42 ~ Beautiful Shells. 
secures for them a damp atmosphere at all times. 
And here we must conclude our chapter of Land 
Snails, leaving unnoticed very many beautiful and 
interesting species, both British and Foreign. 
Many poets have alluded to the Snail, but we 
can only find room for a few verses by Cowper :— 
To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall, 
The snail sticks close, nor fears to fall, 
As if he grew there, house and all 
Together. 
Within that house secure he hides, 
When danger imminent betides 
Of storm, or other harm besides, 
Of weather. 
Give but his horns the slightest touch, 
His self-collecting power is such, 
He shrinks into his house with much 
Displeasure. 
Where’er he dwells, he dwells alone, 
Except himself has chattels none, 
Well satisfied to be his own 
Whole treasure. 
Thus hermit-like, his life he leads, 
Nor partner of his banquet needs, 
And if he meets one only feeds 
The faster. 
