1865.] Contributions to Indian Malacology. 101 
allies of Hf. similaris. The Arakan 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. 8. B. for 1857, (Vol. XXVI. p. 251) occur the names of 
I. 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 subsequently proved to have been given in error. It is, I think, 
to be regretted, that in a recent paper J. A. 8. 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, Alyceus scepticus, 
has proved, on more careful comparison, and when additional speci- 
mens from other localities were procured, to be only a variety of 
A. Ingrami, 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. caussia for H. 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to the fact of their being unpublished, and consequently of no 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 Helicide, &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 are 
omitted, : 
14 ‘ 
