CHAPTER III. 



The Tides — The Order Adopted — Synonyms — Terms 

 Defined — Epidermis — Position of the Sheee for 

 Study — Descriptions of Species — Anachis — Macron 

 — fusus — murex — pteronotus— ocinebra. 



WHILE I was out on the reef, that fine June morn- 

 ing, gathering specimens of the shell already 

 described and of other interesting kinds, the tide 

 began to come in and my investigations were some- 

 what disturbed. As the shore was a good way off, I 

 began to make my way across the rocks for the beach; 

 but the water gained upon me, though at last my wet 

 feet were safely planted on the warm, dry sands. I 

 would beg my readers to never run serious risks in 

 collecting shells ; especially on the sea-coast keep a 

 sharp lookout for the waves and the tide, for more 

 than one person has been swept away from a lack of 

 watchfulness. 



Considerable space has been given to a consideration 

 •of the first species, not because it is the most inter- 

 esting shell to be found on our coast, but that an 

 explanation of its parts may serve as a guide in the 

 study of many other species. 



Authors differ very widely in the order they adopt 

 for the classification of shells ; but as this book is not 

 designed to present disputed points of classification, 

 but to enable you to see and recognize the features, 

 determine the name, and learn the haunts and habits of 



