163 



Mr. T. J. Whittemore, of Boston, I obtained a smaller number of the 

 same species at the same locahty, but under somewhat different cir- 

 cumstances. On the 5th of August (1859 ?) this species was found 

 on the bulrush, growing in water from three to four feet deep, in 

 considerable numbers, associated with Ancylus and Amnicola. The 

 present season not presenting as high a stage of water, flag occupied 

 the space previously covered by the bulrush, and no specimens were 

 found there. 



Those taken this summer were found about thirty rods lower down 

 the creek, on eel-grass, in water varying from twenty to eight inches 

 in depth. Most of the specimens were found near the roots of the 

 plants, which were pulled up by the roots, with the mud adhering. 

 Many of the shells were found almost imbedded in the mud, their 

 apices pointing upwards, and to the casual observer presenting the 

 appearance of an abortive leaflet. About nine out of ten were found 

 with the apex pointing up. I have a large number of specimens in 

 alcohol, which will enable me to supply specimens to any persons who 

 may desire to study the soft parts. Very few of the specimens taken 

 were of considerable size, and among them only one adult. The 

 adult is characterized by the separation of the labium from the col- 

 umella. The animals probably attain maturity late in autumn. 



In the Erie Canal are found large numbers of SpJicerium striatinum 

 Lk. associated with Spli. transversum Say. I have observed that in 

 early spring the former is nearly as abundant as at any other time 

 of the year, while scarcely a specimen of the latter can be found. 

 Later in the season SpJi. transversum becomes more abundant and 

 larger ; and at the latter part of summer and beginning of autumn 

 its numbers exceed those of Sph. striatinum, as is the case at the pres- 

 ent time. The inference is that this species (transversum) is very 

 prolific and of rapid growth ; and judging also from the abundance 

 of dead shells, just at the present time, it is probably very short- 

 lived. 



[Note. — In a communication to the Boston Society of Natural 

 History several months ago, relative to Say's Cyclostoma lapidaria, 

 that species was referred to Melania. Further researches will proba- 

 bly determine that, if it does not belong to the genus Melania, it may 

 require to be set. apart under a separa,te genus intermediate between 

 Melania and Truncatella.] 



