THE 



QUARTERLY JOURNAL 



OF 



CONCHOLOGY. 



INTRODUCTION. 



We are glad to find that the study of the science of Conchology 

 is becoming much more general. We are glad because we think it 

 possesses advantages which many other sciences only possess in a 

 smaller degree. Its objects lie around us on every hand, on mossy 

 banks, in glassy pools, in rustling woods, in the deep sea, and on its 

 shore. Its spoils too, are of very varied beauty of form and 

 colour — the houses of the Mollusca — how many, very many of our 

 fellow-men cannot boast of houses so comfortable, so convenient, 

 so exceeding beautiful. These spoils need no elaborate preparation 

 on the part of the collector, nor jealous care for their jireservation, 

 a plain wood cabinet, or boxes, a small round fishing net, some 

 chip or tin pill boxes, are all that is required. 



It must not be thought that the field of study is a restricted one, 

 for besides a knowledge of the Molluscs themselves, a practical 

 knowledge of Botany is desirable, in order to recognize on what 

 plants they feed, and also that by recognizing the food-iilant we 

 may be on the alert to find the animal. Then an acquaintance with 

 Geology will show upon what soiL and rocks certain species are 

 most surely found, and it will allow of an intelligent comparison with 

 all the myriad fossil forms ; for it must be remembered that by far 

 the largest proportion of fossil remains are molluscous. A com- 

 petent knowledge of Microscopy will amply repay some amount of 

 patience, of time, and some little cost by proving an "open sesame" 

 to many hidden wonders. Nor should we considtr the study of 

 these lowly creatures as likely to lead to no direct useful result ; 

 for it is by the study of the lower forms of life, that we hope perhaps 

 ultimately to discover, what is life. 



