
protracted illness and final decease of our engraver Mr. Lyon. A young man
of amiable manners and much promise in his profession.

Agreeably to our promise we now give the characters of the genus Cryptos'
toma.

Pecten varius, L. A specimen of this shell was presented to me. several
years since by Mr. Lesueur, as having been found by himself on the Northeast-
ern coast of the United States. I have not learned that another has been ob*
tained on our coast.

It Been;r<:i)robable that H. irrorata, is a variety of H. lactea, Mull., with
which I compared it when describing it. I have a' shell from Rio Janeiro,
presented by Mr. T. Peale, that corresponds in all its character with the latter
species. Mr. Hyde also sent me the same shells, from near Buenos Ayrcs, so
that the lactea, like the aspersa and some of the smaller species, seem* to be
very widely distributed.

Melania semicarinata, Nob. pi. 47, add to the synonyms of this species, M.
acuta, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. vol. 4, N. S.

V"alvataj|renifera, Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. vol. 4, N. S, In the Wissi-
hickon ana other streams of water in the vicinity of Philadelphia is the larva
of a common insect belonging to the Linnasan genus Phryganea, which con-
strud's a spiral follicle precisely similar to the description and figure above re-
ferred to, excepting-, of course, that it is destitute of operculum, which the au-
thor says, in two of his specimens was " sufficiently perfect to exhibit a stria-
ted horny structure." The operculum seems to have been imperfect in both
specimens, and we fear that a mistake may have been made, and that the V.
arenifera, is in reality only the follicle of a larva and not the production of a
moluscous animal. It would be easy to make the necessary comparison, as tb»
follicle is well known to most of theconchologists of that city.
Caracolla helicoides, ibid, is variety a. of Helix palliata S. H. denotata, per.
Helix carolinensis, ibid, corresponds by description and figures with H. ap-
pressa, S., var. a.
Melania tuberculata, ibid, is a variety of M. stygia, S.
Melania elongata, ibid, seem* vf>ry closely related Ko M. elevata, S., find
may probably prove to be the same

COimECTIONS.

In the note to the observations on the genus Alasmodonta, on the second p«K«,
instead of " 1824," read 1B22, and on the cover of No. 3, instead of " 1830,"
read 1831.

Plate 53 was inadvertently printed and colored, with Barnes' name Unio
nigoBue, instead of Rafinesque's name U. quadrulue, which i» the true name,
«r the allsufficicnt reasou that it has the priority.

I\o. VU.

AMERICAN
CONCHOLOGY;

DESCRIPTIONS

OF THE

SHELLS OF iNORTU AMERICA

ILLUSTRATED BY

' <' LOURED FIGURES
ORIGINAL DliAWIJNGS EXECUTED FROM MATURE.

(.: O N T E N T S .

DONAX V.iUlALlLI.'^, - . . ]i,i!i III

posson,

CVRENA CAHOLINEN.SIS, --..-.. ,,_

Venus ALVEATA, - " ()3

TeLLINA BREVirnONs, •• I'll

MKBA, --.-....

TENUIS,

ALTERNA'IA, i

POLITA,

TENTA,

Arca ZEBRA, GG

UnIO TRUNCATl.S, - - '•' (i7

LINEOLATUS, ' GH

\

^ - /e^ssor^ -^ .

SyO,.'

DONAX VARIABILIS.

DESCRIPTION.

1. D. varidbilis. Shell triangular; anterior manrm
obliquely truncated, cordate, suture a little convex; pos-
terior /ii/i<re margin nearly rectilinear, suture indented;
base ;i little prominent, beyond a regular curve, near the
middle; valves longitudinally striated ^vitll numerous,
equal, parallel, regular, impressed lines, hardly visible to
the unassisted eye, and obsolete on the posterior margin;
basal edge within crenate.

SYNONYM.

DoNAX VARIABILIS, Nob. Joiir. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol.
ii. p. 305.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coasts of Georgia and East Florida.

Cabinet of the Academy and Philadelphia Museum.

