Chapter III: Part 3

This is a very beautiful, and, at the same time, very rare shell; it formerly belonged to Mrs. Angus, at whose sale it passed into the cabinet of Mr. Dubois. Its general appearance resembles very much that of _C. Maldivus Lam._ known to our collectors by the name of the Spanish Admiral: the spire will, however, at once distinguish it; each volution is strongly concave in the middle, in which part are two or three delicate indented lines, very near each other, and following the volutions; the suture also is sufficiently open to be termed channelled; the spire is quite flattened at the base, (forming a sharp ridge round the top of the body whorl), and only prominent near the tip. In the Spanish Admiral Cone, the spire is quite smooth, the whorls being flat, and in all the specimens I have seen, (and they are many), the suture is quite closed up, though Lamarck (probably mistaking the present shell) says, "spira canaliculata;" the base, moreover, is narrowed, smooth, and black; not gibbous, granulated, (or striated,) and purple, as in this shell.

A variety in my own cabinet presents some differences; the base is but slightly granulated, and the tip not purple; these are, however, subordinate characters, and constitute it only a variety.

I shall take an early opportunity of pointing out the differences between _C. generalis_ and _Maldivus_, two shells even more likely to be mistaken for each other than those above-mentioned.

* * * * *

Pl. 111

CYPRAEA tessellata,

_Mosaic Cowry._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

"_Testa laevigata, ovata, convexa, marginibus involutis, apertura
longitudinalis, angustata, utrinque dentata, ad extremitates effusa.
Spira minima, obtecta._"--LAM. Ann. du Mus. vol. 16. p. 443.

_Animal marinum (Pectinibranchi). Penula dilatata, testam omnino
obtegens. Tentacula depressa, subulata. Oculi juxta tentaculorum basin
externam adsiti._--ADANSON, H. N. du Senegal.

Shell smooth, oval, convex, the margins turned inward; aperture
longitudinal, narrow, toothed on both sides, the extremities effuse.
Spire minute, concealed.--_Lamarck._

Animal marine; mantle dilated and folding over the whole shell.
Tentacula depressed, subulate, at the external base of which are the
eyes.--_Adanson._

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa obtusa, gibba, aurantiaca, ad latera tesseris albis fuscisque
alternis tessellata._

Shell obtuse, gibbous, orange, the sides with alternate tessellated
spots of white and brown.

* * * * *

Amidst all the changes in systematic arrangement which Conchology has, of late years, undergone, the _Cypraeae_ remain untouched; indeed, they present such a uniformity of character, that the most superficial observer cannot mistake them. A few species of Ovula, however, bear a strong resemblance to the genus, but may be known from not having teeth on each side the mouth. The Cowries are without exception the most beautiful of all shells, whether the richness and harmony of their colours, or the exquisite polish of their exterior, is considered; but (like many other things of more consequence) their beauty is depreciated by their frequency. The indefatigable Lamarck has described sixty-six species, only one of which inhabits the European seas. Adanson has furnished a minute account of the structure of the animal, and Bruguiere has given long and interesting details of its economy.

Mrs. Mawe is in possession of this very beautiful little shell; a string of them were presented her as coming from New Zealand: that which formed the centre was the only perfect specimen, and from that the figures were taken.

* * * * *

Pl. 112

CONUS carinatus,

_Carinated Cone._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa sub-cylindracea, carinata, fulva; spirae depressae, concavae,
maculatae, apice acuto, anfractibus valde concavis, striis numerosis
subgranosis insculptis; basi obtusa, striata, cingulo gibbo
circumdata_.

Shell nearly cylindrical, carinated, fulvous; spire depressed, concave,
spotted, tip acute, the whorls very concave, with numerous
subgranulated striae; base obtuse, striated, with a gibbous belt.

* * * * *

Another rare and remarkable shell of this numerous genus, from the same collection as the Cone last described. I believe it to be hitherto unfigured, and unknown to any writer; for I cannot reconcile it with any of Lamarck's descriptions of species not yet represented.

