6a INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



derived pleasure fi'om gathering shells on the sea-coast. 

 Cranch too^ the elegant and scientific explorer of the Congo, 

 delighted in the same pursuits. Xeither difficulties nor 

 dangers impeded his researches. He climbed rugged pre- 

 cipices, and was frequently lowered down by the peasants 

 from the summit of tall chffs. He waded through rapid 

 streams, explored the beds of muddy rivers, and sought the 

 deepest recesses. He would even relinquish the comforts 

 of domestic life, and venture out to sea, at Dawlish, for 

 several days, entirely alone, or in the small skiffs of the 

 fishermen ; employing his time in dredging when the tide 

 was full, and examining the coast when it was out. At 

 night he slept in his boat, wliich he drew to shore; and 

 when the weather was too stormy for marine excursions, he 

 would leave his little skiff, and explore the woods and fields, 

 for birds or insects. No inclemency of weather, nor alter- 

 nations of storm and sunshine, ever interfered with his 

 favourite pursuits ; the discovery of a new shell, or bird, or 

 insect, amply repaid the most hazardous exertions. 



Previous, however, to enlarging further on the localities 

 of shells and their extraordinary beauty, it will be needful 

 to speak concerning the distinctive characteristics of the 

 second class, the Gastropods, comprising an extensive series 



