HELICID.E. 



It varies greatly in the distinctness, the strength, 

 and the disposition of the bands : sometimes they 

 are altogether wanting, and at others (rarely) suf- 

 fused over the surface. It also varies in the colour of 

 the throat, which is generally rose-coloured, but some- 

 times pure white. 



It varies greatly in size, according to the situation ; 

 and also in form, varying from subglobose to sub- 

 conic, or depressed, as in other species of the genus. 

 Monstrosities are sometimes found with the whorls 

 reversed, and more or less produced. 



It is one of the most beautiful of our snails, and 

 extremely local. It is common in the south of 

 Europe and Northern Africa; but is not found in 

 the northern countries : Wales may be considered its 

 northern limit. 



Mr. Jeffreys believes the beautiful pink gloss ob- 

 served on the mouths of this and H. virgata to 

 be entirely owing to the action of, and exposure 

 to, the sun; for, in the specimens found in more 

 sheltered situations, the colours and marking are much 

 fainter, and sometimes altogether wanting. (Linn, 

 Trans, xvi. 334.) It most probably arises from the 

 animal being in better health in sunny places, as it is 

 most like the warmer climate in which they appear 

 to delight, beyond the confines of which our speci- 

 mens are living. 



According to Montagu, it is one of our most rare 

 species. He only found it in one place, on the 

 sand to the west of Tenby, where it is confined to a 

 small spot. Mr. Racket has found it at St. Ives, in 

 Cornwall. It has also been said to be found near 

 Dublin. 



