376 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MA.LACOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



Kent. There are four species extremely abundant in the neighbour- 

 hood at the present time which are absent — Helix aspersa, Helicella 

 cantiana, H. caperata, and H. virgata. 



It is extremely difficult to account for the presence of such a large 

 number of mollusca in this situation. After careful consideration 

 I think the explanation is this. The grave was not covered in 

 immediately. The body was covered with stones and then some little 

 time elapsed before the chalk was placed on top, and the heap of stones 

 became a place of refuge for the shells in the immediate vicinity. 



The carnivorous Csecilianellas, Vitreas, and Arions would naturally 

 be attracted, and it is noteworthy that all these are very common. 

 When the layer of chalk was spread over the grave the shells were 

 trapped, there to await for centuries the pick of the quarryman. 



