1868.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 255 



The flora of the tanks and jheels is interesting, as it so closely ap- 

 proaches in character to that of the ponds and lakes of Europe. A list 

 of the species is given. 



This portion of the paper is concluded with a description and list 

 of the plants peculiar to the hills. The useful plants are those yield- 

 ing, food, drugs, fibres, dyes, lac, oil and timber. 



The paper concludes with notices under these several headings, and 

 a list of trees producing timber of known value. 



Dr. F. Stoliczka then read his paper on The Malacology of Lower 

 Bengal and the adjoining provinces. No. 1. On the genus Onchidium, 

 with descriptions of new species. (Abstract.) 



The author stated that the study pursued in conchology during the 

 last few decads had clearly shewn the importance of the examination 

 of the animals of Mollusca for all systematical purposes. The Indian 

 land and fresh water shells received a very fair attention from such 

 able conch ologists as Mr. Benson, Mr. W. Blanford, and others ; but 

 there was as yet little known of the respective animals. To supply 

 this want, Dr. Stoliczka stated that he had undertaken to collect 

 materials for a series of papers, which would be specially devoted to 

 the examination of the animals, and that he hoped conchologists would 

 appreciate this course of inquiry, and favour him with living or 

 preserved animals of Molluscs. 



The first of the series of papers had as subject the anatomical 

 and other descriptive details respecting the species of Onchidium, 

 found in the neighbourhood of Calcutta. 



The type of the genus was described about 70 years ago by Dr. F. 

 Buchannan as Onchidium typhce, which is very common about Cal- 

 cutta, though no record of its occurrence has been noticed since Buchan- 

 nan's publication. 



Dr. Stoliczka then spoke on some of the most important anato- 

 mical details of the type species, Onchidium typhce, pointing out some of 

 the errors into which former observers had fallen. He also stated 

 that he found in the neighbourhood of Port Canning three new species 

 which were described by him under the names of Onchidium pallidum, 

 tigrinum, and tenerum. Several live specimens of the last named 

 species, the drawings of all the species, and preparations of the teeth, 

 &c, were exhibited. A new species of Onchidium was said to occur 