Varies very much in colour, and is a very pretty shell.
Its usual varieties are red, white, yellow, or elegantly
radiated with dilated reddish-brown lines, upon a white
or yellow ground; lines arc purpuresccnt within the shell.
A very common shell; I found it more particularly nu-
merous on the beach of Cuuiberland island, where, in
favourable situations, at the recess of the tide, it may be
taken up in handfuls, without any intermixture of sand.
It is very distinct from D. rujrosus, but approaches much
nearer to D. frunc/flits, from which it is distinguished by
being more abruptly truncated bei'ore, smaller, and the
lonjritudinal lines are more indented. I have no doubt
but this species has been regarded, by authors, as the
same with tntncitlus; if so, judging by an individual of
that species in the collection of the Academy, at least
two distinct species have been confounded together under
that common name.

PI. 61— Fig. 1.
1

DONAX FOSSOR.

DESCRIPTION.

2. D. fossor. Shell subtriangular; anterior margin
short and rounded; posterior hinge slope rectilinear; base
very slightly prominent beyond a regular curve at the
middle; valves longitudinally striated with numerous,
equal, parallel, regular, impressed lines, not visible to the
unassisted eye, and obsolete on the posterior margin;
hasal edge within crenate; colour pale-livid, with two lon-
gitudinal whitish rays before the middle, both within and
without.

Var. a, Whitish. Var. b. Yellowish.

SYNONYM.

DoNAx FOSSOR, Noh. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sciences^ vol. ii. p.
306.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coast of New Jersey and Maryland.

Cabinet of the Academy and Philadelphia Museum.

Very numerous under the surface of the sand, which
is exposed at the recess of the tide. A wave by remov-
ing the surface of the sand, exposes a great many indi-
viduals to view; at its refluence, these immediately pene-
trate the sand, and before the recurrence of the surge
they are concealed.

They are preyed upon by several shore birds and fish:
the drum (Scigena chromis) and sheep's-head, (Sparus
ovicephalus) are sometimes caught in the surf in con-
siderable numbers, whilst in pursuit of them.

PI. 61— Fiff. 2.

x^^

(vrena cnro linii •> i sh

62

MjS.n- ,1.1.

CYRENA CAROLINExXSIS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell cordate, turgid, brown on the disks, with a yel-
lowish or greenish margin and submargin; surface with
numerous membranaceous wrinkles; umbo much eroded;
beaks distant; two of the primary teeth canaliculate at
tip.

SYNONYMS.

Cyrena carolinensis. Say. Nicliolsoii's Encyclopedia,

(3d American edition,) article Conchology.
Cyclas carolinensis, Bosc.

observations.

Inhabits the rivers of South Carolina and Georgia,
but is not found so far north as New Jersey. We found
it in plenty near Charleston, South Carolina, and in St.
John's river, Florida. — Say.

It inhabits Mobile Bay, in the vicinity of Mobile, Ala-
bama, and occurs fossil in the Newer Pliocene of North
Carolina, near Newbern. — Editor.

PL 02.

VENUS ALVEATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell ventricose; valves very thick, subtriangular, cor-
date, with eight remarkably thick, very prominent, much
recurved, transverse approximate ribs, of an uniform
thickness throughout, terminating abruptly at their an-
terior slope, which is much impressed; lunule cordate,
included by an impressed line.

SYNONYMS.

Venus alveata, Conrad. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc, vol. vi.

p. 264, pi. xi., fig. 14, 15.
Venus paphia? Lam. Anim. sans. Vert., vol. v. p. 608.

OBSERVATIONS.

For an opportunity of examining this interesting spe-
cies I am indebted to Dr. Ravenel, who informs me that
he obtained it on Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, S. C.
It differs from V. paphia, Linn., in not having the ribs
abruptly smaller before they reach the anterior slope;
and it does not agree with the figure in the Encyc. Meth.
of V. fasciata. Although probably recent, the specimen
has very much the appearance of a fossil, and this cir-
cumstance, combined with its character, leads me to
believe that it is the V. paphia, Lam., but certainly not
that of Linne.*

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Three views of the shell.
PI. 63.

