608 THE LAND SNAILS OF NEW ENGLAND. 
is beneath decaying leaves in forests, though it is found 
in grass, and under stones by the roadside. In some 
places the species occur in great numbers. 
It is distributed throughout the Northern, Middle, and 
Western States. 
The next species forms another genus under the name 
of Zoégenetes. It was first described as a Helix by Say. 
ZO6GENETES HARPA Say. (Figs. 50, 51.)* Shell ovate 
conic, light horn-color, very thin and elastic. Whorls four, 
Figs. 50, 51. convex, the last two marked by thin prom- 
LEANY inent ribs ; suture distinct ; aperture nearly 
circular; lip sharp. Length 4 of an inch, 
animal slate color, mottled with light dots. - 
This species forms one of the few ex- 
ceptions among land snails, in which the 
young are brought forth alive. They are 
hatched from eggs, but the eggs are re- 
= tained within the parent when this pro- 
cess takes place. The adult never contains more than 
four or five at a time, and it is a curious sight to break 
open this tiny shell under the microscope, and find 
within several young ones, those more advanced with 
little shells already formed. It is found in various parts 
of Maine, and is quite common in the vicinity of Portland 
in hard-wood groves. L. L. Thaxter has found it at 
Ascutney, Vt. It was first discovered in the North-west 
Territory, and between these two regions has rarely been 
met with. 
The next group of species to be described have long 
cylindrical shells, and are among the smallest of our land 
* Weare in i 
P a T o 
d to the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., for the use 
