NERITE. 161 



different locations^ and hence considerable differences occur 

 in the composition and substance of their shells^ according 

 as they inhabit the ocean^ or dwell peacefully in estuaries^ 

 or places where the water is merely brackish,, or else in the 

 vicinity of springs and stagnant marshes, beyond the in- 

 fluence of the tide. Nerites are mostly distributed, like the 

 Nentince, throughout the globe, though chiefly confined to 

 the equatorial regions. Tlieir name, of poetic and legendary 

 origin, is pleasingly associated with the thought of ocean, 

 and of quiet streams, on the banks of which some of the 

 fresh- water species deKght to dwell. 



A smaU shell of the same brotherhood is mentioned by 

 Pennant as common to the coasts of Glamorganshire. Of 

 these a considerable number were recently discovered, to- 

 gether with ivory bodkins, rods, and balls, in the cave of 

 Paviland, fifteen miles west of Sw^ansea, and not far 

 distant from the Worm^s Head. This weather-beaten and 

 solitary cave was once most probably the scene of human 

 labours. Fragments of charcoal and tlie bones of oxen led 

 to this conclusion; and it seemed probable that the small 

 yellow-tinted shells had either been preserved for their 

 beauty, or used in a simple kind of game, which is still 

 common in that part of Glamorganshire. Eemains of a 



M 