* Having examined the specimens sent to Mr. Say, I find them to
bo fossil shells. The si)ccies is characteristic of the Older Pliocene
formation, and occurs at Wilmington, N. C. ; St. Mary's river, Mary-
land; and City Point, Virginia. — £d.

/ V?

^ I

"V,

■^^^

« !^^fei» i &^j^j j ^^

m

/^"^■"■^>^

V

J Tiliiiui /'lYi'iiritns 1'.
i .. ;.7c. )/ . l!

b4

MiyWiv .1,1.

TELLINA BREVIFRONS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ovate, white, tinged with yellowish; anterior side very
short.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell thin and fragile, not very convex, white, tinged,
particularly on the umbo, with pale dull fulvous; with
transverse slender stria3, and in a particular light obsolete
longitudinal striae are visible; beaks much anterior to the
middle, forming an angle in consequence of the anterior
and posterior hinge margins being rectilinear to a con-
siderable distance, the latter parallel to the base; anterior
side short and abrupt, rounded at tip, and with a sub-
marginal undulation; posterior side more than as long
again as the anterior, rounded at tip; within much more
deeply coloured with fulvous; cardinal teeth, two in the
left valve and one in the rii>;ht valve; lateral teeth none.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coast of South Carolina.

The outline of this shell corresponds with T. donaciiia^
Lin., but it is more convex, and not radiated with reddish.
Dr. Ravenel informs me that it is very rare. He obtained
but a single specimen, which he obligingly sent me for
examination. It also resembles T. decora^ Say, and may
readily be mistaken for it, but is altogether destitute of
oblique stria? and rosaceous radiations.

PI. 64— Fig. 1.

TELLINA MERA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Ovate-orbicular, transversely striated, hinge anterior
to the middle, bidentate, with a lateral tooth in one valve.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell small, thin, white, not very convex, somewhat
regularly striated transversely; beaks forming a rather
prominent angle; anterior side with an obvious undula-
tion, and rectilinear as far as double the length of the
ligament; at tip rounded; ligament rufous; posterior side
nearly rectilinear half the distance from the beaks to the
middle of the tip, which is regularly and obtusely round-
ed; basal margin obtusely and regularly arquated; hinge
with two primary teeth in each valve; posterior tooth
small and triangular; anterior tooth thicker, obtuse, and
with an impressed line on its summit; a single prominent
lateral triangular tooth in the left valve; sinus of the
palleal impression remarkably large, in its posterior cur-
vature almost confluent with the tip of the muscular
impression.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coast of South Carolina. — Dr. Ravcncl.
In a particular light it has a slight appearance of lon-

gitudinal lines.

PI. 64— Fi<r. 2.

/ TfUiiui _ attfinatu

2 .. .- polifi-i.

Mrs Snv ,h

TELLINA ALTERNATA.

DESCRIPTION.

Slicll compressed, oblong, narrowed and anfrulated
before; white; numerous piirallel, equal, equidistant, im-
pressed concentric lines, which on the anterior margin
are alternately obsolete; interstitial spaces flat; within
tinged with yellow; a callous line, which is sometimes
obsolete, passes from behind the hinge to the inner mar-
gin of the posterior cicatrix, and another from before the
hinge to the inner margin of the anterior cicatrix; an-
terior hinge tooth emarginate; posterior lamellar tooth
very near the cardinal teeth, so as to appear like a pri-
mary tooth, that of the right valve wanting; anterior
lamellar tooth at the extremity of the ligament; anterior
hinge slope declining in a somewhat concave line to an
obliquely truncated tip.

SYNONYM.

Tellina ALTERNATA, Sfiij. Joiir. AcctcL Nat. Sc, vol. ii.
p. 275.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and
Florida.

