mals. It is both a tedious, and a difficult operation to preserve a Quad- 

 ruped, a Bird, or a Fish, as a specimen for the cabinet ; and even when 

 the task is completed, it is but of temporary duration. A slow but certain 

 process of dissolution is going on, which, though invisible for a time to the 

 owner, gradually destroys the finest collection of these objects. The very 

 changes of the atmosphere, combined with the attacks of insects, accelerate 

 the destructive process. But with Shells the case is very different, composed 

 of particles, already in natural combination, they do not contain within them- 

 selves the seeds of dissolution ; so that for ages they remain the same. 



Besides all that is necessary in general to prepare a Shell for the cabinet, 

 is merely to remove the animal, and when the Shell is covered with foreign 

 matter, to wash it away, with a brush, in soap and water, and it is frequently 

 necessary to steep the shell for some time in fresh water, to extract all the 

 salt water that may adhere to it. After being properly dried, it is fit for the 

 shelf of the cabinet, and stands in no need of anxious superintendence. 



To some, the examination of this department of science has appeared 

 useless, and unworthy of occupying the time, and talents of an informed mind : 

 reasoning with persons of this description is seldom attended with any good 

 effect ; ignorant of the advantages which have resulted to mankind from an 

 intimate acquaintance with natural objects, which an all-perfect being, has 

 created, they know not the pleasure which may be thus yielded to man, who 

 was sent into this world in order to examine, admire and adore. 



ALMIGHTY BEING ! 



Cause and support of all things, can we view 

 These objects of our wonder — can we feel 

 These fine sensations, and not think of Thee 1 



If we attend to the contour or shape of Shells, we find elegance and sim- 

 plicity, richness and variety of their colors, the singularity of their forms in 

 many, and the comparative facility with which they may be collected and 

 arranged, we cannot be surprised that they have now attained a conspicuous 

 place in public collections, and have attracted the notice of the curious 



observer. 



Rumphius is said to have given a thousand pounds, for one of the first dis- 

 covered specimens of the Venus Dione. 



The Conus Cedo Nulli, so very rarely offered for sale, fine, was sold for 

 three hundred guineas ; the Turbo Scalaris, if large and perfect, has been 



