POPULAR CONCHOLOGY. 



INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 



The study of shells is one of the most interesting 

 that can be pursued by a lover of Natural His- 

 tory. If he confine himself to their external ap- 

 pearance, and compare them with the other orders 

 of creation, with reference only to the beauties 

 they present to the eye, he will find that they 

 are inferior to none in form or colour, exhibit- 

 ing the most exquisite contours, with the most 

 varied and beautiful tints ; if he pursue his ex- 

 amination further, and without limiting himself 

 to the exterior, fix his attention upon the living 

 animal, as well as upon the inanimate shell in 

 which it resides, and which it constructs itself, 

 he will be amply repaid by the search ; he will 

 find the same harmony existing in all its rela- 



B 



