CURRENT LITERATURE. 97 



thinks has probably been overestimated, though we cannot agree, as is here done, 

 to overestimating the mildness of the same. Throughout the work there is an enthu- 

 siasm which is quite refreshing, and full as it is of pregnant suggestions, it cannot 

 fail to give an impulse to the study of geographical distribution. 



In no spirit of fault-finding, but rather as suggestions for a second edition, we 

 would point out that apart from certain overdrawn conclusions, the book suffers 

 from over-wordiness and too much repetition, as a result of which the author's 

 meaning is often obscure. The term " migration " is used in a very loose manner, 

 in not a few instances the term " dispersal " would be better. Finally the Bibli- 

 ography and Index have been carelessly compiled. 



Turning our attention to the Mollusca, which form an important class in dealing 

 with problems of distribution, the author has availed himself largely of Dr. Kobelt's 

 recent work. Not a few of the various references to the molluscs contain inaccura- 

 cies, most of which might, with a little more care have been avoided; thus referring 

 to the genus Avion on p. 49, it is stated that 6 or 7 species are met with in France, 

 in Spain and Portugal about 10, rough guesses of this character are inadmissible in 

 a work written for the general scientific public. Recent work shows that there are 

 about a dozen French species, and 7 or S occurring in .Spain and Portugal. Again, 

 on page 299 we learn that " the same number of species [oX Arioii], viz. five, occur 

 in Germany and in England." Now there are certainly 7 English species, probably 

 8, whilst Ireland adds an additional one; of these 9, all occur in Germany excepting 

 2, but Germany has in addition at least 3 species which are not known to occur in 

 the British Isles. Over and over again Dr. -Scharft" dwells upon the distribution of 

 Gcomalacus maculosus (pp. 5, 49, 99, 102, 115, 298, 299), but we fail to find any 

 reference to a peculiar form of Avion cmjriricorum (var. bocngci, Simr. ), which has 

 precisely the same distribution. Further instances might be cited did space permit. 

 In conclusion let us freely acknowledge that, in spite of many little imperfections, 

 Dr. Scharff has produced a most interesting and suggestive book, which every 

 zoologist should read. — W. E. C. 



Hedley, Charles. — The Mollusca of Funafuti. Pt. I. Gasteropoda, Pt. II. 

 Pelecypoda and Brachiopoda. Mem. Aust. Mus. , 1899, vol. iii, pts. 17 — 18, 

 PP- 397—510, figs. 1—58. 



Mr. Hedley opens this valuable account of the Mollusca of Funafuti with some 

 very strong remarks on the " London School " of conchologists, some of which are 

 undoubtedly well deserved. The great wealth of anatomical material which has 

 been, and is still being, cast aside by London and other conchologists is greatly to 

 be deplored. If " the fascinating studies of structure, affinities, higher classifi- 

 cation," etc., has no charm for them, they might at least pass on the material to 

 other workers. This is done by the British Museum authorities to a certain extent, 

 as is evidenced in papers by Plate, Godwin-Austen, Collinge, and others. 



In pt. I. 287 species and 18 varieties are enumerated, of these 39 species and 4 

 varieties are new. Three new genera are described, viz., Ohtovtio, Coniumax, and 

 Thetidos. 



In part II. 70 species and 5 varieties are enumerated, 5 of the species being new, 

 A new species of Brachiopoda, Thecidea maxilla, is also described. 



All the new species are figured, in addition to many others. — W. E. C. 



Tryon, Henpy. — Plant Pests. Vaginula Slugs ( Vagimda hedleyi and V, 

 Icijdigi ). Queensland Agricul. Journ., 1899, vol. v, pp. i — 7, pi. 



The Government Entomologist describes how these two slugs have of late in- 

 creased in numbers round Brisbane. Much damage is done by them in vegetable 

 gardens. The writer suggests that they are importations from some country at 

 present unknown. — C. H. 



