Chapter II: Part 2

This is the only species among those I have united under the genus _Licinia_, which has any shade of red mixed in the colouring, all the others being variegated only with white, yellow, and black. It is a native of Brazil, and according to Godart of Guyana and the Antilles: though not common, it is sometimes frequent in local situations, preferring the borders of deep forests, and flying very slowly. I had the means of fully ascertaining the two sexes, of which the two upper figures are of the male, and the lower one the female. There can be no doubt the latter is the _Pieris Amphione_, so admirably described by M. Godart, who, however, makes no mention of the black marginal spots on the under side of the posterior wings, represented in Cramer's figure, which may therefore be a variety. More difficulty, however, exists in ascertaining if the male is distinct from _P. Laia_, of Godart: the figures of Cramer, in general, are so inaccurate, as always to excite a doubt in cases of nice discrimination; Godart's description, nevertheless, perfectly agrees with Cramer's figure: if it was, therefore, drawn up from the insect itself, there can be little doubt that _Laia_ is distinct from _Amphione_; if, on the other hand, M. Godart made his description only from Cramer's figure, the question remains in its original uncertainty.

The club of the antennae is white, tipt with pale brown. The under side of the female very closely resembles the upper, excepting that the black stripe on the lower wings is broken; and there are irregular blotches of white at the tips of both wings, but no marginal spots, as represented by Cramer.

It will be found that _Licinia_ is the connecting genus between those of _Danais_ and _Pieris_, of Latreille, and that the transition between the last of these and _Colias_ is strongly marked by that of Terias, (_Zool. Ill. pl._ 22).

What with the inaccuracy of figures, and the almost universal neglect with which the most eminent entomologists have passed over this beautiful order, the natural arrangement and affinities of the _Lepidoptera_ still remain in the greatest obscurity; and it is recommended to those who may object to the additional generic distinctions I have made, to examine, in the first instance, the relative validity they bear in essential character to the innumerable genera that are continually created in the _Coleoptera_, _Hymenoptera_, and _Diptera_.

* * * * *

Pl. 92

PAPILIO,

_Butterfly_

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Antennae graciles, clavis elongatis, obtusis, sub-arcuatis, raro
compressis. Palpi brevissimi, reflexi, remoti, linguae basin vix
obtegentes, articulo ultimo obtuso, minimo. Pedes antici longi,
articulo secundo infra gibbo._

SECTIONES.

I. Graeci.

_Pectore maculis sanguineis carente._

_a._ Ecaudati, _alis inferioribus elongatis, basi angusta_.

_b._ Percaudati, _alis fasciis fulvis vel viridibus ornatis,
inferioribus caudis, elongatis, angustis, instructis_.

_c._ Caudati, _alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis,
instructis_.

* _Alis fulvo fasciatis._

** _Alis nigricantibus._

d. Dentati, _alis inferioribus dentatis_.

_e._ Orbiculares, _alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus_.

II. Trojani.

_Pectore maculis sanguineis insigni._

_a._ Ecaudati, _alis inferioribus elongatis, basi lata_.

_b._ Caudati, _alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis,
instructis_.

_c._ Dentati, _alis inferioribus dentatis_.

d. Orbiculares, _alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus_.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Antennae slender, the club elongated, obtuse, slightly arched, and
rarely compressed. Feelers very short, reflected, remote, hardly
covering the base of the tongue, the last joint obtuse and minute;
anterior feet long, with a gibbous appendage on the under part of the
second joint.

SECTIONS.

I. _Greeks._

Breast without sanguineous spots.

_a._ Tailless; lower wings elongated, and narrow at the base.

_P. Sarpedon. Nereus_ C. _Macleayanus_ G.

_b._ Long tailed; wings generally banded with yellow or green.

_P. Codrus. Sinon. Antheus. Podalirius. Machaon, &c._

_c._ Tailed; lower wings with obtuse patulous tails.

* Wings varied with yellow bands.

_P. Torquatus. Thoas._ C. _Ilioneus_ (Donovan) _&c._

** Wings generally dark, without bands.

_P. Troilus. Paris. Severus. Pammon, &c._

d. Dentated; lower wings dentated, without tails.

_P. Aegeus et Erechtheus._ Don. _Amphitryon. Drusius. Demolius_
C.

_e._ Orbicular; lower wings short, orbicular.

_P. dissimilis. Similis_ C. _Assimilis_ (Drury). _Polydamas?_
Lin.

II. _Trojans._

Breast with sanguineous spots.

_a._ Tailless; lower wings elongated and broad at the base.

_P. Memnon. Polymnestor. Agenor. Hector._ C.

_b._ Tailed; lower wings with obtuse patulous tails.

_P. Polydorus. Romulus. Coon, &c._

_c._ Dentated; lower wings dentated.

_P. Evander._ (Godart.) _Amosus?_ C.

d. Orbicular; lower wings short, orbicular.

_P. Priamus. Panthous. Amphrisius, Harmonia et Cressida_
(Donovan.)

* * * * *

From the earliest ages, the Butterfly appears to have attracted the admiration of mankind; and we find it celebrated by their poets as figurative of gaiety and pleasure, and by their sages as an emblem of the human soul. It has been interwoven in one of their most beautiful allegories, and has been consecrated in our own days by several poets, though by none with such exquisite taste and moral feeling, as by the venerable Historian of the Medici.

So few of those insects, generally called Butterflies, were known to Linnaeus, that he included them all in one genus, dividing them, for the most part, into natural groups. Fabricius continued this arrangement, with little variation, and has left us the description of near 1,150 species! Yet before his death, this laborious naturalist saw the absolute necessity of dividing this immense genus into many others, and left among his MSS. a sketch of his proposed arrangement, published afterwards by Illiger, and partially adopted (we venture to think also very imperfectly) by M. Latreille.

The insects which are therefore now left under the old genus _Papilio_, are principally found out of Europe, and are remarkable for their richness of colouring and immense size. M. M. Latreille and Godart have described, with great precision, 146 species: it is, however, to be regretted, that they have adopted no sections or divisions to assist the student in his search after any particular species, among this extensive number. The great disadvantage of this is very obvious, and it has induced me to attempt something like a natural distribution of those insects, which, with every care to avoid an unnatural separation of kindred groups, I am fully aware, in some cases, is very artificial, and it is only offered until a greater knowledge of the larvae, &c. will enable us to fix on more substantial characters than those I have adopted. This, however, will be a work of time; and until then, I think some guide to the ready knowledge of the species, however objectionable, is better than none.

