Part 1 — Annual Meeting, Jan. 9th, 1865.

President, Col. Ransom, in the chair.

Twelve members present.

Theodore Bloomer was elected a resident member.

The Annual reports of the officers were received, as follows:

The report of the Treasurer was referred to the Finance Committee. The reports of the Curators were received and accepted.

The Committee on nominations reported the following list of officers for the year 1865, which was duly elected.

PRESIDENT.

Col. L. RANSOM.

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

J. N. ECKEL, M. D., J. B. TRASK, M. D.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

W. O. AYRES, M. D.

RECORDING SECRETARY.

T. H. BLOOMER.

LIBRARIAN.

Prof. J. D. WHITNEY.

TREASURER.

SAMUEL HUBBARD.

CURATORS.

Mineralogy G. E. Moore

Palæontology Wm. M. Gabb

Botany H. N. Bolander

Zoology E. F. Lorquin

Conchology R. E. C. Stearns

Entomology Dr. H. Behr

Donations to the Cabinet were received as follows: from Dr. C. T. Jackson, specimen of Corundum and Margarite.

Mr. Gabb presented, on behalf of the authors, the following papers:

On Californian Lepidoptera.

BY HERMAN BEHR, M. D.

ERYCINIDÆ

Nemeobius Boisd.

N. Dumeti Behr.

Alæ supra nigræ, fasciis duabus albis signatæ, altera medias per alas transgrediente, altera per spatium inter fasciam mediam et marginem, utraque hinc interrupta vel macalari. Alæ anteriores a radice ad fasciam mediam fulvæ, maculis quatuor quadrangularibus nigro marginatis signatæ.

Alæ subtus grisescentes, marginem versus dilutiores. Anteriores a radice ad fasciam mediam fulvæ, ceterum ut supra signatæ, posteriores fascias demonstrant ut supra, sed confluentes, et hinc coufusas.

This species is found in some parts of California, and always in localities that are covered by the peculiar vegetation called Chaparral.

N Virgulti, Behr.

Alæ supra nigræ, fulvo mixtæ, fasciis duabus signatæ, altera medias per alas transgrediente, colore fulvo fere ubique obducta, altera per spatium inter fasciam mediam et marginem ad punctorum alborum seriem reducta.

Alæ anteriores usque ad marginem fere fulvæ, fascia intermedia maculisque disci albis, nigro marginatis. Margo alarum anteriorum, alæque posteriores totæ grisescentes punctis maculisque albis, nigro marginatis variegatæ.

This species was found near Los Angeles, by Mr. Lorquin, who gave me several specimens. In the male the black color is more predominating, in the female the fulvous coloration.

For the sake of completing this series of diagnoses, I give here the description of a third species, that I received, by the kindness of Dr. Dinklage, from the Sierra Madre, in the neighborhood of Mazatlan. I think it indispensable to give the marks of this closely allied Nemeobius, as I am of the opinion that thus errors will most effectually be avoided.

N. Mejicanus, Behr.

Alæ supra fulvæ, marginem versus brunneæ, fasciis maculisque ordinariis omnibus albis nigro marginatis instructæ. Subtus alæ anteriores fulvæ, apice et margine grisescentes, fasciis et maculis ut supra. Alæ posteriores grisescentes, macalis albis et nigro marginatis et confluentibus cum colore universali irregulariter variegatæ.

The most positive and striking points of difference would be thus:

1. N. Dumeti. Fore wings alone show a fulvous coloration on the upperside. Bands and spots perfectly white.

2. N. Mejicanus. All wings are occupied with it, till beyond the second band, where the brownish coloration of the margin begins. Bands and spots perfectly white.

3. N. Virgulti. Extension of the fulvous as in the preceding, but all the space more or less occupied by black. Middle band nearly altogether fulvous, other bands and spots white.

As much as we know, the type of this genus N. Lucina L, was the only species known heretofore, and it is another proof of the various repetition of types on occidental coasts, that we have to add three Pacific representatives of a genus first discerned in a single European species.

The group of the Erycinides belongs essentially to tropical America. The beforementioned Nemeobius Lucina is the only European representative of this numerous and polymorphous group. Besides this, there exist some few Asiatic members of this family, very aberrant in their type, scarcely known and insufficiently examined, so that possibly they may belong somewhere else. In America the tropical genera Nymphidia and Lemonias, extend beyond the Cancer on the Atlantic side; but on the Pacific side reappears the European genus Nemeobius, extending into the Tropics, and seems to find here its very centre.

Description of New Species of Land Shells.

BY W. NEWCOMB, M.D.

Helix Blakeana, Newc.

Hel. testa unicolor flavido-alba, rotundato, semi-globosa, nitida, translucida; umbilico amplo, profundo et parum obtecto; apice obtuso; anfractibus sex, convexis, tribus superioribus sub-planis, reliquiis rapide accrescentibus, ultimo inflato; sutura bene impressa; aperturâ rotundato-lunare; peristomate tenue, ex panso-reflexo cum columellâ sub-late dilatatâ, non adnatâ.

