156 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



the waveSj he rides upon them in perfect security, wandering 

 into almost every sea, whether tropical or temperate, and 

 deriving from liis admirably constructed float a power of 

 rapid motion and wide distribution, with that of active 

 agency in aiding the movements of their aquatic neighbours. 

 Captain King met with a specimen far off at sea, a little 

 north of the equator, during his expedition to the Straits 

 of Magalhaens, so loaded with a species of barnacle and 

 numerous ova, that the upper portion was entirely concealed. 

 Thus beautifully has a modern poet alluded to the distant 

 range, and often stormy habitat, of this apparently defence- 

 less creature : — 



" No gentle rivulet or lake, 

 Adapted to my slender make, 

 Where I may softly stem the tide, 

 And smoothly o'er the surface glide, 

 Was the safe path allotted me; 

 But I am cradled on the sea, 

 Where breakers dash, or lightnings glare. 

 And hideous monsters grin and stare, 

 All threatening to devour my bark. 

 And hurl me to destruction dark. 

 But He who placed me there, well knew 

 My weakness, and my danger, too. 

 And He who rides upon the wave 

 Is God — omnipotent to save 



