POPULAR 

 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



CHAPTEE I. 

 CONSTEUCTTON OE SHELLS. 



There is such beauty iu all natural things, 



That e'en the loneliest heart for a small space, 

 While gazing, musing, as on dove-like wings. 



May soar above the heavens, and take her place 

 In warbling thanks ; till wan grief's dread array 



Seem but as dreams that troubled the dark night, 

 Fled with her shades, when the clear eye of day 



Doth look upon them, and the heart grows light. 



The science of Concliology comprises much that is curious and 

 beautiful. It treats concerning the structure of testaceous 

 shells, of the nature and habits of their animal inhabitants, 

 and speaks, as with a voice from out the waters, of things 

 pertaining to the instincts and formation of those wondrous 

 creatures which stand foremost in the lower division of the 

 Animal Kingdom. 



