20 INTEODUCTION TO COXCHOLOGY. 



locations ; and though unsightly, and often difficult of access, 

 it is conjectured, with good reason, that they are not infe- 

 rior in sagacity and architectural skill to the bee and ant ; 

 that further, they are equally at home either in the sea or 

 upon land, being expert in swimming or in di\dng, in leaping 

 or in climbing to a considerable height ; nay, it has even 

 been asserted that some species develope qualities analo- 

 gous to such as pertain to the higher orders of Mammalia. 



All watery zones have, therefore, their molluscous occu- 

 pants. Some inhabit the deep sea; others are found along 

 the shores at different depths, either in mud, or sand, or 

 gravel, on coral reefs, or else nestling beneath overarching 

 rocks at low water. Stationary sea-weeds, that form marine 

 groves, are the haunts of many an home-loving moUusk ; 

 whilst others prefer to float on vegetable cars : — 



" Mung from the rock, on ocean's foam to sail, 

 Where'er the waves may urge, the tempest's breath prevail." 



Others, again, remain embedded in wood, or coral, or 

 limestone rocks. Such as inhabit ponds and marshes are 

 generally of a duU and stagnant nature, and are either borne 

 upon the surface or attach themselves to weeds. Such as 

 are assigned to rivers, float up and down with the tide, or 

 remain stationary by the aid of water plants ; lastly, such 



