Genus 2. 

 L E P A S. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Animal Triton. 



Testa basi affixa multivalvis : valvis inaequalibus erectis. 



Animal a Triton. 



Shell of many valves, fixed at the base: valves unequal and erect. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 



Some late authors of repute, both abroad and in this 

 country, struck with the difference of appearance he? 

 tween the conical and compressed shells of this genus, 

 have separated the species, and formed them into dis- 

 tinct "genera. It has been already stated, that it is not 

 intended in this work to deviate from the Linnaean order; 

 and this determination arises not only from a conviction 

 of its superior utility, but also from a desire to oppose, 

 in some measure, the great inclination which has appeared 

 of late on the Continent to multiply genera ; more it is to 

 be feared in some cases to the confusion and prejudice, 

 than the elucidation and advancement, of Natural His- 

 tory. This, however, is no reason why the opinions of 

 other authors should riot be regarded; and therefore we 

 shall notice how far they are justified in their proceed- 

 ing, with respect to the present genus, by considering 

 the following grounds of separation as proposed by 

 Bruguiere. 



