xiv PREFACE. 



his system and his fame, we are indebted, 

 according to the judgment of a large majo- 

 rity, for the most perspicuous arrangement 

 of testaceous animals which has hitherto 

 been offered to the public. His system has 

 been followed in the present treatise, not 

 because it is considered faultless, or inca- 

 pable of great improvement, but because, 

 upon the whole, it is more simple and in- 

 telligible, and less likely to deter begin- 

 ners, than any other with which we are 

 acquainted. At the same time it would be 

 blamable servility to adhere to the very 

 letter of the Linnsean law; — some of the 

 terms are decidedly objectionable, and are 

 therefore totally discarded ; some few sub- 

 divisions of genera are added, which appear 

 requisite in order to preclude the necessity 



