Notes on American Land Shells. 31575) 
M. divesta, Gld.—This locality furnishes typical specimens of this 
rare species. They have much the coloration and appearance of M. 
pennsylvanica, Green, of which they might at first be taken as a variety. 
This species inhabits the under side of rocks, with the M. albolabris 
mentioned above. 
M. thyroides, Say, var. bucculenta, Gld.—This neat little variety, 
in typical specimens, was collected at this locality by Mr. Sampson. I 
found it several years ago at Houston and Beaumont, Texas, where 
specimens frequently occurred with the umbilicus closed. A very pe- 
culiar fact connected with these Texas specimens was their beautiful 
rose color, which has now mostly faded after a lapse of nearly four 
years, 
M. exoleta, Binney, var. minor.—A very small, globose, dark- 
colored variety of this species occurs at this same locality. 
T. fallax, Say, var. minor. Years ago, I received frem Springfield, 
Mo., a small variety of this species, much lighter colored, with a 
thicker and heavier shell than the type. With the peristome reflected 
backward and rounded, and having a very distinct facies. I have re- 
cently received the same variety from Mr. Sampson, who collected it at 
Eureka Springs. 
S. labrosa, Bland.—This comparatively rare species I have from 
Springfield, Mo., Hematite, Mo., and from Eureka Springs, Ark. 
Mr. Sampson also sent me some very interesting species of Strepo- 
matide, the more interesting because of our comparatively limited 
knowledge of these shells inhabiting streams west of the Mississippi. 
The attention of all students of conchology in this region should be 
called to the desirability of making the fullest possible collections of 
this family, from all rivers of the west containing them. ‘The whole 
subject is now in confusion for the want of such collections. : 
It is to be hoped that collectors of shells, throughout our country, 
will devote themselves carefully to the study, collection and preserva- . 
tion of local varieties. Imperfect notes, if correct, so far as they go, are 
betterthan none. Such facts as the character of the stations, abundance 
or scarcity of food, comparative average temperature and rain fall ot 
the region, all questions of habits, circumstances surrounding the re- 
productive processes, possible hybrids, etc. ; these are questions that 
any careful observer is competent to undertake, and he will always 
find at least one correspondent exceedingly grateful for the communica. 
tion of such observations; and I feel satisfied that the study of this 
interesting group of animals is now tending in the direction of using 