I know of no other specimen than the very fine one in Mr. Dubois' cabinet. The shell is heavy; the body whorl contracted at the upper part, where the margin is sharply carinated; the spire much depressed and concave; each volution is also concave, and has from three to four fine grooves, which occupy its full extent, and which appear minutely granulated; but this is only caused by the longitudinal lines of growth: the tip of the spire acute; the base is wider in circumference than usual, with a gibbous belt marked by elevated striae, in other respects the shell is smooth; the base of the aperture is effuse, the bands on the body whorl pale and not well defined, and the spire slightly spotted. It is doubtless an inhabitant of the Asiatic ocean.

* * * * *

Pl. 113

MITRA pertusa. var.

_Cardinal Mitre_--_large spotted variety_.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 23.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. sect. 3. Testa ovato-acuta, alba; striis transversis puncticulatis
ornata, anfractu basali crasso, tesseris parvis plurimis spadiceis
vittato, tesserisque majoribus bifasciato; labio exteriore
denticulato._

M. Shell ovate-acute, white, with transverse punctured striae; the
basal whorl thick, with numerous bands consisting of small, and two of
large tessellated spots; outer lip toothed.

* * * * *

Much uncertainty exists respecting the shell which Linnaeus intended for his _Voluta pertusa_, owing to the inaccuracy of the synonyms, which refer to species widely different from each other; the majority of authors have, however, considered it to be the shell figured by Born and Martini, under that name, and recently by myself in _Exotic Conchology_. As a species, it is principally distinguished by the rows of irregular brown spots which are always disposed in transverse bands, running into larger blotches adjoining the suture, and near the base of the body whorl, which is thick and obtuse; the lesser spots are mostly tessellated or quadrangular, but in size they vary considerably in different individuals, and even in the same shell; this has induced Lamarck to separate them into two species, but which, for reasons to be hereafter given, appears to me unnecessary.

The variety here figured is very rare, nor have I seen more than two examples; it differs only from the usual varieties in having the spots remarkably large. In a future plate this species will be further illustrated, and the correct synonyms of all the varieties then given. Inhabits various parts of the Asiatic ocean.

* * * * *

Pl. 114

CONUS pulchellus,

_Orange Admiral Cone._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa aurantiaca, fasciis albis interruptis ornata; spirae
subdepressae, anfractibus suturam juxta simpliciter sulcatis; sutura
alveata; basi granosa, purpurea._

Shell orange, with two interrupted white bands; spire slightly
depressed, the volutions with a single groove near the margin; suture
channelled; base granulated and purple.

* * * * *

I cannot find this very beautiful shell enumerated among the new and unfigured species known to Lamarck; and the representations given by the oldest conchologists of this intricate family, are too inaccurate to be cited without much risk.

In form it approaches nearest to _Conus vitulinus_ of Bruguiere, having the spire not quite depressed, each volution being slightly raised above the last, gradually to the apex; the upper margin of the body whorl is convex: each volution of the spire has a broad and deep groove nearest the upper edge, which thus becomes elevated, while the convexity of the lower part of the whorl forms a channel round the suture, which separates it from the next; this formation of the spire is very remarkable, and unlike what I have seen in any other Cone. Another distinguishing character is, that the whole shell is crossed by very faint, broad, and almost imperceptible punctured lines, very near each other; in some parts discernible with the naked eye, in others almost obliterated by the longitudinal lines of growth: the granulations towards the base are very sharp and nearly white, and the base itself crossed with rough, thick-set, elevated striae. No doubt the colour of this species will be found to vary, when more specimens are discovered. The only one I have ever seen, came with some other very rare shells from Amboyna, and is in my own collection.

If the descriptions of _C. canaliculatus_ (Malacanus Brug.) be correct, (for it is a shell I have not seen), it must be quite distinct.

* * * * *

Pl. 115

PLATYRHYNCHUS cancromus. fem.

_Short-tailed Flatbill._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Platyrhinchos_, Temminck. _Sw. Zool. Ill._ (div. I.) Vol. i. pl. 13.

