IN offering the Third Volume of the Manual of Conchology, 

 I desire to express my sincere thanks for the very kind reception 

 which the work has obtained from those interested in this arid 

 kindred pursuits, throughout the world. My constant endeavor 

 is to perform my task in such a manner as will, in some measure, 

 merit a continuance of their approbation. 



The present volume includes monographies of the families 

 Tritonidae, Fusidse and Buccinida?. embracing a large number of 

 familiar genera : a portion of them variable in specific character- 

 istics and hence difficult of identification. I trust that the 

 conservative view r which I have adopted in treating these will at 

 least facilitate their recognition. 



I am under especial obligation to a number of correspondents 

 who have manifested their interest in the Manual in a very 

 pleasing way, by sending me (unsolicited, for the most part) 

 specimens, drawings and critical observations upon the species. 

 I shall be glad to continue to receive similar aid, and as a hint to 

 those who are willing to furnish it, I would mention that, in 

 addition to the three families mentioned above, material relating 

 to the genera Nassa, Turbinella, \ r oluta, Mitra, Columbella, Mar- 

 ginella, Oliva. Anciilaria. Harpa and their allies will be very 

 acceptable. 



January, 1881. (I. W. T., JR. 



