31 



somewhat in structure to that of brasiliensis. It differs from that 

 species however in size and in being of a more rounded oval shape. 



Hah. Brazil? I am indebted for this species to Mr. Dallas, who 

 found it in a collection of insects chiefly from Brazil. Mus. Brit. 



February 24, 1852. 

 W. J. Broderip, Esq., F.R.S., V.P., in the Chair. 

 The following papers were read : — 



1. Description of a new species of Helix from Van Die- 



men's Land. By Lovell, Reeve, F.L.S. etc. 



(Mollusca, PI. XIII.) 

 Helix Launcestonensis. Hel. testd umbilicatd, ahbreviato- 

 conoided, trochiformi, superne rugosd et ferrugined, quasi epi- 

 dermide indutd, infra IcBvigatd, nitente, intense nigrd;fascid di- 

 stinct d luted cingulatd; spird obtusd; anfractibus sex, superne 

 convexis, medio concavis, carinis lineisque gemmulatis undique 

 cingulatis, peripherid acute carinatd, basi convexd; umbilico me- 

 diocri, pervio, subprofundo ; aper turd oblique lunari, peristomate 

 tenui, vix reflexo, margine columellari breviter dilatato. 

 Hab. Launceston, Van Diemen's Land. 



This very characteristic new species of Helix has just been received 

 from Van Diemen's Land, where it was collected last summer by 

 Mr. Ronald Gunn in a dense beech forest, north-east of Launceston. 

 It differs materially from any of vast numbers of Helices now knovm 

 to conchologists, especially in the differeiat character of the upper 

 and lower parts of the shell. The upper portion of the whorls has 

 a rough rusty surface encircled by numerous finely beaded hues and 

 keels ; the lower surface is smooth and shining, jet-black, encircled 

 by a distinct yellow band. 



2. On the Habits of Strigops habroptilus or Kakapo. 



By David Lyall, M.D., R.N., Late Surgeon to H.M.S. 

 Acheron. 



(Aves, PI. XLVI.) 

 Although the Kakapo is said to be still found occasionally on some 

 parts of the high mountains in the interior of the north island of 

 New Zealand, the only place where we met with it, during our cir- 

 cumnavigation and exploration of the coasts of the islands in H.M.S. 

 Acheron, was at the S.W. end of the middle island. There, in 

 the deep sounds which intersect that part of the island, it is still 

 found in considerable numbers, inhabiting the dry spurs of hills or 

 flats near the banks of rivers, where the trees are high, and the 

 forest comparatively free from fern or underwood. 



