3878 Mollusks. 



List of the Land and Fresh-water Mollusca found in Aberdeenshire 

 and Kincardineshire, By James Taylor, Esq. 



The publication of Mr. Norman's list of the Mollusca of Oxford 

 and its neighbourhood (Zool. 3761), has led me to believe that a simi- 

 lar list of those found with us would be acceptable ; since it is only 

 by the publication of such lists that collectors can arrive at a know- 

 ledge of the rarity or abundance of species in different localities 

 throughout the kingdom. Besides the utility of local lists of species 

 to collectors in effecting the exchange of specimens, they lead to a 

 more correct knowledge of their geographical distribution. One thing 

 is certain, the publication of such lists shows how much the study of 

 Mollusca has been on the increase during late years, and one now and 

 then in the pages of the ' Zoologist,' would give us further informa- 

 tion. Local lists of shells are to general Conchology what local lists 

 of plants are to general Botany ; since it is well known that many 

 species both of plants and mollusks are confined to particular spots, 

 the result of some peculiarity of constitution in the animal or the soil, 

 while others are more generally distributed. A correct knowledge of 

 the distribution of the Mollusca would greatly facilitate the labours of 

 the collector. 



Some of the species mentioned in Mr. Norman's list have not been 

 found here in a living state, e. g., Neritina fluviatilis, Paludina vivi- 

 para and achatina, Bithinia tentaculata and ventricosa, Helix pomatia 

 and many others, as may be seen on a comparison of the lists ; but 

 dead specimens of some of these have been found amongst ballast, 

 and some cast on the beach ; these will be mentioned at the end of 

 the list. 



The nomenclature is that of Gray's Turton ; any other authority 

 will be mentioned. 



Arion ater. Common in meadows and by way-sides during sum- 

 mer and autumn. 



Limax maximus. Plentiful by the sides of the Don and the Dee, 

 at Nether Banchory. 



„ flavus. Rather common under stones and by the walls of 

 houses. 



„ agrestis. Abundant. 



„ marginatus, Drap. Gardens at Old Aberdeen, Den of Leg- 

 gart. This Limax may be seen ascending trees to a great height dur- 

 ing moist weather. 