Alt. ·7 pol., Diam maj. 1·1 pol., min. 1· pol.

Hab. Insula Niphon—Japan, (teste Blake).

Shell uniformly yellowish white, rounded, half globular, shining, translucent; umbilicus large, deep and slightly covered; apex obtuse; whorls six, convex, the three first nearly on the same plane, the balance rapidly increasing, the last swollen; suture well marked; aperture roundly lunar; lip thin, flatly reflected, at the columella broadly dilated but not adherent.

Note.—In general form and color, this species makes a nearer approach to H. candida, Moricand, than to any species with which I am acquainted. It varies in the less elevation, in the form of the spire, and in some other respects. Professor Blake had remarkable facilities for collecting in Japan, but unfortunately the mice proved so destructive to his terrestrial shells, as to leave him but few specimens as the result of his labor.

Helix declivis, Newc.

Hel. testa perspectivo-umbilicata, lenticulare, oblique striata, tenue, pallide-cornea; anfr. IV, planulatis, ultimo declivi, in medio sub-carinato; sutura sub-canuliculata; peris. fragile, simplici: apertura obliquo-sub-rotundata.

Alt. ·1 pol., Diam. maj. ·3 pol., min. ·2 pol.

Hab. Insula Niphon, (Japan).

Shell perspectively umbilicate, lenticular, obliquely striate, thin, pale horn color; whorls four, planulate, the last shelving down to the centre, which is obscurely keeled; suture channelled; lip fragile, simple; aperture oblique, almost round.

Remarks.—Bears some resemblance to H. ruderata, Stud., a species common in Europe, from which it may readily be distinguished by comparison.

Note.—The Japanese species herein described, were collected by Professor Blake, in the interior of the Island of Niphon, out of the range permitted to foreign travel.

The Professor, who was employed by the Japanese Government as a special geologist, had the privilege of penetrating districts not before visited by any scientific or mercantile foreigner. The following species of Helices were also among those collected:

Helix peliomphala, Pfr., (Mon. Hel. viv. Vol. 4, Sp. 1764).

H. quesita, Deshayes, (Reeve’s Mon. fig. 1355).

H. Perryi, Jay, (Perry’s Exped. Vol. 2, page 294, Plate 5, fig. 7, 8, 9).

H. Simoda, Jay, (do. fig. 1 to 6).

Some doubt may exist as to the H. quesita being identical with H. Perryi. But one specimen was preserved, and this fully agrees with the description and figure of the first named, but the locality for the species is given as the “Moluccas.”

It also agrees (except in colour) with Dr. Jay’s description, and also in the very poor figures illustrating the species of H. Perryi. The only question in my mind is one regarding locality.

Helix Cronkhitei, Newc.

Hel. testa aperta umbilicata, depressa, luteo-cornea sub-lente regulariter costulato-striata; spira depressa-convexa; sutura excavata; anfractibus quatuor, sub-cylindraceis; umbilica ampla, sub-perspectiva; apertura rotundata; peristomate simplici, acuto, marginibus conniventibus.

Alt. ·15 pol., Diam. maj. ·2 pol., min. ·15 pol.

Hab. Klamath Valley, Oregon, (Gabb).

Shell openly umbilicate, depressed, yellowish horn colour, under the glass regularly rib striated; spire depressed, a little convex; suture wide and deep; whorls four, rather cylindrical; umbilicus large, indistinctly perspective; aperture rounded; lip simple, acute, margins approximating.

Remarks.—Mr. Bland may possibly refer to this species as H. striatella, Anthony, which was obtained by Dr. Cooper on the Pacific side of the Rocky Mountains. (See addenda to “Remarks on Classification, etc.,” 1863). This species is certainly distinct from striatella, by its smaller size, rib-like costa, and almost channelled suture.

A few specimens were obtained by Mr. Gabb, of the State Geological Survey, in Klamath Valley, which were collected jointly by himself and Dr. Cronkhite, U. S. Army.

Helix Rowelli, Newc.

Hel. testa aperta-umbilicata, orbiculato depressa, alba, opaca, polita, minutissimo-oblique striata; anfractibus quatuor vel quinque convexis, ultimo magno antice deflexo; spira vix elevata, apice sub-mamillato; sutura modice impressa; apertura fere circulari; labro tenui, reflexiusculo, marginibus continuis ad juncturam; anfr. ultimo adnato.

Alt. ·4 pol., Diam. maj. ·6 pol., min. ·5 pol.

Hab. Arizona, (dicto Frick).

Shell with open umbilicus, orbicular, depressed, opaque white, polished, very finely obliquely striate; whorls four and a half, convex, the last large, anteriorly descending; spire but little elevated, at the apex projecting like a nipple; suture moderately marked; aperture truly circular; lip thin, slightly reflected, margins continued, adhering to the last whirl.