Rather a common shell, beautifully and very regularly
striated. When cast upon the beach, one of the valves
is very commonly perforated near the hinge. This ope-
ration, it would seem, is most frequently |)erl()rmed upon
the left valve, as, of ten specimens thus mutilated, two
only were perforated upon the right valve. It varies in
being destitute of the yellow colour within. It is probn-

Pl. 05— ficr. 1.

bly allied to T. punicea, but I have never found it so
far north as the state of New Jersey. It is much more
elongated than the latter, the striae are far more distinct,
and it is entirely and always destitute of the rose co-
loured bands and lines, such as are represented in Born's
figure of that shell. It cannot be the T. angulosa of
Gmelin, as that species is described to be suborbicular,
and to have the lateral teeth remote, whereas the alternata
has but one of the lateral teeth remote.

It is abundant in the Upper Tertiary or Newer Plio-
cene beds near Newbern, North Carolina. — Editor.

PI. 65— Fi2. 1.

TELLINA POLITA.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely subtriangular, minutely wrinkled
concentrically, white, immaculate; anterior margin rather
shorter than the posterior one, the hinge slope declining,
in a very slightly arquated line, to a subacute termina-
tion; hasal margin nearly rectilinear from behind the
middle to the anterior termination; a lateral tooth behind
the primary teeth.

SYNONYM.

Tellina POLITA, Noh. Joiir. Acad. Nat. Sc. vol. ii. p. 276.

OBSERVATION.

Not uncommon on the beach of South Carolina and
East Florida.
PI. 65— Fig. 2.

TELLINA TENTA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Rostrum curved to the left; no lateral teeth.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell transversely oblong-ovate, fragile, a little com-
pressed, white, with a tinge of dull yellowish towards the
umbones; wrinkles of growth not very prominent, but
more obvious on the anterior side; beaks a little before
the middle, not much elevated; anterior side narrowed,
curved to the left, at tip truncated or obviously emargi-
nate; umbonial slope hardly elevated; within with an
obsolete appearance of radiating lines; lateral teeth none;
cardinal teeth in the left valve prominent; a tinge of dull
yellowish on the disk as on the exterior.

OBSERVATIONS.

Inhabits the coast of South Carolina. — Dr. Raucnel.

The proportion of length and breadth is nearly that
of TcUina nitida, Poli, but the beaks are rather more
anterior. The anterior side is a little more obtuse than
that of T. pu/r/iclla, Lam., and a little more curved to
the left nearer the tip. It evidently resembles T. dcprcssn^
Gmelin, but I cannot perceive any lateral tooth.

PI. 65— Fie. -'i.

TELLINA TENUIS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Shell oval triangular, irregularly striate concentrically;
each valve with two teeth, and one of them with lateral
teeth.

SYNONYMS.

T. TENUIS, Da Costa, Brit. Conch., p. 210. Chemn. vi.
p. 124, tab. 12, fig. 117. Donovan i. tab. 19, three
lower figures. Penn. Brit. Zool. iv. p. 180, tab. 51,
fig. 2. Mont. Test. Brit., p. 59. Turton Brit. Fauna,
p. 150. Wood Conch., p. 155, tab. 44, figs. 3 and 4.
Conch. Diet., p. 169. Conch. Ins. Brit., p. 107.

T. LEVIS, List. Conch., t. 405, fig. 251.

OBSERVATIONS.

There may frequently be observed some very minute
and fine longitudinal white lines, from which circumstance
it has been often mistaken for T. striata; but the lateral
teeth will at all times distinguish it, there being two small
lateral teeth in one of the valves only. We believe that
the T. halaustlna and T. planata of Linnneus are among
the numerous varieties of this species. — [Turton.)

I have copied the above from Turton's " Bivalves of
the British Islands," believing our shell to be the tenuis
of authors. Mr. Say, unfortunately, has left no descrip-
tion of this species, which was sent to him by Professor
Ravenel of Charleston, who found it on the shore of Sul-
livan's Island. — Ed.

PI. 64— Fig. 3.

M:-^airP./.

ARCA ZERRA.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Margins angulated; valves marked with simple uniform
and reiTular grooves radiatinij from the iimbones: shell
transversely and obliquely striped with brown.

SYNONYM.

Arca zebra, Swainson. Zool. Illiis., No. 26, pi. 118.

OBSERVATIONS.

«

Inhabits the coast of the peninsula of Florida.

