IV 



The land and freshwater shells of Great Britain, having 

 been so ably illustrated in the recent edition of Turton's 

 Manual, the author refraining altogether from that branch 

 of his subject, has restricted his attention to the salt-water 

 species alone. 



By the scientific Conchologist the convenience of 

 possessing in a small compass, the description of the 

 species which from time to time, discovered since the 

 days of Montagu, have been scattered through the various 

 periodicals of England and Scotland, can not fail to be 

 appreciated. The exquisite figures, for whose fidelity the 

 name of Sowerby is a sufficient guarantee, illustrating 

 those species chiefly which have been either ill delineated 

 or are altogether as yet unfigured, must cause this work, 

 to be indispensable to every naturalist who may study this 

 branch of Nature's handiworks. 



As a preliminary for the arrangement of his cabinet, the 

 reader should consult the SYSTEMATIC INDEX, which con- 

 tains additional matter and emendations, together with a 

 selection of unpublished species, from the MSS of some 

 of our most scientific collectors. This portion has been 

 contributed by Sylvanus Hanley, Esq. who has materi- 

 ally assisted the author in the course of his labours. 



His gratitude is likewise due to W. Metcalfe, Esq. of 

 Lincoln's Inn, and William Bean, Esq. of Scarborough as 

 well for the use of their extensive collections, as for their 

 willing communication of much valuable information. 



