HABITATIONS OF MOLLUSKS. 21 



as abound on hills and in forests live upon the branches of 

 trees, or creep among roots and shrubs, or decayed and 

 fallen leaves. 



The common Oyster hides itself among stones; others 

 become parasitic, and cling to the roots and branches of 

 such trees as dip into the water. Mussels often ride at 

 anchor in shallows of the sea-shore; and Pinnce moor 

 their fragile barks to huge pebbles by means of silken cords^ 

 which are spun in a manner analogous to spider-webs« 

 Silver- tinted Anomias may be seen calmly riding on the 

 currents of the ocean, attached to floating tufts of sea-weed ; 

 while many of their brethren resemble tiny vessels, safely 

 moored in the little coves that are formed by the tree-like 

 fabrics of innumerable corals. 



The shell-collector has frequently observed the beautiful 

 effect produced by the shells of different Mollusks when 

 either adhering to marine rocks or else perambulating 

 beneath the waters. On walking over the island of Cyprus, 

 he was particularly struck with the number of brilliant 

 Limpets for which that classic spot is so much celebrated. 

 Considerable numbers had fixed themselves to branches of 

 \vhite coral, where they resembled the delicate blossoms of 

 the peach ; others, which seemed to be inlaid with mother 



