PROSPECTUS. 



of oar subject. To avoid every thing like a critical 

 examination of the works of our predecessors we shall, 

 in all cases, content ourselves with barely mentioning 

 any thing that occurs to us in the course of our pub- 

 lication that is absolutely incorrect. 



So much for the nature of our Work: and while 

 we propose the attainment of a pleasing and scientific 

 object, we shall experience little difficulty in showing 

 its utility; indeed this is so obvious and so generally 

 acknowledged, that we may assume it without wasting 

 our time in endeavouring to prove it, — we shall content 

 ourselves with showing how and to w/tom we intend to 

 render it useful. 



1st, To the Collector of Shells, by making him 

 acquainted with the distinguishing characters and rela- 

 tions of the subjects he collects ; without which know^- 

 ledge, Shells are a mere idle amusement that serves 

 to gratify the eye without informing or improving the 

 mind, and by the means of which they may be rei>- 

 dered both a pleasant and profitable amusement. 



2dly, To the Student in Conchology^ also bj 

 pointing out the nature of the objects whose acquain- 

 tance he wishes to cultivate, and enabling him to class 

 them according to their several relations, and conse- 

 quently to study them to advantage. 



Sdly, To the Student in Geology^ because the 

 characters of many formations, when considered with- 

 out reference to the fossils they contain, are so variable 

 that it is absolutely necessary for him to become 

 acquainted with them, and with the Shells in par- 

 ticular, because they form so considerable a proportion 

 of the Organic remains by which Strata may be iden- 

 tified and characterized. 



We beg leave, in conclusion, to assure the Scien- 

 infic Public of our intention to nedect nothino' that is 

 m our power to render our Work generally useful, 

 aijd of our consequent willingness to profit by such 



