564 



NOTES ON SPECIES OF CYPR^A INHABITING 

 THE SHORES OF TASMANIA. 



By C. E. Beddome, R.N. 



(Plates xx.-xxi.) 



The individuals of this genus found off the coast of Tasmania 

 live in deep water on rocky bottoms, and are consequently not 

 often procui'ed by the dredge. As a rule they are obtained when 

 washed up after gales, but many of such specimens are of com- 

 paratively little v^alue to the collector, being water- worn or broken. 

 An experience of nineteen years' collecting has enabled me to 

 bring together a good series of specimens of the species found on 

 these shores, an advantage which former writers and monographers 

 of the genus have not had, and much confusion has consequently 

 arisen in their definitions of the species. 



In offering to conchologists a paper embodying my experiences, 

 I desire to acknowledge the assistance I have received from fellow- 

 workers in this and in the other Colonies. Dr. James C. Cox, of 

 Sydney, has given me much valuable information as to the 

 early literature of several species, and has lent me specimens 

 from his collection for comparison and illustration. Messrs. 

 T. W. Bednall, and D. J. Adcock, of Adelaide, Miss Lodder and 

 W. L. May, Esq., of Tasmania, have also been most liberal in 

 lending me specimens. 



1. — Cypr.ea umbilicata, G. B. Sowerby, Senr., 1825. 



This is the lai-gest of the Tasmanian Cypraeas. The species 

 was described in the publication known as the Tankerville Cata- 

 logue* (Appendix, pp. xxx.-xxxi., PI. vii., two figs.), compiled by 



* A Catalogue of the Shells contained in the Collection of the late Earl 

 of Tankerville, arranged according to the Laniarckean Concholcgical 

 System; together with an Appendix, containing Descriptions of many new 

 Species. Illustrated with several coloured Plates. London, small 4to. 

 1825. By G. B. Sowerby, F.L.S. [There are nine coloured unnumbered 

 Plates.] 



