VARIATION. 1 7 



E. cojuiatum, Perm., a form having much shorter and closer set spines than the 

 former, and of somewhat different habits, takes its place. In close proximity to 

 this latter echinus M. ferrnginosa was again found. At least ioo E. cordatum 

 were dug up, and quite 60 per cent, revealed M. ferruginosa in close attendance. 

 These Montacuta are not parasitic, but dwell on or near the echinoderms so as to 

 partake of the food brought by currents to the Spatangus. 



M. ferruginosa is an active mollusc, and possesses a large and muscular foot 

 which, when travelling, it fully extends ; having previously opened its valves and 

 then partially closed them, the animal draws itself along swaying from side to side 

 in a somewhat awkward manner. 



NEW SPECIES. 



Description of 11 New Species belonging to the genera Columbarium, 

 Pisania, Minolia, Liotia, and Solarium (Journ. Conch., Vol. VI., 

 No. 12, 1891). 

 Mr. Melvill figures and describes 11 new species comprised in the above 



genera. The drawings lack finish. 



New South African Helicidae (Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist, p. 84, 1892). 



Messrs. Melvill and Ponsonby describe and figure 24 new species of South 

 African Land Molluscs. 



New West Indian Helix (Pro. Acad. Nat. Sci., p. 456, 1891). 



Mr. H. A. Pilsbry describes H. maynardi from the Bahamas, a form lying 

 between Plagioptycha and Hemitrochus. It resembles H. brownii, Pils., in the 

 surface-sculpture, which, like H. albersi, is decidedly coarse. 



SHELL. 



Double-mouthed Shells (Sci. Goss., Dec, 1891). 



Mr. Charles Ashford describes the various records, from Moquin-Tandon's 

 work, of double-mouthed Clausilice, &c. He thinks the cause is that the 

 claitsium becomes fixed by foreign bodies, and hence the animal must, by means 

 of the jaw, break through the shell or perish. Judging by the absence of records, 

 he is of opinion that shells with large and simple mouths, are not liable to such 

 an accident. 



Shells with Double Mouths (Sci. Goss., Jan., 1892). W. E. Collinge. 



On the Growth of the Shell in H. aspersa (Ann. and Mag. N. H., p. 49, 

 1S92). A very useful and interesting abstract of a recent paper by 

 M. Moynier de Villepoix. 



VARIATION. 



Helix lapicida v. sub-angulata, Pascal. (Journ. Conch., Vol. VI., No. 12, 1891). 

 Mr. C. T. Musson has found this variety in Dovedale, which is here recorded 

 by Mr. J. W. Taylor. It is similar to the type in colour, but differs from it in 

 having the last whorl rounded and not carinated. In general contour and size it 

 bears a close resemblance to H. cornea, and is synonymous with the var. grossu- 

 laria Voith. 



Notes on Varieties (Brit. Nat., Feb., p. 35, 1S92). 



Mr. W. A. Gain is of opinion that among the varieties of Helices, banding and 

 colour are probably the more permanent characteristics. H. nemoralis and 

 H. hortensis he finds invariably produce young of the same colour and banding as 

 themselves, with slight variations in shade ; coming as true as the different breeds 

 of domestic poultry. Interesting notes are also given on varieties of Pupa dolium, 

 H. hispida, Bui. decollates, Paludina, Li/umra, &c. 