Mr. Swainson has separated this species from the
A)Ta Nox of authors, and refers it to his subgenus Bys-
soARCA. He observes: "The animals of these shells affix
themselves to other bodies by a particular muscle, which
is protruded through the gaping part of the valves; they
also adiicre, when young, by the byssiform ej)idermis
which covers the exterior. A specimen now before us,
which we procured in the bay of Naples, exemplifies this
singular property. The present species is not uncom-
mon in the West Indies, and has been sent to us from
Jamaica. Like all others of this particular type, it is
almost constantly covered with coralline substances."

REFERENCE TO THE PLATE.

Interior, exterior and dorsal views.
PI. 66.

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J/iX Suv .//•/.

UNIO TRUNCATUS.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell triangular, very convex, gaping a little at the
posterior extremity; posterior luniile distinct; anterior
margin very much flattened, forming a right angle with
the disk; disk with an indented groove on the posterior
side, extending from beak to base; cmterior tip truncated;
ligament slope slightly grooved; basal margin dilated in
the middle; anterior margin slightly retuse; epidermis
olive-yellow, radiate with green, interrupted into short
lines and spots generally sagittate; witJiin white or rose-
colour; cardinal teeth large and prominent; mnsctdar im-
pressions small; anterior impression oval, impressed.

SYNONYMS.

Unio truncata, Raf. Ann. gen. dcs Sc. Phys., vol. v.

Poulson's translation, p. 31.
U. ELEGANS, Lea. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc, new scries,

vol. iv. p. 83, pi. ix. fig. 13.

OBSERVATION.

This shell inhabits the Wabash, Scioto, Ohio, and
other western rivers.
PI. G7.

UNIO LINEOLATUS.

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Subtriangular, disk and umbo much depressed; beaks
simple, prominent.

SYNONYMS.

U. lineolata; U. depressa, (young,) Raf. Ann. gen. des
Sc. Phys., vol. V. Mr. Poulson's translation, p. 35.

U. sEcuRis, Lea. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc, new series,
vol. iii. p. 437, pi. xi. fig. 17.

DESCRIPTION.

Shell subtriangular, surface brownish-yellow, with nu-
merous slender green radii and broader distant radii,
frequently composed of series of angular dark spots, with
pale intervening spaces; disk and umbo much compressed;
beaks simple, prominent, in the young acute at the apex;
anterior side subcuneiform; anterior margin regularly
but slightly arquated, very much flattened, forming a
right angle with the disks; posterior side short, obtusely
rounded at tip; within white; cardinal teeth very large,
profoundly sulcated and striated; lateral teeth inclining
to be double in each valve.

OBSERVATION.

This species is common in the Ohio, Alabama, and
Black Warrior rivers.
PI. 68.

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M:-S,ctx-Dci

APPENDIX.

Among Mr. Say's manuscripts I find the following
observation and description of a new species of Chiton,
which it is deemed proper to pubhsh at the present op-
portunity. — Ed.

Venus cingenda, DUlw.

V. CANCELLATA, Lam.

Having obtained numerous specimens of this variable
shell, I find that my V. elevata must be placed as a variety
of it.

CHITON, L.

C. apiculahis, valves eight; dorsal triangles with series
of elevated points; lateral triangles with scattered ele-
vated points.

Inhabits the coast of South Carolina.

Whitish; oval-oblong, convex, subcarinated; eight
valved; anterior valve with numerous, separate, elevated,
equal, sub-equidistant points; the six following valves
have on their dorsal triangles from twenty to thirty lon-
gitudinal series of equal, elevated, approximate rounded
points; their lateral triangles with elevated points, as on
the anterior valve; posterior valve nt base like the dorsal
triangles, and its broad margin wath the points like those
of the anterior valve.

Length nearly half an inch.

This very pretty species was sent to me from Charles-
ton by Dr. Ravenel, of that city, .who informs me that it
is so rare that he has not found more than this specimen,
which he has been so liberal as to present to me. The
regular, longitudinal series of elevations on the dorsal
triangles, resemble so many minute strings of pearl.

fapt; :,.

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