Remarks.—This is another of the Cyclostomoid species of which H. Carpenteri, Newc., H. Cærulano, Muhl., and H. Angasiana, Pfr. form striking examples. Our species approaches nearer in lightness of substance and in its depressed form to Muhlfeldt’s shell, than to either the others.

I take pleasure in dedicating this species to the Rev. M. Rowell, of San Francisco.

Succinea Japonica, Newc.

S. testa ovato-conica, flavido-cornea, lævissima, striatula, nitida, pellucida; anfractibus III, nucleo sane mamillato, ultimo 4·5 longitudinis fere æquante; apertura elongato-ovali; peristomate simplici; columellâ regulariter arcuata ad juncturam labro superiorem acuto-angulata.

Long. ·55, Diam. ·35, Apert. long. ·4, lata. ·233 pol.

Hab. Japan, (Prof. Blake).

Shell ovately-conic, yellowish horn color, very smooth, finely striate, shining, pellucid; whirls three, nucleus truly mamillate, the last four-fifths of the entire length; aperture elongately ovate; lip simple; columella regularly arched; at the juncture of the lip above, acutely angular.

Remarks on Helix Hillebrandi, Newc.

At the time of publication of this species, but a single recent specimen had been obtained, and that was freed from the epidermis. The statement that the shell was hirsute, was founded upon the cicatrices observed upon the surface, Mr. Gabb, who has recently returned from a trip to Mariposa, was successful in finding a few specimens, by which the diagnosis may be enlarged, and conjecture resolved into certainty. The whole surface is covered with an epidermis, of a yellowish brown colour, thickly studded with slightly curved rigid hairs about one-twentieth of an inch in length. The animal is of a reddish brown color, with the tentacles of a smoky hue; tentacular sheaths darker than the body, which is small, slender, finely granulated and unusually long and tapering behind.

The shell bears the same relations to H. Dupetit Thouarsi, Deshayes, that Helix infumata, Gould, bear to H. fidelis, Gray. In the description of infumata, an important omission occurs, owing doubtless to the imperfect condition of the type specimen. In good specimens, all of the last whirl, except a circle round the umbilicus, is covered with very short and thickly studded soft hairs, feeling harsh when dry, but velvety to the touch when moistened.

Achatinella Alexandri, Newc.

Ach. testa perforata, sinistrorsa, elongato sub-cylindracea, nitida, rufo-brunnea, nigro-elongato-venulato-inosculante picta; anfr. VI convexis, regulariter accrescentibus; apice obtusiusculo; sutura modice impressa, non emarginata; apertura parva, sub-ovata; labro acuto; columella alba breve, sub-recta, truncata, infra in plicam tortam terminante.

Long. ·6 pol., Diam. ·25 pol., Aper. long. ·2 pol. ·1 lata.

Hab. Insula Sandwich, (Maui).

Shell perforated, left handed, elongately sub-cylindrical, shining, reddish-brown, with painting of elongate, inosculating black veins; whirls six convex, regularly (but slowly) increasing; apex a little obtuse; suture moderately impressed, not emarginate; aperture small, sub-ovate; lip acute; columella white, short, almost straight, truncate, terminating by a twisted plait passing within.

This species is more cylindrical than any of its congeners, resembling most A. Renyi, Newc., which is longer, not umbilicate, more pointed at the apex, with a twisted, not truncate columella.

From venusta and citrina, Mighels, it varies both in form and color. With some varieties of picta it claims analogy only in the general plan of painting. Its striking characteristics are its blunt apex, slightly rounded whorls, small aperture, short and white columella, umbilicus, and general plan of coloring.

A few specimens were collected at an elevation of 7,500 feet, on West Maui, by the Rev. M. Alexander, to whom the species is dedicated.

Description of New Species of Marine Shells from the Coast of California.

BY WM. M. GABB.

The following are a few of the shells collected by Dr. J. G. Cooper, of the State Geological Survey, during his explorations along the coast of this State. The specimens are preserved in the collection of the Survey; most of them appear to be very rare in a living state, though I have encountered several of them in the later Tertiary deposits, especially in the Post Pliocene.

MUREX, Linn.

S. G. Muricidea, Swains.

M. Barbarensis, G.

M. t. unicolor, fusca; varicibus V-IX, haud magnis ad angulum auctis; varix ultima prælata; anfractu primo lævi, anfractibus V supra recte truncatis, infra parum convexis; tota superficie liris spiralibus et squamosis induta; apertura subelliptica, intus lactea; labio incrassato, polito; labro extante, tuberculis intus ornata; canali interdum recto, interdum recurvato.

Long. ·77, lat. ·46, long. aper. ·2, long. canal ·24.