_Rostrum tenue, breve, valde depressum, frontis latitudinem superans,
mandibulae superioris abrupte aduncae, et ad apicem emarginatae,
marginibus dilatatis, et inferioris margines superplicantibus. Nares
medii, basi membrana pennis minutis instructa obtecta, apertura parva,
rotunda, terminali, tantum non nuda. Rictus ampli, ad mandibulae
superioris basin vibrissis rigidis armati. Pedes sedentes, graciles,
digitis lateralibus imparibus, digito exteriore ad medii digiti
articulum primum annexo, halluce valido._

Bill thin, short, very much depressed, broader than the front of the
head; the upper mandible abruptly hooked and notched at the tip; the
margins dilated, and folding over those of the under mandible; nostrils
central, the base covered with a membrane having minute feathers, the
aperture small, round, terminal, and nearly naked; mouth large, armed
above with stiff bristles; feet sitting, slender; lateral toes unequal,
exterior united to the middle as far as the first joint; hinder claw
strongest.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (fem.) supra olivaceo-fuscus, infra pallide fulvus; jugulo albo;
genis pennisque spuriis nigris; striga ante et pone oculum, maculoque
auriculari albentibus._

(Female) above olive-brown; beneath pale fulvous; throat white; ears
and spurious quills black; stripe before and behind the eye, and spot
on the ears whitish.

Platyrhinchos cancromus. (male?) _Temminck_ and _Laugier_. _Pl. Col._
_Pl._ 12. _f._ 2.

* * * * *

The remarkable breadth of the bill, and the extreme shortness of the tail, in this bird, render it a very singular little creature. Though a native of Brazil, I never met with it during my travels in that country; and the only specimen I have yet seen belongs to Mr. Leadbeater. The figure of _P. cancromus_ of Professor Temminck, differing only from this bird in having a yellow crest, leads me to believe they are sexes of the same species; this being the female bird. The tail in the male appears to be somewhat longer, but this may be an error of delineation, and the description has not yet been published.

The figure is of the natural size, and below is an outline of the bill and nostrils; these latter are depressed, and the base covered with thickset feathers; the aperture is naked, round, and piercing the membrane in a lateral direction, midway between the ridge and margin of the bill, and at the end of the nasal membrane. The plumage above fulvous brown: darker, and tinged with reddish on the margin of the quills and tips of the wing covers: spurious quills and stripe beneath the eyes black: the upper part of the ears are also black, the lower half whitish yellow; chin and throat whitish; breast and body beneath pale fulvous brown; tail remarkably short, and not projecting beyond the wings; upper mandible black, lower white.

Since the publication of the remarks on this genus at Plate 14, a further consideration of the subject induces me to adopt the opinion of Professor Temminck, in placing the _Todus Platyrhynchos_, Gm., and its allies, under a distinct genus; or, in other words, of detaching from this group the second division annexed to my former definition of this genus. Still, however, the close affinities I have there pointed out, render the generic situation of several of these birds very doubtful; because the transition from one to the other is so gradual that even the most accurate set of generic characters, founded on the bill, will not clearly define the limits between the genera _Platyrhynchus_ and _Muscipeta_. Their anatomy might do so, but on this subject we are quite ignorant.

I can gather nothing from the characters which Dr. Horsfield has given in the Linnaean Transactions of his new genus _Eurylaimos_; which does not perfectly agree with those of _Platyrhynchus_. It appears to have precisely the same formation of bill, nostrils, legs, &c. as _P. cancromus_, but in a higher state of development; thus strengthening the opinion I have above expressed.

* * * * *

Pl. 116

MUSCIPETA barbata,

_Whiskered Flycatcher._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum latum, valde depressum, lateribus aliquando dilatatis, culmine
prominente, mandibulae superioris apice adunco, plerumque emarginato,
marginibus mandibulae planae inferioris margines superplicantibus.
Nares basales, membrana obtectae, apertura terminali, ovata, vibrissis
longis armata._

_Ob. Pedes mediocres vel breves, digito exteriore ad medii articulum
secundum annexo, interiore et medio ad basin modo annexis._

Bill broad, much depressed, the sides sometimes dilated, ridge
prominent; tip of the upper mandible hooked, and mostly notched, the
margins folding over those of the under mandible, which is flat;
nostrils at the base of the bill covered by a membrane; the aperture
terminal, oval, and defended by long stiff bristles.

Ob. Feet moderate or short; the external toe united to the middle as
far as the second joint, the inner and middle toes united only at their
base.