Much might be said on the affinities which connect this with several other genera. Among the most striking is that existing between them and the _Noctuae_ (_N. Patroclus_ Fab.) by means of _Pap. Leilus_ Lin. which thus stands between the night and the day-flying Lepidoptera. Many of the insects placed in our division of _Graeci caudati_, are allied to _Danaus_ Lat. by the larva of both having retractile hornshaped processes, and the two genera seem still further connected by _Papilio similis_ and _dissimilis_ in one group, and by _P. Priamus_ in the other; while the clear winged species from New Holland seem to indicate an affinity with the _Heliconiae_.

The laborious and important investigations of M. Savigny into the structure of the mouth of these insects are too well known, to require a more particular notice in this slight sketch of the subject.

* * * * *

PAPILIO Polymetus.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (Trojani orbiculares) alis atris; superis fascia breviori (foeminae
alba) antice alba, postice cyanea, inferis dentatis, macula coccinea
quadripartita._

Papilio (T. orb.) wings black, superior, with a short white band, which
is blue at the base (in the female entirely white); inferior dentated,
with a four cleft crimson spot.

Papilio Polymetus. _Godart in Ency. Meth._ vol. ix. p. 35. _no._ 28.

* * * * *

First described by M. Godart; unless, indeed, it may hereafter prove a variety of _P. Lycander_ (Cramer, Pl. 29. C. D.) which approaches as near to the male, as _P. Hippason_ does to the female. The first sex is here represented at the upper and under figures; the middle is of the female, which M. Godart has not described. It is a native of Brazil; I found it at Bahia only in certain woods, and subsequently met with a variety in the province of Rio Janeiro, differing only in being much larger.

* * * * *

Pl. 93

PAPILIO Pandrosus.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (G. Caud.) alis atris, fascia communi posticarumque lunulis
marginalibus flavis; his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum striga
intermedia._ G.

_Pap. (G. Caud.)_ wings black; with the common band and marginal
lunules on the lower wings, yellow; lower wings with obtuse tails, and
a row of red dots between the nerves.--_Godart._

Pap. Pandrosus. _Godart. En. Meth._ _vol._ ix. _p._ 62. _No._ 101.

* * * * *

M. Godart has anticipated me in the first publication of this, and a great many other newly discovered Brazilian insects; it has, however, not been figured; and I take this opportunity of expressing my doubts, whether this and the next are not sexes of the same species, rather than two, permanently distinct. I have not, at this particular time, the means of referring either to my notes or my collections, by which the recollection I have on the subject might be in some way confirmed; and, until this is done, it is much better retaining the two insects as distinct species: the figures of both will show their very close resemblance, in every thing but the bands on the upper surface of the wings. I found them common in the province of Rio de Janeiro.

* * * * *

Pl. 94

PAPILIO Torquatus.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (G. Caud.) alis atris; anticis fasciis duabus, posticis disco
lunulisque marginalibus, flavis: his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum
striga intermedia._--Godart.

_P. (G. Caud.)_ Wings black; two bands on the anterior wings, and
marginal lunules on the posterior, yellow; lower wings with obtuse
tails, and a row of red dots between the nerves.

P. Torquatus. _Cramer_, _pl._ 177. _fig. a. b._ _Godart. En. Meth._ v.
9. _p._ 62.

* * * * *

It is singular that Fabricius appears to have overlooked this species, sufficiently well figured by Cramer to point out its leading characters, though very inferior to the beauty of the insect. M. Godart has, however, recorded it in his account of this superb genus in the _Encyclopedie Methodique_; and the minute and clear descriptions which this able entomologist has given throughout that work, merit the highest eulogium. Our own figures will, however, render a detailed description in this place unnecessary.

M. Godart says, this insect is found both in Guiana and Brazil. In the latter country, I met with it only in the province of Rio de Janeiro, where it is common.

* * * * *

Pl. 95

CINNYRIS chalybeia,

_Lesser collared Creeper._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum elongatum, gracillimum, arcuatum, apice acutissimo,
integerrimo, ad basin depressum, lateribus compressis, marginibus
inflexis, subtilissime dentatis; mandibula inferiore convexa. Lingua
jaculatoria, tubularis, furcata? Nares basales, breves, nudae, ovatae,
membrana fissa, juxta rostri marginem et basin aperiente, tectae.
Remigum penna prima brevissima, secunda pennis 4 proximis paribus
brevior._

Ob.--_Maris cauda pennis elongatis 2 ornata, hypochondriorumque pennae
longiores._

Typ. Gen. _Upupa Promerops_ Lin.--_Certhia famosa_ Lin.

Bill lengthened, very slender, arched, the base depressed, the sides
compressed, the tip very sharp and entire, the margins bent inwards and
minutely dentated; under mandible beneath convex. Tongue retractile,
tubular, forked? Nostrils basal, short, and broad, covered by a naked
oval membrane which opens by a slit near the margin of the bill. First
quill feather very short; the second shorter than the four next, which
are of equal length.

_Ob._--Male generally with long feathers in the tail, and the side
feathers under the wings rather lengthened.

Generic Types. _Cape Promerops, and Shining Creeper._ Lath.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. aureo-viridis, alis caudaque fuscis; fasciis pectoralibus 2
connexis, antica chalybeia, postica angusta, rubra; caudae tegminibus
superioribus chalybeis._

Golden green, with brown wings and tail, and narrow pectoral band,
bordered above by another of steel blue; upper tail covers blue.

Certhia chalybeia. _Lin. Gmelin._ 475. _Ind. Orn._ 1. 284. _Brisson._ 3
_tab._ 32. _f._ 1.?

Le Soui-manga a collier. _Vieill. Grimp._ _p._ 40. _pl._ 13. 14.

Collared Creeper. _Latham_, _Syn._ 2. 709. _Gent. Zool._ 8. 196.

* * * * *

This splendid family may be considered as the Humming-birds of the old world, inhabiting (I think exclusively) the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. To the personal observations of M. Vaillant we owe the first, and indeed the only detailed account, of their real economy, and which this enterprising ornithologist remarked during his travels in Africa, and published in his work on the birds of that continent; a work which will be valued and consulted when most of the systems framed by closet naturalists will be forgotten.