Shell small, brown; whorl six, the first smooth, the remainder angulated, horizontally or a little concavely truncated above and very slightly convex below the angle; varices variable, from five to nine, usually about six or seven to a whorl, angular but not very prominent, except on the angle, where they are sometimes prolonged into long recurved processes, in other cases only making a prominent angular tubercle; the whole surface is covered with strong revolving ribs, crossed by fine squamose plates; aperture sub-elliptical, lips prominent, white within, the outer lip with five or six tubercles internally, last varix forming a broad lateral expansion to the lip; canal closed, straight, or more usually a little recurved.

Hab. Catalina Island, 40 fms., and Santa Barbara Channel, 20-30 fms. Dr. Cooper.

Nos. 515 b, c and d, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

PLEUROTOMA, Lam. 1799. Turris, Bolt. 1798, not Turris, Hump, 1797.

S. Gen. Surcula, H. & A. Ad.

P. perversa, G.

P. t. sinistra, unicolor, rufo-brunnea; sub-fusiformis; anfractibus XI vel XII lævibus rotundato-compressis; apertura angusta, labio tenui, acuto.

Long. 1·2, lat. ·35, long. aper. ·45.

Shell sinistral, elongate sub-fusiform, apex acute, sometimes slightly bent, nuclear whorls two, very convex, loosely twisted and white; whorls, eleven or twelve, slightly convex; color a light reddish brown, somewhat lighter on the middle of the whorl; aperture narrow, canal short, inner lip moderately encrusted with a white callus, brown on the outer margin; columella twisted; outer lip acute, sinus rounded, shallow, broad and adjoining the suture.

Hab. Catalina Island, 60 fms., Dr. Cooper. Also fossil, not rare, in the P. Pliocene at San Pedro. One specimen from that locality is two inches long.

No. 1020, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

P. (S.) Carpenteriana, G.

P. t. fusiformis; anfractibus VIII, prope suturam concavis; tota superficie confertim et spiralitur costulata; colore aurantiaco, lineis rufo-brunneis interruptis induta; apertura angusta; sinu postico lato, haud profundo.

Long. 2·, lat. ·7, long. aper. 1·1.

Fusiform, spire high, acute, whorls eight, slightly concave near the suture, convex below. Surface marked by numerous rounded revolving ribs, sometimes alternating in size, especially on the lower part of the body whorl. Color, orange with broken revolving bands of a bright reddish brown; these lines or bands usually occupy the larger ribs, and are more distant on the middle of the whorl and more closely placed above and below; they average about a tenth of an inch apart. Aperture narrow, growing proportionally broader in older shells; canal moderate, slightly twisted, inner lip lightly encrusted; outer lip acute, sinus broad and shallow.

Hab. A beach specimen retaining color, from San Diego, and a younger dead shell dredged from 120 fms. by Dr. Cooper. Also, two fossil specimens from P. Pliocene, Santa Barbara. The finest of these measures long. 3·, lat. 1·1; long. spir. 1·6.

Nos. 819 and 1021 Survey Moll.

CLATHURELLA, Carpenter.

Defrancia Millet, non Müll.

C. constricta, G.

C. t. albida, solida, lævis, sub-fusiformis; anfr. VII; regione infra-suturali haud constricta; apertura lata, labio parum incrassato, labro sub-acuto; sinu posteriore profundo, suturam attingente.

Shell white, solid, smooth, sub-fusiform; whorls seven, suddenly constricted at the upper portion, near the suture; suture impressed; body whorls rapidly expanded below the constriction; aperture wide, columellar lip encrusted; canal short; outer lip acute, prominent in the middle; posterior sinus deep, angular above and adjoining the suture.

Hab. Santa Catalina Island, 80 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1055 Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

C. crystallina, G.

C. t. parva, fusiformis; anfr. II lævibus; anfr. normalibus IV, supra oblique planulatis, infra, convexiusculis; superficie minutis et confertim concentricis costulis instructa, media parte sola excepta, in qua sunt III vel IV costæ moniliformes; apertura lata; labio parum incrassato; labro crasso, margine sub-acuto; sinu postico profundo lato; colore candidissimo, nitente.

Long. ·35, lat. ·13, long. aper. ·16.

Shell small, fusiform; nuclear whorls two, smooth, normal whorls four, obliquely truncated above, angulated, below the angle somewhat convex; surface marked by numerous small revolving ribs, except on the middle of the whorls, where they are larger, more distant and ornamented by small nodes; aperture rather broad; inner lip lightly encrusted; outer lip thickened behind, sub-acute on the margin; posterior sinus moderately deep, round and with a polished and thicked margin, placed close to the suture; canal very slightly twisted; color, a pure white, polished.

Hab. Catalina Island, 40 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1052, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

DAPHNELLA, Hinds.

D. clathrata, G.

D. t. parva, fusiformis, tenuis; anfr. III nucleosis, lævibus; anfr. normalibus III+ supra oblique truncatis; superficie confertim clathrata; striis radiantibus obsoletis circa basim; apertura magna; columella parum tortuosa; labio parum incrassato; labro acuto; sinu postico sub-profundo, supra acuto, ad suturam attingente; colore albido, sparsim brunueo punctato.

