Shells are at once the attraction of the untutored sav- 
age, the delight of the refined artist, the wonder of the 
philosophic zodlogist, and most valued treasure of the 
geologist. They adorn the sands of the sea-girt isles and 
continents now; and they form the earhest “ footprints 
on the sands of time” in the history of our globe.—CarR- 
PENTER. 
. . . L have seen 
A curious child applying to her ear 
The convolutions of a smooth-lipped shel], 
To which, in silence hushed, her very soul 
Listened intently and her countenance soon 
Brightened with joy ; for murmuring from within 
Were heard sonorous cadences, whereby, 
To her belief, the monitor expressed 
Mysterious union with its native sea. 
W ORDSWORTH, 
12 
um 
