Medical properties of the Passiflorai. 131 



One more phenomenon remains to be observed before 1 

 close, which is that I made several experiments with the roots 

 of this Passiflora, whose stalks had been cut close to the ground, 

 and thus kept during five months without allowing the growth 

 of any sprouts. The infusion of these roots produced scarcely 

 any deleterious effects. I would also add, that the leaves and 

 buds of the Ceeropia peltata Pers. are frequently used, when 

 boiled, to counteract the poison of the P. quadrangularis. 



Notice of several species of Shells. By D. H.Barnes. 

 Read 5th April 1824. 



1. Genus. CYPRiEA. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



The natural family of the Cyprcece is numerous and beau 

 tiful. The generic character of Linne is so accurate thai 

 none of the moderns has thought it necessary essentially to 

 alter it, or to distribute its constituents into new genera. The 

 perfect shells are, every where, instantly recognised, and the 

 number of species, determined by the best observations, ex- 

 ceeds sixty. The imperfect shells give the student, occasion- 

 ally, a little trouble. Even Linne described more than one 

 species, under several different names. This mistake is to be 

 attributed to the singular changes of form, size, and color, 

 which the shells undergo, in the different stages of their growth. 

 At first, they very much resemble a Volute, rolled up cylin- 

 drically, with an exserted spire and ecaudate base. They next 

 assume the form of a Bulla, with no appearance of teeth on 

 the inner lip, and very little on the outer. Lastly the aper- 

 ture is contracted, toothed on both sides, and extended the full 

 length of the shell ; the colors deepen, the polish becomes 

 brilliant, the size is diminished, and the weight increased. 

 Another cause of mistake, which seems hitherto to have been 

 overlooked, in, part at least, is the decortication of specimens. 