Long. ·37, lat. ·14, long. aper. ·22.

Shell small, fusiform, thin, aperture longer than the spire; nuclear whorls three, smooth; normal whorls three or more, obliquely truncated above, convex below, this truncation is partially obsolete on the last whorl; surface closely clathrate, except on the lower part of the last whorl where the radiating lines become obsolete; aperture large, columella somewhat twisted, slightly encrusted; outer lip thin, acute, posterior sinus moderately deep and narrow, adjoining the suture and angular at its upper corner; color, brownish white with minute brown spots sparsely scattered, usually placed on the larger of the revolving ribs.

Hab. Santa Catalina Island, 60 fms. Dr. Cooper.

This little shell looks not unlike the young of Pleurotoma Carpenteriana, supra, but on a critical comparison, shows several characters incompatible with such a reference; the strongest of these is the peculiar shape of the posterior sinus. In addition to this, the whorls of the present species are much more numerous in proportion to the size, the first six whorls of P. Carpenteriana making a shell three or four times the diameter of this one.

No. 1053, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

MANGELIA, Leach.

M. hexagona, G.

M. t. parva, fusiformis, gracilis; apice sub-acuto; anfr. II lævibus; anfr. norma libus V, costis radiantibus VI acutis induta; tota superficie minute et confertim clathrata; colore albido, lineis rufo-brunneis spiralibus fasciato; apertura angusta; columella vix tortuosa, labro acuto; sinu postico lato, haud profundo.

Long. ·34, lat. ·1, long. aper. ·15.

Shells small, slender, fusiformis; spire sub-acute, nuclear whorls two, smooth, normal whorls five, slightly sub-angular and ornamented by six large acute radiating ribs with broad concave interspaces; besides these, the whole surface is cancellated by minute raised lines; color brownish white ornamented by a few reddish brown revolving bands, one much larger than the rest, in the middle of the whorl; aperture narrow, columella very slightly twisted; outer lip acute, sinus almost obsolete.

Hab. one specimen from Catalina Island, 40 fms., another from the beach at Monterey. Dr. Cooper.

No. 425, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

TURBONILLA, Risso.

Chemnitzia, d’Orb.

T. Gracillima, G.

C. t. elongata, gracili, albida vertice?; anfractibus XI(?) subplanatis; sutura impressa; costis radiantibus, circiter XXIII obtusis, sub-obliquis, ad basin evanidis; apertura sub-rotunda; columella incrassata.

Long. ·32?, lat. ·06, long aper. ·04.

Shell small, very slender, long, white; vertex broken; whorls eleven or more, flattened on the sides; suture strongly impressed; ribs about twenty-three, large, obtuse, running from the suture to the margin of the base; base convexly subtruncated, smooth; aperture subcircular; columella thick.

Hab. Monterey; a single specimen. Dr. Cooper.

This shell can be readily distinguished by its extremely slender form and the strong, slightly oblique ribs.

CANCELLARIA, Lam.

S. Gen. Narona, H and A. Ad.

C. (N.) Cooperii, G.

C. t. subfusiformi; anfractibus II lævibus; anfr. VII sub-angulatis; regione infrasuturali excavata, angulo coronato; regione infra-angulari oblique costata; costis circiter XII; tota superficie concentrice et confertim lirata; colore luteo lineis fuscis regulariter et concentrice lirato; canali elongato; columella vix tortuosa; plicis II; umbilico nullo; labio parum incrassato; labro acuto.

Long. 2·4, lat. 1·05, long. aper. 1·25.

Broadly subfusiform, nuclear whorls two, smooth, round; normal whorls seven, subangulated, concavely excavated above the angle; angle acutely tuberculated; below the angle the surface is ornamented by about twelve slightly oblique ribs, each rib ending in a tubercle at the upper angle; the whole surface is ornamented, besides these ribs, by small, closely placed, revolving ribs; color yellowish brown crossed by about a dozen brown revolving bands; these bands usually cover the larger of the concentric ribs; canal elongate, columella but slightly twisted; umbilicus obsolete; inner lip but slightly encrusted, bearing two sharp oblique folds; outer lip acute, simple.

Hab. One beach specimen, San Diego; another inhabited by a crab, Monterey, 10 fms., and a fragment much larger than the others, Monterey, 16 fms. All collected by Dr. Cooper.

No. 463, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

CALLIOSTOMA, Swains.

Zizyphinus, Gray.

C. tricolor, G.

C. t. conica, spira vix elevata; anfr. I nucleari, lævi; anfr. VI ad marginem truncatis, supra declivibus, infra planulatis; tota superficie confertim costata; costis minute granulatis; colore fulvo, lineis purpureis albo maculatis, spiraliter fasciato; apertura subquadrata, intus margaritacea; labio crasso, labro acuto; umbilico albo.

Long. ·45, lat. ·5, long. aper. ·19, lat. aper. ·24.

