42 
MOLLUSCA. 
years after they fortunately abandoned the dikes ; 
but fearful of the return of an enemy more power- 
TEREDO. 
ful than even the Grand 
Turk, who boasted that 
he would exterminate 
them with a host armed 
with spadesand shovels, 
the Dutch offered a re- 
ward of value, to any 
one who should dis- 
cover a remedy to ward 
off their attacks, and 
ointments, varnishes, 
and poisonous liquors, 
were recommended by 
the hundred. The exact 
amount of the damage 
done at this visitation 
—which Sellius, unable 
to discover any natural 
cause for it, says was 
sent by the Deity to 
punish the growing 
pride of the Hollanders 
—TI have not been able 
to ascertain. Writers 
in general speak of it 
as “very great ;”’ and 
Dr. Job Baster mentions the Teredo as an animal 
“which has done so many millions damage to 
these countries.” 
In our own country it has done, 
and continues to do, extensive mischief. The 
soundest and hardest oak cannot resist these 
noxious creatures; but in the course of four or 
five years, they will so drill it as to render its 
