218 BULLETIN OF THE 



Post-pleiocene times,* since when scarcely any change has occurred in 

 the fauna. 



Of the origin of the fauna of the Central Province, little can be said 

 with our present knowledge. The same applies to the Pacific Prov- 

 ince, though the peculiarity of its species surely indicates a distinct 

 creation of its fauna. 



Finally, we have in the list of American land shells several species, 

 purely local in their distribution, imported through the more or less 

 direct agency of man. Of these, Helix aspersct was no doubt intro- 

 duced as an article of food by foreign residents of Charleston, S. C, 

 and seems to have established a hold there. f Zonites cellarius was 

 introduced by foreign shipping, probably around water-casks. It is 

 also well known to have been introduced into other countries. The 

 Limaces are found around human habitations; they seem to follow the 

 English to all their colonies. The other foreign species mentioned on 

 pp. 205,213 have probably been introduced around the roots of plants, 

 as have been other species which are from time to time sent me from 

 greenhouses, gardens, etc. They are only local except Helix hortensis, 

 which may have been accidentally introduced in some other manner, 



* I suggested on p. 206 that the region of Ohio and Indiana was the point from 

 whence the fauna was distributed. Another theory might suggest that the Cum- 

 berland Sub-Region was the point of origin of all the species, those still restricted 

 to that sub-region not being adapted to the wider distribution which the other 

 species have obtained. Any one familiar with the habits of snails is well aware 

 how much they differ in this respect. Some are much more disposed to migrate 

 than others. Thus, Helix appressa is content to remain within a radius of a few feet 

 under a decaying log. Helix thjroidus is more restless, travels much, and climbs 

 trees. Helix nemoralis has no local attachments, migrating far and wide. These 

 facts I haye verified in my own garden during many years. The IT. Xapp7-essa spoken 

 of are descendants of Illinois specimens given me fifteen years ago by the lamented 

 Kennicott. 



t I have been asked what authority I have for this opinion, so think it worthy of 

 statement that Charleston specimens belonging to the cabinet of the late General 

 Totten still retain a strong odor of the garlic which seasoned them for the foreign 

 palate. I have myself had specimens given me by French residents of the town 

 where I reside, who had bought them as food in Philadelphia. The species has 

 also been imported into Havana, Rio Janeiro, St. Iago, Chili, and other ports as an 

 article of food. I received living specimens from a garden in Charleston, S. C, 

 within the last twelve years, and in 1871, Professor Fcatherman sent me specimens 

 from Baton Rouge. 



