10 THE CABINET OF SHELLS. 
In the three orders of shells, there are two thousand five hun- 
dred and forty-one species enumerated ; and there are, no doubt, 
many more. A cabinet, containing a specimen of each, would 
be almost invaluable ; yet a collection can be made of several 
specimens of each Genus for a trifling sum, and may be arrang- 
ed according to the preceding outline ; which will lead the 
young amateur to make inquiry into the name and character of 
-each species so collected, and the animal and its peculiarities 
inhabiting each shell ; and he will become acquainted with the 
terms used by conchologists in describing shells. Indeed, this 
little sketch of the science is fully enough completed, to lead 
those wishing to become acquainted with this fashionable study 
into the right path. 
Since the time of Linnzus several conchologists have attempt- 
ed to form novel and popular theories of the science—but there 
is none so easy of attainment, or so well adapted to facilitate the 
study as this of Linneus. Among the moderns, the System of 
Lamark is thought most worthy of attention. 
Should the present work meet with encouragement as a 
Manuscript for the Cabinet of Conchologists, a succeeding num- 
ber will be immediately published, containing an Outline of the 
System of Lamark, with drawings of the one hundred and 
ninety-two Genera ; and an extra plate, containing perspective 
drawings of the wonderful and curious internal structure of 
some remarkable Shells ; also a discriminative distinction of the 
Hinges of Bivalves. 
In conclusion, after becoming familiar with the Class, Orders, 
and Genera, according to the Linnean System, the transition 
to particulars will be perfectly easy to the learner. Every Sci- 
ence creates a language that is peculiarly its own. So Con- 
chologists, in describing shells, use epithets and terms appro- 
priate to the subject. 3 
