180 History of Conchology in the United States. 
Mr. D. Jackson Steward of New York, has also an extensive 
cabinet. It embraces that of the late Mr. Lounsbury, and the 
interesting collections, especially of marine species, made for 
Mr. Steward in Trinidad, Barbadoes,.&c., by Mr. Theodore Gill 
specimens, much aided the progress of the science. Among 
these are men of high attainments, such as the late Dr. RB. E. 
Griffiths, P. H. Nicklin, and John §. Phillips of Philadelphia, Dr. 
Lewis of Mohawk, N. Y., Mr. Theodore Gill, Dr. H. R. Showal- 
ion. 
_ The present condition and prospects of conchological scienc? 
in America are very encouraging, and its pursuit offers a ae 
field for the investigation of our young naturalists. The larg 
= of this continent is still unexplored for Mollusca, and rich 
liscoveries will continue for years to reward the labor of inves 
tigators. 
Tt may be asked—what benefit to mankind has resulted a 
groups oe each other in various degrees of ape 
ship, and to learn, as far as we may know it, the “ of t 
eator in their formation. As God has not consi ered thes? 
animals unworthy His attention, surely they are worthy of out 
est study. ra 
Besides this ethical view of our science we must not wie 
liest dawn of life to the deposits now forming, the palseontole- 
_ is of necessity a conchologist. If certain organic forms mer! 
the distinction of ‘Medals of Creation’—Mollusca, from thet 
abun in ogical ages, may be called its current col 
