PREFACE. 



The conclusion of the seventh volume of the 'Journal of Conchology' 

 terminates the connection which I have held as its Director and Editor for 

 the long period of exactly twenty-one years. The journal was originally com- 

 menced as the ' Quarterly Journal of Conchology' in February, 1874, at a time 

 when the science of Conchology was at a very low ebb in Britain, its students 

 few, scattered, and disorganized, and as a necessary consequence the publi- 

 cation of the work was for years after its inception only carried on by steady 

 sacrifices of time and money. Such sacrifices as were necessary I however 

 cheerfully made, and the publication was persevered with in spite of mani- 

 fold discouragements and against the advice of many kind and true friends, 

 who looked upon a financial return as the crucial test for all projects, 

 scientific or otherwise. In process of time, however, the exertions and sacri- 

 fices I made begun to take effect, more and more interest was taken in the 

 study, and the students and subscribers increased in numbers. 



One of the first practical results of this revival was the establishment 

 in 1876, by four Leeds conchologists (Messrs. H. Crowther, W. Nelson, 

 W. Denison Roebuck, and myself) of the Conchological Society. The 

 society when formed gradually increased around this little local nucleus, 

 until at the present time it is quite a powerful organization, though there 

 are still large numbers of students who have not yet allied themselves with 

 us. The vigour and ardour with which conchology is now pursued, and 

 for which happy result the journal may surely claim much of the credit 

 for having fostered and encouraged, is amply and convincingly evidenced 

 not only by the successful establishment of conchological societies in London 

 and Manchester, but by the recent publication of another journal, solely 

 devoted to the subject, which journal I understand is and has been from its 

 commencement a successful financial undertaking, the originator and editor 

 of which periodical himself imbibed his love of conchology in Leeds. 



The 'Journal of Conchology' having survived all the dangers of its 

 early life, now occupies a firm and assured position, and will in future be 

 the sole property of the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, 

 and, as I am anxious to devote my leisure to the speedy production and 

 publication of my ' Monograph of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of 

 the British Isles,' the journal will in future be under the able editorship of 