M. Vaillant records a singular fact respecting these birds: which is, that the males only assume their rich and vivid colours during the season of courtship; at other times they are scarcely to be known from the females, whose plumage in general is very plain. Another bird, very nearly resembling this, has been figured by M. Vaillant under the name of _Le Sucrier a Plastron rouge_ (Ois. d'Af. pl. 300.); his reasons, however, for separating them, are, I think, sufficient, at least until more forcible ones are adduced than mere conjecture. Our figure is the size of life; on each side the breast is a tuft of yellow feathers; the back, neck, and head shining golden green, changing in various lights. The female is said to be the _Certhia Capensis_ of Lin., which is greyish brown above, and paler beneath.

The different generic names which have been given to these birds by modern systematic writers, require some elucidation. They were originally placed by Linnaeus among the _Certhiae_; out of this genus Illiger formed another by the name of _Nectarinia_, in which he included not only these birds, but many others allied to them. From this genus of Illiger's, Cuvier separated a part under the generic appellation of _Cinnyris_, a genus which comprised those species of Illiger's _Nectarinia_ only which are found in the parallels of latitude of the old world. So far these changes can be understood; but Professor Temminck, without noticing this previous arrangement, places the birds belonging to Cuvier's genus _Cinnyris_, under his own modification of Illiger's _Nectarinia_, while to the _Nectariniae_, as characterized by Cuvier, he gives the generic name of _Coereba_. This last change has introduced great confusion; for the student must bear in mind, that Cuvier's genus _Nectarinia_ corresponds to Temminck's _Coereba_; that _Cinnyris_ of Cuvier is _Nectarinia_ of Temminck; and finally, that all these are included under Illiger's original genus _Nectarinia_! M. Vieillot has still further added to this unfortunate multiplicity of names, by giving that of _Mellisuga_ to Cuvier's _Cinnyris_. This may truly be termed a war of words. In the meantime, as Cuvier was the first who, by giving the name of _Cinnyris_, designated the _Sucriers_ of Vaillant, and those _only_, his definition and generic name to these birds should unquestionably supersede all others.

* * * * *

Pl. 96

ANODON rugosus,

_Wrinkled Horse Mussel._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa transversa, plerumque tenuis. Cardo linearis, edentulus. Lamina
cardinalis glabra, aliquando levata, antice sinu sub ligamento
desinens. Impressiones musculares 3. Ligamentum externum. Animal
fluviatile._

Typus Genericus _Mytilus Anatinus_ Lin.

Shell transverse, generally thin. Hinge consisting of a simple marginal
lamina without teeth, smooth or slightly raised, terminating at the
anterior end in a curve or sinus below the ligament. Muscular
impressions three. Ligament external. Animal fluviatile.

Generic Type _Duck Mussel_ Pennant.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa ovato-oblonga, crassa, convexa, antice oblique rotundata;
intus fulva, margine rufo; margine cardinali leviter curvato, infra
umbones crasso._

Shell ovate-oblong, thick, convex, anterior obliquely rounded; hinge
margin slightly curved and thickened beneath the umbones; inside
fulvous, with a reddish margin.

* * * * *

The shells now arranged under the kindred genera of _Unio_ and _Anodon_ are exclusively fluviatile, or inhabitants of fresh water, and are dispersed both in the old and the new world. In the Linnaean system, the first, being furnished with teeth, are placed among the _Myae_; and the latter, from having none, are arranged with the _Mytili_. Two common shells, in our own rivers and ponds (_Mya pictorum_, and _Mytilus anatinus Lin._), will readily present to the student the characters by which they are severally distinguished. The shells of the present genus bear such a general resemblance to each other, and are so simple in their construction, that a corresponding minuteness of discrimination is requisite to characterize the species; I have, therefore, selected for this purpose the modification of the upper margin to which the ligament is attached, and which in other shells forms the bases of the teeth. This I have termed the hinge margin. The form of the notch or sinus which terminates this part will also be found of much importance in discriminating the species; for no shells vary more in their form, thickness, or convexity than these do, according to their locality, age, or other circumstances.

Shell transverse, oval; rather thick and ventricose; both extremities obtuse; the anterior side (from the umbones to the exterior margin) obliquely rounded; umbones prominent; hinge margin rather thick, slightly curved, and swelled immediately under the umbones; sinus short, abrupt, curved; epidermis coarse, black, and much wrinkled; inside stained with yellow, and having a narrow reddish rim or margin.

For this species, now, I believe, first made known, I am indebted to G. C. Bainbridge, Esq. of Liverpool, who received several specimens from the United States. It appears to have been unknown to Mr. Say, who has published an account of the land and river shells of North America.

The student might be led to suppose, that the two genera of _Unio_ and _Anodon_ are strongly characterized; for the first includes many of the most ponderous bivalves yet discovered, and the second some remarkably thin and brittle. Among the _Uniones_ are shells furnished with hinges of the greatest force, while most of the _Anodons_ are perfectly destitute of any; nevertheless, the gradations by which these characters approach each other are very remarkable, and some shells which partake of both have been arranged in separate genera. Of these, the best defined are _Hyria_ Lam. and _Dipsas_ of Leach; the one allied nearest to _Unio_, but having the cardinal teeth assuming the appearance of lateral or lamellar teeth; the other more resembling the Anodons, but furnished with a strongly defined and elevated lamellar tooth, extending the whole length of the hinge. Between these two genera should be placed another of Lamarck's, called by him _Iridinia_, which has likewise only a simple lamellar plate, but broken into a great number of crenated teeth. The observing Mr. Say has likewise proposed another under the name of _Alasmodonta_, which, however, I shall take another opportunity of noticing.

I have ventured to exchange the ungrammatical name of _Anodonta_, given by Bruguiere to this genus, for _Anodon_, at the suggestion of the learned Dr. Goodall, Provost of Eton College.

* * * * *

Pl. 97

MARGINELLA,

_Date Shell._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa ovata. Spira brevissima aut nulla. Labium exterius crassissimum,
margine interiore crenato. Columella plicata. Basis subintegra. Animal
capitatum, capitis fronte profunde emarginato; oculis ad tentaculorum 2
subulatorum basin externam adsitis; tuba jugulari simplici; pede magno,
foliaceo, pone attenuato; penula dilatata, testae latera obtegente._

Typ. Gen. _Volutae perspicula, glabella, prunum, &c._ Lin.

