734 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol. xxvii. 



SCHUCHERTELLA," new nanie. 



This term is proposed for shells having the type of structure for 

 which the name OrthotJtetes: is at present in use. That generic name, 

 which there is no authority for spelling otherwise than Orthotetes^ 

 was introduced by Fischer-de-Waldheim early in the last century, but 

 the term was not generally taken up and was but little used, save on 

 several occasions ))y its author, until Waagen revived it in 1884. 

 That author, changing for some reason the spelling to Orthothete^^ sub- 

 sumed under the name, as is well known, a group of Streptorhynchoid 

 shells which was without a septum or extended dental plates in the 

 ventral valve, and in which the socket walls were not produced so as 

 partially to surround the muscle scars in the dorsal. A careful study 

 of Fischer-de-Waldheini\s early descriptions and figures must convince 

 anyone that the type of structure with which the name Orthotetes 

 nmst be associated is that for which Waagen introduced the name 

 Derhya. Thus Derhya becomes a synonym for OrtJiotete^s^ and the 

 latter name becomes dissociated from the structural type for which it 

 is now in use and transferred to a different but related one. For the 

 shells now left without a generic name b}^ the removal of Orthotetes^ the 

 term Schuch^rtella is proposed. As here used this name is primarily 

 employed for a group of shells which attains its climactic develop- 

 ment in late Devonian and early Mississippian time. The genotype 

 selected is Strejotorhynchtis lens White, from the Louisiana limestone, a 

 form which is abundant and well preserved, and of which excellent 

 figures, both of external and internal features, have been published 

 b}' Hall and Clarke.* In a report noAV under preparation, on the 

 Guadalupian fauna, this subject is discussed in detail in connection 

 with a full quotation of Fischer-de-Waldheim's different descriptions 

 and figures. As it is uncertain when this work will receive publica- 

 tion, owing to the difficult}^ of securing necessary illustrations, it 

 seemed better to introduce the name iSchuGhertella in the present 

 place, along with a condensed discussion of its standing, rather than to 

 perpetuate for several years an incorrect usage. 



Genotype. — ScJuiehertella lens. 



« This name not only is an expression of friendly regard but commemorates the 

 services of an excellent paleontologist in a group of which he is a master. It is super- 

 fluous to say that it is proposed in honor of my friend Mr. Charles Schuchert. 



^-Geol. Surv. N. Y., Pal., VIII, Pt. 1, pi. xia, figs. lG-22. 



