"We have now finished our Linnæan genera, and here we must pause for the present. If you wish for any assistance in your study of the thirty-six examples that I have given you, I shall be ready to afford you both any help that lies in my limited power."
SYSTEM OF
LAMARCK.
"Lucy and I have been collecting a variety of species," said Charles to his father, "since our last lesson in conchology. We have also seen several large collections of shells, one of which was arranged according to Lamarck. I was much pleased with the new genera taken from Buccinum, Bulla, Turbo, and others.
"We are desirous of gaining information on this new system, if you can spare a little time to attend to us."
"Willingly," replied Mr. Elliot; "I anticipated such a request, and have been making lists of the genera belonging to each system; so that, upon meeting with a new genus, you may be able to ascertain with some accuracy its place in the old arrangement.
"Lamarck founds his system upon the structure and form of the animals, so far as they have been ascertained, and with which the exterior, or shell, must necessarily coincide. The conchology occupies the three last classes, and one order of another class, in the well-known work which I have before mentioned to you.