BIVALVES. 
Acrepnatous Motuvusxrs, with Bivalve Shells, is the 
name given by modern naturalists to the class of 
animals of which we have now to speak; the only 
one of these terms which will require explanation is 
the first; it comes from the Greek, and means 
headless, so an Acephalan is a molluscous animal 
without a head, as 
THE OYSTER, 
Which may be considered as the King of Bivalves ; 
his palace, to be sure, is somewhat rough and 
rugged outside, but within, its walls are smooth and 
polished, lustrous and iridescent, and altogether 
beautiful; of a nacrous or pearly appearance, now 
flushing into a rose tint, now fading into a pure 
white, and. adorned sometimes with goodly pearls 
of price; truly this monarch of the Conchifers has a 
habitation worthy of a prince, wherein he lives in 
right royal state. Our readers may smile, perhaps, 