Shell oval. Spire very short or concealed. Exterior lip very thick,
with the internal margin crenated. Pillar plaited. Base nearly entire.
Animal capitate; head notched in front, with lengthened, pointed
tentacula, at the external base of which are the eyes; neck with a
simple tube; foot large, foliaceous, pointed behind; mantle dilated,
and folded over the sides of the shell.

Generic Types _Vol. perspicula, glabella, prunum, &c._ Lin.

* * * * *

Lamarck first separated the shells comprised in this genus from the Volutes of Linnaeus; their principal distinction rests in the formation of the outer lip, which has a very thick margin, more or less toothed on the inner rim; the base likewise is nearly entire, and the inner lip quite wanting.

By these peculiarities, the _Date Shells_ are easily known from the _Volutes_ on the one hand, and the _Cowries_ on the other; and the invaluable researches of M. Adanson, who has described and figured the animals of each of these genera, has established this distinction on the most solid principles; it will, however, be interesting to trace, by the shells only, how beautifully this arrangement is developed.

The _Marginellae_ may be divided into two sections; the first bearing in form and habit a strong resemblance to the _Cypraeae_, and the second gradually losing these indications, and acquiring those of the spiral _Volutae_. Among the first are several species, which, like the Cowries, appear destitute of any spire (as in _M. cingulata_); this part, however, begins to show itself in other successive species very progressively, until it becomes elevated and defined in _M. glabella_. This shell may be considered the passage to the second division, in which the species lose the simple oval form of the first, and acquire a contracted base and pointed spire, perfectly resembling _Voluta undulata Lam._ and its allies. The extreme developement of these characters is shown in _M. faba_.

This genus must, then, be considered as connecting those of _Cypraea_ and _Voluta_ (Lam.); excepting one, the whole of the species are very small; and as the three here selected to illustrate these remarks are frequently seen, and have been often described under other names, little more is necessary than to detail their specific characters.

* * * * *

MARGINELLA cingulata,

_Banded Date Shell--upper figures._

_M. testa ovata, albida, lineis aurantiacis fasciata; spira obsoleta,
umbilicata; columella 6 plicata._

Shell oval, whitish, banded with orange lines; spire obsolete,
umbilicated; pillar 6 plaited.

Voluta cingulata. _Dill._ 525. 56. _Lister._ 803. _f._ 9. _Martini_, 2.
_t._ 42. _f._ 419 _and_ 20. _Gualt._ _t._ 25. _c._? 28. _b._ _Adanson_,
_t._ 4. _f._ 4.

* * * * *

I am happy to record Mr. Dillwyn as the first systematic writer who separated this from _Mar. persicula_, which has reddish spots, and is quite a distinct species. The present is a pretty, though common shell, and observed by Adanson in great plenty on the African coast.

* * * * *

MARGINELLA prunum,

_Grey Date Shell--middle figures._

_M. testa ovata, grisea, immaculata; spira parva, conica; apertura
fusca; columella 4 plicata._

Shell oval, grey, immaculate; spire small, conic; aperture brown;
pillar 4 plaited.

Voluta plumbea. _Sol. MSS. L'Egouen. Adanson_, _tab._ 4. _f._ 3.

V. prunum. _Gm._ _p._ 3446. 33. _Martini_, 2. _t._ 42. _f._ 422 _and_
3. _En. Meth._ 376. 8. _Lister_, 817. 28. (young.) _Dill._ 530. 69.

* * * * *

The plaits are very strong, and, together with the outer lip, white; equally common, and from the same country, as the last.

* * * * *

MARGINELLA faba,

_Fly-spot Date Shell--lower figures._

_M. testa ovata, plicata, fulva, punctis fuscis ornata; spira conica;
basi emarginata; columella 4 plicata._

Shell oval, plaited, fulvous, with brown dots; spire conic; base
notched; pillar 4 plaited.

V. faba. _Gm._ 3445. _Lister_, 812. 22. _Martini_, 2. _t._ 42. _f._
431? 432, _and_ 3. _En. Meth._ 377. 1. _Gualt._ 28. _Q. Dill._ 528. 63.

* * * * *

The whorls of this pretty shell are plaited into little nodules; it is usually very small. The supposed variety figured by Martini, and mentioned by Mr. Dillwyn, I am inclined to believe, may be a distinct species.

* * * * *

Pl. 98

PALUDINA,

_River Snail._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa ovata, spiralis, tenuis, umbilicata. Apertura semi-orbicularis,
ad labii anterioris apicem subangulata. Operculum corneum._

_Animal fluviatile, branchiatum, viviparum, rostro brevissimo; oculis
ad basin externam tentaculorum acutorum 2 appositis; pedis margine
antico duplici; lateribus antice alis parvis instructis; ala dextera
involuta in canalem per quem aqua in tracheam introducitur._

Typus Genericus _Helix vivipara_, Lin.

Shell ovate, spiral, thin, umbilicated. Aperture nearly orbicular,
slightly angulated at the top of the inner lip. Operculum horny.

Animal fluviatile, branchiated, viviparous; rostrum very short; eyes
placed at the external base of two pointed tentacula; anterior border
of the foot double; on each side the fore part of the body a small
wing; that on the right side is folded into a channel, by which the
water is introduced into the respiratory canal.

Generic Type _Viviparous Snail_ Pennant.

* * * * *

The common Shell above quoted, inhabiting many of our rivers, will serve as an excellent example of this genus, which is not numerous, and confined to fresh waters; the animals, inhabiting the European species, appear to have been thoroughly investigated by the continental naturalists; and from their account of its singular construction, the above description has been framed. Science should make no distinction of persons or countries; but it is rather mortifying to observe, that these important discoveries in the organization of animals, are pursued with zeal and ability by foreign naturalists, while most of our own content themselves with expatiating on its impossibility, and even go so far as to hint its uselessness, because we can never become acquainted with the animals of _all_ the species of shells in our cabinets: so far this latter part of the argument is most true; but, to ascertain, for instance, the animal of the Cowry, it is surely not requisite we should see those of _all_ the species (near 80 in number), before we venture to describe it? any more than it is necessary completely to dissect _every_ species of Locust before we pronounce it to be one. Science would, indeed, receive incalculable and lasting benefit, if those of our conchologists who reside near the coast would pay greater attention to the inhabiting animals, and less to the shells, of their neighbourhood; for the first would supply that information they acknowledge is so desirable, and the latter would prevent our indigenous Catalogue from being crowded with many dubious, and even foreign shells.

