MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. 259 
Crassatella (Eriphyla) parva C. B. Adams. 
Crassatella (Eriphyla) parva (C. B. Adams, 1845), Dall, Bull. M. C. Z., IX. p. 181, 
1881. 
C. Martinicensis D’Orbigny + C. guadalupensis, D’Orbigny, 1846. 
Habitat. Martinique, Jamaica, St. Domingo, Cuba, St. Thomas (D’Orb.) ; 
Cuba (Pfr.) ; Jamaica (Adams) ; Station 21, 287 fms. (Blake exp.). 
After the examination of a great many specimens from all parts of the An- 
tilles, I am driven to the conclusion that both of D’Orbigny’s species are 
identical with the present one, the distinctions being entirely within the range 
of its variation. Krebs, an excellent observer, came to the conclusion, a good 
many years ago, that the two species of the Mollusques de Cuba were the 
same. 
Famitry ASTARTIDZ. 
Genus ASTARTHE J. Sowersy. 
There are several species referable to this genus in the Gulf of Mexico and 
adjacent waters, mostly quite small, and having a tendency to coloration in the 
inside of the valves. The viviparous subgenus Parastarte is also indigenous 
to the shallower waters of this latitude. It too is brightly colored, and has a 
vernicose epidermis. 
Two species or forms were obtained by the “ Blake,” one abundantly and at 
various depths; the other, in but one haul, and only one or two specimens. Of 
the latter, however, the U. 8. Fish Commission has obtained valves at numer- 
ous stations, and not any of the other species ; so curiously checkered is the 
luck of the dredger. In connection with the identification of the species I 
have carefully examined the large series in the Jeffreys collection, and have 
had the advantage of the criticism of Mr. E. A. Smith, who recently mono- 
graphed this difficult group. I have decided to give names to these Gulf 
forms, not because I am certain that they represent permanent immutable 
entities, if such things exist, but because they differ in a diagnosable way from 
anything I can find named. The most hardened believer in the immutability 
of species, after an encounter with a large collection of Astartes, would prob- 
ably be content with permission to retire in good order from the field, with 
bag and baggage, without any request that drums or fifes should announce his 
movements to the rest of mankind. 
Astarte Smithii, n. s. 
Plate VII. Figs. 5a, 5b. 
Shell small, belonging to the group of A. sulcata, having a squarish globose 
form, crenated margin, and pale brownish epidermis, The exterior is concen- 
