INTRODUCTION 



The Science of Conchology affords a very delightful and in- 

 structive amusement for the leisure hours of those who, retiring 

 occasionally from the gaieties of fashionable life, seek pleasure 

 in the quiet contemplation of some of the smaller, but not less 

 wonderful operations of creative wisdom. And, although the 

 study of shells would be more complete, and rank higher in 

 the scale of philosophical pursuits, were it always accompanied 

 by that of the animal inhabiting them, it nevertheless presents 

 means of intellectual gratification, to many who cannot follow it 

 beyond the cabinet and the boudoir. These may examine 

 with admiration and mental improvement, the beautiful 

 colouring and architecture of these wonders of the deep, they 

 may exercise their taste and judgment in the selection and 

 arrangement of specimens, and their discrimination in detect- 

 ing and appreciating the distinctions upon which the arrange- 

 ment is founded. 



It is but little that can be known of the subject without 

 forming a collection of greater or less extent ; for, as it would be 

 uninstructive merely to delight the eye with the bright colours 

 and elegant form of shells, without possessing correct infor- 

 mation respecting them, so it would be insipid and useless to 

 learn technicalities without being acquainted by personal obser- 

 vation with the subjects to which they are applied. The first 

 endeavour should, therefore, be to obtain a few shells as 

 examples of the larger divisions, and, when these are understood, 

 to proceed with the smaller groups, until a collection be formed 

 to represent as many generic forms as possible. It may be as 



B 



