162 
PALEONTOLOGY OF NEW-YORK. 
equally convex, and marked alike in perfect and unworn specimens. There is often a slight 
difference in the form of the anterior wing, as will be seen on reference to the figures ; and 
the posterior extremity is often obtusely angular, a'nd sometimes rounded, depending on 
the oblique truncation. 
This shell approximates very nearly to the Modiolopsis arcuatus (PI. XXXV. fig. 8); 
but the posterior extremity in that is^broadly rounded, and there is no evidence of a posterior 
wing. The one under consideration presents obscure evidences of a posterior wing in the 
marginal expansion of the shell ; and this, with the existence of diverging radii, remove 
it from the preceding genus. 
Fig. 1 a. A worn specimen, showing only obscure traces of radii, with strong concentric ridges. (This 
figure is taken from the original of A. aviformis.) 
Fig 1 b. A similar specimen, with obscure radii, having the anterior wing more extended. 
Fig. 1 c. The opposite valve of a specimen of similar form as the last, with the radii better preserved. 
Fig. 1 d. A large specimen of the left valve, with strong radii. 
The presence or absence of the radii is here clearly shown to be due to wearing of the 
su rface. 
Position and locality. In the compact central and higher portions of the Trenton limestone 
at Middleville, and in the calcareous layers in the Utica slate at Coldspring, Montgomery 
county. ( State Collection.) 
211. 2. AVICULA ELLIPTICA (n. sp.). 
Pl. XXXVI. Fig. 3. 
Compare Avicula ob/igua, Sowehby, Sil. System, pag. 635, pi. 20, fig. 4. 
Inequivalve, subelliptical, narrowing towards the anterior extremity, compressed ; 
umbones small, their direction nearly rectangular to the hinge line ; posterior wing tri¬ 
angular, distinct above, and gradually merging into the margin of the shell ; anterior 
margin sloping from the beak with a gentle curve, without a well defined wing; cast of 
the muscular impression in the left valve oblong, rounded above, and somewhat diverging 
and striated below ; surface marked by a few obsolete concentric lines. 
This specimen has the greater part of the shell removed, and perfect specimens may 
possess characters not obvious in this one. It corresponds in many respects with the one 
cited above, and its similar geological position induces me to regard it as an analogue at 
least. 
It is doubtful if this species belongs to the true Avicula, and it may be found to approach 
more nearly to the following genus, which is distinguished from the Avicula by some 
characters possessed by this. 
Position and locality. In the fine-grained black limestone, central part of the Trenton 
limestone at Middleville. A rare shell. 
