OPISOPHTHALMA. 309 



Genus PROSERPINA, Gray. 



Shell orbicular, depressed or sub-globose, polished, more 

 or less heliciniform, the base covered with a shining callo- 

 sity; aperture lamellate internally; peristome simple, acute. 



Syn. Odontostoma, D'Orbiy., not Endl. 



Ex. P. nitida, Gray, pi. 87, fig. 10. 



This genus is composed of a group of pretty little shining 

 shells from Cuba and Jamaica, which are remarkable for 

 their Helicifia-like appearance, their shining, callous base, 

 and the winding, plait-like teeth in the aperture. Accord- 

 ing to the observations of Mr. Bland, the animal bears 

 its eyes at the outer bases of the tentacles, but there is no 

 operculum. Until further information has been received, 

 we must be content to regard this genus as belonging to the 

 Helicinidce, but possibly it constitutes a peculiar type of 

 organisation which will cause it to become the nucleus 

 of a new family. 



Species of Proserpina. 



bidentata, C. B. Adams. globulosa, D'Orb. 



depressa, D'Orb. linguifera, Jonas. 



discoidea, C. B. Adams. opalina, C. B. Adams. 



eolina, Duclos. nitida, Gray. 



Sub-order OPISOPHTHALMA. 



Eyes on the upper part of the head behind the base of 

 the tentacles. Head with a rather produced, aculeated pro- 

 boscis truncated at the end. 



Operculum horny, sub-spiral. 

 vol. u. s s 



