456 Transactions. 



Calyptraea novaezelandiae (Lesson, 1830). [P. 285.] 



Suter lias rejected this name in favour of the later one given by Quoy 

 and Gaimard because the latter figured their species. This is not a valid 

 reason, and, as Lesson's description is recognizable, his prior name must 

 be conserved, as Suter himself had concluded only a very few years before 

 (Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. xxxviii, p. 326). 



Crepidula costata Sowerby, 1824. [P. 287.] 



When rejecting C. aculeata (Gmelin), Suter remarked, " Sowerby's species 

 was first figured (1824), and his specific name has to be adopted." This 

 statement is clue to ignorance of the facts, *as when Gmelin named his species 

 he quoted no fewer than five figures in support as having appeared prior to 

 1791. However, Sowerby's name should be retained, as Patella aculeata 

 Gmelin has been shown by Mr. E. A. Smith to be a different species. 



Polinices vitreus (Hutton, 1873). [P. 290.] 



If the identity of Hutton's Nalica, vitrea and Watson's N. amphiala 

 be admitted, Hutton's name must be used. It is apparently rejected on 

 account of the lack of figure, which is no valid reason. Watson himself 

 repudiated the identity until shells were compared, and I do not know 

 whether this has yet been done. 



Trichotropis inornata (Hutton. 1873). [P. 296.] 



Suter has rejected this name in favour of Sowerby's later T. clathrata, 

 as this was figured and Hutton's species was not. Hutton's species has 

 always been recognized, and Suter's alteration seems here to create quite 

 unnecessary confusion, as hitherto no question of the availability of 

 Hutton's name had arisen to the New Zealand student. Suter has given 

 as habitat, " Throughout New Zealand, in deep water." I have found 

 this species living also between tide-marks on Otago Peninsula. 



I would agree with Suter that this species seems much nearer Tricho- 

 tropis than Lippistes, and all the Australian forms are really better placed 

 in the latter than the former a;enus. 



Fam. Cymatiidae Iredale. [P. 302.] 



I have recently advocated the recognition of this family-name, as Dall's 

 name Septidae I proved to be invalid. The reasons for the alteration can 

 be here summarized : Dall and Simpson (Bull. U.S. Fish. Commission, 

 vol. xx, pt. i. p. 416, 1900) brought into use for the shells congeneric with 

 Murex tritonis Linne. the name Septa of Perry, 1811. This was done as 

 Tritonium, commonly in use, was invalid. Dall then contributed an in- 

 valuable account, entitled ' k An Historical and Systematic Review of the 

 Frog Shells and Tritons" (Smithson Miscell. Coll., vol. xlvii, pp. 114 et 

 seq., 1904). As this is not generally available to the Neozelanic student, 

 I give a synopsis, so that my remarks can be followed : — 



Fam. Septidae Dall. 



Genus Trachytriton Meek. 

 Personella Conrad. 

 Ranellina Conrad. 

 Audrotriton Cossmann, 1903. 



