INTRODUCTION. XV 



are dull when compared with those of more southern 

 countries, and their shapes but seldom attractive for eccen- 

 tricity of outline or ornament. They exhibit but few- 

 peculiarities, and reckon among their number but few 

 rarities. This is not the case with our marine species, 

 among which are numerous sorts that have either not been 

 noticed elsewhere, or are rarely to be met with, and which, 

 even when of pigmy dimensions, are among the most 

 prized gems of a good conchological cabinet. In the grand 

 system of Nature size is of small account, and elephants 

 and mites, however different in bigness, reckon of equal 

 value as links in the chain of organization. God's works 

 are never left unfinished. None is too minute for the 

 display of infinite perfection. The microscope has exhi- 

 bited to our wondering eyes beauties of structure that have 

 been concealed from mortal sight for long ages. It would 

 almost seem as if only glimpses of those excellencies of 

 creation are permitted to man to behold, whilst the full 

 contemplation of such wondrous charms is reserved for 

 immortal and invisible admirers. 



Although, in consequence of the great number of Mol- 

 lusks that are common to all parts of the British seas, pro- 

 vided we compare localities where conditions of sea-bottom 

 and depth are similar, it might seem that there is little 

 evidence of a peculiar distribution within the limits of our 

 area, if we regard its shell-fish either in mass or analyze 

 the relations of the several species to foreign and sur- 

 rounding regions, we shall find very distinct manifestations 

 of peculiarities within the boundaries of our own. Were 

 a conchologist desirous of accumulating personally and 

 rapidly a complete collection of British shells, he would 

 fail in his object if he confined his researches to any one 

 locality, even though it embraced a considerable reach of 



