LIMAX. 235 



several differences between this genus and Arion, but that 

 which most easily catches the eye is the forward position of 

 the opening in the breathing cavity. 



The genus Limax is distinguished from the two preceding 

 by several important characters, among which may be men- 

 tioned, the anterior instead of the posterior position of 

 the spiracle on the shield, as compared with Arion. It is 

 really a most mischievous foe to agricultural and horticul- 

 tural pleasures. Armed, like his relations, with sharp, horny 

 teeth, the little Limax agrestis pervades with his baneful 

 presence every nook and corner of the field and the garden. 

 Coiling himself up into an arched lump of flesh, he lodges 

 in the recesses of the tenderest plants, and crawls out to 

 munch the young sprouting leaves, often before the plant 

 has acquired strength to survive the treatment. Often, when 

 watching the progress of some cherished bed of vegetables, 

 the gardener observes the young sprout stunted, ragged, 

 and languishing : " an enemy hath done this !" — here is the 

 eneuiy — a pale or mottled grey slug, about two inches long 

 when stretched to the utmost, leaving a milky mucus in its 

 train ; but its name is Legion. While the most voracious, 

 it is also the most prolific of all slugs, laying its round 

 transparent eggs by the hundred. This species of Limax 



