386 M^iW- Clark on th^ QheiiraiUise. 



with our defined characters, whatever may be tlie form and 

 BCixlptixre of their testaceous habitations. To accomphsh what: J 

 have proposed, my own cabinet affords large facilities, and my 

 friend Mr. Barlee has kindly taken the great trouble to consign 

 to me for inspection, from Falmouth, his rich tablets of accre- 

 dited examples of those species I do not possess, many of them 

 stamped with the fiats of authenticity of their authors. These 

 aids and appliances have increased my confidence, that perhaps I 

 may succeed in offering such a relieved and moderated list of the 

 objects of this important genus, as will place within just limits 

 the genuine indigenous Chetnnitsia of our Isles. We do not pre- 

 tend to perform this task without error. Who, on such a subjqct^ 

 c^p ^void occasional misconceptions ? We can only try consci- 

 entiously to perform our duty ; but alas ! even in the midst of 

 these delightful studies and recreations, the bit of bitter wiU 

 spring up. How admirably has the inimitable Lucretius illus>- 

 trated this inevitable ingredient in all human affairs, and told 

 us that the attempt to evade the thorns of this destroyer of our 

 peace is vain and fruitless ! — 



" Nequidquam : qiioniam medio de fonte leporumniii} igfli zia 

 Surgit amari aliquid quod in ipsis floribus angat." "" 



In this case the " amari aliquid " arises from my fear of im- 

 perilling old friendships, recollections and associations, which 

 often afford the most delightful solaces, and soften down the 

 rougher portions of our pilgrimage. I envy not the man who 

 would not relax the sterner calls of duty to avoid disturbing 

 these tranquillizing fountains of consolation. These reflections 

 press heavily on me. I will simply obey the calls of duty. I am 

 bound to do so, and will use the plainest phrases consistent with 

 the integrity of truth and honour, to bring me through the ordeal 

 of my invidious task, which I would have gladly left to others. 



It must be admitted that this interesting genus can no longer 

 remain in its present unsatisfactoiy position ; a reform must be 

 carried out ; the progress of malacological science demands that 

 the rotten species be rooted out, to preserve the honest consti- 

 tuencies ; the pruning knife must be applied, to extirpate the 

 gangrene that preys on the vitals of the genus :—* 



" Ense recidendum ne pars sincera trahatur.'^ - , 



^ .i'finBxa aiiiota 



Chemnitzia rufa, Philippi et auct. 



The animal of this species is described in our first memoir on 

 this genus, and is the southern variety mentioned by the learned, 

 authors of the ' British MoUusca,' vol. iii. p. 245, which is cer- 

 tainly the true C. rufa of Philippi and authors. Professor Fojrl?es 

 and Mr. Hanley in their account of the " rufa " have stated, that 



