THE NAUTILUS. 



11' 



its viiriatioii in different specimens, and eiideav(n' to find out for 

 ourselves its prevailing form and characteristics. 



It n)ay be that our investigations will lead us to conclusions differ- 

 ing from those which are oomnioidy held ; in which case we have a 

 right. to modestly hold and ex})ress them, until the uncertain points 

 are settled. 



Finally, the motives which should induce us to study and collect 

 shells are varied ; but among them may be mentioned the laudable 

 desire to possess a series of objects which are of great beauty, both 

 in outline and in color ; next, the wish to learn the form, nature, and 

 habits of the creatures wdiich belong to one of the great sub-king-' 

 doms of the animate woidd ; then an endeavor to study the questions 

 relating to the real meaning of the terms genus, species, and variety ; 

 how far they are natural and how far artificial ; and lastly, to study 

 modern mollusks so that we may be fitted to understand and intei"- 

 ])ret the numerous fossil shells which figure so extensively in the 

 geological records of this grand old planet. 



NOTES ON SOME NORTHEKN PUPIDAE WITH DESCRIPTION 

 OF A NEW SPECIES. 



BY. DR. V. STERKI. 



Of late, I have received, from a number conchologists in different 

 parts of the country, many valuable Pupidae, partly sent for 

 examination or determination, ])artly in exchange or cheerfully 

 given for my collection, which now contains about 375 lots (ofN. 

 Am. Pupidae). But I need many more, especially of some difficult 

 and doubtful species and groups, for a thorough study of this family. 

 A part of these newer acquisitions are of so much importance, either 

 systematically, or in habits, that a few notes about them may 

 be welcome to the student of our malacological fauna. The latter 

 becomes more and more interesting, as our knowledge of the 

 distribution of the species is widening and their varieties and local 

 forms are more numerous. But also new species have been found, 

 and more doubtless will follow, as was and is to be expected from the 

 immense area of our country, of which only a small part has been 

 thoroughly investigated as to these little creatures. 



