107 

 PflRT IY. 



CONCHOLOGICAL NOTES. 



Although the plates (Nos. XII. -XVII.) contained in 

 this part are more or less self-explanatory, they 

 appear to require a few notes in further elucidation of the 

 specimens they illustrate. It may also be acceptable to 

 the reader if a reason is stated for their introduction. 



For some time prior to his decease, Philip James 

 Rufford directed his energies to the preparation of several 

 series of type specimens of shells, each of which illustrates 

 some special feature in the structure of molluscan 

 coverings. 



In so doing, he recognized, and exemplified the 

 dictum, that if a Museum is to fulfil its highest purpose as 

 an educational factor, every exhibit, or group of exhibits, 

 must be employed as an object lesson. 



With this plan in view, he had arranged, and 

 labelled many specimens, in a manner best calculated to 

 arrest the attention of an observer, and direct it towards 

 any special point in the construction of the abode or 

 the anatomy of the animal producing and inhabiting it ; 

 and it has been thought that these series are of sufficient 

 importance to merit the notice of all persons interested in 

 such work. They may also serve as ensamples to any 

 naturalist contemplating the formation of similar series. 

 They must not be regarded as exhaustive and final, nor 

 complete in every detail. An exhibition on a scale such 

 as will allow the introduction of each characteristic of the 

 structure, growth, peculiarities, etc., of Univalve, Bivalve, 

 and Multivalve shells, requires a very large number of 

 specimens, embracing world- wide distribution of species ; 

 many months of labour to name, label, and arrange in 

 systematic order ; and also ample accommodation for 

 effective exhibition. Such is not expected in a provincial 

 Museum. 



