CALGIFEROUS SANDSTONE. H 



Genus OPHILETA (Vanuxem). 

 T Greek, o(pif, a snake, and eiXrjrof, coiled ; the fossil having the appearance of a snake in coil] 

 Planorbicular, discoidal ; volutions numerous, slender. 



The above characters are, drawn from the descriptions of Mr. Vanuxem {Report, p. 36). 

 ,1 append the woodcut, showing the forms given by him in his report.* 



11. 1. OPHILETA LEV ATA. 



Pi.. III. Figs. 4 and 5. 

 Ophileta levata. Vanuxem, Geological Report, p. 36, fig. 1. 

 Discoidal ; volutions numerous, slender ; spire not elevated above the edge of the outer 

 volution ; concave beneath ; volutions angular below ; aperture not expanded ; surface 

 apparently smooth. 



This fossil bears a close resemblance to Ecomphalcs, to which genus I incline to refer 

 it, since it presents no essentially distinct characters. I have, however, in deference to the 

 opinion of my friend, allowed it to remain under the proposed name of Ophileta. 



Position and locality. This fossil is not uncommon in the fucoidal layers in the Mohawk 

 valley ; it therefore appertains to the higher portions of the rock. The specimens in which 

 it occurs are often finely granular, and sometimes oolitic, containing aumerous finely 

 .comminuted fragments of other fossils. 



12. 2. OPHILETA COMPLANATA. 



Pl. III. Fig. 6. 

 Ophileta tomplanata. Vawuxem, Geological Report, p. 36, fig. 2. 



Discoidal, planorbicular ; volutions numerous, very gradually increasing in size from 

 the apex. 



The specimen figured by Mr. Vanuxem (woodcut, fig. 2 ) preserves a more distinct out- 

 ;Jine than any one I have seen. The specimen, fig. 6, pi. 3, is from the State Collection, 

 and labelled as above by Mr. Vanuxem. I have obtained similar obscure forms from this 

 rock, but it is impossible to define any essential characters. Whatever may have been its 

 original nature, it is quite unsatisfactory at present, and can scarcely be regarded £is of 

 much importance as a characteristic fossil. 



* Fig. 1. Opiuleta levata. 2. 0. complanata. 3. A crinoidal plate, associated with the preceding. 



2* 



