132 THE NAUTILUS. 



specimen before me from San Diego is 4 inches long and 3J inches 

 wide. It has seven open holes. The exterior of the shell is marked 

 by many threads like Brussels carpeting, and the spire is short but 

 distinct. The interior is smooth, silvery, and without visible muscle- 

 scar. The shell is tolerably thick, and appears very compact and 

 solid. 



The last species to be noticed is Hu/inti* r/lgnntea Cheni. var. 

 Kinnt.ti-liiitkiniu Jonas. The large typical form of this species be- 

 longs essentially to Japan, but the variety seems to have come 

 around with the warm current past the Aleutian Is., and down the 

 coast, at least as far as the middle of California. My best speci- 

 mens I purchased in Victoria, B. C., where I was told that they 

 were gathered on the west coast of Vancouver Island. My largest 

 specimen is 5 inches long, 02 inches wide, and li inches high. In 

 shape it appears long and narrow when compared with other spe- 

 cies. The shell is thin, the edge sharp, the spire quite prominent, 

 the surface uneven, and the open holes are four in number, large 

 and surrounded by high walls. A deep channel runs under the 

 line of holes. The interior is very iridescent, light color prevailing, 

 The muscle-scar is not distinct. 



Concerning at least half of our species there is need of further 

 information respecting the habit? of the living animals, as well as 

 observations concerning localities where specimens are to be found. 

 In the gathering of information of this kind, even about our more 

 common species, I believe the members of our Chapter may be able 

 to do much good work. While a few great men may do the import- 

 ant work of determining the correct names and classification of the 

 species, each one of us in our more humble sphere may make obser- 

 vations and collect information which will help to swell the total 

 amount of knowledge concerning the molluscan world. I shall per- 

 sonally be grateful for any further information concerning any of 

 our species of the genus Haliotis. 



IIo\\ TII I'Ack srioriMENS FOR MAILING. Three times within the 

 last few days I have received small sendings in which the specimens 

 were crushed to powder. It is too unsafe to send shells in a letter, 

 simply packed up in paper or a paper tube, or weak quill. Strong 

 turkey quills are better, especially when double, i. e. one tightly 

 stuck into another, and fastened in the bottom of the envelope. 

 Also a piece of thick pasteboard, or a slice of cork is suitable, with 

 a hole in the middle, and paper pasted on both sides. It is a pity 

 how often valuable and even unique specimens are lost by careless- 

 ness in packing. Dn. V. STKRKI. 



