386 THE AQUARIAN NATURALIST. 



themselves nests formed partly of foreign materials, 

 and partly of a kind of silk secreted for the purpose ; 

 and during their construction a small area around 

 each lair was swept clean, as if the animal had pro- 

 cured all the disposable particles fit for the erection 

 of its residence." These little builders generally seek 

 out well-sheltered crevices at the roots of sea-weeds, 

 or under stones and other objects that break the 

 wash of the waves, and there construct abodes for 

 themselves, by scratching together any available sub- 

 stance within reach, and uniting it into a mass by a 

 secretion which they elaborate. 



" If we take one of these small nests, and place it 

 under a microscope, we find that it consists, inde- 

 pendently of the collected material, of a quantity of 

 fine threads, closely woven and knit together, crossing 

 each other in the utmost confusion; and here and 

 there are seen loops formed by a single thread being 

 doubled and spirally twisted upon itself." 



Thus elegant are the contrivances whereby the 

 humblest creatures are defended thus exquisite the 

 machinery employed, even beneath the silent water, 

 to secure the due accomplishment of the Creator's 

 will ! and surely that mind must indeed be apathetic 

 that refuses to survey such beautiful arrangements 

 that does not reap enjoyment and inexpressible grati- 

 fication from such a scene. 



" The cheerfulness of heart that springs up in us 

 from the study of Nature's works," says Addison, 

 " is an admirable preparation for gratitude. That 

 mind has gone a long way towards praise and thanks- 

 giving that is filled with such a secret gladness. 



