88 THE NAUTILUS. 



The maintenance of so large a collection is sufficient occupation 

 for the time of a single officer, and the increase of the collection is 

 therefore slow. To attempt any field work is contrary to the tradi- 

 tions of the institution. Englishmen, both at home and abroad, 

 loyally contribute to their great museum. But the casual efforts of 

 amateurs do not give the results of professional collectors. So that 

 additions are sporadic and usually consist of chance gifts from the 

 friends of the museum and small purchases of dealers. 



Unlike other museums of the front rank, South Kensington pro- 

 duces no official conchological publication and lacks the organization 

 and inspiration which such would afford. 



It follows that the London collection, which was once the largest 

 in the world, will cease to be so in the near future, if indeed it has 

 not already lost this supremacy. 



This year the veteran Mr. E. A. Smith retires to enjoy a well- 

 earned pension. For half a century he has helped the conchological 

 workers of the world. And we from the ends of the earth, alike 

 with these in the center of civilization, cannot find expressions to 

 convey our appreciation of his patience, his geniality and his learn- 

 ing. We are like the Fijian chief who exclaimed, " Would that we 

 were dogs, that by the wagging of our tails we could show what we 

 feel." 



TWO NEW AMERICAN LAND SHELLS COLLECTED BY MESSRS. EEBABD 



AND REHN. 



BY H. A. PILSBRY. 



The form described below was taken at Garrison, Montana by 

 Messrs. Morgan Hebard and J. A. G. Rehn during their entomo- 

 logical expedition of 1909. On superficial examination it was at 

 that time referred to 0. alpina Elrod. A few specimens had been 

 picked up also at Garrison by Mr. E. M. Kindle in 1907 and trans- 

 mitted to me by Mr. J. H. Ferriss. Both lots consist of " dead " 

 shells only. Doubtless where the " bones " are so abundant as to 

 attract the attention of non-conchological naturalists, there are plenty 

 of living snails to be found hard by. 



