14 



AT Panama, both fine and common shells 

 are in great abundance. Some rare specimens 

 have found their way from Vera Cruz, which 

 probably came from the Pacific. And we have 

 lately received a few rare fresh- water shells 

 from the Ohio, which the American naturalists 

 are sharply looking after. 



FROM the West Indies, shells have been 

 brought in such abundance, and of so little in- 

 terest, that a strong prejudice exists against 

 them : but, from a source so productive, it is 

 highly probable that some rare shells will be 

 discovered, when gentlemen of science in these 

 islands shall think conchological researches 

 worthy of their attention. The collections re- 

 ceived from thence are made by the natives, 

 and calculated to please mere novices only. 

 On the coast of Jamaica, the keys, and pali- 

 sades, Conchs (Strombus Grandis), Helmets, or 



