shellfish, either ofold were

ustrysale Fri Jun 03, 2011 3:57 am

shellfish, either ofold were

Mat. pernaps, m no orancn or natural nistorv nas tms con . oeen more neglected than in Conchology: the generality of our shells are 'comparatively so mmute. ana tneir uses so seiaom onvious . tnat. witii a verv lew exceptions, writers nave aitocretner rorffottei ention the purposes for which society in general is interested m them; and yet, on examining into this subject, we are surprised to find how much we owe to shells, for our luxuries, our pleasures, and our tables; and not only are we, but the ancients were, eminently their debtors. The object of this article is to trace and elucidate those uses, and to show, in connexion with their natural history, in what manner shellfish, either ofold were, or in the present day are, turned to profit. Had the writer been acquainted with any work in which this had been done, he probably would not have attempted it now; but in seeking! information on the subject, he was surprised to find how meagre and contradictory were the statements in most of the Encyclopaedias, and works of general reference. In the ancient prose writers and poets, in books of history and commerce, in travels and scientific journals, he has found much information, but scattered far and wide, and not likely to be sought after by those who are but little interested in the subject, or unacquainted with the science. This he has endeavoured to compress, as far as was possible Tory Burch Outlet with a regard to clearness, and, by carefully giving the references, he has put it into the power of all to look to the original sources, if they desire farther information.Of all the departments of natural history, Conchology appears to be here the most popular: owing to the maritime connexions of this country . with all parts of the world, but especially with India and the South Seas, opportunities of procuring specimens are enjoyed, scarcely surpassed elsewhere. And although our marine shells are. neither numerous nor generally beautiful, yet those of our rivers are peculiarly interesting, and they are those to which we have most general access. Besides, a collection of shells has advantages over that of every other department; they are always beautiful;