The Williams Collection of Shells 



I. INTRODUCTORY 



In Mrs. Williams' early girlhood, a loved teacher 

 observing the child's natural appreciation of the beauti- 

 ful, gave her some common shells, with the expressed 

 wish that she might gather about this modest nucleus 

 a "truly remarkable" collection. The suggestion bore 

 fruit, and the harvest is seen in this unique cabinet. 



From the outset circumstances combined to make 

 the cherished dream a reality. First was the exquisite 

 attuning of mind and senses, evident even in childhood, 

 that has steadily controlled her judgment in the selec- 

 tion and upbuilding of the collection. Then came the 

 friendship and co-operation of the traveler, explorer, 

 genius, and naturalist, the late Professor Henry A. 

 Ward, who was never too busy to remember her collec- 

 tion. Again there was opportunity in more of leisure 

 and means than is granted to many who dream, coupled 

 with the indomitable persistence and determination of 

 one who works as well as wishes. These characteristics 

 brought to Mrs. Williams friendships among the noted 

 conchologists and shell dealers of the world, — Sowerby, 

 Campbell, Fulton, Roberts, Melvill, and others, — who 



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