Kirk. — Botany and Concliology of Great Omalia. 367 



undescribed Paludinella is common in similar habitats, with a spined Melania. 

 Melanojjsis zealandice 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 novce-zealaiidice ; 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 zealandice, which is extremely local, and apparently confined to 

 clumps of Astelia grandis. In brackish swamps, Ophicardelus australis and 

 Melampus zealandice take the place of the Conovidi 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 j 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 eflforts have resulted in the partial extirpation of at least 

 one species, Ifesodesma 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 suflicient 

 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 molluscs 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. Hats 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 favour as an article of food. I have seen Turbo 

 cookii, Volutcc ^;aci/ica, 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. 



TEOPHIODA. 



Teredo sp. In pohutukawa, &c. 



,, sp. In dead stems of Avicennia. 

 Pholas similis, Gray. Dead valves only. 



,, tridens, Gray. Ditto. 



Panopsea australis, Sow. 



Solenomya australis, Lam. 

 Corbula zealandica, Quoy & Gaim. 

 Mactra ventricosa, Lam. 



,, cuneata, Lam. 



,, discors, Gray. 



