HICKSON : TORSION IN MOLLUSCA. 15 



In these few words I have endeavoured to express to you the lines 

 of work and thought which appear to me to have been most prolific 

 in clearing away the difficulties which stand in the way ot our found- 

 ing a natural classification of the Gastropoda. You will notice that a 

 great deal depends upon a correct interpretation of the anatomy of 

 certain genera, namely, Actceoti, Scaphander, Auricula, Chiliiia, and 

 their allies ; and I would point out to you that a still more profound 

 investigation of the anatomy, habits, variations, and distribution of 

 these genera might lead to important results in favour of or against 

 the views I have enunciated. We often fall into error in struggling 

 towards the truth, and it may be that these views are quite erroneous; 

 but the knowledge we have at present seems to support them, and 

 they must stand provisionally until some stronger evidence is brought 

 forward to disprove them. 



Note on some French Shell Names. — Every one knows the eminence of 

 continental conchologists and how wide and minute are their studies. But woe and 

 wailing is caused to their English brethren by the habit of giving specific names to 

 ordinary variations of common shells. In the course of exchange I have several times 

 been much disappointed in this way, though, of course, the shells are sent in good 

 faith. To-day I received H. sebkaruin, H. pilula, H. Jialophila, H. erythraa, H. inter- 

 secta, and H. da sylvce all of which (with possibly one exception) are variations of H. 

 virgata; H. galena and H. eugustera are also sent, which are only two of the dozens 

 names given to variations of a common Algerian shell. ■ I have it already under the 

 names of H. bleicheri, H. colonnesiana, H. zajfarina, etc. //. cuttati, also sent, 

 is only an insignificant variety of H. pisana. It would be a philanthrophic act if 

 some good conchologist would give English collectors a list of the names which 

 are given abroad to H. vermiculata, H. lactea, H. virgata (or variabilis), and H. 

 pi sana. It might take up two or three pages of the Journal, but it would save much 

 vexation of spirit. From another French conchologist I received once H. ververi, 

 H. lauta, H. tussiana, H. avenionensis, H. kalona, H. alluvionum, H. chiodicoposis, 

 H. cyzicensis, H. arenosa, H. arigoi, H. luci, and H. /era — every one of which was 

 H. virgata, varying chiefly in size. — J. W. Horsley {Read before the Society, 

 October 13th, 1897). 



Paludestrina [Hydrobia] jenkinsi Smith, in Ireland. — While at Ballycastle 

 last May (1897), Mr. R. Welch, of Belfast, showed me some shells of the above 

 species which he had taken in 1893, and also with Capt. Farrer in 1896, from my 

 old hunting ground at the mouth of the Bann. Mr. Welch has ascertained for me 

 that three firms import Baltic timber at Coleraine and that a considerable amount 

 was used for the Bann Mouth Extension Works. In 1883-1884 I did a good deal of 

 collecting in this locality and I fancy I should have remarked the shell if I had come 

 across it, as it was then an unknown form. — Lionel E. Adams, Stafford (Read 

 before the Society, December 8th, 1897). 



