THE NAUTILUS. abe ly 
its variation in different specimens, and endeavor to find out for 
ourselves its prevailing form and characteristics. 
It may be that our investigations will lead us to conclusions differ- 
ing from those which are commonly held ; in which case we have a 
right to modestly hold and express them, until the uncertain points 
are settled. 
Finally, the motives which should induce us to study and collect 
shells are varied; but among them may be mentioned the laudable 
desire to possess a series of objects which are of great beauty, both 
in outline and in color; next, the wish to learn the form, nature, and 
habits of the creatures which belong to one of the great sub-king- 
doms of the animate world; then an endeavor to study the questions 
relating to the real meaning of the terms genus, species, and variety ; 
how far they are natural and how far artificial ; and lastly, to study 
modern mollusks so that we may be fitted to understand and inter- 
pret the numerous fossil shells which figure so extensively in the 
geological records of this grand old planet. 
NOTES ON SOME NORTHERN PUPIDAE WITH DESCRIPTION 
OF A NEW SPECIES. 
BY. DR. Vo SPBREE 
Of late, I have received, from a number conchologists in different 
parts of the country, many valuable Pupidae, partly sent for 
examination or determination, partly in exchange or cheerfully 
given for my collection, which now contains about 575 lots (of N. 
Am. Pupidae). But I need many more, especially of some difficult 
and doubtful species and groups, for a thorough study of this family. 
A part of these newer acquisitions are of so much importance, either 
systematically, or in habits, that a few notes about them may 
be welcome to the student of our malacological fauna. The latter 
becomes more and more interesting, as our knowledge of the 
distribution of the species is widening and their varieties and local 
forms are more numerous. But also new species have been found, 
and more doubtless will follow, as was and is to be expected from the 
immense area of our country, of which only a small part has been 
thoroughly investigated as to these little creatures. 
