PREFACE. V 



as the value of species and genera, and the laws of gcogra- 

 pliical and geological distribution. It is in these departments 

 that the affinity of natural science to the highest kinds of 

 human knowledge is most distinctly seen ; and in them the 

 richest and noblest results are to be obtained. For to the 

 thoughtful and earnest investigator, nature ever discloses 

 indications of harmony and order, and reflects the attributes 

 of the Maker. 



The recreations of the young seldom fail to exercise a 

 serious influence on after life ; and the utility of their pur- 

 suits must greatly depend on the spirit in which they are 

 followed. If wisely chosen and conscientiously prosecuted, 

 they may help to form habits of exact observation ; they may 

 train the eye and mind to seize upon characteristic facts, and 

 to discern their real import; to discriminate between the 

 essential and the accidental, and to detect the, relations of 

 phenomena, however widely separated and apparently unlike. 

 In this way "la belle Science" (as Mr. Gaskoin calls Con- 

 ch ology !) may acquire the influence of pursuits more usually 

 resorted to for mental development and discipline. 



The wood-cuts have been principally executed by Miss 

 A. !N". AYaterhouse, of Marlborough House, from original 

 drawings by the Author ; and although printed from stereo- 

 types, they have the advantage of accurately representing 

 what was wished to be shown. 



The engravings of Mr. "Wilson Lowry speak for themselves ; 

 many of the figures are from the specimens in his cabinet ; 

 and the interest he has taken in the work will be seen in the 

 care with which the technical characters of the shells are 

 expressed. 



The above paragraphs, forming the principal portion of the 

 Preface to the first edition of this work, will suffice to show the 

 objects which the late Author had in view. A few additional 