English conchologists appear not to be aware of the vast number of testaceous animals which are now known. Among those truly eminent men who have prosecuted this study, M. Adanson stands foremost, in having minutely described all those he found on the African coast; in the magnificent work of Poli nearly all the Mediterranean bivalves are exquisitely figured; and those of the land and fresh water will receive complete illustration from M. Ferrusac. Cuvier, Lamarck, Say, and even our own countrymen, Dr. Leach and Montague, have all contributed, more or less, to form a mass of information which it is full time should be employed as the basis of natural classification.

* * * * *

PALUDINA elongata,

_Long-spired River Snail--upper and lower figures._

* * * * *

_P. testa olivaceo-fusca, fasciis castaneis ornata; spira producta,
attenuata, apertura multo longiore; apice acuto._

Shell olive brown, with chesnut bands; spire lengthened, attenuated,
much longer than the aperture; tip acute.

* * * * *

Inhabits the rivers of India. It is rather thicker than most of the others, and the umbilicus nearly obsolete.

* * * * *

PALUDINA unicolor,

_Olive River Snail--side figures._

* * * * *

_P. testa subventricosa, tota olivacea; apice acuto; spirae et
aperturae longitudine aequali; umbilico clauso._

Shell subventricose; uniform olive; apex of the spire acute; aperture
and spire of equal length; umbilicus closed.

* * * * *

Distinguished from the _Helix vivipara_ of authors, by having a less convex, and more pointed spire, hardly any umbilicus, and no bands. Inhabits China.

* * * * *

PALUDINA carinata,

_Carinated River Snail--middle figures._

* * * * *

_P. testa parva, olivacea; spira apertura longiore, apice obtuso, rufo;
anfractu basali medio leviter carinato; umbilico obsoleto._

Shell small, olive; spire longer than the aperture; the tip obtuse,
rufous; basal whorl slightly carinated in the middle; umbilicus
obsolete.

* * * * *

A distinct species, which is never found larger than the figure. I once saw near 100, which had been picked up on the banks of the Ganges; the spire is rather lengthened, always obtuse, and the umbilicus even less than the last.

* * * * *

Pl. 99

TAMATIA macrorhynchos.

_Greater pied Puff-bird._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Tamatia. _Cuvier._--Capito. _Viell. Tem._

_Rostrum validum, compressum, sub-rectum; mandibula superiore ad apicem
obtuse adunca, emarginata, superioris margine inferioris marginem
obtegente. Nares basales sulcatae, apertura terminali, rotunda parva,
plumis rigidis incumbentibus tecta. Frons, rictus, et mentum vibrissis
rigidis, elongatis, armati. Pedes scansorii, versatiles; digiti
exterioris elongati articulo primo cum digito exteriore connexo.
Rectrices 12, lineares, subrotundatae._

Typus Genericus _Bucco tamatia_ Linn. Lath.

Bill strong, compressed, nearly straight; the tip of the upper mandible
curved, notched, and obtuse; the margin folding on that of the lower
mandible. Nostrils basal, sulcated; the aperture terminal, round,
small, hid by bristly incumbent feathers. Chin, front, and gape, with
strong lengthened bristles. Feet scansorial, versatile; the outer toe
long, and connected by the first joints to the inner toe. Tail feathers
12, linear and slightly rounded.

Generic Type _Spotted-bellied Barbut_ Latham.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. niger; fronte, gula, jugulo, caudaeque apice albis; abdomine albo
vel fulvo; fascia pectorali nigra._

Black; front, throat, forepart of the neck, and tips of the tail
feathers, white; body white or fulvous; pectoral bar black.

Bucco macrorhynchos. _Gmelin_ 406. _In. Orn._ 1. 203. _Gen. Zool._ vol.
ix. p. 33.

Greater pied Barbut. _Lath. Syn._ 2. p. 498.

* * * * *

There is something very grotesque in the appearance of all the Puff birds; and their habits, in a state of nature, are no less singular. They frequent open cultivated spots near habitations, always perching on the withered branches of a low tree; where they will sit nearly motionless for hours, unless, indeed, they descry some luckless insect passing near them, at which they immediately dart, returning again to the identical twig they had just left, and which they will sometimes frequent for months. At such times the disproportionate size of the head is rendered more conspicuous by the bird raising its feathers so as to appear not unlike a puff ball; hence the general name they have received from the English residents in Brazil; of which vast country all the species, I believe, are natives. When frightened, their form is suddenly changed by the feathers lying quite flat; they are very confiding, and will often take their station within a few yards of the window; the two sexes are generally near each other, and often on the same tree.

Total length rather more than eight inches; bill, one inch and three quarters from the gape, and half an inch less from the nostrils; it is very strong, thick, black, and slightly compressed; the tip of the upper bifid; the bristles at its base covering the nostrils are long and incurved, and those situated at the base, under the eye, very stiff; the upper part of the head black, the feathers much lengthened; the sides, front, ears, and forepart of the throat white, uniting at the back of the head into a narrow collar. The whole of the remaining plumage above is black, glossed with greenish; across the breast a black bar, which separates the white of the throat from the buff colour which tinges the abdomen and vent; the flanks are marked with dusky transverse stripes; the tail is slightly rounded and three inches and a half long, some of the feathers with a very fine line of white at their tips; all the quill feathers have the base half of their inner shafts white, as well as the greater covers inside, the lesser being black; legs and claws blackish.

I am disposed to consider this bird only as a variety of the _Greater pied Barbut_ of Dr. Latham, differing in having the plumage on the under part of the body pale ferruginous, or buff colour, instead of white, as in the specimens he described from Cayenne; mine are from Southern Brazil, where the species is not uncommon.

This genus includes the American species of the Linnaean Barbuts; the birds connecting this group with the cuckows are arranged by Vieillot in a separate genus, named by him _Monassa_; which I think should be retained, as it is of much importance to designate strongly connecting links between families apparently very opposite.

