350 



Ltocomotion and Habits of the Limpet. 



their former lodging ; but the field of pasture appeared some- 

 what diminished in extent.* 



In closing these remarks, I cannot refrain mentioning the 

 following, which I do without entering into the various opi- 

 nions regarding the propagation of this class of Mollusca, 

 whether the eggs are deposited in the situation they are 

 destined to occupy, or whether the creatures are viviparous. 

 Having taken one specimen, to which several young ones, 



perfectly formed, 

 were attached [Jig, 

 59.), I kept them 

 in a glass of water 

 several days ; the 

 parent(so to speak) 

 evinced an extra- 

 ordinary care of 

 the young, draw- 

 ing them about in 

 her march round 

 the glass, and 

 fetching them 

 back again, if any 

 of them moved 

 away from the 

 limits of the shell. 

 As the superior 

 power of suction of the parent was capable of overpowering 

 that of the young ones, I repeatedly reversed their position 

 by placing them foot to foot ; the animal, instead of proceed- 

 ing round the glass as before, appeared in a state of uneasi- 

 ness, became stationary, and would immediately contract the 

 edge of its foot to replace them in their former and natural 

 position. This operation seemed one of difficulty ; but, when 

 effected, the limpet commenced its perambulations as before. 

 This circumstance seems to indicate a degree of sensibility 

 not generally ascribed to this species ; and my reason for re- 

 lating it is to induce others to the closer study of the nature 

 and habits of this common molluscous animal. 



The limpet has been used as an article of food by the 

 poorer classes in most parts of the world, and in these islands 

 great quantities are daily consumed ; scarcely a cottage on the 



* Turbo litoreus and Cardium edule have both nearly become extinct 

 on this coast, where they were once abundantly found : in their place, 

 Trochus crassus and Venm verrucosa supply our market, and are esteemed 

 by the inhabitants. These last, with Haliotis tuberculata, and Pecten 

 maximus, are the only species of Mollusca which afford a dieap and whole- 

 some diet. 



