ashford: notes from the isle of wight. 133 



selected the most beautiful specimens out of hundreds, attached 

 to the leaves upon which they had fed during the night, I saw 

 scarcely half-a-dozen individuals last summer, and in other spots 

 they were equally scarce. 



Helix nemoralis var. hortensis. — This shell groAvs to a 

 large size near Yarmouth, exceeding the average dimensions of 

 the specific form. I have taken specimens 24*5 to 23 mm. in 

 breadth (nearly an inch). The var. hortensis is evidently spread 

 over the Freshwater peninsula, while H. nemoralis is very local. 

 I have observed the latter only on the north side of Hempstead 

 Hill and in one spot above Colwell Bay. 



Helix rufescens. — Both at Ventnor and in the west of 

 the Island the shell of this species is generally light in color. 

 Under a wall of Thorley Farm I have taken several beautifully 

 white specimens, the others with them L.ing much paler than 

 usual. It would appear, therefore, that a tendency to albinism is 

 hereditary. 



Helix cantiana. — Another species which was seen in 

 greatly diminished numbers last season. It is said (Venables' 

 Guide, p. 463,) to occur "mostly on the Chalk," but at the 

 western end of the Island I find it only on the Tertiaries. The 

 rufous and white varieties are never found in separate 

 communities. 



Helix rot un data. — An individual in a metal box laid two 

 eggs in July. These were white, opaque and ellipsoidal, the 

 ratio of the two diameters being about the same as in eggs of the 

 Tawny Owl. 



Helix aspersa. — As an instance of the extent to which 

 our shelly friends fall a prey to our no less favourite songsters, I 

 may mention the following. In one of my winter walks I passed 

 a ditch recently cleared out revealing a post, behind which were 



