INTRODUCTION. 



THE following lists of the described species of North American shells 

 have been prepared at the request of this Institution, by several accom 

 plished conchologists, for the purpose of labelling the specimens in the 

 Smithsonian collection. 



Applications having been made for copies of the lists, it has been though 

 that their publication would be generally useful, in facilitating the pre 

 paration of catalogues, the labelling of collections, conducting exchanges, 

 checking off faunas of particular regions, etc. 



The series of lists is complete with the exception of that of the marine 

 fauna of the West India Province, including the shores of Florida, the Gulf 

 coast, the tVest Indies, etc. On account of the great extent of this pro 

 vince, and the uncertainty in relation to many of its species, together with 

 their imperfect representation in American conchological collections, it has 

 been thought expedient to omit for the present a list of its shells. As 

 soon as such a list can be properly prepared, it will be added to the series. 



In accordance with the views of a majority of the compilers of the lists, 

 the authority given for each name refers to the original describer of the 

 species, and not to the one who first published the name, both generic and 

 specific, as here printed. 



It will be readily understood that the Smithsonian Institution cannot 

 vouch for the accuracy of the names of the lists or for their completeness, 

 and that all responsibility in reference to these points rests with the several 

 authors. 



JOSEPH HENRY, 



Secretary S. I. 

 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 

 May, 1860. 



