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Show 438 LT.-COL. H. H. GODWIN-AUSTEN ON THE LAND- [May 21, 6. List and Distribution of the Land-Mollusca of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Descriptions of some supposed new Species. By Lieut.-Col. H. H. G O D W I N - A U S T E N , F.R.S., F.Z.S., &c. [Eeceived May 21, 1895.] I. Introductory Eemarks, p. 438. II. Table of Distribution, p. 441. III. Notes and Descriptions of new Species, p. 446. I. Introductory Remarks. The molluscan fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has received, since their occupation, a considerable amount of attention at the hands of many good naturalists and collectors. The first collection was made in 1846 by the staff attached to the Danish frigate ' Galathea,' commanded by M. S. Bille, at the time Denmark was in possession of the Nicobar Group: this was described by Professor A. C. L. Mdrch, of Copenhagen. This expedition, sent by King Christian VIII., was very well organized : there were three zoologists, Professors Behn of Kiel, J. Beinhardt of Copenhagen, and Kjellerup, two botanists, Drs. Didrichsen and Kampioner, and a geologist, Dr. Sink ; the Prussian botanist Th. Philippi also became attached to the expedition. Of the above, Prof. Beinhardt paid most attention to the Mollusca. In 1858 the Austrian frigate ' Novara' visited the Nicobars, but no material addition was made to what had been already obtained there. After the formation of our great penal colony at Port Blair, many other naturalists from time to time visited the Andamans, and received every possible assistance from the Chief Commissioners in charge. Among those who thus helped to swell the list of the Land-Shells we can record the names of Colonel Haughton, Ferdinand Stoliczka, V. Ball, J.Wood-Mason, Major Wilmer, &c. ; and Benson described a good many species. Through the kindness of nearly all these collectors I have been able to secure specimens. M y brother, Harold Godwin-Austen, was for several years an Assistant-Commissioner at Port Blair, and visited many parts of the islands before unexplored; he collected for me and sent home a number of species preserved in spirit, which have proved of great value. Lastly, I have had the very large collection formed by another Assistant at Port Blair, Mr. F. A. De Boepstorff, placed in my hands by his widow. This officer was the son of the last Danish Governor of the Nicobars, subsequently ceded to Great Britain. He was an inde- |
