1865.] Contributions to Indian Malacology, 101 



allies of H. similar is. The Avakan Yoma north of Henzada separates 

 the two provinces ; the southern portion of the range, which is very 

 low. rarely exceeding 1000 feet, is solely occupied by species belong- 

 ing to the Arakan fauna. These provinces are also characterized by 

 distinct forms of mammals and birds, and there is a great difference in 

 their vegetation. 



In a list of Burmese shells, published by Mr. Theobald in 

 J. A. S. B. for 1857, (Vol. XXVI. p. 251) occur the names of 

 H. petila, Bens., and H. mensula, Bens., from Thayet Myo, and 

 H. precaria, Bens, from Tenasserim. These shells have never been 

 described, and Mr. Theobald in this, as in other instances, has publish- 

 ed lists of manuscript names communicated to him, some of which 

 have subsecmently proved to have been given in error. It is, I think, 

 to be regretted, that in a recent paper J. A. S. B. for 1863, Vol. 

 XXXII. p. 374, Mr. Theobald has again included one of these aban- 

 doned names, viz. H. petila, and he has also published the names of 

 several of the species described above, and similarly communicated to 

 him in manuscript. One of those thus published, Alycceus scepticus, 

 has proved, on more careful comparison, and when additional speci- 

 mens from other localities were procured, to be only a variety of 

 A. Ingramij and not a distinct species. Several of the names in 

 Mr. Theobald's paper are incorrectly given, e. g. Helix helicofera for 

 H. helicifera, H. caitssia for E. causia, H. pausa for H. pansa but 

 these are probably errors of printing. The practice of including, 

 amongst lists of species, manuscript names, without any reference 

 to the fact of their being unpublished, and consequently of no 

 authority, is much to be deprecated, as tending to confusion and the 

 multiplication of synonyms.* 



Postscript. — Since the above paper was penned, now nearly 6 months 

 ago, I have received Mr. Theobald's " Notes on some Indian and 

 Burmese Helicidce, <&c." published in this Journal for last year, pp. 



* Besides the shells above mentioned in the Burmese list, the names of many- 

 other undescribed species occur in the paper, while many described species arc 

 omitted. 



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