(Mollusca, PI. XXII. XXIII. XXIV.) 



ACHATINELLA. 



It will be necessary to slightly change the definition of this genus, 

 that several species clearly belonging under this head may not be 

 excluded. It will be seen that several new typical species are herein 

 described, one of which, A. crassa, makes a near approach to par- 

 tula ; but an examination of the animal proves conclusively that it 

 belongs to the genus Achatinella. Several species are subumbili- 

 cated, and a number have a subreflected lip. The whorls of several 

 species are not smooth ; the beautiful little group of A. Cumingii, 

 A. Pfeifferii and A. plicaia, so far as discovered, form the striking 

 exceptions. Several species are turreted, not conical. Farther re- 

 search, however, is necessary before a complete and satisfactory ge- 

 neric description can be given. The animal is provided with four 

 tentacula, the superior ones clubbed at the end, elongated and ocu- 

 lated, the inferior ones short and slightly clavate ; surface of the 

 body covered with numerous granulations more or less strongly deve- 

 loped ; respiratory foramen, in dextral shells, upon the right side at 

 the angle of the outer lip with the body whorl, in sinistral shells, in 

 a corresponding position on the left side ; the foot is long, narrow, 

 and tapering behind. They are always viviparous, and may be di- 

 vided into arboreal and terrestrial species. The last are found among 

 the leaves, decayed wood, among the crevices of the rocks and hi 

 moist places, crawling upon the ground ; the first are met with on 

 the bodies, limbs and foliage of various trees ; their most common 

 resorts are on the Tutui, Ohia, and a few other species of forest 

 trees, and on the Hau and Ti bushes. 



The natives have never fed upon the animal as far as I can learn by 

 careful inquiry, although the experiment has been made with almost 

 every marine animal inhabiting the waters of these seas. It is a 

 prevalent belief among the Hawaians, that the arboreal species have 

 the power of making a noise which they call singing ; hence the 

 name of Pupu Kanioe, by which they are known. The following 

 is said to be their vesper hymn : 



Kahuli aku 

 Kahuli mai 

 Kahuli lei ula 

 Lei ako lea. 



A free translation of which may be given as follows : 



Turn away from my sight; 

 Nay but turn to me now, 

 And a red wreath so bright, 

 I will weave for thy brow. 



It scarcely is necessary to add, that the singing and the song are 

 alike imaginary. 



A 2 



