PREFACE 



The studv of the recent Mollusca, La belle science as it has been 

 termed, is very attractive to many intelligent persons and the interest 

 in recent shells is widespread throughout the State. Since the pub- 

 lication of the illustrated descriptions of the New York Mollusca by 

 James E. De Kay in 1843, as a part of the Natural History of New 

 York, only occasional efforts have been made by the State Museum 

 to bring present knowledge of these creatures to a fuller expression. 

 It would doubtless be well, after this lapse of more than 60 years, 

 to portray in monographic detail the molluscan fauna of the State 

 in its scientific and economic bearings. Pending the inauguration 

 of such an undertaking, it is believed that the complete list of 

 species of our Mollusca with references to places of description here- 

 with presented, will serve a useful purpose. It comprehends all 

 verified species of our molluscan fauna and it invites suggestions 

 and emendations from students of the subject. This list has been 

 prepared at the suggestion of my predecessor in office, Dr F. J. H. 

 Merrill, by Miss Elizabeth J. Letson. director of the Museum of the 

 Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, a keen and accomplished 

 student of this branch of science. 



John M. Clarke 



Director 



