*i 



486 



Binney^s Monograjfh of the Helices 



9 



Greatest transverse diameter three quarters of an inch. 

 Geographical distribution. Inhabits the eastern 



Massach 



Is common on the 



lower parts of Cape Cod, and on Cape Ann, and is very 

 abundant on Salt Island, a rocky, uninhabited island near 

 Gloucester. 



^ 



Remarks. This shell bears a strong resemblance to 

 H. hortensisy Linn, of Europe, and may by some be 

 considered a mere variety of that species. The restnct- 

 ed locality in which it has hitherto been found would 

 seem to favor the supposition of its having been imported, 

 and its habits serve to confirm that idea. Unlike the 

 other American helices which I have observed in their 

 native haunts, it does not appear to burrow under stones, 

 or decaying wood and leaves, but is found on the surface 

 of the ground, or climbing the stems and adhering to the 

 leaves of the shrubs which cover the soil. I have thought 

 too, that in captivity it is less disturbed by the want of 

 . moisture than any 'other of our species. But notwith- 

 standing these copsiderations, I am disposed to claim lor 

 this shell a place as a distinct species.* The reasons 

 which lead me to this conclusion are, its general aspect, 

 which enables one to distinguish it at once from the 



* It is weU known that the active commercial intercourse between 

 this country and Europe, has made several additions to our catalogue 

 of animals. In the genus which forms the subject of this article, two 

 species Helix aspirsa, MTJLL.,and H. Idctea, Mull. , are said to have 

 gained a footing in the country. It would not be surprising therefore 

 to find H, hortensis, one of the most abundant species in the southern 

 and western parts of Europe, naturalized in a commercial neighbor- 

 hood. It would be difficult, however, to account for their inhabiting 

 the barren and retired situations at the extremity of Cape Cod, ana 

 the rocky islands in the neighborhood of Cape Ann, while in the in- 

 termediate country they are not found. 