Generic Types (_Tem._) Todus plumbeus, Muscicapa borbonica,
Flabellifera, &c.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. Supra olivacea, subtus fulva, aurea crista (maribus) insignis;
jugulo albido; uropygio pallide flavo; cauda nigra._

Above olivaceous, beneath fulvous, (male,) with a golden yellow crest;
throat whitish; rump pale yellow; tail black.

Muscicapa barbata. _Gmelin._ i. 933. _Lath. In. Orn._ 2, _p._ 488. _n._
86. _mas._

Whiskered Flycatcher (male). _Lath. Syn._ 364.

* * * * *

I once shot a pair of these little birds in the forest of Pitanga, about twenty leagues west of Bahia: this is the only instance which I know of their having been found in Brazil. The same bird appears, however, more frequent in Cayenne, according to the older ornithologists. But whether the bird described by them as the female be really such, admits of great doubt, because Dr. Latham (probably on the authority of Buffon) describes it as having a smaller bill, and a few short hairs, instead of long bristles, at the base; the crown with a spot of yellow, a longer tail, &c. None of these are, in general, sexual distinctions, and, moreover, are at complete variance with the female here figured. The sexes I ascertained by dissection. It follows, therefore, that either the bird found in Cayenne is a distinct species, or that the bird described as its female is not such in reality. This latter supposition I apprehend is nearest the truth.

The figures are of the natural size, the upper representing the female, and the lower the male bird: the head of the former is entirely destitute of the crest which distinguishes the latter; in every other respect the resemblance is uniform. This crest, when not erected, is concealed, being nearly covered by the olive feathers around it. When erected, however, it discloses a stripe down the middle of the head of deep straw-coloured feathers, some of which are tipped with olive. The upper mandible of the bill is triangular, and much hooked, notched, and depressed; the colour is black, the perforations of the nostrils are rather large, and would be naked, were they not partially covered by numerous stiff bristles, which spring from the base of the bill and angle of the mouth; between the eye and bill a pale stripe. The plumage above is dull olive green, with a broad band of very pale yellow across the rump. Wings and their covers brown; tail and upper covers blackish; beneath, the plumage is yellowish, the chin almost white, and the breast and vent tinged with ferruginous; the two first quill feathers are progressively shorter than the third and fourth, which are equal, and longer than the others. Legs and claws short, slender, and pale.

This bird would obviously belong to the second division which I had proposed in my former remarks on _Platyrhynchus_, and it is in every respect allied to _P. Ceylonensis_, _Pl._ 13. My reasons for disturbing this previous arrangement have been already given; and, until a complete investigation is made of the immense genus of Flycatchers, I concur with M. Temminck in the distribution which he has proposed; viz. the arrangement of the European species under the old genus of _Muscicapa_, and of the exotic under that of _Muscipeta_; the characters of which, however, are very imperfect: they are, indeed, at variance with this bird, which has the outer and middle toe connected only to the _first_ joint, and the inner toe cleft to the base.

* * * * *

Pl. 117

NECTARINIA cyanocephala,

_Blue-headed Nectarinia._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Nectarinia. _Illiger._ _Cuvier._ Caereba _Brisson_. _Temminck._
Certhia. Motacilla _Linn._

_Rostrum longius, gracile, acutum, sub-arcuatum, basi crassa, lata,
trigona, lateribus compressis, mandibula superiore apicem juxta leviter
emarginata. Nares basales, ovatae, breves, membrana nuda, in medio
ovate fissa tectae. Lingua longa, bifida, apice fibroso, haud
extensibilis. Remigum pennae primae tres vix pares. Cauda mediocris,
emarginata, rectricibus 12, sub-paribus._

Bill slender, acute, slightly curved, of variable length, base thick,
broad, trigonal, the sides compressed; upper mandible near the tip
slightly notched; nostrils basal, oval, short, covered by a naked
membrane, in the middle of which is an oval aperture; tongue long,
bifid, not extensible, the tip fibrous; the three first quills of
nearly equal length, and longer than the rest; tail moderate,
emarginate, of 12 nearly equal feathers.

Generic Types, Div. 1. _Certhia cyanea, cayana._ Div. 2. _Certhia
spiza, &c._ Linn.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_N. (mas.) cyanea; jugulo, dorso, cauda alisque nigris, remigibus
margine cyaneo ornatis. (Fem.) Viridis; capite, genis scapulisque
caerulescentibus; jugulo cano._

(Male.) Changeable blue; throat, back, tail, and wings black; the
quills edged with blue. Female green; head, cheeks, and scapulars
bluish; throat grey.

