JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 75 



MX\.KCO\.OGY— Continued. 



Head before the Geological Section, April 28th, i8gg. 

 BY COL. C. C. GRANT. 



STROMBOD^ (wing SHELLS). 



As recent Conchologists have defined this family in accordance 

 with Woodward, while adding an omission, perhaps it may be as 

 well to give the modern definition here, as three at least of its mem- 

 bers, unlike in appearance, come under the head lip expanded, 

 deeply notched near canal, operculum claw-shaped. The adult 

 Pterocera has the lip produced into claws, thereby differing from 

 Strofubus, and Rostellaria may be added. If we place before a 

 young shell collector the large fountain shell of the Bahamas, or 

 Strombus pugilis, together with Rostellaria curta and Pterocera 

 lambis, China, he may well be puzzled to understand why the three 

 so unlike in appearance came to be classified together. A little 

 reflection shows they have characteristic features in common, when 

 he goes back to the definition of the family. 



The Strombus gigas of the West Indies is extensively imported 

 into Europe for the manufacture of Cameos, but is said to be 

 inferior to the Cassidce, or Helnlet shells, for the purpose. Casses 

 are sub-genera of Buccinidce, according to Woodward, who classifies 

 the Harps and Olives also with the -JVhelks and Trumpets. Fulgar 

 Carica, of the Atlantic coast, U. S. A., so frequently found in 

 Indian ossuaries as Wamputn, and Buccinum undatum may be con- 

 sidered as types. Fulgar Canaliculata (Atlantic) has been found 

 as a fossil in the Miocene. The Claw or Scorpion (Pterocera) has 

 several fossilized representatives, even as far back as the Lias and 

 Chalk. 



FAMILY OLIVID^. 



Whether modern Conchologists are justified or not in advanc- 

 ing these beautiful shells to family distinction is a matter we need 

 not here state. I heard a lady visitor declare they merited any 

 honor that could be conferred on them for their beauty alone, 



