Genus 2. 

 LEPAS. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Animal Triton. 



Testa basi affixa multivalvis : valvis inaequalibus erectis, 



Animal a Triton. 



Shell of many valves, fixed at the base: valves unequal and erect. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 



Some late authors of repute, both abroad and in this 

 country, struck with the difference of appearance be- 

 tween the conical and compressed shells of this genus, 

 have separated the species, and formed them into dis- 

 tinct genera. It has been already stated, that it is not 

 intended in this work to deviate from the Linnaean order; 

 and this determination arises not only from a conviction 

 of its superior utility, but also from a desire to oppose, 

 in some measure, the great inclination which has appeared 

 of late on the Continent to multiply genera ; more it is to 

 be feared in some cases to the confusion and prejudice, 

 than the elucidation and advancement, of Natural His- 

 tory. This, however, is no reason why the opinions of 

 other authors should not be regarded; and therefore we 

 shall notice how far they are justified in their proceed- 

 ing, with respect to the present genus, by considering 

 the following grounds of separation as proposed by 

 Bruguiere. 