_Male._

Motacilla cayana. _Linn. Gmelin_, 1. 990.

Sylvia cayana. _Lath. In. Orn._ 2. 545. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 655.

Pepit bleu de Cayenne? _Brisson, Ois._ _vol._ 3. _pl._ 28. 1.

Cayenne Warbler. _Lath. Syn._ 4. 502. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 655.

Sylvia Cayenensis caerulea. _Brisson, Orn._ 1. _p._ 455.

_Female._

Motacilla cyanocephala. _Gmelin_, 1. 990.

Sylvia cyanocephala. _Lath. In. Orn._ 2. 546. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 684.

Sylvia viridis. _Brisson, Orn._ 1. _p._ 455.

Le Pepit verd. _Brisson, Ois._ 3. _pl._ 28. _f._ 4.

Blue-headed Warbler. _Lath. Syn._ 4. _p._ 503.

Blue-headed Creeper? _Lath. Syn._ 2. _p._ 727.

* * * * *

Few birds require more illustration than this very beautiful though common species; described by most ornithological writers, but hitherto so little understood, that the two sexes stand as distinct species in a family of birds to which they have, in reality, no natural affinity. According to the Linnaean system it should have been rather placed with the Creepers than the Warblers; an error which has been continued by every subsequent writer, even by Professor Temminck, whose skilful and accurate perception of natural affinities is, in general, so remarkably correct.

That these two birds, however dissimilar in colour, are the sexes only of one species, repeated dissections in their native country have put beyond all doubt; and that it is a genuine _Nectarinia_ (or _Caereba_ of Temminck) will appear from submitting it to a rigorous comparison with the characters the Professor himself has laid down for that genus.

Its habits are no less perfectly the same as the rest of the _Nectariniae_; it is one of the commonest birds of Brazil, and appears spread over the whole extent of that country. It frequents the same trees as the Humming-birds, hopping from flower to flower, and extracting the nectar from each; but this is not done on the wing, because its formation is obviously different from the Humming-birds, which, on the contrary, poise themselves in the air during feeding. The shortness of the bill has evidently given rise to this bird being placed with the Warblers; but this organ is not shorter in proportion than it is in _Nectarinia spiza_, (_Certhia spiza_ of Latham).

I am unacquainted with the other varieties of this species mentioned by authors. Of the bird here described, I have never seen any variety, either in Brazil or in our museums. The young males, as usual before moulting, have the colours of the female; one of them, in an intermediate state, is in my possession. As both the figures are of the size of life, and accurately coloured, a fuller description is unnecessary. The rich sky-blue of the male, in some lights, becomes greenish, and in others dark blue. The bill, like that of all the genuine _Nectariniae_, is slightly notched a little way from the tip, and the base is much broader than high.

* * * * *

Pl. 118

CONUS Generalis,

_Flambeau Cone._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa gracili, fusca, fasciis albidis strigis undatis
longitudinalibus interruptis ornata; spirae productae apice acuto,
anfractibus concavis, laevibus; basi nigra._

Shell slender, brown, with white bands, interrupted by longitudinal
stripes; spire produced, the tip acute, whorls concave, smooth; base
black.

Conus Generalis. _Gmelin_, _p._ 33. 75. _var. a._ _Dillwyn_, 359. _var.
a._ _Martini_, _vol._ 2. _p._ 58. _f._ 645, 646. (_dark variety_) _f._
648 _to_ 652. (_pale varieties_). _Gualt._ 20 _f._ G.

Conus Generalis. _Brug._ _p._ 642. _Lam. Ann._ _vol._ 15. _p._ 363.

* * * * *

It becomes necessary to figure this elegant, but not uncommon Cone, in order to show the young conchologist the little importance that should be attached to _colour_ in the discrimination of species: the figures will likewise point out more fully the distinctions between the present shell, _C. maldivus_, and _C. cinctus_; three species, whose close affinity require illustration.