* * * * *

Pl. 100

XENOPS genibarbis,

_Whiskered Xenops._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Xenops. (_Hoffmansegg. in Illiger. Prod._ p. 213).

_Rostrum mediocre, rectum, acutum, valde compressum, inverse
cultratum_, i. e. _culmine recto, gonyde recurva ascendente. Nares
basales, laterales, ovatae, parvae, patulae. Lingua--? Pedes mediocres,
congrui. Digiti antici basi coadnati, laterales subaequales. Hallux
digitum medium aequans._ Illiger.

Bill moderate, straight, acute, much compressed, and inversely curved;
the top of the upper mandible being straight, and the edge of the lower
ascending or recurved. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, small, and
covered by a naked membrane. Tongue--? Feet moderate, claws united at
their base, the lateral ones nearly equal; the hind claw as long as the
leg and the middle toe.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_X. supra fusco-rufa, infra griseo-fusca; mento, superciliis maculisque
jugularibus et pectoralibus albentibus; maculo infra aures niveo;
remigum secundorum nigricantium basi fulva, apicibus marginibusque
rufis._

Above reddish-brown, beneath grey-brown; chin, eyebrows, and spots on
the throat and breast, whitish; beneath the ears a snowy spot;
lesser-quills blackish, the base fulvous, the tips and margins rufous.

Xenops genibarbis _Illiger Prod._ p. 218. (1811.)

Neops ruficaudus _Vieillot. Orn. Elem._ p. 68. (1816.)

* * * * *

A very extraordinary and not inelegant little creature, having a bill totally different from any other bird. Its general habit evinces a close connexion with the _Sittae_, particularly those of New Holland; some of which have their bills (which are slender) slightly inclining upwards, thus forming a connexion between _Xenops_ and the straight billed _Sittae_ of the old world.

The figure is of the male, and its natural size; the head dark brown with pale spots; the back of a reddish tinge, and the rump and tail rufous; tail much rounded, and of twelve feathers; the three outer and the two pair in the middle entirely rufous, the other pair having the inner shafts black; the greater quills black; the last having an internal bar of pale fulvous. Beneath the eye a spot of white downy feathers, with a dusky border above and below; there is a little difference between this and Illiger's bird, but it may be only sexual.

Inhabits Brazil, but is rare.

* * * * *

Pl. 101

PAPILIO Evander.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 92.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Pap. (Tro. dent.) Alis dentatis, nigris; posticis supra maculis
quinque violaceo-chermesinis; anticis subtus fascia albida, transversa,
media._ Godart.

Pap. (Tro. dent.) Wings dentated, black; posterior above with a
five-cleft, violet-crimson spot; anterior beneath with a transverse,
central, whitish band.

P. Evander. _Godart, En. Meth._ _vol._ ix. _p._ 32. _no._ 18.

* * * * *

Both sexes of this newly described insect are here, for the first time, figured; that above is of the male, and beneath is represented the under side of the female. The crimson spots (which finely relieve the brownish velvet-like black on the upper surface of the wings) are, in some lights, most beautifully glossed with changeable violet, and appear either darker or paler according to the position in which the insect is viewed.

Southern Brazil is, undoubtedly, more rich in this splendid family than the northern provinces of that vast country. I never saw this species except in Rio Janeiro, where it is common: nor do I know of any other, belonging to the division of _Trojani_, which have the lower wings sharply dentated, and with an appearance of obsolete _acute_ tails; a character more developed in the female of this species than in the male.

* * * * *

Pl. 102

PAPILIO Nox.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 92.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (Troj. orb.) Alis immaculatis fuscis, inferis orbiculatis,
ecaudatis; fronte, striga laterali subthoracica anoque rubris._

P. (Troj. orb.) Wings immaculate, brown; lower orbicular, not tailed;
front, lateral stripe on the thorax beneath, and tip of the body red.

* * * * *

The colours of this insect are unusually sombre, and present a striking contrast to the gaudy tints by which the majority of these gay creatures are ornamented; it is so far remarkable, but it is more interesting to the entomologist, as being an unpublished addition to this genus. It was discovered in Java by Dr. Horsfield; and the drawing was made from an unique specimen which I observed while engaged in a long and laborious arrangement of the Linnaean _Papilionidae_, (as they now appear at the India House,) collected by that zealous naturalist for the India Company.

Between the nerves of the anterior wings (which are remarkably large) are parallel central stripes, of a darker brown; a character common to many Indian species, but not found, I believe, in any of those from the New World.

* * * * *

Pl. 103

AMPULLARIA fasciata,

_Banded Apple Snail._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa globosa, umbilicata. Spira depressa vel brevissima. Apertura
integra, magna, ovata. Operculum testaceum vel corneum. Animal
fluviatile._

Shell globose, umbilicated. Spire depressed or very short. Aperture
entire, large, oval. Operculum shelly or horny. Animal
fluviatile.--Generic Type _Helix ampullacea_ Lin.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa ovato-globosa, olivacea, fasciis obscuro-purpureis angustis
ornata; spira brevi, levata, apice acuto; labii margine tenui; umbilico
mediocri._

Shell ovate-globose, olive, with narrow bands of obscure purple; spire
short, elevated, the tip acute; margin of the lip thin; umbilicus
moderate.

Am. fasciata. _En. Meth._ _pl._ 457. _f._ 3. _f._ 4. (_reversed and
young_).

Helix ampullacea. _Linn. Lister_, 130. _f._ 30. _Seba_, _t._ 38. _f._ 1
_to_ 6, 58, 59. _Chemnitz_, 9. _t._ 128. _f._ 1135. _Gualt._ _t._ 1. R.

* * * * *

In the selection of generic characters, sufficiently important to separate Ampullaria from Paludina, great difficulty at present exists; as the fundamental principle on which they should be founded (the formation of the animal) is entirely wanting. It is only known that these shells, like the Paludinae, are furnished with an operculum. The absence or presence of this organ has been found of the first generic importance; though the substance of which it is composed, as well as the form it assumes, can be considered only as indicating specific distinctions. This is proved from the fact, that among the Naticae some have horny, and some shelly, opercula: in Phasianella, this part is, in some species, almost flat, in others remarkably convex; in _Turbo, Lam._ its form is even more variable, and in the present genus a similar uncertainty exists. One species alone has been positively described as having this part shelly, while in two others the operculum is as certainly known to be horny; to these last may be added a third, found by myself in the lakes of Pernambuco in Brazil, but to which I have not immediate access. The shells here figured were, however, received from the same place by Mrs. Mawe, and, I think, are of the identical species. The spire is sometimes worn, and the whole shell very thin.

