94 THE GEOLOGICAL EVIDENCES 



sufficient value to characterize a distinct species. 

 But despite these differences it is impossible not 

 to observe the very close connection which 

 unites the two forms, and I must admit that on 

 first finding the fossil I almost unhesitatingly 

 referred it to the recent species (Valuta Junonid], 

 and only after a careful comparison of actual 

 specimens of the two species was I able 

 to discern the - permanent differences between 

 the forms in question. Yet so fully convinced 

 was I of the ancestral relation binding together 

 the two that I did not hesitate, even in the 

 absence of all color-markings, to pronounce 

 the one as the all-probable progenitor of the 

 other. Other specimens that have since come 

 to me prove the correctness of my surmise, 

 since these very clearly show the peculiar and 

 beautiful color-markings which belong to Voluta 

 Junonia. 



I also place before you two series of conch- 

 shells of the group to which the pear-conchs 

 (Fulgur and Sycotypus) of the New Jersey coast 