Shell conical, spire somewhat elevated, nuclear whorls smooth; other whorl sloping above, truncated on the margin, nearly flat below; surface marked by numerous, finely granulated, revolving ribs; color yellowish brown, banded by a variable number of spiral purple lines, interrupted by white spots; aperture subquadrate, nacreous within; inner lip heavy, outer lip and base acute, umbilicus white.

Hab. San Pedro, five alive on the sand shoal; and Half Moon Bay, beach; also San Diego. Dr. Cooper. Also fossil in the Post Pliocene, San Pedro.

No. 602, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

The brown lines are variable in number, the under side of one specimen showing two and of another six of these lines. The granulation of the ribs is arranged in the lines of growth.

N. Gen. PTYCHOSTYLIS, G.

Testa Calliostomati similis, conoidea; spira elevata; apertura subquadrata; columella antice truncata, plicis obliquis duabus induta, labro acuto, umbilico nullo.

Shell resembling Calliostoma, Swains, (Zizyphinus, Gray,) conical not umbilicate, internally pearly, spire moderately elevated; aperture subquadrate; columella bearing two oblique folds, the lower of which ends abruptly at the end of the columella; outer lip and base acute, smooth or internally striate; operculum unknown.

P. caffea, G.

T. conoidea, tenui; spira elevata; anfr. I nucleari, lævi, anfr. V ad marginem subangulatis, supra recte declivis, ultimo infra sub-planato; sutura valde impressa; tota superficie concentrice tuberculato costata; costis circitur XVIII ad ult. anfr.; epidermide flavida; apertura oblique sub-quadrata, intus albida.

Long. ·55, lat. ·58, long. aper. ·26, lat. aper. ·28, ang. diverg. 58°.

Shell conical, thin; spire elevated; one nuclear whorl, smooth, five perfect whorls, subangulated at the margin, obliquely flat above; body whorl very slightly convex at the base; suture strongly impressed; surface marked by revolving tubercular ribs, about eighteen on the body whorl, one broad one on the margin and about eight or nine on the under side; these ribs are less numerous on the preceding volutions, only four can be counted on the upper side of the penultimate whorl; the tubercles are arranged so as to present an irregular quincunx; epidermis a rich coffee brown, darker between the tubercules than on their summits; aperture obliquely quadrangular, outer lip and base acute, internally pearly white, columella bearing two strong folds, the lower one of which borders the truncated end and terminates in a faint tubercular enlargement; behind the columella is a slight groove running from the base to the end of the upper columellar fold.

Hab. Monterey, 20 fms. Dr. Cooper. Also fossil, not rare, in the Post Pliocene of San Pedro and Santa Barbara, where some specimens have been found an inch in height.

No. 355, Mollusca, Survey Collection.

This shell appears to be allied to the genera Calliostoma and Thalotia, from which it is separated by the peculiar mouth. In the absence of the operculum, it is impossible to define its position certainly.

EMARGINULA, Lam.

E. bella, G.

E. t. alba, oblongo-ovalis, subelevata, antice parum convexa, postice excavata, parte anteriori angustiori; apice excentrico, prominente, parum recurvato; sinu mediocri; costis radiantibus circiter XIX cum costis minoribus interstitialibus irregularitur alternantibus, per lineas concentricas clathratis.

Long. ·55, lat. ·36, alt. ·22.

Shell oblong oval, somewhat elevated, narrowest anteriorly; apex excentric, posterior, prominent and somewhat recurved; outline in front of the apex slightly convex, from the apex to the posterior margin slightly excavated, sides descending nearly straight; sinus moderate, variable, situated at the extremity of a strong rib; surface ornamented by about nineteen large radiating ribs, with smaller ones interposed, all crossed by moderately prominent concentric ridges; color white.

Locality Monterey, Dr. Cooper. “Two dredged dead.”

No. 466, Survey Mollusca.

GADINIA, Gray.

S. Gen. Rowellia, Cooper.

Animal tentaculis ultra testam porrectis, latis, compressis, margine anteriori rotundato, pectinato; pes mediocris, circularis.

Testa Gadiniæ similis.

Animal with broad flat tentacles, rounded and pectinated in front, projecting beyond the shell; foot moderate, round. Shell as in Gadinia.

G. (R.) radiata, Cooper.

Animal album; testa sub-circularis; apex centralis; color albus vel ex albo virens; superficies XXX costis radiantibus dichotmis induta, per lineas concentricas cruciatis; intus alba vel livida, margine crenulato; fovea siphonalis bene impressa, margo prope extremam foveam parum incisus.

Long. ·90, lat. ·85, alt. ·45.

Animal white; shell sub-circular; apex central or sub-central; color white to greenish externally, internally white, livid or various shades of a light purple; surface marked by about thirty radiating and sometimes dichotomous ribs crossed by irregular concentric lines; internal margin crenulated, the teeth corresponding to the external ribs; muscular scar horseshoe-shaped with a little supplementary scar adjoining the left limb; siponal groove rather strongly impressed, producing a very faint emargination on the edge of the shell.