Several fossil shells of this genus are mentioned as existing in the extinct volcanoes of Ronca, in bituminous marl near Pont St. Esprit, &c. as quoted (on the authority of the illustrious Cuvier) by Mr. Bowdich.

* * * * *

Pl. 104

NATICA punctata,

_Spotted Natica._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 75.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_N. testa ovato-globosa, crassa, alba, strigis undatis punctisque
castaneis ornata; umbilico magno, aperto, simplici; columellae basi
obsoleta._

Shell ovate-globose, thick, white with waved stripes and minute chesnut
dots; umbilicus large, open, simple; base of the pillar obsolete.

Nerita punctata. _Martini_ 11. _pl._ 197. _f._ 1903 _and_ 4. _Seba_,
_pl._ 38. _f._ 33? _Gualt._ _pl._ 67. _f._ _M. and T._ (_good._)

Gochet. _Adanson Sen._ _pl._ 13. _f._ 4.

* * * * *

The undulated brown lines in this shell, are sometimes broken into three irregular bands of either lines or spots, between which are numerous minute dots; in other varieties these dots are only round the suture, and in some totally wanting. Its most constant character rests on the umbilicus, which is rather large, very deep, and without any appearance of the base of the pillar. The mouth is also more contracted than usual. It is said by Adanson to be common on the coast of Senegal; and this observing naturalist adds, that the operculum is testaceous, of a pure white, and marked with numerous concentric grooves at the upper angle.

* * * * *

NATICA effusa.

* * * * *

_N. testa depressa, alba, maculis castaneis ornata; spira brevissima;
columellae basi crassa, plana, ad labium interius sinu annexa._

Shell depressed, white, with chesnut spots; spire very small; umbilicus
large, open, spreading; base of the pillar thick, flat, and united to
the inner lip by a sinus.

* * * * *

In form, and sometimes in colour, this shell bears a close resemblance to the oval variety of N. mamilla (_Nerita mamilla Lin._); but, the umbilicus, instead of being entirely closed up, is remarkably open, very deep, and the pillar forming an elevated ridge within; colour in the shells of this genus is a very secondary, and, in many cases, a most fallacious guide for the discrimination of the species; for this is sometimes pure white, and I have specimens of _N. mamilla_ entirely orange. This is a rare shell, probably from India.

* * * * *

Pl. 105

TROCHILUS recurvirostris,

_Recurved-bill Humming Bird._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 82.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. aureo-viridis, jugulo smaragdino; pectore medio corporeque nigris;
rectricibus lateralibus subtus topazinis; rostro recurvo._

Golden green; throat shining emerald green; middle of the breast and
body black; lateral tail feathers beneath topazine; bill recurved.

* * * * *

The extraordinary formation in the bill of this beautiful little creature, is without parallel in any land bird yet discovered, and presents in miniature a striking resemblance to that of the Avoset. It is almost impossible to conjecture rightly the use of this singular formation; but it appears to me not very improbable, that the principal sustenance of the bird may be drawn from the pendent _Bignoniae_, and other similar plants, so common in South America, whose corollae are long, and generally bent in their tube; the nectar, being at the bottom, could not be reached either by a straight or incurved bill, though very easily by one corresponding to the shape of the flower.

The figure is the size of life. Bill black, depressed along the whole length, but more especially at the tip, which is rounded, thin, obtuse, and recurved in both mandibles; the under of which, towards the middle, has a convex swelling, which gives the recurvature a stronger appearance. All the upper plumage and body beneath golden-green; the throat, to the breast, shining with scale-like feathers of a vivid emerald-green. From the breast to the vent is a stripe of black down the middle; thighs white; tail even, the two middle feathers dull greenish-blue, the rest above obscure coppery-brown, but beneath of a rich shining topaz colour.

I believe this bird is _unique_; I purchased it at Mr. Bullock's sale, and that gentleman received it from Peru. It presents so much of the genuine habit of the _Trochili_, that I have retained it under that genus; for, though the bill is differently formed, that exception does not point out any important difference from the general economy of those birds.

* * * * *

Pl. 106

CURSORIUS Temminckii,

_Black-bellied Courier._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum mediocre, ad apicem compressum, mandibulis arcuatis, basi
depressa, apice acuto, integro. Nares basales, ovatae, apertura
elongata, laterali. Pedes longi, digitis tribus anticis omnino divisis,
interioribus brevissimis, ungue medio pectinato. Remigum penna prima
longissima._--Typus Genericus _Cursorius Europaeus_, Lath.

Bill as long as the head; both mandibles arched, and towards the end
compressed; base depressed, the tip acute and entire; nostrils basal,
oval, the aperture oblong and lateral; legs long, with three toes in
front entirely separated, the inner toes very short, the middle with
the claw serrated; wings with the first quill longest.--Generic Type
_Cream-coloured Plover_ Latham.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. colore columbino; vertice pectoreque ferrugineis; torquibus
nuchalibus 2; torque inferiore, remigibus, abdomineque medio nigris;
torque superiore abdominisque lateribus albis._

Cream-coloured brown; top of the head and breast ferruginous; nuchal
collar double; the lower, with the quills and middle of the body,
black; the upper, and the sides of the body, white.

* * * * *

Dr. Latham first instituted this genus, of which two species were then known; M. Le Vaillant discovered another in Africa; and I am happy in now adding a fourth from the same country, in the possession of Mr. Leadbeater. No ornithologist has paid greater attention both to the natural affinities, and to the illustration of the genera allied with these birds, than Professor Temminck; and I therefore feel pleasure in naming this bird in honour of that excellent ornithologist, from whom whenever I have differed, it has been from the sole wish of eliciting truth. Total length from the bill to the tail eight inches; bill one inch from the gape, and half from the end of the nostrils; the colours of the bird are best seen in the figure; the middle of the body, and the quill feathers, deep black; legs three inches from the naked thigh to the tip of the middle toe, the claw of which is serrated internally; tail round; the middle feathers not spotted; the two next with a black dot near the tip, which, in the next pair, is further broken into two white dots; the outer pair white. These birds inhabit the arid tracts of Africa, at a distance from the sea, and run amazingly swift. One species has occasionally visited England.

