PREFACE. v 
asthe value of species and genera, and the laws of geogra- 
phical and geological distribution. Itis in these departments 
that the affinity of natural science to the highest kinds of 
human knowledge is most distinctly seen; and in them the 
richest and noblest results are to be obtained. For to the 
thoughtful and ecarnest investigator, nature ever discloses 
indications of harmony and order, and reflects the attributes 
of the Maker. ) 
The recreations of the young seldom fail to exercise a 
serious influence on after life; and the utility ef their pur- 
suits must greatly depend on the spirit in which they are 
followed. If wisely chosen and conscientiously prosecuted, 
they may help to form habits of exact observation ; they may 
train the eye and mind to seize upon characteristic facts, and 
to discern their real import; to discriminate between the 
essential and the accidental, and to detect the relations of 
phenomena, however widely separated and apparently unlike. 
"In this way “la belle Science” (as Mr. Gaskoin calls Con- 
chology!) may acquire the influence of pursuits more usually 
resorted to for mental development and discipline. 
The wood-cuts have been principally executed by Miss 
A. N. Waterhouse, of Marlborough House, from original 
drawings by the Author; and although printed from stereo- 
types, they have the advantage of accurately representing 
what was wished to be shown. 
The engravings of Mr. Wilson Lowry speak for themselves ; 
many of the figures are from the specimens in his cabinet; 
and the interest he has taken in the work will be seen in the 
care with which the technical characters of the shells are 
expressed. 
_—_—___——— 
The above paragraphs, forming the principal portion of the 
Preface to the first edition of this work, will suffice to show the 
objects which the late Author had in view. A few additional 