Localities, Farallone Islands, Half Moon Bay, New Year’s Point, Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina Islands. Cooper and Rowell.

No. 826, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

TYLODINA, Raf.

? T. fungina, G.

T. testa sub-elliptica, elevata; apice sub-centrali; epidermide rufo-brunnea, prope apicem lutea, ultra marginem testæ projecta; intus lutea, prope marginem cærulescens.

Long. 1·3, lat. 1·1, alt. ·5.

Animal unknown, shell sub-elliptical, elevated; apex sub-central, blunt; epidermis reddish brown, yellowish on and near the apex, projecting beyond the margin of the shell; color internally straw yellow, shading towards the margin into a bluish white.

The above measurements are approximate, making allowance for the epidermis which in the dry specimen is contracted and incurved around the margins to a width of about a tenth of an inch.

A single specimen, fresh, though without the animal, was found by Dr. Cooper on the shore of Santa Barbara Island.

No. 994, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

CIRCE, Schum.

S. G. Lioconcha, Morch.

C. (L.) Newcombiana, G.

C. t. tenui, trigono-ventricosa, polita, minute et concentrice striata; apicibus magnis, subcentralibus; lunula haud profunda, cordata, margine arata; colore gilvo, lineis angulatis, rufis pieto; intus pallida.

Long. 1·2, lat. 1·37, alt. ·45.

Shell thin, trigonally ventricose, polished, marked by minute concentric striæ; beaks large, subcentral; anterior end prominent, narrowly rounded, posterior a little the widest, base convex; lunule not excavated, bounded by an impressed line; color yellowish white, variously lined with brown angular lines; interior whitish; internal margin smooth; hinge teeth delicate.

Hab. two valves, Catalina Island, 120 fms. Dr. Cooper.

No. 1058, Mollusca, Survey Cabinet.

The relative length and width of the two specimens is different, the smaller specimen not being so convex at the base as the one measured.

YOLDIA.

Y. Cooperii, G.

Y. t. tenui, compressiuscula, valde inæquilaterali, antice angusta, postice expansa; umbonibus minutis, per positionem anteriorem excentricis; epidermide olivacea, nitida; concentrice et confertim lirata; liris minutis, sub lamellosis; intus lactea; cicatricibus muscularibus magnis.

Long. 1·25, lat. 2·6, alt. ·25.

Shell thin, somewhat compressed, very inequilateral, beaks placed about a third of the length from the anterior end, minute; anterior end narrow, sub-acuminate, posterior end broadly rounded; base most prominent just posterior to the middle of the shell; surface sculptured by numerous small concentric ribs, rarely dichotomous or anastomosing on the widest part of the shell; these ribs are flat and abruptly truncated on the side nearest the beak, giving the surface, under a glass, the appearance of an overlapping. Epidermis shining, olivaceous; internally a bluish white; muscular scars large, the anterior triangular, posterior a third the largest, broadly suboval.

A single fresh valve was found on the beach at Santa Cruz, Cal., by Dr. Cooper.

Earthquakes in California during 1864.

BY DR. JOHN B. TRASK.

Feb. 26th, 0 h. 40 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At 5 h. 45 m. a smart shock, having three distinct vibrations. On the day previous, an “Electric Storm” prevailed between Visalia, Tulare Co., and Los Angeles, which was very violent in its effects on the telegraph lines.

On the 27th, a heavy “Norther” commenced and continued till the eve of the 28th. This earthquake was felt at San José, fifty miles south, at the same hour, and was marked by two very smart shocks following each other in quick succession.

March 5th, 8 h. 49 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco. The earthquake began at the above hour. The first wave was in a direction north and south, and lasted one and three-fourths seconds. Nearly one and a half seconds elapsed before the second shock, which occurred at forty-nine minutes, three seconds past eight o’clock, and had a duration of one and one-half seconds. The motion in this shock was rotatory.

Magnetism was not suspended in this nor either of the other shocks, this year. The total length of time included in this earthquake, was nearly 5 seconds. These observations were made at the height of 20 feet 4 inches above the ground, but persons situated at a greater height felt the vibrations longer and more severely.

We have brief details of this earthquake from Santa Rosa, at the north, to Santa Cruz at the south, and from Stockton at the east, for which we acknowledge our obligations to the Telegraph Company. At Santa Rosa it occurred at 8 h. 50 m. the shock was light. At Petaluma 8 h. 50 m., also light. At Stockton about 9 h., shock was severe. At Santa Clara 8 h. 40 m., the shocks were very severe. The church spires waved to and fro, and the earthquake is reported to have continued over two minutes, with light vibrations between the heavier waves. At Santa Cruz no time is given.

March 10th, 14 h. 8 m.—A light shock was felt in San Francisco.

” ” 16 h. 30 m.—Another shock at San Francisco, marked by two distinct vibrations and lasting three and one-half seconds.