* * * * *

Pl. 107

TROCHILUS ensipennis,

_Blue Sickle-winged Humming Bird._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 82.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. (div. curvirostrae) aureo-viridis, mento juguloque
caeruleo-violaceis; rectricibus paribus; alis falcatis, remigum
primorum scapis dilatato-compressis._

Curved-bill Humming Bird, golden green; chin and fore part of the
throat violet-blue; tail even; wings falcated, greater quills with the
shafts dilated and compressed.

* * * * *

I have already offered some observations on the remarkable construction in the wings of _T. falcatus_, figured at pl. 83; and the bird now before us is another unrecorded species, possessing exactly the same formation. I was at first inclined to believe this bird was the male of the _T. latipennis_, (or _l'Oiseau Mouche a larges tuyaux_ of Buffon), from the under plumage in that species being uniform grey, a common indication of the female Humming Birds; but a further comparison of the two has proved this supposition to be erroneous. They differ, not only in colour, but in their bills; in that of _T. latipennis_, the curvature is so slight, that it may be almost called straight; whereas in this, the curve is very apparent. I have little doubt future observations will show, that these singular quill-feathers, now known to exist in three species of this family, are peculiar only to the male birds.

This extremely rare bird is in my own collection, and is not improbably _unique_; the figure is strictly of the natural size; the plumage, above and below, is a uniform deep green, with a metallic reflection; half way down, the throat is dark violet blue; tail even, and very broad, the middle feathers obscure green, the next pair raven or bluish-black, and the others white, with a black base.

The progress which has been made towards ascertaining the geographic distribution of animals, leaves no doubt that this bird is an inhabitant of either the Continent or Islands of South America; but of what particular country is unknown.

* * * * *

Pl. 108

RAMPHASTOS Dicolorus,

_Yellow-billed Toucan._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 45.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_R. niger, gula aurea; fascia pectorali lata tegminibusque rubris;
rostro viridi-flavo, basi fascia nigra transversa ornata; mandibulae
superioris margine laterali rubro; culmine plano._

Black; throat golden-yellow; broad pectoral band and tail-covers red;
bill greenish-yellow, the base with a transverse black band, and the
lateral margins of the upper mandible red; the top flat.

R. dicolorus. _Gm._ _p._ 356. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ _p._ 135. 2. _Turton._
_vol._ i. 211.

Yellow throated Toucan. _Lath. Syn._ 1. 325. _Turton._ 1. 211.
_Brisson. Orn._ 4. _p._ 411. _pl._ 31. _f._ 1. _Buffon Pl. Enl._ 269.

Le petit Toucan a ventre rouge. _Vaill. H. N. des Toucans_, _pl._ 8.
(_optime_).

* * * * *

This is the smallest species of the genuine Toucans yet known, inhabiting, though sparingly, the northern and southern extremities of tropical America. It is a species which seems to have been well understood by Linnaeus and the older ornithologists, though none of them have described the form or peculiarities of the bill; it is probably owing to this omission, that Dr. Shaw has created an imaginary species in _General Zoology_, under the name of _R. pectoralis_; compounded of the descriptions he gathered of this bird, and the Linnaean _R. tucanus_. Dr. Latham's description is also inaccurate; nor is it improved in the new edition of his Synopsis, probably from not having himself seen the bird. Of the figures, there is a masterly delineation by Barraband, in Le Vaillant's work, but those of Buffon and Brisson are not to be trusted.

Total length about sixteen inches: bill three and a half; it is shorter and much thicker along the back, than that of any other species; this part also is broad, and quite flat; the serratures of the margin small, and the upper mandible only edged with a line of red; the sides are compressed, and the colours greenish-yellow; the orbits chesnut-red, and the feet (as in all the Toucans when fresh) delicate fine blue.

Dr. Langsdorff favoured me with a specimen of this rare bird, shot by himself in Southern Brazil; the sexes have been dissected by that able naturalist, but to which the one here figured belongs, I am unacquainted.

* * * * *

Pl. 109

PAPILIO Harrisianus.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 92.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (Troj. caud.) Alis atris, subtus maculis basalibus coccineis
notatis, anticis supra maculo coccineo basali fasciaque alba, posticis
obtuse caudatis fascia marginali maculis coccineis sex insigni,
fasciaque media alba ornatis._

Pap. (Troj. caud.) Wings black; anterior above with a red basal spot
and white band; posterior obtusely tailed, with a marginal band of six
crimson spots, and central white spot.

* * * * *

I can find neither figure nor description of this very rare Papilio. It does not accord with any contained in MM. Latreille's and Godart's recent monograph of the genus. It was purchased at the sale of the late Mr. Francillon's cabinet, by N. A. Vigors, Esq., whose valuable collections in every branch of Zoology are always open to the scientific inquirer. It is nearly allied to Pap. _Tros_, _Agavus_, _Ascarius_, and _Lysithous_ (Godart), particularly to the latter; yet it is obviously distinct from either. These affinities lead me to think that it is a South American insect. The figures will render any addition to the specific character unnecessary.

I have named this insect to commemorate a most assiduous and observing entomologist of the last age, Moses Harris, whose memory will be long cherished by our Aurelians, and to whom the scientific are indebted for the very accurate and excellent figures contained both in his own works, and in those of Drury; indeed, he appears the only English artist who has faithfully represented the short and nearly concealed _palpi_ peculiar to this genus. The son of this excellent artist[1], still follows the profession of his father, and, inheriting his abilities, deserves every encouragement that the small circle of English entomologists, as well as others, can give him.

* * * * *

Pl. 110

CONUS cinctus,

_Purple tipped Admiral Cone._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa supra carinata, fulva, fasciis duobus albidis ornata; spirae
brevis, maculatae, basi depressa, anfractibus concavis sulcis duobus
insculptis, sutura alveata; basi granosa, purpurea._

Shell above carinated, fulvous, with two whitish bands; spire short,
spotted, the base depressed; the whorls concave with two depressed
lines; suture channelled; base granulated, purple.

* * * * *