4 TRANSACTIONS LIVERPOOL BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



commercial life at the present day, and drew attention to 

 the interest of, and the intellectual pleasure to be derived 

 from, the collection and classification of shells — as well as 

 the chance of " bringing a bit of valuable ore to the sur- 

 face " in the solution of some of the many questions still 

 unsettled in regard to the Mollusca and their Shells. 



Helix was then described as a type of the land shells, 

 and hints were given as to the occurrence of the species, 

 and the best means of collecting them. The formation 

 and repair of the shell, and the habits of the animal were 

 discussed ; and a Bivalve Mollusc was then contrasted with 

 the Snail, and Chiton with both. 



Most of the rest of the Address was occupied 

 by a rapid survey of the leading families of Mollusca 

 for the purpose of bringing out points of interest, 

 both in structure and in habit. This was illus- 

 trated by many specimens from the President's con- 

 chological collection. Useful suggestions were also given 

 as to the best mode of proceeding on a dredging expedition 

 and when collecting on the sea shore. Some figures were 

 given of the amount of edible shell fish brought weekly 

 into London and elsewhere, in order to show the import- 

 ance of the industry. 



The President concluded by recommending to collec- 

 tors the prolific grounds round the South end of the Isle 

 of Man, within easy reach of the admirable facilities for 

 work afforded by the new Biological Station at Port 

 Erin ; and he appealed for further workers in all branches 

 of Marine Biology, since "it is by the co-operation of 

 many workers and the exercise of many minds that we can 

 best advance that natural knowledge in which this Society 

 is so much interested." 



