14 
SECOND YARKAND MISSION. 
II.-MOLLUSCA FROM KASHMIR AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF MARI 
(MURREE) IN THE PUNJAB. 
The change from the Indo-Malayan to the so-called European molluscous fauna at the 
northern -watershed of the Kashmir Valley is most abrupt and distinct; every species 
found at Sonamarg belonging to the former, while, at only two days’ march from thence 
at Mataian, every shell belongs to the latter, as already above recorded. Major Godwin- 
Austen, who has personally visited the locality, has been kind enough to inform me that it 
is on crossing the pass called the “ Zoji-la” into Dras, that the change becomes at once very 
great, the aspect of the country entirely changing, the forest-clad hills of Kashmir disappear, 
and, instead, one enters a sterile, dry country of higher elevation, altogether Tibetan in 
character; Sonamarg is within the drainage of the River Jhelum, whilst Mataian, on the 
other hand, is within that of the River Indus. 
1. Helicabion ahstenianhs, n. sp., Eigs. 22 — 24. 
This is a very distinct and peculiar form, well distinguished from all other Indian species ; 
it is most like a dwarf H. jlemingi, from which it is distinguished by its short, almost 
globose form, &c. 
Shell much smaller than that of H. Jlemingi, more globose, suture more excavated, 
and the spiro more raised, apex more distinct; more rudely and regularly concentrically 
plicated; whorls five, more convex, the last one not nearly so much dilated; texture 
thinner and more membranaceous, of an equally dark, but brighter and more glossy colour ; 
aperture about as high as broad; base a shade more convex, imperforate; columella less 
oblique, very short and abruptly triangularly reflected. 
Diam. 15 Is, axis ; apert. lat. 9^, alt. 91, mm. 
Some dozen specimens, several of which are preserved with the animal in spirit, were 
brought back from Sonamarg. 
2. Helicabion flemingi, Pfr. 
Vitrina Jlemingi, Pfr., P. Z. S., 1856, p. 324 (Sind). 
Young specimen, of approximately same size as full grown II. austenianum (for com- 
parison) : diam. 141, axis 5f , alt. max. 9 ; apert. lat. 8f, alt. 8f mm. 
Dr. Stoliczka found this fine species tolerably abundant at Murree and Tinali. There are 
several specimens with the animal in spirit. 
Diam. 40, axis 12, alt. max. 23'5 ; apert lat. 25, alt. 20 mm. 
