PREFACE 



pages that all these shells possess a peculiar structure, 

 which belongs to such an organization, as would have 

 enabled those animals to raise themselves up to, and even 

 to support themselves at, the surface of the water. 



Many have been led to doubt the total extinction of 

 some species, and the late creation of others, as circum- 

 stances which would be incompatible with the power 

 and wisdom of the Almighty, who, they conceive, would 

 have formed a creation so complete at first, as to have 

 required no subsequent change. Without dwelling on 

 the impropriety of such modes of reasoning, it must be 

 observed, that the facts are indubitable, and afford a 

 direct proof of the Creator of the universe continuing 

 a superintending providence over the works of his hands. 

 That the extinction of species maybe taking place even 

 in our days, seems to be shown by the discovery of dead 

 shells in the island of St. Helena, differing from any 

 known species of recent or of fossil shells. The small 

 remaining number of some species of animals, such as the 

 Dodo and the sloths, seems also to give some support to 

 this opinion. 