March 20th, 23 h. 45 m.—A light shock of earthquake having four distinct tremors, and occupying a little more than three seconds.

March 22d, 13 h. 0 m.—A smart shock was felt at Stockton, causing some little commotion.

May 20th, 18 h. 1 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco. At Stockton the shock was quite severe and occurred nine minutes later. At San José it also was very sharp. At Napa the earthquake, which was quite severe at this place, occurred at 18 h. 57 m. At Sacramento the shocks occurred at 18 h.: and was very severe. There were two distinct waves felt at this locality. This earthquake was felt as far north as Long Valley, in Mendocino County, and was followed by two loud reports like artillery, almost instantly.

June 6th, 11 h. 7 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

June 22d, 20 h. 53 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of three distinct waves and a profound low rumbling sound. Each of the shocks were marked by a peculiar abruptness, like sudden sharp jolts. They were followed by a series of lessening tremors which gradually died away.

This earthquake was felt as far north as Healdsburg, (about 80 miles distant), at Napa, at Pacheco, at Stockton, and at San José, south of this city fifty-two miles, making a distance of one hundred and thirty-two miles, north and south, over which its influence was well marked.

July 5th, 20 h. 3 m.—An earthquake at San Francisco, not severe; this consisted of four distinct vibrations occurring during a period of seven minutes. The second vibration and the longest lasted nineteen seconds. The shortest vibration was six seconds in length. The elapsed time between the waves varied from forty seconds to one and one-fourth minutes.

July 21st, 2 h. 7 m.—A smart shock was felt at San Francisco.

” ” 22 h. 40 m. 38 s.—A very smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco, consisting of two waves at four seconds apart. The direction of the motion was north thirteen degrees east. The displacement was one and a fourth inches, at twenty feet four inches from the ground. Pendulum suspension eighteen inches.

The earthquake was experienced at San José at the same hour, and consisted of four strong shocks. At Stockton the earthquake was severe, and took place twelve minutes later than at this city. The earthquake was felt at Los Angeles, but was not very heavy. No time is given from this latter locality.

July 25th, 23 h. 56 m.—A shock of earthquake at Los Angeles.

Aug. 17th, 22 h. 39 m.—A light shock of earthquake at Nevada and vicinity.

Aug. 18th, 5 h. 18 m.—A very strong shock of earthquake was experienced at Grass Valley and Nevada, which threw down a wall of stone and brick in the well of Dr. Fellows. This earthquake was felt at Gibsonville at the north and at Marysville to the west; at the latter locality it was twelve minutes later than at Grass Valley.

Sept. 6th, 10 h. 3 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

Sept. 20th, 11 h. 0 m.—A light shock of earthquake at San José; it was observed at the Mission Dolores.

Sept. 27th, 10 h. 32 m.—A heavy shock at Mission San Juan, Monterey Co.

Oct. 6th, 21 h. 9 m.—A smart shock of earthquake at San Francisco.

Oct. 14th, 1 h. 8 m.—Two heavy shocks of earthquake were felt at Mission San Juan, and another severe shock at 10 h. 25 m., the movement was from west to east.

Dec. 11th, 20 h. 52 m.—A shock of earthquake at San Francisco. This shock was felt at San José at 20 h. 51 m., and was evidently more severe there than at San Francisco.

During 1864, we have had twenty-one days on which earthquakes have occurred, and of at number there have been two days, (March 10th and July 21st) in which more than one shock has taken place within the twenty-four hours of each day.

The British Colonist, of Victoria, Vancouver Island, furnishes the following statement:

From a gentleman who has resided on Vancouver Island for 15 years, we learn that slight earthquakes have occurred annually, with one or two exceptions, during the entire period. Only on one occasion (1858) does he remember experiencing a shock at all approaching in severity that of Saturday morning, October 29th 1864. The oscillation, as on this last occasion, has almost invariably been from west to east: and he accounts for this, by supposing that the internal convulsion of the earth beneath, has to find vent in the crater of Mount Baker, situated to the east of us. This volcano has not had any visible eruption for several years. On the last occasion, it sent up a dense volume of smoke, and occasionally a bright flame was seen to issue from the fiery furnace. Another old resident informs us, that the appearance of the summit of Mount Baker has undergone a material change within late years, giving room for the conjecture that large portions have crumbled away and descended into the yawning abyss of the crater which lies between the two highest peaks.

Relating to earthquakes at San Francisco and its immediate vicinity, we have an item of interesting information relating to their effects at the Farrallones Islands, situated some fifteen miles to the west of the city. It appears, upon the testimony of the lighthouse-keeper at these Islands, and who has resided there for several years, (seven or eight), that but two of the whole number occurring at this city, have been felt at the Islands, and of these he made an official record. The first was the shock of Dec. 23d, 1862, and that of June 22d, 1864.

From 1857 to date, we have seven years, during which time twenty-five shocks have been authenticated at San Francisco, while two only of the number have been felt at the above locality west of the city.