PREFACE. vii. 



It therefore appears as the third decade, but being the first ready, 

 and the subject quite distinct from those of the other two, no 

 hesitation is experienced in placing it first before the public. 



Mr. H. S. Smith, who, as already stated, supplied three of the 

 plates, has been induced to come out to Canada with the design of 

 devoting his attention to the representation of the fossils of the 

 Provincial collection ; and it will therefore in future be unnecessary 

 to go out of the country for the illustration of them, unless it be to 

 procure the aid of the best authority on some special subject. 



Of the third decade an edition of 2000 copies is issued. Of these 

 500 copies are reserved for the members of the Legislature; and 

 it is intended to fix upon the remainder a moderate price, and 

 dispose of them to the public through some respectable bookseller. 

 By this means it is hoped that they will fall into the hands of those 

 who will really appreciate them. The same course will be pursued 

 in respect to the first and second decades, when they are ready. 



A fourth decade is now in hand which will illustrate the .Crinoids 

 of the collection. 



W. E. LOGAN. 



Montreal. 30th June, 1858. 



