FRESH-WATER SHELLS. 23 



to be the root from which the generic name of this Snail 

 is derived; the specific name will be easily understood; to 

 undulate, is to flow like waves, and the lines on the shell 

 it will be seen are undulating. This is not a British species, 

 but is introduced here to give variety to the group; it is a 

 West Indian MoUusk, and is found in immense numbers in 

 the forests of St. Vincent; it glues its eggs to the leaves of a 

 plant which holds water, and thus 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 oue onlj- feeds 



The faster. 



Who seeks him must be worse than blind, 

 (He and his house are so combin'd,) 

 If, finding it, he fails to find 



Its master. 



FRESH- WATER SHELLS. 



Many of the following group of Fresh-water Shells, are re- 

 markable for elegance of form, and some for richness of colouring; 