These relative distinctions may be comprised in a few words; they rest principally on the spire, which in _C. generalis_ has the upper half much lengthened, slender, and acuminated: in _C. maldivus_ the spire is thick and much shorter: the whorls in both these species are quite plain, and nearly flat: the spire of _C. cinctus_ resembles the last in form, but is deeply concave and striated. These characters are, I think, very satisfactory as specific distinctions.

On the other hand, some attention to these shells lately, has convinced me that many of the species formed both by Bruguiere and Lamarck should be more correctly considered as varieties; inasmuch as their specific distinctions rest, for the most part, on _colour_ alone: this appears, indeed, to be the leading character selected by these eminent conchologists, and to which, therefore, they have attached the greatest importance. From this opinion, however, I completely dissent; on the principle, that no character which is variable can, with any consistency, be made use of to express permanent distinctions, when not supported by peculiarity of formation or sculpture. The great art in framing the description of a species consists in singling out those characters alone which are most permanent, and exist in every variety of that species; for, when once a character is found to be variable, it no longer becomes a distinction by which a species can be recognised. I consider, therefore, formation and sculpture as the only certain characters of species, and that variation of colour should alone distinguish varieties.

It is therefore not surprising that the specific characters given by MM. Bruguiere and Lamarck, and resting principally on the colours of these shells, are frequently obscure, and always long; two inevitable evils attending every attempt to describe minutely the colour, form, and disposition of the markings of shells. In justice, however, to these great naturalists, it should be observed, that in this attempt they have done that best which no writer has ever done well.

The spire of _C. generalis_ is generally spotted, and the white band on the margin of the body whorl, more or less crossed by broad waved stripes of a dark brown. It is an inhabitant of many parts of the Indian Ocean.

* * * * *

Pl. 119

AMPULLARIA globosa,

_Round Apple Snail._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa globosa, laevissima, olivacea; spira depressa; aperturae
margine crasso, fulvo, sulcato; umbilico parvo, contracto, juxta basin
posito; operculo testaceo._

Shell globose, very smooth, olive; spire depressed; margin of the
aperture thick, fulvous, grooved; umbilicus small, contracted, placed
near the base; operculum shelly.

Helix Ampullacea. _var._ _Gmelin_, _p._ 3626. _no._ 43. _Chemnitz_, 9
_tab._ 128. _fig._ 1133. 1134. _p._ 105.

* * * * *

This is the most common of the two shells of this genus, which have their mouths closed by a shelly operculum. It is well described by Chemnitz, and his figures are very tolerable; yet, like all the authors of that period, he considered it as a variety of _Helix ampullacea_. From all these supposed varieties it is, nevertheless, quite distinct; the spire is more depressed than that of any other species, and the umbilicus is placed near the bottom of the inner lip: the whole shell is very smooth, and, although generally of a uniform yellowish olive colour, is sometimes marked by narrow bands of purple brown. The margin of the outer lip is slightly reflected, and the colour, beneath the epidermis, almost white. It is a native of the rivers of India.

From the remarks on this genus, made at Plate 103, the fact of their opercula being either shelly or horny, is sufficiently established. These formations, however, there is every reason to suppose, may generally be detected by the following indications. In such species as have a shelly operculum, the margin of the aperture is thickened all round, and has a parallel internal groove for its reception: the probable use of this groove I have detailed elsewhere. On the other hand, in those species which are known to have horny opercula, this margin and groove do not exist; and that part of the shell which is between the top of the aperture and the umbilicus, is thin and unprotected. This latter formation is by far the most frequent, and leads to the conclusion that the majority of these shells have their opercula horny.

On the distinctions between this genus and _Planorbis_, little need be said. The principal difference consists in the latter having no operculum; but another, and a very remarkable one, (which seems to have escaped all writers,) is, that the shells of the latter genus are destitute of any columella. The _Planorbis cornu-arietis_ of Lamarck, has been removed by Mr. G. Sowerby to this genus. This shell, it is true, appears to be intermediate between one and the other; but the only affinity which it bears to _Ampullaria_, is in the oval form of the aperture; while it is allied to _Planorbis_ by its discoid form, want of the columella, and being universally described as without an operculum: the preponderance of evidence is clearly in favour of the situation originally assigned to it by Lamarck.

