Sg oe 
GASTEROPODA. 321 
(Goodsir.) In old times they were objects of superstitious 
dread, on account of their grotesque forms, and the imaginary 
properties of their fluid, which was held to be poisonous and to 
produce indelible stains.* 
Fossil, one or two shells of the newest tertiary in Sicily have 
been doubtfully referred to this genus. 
Sub-genus. Aclesia (dolabrifera), Rang. Shell trapeziform. 
Side-lobes closely enveloping the body, leaying only a small 
dorsal respiratory opening, surface ornament with filaments. 
9 species. Hast Indies. 
DoLABELLA, Lamarck. 
Type, D. Rumphu, Pl. XIV., Fig. 15. 
Litymology, dolabella, a small hatchet. 
Shell hard, calcareous, trigonal, with a curved and callous 
apex. 
Animal like Aplysia, with gill near posterior extremity of the 
body and lateral crests closely appressed, leaving only a narrow 
opening; ornamented with branching filaments. 
Distribution, 12 species. Mediterranean, Mauritius, Ceylon, 
Society Islands, Sandwich Islands. 
STYLOCHEILUS, Gould, 1841. 
Synonym, Aplysia longicauda Q. and G. 
Animal limaciform, cirrigerous, dilated at the sides, attenuated 
behind; neck distinct; tentacles 4, long, linear, papillose, far 
apart; lips dilated laterally into tentacular processes. 
Distribution, 3 species. New Guinea, on Fuci. 
DOLABRIFERA, Grube. 
Shell trapezoidal ; side-lobes not used for swimming. 
Distribution, 4 species. Indian Ocean, West America. 
SIPHONOPYGE, Brown. 
Shell truncated in front ; foot-lobes spread out for swimming; 
posterior part extended beyond the siphon. 
Distribution, 6 species. West America, Chinese Sea. 
NoTARCHUS, Cuyier. 
Type, N. Cuvieri, Bl. 
Etymology, notos, the back, archos, vent. 
Synonym, Busiris (griseus), Risso, ? Bursatella (Leachii), Bl. 
* Aplysia (from a@ and pluo) un-washable: the’ Aplysia of the Greek fishermen 
PO 
_ Were sponges unfit for washing. 
