368 : report— 1856. 



leaves off, and not spend precious time in working out afresh what has already- 

 been ascertained*. He has stated his opinions with some freedom; because 

 it was thought that an expression of the difficulties encountered in the prosecu- 

 tion of the subject and of their causes, might (1) put other students on their 

 guard, and (2) contribute somewhat towards their removal. They will be re- 

 ceived simply as the judgments of a learner who came fresh to the subject, 

 without previous acquaintance with books and naturalists. His object has 

 been, not himself to build, but to clear away some of the encumbrances, lay 

 part of the foundations, and collect a few of the materials, ready for the great 

 architects of science to erect the beautiful edifice of harmonious knowledge. 

 The first scientific explorer of these regions, the venerable Baron Humboldt, 

 still lives to enjoy the earthly rest after his labours : but the early death of so 

 many whose names have been quoted, of Eschscholtz, of Hinds, of Souleyet, 

 of Reigen, of Adams, and of Forbes, urges us to "work while it is day"; that 

 we may prepare for that state where ignorance shall have passed away, and 

 where " we shall know even as also we are known." 



* The Plates appended to this Report, at the recommendation of the Committee, are intended 

 to illustrate some of the principal variations obseived in individuals of the same species, 

 especially when the forms have been described as different species, or represent the characters 

 of different (so called) subgenera. They are to be regarded as portraits, not photographs of 

 the Mazatlan shells in the British Museum Collection. 



Warrington, Aug. 8 th, 1856. 



