132 THE NAUTILUS. 
specimen before me from San Diego is 4 inches long and 3} inches 
wide. It has seven open holes. The exterior of the shell is marked 
by many threads like Brussels carpeting, and the spire is short but 
distinct. The interior is smooth, silvery, and without visible muscle- 
sear. The shell is tolerably thick, and appears very compact and 
‘solid. 
The last species to be noticed is Haliotis gigantea Chem. var. 
Kamtschatkana Jonas. The large typical form of this species be- 
longs essentially to Japan, but the variety seems to have come 
around with the warm current past the Aleutian Is., and down the 
coast, at least as far as the middle of California. My best speci- 
mens I purchased in Victoria, B. C., where I was told that they 
were gathered on the west coast of Vancouver Island. My largest 
specimen is 5 inches long, 3} inches wide, and 12 inches high. In 
shape it appears long and narrow when compared with other spe- 
cies. The shell is thin, the edge sharp, the spire quite prominent, 
the surface uneven, and the open holes are four in number, large 
and surrounded by high walls. A deep channel runs under the 
line of holes. The interior is very iridescent, light color prevailing, 
The muscle-scar is not distinct. 
Concerning at least half of our species there is need of further 
information respecting the habits of the living animals, as well as 
observations concerning localities where specimens are to be found. 
In the gathering of information of this kind, even about our more 
common species, I believe the members of our Chapter may be able 
to do much good work. While a few great men may do the import- 
ant work of determining the correct names and classification of the 
species, each one of us in our more humble sphere may make obser- 
vations and collect information which will help to swell the total 
amount of knowledge concerning the molluscan world. I shall per- 
sonally be grateful for any further information concerning any of 
our species of the genus Haliotis. 
How To PACK SPECIMENS FOR MAILING.—Three times within the 
last few days I have received small sendings in which the specimens 
were crushed to powder. It is too unsafe to send shells in a letter, 
simply packed up in paper or a paper tube, or.weak quill. Strong 
turkey quills are better, especially when double, 7. e. one tightly 
stuck into another, and fastened in the bottom of the envelope. 
Also a piece of thick pasteboard, or a slice of cork is suitable, with 
a hole in the middle, and paper pasted on both sides.—It is a pity 
how often valuable and even unique specimens are lost by careless- 
ness in packing.—Dr. V. Srerkt. 