The characters, therefore, given to the genus _Ampullaria_ by Mr. G. Sowerby, will be found incorrect. There was no necessity for explaining, much less for altering, (in this instance,) the masterly definitions of Cuvier and Lamarck. With regard to the second species given by Mr. Sowerby to illustrate this genus, he is no less in error; for the real _A. rugosa_, of all authors, is a strikingly distinct shell from that which he has figured under this name. This will be sufficiently obvious by referring to the figures either of Lister, Chemnitz, or Lamarck.

Having offered these remarks on a subject to which I have paid some attention, I wish to refrain from pointedly noticing other errors and misconceptions into which Mr. G. Sowerby has fallen; rather wishing that greater experience, and more matured judgment, may lead him to do this himself, prior to the publication of the system of Conchology which he has announced.

* * * * *

GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX

OF

LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES

TO

VOLUME II.

Pl.
Achatina emarginata 84
fasciata 74
vittata 84
_Chesnut-banded_ 74
_notched_ 84
_Ribbon_ ib.

Ampullaria, Gen. Char. 103
fasciata ib.
globosa 119

Anodon, Gen. Char. 96
rugosus ib.

_Apple-snail, banded_ 112
_globular_ 119

_Aracari, lettered_ 90

_Bee-eater, black-capped_ 76

Botis, Gen. Char. 77
bicolor ib.
marginata 77

Cinnyris, Gen. Char. 95
chalybeia 95

Conus carinatus 112
cinctus 110
generalis 118
Princeps 86
pulchellus 114
terebra 70

_Cone, carinated_ 112
_Flambeaux_ 118
_Orange Admiral_ 114
_Prince_ 86
_Screw_ 70

_Cowry, Mosaic_ 111

_Courier, black-bellied_ 106

_Crab-eater, Cinnamon_ 67

_Creeper, lesser-collared_ 95

Cursorius, Gen. Char. 106
Temminckii ib.

Cypraea, Gen. Char. 111
tessellata ib.

_Date-shell, banded_ 97
_grey_ ib.
_Fly-spot_ ib.

_Ear-shell, small-holed Cal._ 80

_Flatbill, short-tailed_ 115

_Flycatcher, bearded_ ib.

_Hairstreak, red-bordered_ 69

Halcyon, cinnamominus 67

Haliotis, Gen. Char. 80
Californiensis ib.

_Hawk-moth, wild vine_ 87
_Ello_ 81

_Humming-bird, white-tailed_ 82
_sickle-winged_ 83
_blue sickle-winged_ 107
_recurved bill_ 105

_Horsemussel, wrinkled_ 96

Ianthina, Gen. Char. 85
fragilis ib.
globosa ib.

Licinia Amphione 91

Marginella, Gen. Char. 97
cingulata ib.
faba ib.
prunum 97

Merops Savignii 76

Mitra caffra 88
crassa ib.
pertusa, _var._ 113

_Mitre Brown, wh. banded_ 88
_Cardinal, var._ 113
_thick_ 88

Muscipeta, Gen. Char. 116
barbata ib.

Natica, Gen. Char. 75
effusa 104
melastoma 79
mustelina ib.
punctata 104
spadicea 75
sordida 79
_banded_ 75
_belted_ 79
_brown_ ib.
_black-mouthed_ ib.
_spotted_ 104
_open_ ib.

Nectarinia, Gen. Char. 117
cyanocephala ib.
_blue-headed_ ib.

_Oceanic snail, common_ 85
_globular_ ib.

Papilio, Gen. Char. 92
Evander 101
Harrisianus 109
Nox 102
Torquatus 94
Polymetus 92
Pandrosus 93

_Parrakeet, grey-breasted_ 89
_turcosine_ 73

Paludina, Gen. Char. 98
elongata ib.
unicolor ib.
carinata ib.

Picus affinis 78

Platyrhynchus, Gen. Char. 115
cancromus ib.

Pogonias, Gen. Char. 68
hirsutus 72
rubrifrons 68

Psittacus murinus 89
pulchellus 73

Pteroglossus inscriptus 90

Puff bird, greater pied 99

_River-snail, long-spired_ 98
_olive_ ib.
_carinated_ ib.

