166 .*\ Rev. R. Sheppard's Account 



59- Helix obscura. Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. viii. p. 212. 



On dry banks near Ipswich and at Spexhall ; and on trunks 

 of trees in Friston wood and Middlewood OfFton. 



In Essex, it inhabits my garden and adjoining fences ; West 

 grove, Little Stour wood, and Cliff, all in Wrabness. 



These shells, particularly in their young state, show great sa- 

 gacity and ingenuity by covering themselves with an epidermis 

 adapted to the different situations in which they are found ; and 

 when so covered, it is almost impossible for any other than a 

 conchological eye to detect them. If its abode be upon the 

 trunk of a tree covered with Lichens, then is the epidermis so 

 constructed as to cause the shell to resemble a little knot on the 

 bark covered with such substances. If on a smooth tree, from 

 whose bark issue small sessile buds, as is frequently the case, it 

 will pass off very well for one of them ; and on a dry bank, or the 

 lower part of the body of a tree splashed with mud, its appear- 

 ance will be that of a little misshapen, pointed piece of dirt. 



60. Helix lubrica. Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xiii. p. 213. 



In moss, and under stones, pieces of wood and bark in moist 

 woods and shady places. 



Draparnaud refers this species to Helix subcylindrica of Lin- 

 naeus : if he be right, then must Linnaeus have been greatly de- 

 ceived, who says, " habitat in aquis dulcibus." But in my opinion 

 he is in an error as to the Synonym, for the H. subcylindrica of 

 Linnaeus has only four anfractus, whereas the H. lubrica has six. 



With respect to the H. subcylindrica of Dr. Pulteney, the 

 learned authors of the Descriptive Catalogue of the British Tes- 

 tacea assure us* that it is the Turbo truncatus, a sea shell. 



* Trans. Linn. Soc. y'm.p. 177- 



61. He- 



