Mr. Swalnson on Achatinella, 81 



abdomen, like the greater number of the tribe, it could not enter 

 with facility into winding holes necessary for its safety. 



The name of this insect, in almost all European languages, 

 has given it a character which causes a feeling of alarm even 

 at the sight of it. Whether or not they ever did enter the 

 human ear is doubtful, — that they might endeavour to do so, 

 under the influence of fear, is more than probable ; and this, 

 perhaps, has been the origin of their name, and the universal 

 prejudice against them. As it is said that anatomists deny the 

 possibility of their deep or dangerous entrance into the ear, it 

 is a pity that this is not generally known, as it might defend 

 the constitutionally timid from unnecessaiy alarm, and give a 

 more favourable idea of a part of animal creation, which forms 

 a most necessary link in the chain of being. 



While the naturalist contemplates the economy of the ear- 

 wig, he cannot avoid noticing the wonderful power of instinct 

 with which this despicable animal is endowed. In starting into 

 active life from its dreary abode in the earth, and fitted at once 

 to become a temporary inhabitant of the air, what but instinct 

 opposes its not venturing forth until the evening, when the 

 swallow and martin, and other muscivorous birds have fled the 

 sky and retired to rest. The same unerring substitute for want 

 of reason, directs them to shun the light of day, lest they should 

 be exposed to view of their enemies, and they always prefer the 

 most secret recesses of quiet and darkness, for the preservation 

 of their existence, till the important work of securing a succes- 

 sion of their species is accomplished. 



J. M. 



The Characters of Achatinella^ a new group of terrestrial 

 Shells, with Descriptions of six Species. — By William 

 Swainson, Esq., F.R.S., L.S. &c. 



The study of the MoUuscse is attended with difficulties not to 

 be found in any other class of animated nature. Their shells 

 or habitations, indeed, are easily procured, and are generally 

 the first objects with which the young naturalist begins his col- 

 lection : but the living animals to which they served but as a 

 protection, and whose structure alone can decide their place in 

 JAN.— MARCH, 1828. G" 



