4 INTRODUCTION. 



conceived, since almost every individual shell has been classed under five or six 

 different genera, in proportion to the number of errors, or the misapprehension of 

 each. To remedy these defects, to give a greater degree of truth and elegance to 

 the delineations of the objects themselves, added to what, it is trusted, will be found 

 a correct description, has been the great object of the author of the present Work, 

 which is the result of several years study ; how far he has succeeded, others must 

 determine. With an ardent desire to promote the science of Conchology, and to 

 contribute to the improvement of the Fine Arts, he now presents his labours 

 to the public, to whose judgment he cheerfully submits them, conscious that the 

 impartial and liberal critic will award him that praise to which they shall justly 

 intitle him, and to no other does he look forward. 



The Plates are engraved, and coloured after the original drawings, by Mr. John 

 Clarke. 



January 1, 1811. 



