PREFACE. 



Lamarck was taken as the basis of the general arrangement ; 

 in the present, that of Dr. Philippi, published under the title of 

 " Handbuch der Conchyliologie und Malacozoologie," has been 

 selected as the foundation ; in many cases the descriptions 

 are a free translation from that Author, and consequently 

 the system based upon the animal alone, has been explicitly 

 followed. 



The details of classes, families, and genera are derived 

 from the most authentic sources ; the works of Forbes and 

 Philippi have been chiefly consulted for accounts of the Mol- 

 luscs ; and those of Sovverby, Reeve, Philippi, Swainson, and 

 other writers, for the generic distinctions of the shells they in- 

 habit. The present edition embraces also the fossil genera, 

 which were omitted in the first. Though the descriptions are 

 strictly scientific, and calculated to give a thorough insight 

 into the history and habits of the Molluscous animals, the 

 Author trusts that the young Conchologist will find something 

 more in these pages than mere dry details, which are, however, 

 quite necessary to afford a clear and practical insight into this 

 fascinating pursuit. 



The drawings for the woodcuts of the first edition were 

 derived from the works of the author's friend, Mr. Swainson, 

 with a few additions of her own ; the new ones added in the 

 present volume are from the pencil of Mr. Sowerby. 