Ramphastos dicolorus 108

Sphinx, Gen. Char. 87
Ello 81
Labruscae 87

Strombus dilatatus 71
mutabilis ib.
_little pink-mouthed_ ib.
_winged_ ib.

Tamatia, Gen. Char. 99
macrorhynchos ib.

Thecla, Gen. Char. 69
Galathea ib.

_Toucan, yellow billed_ 108

_Tooth-bill, red-fronted_ 68
_hairy-breasted_ 72

Trochilus, Gen. Char. 82
niger ib.
falcatus 83
recurvirostris 105
ensipennis 107

Xenops, Gen. Char. 100
genibarbis ib.
_whiskered_ ib.

* * * * *

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

* * * * *

VERTEBROSA.

PART II.

* * * * *

_ORNITHOLOGY._

Pl.

HALCYON cinnamominus 67

POGONIAS rubrifrons 68
hirsutus 72

PICUS affinis 78

PSITTACUS pulchellus 73
murinus 89

MEROPS Savignii 76

TROCHILUS niger 82
falcatus 83
recurvirostris 105
ensipennis 107

PTEROGLOSSUS inscriptus 90

RAMPHASTOS dicolorus 108

CINNYRIS chalybeia 95

TAMATIA macrorhynchos 99

XENOPS genibarbis 100

CURSORIUS Temminckii 106

PLATYRHYNCHUS cancromus 115

MUSCIPETA barbata 116

NECTARINIA cyanocephala 117

* * * * *

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

* * * * *

ENTOMOLOGY.

PART II.

* * * * *

Pl.

THECLA Galathea 69

LICINIA Amphione 91

PAPILIO Polymetus 92
Pandrosus 93
Torquatus 94
Evander 101
Nox 102
Harrisianus 109

------

SPHINX Ello 81
Labruscae 87

------

BOTIS marginata 77
bicolor 77

* * * * *

SYSTEMATIC INDEX.

* * * * *

CONCHOLOGY.

PART II.

* * * * *

Pl.

STROMBUS mutabilis 71
dilatatus 71

ACHATINA fasciata 74
emarginata 84
vittata 84

IANTHINA fragilis 85
globosa 85

MITRA caffra 88
crassa 88
pertusa 113

MARGINELLA cingulata 97
prunum 97
faba 97

PALUDINA elongata 98
unicolor 98
carinata 98

NATICA spadicea 75
mustelina 79
sordida 79
melastoma 79
punctata 104
effusa 104

CYPRAEA tessellata 111

CONUS terebra 70
princeps 86
cinctus 110
carinatus 112
pulchellus 114
generalis 118

ANODON rugosus 96

* * * * *

ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA.

Pl. 67. line 5, for "_plumesque_" read "_plumisque_."
16, for "_gigantia_" read "_gigantea_."

-- 69. -- 11, for "excerted" read "exserted."

-- 70. -- 2, for "_Cane_" read "_Cone_."
5, for "_fasciique_" read "_fasciisque_."
24, for "renders" read "render."

-- 71. -- 7, for "_apertura_" read "_apertura_."
16, for "_urseus_" read "_urceus_."
11 from the bottom, for "_gracibus_" read "_gracilibus_."

-- 91. -- 16, for "and Godart mentions" read "and according to Godart."

-- 92. -- 13, for "_caudi_," read "_caudis_."
8 from the bottom, for "_c._ DENTATIS" read
"_c._ DENTATI."

-- 92. third page, line 3, for "Medicii" read "Medici."
10, for "_Danais_" read "_Danaus_."
fourth page, line 10, _dele_ "not."

-- 95. -- 12 from the bottom, after "_angusta_" add a comma.
second page, line 14 from the bottom, for "_Nectarinia_"
read "_Nectariniae_."

-- 115. second page, line 10 from the bottom, after "between the"
add "genera."
line 5 from the bottom, for "_Eurylaimos_" read
"_Eurylaimus_."

-- 117. -- 6, for "lata" read "lata."

In the Systematic Index to Vol. I. Conchology, Part I., for
"_Acephalis_" read "_Acephali_;" and at the head of the list of errors,
for "Corregenda" read "Corrigenda."

* * * * *

NOTES

[1] Mr. Moses Harris, artist, 28, Mansion-House Street, Kensington.