8 Bcaitfi/ul Shells. 



brancs. Eut all tliis my readers will learn more 

 about from more advanced and scientinc works if 

 tbej proceed, as I trust they will do, in the study 

 of CoNcnoLOGY, a science which has in a greater or 

 less degree attracted the attention of curie us and 

 contemplative minds in all ages, and the study of 

 which it has been well said is peculiarly adapted to 

 recreate the senses, and insensibly to lead us to the 

 contemplation of the glory of God in creation. 



BEAUTY AXD VALUE OF SHELLS. 



In shells, as in all the works of the Almighty 

 Creator, w^e may observe an infinite variety of 

 form, and if they do not all strike us as alike 

 graceful, yet in each, however plain and simple, 

 there is some peculiar beauty, whether it be the 

 mere hollow cup, or the simple tube, the smooth or 

 twisted cone, the slender spire, the convoluted oval, 

 or half circle, ribbed or spiked, w^ith a lip curving 

 out like the leaf of a water lily, or a narrow rim, 

 like that of a golden chalice; they are indeed 

 elegant, each perfect of its kind, and bearing the 

 impress of a constructive skill far above that of 

 man, who copies from them some of the most 

 graceful and elegant designs wherewith to ornament 



