Kirs.— Botany and Conchology of Great Omaha. 367 
undescribed Paludinella is common in similar habitats, with a spined Melania. 
Melanopsis zealandie is confined to rocky streams, where it is abundant, the 
upper whorls being usually much eroded. The fresh-water limpets, Latia 
lateralis and L. neritoides are plentiful, the latter often occurring in brackish 
water. Fluviatile bivalves are confined to two species, the large fresh-water 
mussel, Unio menziesii, and Cyclas nove-zealandice ; the latter appears to be 
extremely rare, although it is so easily overlooked that it may possibly be less 
rare than it seems, 
In the swamps shells appear to be remarkably rare, the most noteworthy 
being Vitrina zealandie, which is extremely local, and apparently confined to 
clumps of Astelia grandis. In brackish swamps, Ophicardelus australis and 
Melampus zealandie take the place of the Conovuli of Europe. 
In the upper part of the harbour, several large mounds of dead shells bear 
testimony of the value to the natives of molluscous animals as food ; Similar 
deposits are also common on the ranges near to the sea, where they are more 
scattered. All kinds except the most minute were eaten by them, and it 
seems clear that their efforts have resulted in the partial extirpation of at least 
one species, Mesodesma chemnitzii, which occurs in their middens and on the 
hills in immense quantity, and of large size ; it is now comparatively rare and 
usually below the average size, and does not occur in anything like sufficient 
abundance to furnish such a supply of food as formerly. A detailed examina- 
tion of the old mounds of dead shells might possibly show ground for similar 
conclusions with regard to other species. The ear-shell was used by the Maoris 
in the manufacture of fish-hooks, and for inlaying their rude carvings. 
The only molluses of economic value to the settler, so far as known to me, 
are the rock oyster, well known as affording a delicious article of food and the 
best of shell lime. The common pipi and the long pipi are most nutritious, 
and are often exposed in the Auckland market for food. Rats are as fond as 
the Maoris of the fresh-water mussel, Unio menziesii, and piles of shells 
emptied by them may frequently be seen on the banks of streams, but the 
settlers do not regard it with fayour as an article of food. I have seen Turbo 
cookii, Voluta pacifica, and the ear-shell used as food by bushmen, but feel 
bound to say their appearance was not appetizing. The large ear-shell, Haliotis 
iris, is exported to England, where it is used for inlaying. The small shells 
_ of Ancillaria australis, and the opercula of Trochus smaragdus are used in the 
manufacture of ear-drops, studs, and brooches, by the Auckland jewellers, 
TROPHIODA. 
Teredo sp. In pohutukawa, & Solenomya australis, Lam 
es . In dead T of rutina, Corbala zealandica, ‘Quoy & Gaim. 
tridens, Gray. s cuneata, la 
sp. 
Pholas similis, Gray. Dead = only. Mactra ventricosa, L 
Ditt 
Panopæa australis, Sow. » discors, Gray. 
