36 THE NAUTILUS. 



spermatophore in various Indian genera is discussed at some length. 

 The value of this organ in classification is stilted to be not inconsid- 

 erable, as it is subject to modification probably generic in constancy. 

 In Euplecta semidecussata the vagina (or free oviduct) is swollen 

 above its union with the spermatheca duct, the author interpreting 

 this structure as a provision for retaining the ova, and terming it the 

 "ovitheca." 1 In treating of Maricella, Godwin-Austen adopts 

 Cockerell's suggestion that the M. dussumieri was from Mahe on the 

 southwest coast of Peninsular India, not Mahe, one of the Seychelles. 

 The genus is shown to he closely allied to Glrasia. 



By restricting several parts of his work to Zonitid anatomy, a 

 quantity of data invaluable to other workers in this difficult group 

 has been amassed, although', as Godwin-Austen modestly points out, 

 the time for definite classification of the whole group has not yet 

 arrived. — II. A. P. 



GENEKAL NOTES. 



Age of Deposit underlying Los Angeles, Cal. — The dis- 

 covery of the remains of a species of Radiolites, R. Hamlini Stearns, 

 in the Third Street Tunnel clays in the city of Los Angeles, of which 

 we have been informed, is of exceeding interest through its bearing 

 on the question of the geologic age of the region, which has been 

 in doubt {Cf. Nautilus, June, 1900, p. 15). The Radiolites is a 

 Cretaceous form and not heretofore reported from the west coast. 



Errata. — For " vertical " in the sixth line of the second para- 

 graph, page 3 of the May number, read " ventral." In the next 

 paragraph, fourth line, after the word ligaments, read "is" instead 

 of " are." 



Lists of Recent Mollusca. — Messrs Sowerby & Fulton have 

 issued a series of lists of recent mollusks. enumerating a large num- 

 ber (11,300) of the known species of most of the genera, classified 

 according to late authorities. They are well and accurately printed, 

 and collectors will find them useful and interesting. 



To a Slug, (in alcohol.) 



flail, Limax ! — clammy, slimy thing, 

 Poor houseless wretch, of thee I sing! 

 Though ended is thy earthly run. 

 Thy glory is but yet begun. 

 For Science, with obtrusive pride, 

 Will keep intact thy mortal hide 

 And suffer thee, for future gain, 

 In best of spirits to remain. 

 Oakland, Cal., Apr. 15, 1900. H. H. Brcenn. 



1 Perhaps " ootheca" would be better, ovitheca being a hybrid word. 



