Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/115

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LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SUSSEX.
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especially in the numerous rib-like striae which hoop round each whorl. Very common on the Downs in autumn, and said to yield "a very fattening nourishment" to the sheep, which pick them up with the short grass to which they cling.—H. This snail is very partial to clover-fields, and is a favourite morsel with the Landrail.—B. It is most active, and therefore more generally noticed after rain.—H.

Helix ericetorum. The Heath Snail.—Abundant on the chalk, to which, in Sussex, it appears to be confined. The flat shape of the shell, its large umbilicus, and nearly circular mouth readily serve to distinguish it from any other of the banded snails. The village children in Sussex collect them by bushels, and threading them on strings, make necklaces and bracelets of them. Mr. W. Jeffery has remarked that ericetorum attains a larger size in the valleys on the north side of the Downs, where the herbage is less scanty than on the south side, and the sun has less power.

Helix rotundata. The Rounded Snail.—Common under chalkstones, dead wood, and bark of old trees, as well as in moss and among dead leaves.

Helix rupestris. The Little Wall Snail.—Found on rocks, walls, and ruins, as well as under stones on hill-sides. Rare in Sussex. Specimens found on the north side of the churches at Horsham and Keymer, and on an old wall at Lewes.—B.

Helix pygmæa. The Pigmy Snail.—Abundant under stones on the South Downs, and sparingly under dead wood and leaves in the neighbourhood of Cowfold.—B. Not very common near Lewes, but found with other minute land-shells at the roots of grass and moss, principally Hypnum purum and lutescens.

Helix pulchella. The White Snail.—Not uncommon under fragments of chalk in Uppark and on East Halting Down.—W. and H. Plentiful on the Downs by Lewes, at the roots of grass and moss, and on the east bank of Ashcombe plantation.— U. On old walls amongst old mortar and heaps of stones, about Horsham, Cowfold and West Grinstead.—B. Found also in the neighbourhood of Brighton (M) and at Eastbourne (G).

Helix lapicida. The Rock Snail.—About the size of ericetorum, but much more solid, lens-shaped, of a dark brown colour, and with a sharp edge or keel round it, which distinguishes it at once from all others of its kind. The crevices of rocks and old walls are